All Carnival Ships From Best to Worst! (2025 Ranking)

Over time, Carnival’s fleet has grown remarkably! As we speak, 27 ships are a part of the American firm, a powerful quantity that makes it the cruise line with the most important fleet on this planet!

I notice that, with so many ships, it may be tough for passengers to find out which ship most closely fits their wants.

So, I made a decision to create a rating, based mostly on passenger evaluations, displaying which ships are thought-about the perfect and the worst within the fleet.

Contemplate that the rating is predicated on private preferences, it’d range relying in your wants and the kind of journey you like.

General, all Carnival ships preserve a top quality and good normal that’s constant throughout the fleet.

26. Carnival Paradise

Carnival Paradise was launched in 1998 and is the second oldest ship in the complete Carnival fleet.

It mainly affords a basic cruise expertise with all of the actions you’d anticipate from Carnival, though it’s plain that the ship exhibits its age in some areas.

The ship’s smaller dimension (can accommodate approx. 2,190 passengers) is ideal for many who are searching for an easier-to-navigate and extra enjoyable ship.

Nevertheless, this additionally implies that some amenities, just like the pool and the Serenity adults-only space, can really feel crowded, particularly throughout peak occasions.

For instance, passengers have famous that discovering a lounge chair by the pool could be a problem resulting from folks reserving them early with towels. By the best way, I’ve written an article on easy methods to outwit chair hogs on cruise ships.

As well as, fairly a number of passengers spotlight points associated to outdated decor and occasional upkeep issues, however I feel these issues are to be anticipated when selecting a ship of this age.

25. Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia was launched to the Carnival fleet in Might 2023 after being moved from Costa Cruises (a cruise line that’s a part of the Carnival household).

The particular high quality of this ship is the distinctive mix of Italian class and Carnival’s enjoyable environment.

It’s a pretty big ship with a capability of 4,090 passengers. Since it’s comparatively new, passengers have discovered every part in good working order and exceptionally clear.

Why is it in such a low place then? The ship was initially designed for the Asian market, so the pool space is means smaller than regular.

It appears that evidently sunbathing areas are additionally smaller, so some out of doors areas are sometimes too crowded.

24. Carnival Elation

Carnival Elation is the oldest ship within the Carnival fleet. It was launched in 1998 and refurbished a number of occasions, together with a major replace in 2017.

It might probably accommodate 2,190 passengers and, whenever you get onboard, you’ll discover the smaller dimension in comparison with the newer mega-ships.

I don’t contemplate dimension both a damaging or a constructive level. Some passengers desire larger ships, whereas others like smaller ones as a result of they’re simpler to navigate and fewer overwhelming.

Coming again to this ship, the decor can really feel fairly dated, that includes a mixture of Nineteen Seventies geometric designs and Vegas-style components, nevertheless it doesn’t have an effect on the general enjoyable expertise most passengers have.

For my part, it might nonetheless be a great choice for extra intimate and budget-friendly cruise experiences.

23. Carnival Splendor

Carnival Splendor was launched in 2008 and is a Concordia-class ship. It’s the one ship on this class as a result of the design was tailored by the Concordia class within the Costa Cruises fleet.

This title might sound acquainted, as the category was named after the Costa Concordia, the cruise ship that capsized a number of years in the past.

Again to Splendor, it was continuously up to date over time and now has a passenger capability of about 3,000 folks.

Passenger evaluations spotlight the pleasant and hardworking crew, who contribute considerably to the constructive onboard expertise.

Nevertheless, some evaluations notice that the ship exhibits indicators of age and occasional upkeep issues. I learn a few evaluations that talked about brown water from the faucets.

Normally, faucet water is secure to drink on cruise ships, however in case you don’t wanna pay for a bottle there are 10 different drinks which are all the time free.

22. Carnival Freedom

Carnival Freedom was launched in 2007 and refurbished in 2019. It’s a Conquest-class ship with a capability of two,980 passengers.

The refurbishment introduced in a number of standard options from Carnival’s Enjoyable Ship 2.0 upgrades, together with a pleasant waterpark with a 203-foot-long slide, new outlets, Man’s Burger Joint, and BlueIguana Cantina.

Nevertheless, some passengers have famous points with noise in cabins positioned close to busy public areas, and occasional crowding in standard venues.

With these minor drawbacks, the general suggestions for Carnival Freedom is blended.

21. Carnival Liberty

Carnival Liberty was launched in 2005 and refurbished in 2011 as a part of Carnival’s $500 million Enjoyable Ship 2.0 initiative.If I keep in mind accurately, Carnival Liberty was the primary ship to showcase most of the new eating and bar choices.

