Carnival Dream vs Carnival Breeze – discover which Dream-class ship offers better value: size, features, dining, entertainment options, and cost differences for your next cruise.
Carnival Dream and Carnival Breeze are two fun ships from the same Dream class, but each one gives off a different vibe once you're on board. The Dream has a lively feel with big shows, comedy nights, and a popular sports bar. Breeze leans more toward a tropical, chill feel with Caribbean touches and a fun RedFrog Pub. They share many features, but if you're wondering which ship is better for you, it comes down to what kind of cruise experience you’re looking for.
Both ships are great for families, couples, and groups of friends. Carnival Dream has been around a bit longer, but it's still packed with fun and entertainment. Carnival Breeze, being a relatively new ship, offers various dining options and a friendly island-style atmosphere that guests truly enjoy. If you’re indecisive between the two, we’ve broken things down to help you out. From food and bars to shows and vibes, here’s how Dream and Breeze are different from each other.
Carnival Breeze is seen as a medium-sized ship with a strong presence. It’s about 1,004 feet long and 122 feet wide, which is close to 2.8 football fields in length. It stands about as tall as a 14-story building. Since Breeze and Dream are in the same class, they’re often called sister ships. Their size and layout are nearly the same, but the features onboard can be different.
Both Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream carry about the same number of guests when rooms have two people each. Breeze has a similar space ratio, which means the amount of room each person gets feels the same on both ships. If you’ve been on one, the other won’t feel any bigger or more packed. They share the same size, length, and layout, giving you a familiar feel no matter which ship you choose.
| Feature | Carnival Dream | Carnival Breeze |
|---|---|---|
| Year Launched | 2019 | 2012 |
| Last Refurbished | 2012 | 2022 |
| Guest Capacity | Around 3,646 guests | Around 3,690 guests |
| Onboard Crew | 1,367 | 1,386 |
| Length | About 1,004 feet | About 1,004 feet |
| Total Decks | 14 | 14 |
| Size | 130,000 GT | 130,000 GT |
| Beam (Width) | 122 ft | 122 ft |
Food is a big deal on cruises, and Carnival Breeze gives you more places to eat. It has seventeen dining spots, including Guy’s Pig and Anchor BarBQue, Pizzeria del Capitano, and Mongolian Wok. Fifteen of those are included in your cruise fare, so you won’t need to pay extra. The other two cost a little more than that. Breeze gives you more variety if you like trying different meals every day.
Carnival Dream has three fewer restaurants than Breeze, but it still offers a strong mix of food choices. You’ll find places like Guy’s Pig and Anchor, Bonsai Sushi, and The Chef’s Table. Fourteen are included in your cruise fare, and five have an extra charge. Both ships offer a good balance of free and paid options, but if you want more places to pick from, Breeze gives you about 21 percent more variety than Dream.
| Restaurant | Carnival Breeze | Carnival Dream | Included / Extra Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlueIguana Cantina | ✓ | ✓ | Included |
| Captain's Pasta Bar | ✓ | ✗ | Included |
| Carnival Deli | ✓ | ✓ | Included |
| Guy's Burger Joint | ✓ | ✓ | Included |
| Guy’s Pig and Anchor BarBQue | ✓ | ✓ | Included |
| Lido Buffet | ✓ | ✓ | Included |
| Main Dining Room | ✓ | ✓ | Included |
| Mongolian Wok | ✓ | ✓ | Included |
| Pizzeria del Capitano | ✓ | ✓ | Included |
| Swirls (Soft Serve Ice Cream) | ✓ | ✓ | Included |
| Bonsai Sushi | ✓ | ✓ | A la carte |
| Coffee Bar | ✓ | ✓ | A la carte |
| RedFrog Pub | ✓ | ✗ | A la carte |
| Seafood Shack | ✓ | ✓ | A la carte |
| Cucina del Capitano | ✓ | ✗ | Flat fee |
| Steakhouse | ✓ | ✓ | Flat fee |
| The Chef’s Table | ✓ | ✓ | Flat fee |
Carnival Breeze gives you a wide range of things to do during your cruise. Around 73 percent of its main activities are already included in your cruise fare, so you won’t need to pay extra for most of the fun. From water slides and live shows to mini golf and trivia games, there's always something going on. You’ll find it easy to stay busy without spending a lot on extras.
Carnival Dream also packs in lots of fun, but only about 69 percent of its listed activities are included with your cruise. That means you might end up paying for a few more things along the way. While both ships offer aqua fun activities, shows, and games, the Breeze gives you slightly more without extra cost. If you're keeping an eye on your budget, that small difference could matter by the end of your trip.
| Activity | Carnival Breeze | Carnival Dream | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult-Only Area | ✓ | ✓ | Available on both ships |
| Arcade | ✓ | ✓ | Extra charges may apply |
| Basketball Court | ✓ | ✓ | Full-sized court on both |
| Casino | ✓ | ✓ | Smoking allowed in some areas |
| Comedy Club | ✓ | ✓ | Punchliner Comedy Club |
| Dr. Seuss Breakfast | ✓ | ✓ | Extra cost event |
| Fitness Center | ✓ | ✓ | Gym access is included |
| Jogging Track | ✓ | ✓ | Wrap-around track |
| Mini Golf | ✓ | ✓ | Family-friendly |
| Outdoor Gym | ✓ | ✗ | Only available on Breeze |
| Poolside Movies | ✓ | ✓ | Big screen by the pool |
| Ropes Course | ✓ | ✗ | Only on Breeze |
| Splash Park | ✓ | ✓ | Water fun for kids |
| Thermal Suites | ✓ | ✓ | Part of spa, extra charge |
| Water Slides | ✓ | ✓ | Twister slides on both ships |
Carnival Breeze has two fewer bars than Carnival Dream, but there’s still a solid mix of places to enjoy drinks. Breeze features fun spots like the RedFrog Pub and Alchemy Bar, while Dream adds a few extra lounges and a sports bar. If you're someone who likes to try different bars during your cruise, Dream gives you a bit more variety.
