Carnival Cruise Ships by Age, from Newest to Oldest

Carnival Cruise Line has been in service since 1972, with the first-ever cruise ship, “Mardi Gras,” sailing in March 1972. Carnival Cruise Line now has a total of 29 ships, including the newly debuted Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, both introduced in March 2025. With this growing fleet, Carnival has reached Royal Caribbean to hold the title for the most cruise ships of any cruise line in the world.

When old Carnival Cruises are refurbished, travellers can expect larger water parks, specialty dining venues, updated entertainment technology, and different cabin designs compared to older ships. You should know that Carnival invests in regular maintenance and refurbishment projects to update and maintain its older vessels and ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Besides that, Carnival Cruises offer tons of activities, such as trivia, bingo, dance parties, and night shows. They also have amenities like ropes courses, water parks, roller coasters, and various delicious food options. Here’s a list of Carnival Cruise ships by age-newest to oldest.

List of Carnival Cruise Ships by Age, from Newest to Oldest

If you are planning to sail with Carnival Cruises, the first question that will arise in your head is: Which Carnival cruise is best for your next journey? For a better understanding of this, we cover all Carnival cruises with detailed information to make it easy to choose your upcoming cruise journey with the best Carnival luxury cruises.

Carnival is divided into nine different Carnival Cruise Ship classes, including Venice, Vista, and Excel classes, which recently debuted. Some cruises are a bit classic (old), like sailing from the 90s, but the main point is every ship goes through service from time to time and is refurnished at least every five years. So, if you think of choosing old cruises, just go ahead without any second thought. Of course, each cruise of the Carnival cruise line is much safer.

Now, move ahead to cover all the information you need to know about Carnival cruises in a row, from newest to oldest.

1. Carnival Adventure (2025)

Carnival Adventure, debut in 2025, is part of Carnival Cruise Line’s Adventure class. The ship features 1,299 passenger cabins and 627 crew cabins, with space for up to 4,160 guests and crew members. Spread across 13 fun-filled decks, there’s something for everyone, try ziplining at Edge Adventure Park, relax by the pool, or enjoy a bite at Luke’s Bar & Grill.

2. Carnival Encounter (2025)

Carnival Encounter, which debuted in 2025, is part of Carnival Cruise Line’s new Adventure class. With a gross tonnage of 108,865 and a length of 951 feet, this ship is built for both space and style. It can carry up to 2,600 guests and is staffed by 1,100 onboard crew members who help create a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Carnival Encounter promises a fresh take on cruising with plenty of exciting experiences at sea.

3. Carnival Firenze (2024)

In spring 2024, Carnival will debut its upcoming cruise, Carnival Firenze, setting sail from Los Angeles’s Long Beach to Mexico’s Pacific coast. The cruise is named after the amazing city of Florence, Italy, and she can carry approx. 4126 guests. She will be the second cruise ship to showcase the new “Carnival Fun Italian Style” experience and will join Carnival Panorama and Radiance.

4. Carnival Jubilee (2023)

A Sister cruise ship of Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras, Carnival Jubilee, has started sailing on 23 December 2023. The third Excel class cruise will begin sailing from Galveston, Texas, and explore Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, and Roatan Island, Honduras. She has a capacity of 5400 guests with 20 different cabin categories for special individual experiences for you people.

5. Carnival Venezia (2023)

The first Venice-class cruise ship, Carnival Venezia, was launched in mid-2023. She was a part of the Costa Cruise line, but after refurbishment, she transferred to the Carnival Cruise line and was refurbished before making her debut. Actually, she made it for the Chinese market, but later, Carnival changed the route. The cruise can carry 4090 passengers and is themed after the city of Venice.

6. Carnival Celebration (2022)

Carnival Celebration is the second Excel-class cruise ship and sister cruise to Mardi Gras, which debuted in 2022. She is like her sister's cruise ship in amenities and size. She can accommodate over 6500 passengers. She has multiple options in dining, cabins, and fun activities. She sails from Miami and sails to Cozumel, Roatan, Costa Maya, Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Grand Turk, Nassau and Freeport.

7. Carnival Luminosa (2022)

Previously famous as Costa Luminosa, Carnival Luminosa was part of the sister brand Costa Cruise line, and recently, she has been a part of a Spirit-class ship. She has a capacity of 2260 and allows guests to take high-energy routes, including destinations like Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Guests can chill and enjoy fun activities and entertainment with food options for all age groups.

Related: Top things to do onboard Carnival Luminosa

8. Carnival Mardi Gras (2021)

The Carnival Mardi Gras was launched in 2021 and took the Carnival Cruise line to a new era by joining Excel-class powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). She is the largest cruise ship with 180,000 gross tons and the world’s first ship with a roller coaster. Also, she was the first modern cruise ship in the line to drop the “Carnival” prefix. With a capacity of 6465 passengers, she sails around the Caribbean and Transatlantic.

Related: Top Things to Experience on the Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise

9. Carnival Panorama (2019)

In 2019, Carnival launched the third and final Vista-class cruise ship, “Carnival Panorama,” built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. She is the only cruise ship fleet with a Sky Zone, Trampoline Park. She can accommodate 4,008 guests and sail to some of the most thrilling cruise destinations in Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.

