All 25 Carnival Cruise Ships 2026: Complete Fleet Guide by Class
The definitive guide to every Carnival ship - organized by class with passenger capacity, year built, key features, and which travelers each ship is best for.
Quick Answer: Best Carnival Cruise Ships 2026
#1 Carnival Jubilee (2023) - Newest Excel-class with BOLT rollercoaster, 5,374 passengers, first LNG-powered Carnival ship
#2 Carnival Celebration (2022) - Excel-class with BOLT, 6 themed zones, Miami departures
#3 Mardi Gras (2021) - Original BOLT ship, 6 themed zones, Port Canaveral
Best for NJ: Carnival Liberty - Cape Liberty (Bayonne) departures, no flight needed!
Carnival Fleet Overview
As of 2026, Carnival operates 25 ships across 6 ship classes carrying approximately 6 million passengers annually. Here is the complete breakdown:
Fleet Statistics
- Total Ships: 25 active ships
- Ship Classes: Excel (3), Vista (3), Dream (3), Conquest (6), Spirit (4), Fantasy (6)
- Newest Ship: Carnival Jubilee (2023) & Carnival Firenze (2024 transfer)
- Largest Ships: Excel class (183K GT, 5,374 passengers)
- Best Value: Conquest & Spirit class ships
- NJ Departure: Carnival Liberty from Cape Liberty (Bayonne)
Excel Class (Newest & Largest)
The newest and largest ships in Carnival's fleet, featuring the revolutionary BOLT rollercoaster, 6 themed zones, and LNG-powered propulsion.
| Ship Name | Year | Passengers | Key Features | Best For | Home Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Jubilee | 2023 | 5,374 | BOLT Rollercoaster, 6 Themed Zones, First LNG-Powered Carnival Ship, Ultimate Playground | Families, Thrill-Seekers, Eco-Conscious Travelers | Galveston |
| Carnival Celebration | 2022 | 5,374 | BOLT Rollercoaster, 6 Themed Zones, 820 Club Zone, Celebration Central | First-Timers, Families with Teens, Party Crowds | Miami |
| Mardi Gras | 2021 | 5,282 | First BOLT Rollercoaster, French Quarter Zone, La Piazza, Summer Landing | Families, Foodies, First-Timers | Port Canaveral |
Vista Class
Mid-sized ships featuring SkyRide aerial cycling, IMAX theaters, and the adults-only Havana area with Cuban-inspired pool and bar.
| Ship Name | Year | Passengers | Key Features | Best For | Home Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Panorama | 2019 | 4,008 | SkyRide, Havana Area, Cloud 9 Spa, IMAX Theater | West Coast Travelers, Couples, Mexican Riviera | Long Beach |
| Carnival Horizon | 2018 | 3,954 | SkyRide, Dr. Seuss WaterWorks, Havana Area, Guy Fieri Smokehouse | Families, Caribbean Cruises, Food Lovers | Miami |
| Carnival Vista | 2016 | 3,954 | First SkyRide at Sea, IMAX Theater, Havana Area, Kaleid-O-Slide | Couples, Adults-Only Seekers, Innovation Fans | Galveston |
Dream Class
Popular mid-sized ships with WaterWorks aqua parks, Serenity adults-only retreats, and excellent value for Caribbean cruises.
| Ship Name | Year | Passengers | Key Features | Best For | Home Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Breeze | 2012 | 3,690 | WaterWorks, Serenity Adults-Only, RedFrog Rum Bar, Lido Deck | Families, Value Seekers, Short Caribbean Cruises | Port Canaveral |
| Carnival Magic | 2011 | 3,690 | WaterWorks, SportSquare, Ocean Plaza, Lanai Promenade | Families, Active Travelers, Value Seekers | Port Canaveral |
| Carnival Dream | 2009 | 3,646 | WaterWorks, Serenity, Lanai, Ocean Plaza | Budget Families, Western Caribbean, Texas Travelers | Galveston |
Conquest Class
Classic Carnival fun ships offering excellent value with WaterWorks, Serenity, and all the Fun Ship favorites. Carnival Liberty sails from Cape Liberty (NJ) - no flight needed!