The ship has a passenger capability of two,974 and a crew of 1,160, so it’s a great passenger-to-crew ratio for an attentive service.

The cabins are famous for being roomy, with balconies that, whereas not the most important, supply a nice house to chill out. Nevertheless, some evaluations point out that sure areas of the ship can really feel dated.

20. Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit was launched in 2001 and refurbished a number of occasions, together with a major replace in 2015.

Passenger evaluations continuously spotlight the pleasant and attentive crew, who exit of their means to make sure a nice cruise expertise.

The ship’s cleanliness and the continuing upkeep efforts by the crew are additionally generally praised. Nevertheless, some passengers notice that the ship’s age is sort of evident in sure areas.

19. Carnival Legend

Carnival Legend was launched in 2002 and is a part of Carnival’s Spirit-class ships.

The ship underwent important refurbishment in 2024 that added standard venues such because the Heroes Tribute Bar, Chef’s Desk, a refreshed Cloud 9 Spa, and a brand new Health Middle.

Passenger evaluations include each constructive and damaging facets. Many respect the ship’s pleasant and attentive crew, in addition to the big selection of actions and eating choices.

Nevertheless, some have famous that, regardless of the refurbishments, there are nonetheless a number of issues to enhance on the ship and I’ve additionally seen occasional complaints in regards to the high quality of meals and leisure.

18. Carnival Conquest

Carnival Conquest was launched in 2002 and refurbished most just lately in 2022.

It has a capability of two,984 passengers and showcases a design impressed by impressionist artwork and artists.

It appears like passengers had blended experiences on this ship. Many respect the pleasant service and big selection of actions, whereas some notice that the ship can really feel crowded, particularly throughout peak occasions.

Eating experiences appear to range as properly, with some visitors having fun with the range and high quality, whereas others discover the buffet strains lengthy and meals service inconsistent.

Within the article on issues to not do on the buffet on a cruise, I defined the trick to keep away from queues. Go learn it in case you haven’t already finished it.

17. Carnival Miracle

Carnival Miracle was launched in 2004 and may accommodate 2,124 passengers.Like most of the different ships, this one has undergone renovations in 2020.

I feel that the ship’s decor is a bit eccentric, with public areas named after characters and settings from literature and legends, equivalent to The Raven Library and Mad Hatter’s Ball Lounge.

Folks often like this ship as a result of it’s well-suited for a wide range of itineraries, together with Alaska and Hawaii. Although, in my view, Carnival just isn’t on the prime of the perfect cruise strains for Hawaii

I like that the ship’s midsize design and environment friendly format assist to reduce crowding, offering a extra intimate cruising expertise in comparison with bigger ships​

16. Carnival Pleasure

Carnival Pleasure was launched in 2002 and affords a singular cruise expertise due to its Renaissance-inspired decor.

As well as, this Spirit-class ship, which might carry 2,124 passengers, underwent a major refurbishment in 2023 to include standard options like a nine-hole mini-golf course and a basketball court docket.

Prefer it often occurs with smaller ships, Carnival Pleasure successfully disperses its passengers, stopping the sensation of overcrowding whereas nonetheless providing a great number of actions and eating choices.

15. Carnival Valor

Carnival Valor was launched in 2004 and might be thought-about as a ship that completely mixes enjoyable, consolation, and worth.

It has a passenger capability of two,980 and options a number of swimming pools, a three-deck-high water slide, quite a few eating choices, and quite a few leisure areas.

Passengers respect the port-intensive itineraries, usually with fewer sea days, making it superb for many who desire to discover.

Furthermore, the service on Carnival Valor is persistently praised for being pleasant and attentive, embodying Carnival’s “Enjoyable Ship” tradition.

I don’t know why however, as some passengers have famous, the youngsters’ membership is unusually positioned close to the spa and Serenity deck, which could not be superb for everybody.

14. Carnival Glory

Carnival Glory was launched in 2003 and completely embodies Carnival’s “Enjoyable For All” philosophy.

The ship accommodates 2,980 passengers and might be thought-about as a medium-sized ship.

Regardless of being one of many oldest within the fleet, Carnival Glory stays a favourite resulting from its good environment and number of leisure choices.

I’ve by no means been on this one however, based on many evaluations, the ship’s design ensures ample house for passengers to maneuver round and benefit from the facilities with out feeling cramped.

13. Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance debuted in December 2021 after a $200 million refurbishment of the previous Carnival Victory. It now affords a mix of recent facilities and comfortable mid-sized ship consolation.

The ship’s format was designed in 2000, which implies that some venues really feel a bit small regardless of the in depth refit.

Nevertheless, out of doors areas such because the pool deck and the Serenity adults-only space stay spacious and cozy.

Passenger evaluations emphasize blended experiences. Some visitors have expressed disappointment with crowded situations, poor meals high quality in sure venues, and occasional upkeep points.

12. Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Sunshine was initially launched as Carnival Future in 1996, and underwent a major transformation in 2013, which price about $155 million.

This refurbishment added most of the trendy facilities discovered on newer Carnival ships.

As well as, the renovation launched a number of trendy design components, changing the older ones.

It appears like passengers respect the ship’s number of comforts on board, however regardless of these positives, some folks have famous that the adults-only areas could be a bit small, and the ship’s format typically causes bottlenecks, particularly round standard eating venues.

11. Carnival Dawn

Carnival Dawn was referred to as Carnival Triumph earlier than its in depth renovation in 2019, and has a passenger capability of almost 3,000.

Like many Carnival ships, this one affords an amazing vary of actions that ensures that passengers of all ages can discover one thing satisfying to do at virtually any time of the day.

It appears like this ship is designed with households in thoughts, providing a wealthy children’ membership program (Camp Ocean) and family-oriented actions.

Throughout peak seasons, the ship can carry tons of of kids, making it an thrilling surroundings for younger cruisers​.

Then again, this could be a disadvantage for many who are searching for a soothing trip.

10. Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream was launched in 2009 and is one among Carnival’s Dream-class ships.

General, it affords a great cruise expertise, although evaluations can typically be blended.

Particularly, passengers usually spotlight the pleasant and attentive service from the crew. From room stewards to eating workers, the crew members are famous for going above and past to make sure a nice cruise expertise​.

On the identical time, some passengers have reported points with cabin upkeep, equivalent to plumbing issues and carpet points, which weren’t all the time resolved promptly.

9. Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic was launched in 2011 and refurbished in 2021. It’s a Dream-class ship with a capability of three,690 passengers.

Passengers continuously touch upon the big selection of actions and eating venues, which receives excessive reward.

I’ve seen a whole lot of evaluations mentioning the standard of the meals at Cucina del Capitano and the Prime Steakhouse.

Regardless of its many strengths, some passengers have famous points equivalent to crowded public areas and lengthy waits for eating and actions.

Just a few passengers really helpful to dine throughout off-peak hours and to make use of much less crowded areas just like the Serenity Deck for adults​.

8. Carnival Breeze

Carnival Breeze was launched in 2012 and has a capability of three,690 passengers. It options varied leisure choices, making it superb for households, {couples}, and teams of pals.

Should you learn the assessment, you’ll discover that many visitors have talked about particular crew members who made their journey particular, equivalent to bartenders on the RedFrog Rum Bar and Tides Bar, and attentive room stewards.

For my part, this constructive interplay with the crew considerably enhanced the general cruise expertise.

Nevertheless, some passengers have famous drawbacks, such because the ship’s crowdedness throughout peak occasions and the casual get together environment, which could not attraction to everybody.

Regardless of these issues, many vacationers nonetheless discover Carnival Breeze to be an amazing worth for a enjoyable cruise trip, like many individuals most likely anticipate from Carnival.

7. Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista was launched in 2016 and may accommodate round 3,900 passengers.

They’ve shared blended experiences concerning the ship.

One passenger talked about that even on a 10-night cruise, there have been nonetheless many actions left to discover, emphasizing the ship’s in depth leisure choices.

He loved the SkyRide, 4D Thrill Theater, and the RedFrog Pub trivia classes however famous lacking out on the mini-golf and ropes course resulting from time constraints.

One other passenger famous that the on line casino had poor air flow, making it disagreeable as a result of pervasive smoke scent, which prolonged into the atrium.

Additionally they talked about that the ship was going into dry dock after their crusing for updates, so some areas might need been due for refurbishment​.

On the constructive facet, many passengers loved the eating choices out there, particularly eating places like Bonsai Sushi and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

6. Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon was launched in 2018 and was designed as a Vista-class ship developed to supply a various and animated cruise expertise, in good “Carnival Fashion”.

From the evaluations, it appears prefer it’s a ship that’s notably fitted to households and enormous teams. There are many actions on board such because the SkyRide aerial bicycle monitor, an IMAX theater, and Dr. Seuss’ WaterWorks waterpark.

