Cruise Frog guide

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise line in the world by passengers carried each year and the biggest brand in Carnival Corporation & plc. Ted Arison founded it in 1972 with a single former ocean liner, the Mardi Gras, sailing from Miami, and the company is now based in Doral, Florida.

Official site

Style

Mainstream

big ships with lots to do and fares for most budgets

Best for

  • Families
  • First-time cruisers
  • Friends and groups
  • Value seekers

Fleet rating

3.7/5

Average of 29 rated ships in service

About Carnival Cruise Line

The fleet of 29 ships spans nearly three decades, from the Fantasy-class Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise of 1998 to the LNG-powered Excel-class Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, each over 180,000 gross tons. Several ships came from sister brands: Carnival Venezia, Carnival Firenze and Carnival Luminosa from Costa, and Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter from P&O Cruises Australia, which was merged into Carnival in March 2025. Carnival Festivale (2027) and Carnival Tropicale (2028) will complete the Excel class, and Carnival Destiny, the first of the larger Ace class, is due in 2029.

Most cruises last three to eight nights and leave from more than a dozen US ports, with ships also based in Sydney and Brisbane. Itineraries focus on the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico, including Carnival's Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, with seasonal Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, Canada and Europe programs. Life on board is casual and busy: water parks, comedy clubs, Playlist Productions shows, poolside rum and tequila bars, and branded casual food such as Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, with steakhouses and sushi bars on most ships.

What Carnival Cruise Line is known for

Carnival is known for affordable, high-energy cruises and for bringing many people to cruising for the first time. Its newest ships get attention for features such as BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, and themed zones, while Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze offer an Italian-themed variation. The line keeps refreshing older ships: in 2025 and 2026 more than a dozen went through dry docks that addedvenues, water parks, updated casinos and youth spaces. The trade-offs follow from the model. Ships are lively rather than quiet, and the fleet still includes ships from the late 1990s alongside the new Excel class, so the experience varies a good deal from ship to ship. The September 2026 switch from the VIFP Club to Carnival Rewards also changed how loyal guests are recognized: status now comes from spending, and some earlier perks, such as a free specialty dinner for new Diamond members, were replaced by point redemptions.

Who it's for

Carnival suits families, groups of friends and first-time cruisers who want an affordable, sociable vacation with plenty to do, especially a short trip from a nearby US port. Families get supervised youth programs, Dr. Seuss-themed activities and water parks, and the Excel-class ships add roller coasters and themed zones. Travelers in Australia have ships sailing from Sydney and Brisbane. Those after a quiet ship, an adults-only atmosphere, more inclusive fares or long, port-intensive itineraries may be happier with a premium or luxury line; Carnival's Serenity adults-only retreats offer a break, but the overall tone is upbeat and busy.

Families
kids' clubs, family cabins, things for every age
First-time cruisers
easy to book, short itineraries, nothing intimidating
Friends and groups
nightlife, group dining, connecting cabins
Value seekers
low fares and frequent deals

How it rates

Compare lines
Cabins
3/5
Dining
3/5
Entertainment
4/5
Service
4/5
Pools & decks
2.9/5
Value
5/5

The fleet's average on each metric, across 29 rated ships in service. Each ship is scored 1 to 5 by Cruise Frog's editors; these are not reader reviews.

  1. #1Carnival Celebration4.0/5
  2. #2Carnival Jubilee4.0/5
  3. #3Mardi Gras4.0/5
  4. #4Carnival Adventure3.7/5
  5. #5Carnival Breeze3.7/5
  6. #6Carnival Conquest3.7/5
  7. #7Carnival Dream3.7/5
  8. #8Carnival Encounter3.7/5
  9. #9Carnival Firenze3.7/5
  10. #10Carnival Freedom3.7/5
  11. #11Carnival Glory3.7/5
  12. #12Carnival Horizon3.7/5
  13. #13Carnival Legend3.7/5
  14. #14Carnival Liberty3.7/5
  15. #15Carnival Luminosa3.7/5
  16. #16Carnival Magic3.7/5
  17. #17Carnival Miracle3.7/5
  18. #18Carnival Panorama3.7/5
  19. #19Carnival Pride3.7/5
  20. #20Carnival Spirit3.7/5
  21. #21Carnival Splendor3.7/5
  22. #22Carnival Valor3.7/5
  23. #23Carnival Vista3.7/5
  24. #24Carnival Radiance3.5/5
  25. #25Carnival Sunrise3.5/5
  26. #26Carnival Sunshine3.5/5
  27. #27Carnival Venezia3.5/5
  28. #28Carnival Paradise3.3/5
  29. #29Carnival Elation3.2/5

