Carnival Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest (1996 – 2028)
The very first Carnival cruise ship was the Mardi Gras. The ship started sailing for Carnival in 1972, and the “Fun Ships” have kept coming ever since! Mardi Gras was 27,200 gross tons, a huge difference from the new 183,521 gross ton Excel-class vessels we see today.
As of December 4, 2023, the newest new-build ship in the fleet is the Carnival Jubilee, the third Excel-class vessel in the fleet. The vessel took over from sister ship Carnival Celebration, which joined the fleet at the end of 2022. The oldest is Carnival Sunshine, which originally entered service in 1996 as Carnival Destiny.
Let’s take a look at the list of Carnival ships, starting from the newest to the oldest:
In This Article…
Carnival Tropicale – Coming 2028Carnival Festivale – Coming 2027Carnival Jubilee – 2023Carnival Celebration – 2022Mardi Gras – 2021Carnival Firenze – 2020Carnival Panorama – 2019Carnival Venezia – 2019Carnival Horizon – 2018Carnival Vista – 2016Carnival Breeze – 2012Carnival Magic – 2011Carnival Dream – 2009Carnival Luminosa – 2009Carnival Splendor – 2008Carnival Freedom – 2007Carnival Liberty – 2005Carnival Valor – 2004Carnival Miracle – 2004Carnival Glory – 2003Carnival Conquest – 2002Carnival Legend – 2002Carnival Pride – 2002Carnival Encounter – 2002Carnival Adventure – 2001Carnival Spirit – 2001Carnival Radiance – 2000Carnival Sunrise – 1999Carnival Paradise – 1998Carnival Elation – 1998Carnival Sunshine – 1996Former Carnival Cruise Ships
Carnival Tropicale – Coming 2028
The fifth Excel-class vessel will be Carnival Tropicale and will arrive in the spring of 2088, just a year after sister ship Carnival Festivale. This vessel will also have the new Sunsation Piiont that will replace the BOLT roller coaster seen on earlier ships in the same class.
To Enter Service: Spring 2028
Gross Tonnage: Over 180,000
Passenger Capacity: TBD
Crew Capacity: TBD
Carnival Festivale – Coming 2027
Carnival made a huge announcement in April 2025 that Carnival Tropicale would be the fourth Excel-class vessel, and it would enter service in the Spring of 2027.
The ship will not feature the BOLT roller coaster and instead will have Sunsation Point, a family-filled zone with slides and more on deck 18. Carnival Tropicale will sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida.
To Enter Service: Spring 2027
Gross Tonnage: Over 180,000
Passenger Capacity: TBD
Crew Capacity: TBD
Carnival Jubilee – 2023
Carnival Jubilee is the third Excel-class cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line and will be fully powered by liquid natural gas (LNG). The ship is 183,521 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 5,374, along with 1,735 crew members.
The ship that takes its name from the original Holiday-class Jubilee will homeport from Galveston, Texas, and sail seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries. Carnival Jubilee was delivered to the cruise line on December 4 during an event in Bremerhaven, Germany. The vessel was constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Carnival Celebration – 2022
Carnival Celebration is the second Excel-class vessel and sister ship to Mardi Gras. The ship is also LNG-powered and entered service in November 2022. The Carnival Celebration arrived during a year of Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday festivities and was christened in Miami, Florida.
The vessel has 183,521 gross tons and a guest capacity of 5,372 at double occupancy, along with 1,735 crew members. Carnival Celebration is based in Miami, Florida, and also takes the name of a previous Carnival cruise ship, Celebration, that was part of the holiday class.
Mardi Gras – 2021
Mardi Gras has taken Carnival Cruise Line into a new era of cruising as a new Excel-class cruise ship and fully powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Following the global pandemic and multiple delays, Mardi Gras finally began sailing on July 31, 2021, from Port Canaveral in Florida.
The Carnival cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 180,800 and a guest capacity of 5,282 at double occupancy. She features the first roller coaster at sea named BOLT and features new venues not seen on other older vessels. Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jimenez is the ship’s godmother.