Should you’re a fan of Carnival’s meals, this ship has two primary eating rooms, a Lido Market buffet, the tremendous standard Man’s Burger Joint, and BlueIguana Cantina (amongst the others).

Downsides? It is probably not your best option for these in search of a quiet and peaceable cruise expertise.

5. Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama was launched in 2019 and was the third Vista-class ship in Carnival’s fleet.

It’s well-known amongst cruise passengers for its array of actions and family-friendly environment.

It might probably accommodate 4,008 passengers, with family-friendly cabins within the Household Harbor space and extra luxurious choices just like the Havana cabins.

Just a few passengers stated that the ship might be noisy, particularly as a result of some cabins are close to to public house.

​To keep away from this drawback examine the checklist of the cabins to keep away from on each Carnival ship. You’ll find the precise cabin numbers you shouldn’t decide.

4. Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa was initially constructed for Costa Cruises in 2009 and was moved to Carnival in 2022.

It’s a mid-sized ship, that sails primarily from Brisbane, Australia, and affords a wide range of comforts.

The ship’s interiors mirror its Italian roots with a vibrant and breezy décor. Some passengers stated a number of components look dated, however the total upkeep and cleanliness are nonetheless glorious.

On board, you will see all of the Carnival classics because the ship was tailored to the US market.

Nevertheless, regardless of its strengths, Carnival Luminosa does have some drawbacks.

Passengers have reported points with elevator wait occasions and occasional service delays. Nevertheless, it appears like these are minor inconveniences in comparison with the general satisfying expertise the ship offers

3. Carnival Celebration

On the bottom step of the rostrum is Carnival Celebration, a ship that was launched in 2022.

Like different ships within the fleet, she options a number of themed “zones,” together with the Miami-themed 820 Biscayne and the New Orleans-inspired French Quarter.

A standout function of this ship is its in depth vary of leisure choices. The passengers liked the dwell music, karaoke, sport exhibits like Household Feud, and several other comedians performing on the Punchliner Comedy Membership.

Moreover, there are some wonderful deck events and theme nights, right here you will discover the schedule for all Carnival ships.

Like most of the largest ships, the frequent situation famous by passengers is the wait occasions for elevators, meals, and companies, which might be lengthy as a result of excessive passenger capability.

Should you don’t like strains, I’ll undoubtedly suggest a smaller cruise ship.

2. Carnival Mardi Gras

Second place for Carnival Mardi Gras, the flagship for the XL Class.

It was launched in 2021 and undoubtedly stands out for its revolutionary options, together with being the primary cruise ship in North America powered by liquefied pure fuel (LNG), which is essential to scale back the environmental footprint.

Cruise ships already produce a considerable amount of waste, which is usually dumped into the ocean, so it’s all the time an excellent factor to take additional care of the surroundings.

Passengers notably just like the cabins, particularly the Cove balcony cabins on Deck 5 that supply a singular expertise nearer to the ocean​.

I’ve defined what the coves are on this article, many individuals love them and a few folks hate them, it’s a private style.

Adverse facets undoubtedly embrace crowding. Completely different folks famous that standard venues just like the theater, Piano Bar, and Punchliner Comedy Membership can get crowded, resulting in lengthy waits throughout peak occasions.

Moreover, a number of folks additionally added that the health heart might be packed on sea days.

1. Carnival Jubilee

Carnival Jubilee is the most recent and largest Carnival ship.

I’ve to say that I’m fairly stunned to see this ship in first place. Normally when new ships are launched the primary evaluations are fairly blended and passengers all the time discover some issues which are then fastened over time.

Nevertheless, this time appears like Carnival Jubilee gained over passengers proper from the beginning.

After all, onboard you will see most of the actions for which Carnival is known, together with the BOLT rollercoaster, a ropes course, mini-golf, and a really fascinating water park.

Additionally, you will discover 22 completely different eating choices, so you’ll undoubtedly by no means eat the identical factor in a row.

The ship can also be extremely family-friendly, with in depth amenities for youths, together with golf equipment and family-oriented actions, so I’d suggest it even in case you’re touring with youngsters.

One of many few damaging issues I learn usually is that the excessive passenger capability can result in lengthy strains at standard eating spots and actions, particularly throughout peak occasions.

I don’t assume this could be a main drawback since skilled cruise passengers know which locations to keep away from throughout peak occasions.

Should you’re nonetheless studying, take a look at the ten Journey Hacks Solely Cruise Professionals Know and the ten Issues I Want I Knew as a Cruise Rookie.