| Ship Name | Year | Passengers | Key Features | Best For | Home Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival SunshineOriginally Carnival Destiny (1996), completely rebuilt 2013 | 2013 | 2,984 | $155M Renovation, WaterWorks, RedFrog Pub, SportSquare | Budget Travelers, Bermuda Cruises, Southern Travelers | Charleston |
| Carnival Freedom | 2007 | 2,974 | WaterWorks, Serenity, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina | Value Seekers, Eastern Caribbean, Budget Families | Miami |
| Carnival Liberty | 2005 | 2,974 | WaterWorks, Serenity, No-Fly Cruising from NJ, Bermuda Specialist | NJ/NY Travelers, No-Fly Cruisers, Bermuda Lovers | Cape Liberty, NJ |
| Carnival Valor | 2004 | 2,974 | WaterWorks, Serenity, RedFrog Pub, Classic Fun Ship | Budget Seekers, Western Caribbean, NOLA Departure | New Orleans |
| Carnival Glory | 2003 | 2,974 | WaterWorks, Serenity, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar | Budget Cruisers, Western Caribbean, Southern Departure | New Orleans |
| Carnival Conquest | 2002 | 2,974 | WaterWorks, Serenity, Classic Fun Ship Design, RedFrog Pub | Budget Families, Short Cruises, First-Timers | Miami |
Spirit Class
Intimate ships perfect for couples and adults seeking a more personal cruise experience. Great for Alaska and specialty itineraries.
| Ship Name | Year | Passengers | Key Features | Best For | Home Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Miracle | 2004 | 2,124 | WaterWorks, Serenity, Intimate Size, Alaska Specialist | Couples, Alaska Cruises, Intimate Experience | Long Beach |
| Carnival Legend | 2002 | 2,124 | WaterWorks, Serenity, Alaska Routes, Intimate Cruising | Alaska Seekers, Couples, Pacific Northwest | Seattle |
| Carnival Pride | 2002 | 2,124 | WaterWorks, Drive-To Port, Bermuda Specialist, Canada/NE Cruises | Mid-Atlantic Travelers, No-Fly Cruisers, Bermuda Fans | Baltimore |
| Carnival Spirit | 2001 | 2,124 | WaterWorks, Serenity, Australia-Based, South Pacific | Australia/NZ Travelers, South Pacific Cruises | Brisbane |
Fantasy Class & Transferred Ships
Classic ships plus recently transferred vessels from Costa Cruises offering unique Italian-themed experiences. Budget-friendly options for short cruises.
| Ship Name | Year | Passengers | Key Features | Best For | Home Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Elation | 1998 | 2,052 | Renovated 2022, WaterWorks, Classic Carnival, Short Cruises | Budget Seekers, Short Getaways, First-Timers | Jacksonville |
| Carnival Paradise | 1998 | 2,052 | WaterWorks, Renovated, Cuba Cruises, Short Caribbean | Budget Travelers, Cuba Cruises, Tampa Locals | Tampa |
| Carnival SunriseOriginally Carnival Triumph, completely rebuilt 2019 | 1999 | 2,052 | $200M Renovation 2019, RedFrog Tiki Bar, Completely Modernized | Value Seekers, Modernized Classic, Short Cruises | Miami |
| Carnival VeneziaTransferred from Costa, Italian-themed Carnival ship | 2023 | 4,072 | Italian Heritage Design, Terrazza Pool, Piazza, NYC Departures | NYC Travelers, Italian Theme Lovers, No-Fly from NY | New York |
| Carnival LuminosaFormerly Costa Luminosa, joined Carnival 2024 | 2024 | 2,826 | Transferred from Costa, Australia-Based, Elegant Design | Australia Travelers, Premium Feel, South Pacific | Brisbane |
| Carnival FirenzeFormerly Costa Firenze, Italian-themed design | 2024 | 5,224 | Italian Piazza Design, WaterWorks, Transferred from Costa | West Coast, Mexican Riviera, Italian Theme | Long Beach |
Complete Carnival Fleet: All 25 Ships at a Glance
| Ship Name | Year | Class | Passengers | Home Port | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excel Class (Newest - 3 ships) | |||||
| Carnival Jubilee | 2023 | Excel | 5,374 | Galveston | 4.7 |
| Carnival Celebration | 2022 | Excel | 5,374 | Miami | 4.8 |