Both Breeze and Dream serve Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Starry, Mug Root Beer, and Mountain Dew. The exact choices can change a little from ship to ship, but you’ll usually find these popular sodas available. Whether you're pairing your meal with a soft drink or grabbing a soda by the pool, you'll have plenty of familiar options on board. You can also buy drink packages if you plan to have sodas or cocktails more often.
| Bar or Lounge | Carnival Breeze | Carnival Dream | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alchemy Bar | ✓ | ✓ | Custom cocktails made by expert bartenders |
| Atrium Bar | ✓ | ✓ | Central location with live music and drinks |
| BlueIguana Tequila Bar | ✓ | ✓ | Serves tequila-based drinks and frozen margaritas |
| Burgundy Lounge | ✗ | ✓ | Used for karaoke and smaller shows |
| Caliente Night Club | ✗ | ✓ | Dance club open late with a DJ |
| Casino Bar | ✓ | ✓ | Inside the casino, open while machines are active |
| Limelight Lounge | ✓ | ✗ | Comedy shows and late-night dancing on Breeze |
| Liquid Night Club | ✓ | ✗ | Breeze’s main dance club with light and sound effects |
| Piano Bar 88 | ✓ | ✗ | Sing-along piano bar on Breeze |
| Plaza Café | ✓ | ✓ | Coffee, snacks, and bar service in a casual setting |
| RedFrog Pub | ✓ | ✗ | Laid-back pub serving Carnival’s house beer and Caribbean drinks |
| RedFrog Rum Bar | ✓ | ✓ | Poolside bar with rum-based drinks |
| Rendezvous Bar | ✗ | ✓ | Quiet indoor bar often used for pre-dinner drinks |
| Sam's Piano Bar | ✗ | ✓ | Dream’s piano bar with nightly sing-alongs |
| Sunset Bar | ✗ | ✓ | Scenic bar with ocean views on Dream |
| The Song | ✗ | ✓ | Smaller bar, often near dining or show lounges |
Carnival Breeze has two pools and eight hot tubs, giving you several spots to enjoy the water. Carnival Dream has the same number, so there’s no difference in total options. You can stretch out by the pool, take a dip, or enjoy a hot tub with a view. Both ships give you space to enjoy the fresh air and some quiet time near the water during your cruise.
If you're looking for a spot away from the kids, head to the Serenity area. It's made for guests who are 21 and older. Both Breeze and Dream have this space, and each one includes hot tubs just for adults. There’s no adult-only pool, though. The Serenity area isn’t covered, so it’s open to the weather and sea breeze. You’ll find it in the middle of the ship on both cruises.
| Feature | Carnival Breeze | Carnival Dream | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Pools | 2 | 2 | One midship pool and one aft pool on each ship |
| General Access Pools | 2 | 2 | Open to all guests, including families and kids |
| Total Hot Tubs | 8 | 8 | Spread across open decks and Serenity area |
| General Access Hot Tubs | 6 | 6 | Near main pools, no age restrictions |
| Adults-Only Hot Tubs | 2 | 2 | Located in the Serenity area, for guests 21 and over |
Carnival Breeze usually costs less per night than Carnival Dream. Fares for Breeze start at around $110* per night, including taxes and fees. This makes it a good pick if you're watching your budget or planning a longer trip. You’ll still get access to the main pools, restaurants, and entertainment without paying more for the basic experience.
Carnival Dream starts at about $153* per night, which is higher than Breeze. That extra cost might come from different routes, sailing dates, or ship features. Some people may prefer Dream for its bar options or extra venues, but Breeze offers strong value for a lower price. If price is a big part of your decision, Breeze gives you more savings without cutting out the fun.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Dream and Carnival Breeze both bring something fun. If you’re all about outdoor fun, Breeze gives you that easygoing vibe with its open decks and splashy spots. Carnival Dream leans more toward space and variety, especially with food and entertainment. It comes down to what kind of trip you’re looking for, lively and breezy or big and bold. Either way, both ships make it easy to enjoy time at sea with good food and good energy.
Royal Caribbean Icon Class Ships
It’s safe to say Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships have changed the way people think about cruising. These ships are huge, packed with fun things to do, and filled with exciting places [...]
July 15, 2025
Germ‑Zapping Robots & AI: The Future of Cruise Ships
Cruise lines have long led the travel industry in embracing innovative technology fast-track check-in, facial recognition, mobile boarding, and app-controlled cabins are now standard. Yet the [...]
July 15, 2025
Carnival Cruise Line, being somewhat casual yet affordable, where one can cruise solo. This article states some reasons why you may choose to go on a Carnival, whether you want an easy time [...]
July 14, 2025
Senior Single Cruises: The Right Options & Tips for Solo Travelers
As a senior solo cruiser, you can see the world at your own pace with ample socializing opportunities without the stress of handling all the arrangements. Most cruise lines catering to solo seniors [...]
July 11, 2025