Related: Things to do on Carnival Panorama

10. Carnival Horizon (2018)

The second Vista-class cruise ship, Carnival Horizon, was the second ship of the Carnival line to restart services in 2021 following the market pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ship is the same as its sister cruise, Carnival Vista, but She has a Seuss at Sea Waterpark. She can carry 3960 passengers, a bit less than the sister-ship Carnival Panorama.

11. Carnival Vista (2016)

Carnival Vista was Carnival Cruises' first Vista-class cruise ship. It debuted in 2016 and was named by godmother Miss USA, Deshauna Barber. She was the first to feature SkyRide, a pedal-powered bike that is paused over the top deck of the ship, at that time. The ship was highly anticipated, marking the end of a four-year-long pause in shipbuilding for the cruise line. Carnival Vista has a capacity of 3934 guests.

Related: Top Things to Do on Carnival Vista

12. Carnival Breeze (2012)

Carnival Breeze - the third and final Dream class ship of Carnival Cruises, entered service in 2012. The cruise is three years younger than the sister-cruise Carnival Dream. She is 130,000 gross tons, which means slightly smaller than the newer Vista-class cruise ships. She can accommodate 3,690 passengers and 1,386 crew members and sails to Galveston, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso.

Related: The Ultimate Guide To Carnival Breeze

13. Carnival Magic (2011)

The second cruise ship in the Dream class, Carnival Magic, is the same as its sister cruise, Carnival Dream, and was last refurbished in 2021. She has the new white, blue, and red livery. She is the best Carnival cruise for luxury amenities, always served with a smile. She can carry 3690 passengers and cover the area of the ocean in the Caribbean. You will have a number of choices for dinner and food at Carnival Magic.

14. Carnival Dream (2009)

The first Dream-class cruise, Carnival Dream, debuted in 2009 and last refurbished in 2017. She can accommodate around 3,646 passengers at double occupancy. You can find fun onboard, including WaterWorks, RedFrog Rum Bar, Guy's Burger Joint, and more options in food and drink. She sails to the Panama Canal & Central America, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas.

Related: Things to Do onboard Carnival Dream

15. Carnival Splendor (2008)

The only cruise in the Splendor-class, Carnival Splendor debuted in 2008 and was refurbished in 2019. The ship was originally a Concordia-class ordered by sister line Costa Cruises. During her 2008 construction in Genoa, Italy, it was moved to operate for Carnival. She has a passenger capacity of 3,012 and 1,150 global crew members and sails globally to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Asia.

Related: Things to do on Carnival Splendor

16. Carnival Freedom (2007)

Carnival Freedom is the final cruise ship in the most famous Conquest class, ending an era of cruise ship class and design for the cruise line. She is the perfect cruise ship for a family-friendly, multigenerational cruise. The ship cost $500 and entered service in 2007. It carries 2980 passengers and travels to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The exciting thing is that the cruise has dining options and activities for all age groups.

Related: Things to Do on Carnival Freedom

17. Carnival Liberty (2005)

Another Conquest-class ship, Carnival Liberty, entered service in 2005 and has been refurbished many times. In 2011, she was the first Carnival Cruises cruise ship to get FUN 2.0 magnification, and in 2021, she received the new white, blue, and red livery. A lot of activities and a carefree atmosphere make Carnival Liberty a valuable cruise ship. Destinations she covers include the Bahamas, Panama Canal, Central America, and the Caribbean, and she carries 2974 guests.

Related: Top Things to Do Onboard Carnival Liberty

18. Carnival Miracle (2004)

Carnival Miracle is one of the most comfortable, mid-sized cruise ships for all age groups that have upbeat activities and a cheerful environment. With a capacity of 2,124 guests at double occupancy, this Spirit-class cruise ship sails around the Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Panama Canal, Central America, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Europe. She is the most famous and best cruise ship in Alaska due to her design and looks.

Related: Top Things to Do on Carnival Miracle

19. Carnival Valor (2004)

One more Conquest-class cruise ship, Carnival Valor, debuted in December 2004. This cruise line's cruises are always a good choice for trips and vacations with family. She carries 2980 guests and 1180 crew members. She sails to global destinations, including the Caribbean and Europe. She has multiple pools and the mantra “no shoes, no shirt, no problems.”

Related: Top Things to Do on Carnival Valor

20. Carnival Glory (2003)

Carnival Glory debuted in 2003, a Conquest-class cruise ship. Services on this cruise ship are similarly friendly and excellent. She carries 2,980 guests and sails to destinations such as the Panama Canal, Central America, the Bahamas, Europe, and the Caribbean. The last time she refurbished was in 2021, and she received more improvements, including an expanded casino, a Carnival Adventure Store, a revamped JavaBlue Café, and routine hotel maintenance.

Related: Best Things to Do on the Carnival Glory Cruise

21. Carnival Conquest (2002)

The first Carnival Conquest class cruise ship in the Carnival cruise line debuted in 2002, with a capacity of 2980 guests, and cost about $125 million more to build than Carnival Spirit. The cruise sails to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. She took the cruise line to the next level with design and activities. The cruise gives a feeling of the 19th-century era. The cruise is the best option for old-school-minded people.

