When a cruise line boasts a fleet of 26 ships, with more on order or under construction, it’s easy to lose track. Carnival Cruise Line, the world’s largest cruise line, operates a diverse range of ships, each belonging to different classes and joining the fleet at various times. To help you stay instructed, we’ve compiled a list of Carnival cruise ships arranged by their respective ages.
List of Carnival Cruises Newest to Oldest:
Carnival Jubilee – 2023
The latest expansion to the Carnival fleet, Carnival Jubilee, is the third Excel-class vessel. With a delivery date of December 4, 2023, the ship boasts a gross tonnage of 183,521 and accommodates over 5,374 guests and 1,735 crew members. Carnival Jubilee is fully powered by liquid natural gas (LNG) and homeports in Galveston, Texas.
Carnival Venezia – 2023
Transferred from Costa Cruises in 2023, Carnival Venezia embarked on its inaugural voyage with Carnival Cruise Line on May 29, 2023. This 135,225 gross-ton vessel features a guest capacity of 4,090 at double occupancy across 2,045 staterooms. Following a substantial multi-million-dollar transformation in Cadiz, Spain, Carnival Venezia retains its Italian traditional decor.
Carnival Celebration – 2022
The second Excel-class vessel, Carnival Celebration, entered service in November 2022. With a gross tonnage matching Carnival Jubilee at 183,521, the ship accommodates 5,372 guests at double occupancy and 1,735 crew members. Based in Miami, Florida, Carnival Celebration is part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Radiance – 2021
Formerly known as Carnival Victory, Carnival Radiance underwent a significant transformation in Cadiz, Spain, in 2021. The Sunshine-class ship, now boasting a gross tonnage of 101,509, sails from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in California and accommodates 2,984 guests at double occupancy and 1,108 crew members.
Mardi Gras – 2021
A pivotal ship for Carnival Cruise Line, Mardi Gras marked the entry of a new era with its status as the first Excel-class cruise ship. Fully powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), Mardi Gras set sail on its maiden voyage on July 31, 2021, from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship, with a gross tonnage of 180,800, features unique attractions such as the first-ever roller coaster at sea named BOLT.
Carnival Panorama – 2019
The final Vista-class cruise ship, Carnival Panorama, joined the fleet in 2019. Constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the ship has a gross tonnage of 133,500 and accommodates 4,008 guests at double occupancy. Notably, Carnival Panorama is equipped with a Sky Zone trampoline park, setting it apart from its sister ships, Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon.
Carnival Sunrise – 2019
Originally Carnival Triumph, Carnival Sunrise underwent a substantial $200 million transformation to join the Sunshine class in 2019. The ship, with a gross tonnage of 101,509, accommodates 2,984 guests at double occupancy and 1,108 crew members.
Carnival Horizon – 2018
As the second Vista-class ship in the fleet, Carnival Horizon debuted in 2018. Weighing in at 133,500 gross tons, the vessel accommodates 3,960 guests at double occupancy and features a Seuss at Sea waterpark, distinguishing it from its sister ship Carnival Panorama.
Carnival Vista – 2016
Carnival Vista marked a milestone as the first Vista-class cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line. Entering service in 2016, the ship has a gross tonnage of 133,500 and accommodates 3,934 guests at double occupancy.
Carnival Sunshine – 2013
Originally Carnival Destiny, Carnival Sunshine became the inaugural ship in the new Sunshine class after a comprehensive transformation in November 2013. With a gross tonnage of 102,853, the ship accommodates 3,002 guests and 1,040 crew members.
Carnival Breeze – 2012
The third Dream-class cruise ship, Carnival Breeze, commenced service in 2012. Constructed by Fincantieri in Italy, the ship has a gross tonnage of 130,000 and accommodates 3,690 guests at double occupancy, along with 1,386 crew members.
Carnival Magic – 2011
Identical to its sister ships in the Dream class, Carnival Magic entered service in 2011. The ship, with a gross tonnage of 130,000, accommodates 3,690 guests at double occupancy and features the cruise line’s new white, red, and blue livery.