Carnival Firenze – 2020
Even though the Carnival Firenze originally entered service for sister line Costa Cruises in 2021, she has been completely transformed into the new Carnival Firenze for Carnival Cruise Line, with new added features and even a new naming ceremony. She’s the newest addition to the Carnival fleet and becomes the 27th ship.
Carnival Cruise Line officially took control of the ship from Costa at the shipyard in Cadiz, Spain in February 2024. She’s the second “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship, following in the footsteps of sister Carnival Venezia.
Carnival Firenze has 135,156 gross tons and a passenger capacity of 4,126 at double occupancy, along with 1,424 crew members. The inaugural sailing was on April 24, 2024. however, the ship originally entered service for Costa Cruises in 2020.
Carnival Panorama – 2019
Carnival Panorama is the final Vista-class class cruise ship and was built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. She entered service in 2019 with her inaugural voyage in December of that year. Carnival Panorama is currently the fleet’s only ship with a Sky Zone, Trampoline Park.
The Carnival cruise ship has 133,500 gross tons and a guest capacity of 4,008 at double occupancy, slightly more than her sister ships, Carnival Vista and Horizon. The vessel also has a crew capacity of 1,450.
Carnival Venezia – 2019
You could call the Carnival Venezia half new, as she was transferred from sister brand Costa Cruises in 2023 and sailed her inaugural voyage as part of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet on May 29, 2023. The ship underwent a huge multi-million-dollar transformation in Cadiz, Spain, but still kept with her Italian traditional decor.
Carnival Venezia is 135,225 gross tons and has a guest capacity of 4,090 at double occupancy and across 2,045 staterooms. There are 15 passenger decks and a capacity of 1,424 crew members. The ship originally entered service for Costa Cruises in 2019.
Carnival Horizon – 2018
Carnival Horizon is the second Vista-class ship in the fleet and became the second Carnival ship to restart operations in 2021 following the industry-wide pause due to the pandemic. The ship follows in the footsteps of sister ship Carnival Vista but with the addition of a Seuss at Sea waterpark.
The vessel is 133,500 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of 3,960 at double occupancy, slightly less than the sister ship Carnival Panorama. There are also 1,450 international crew members.
Carnival Vista – 2016
She is the first Vista-class cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line and was the first new-class vessel since Carnival Dream in 2009. There was huge anticipation for the Carnival Vista because of its features and design. She entered service in 2016 and was named by her godmother, Miss USA, Deshauna Barber.
The ship, which was constructed by Fincantieri is 133,500 gross tons with a passenger capacity of 3,934 at double occupancy and 1,450 international crew members.
Carnival Breeze – 2012
The vessel is the third Dream-class cruise ship that entered service in 2012. Tracy Wilson Mourning, founder of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program became the ship’s godmother after construction was completed by Fincantieri in Italy.
Carnival Breeze is 130,000 gross tons, which is just slightly smaller than the newer Vista-class vessels. The ship also has a guest capacity of 3,690 at double occupancy, along with 1,386 crew members.
Carnival Magic – 2011
Carnival Magic is the second ship in the Dream-class and is identical to her sister ships in the same class. The ship was the first in the fleet to receive the cruise line’s new red, white, and blue livery during a dry dock that took place in May 2021.
The Carnival cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 130,000, a guest capacity of 3,690 at double occupancy, and a crew capacity of 1,367. There are also 14 passenger decks.
Carnival Dream – 2009
She is the first in the Dream class for Carnival Cruise Line and is known for having a very red interior in some public spaces. Marcia Gay Harden, Tony Award and Academy Award-winning actress, was the lucky godmother to the cruise line’s most advanced cruise ship at the time.
Carnival Dream has a gross tonnage of 130,000 and a guest capacity of 3,646 at double occupancy, slightly less than her sister ships. There is also a capacity of 1,367 international crew members. The ship was also the second in the fleet to receive the new Carnival-colored inspired livery during a dry dock in 2021.
Carnival Luminosa – 2009
The Carnival Luminosa was formerly known as Costa Luminosa before she transferred from the sister brand Costa Cruises in 2022. The Spirit-class vessel began sailing following a dry dock to receive her new Carnival colors in September 2022. The new addition to the fleet departed on her first guest sailing in November 2022 from Brisbane in, Australia.