Where Carnival Cruise Line sails

Ships in service

Ships

29 in service
Carnival Adventure arriving in Sydney, 20263.7 ★Carnival Adventure2001 · 108,865 GT · 2,636 guests · South Pacific · Australia and New ZealandCarnival Adventure is a Grand-class ship built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone that debuted in 2001 as Golden Princess. She moved to P&O Cruises Australia in October 2020 and, after…Carnival Breeze docked in Cozumel, Mexico, 20223.7 ★Carnival Breeze2012 · 130,000 GT · 3,690 guests · Caribbean · BahamasCarnival Breeze is the third Dream-class ship, completed in June 2012 and the first Carnival ship not designed by architect Joe Farcus. She carries about 3,690 guests on 130,000…Carnival Celebration departing Miami, February 20264.0 ★Carnival Celebration2022 · 183,521 GT · 5,374 guests · CaribbeanCarnival Celebration is the second Excel-class ship, built by Meyer Turku and completed in November 2022. Unlike Mardi Gras she carries the Carnival prefix, and her name honors…Carnival Conquest docked at Celebration Key, Grand Bahama, February 20263.7 ★Carnival Conquest2002 · 110,000 GT · 2,980 guests · BahamasCarnival Conquest is the lead ship of the Conquest class, a design derived from the Destiny class, at about 110,000 gross tons with around 2,980 guests. She entered service in…Carnival Dream docked in Key West, Florida, September 20223.7 ★Carnival Dream2009 · 128,250 GT · 3,646 guests · Caribbean · BahamasCarnival Dream is the lead ship of the Dream class, which also includes Carnival Magic, Carnival Breeze and Costa Diadema. Built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone and christened by…Carnival Elation leaving the Port of New Orleans, May 20133.2 ★Carnival Elation1998 · 71,909 GT · 2,190 guests · BahamasCarnival Elation is one of the line's two remaining Fantasy-class ships, a mid-sized vessel of about 71,900 gross tons carrying roughly 2,190 guests. Kværner Masa-Yards built her…Carnival Encounter as Star Princess, anchored between Helsingør and Helsingborg, 20103.7 ★Carnival Encounter2002 · 109,000 GT · 2,600 guests · Australia and New Zealand · South PacificCarnival Encounter was delivered by Fincantieri in 2002 as Star Princess, the third Grand-class ship for Princess Cruises. She joined P&O Cruises Australia in 2020, was…Carnival Firenze in port at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, October 20243.7 ★Carnival Firenze2021 · 135,156 GT · 4,126 guests · Caribbean · Mexican RivieraCarnival Firenze was built by Fincantieri at Marghera as Costa Firenze, delivered in December 2020 and first sailed for Costa in July 2021; she was meant for China but never went…Carnival Freedom sailing out of Port Canaveral, February 20243.7 ★Carnival Freedom2007 · 110,000 GT · 2,980 guests · Bahamas · CaribbeanCarnival Freedom is the last of the Conquest-class ships, built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard, launched in Venice in April 2006 and delivered in February 2007. She carries about…Carnival Glory leaving Port Canaveral, June 20253.7 ★Carnival Glory2003 · 110,000 GT · 2,980 guests · BahamasCarnival Glory is the second of five Conquest-class ships, built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone and in service since July 2003. She carries about 2,980 guests and has a 214-foot…Carnival Horizon docked in Cozumel, Mexico, June 20223.7 ★Carnival Horizon2018 · 133,596 GT · 3,960 guests · CaribbeanCarnival Horizon is the second Vista-class ship, in service since April 2018 at about 133,600 gross tons with some 3,960 guests. Her features include an IMAX theater, a Dr…Carnival Jubilee docked off Cozumel, Mexico, March 20244.0 ★Carnival Jubilee2023 · 183,521 GT · 5,228 guests · Bahamas · CaribbeanCarnival Jubilee is the third Excel-class ship and the first built by Meyer Werft at Papenburg, Germany; she was originally ordered for AIDA Cruises. Delivered on 4 December…Carnival Legend near Hoek van Holland, August 20243.7 ★Carnival Legend2002 · 88,500 GT · 2,124 guests · Alaska · CaribbeanCarnival Legend is a Spirit-class ship that Dame Judi Dench christened at Harwich, England, in August 2002; her maiden voyage was Carnival's first cruise in Europe. She was also…Carnival Liberty at Grand Cayman, May 20253.7 ★Carnival Liberty2005 · 110,000 GT · 2,974 guests · Caribbean · BahamasCarnival Liberty is a Conquest-class ship built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone and christened in Civitavecchia in July 2005 by actress Mira Sorvino. She was the first Carnival ship…Carnival Luminosa docking at Ogden Point, Victoria, British Columbia, June 20253.7 ★Carnival Luminosa2009 · 92,720 GT · 2,260 guests · Alaska · South