Carnival Dream – 2009
As the first in the Dream class, Carnival Dream joined the fleet in 2009. With a gross tonnage of 130,000, the ship accommodates 3,646 guests at double occupancy and 1,367 crew members. Carnival Dream underwent a livery update in 2021, aligning it with the new Carnival-colored design.
Carnival Luminosa – 2009
Formerly Costa Luminosa, this Spirit-class vessel transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in 2022. Following a dry dock to adopt the Carnival colors, Carnival Luminosa embarked on its first guest sailing in November 2022. With a gross tonnage of 92,720, the ship accommodates 2,826 guests and 926 crew members.
Carnival Splendor – 2008
Originally ordered by sister line Costa Cruises, Carnival Splendor joined the fleet during construction in 2008. With a gross tonnage of 113,300, the ship accommodates 3,012 guests and 1,150 international crew members.
Carnival Freedom – 2007
Carnival Freedom, the final ship in the Conquest class, entered service in 2007. With a gross tonnage of 110,000, the ship accommodates 2,980 guests at double occupancy and 1,150 international crew members.
Carnival Liberty – 2005
As another Conquest-class vessel, Carnival Liberty commenced service in 2005. Identical to its sister ships, the ship has a gross tonnage of 110,000 and accommodates 2,974 guests at double occupancy, along with 1,160 international crew members. Oscar-winning Italian-American actress Mira Sorvino is the godmother of Carnival Liberty.
Carnival Valor – 2004
Carnival Valor, the fourth Conquest-class cruise ship, embarked on its inaugural cruise in December 2004. With a gross tonnage of 110,000, the ship accommodates 2,980 guests and 1,180 international crew members.
Carnival Miracle – 2004
The latest addition to the Spirit class, Carnival Miracle, was constructed in Helsinki, Finland, and completed in 2004. With a gross tonnage of 88,500, the ship accommodates 2,124 guests at double occupancy and 930 international crew members. Carnival Miracle is popular for cruises in Alaska and can transit the Panama Canal.
Carnival Glory – 2003
Carnival Glory, the second ship in the Conquest class, was constructed by Fincantieri in Italy. With a gross tonnage of 110,000, the ship accommodates 2,980 guests at double occupancy and 1,150 crew members. Its inaugural voyage took place on July 14, 2003.
Carnival Conquest – 2002
A significant milestone for Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Conquest is the first 110,000 gross ton cruise ship in the fleet. With a guest accommodation of 2,980 at double occupancy and 1,150 crew members, the ship debuted in November 2022.
Carnival Legend – 2002
The third Spirit-class ship, Carnival Legend, was constructed at the Kvaerner-Masa yards in Helsinki, Finland. With a gross tonnage of 88,500, the ship accommodates 2,124 guests and 930 crew members. Carnival Legend cost the cruise line $375 million and set sail on its inaugural voyage on April 29, 2001.
Carnival Pride – 2002
Carnival Pride, the second ship in the Spirit class, made its debut in January 2002. With a gross tonnage of 88,500, the ship accommodates 2,124 guests at double occupancy and 930 international crew members. Constructed in Helsinki, Finland, the ship cost $375 million.
Carnival Spirit – 2001
Carnival Spirit, the inaugural ship in the Spirit class, introduced a new design for the cruise line. With a gross tonnage of 88,500, the ship accommodates 2,124 guests at double occupancy and 930 crew members. Carnival Spirit cost $375 million to construct and has mainly been based in Australia in recent years.
Carnival Paradise – 1998
Remaining as one of the two last Fantasy-class ships after the departure of Carnival Ecstasy in 2022, Carnival Paradise offers fun-filled cruise vacations. With a gross tonnage of 71,925, the ship accommodated 2,124 guests and entered service in December 1998.
Carnival Elation – 1998
Becoming the oldest ship in the fleet after the departure of Carnival Ecstasy in October 2022, Carnival Elation boasts a gross tonnage of 71,909. With a passenger capacity of 2,190 at double occupancy, the ship embarked on its inaugural voyage in March 1998 and has undergone 10 dry docks, including the addition of a new red, white, and blue livery.