| Mardi Gras | 2021 | Excel | 5,282 | Port Canaveral | 4.7 |
| Vista Class (3 ships) | |||||
| Carnival Panorama | 2019 | Vista | 4,008 | Long Beach | 4.5 |
| Carnival Horizon | 2018 | Vista | 3,954 | Miami | 4.5 |
| Carnival Vista | 2016 | Vista | 3,954 | Galveston | 4.4 |
| Dream Class (3 ships) | |||||
| Carnival Breeze | 2012 | Dream | 3,690 | Port Canaveral | 4.3 |
| Carnival Magic | 2011 | Dream | 3,690 | Port Canaveral | 4.3 |
| Carnival Dream | 2009 | Dream | 3,646 | Galveston | 4.2 |
| Conquest Class (6 ships) | |||||
| Carnival Sunshine | 2013 | Conquest | 2,984 | Charleston | 4.1 |
| Carnival Freedom | 2007 | Conquest | 2,974 | Miami | 4.2 |
| Carnival Liberty | 2005 | Conquest | 2,974 | Cape Liberty, NJ | 4.2 |
| Carnival Valor | 2004 | Conquest | 2,974 | New Orleans | 4.1 |
| Carnival Glory | 2003 | Conquest | 2,974 | New Orleans | 4.1 |
| Carnival Conquest | 2002 | Conquest | 2,974 | Miami | 4 |
| Spirit Class (4 ships) | |||||
| Carnival Miracle | 2004 | Spirit | 2,124 | Long Beach | 4 |
| Carnival Legend | 2002 | Spirit | 2,124 | Seattle | 4 |
| Carnival Pride | 2002 | Spirit | 2,124 | Baltimore | 4.1 |
| Carnival Spirit | 2001 | Spirit | 2,124 | Brisbane | 4 |
| Fantasy Class & Transferred (6 ships) | |||||
| Carnival Elation | 1998 | Fantasy | 2,052 | Jacksonville | 3.9 |
| Carnival Paradise | 1998 | Fantasy | 2,052 | Tampa | 3.9 |
| Carnival Sunrise | 1999 | Fantasy | 2,052 | Miami | 4 |
| Carnival Venezia | 2023 | Fantasy | 4,072 | New York | 4.3 |
| Carnival Luminosa | 2024 | Fantasy | 2,826 | Brisbane | 4.2 |
| Carnival Firenze | 2024 | Fantasy | 5,224 | Long Beach | 4.4 |
Note: Home ports may vary seasonally. Carnival Sunshine was originally Carnival Destiny (1996). Carnival Venezia, Luminosa, and Firenze were transferred from Costa Cruises.
Best Carnival Ships by Traveler Type
Best for Families
Mardi Gras - 6 themed zones, BOLT rollercoaster, WaterWorks, Camp Ocean kids club, endless activities
Best for Couples
Carnival Vista - Adults-only Havana area, SkyRide at sunset, Serenity retreat, romantic dining
Best for First-Timers
Carnival Celebration - Shows what modern cruising can be, incredible features, Miami departures
Best for NJ/NY (No Flight!)
Carnival Liberty - Cape Liberty (Bayonne) departures, Bermuda & Caribbean itineraries
Best for Budget Travelers
Conquest Class Ships - Carnival Valor, Glory, Freedom - All the fun at lower prices
Best for Alaska
Carnival Miracle/Legend - Spirit-class ships perfect for scenic Alaska Inside Passage cruises
Best for Short Getaways
Carnival Paradise/Elation - Fantasy-class ships with 3-4 night Bahamas & Caribbean cruises
Best for Foodies
Carnival Jubilee - Emeril's Bistro, Guy's Burger Joint, Big Chicken, 20+ dining options
Best for Thrill-Seekers
Excel Class Ships - BOLT rollercoaster (first at sea!), waterslides, ropes course
How to Choose Your Carnival Ship
Step 1: Determine Your Home Port
Where are you sailing from? (Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Long Beach, Bayonne) - Fly or drive?
Step 2: Choose Your Itinerary
Caribbean? Bermuda from NJ? West Coast? Alaska?
Step 3: Consider Ship Size
- Mega ships (5,000+): More activities, more crowds → Celebration, Jubilee, Mardi Gras
- Mid-size (3,000-4,000): Balanced → Dream/Vista class
- Smaller (2,000-2,500): More intimate → Spirit/Fantasy class
Step 4: Match to Your Priorities
- Newest features? → Excel class (Celebration, Jubilee)
- Best value? → Dream/Conquest class
- Eco-friendly? → Mardi Gras (LNG-powered)
- No flight? → Liberty (sails from NJ)
Ready to Choose Your Carnival Ship?
Call 833-874-1019 to speak with our ship selection experts
We'll help you choose the perfect Carnival ship based on your:
- Travel dates & departure port
- Family composition (kids, adults, mix)
- Budget & priorities
- Activity preferences