PacificCarnival Luminosa entered service in May 2009 as Costa Luminosa, a hybrid design combining elements of the Spirit and Vista classes; Costa Deliziosa is her sister. Carnival took…Carnival Magic docked in Port Canaveral, January 20233.7 ★Carnival Magic2011 · 130,000 GT · 3,690 guests · CaribbeanCarnival Magic is the second Dream-class ship, christened in Venice and in service since May 2011. At about 130,000 gross tons with some 3,690 guests, she introduced SportSquare…Carnival Miracle off Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, February 20243.7 ★Carnival Miracle2004 · 88,500 GT · 2,124 guests · Caribbean · Northern EuropeCarnival Miracle, the last of the four Spirit-class ships built for Carnival, was christened in Jacksonville in February 2004 by US Army soldier Jessica Lynch and left on her…Carnival Panorama docked in Long Beach, California, December 20253.7 ★Carnival Panorama2019 · 133,868 GT · 4,008 guests · Mexican RivieraCarnival Panorama is the third and largest of Carnival's original Vista-class ships, built by Fincantieri and delivered in October 2019; she served as flagship until Mardi Gras…Carnival Paradise in Carnival's red, white and blue livery after its fall 2021 dry dock3.3 ★Carnival Paradise1998 · 71,925 GT · 2,124 guests · Caribbean · BahamasCarnival Paradise was the last of Carnival's eight Fantasy-class ships to be built, a mid-sized ship of about 71,900 gross tons with room for around 2,120 guests. She was floated…Carnival Pride leaving Kiel, Germany, June 20233.7 ★Carnival Pride2002 · 88,500 GT · 2,124 guests · Bahamas · BermudaCarnival Pride is a Spirit-class ship completed in Helsinki in December 2001 and christened at Port Canaveral in January 2002 by astronaut Tamara Jernigan. Built to the Panamax…Carnival Radiance arriving in Long Beach, California, December 20253.5 ★Carnival Radiance2000 · 102,232 GT · 2,984 guests · Mexican Riviera · HawaiiCarnival Radiance sailed from 2000 as Carnival Victory, the third Destiny-class ship in the fleet. A US$200 million refit at Cádiz, delayed a year by the pandemic, was completed…Carnival Spirit at Ogden Point, Victoria, British Columbia, May 20253.7 ★Carnival Spirit2001 · 88,500 GT · 2,124 guests · Alaska · BahamasCarnival Spirit was the first Spirit-class ship to join Carnival, delivered from Kværner Masa-Yards in Helsinki in 2001. At about 88,500 gross tons with around 2,120 guests, she…Carnival Splendor at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal, January 20253.7 ★Carnival Splendor2008 · 113,573 GT · 3,012 guests · Australia and New Zealand · South PacificCarnival Splendor is a Concordia-class ship that was designed and ordered for Costa Cruises but transferred to Carnival during construction; she is the only ship of that class in…Carnival Sunrise anchored off Grand Cayman, May 20253.5 ★Carnival Sunrise1999 · 101,509 GT · 2,984 guests · BahamasCarnival Sunrise entered service in 1999 as Carnival Triumph, a Destiny-class ship of about 101,500 gross tons built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone. In February 2013 an engine-room…Carnival Sunshine, 20233.5 ★Carnival Sunshine1996 · 102,853 GT · 3,002 guests · Mediterranean · CaribbeanCarnival Sunshine began life in 1996 as Carnival Destiny, built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone; she was the first passenger ship to pass 100,000 gross tons and, for a time, the…Carnival Valor in Costa Maya, Mexico, March 20223.7 ★Carnival Valor2004 · 110,000 GT · 2,980 guests · Caribbean · BahamasCarnival Valor is a Conquest-class ship of about 110,000 gross tons, built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone and christened in Miami in December 2004 by journalist Katie Couric. She…Carnival Venezia arriving in Bermuda for the first time, June 20233.5 ★Carnival Venezia2019 · 135,225 GT · 4,208 guests · CaribbeanCarnival Venezia was built by Fincantieri as Costa Venezia for Costa Cruises' Chinese market and entered service in 2019 as Costa's largest ship, at about 135,200 gross tons with…Carnival Vista in Willemstad, Curaçao, March 20173.7 ★Carnival Vista2016 · 133,596 GT · 3,934 guests · CaribbeanCarnival Vista is the lead ship of the Vista class, which includes Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama as well as Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze. She entered service in…Mardi Gras off Hoek van Holland on her first visit to Rotterdam, December 20204.0 ★Mardi Gras2021 · 181,808 GT · 5,282 guests · Caribbean · BahamasMardi Gras is the lead ship of Carnival's Excel class, part of Carnival Corporation's larger Excellence class, built by Meyer Turku in Finland and named after the line's first…