Former Carnival Cruise Ships:
Carnival Cruise Line has evolved beyond its older Fantasy-class vessels, such as the Holiday-class. The first ship, Mardi Gras, began sailing for the cruise line in 1972. Carnivale joined the fleet in 1975, followed by Festivale in 1977. Tropical, the first new cruise ship built for Carnival Cruise Line, arrived in 1982, and the holiday class expanded with the addition of Holiday in 1985, Jubilee in 1986, and Celebration in 1987.
Here’s a list of former vessels that have either been sold to other operators or ditched:
- 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
- 1986 – Jubilee – Holiday-class
- 1985 – Holiday – Holiday-class
- 1982 – Tropicale
- 1977 – Festivale
- 1975 – Carnivale
- 1972 – Mardi Gras
FAQs
Q1: What is the newest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet?
As of December 4, 2023, the newest Carnival cruise ship is the Carnival Jubilee. This vessel is the third Excel-class ship fully powered by LNG – Liquified Natural Gas, with a gross ton of 183,521. It began operating from Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 23, 2023.
Q2: How many ships are currently in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet?
Carnival Cruise Line currently operates a fleet of 26 ships, with more ships on order or under construction.
Q3: What makes the Carnival Jubilee unique among Carnival ships?
Carnival Jubilee is part of the Excel-class and is notable for being fully powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). The ship has a gross tonnage of 183,521, accommodating over 5,374 guests and 1,735 crew members.
Q4: Which ship was the first in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet?
The first vessel in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet was the Mardi Gras. While it wasn’t initially built for the cruise line, it became the inaugural ship for the newly formed Ted Arison Carnival Cruise Line in 1972.
Q5: How many classes of ships are there in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet?
Carnival Cruise Line operates several classes of ships, including the Excel-class, Sunshine-class, Vista-class, Dream-class, Spirit-class, Conquest-class, and Fantasy-class.
Q6: Are there any former Carnival Cruise Line ships still in operation?
No, the former Carnival Cruise Line ships, including those from the Fantasy-class, have either been sold to other operators or scrapped. The most recent departure was Carnival Ecstasy in October 2022.
Q7: Which Carnival cruise ship features the first-ever roller coaster at sea?
Mardi Gras, which entered service in 2021, features the first-ever roller coaster at sea named BOLT. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 180,800.
Q8: How many Carnival cruise ships are fully powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)?
As of December 4, 2023, the Carnival Cruise Line has three ships fully powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG): Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.
Q9: What is the oldest ship currently in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet?
As of October 2022, the oldest cruise ship in the Carnival Cruise Line is the Carnival Elation, which entered service in 1998.
Q10: How many Carnival cruise ships have been delivered in 2023?
In 2023, two new Carnival cruise ships have been delivered: Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Venezia, both joining the fleet with distinct features and capacities.
In navigating the vast expanse of Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, spanning 26 ships with more on the horizon, this comprehensive overview offers a chronological glimpse into the evolution of one of the world’s largest cruise lines.
From the inaugural voyage of the Mardi Gras in 1972 to the recent addition of the Carnival Jubilee, the fleet showcases a diverse array of classes, each contributing its unique character to the Carnival experience.
The incorporation of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion technology marks a significant step towards sustainability, with three ships, including the Carnival Jubilee, embracing this environmentally friendly power source.
The article not only provides a list of ships, categorized from newest to oldest but also delves into the distinctive features and capacities that set each vessel apart.
As Carnival Cruise Line bids farewell to former ships, paving the way for a new era of LNG-powered vessels, the article leaves readers with a sense of anticipation for the future. The fleet continues to evolve, promising innovations, features, and cruise vacation experiences.
Whether embarking on the latest Excel-class adventure or reminiscing about the classic Fantasy-class vessels, Carnival Cruise Line’s journey unfolds across the seas, offering a diverse and exciting array of options for cruise enthusiasts.
