Carnival has the largest fleet of any single cruise brand, so there’s a big difference between a 30-year-old Fantasy-class ship and the roller coaster on Mardi Gras. Here’s every class, what it’s like, and who it suits.
Excel Class: Carnival’s flagships
Ships: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.
These are Carnival’s biggest ships. They feature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, themed “zones” such as Summer Landing and Grand Central, Shaq’s Big Chicken, and Emeril’s Bistro. Many Excel sailings stop at Celebration Key, Carnival’s newest private destination.
Best for: families who want the newest Carnival experience. Trade-off: the highest fares and busy public spaces.
Venice Class: Italian style
Ships: Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze.
These ships were transferred from Costa and refitted with a “Carnival Fun Italian Style” theme. Venezia has sailed seasonally from New York, and Firenze brings New York sailings to Bermuda and Canada in 2027–28.
Best for: Northeast cruisers and anyone who wants a big ship with a different vibe.
Vista Class
Ships: Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama.
Vista-class ships have the SkyRide aerial bike track, IMAX theaters (on some), Havana-area cabins and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse. They’re a great balance of features and price.
Best for: families who want lots to do without Excel-class pricing.
Dream and Sunshine Classes: updated mid-size ships
Dream: Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic and Carnival Breeze. Sunshine: Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Radiance.
These ships have WaterWorks, Serenity adult retreats and Guy’s Burger Joint. The Sunshine-class ships were heavily rebuilt, so they feel newer than their age.
Conquest, Spirit, Splendor and Fantasy Classes: value
These are older ships that sail many of Carnival’s 3–5 night getaways and longer itineraries. The Spirit-class ships are the smallest and sail Alaska, Hawaii and long Panama Canal routes. The Fantasy-class ships, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, offer some of the lowest per-night fares in cruising.
Best for: budget trips, first-time “test” cruises and port-focused itineraries.
Quick picks
- Thrills: Excel class (BOLT roller coaster)
- From New York: Venezia or Firenze
- Short and cheap: Fantasy or Sunshine class from Florida
- Alaska: Spirit class
FAQ
What is Carnival’s biggest ship?
The Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee) are Carnival’s largest.
Are older Carnival ships worth booking?
For short trips and tight budgets, yes. Most have been refurbished, and fares are very low.
Keep planning
- Carnival cabin guide
- CHEERS! and other Carnival packages
- First time on Carnival
- Celebration Key guide
- Royal Caribbean vs Carnival
We’ll match you to the right Carnival ship. Get a free quote or call 860-951-8312.