Coming soon

Every new ship
Debuts May 2027Carnival Festivale2027 · 182,800 GT · Caribbean · BahamasCarnival Festivale is an upcoming Excel-class ship under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, a sister to Carnival Jubilee listed at about 182,800 gross tons; she was floated…Debuts Apr 2028Carnival Tropicale2028 · 182,800 GT · Caribbean · BahamasCarnival Tropicale is an upcoming Excel-class ship being built by Meyer Werft, the fifth and final ship of the class, listed at about 182,800 gross tons. Carnival says she will…Coming 2029Carnival Destiny2029 · 230,000 GT · Caribbean · BahamasCarnival Destiny is an upcoming ship, the first of three Ace-class vessels Carnival has ordered from Fincantieri. Listed at about 230,000 gross tons, she will be the largest ship…

Former ships

All retired ships
ShipLeft
Carnival EcstasyOctober 2022
Carnival SensationMarch 2022
Carnival FascinationNovember 2020
Carnival ImaginationAugust 2020
Carnival FantasyJuly 2020
Carnival InspirationJuly 2020

Where to fly in

All ports

Quick answers

What is Carnival Cruise Line known for?

Carnival is known for affordable, high-energy cruises and for bringing many people to cruising for the first time. Its newest ships get attention for features such as BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, and themed zones, while Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze offer an Italian-themed variation. The line keeps refreshing older ships: in 2025 and 2026 more than a dozen went through dry docks that addedvenues, water parks, updated casinos and youth spaces. The trade-offs follow from the model. Ships are lively rather than quiet, and the fleet still includes ships from the late 1990s alongside the new Excel class, so the experience varies a good deal from ship to ship. The September 2026 switch from the VIFP Club to Carnival Rewards also changed how loyal guests are recognized: status now comes from spending, and some earlier perks, such as a free specialty dinner for new Diamond members, were replaced by point redemptions.

Who is Carnival Cruise Line best for?

Carnival suits families, groups of friends and first-time cruisers who want an affordable, sociable vacation with plenty to do, especially a short trip from a nearby US port. Families get supervised youth programs, Dr. Seuss-themed activities and water parks, and the Excel-class ships add roller coasters and themed zones. Travelers in Australia have ships sailing from Sydney and Brisbane. Those after a quiet ship, an adults-only atmosphere, more inclusive fares or long, port-intensive itineraries may be happier with a premium or luxury line; Carnival's Serenity adults-only retreats offer a break, but the overall tone is upbeat and busy.

Where does Carnival Cruise Line sail?

Carnival Cruise Line's ships in service sail Caribbean (18 ships), Bahamas (16 ships), Mexican Riviera (4 ships), Bermuda (4 ships), Panama Canal (4 ships), Australia and New Zealand (4 ships), South Pacific (4 ships), Alaska (3 ships), Hawaii (3 ships), Transatlantic (3 ships), Asia (3 ships), Mediterranean (2 ships), Canada and New England (2 ships), Northern Europe (1 ship) and South America (1 ship).

How is Carnival Cruise Line rated?

Carnival Cruise Line's fleet averages 3.7 out of 5 on Cruise Frog, across 29 rated ships. Its best-rated ship is Carnival Celebration at 4.0.

Does Carnival Cruise Line have new ships coming?

Yes: Carnival Cruise Line has 3 new ships on the way: Carnival Festivale (debuts May 2, 2027), Carnival Tropicale (debuts April 15, 2028) and Carnival Destiny (due 2029).

How many ships does Carnival Cruise Line have?

Carnival Cruise Line has 29 ships in service on Cruise Frog: Carnival Adventure, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Dream, Carnival Elation, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Firenze, and 21 more.

Who owns Carnival Cruise Line?

Carnival Cruise Line is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Where is Carnival Cruise Line based?

Carnival Cruise Line is headquartered in Doral, Florida, United States. It has operated since 1972.

What is Carnival Cruise Line's loyalty program called?

Carnival Cruise Line's past-guest loyalty program is Carnival Rewards.

What is the largest Carnival Cruise Line ship?

Carnival Celebration is Carnival Cruise Line's largest ship at 183,521 gross tons, carrying 5,374 guests.

Cruising with children

Carnival offers a clear starting point for families with school-age children: choose the ship, then match its youth program and sea-day attractions to your children’s ages.

Read the Carnival Cruise Line family guide →

News about Carnival Cruise Line and its ships

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