Related: Top Things to Do on Carnival Conquest

22. Carnival Legend (2002)

The Carnival Legend was launched in 2002 and last refurbished in 2019. The Spirit-class cruise ship Carnival Legend has a capacity of 2,124 passengers, which is small in comparison to most modern cruise ships. A lot of fun activities, adventures, water slides, free food options, and an adults-only deck made this cruise more comfortable. Choose one. She sails to global destinations, including England, Spain, Rome, the US, the Caribbean, Europe, the Panama Canal, the Transatlantic, and many more to promote international tourism.

Related: Things to Do onboard Carnival Legend

23. Carnival Pride (2002)

One of four Spirit-class, Carnival Pride debuted in August 2002. The ship is old-generation but was last refurbished in 2019. It has more fun activities and a modern design look. She has a great entertainment option, a good variety of cuisine, and multiple pool options. Its capacity to carry passengers is 2134, and it sails to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Central America, and Bermuda.

Related: Favorite things to do on the Carnival Pride

24. Carnival Spirit (2001)

The first Spirit-class cruise ship, Carnival Spirit, is one of the most popular on the cruise line; it debuted in 2001 and was last refurbished in 2018. Along with sister cruise ships, the ship sails to other regions, such as Alaska, Panama, and even Northern Europe. After refurbishing, it received some major upgrades, such as Ol' Fashioned BBQ, the Warehouse video arcade, WaterWorks, Guy's Burger Joint, and Bonsai Sushi. She gives more space to passengers and carries 2124 guests.

Related: Best Activities on Carnival Spirit

25. Carnival Radiance (2000)

Carnival Radiance was launched in 2000 and is formally known as Carnival Victory. Still, after a major transformation in Spain in 2021, she became completely new and modern with a huge $200 million bow-to-stern makeover. The new-look cruise is now a part of the Sunshine class and sailing from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in California. She has a capacity for 2984 guests.

Related: Top Onboard Activities on the Carnival Radiance

26. Carnival Sunrise (1999)

Carnival Sunrise bustles day and night with constant fun and activities. The cruise originally debuted in 1999 and was the second Destiny-class ship. Later, the line spent a huge $200 million on renovation in 2019 and changed to the Sunshine class. The cruise is 101,509 gross tons with a 2,984 guest capacity at double occupancy. She sails to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Related: Best things to do onboard Carnival Sunrise

27. Carnival Elation (1998)

In April 1998, Carnival launched Carnival Elation. The ship has similar fun activities to other Carnival cruises. The Fantasy-class cruise has Fun Ship 2.0 features and other amenities, including RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Guy's Burger Joint, JavaBlue Cafe, WaterWorks, the Alchemy Bar, and Bonsai Sushi Express. She can accommodate 2,190 guests.

Related: Top Things to Do on the Carnival Elation

28. Carnival Paradise (1998)

Carnival Paradise is seven months older than the sister cruise ship Carnival Elation. She debuted in November 1998 and was last refurbished in 2018. The Fantasy-class cruise ship carries 2124 passengers and has many features similar to a sister cruise ship, including Fun Ship 2.0 amenities, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, WaterWorks, and Guy's Burger Joint.

Related: Amazing Things to Do in Carnival Paradise

29. Carnival Sunshine (1996)

Carnival Sunshine, formerly known as Carnival Destiny, debuted in 1996. It was the first-ever cruise ship in the Carnival Cruise Line. In 2013, the line decided to refurbish it with $155 million and entered the Sunshine class. She carries 3002 guests and sails to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Related: Fun Things to Do on Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Cruise Upcoming Ships

Carnival is charting a new course with its upcoming 'Project Ace' class, featuring three colossal 230,000-GT ships. Built by Fincantieri and slated for delivery in 2029, 2031, and 2033, each vessel will set a new record as the largest in Carnival Corporation's global fleet, welcoming nearly 8,000 guests.

Discontinued Carnival Cruise Ships

Carnival periodically retires older ships from its fleet, often selling them to other cruise lines or for scrap. Here’s the list of the former Carnival Cruise ships that have either been sold to other Cruise Lines or disposed of:

• 1996 – Carnival Inspiration (Fantasy-class)
• 1994 – Carnival Imagination (Fantasy-class)
• 1994 – Carnival Fascination (Fantasy-class)
• 1993 – Carnival Sensation (Fantasy-class)
• 1991 – Carnival Ecstasy (Fantasy-class)
• 1990 – Carnival Fantasy (Fantasy-class)
• 1987 – Celebration (Holiday-class)
• 1985 – Holiday (Holiday-class)
• 1982 – Tropicale
• 1977 – Festivale
• 1975 – Carnivale

Conclusion

We look forward to covering the future Carnival cruise ships powered by LNG. The new generation of Carnival cruises will be most awaited, and every cruise lover will be waiting to sail. Old-generation cruises have also become modern and offer more fun activities. So, what are you waiting for? Just book a cruise before it gets full.

Related: What is the Cancellation Policy for Carnival Cruise Line?

FAQs about Carnival Cruise Ships