Following her inaugural season out of Brisbane (the first under Carnival Cruise Line), the ship is operating Itineraries out of Seattle to Alaska. The vessel is 92,720 gross tons, has a passenger capacity of 2,826, and a crew capacity of 926.
Carnival Splendor – 2008
You might be wondering why Carnival Splendor is the only ship of its class in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. The ship was originally ordered by sister line Costa Cruises as a Concordia-class vessel. The ship was transferred to operate for Carnival during her construction in 2008 in Genoa, Italy.
Carnival Splendor is 113,300, just slightly larger than the Conquest-class vessels. She has a guest capacity of 3,012 and 1,150 international crew members.
Carnival Freedom – 2007
Carnival Freedom is the final ship in the popular Conquest-class, ending an era of ship class and design for the cruise line. The ship entered service in 2007 and cost $500 million to construct.
The Carnival cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 110,000, a passenger capacity of 2,980 at double occupancy, and 1,150 international crew members.
Carnival Liberty – 2005
Carnival Liberty is another Conquest-class vessel that entered service in 2005. She was the first ship in the fleet to receive all the FUN 2.0 enhancements in 2011, including popular venues Guy’s Burger Joint and the Alchemy Bar.
The cruise ship continues with the same stats as her sister ships at 110,000 gross tons, a guest capacity of 2,974, and 1,160 international crew members. Mira Sorvino, an Oscar-winning Italian-American Actress, is the godmother to Carnival Liberty.
Carnival Valor – 2004
Carnival Valor has always remained a good choice for a cruise vacation ever since her inaugural cruise in December 2004 as the fourth Conquest-class cruise ship. The ship’s godmother is Katie Couric, Co-host of NBC News’ “Today.”
The ship is 110,000 gross tons with a passenger capacity of 2,980, along with 1,180 international crew members. There are 13 passenger decks at a length of 952 feet.
Carnival Miracle – 2004
Carnival Miracle is the latest ship in the Spirit class from Carnival Cruise Line. The vessel was constructed in Helsinki, Finland and was completed in 2004.
The Carnival vessel is 88,500 gross tons and has a guest capacity of 2,124 at double occuapncy. The ship has 930 international crew members. Due to the design of this class ship, she is popular on cruises in Alaska and can transit the Panama Canal.
Carnival Glory – 2003
The Carnival Glory is the second ship built in the hugely popular Conquest-class. She was constructed by Fincantieri in Italy and cost $500 million.
The ship is 110,000 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of 2,980 at double occupancy. Carnival Glory can also carry 1,150 crew members. The vessel’s inaugoral voyage was on July 14, 2003.
Carnival Conquest – 2002
The Carnival Conquest was a huge milestone for Carnival Cruise Line as she was the first in the popular Conquest-class, which consists of five vessels. She took the cruise line into a new era of ship design and passenger capacity.
Carnival Conquest is the first 110,000 gross tons cruise ship in the fleet, with a guest capacity of 2,980 at double occupancy and 1,150 crew members. There are 13 passenger decks and the vessel debuted in November 2002.
Carnival Legend – 2002
Carnival Legend is the third Spirit-class ship for the cruise line and was constructed at the then-named Kvaerner-Masa yards in Helsinki, Finland. The ship’s inaugural voyage departed on April 29, 2001.
Carnival Legend is 88,500 gross tons and has a guest capacity of 2,124, along with 930 crew members. There are 12 passenger decks and she cost the cruise line $375 million.
Carnival Pride – 2002
Carnival Pride is the second ship in the Spirit-class and was once the Carnival flagship when she made her debut in January 2002. The ship is 88,500 gross tons, the perfect size and design to transit the Panama Canal and sail in harsher continents.
The vessel has a guest capacity of 2,124 at double occupancy, along with 930 international crew members. She cost $375 million and built in Helsinki, Finland.
Carnival Encounter – 2002
Even though Carnival Encounter is not a new cruise ship, it only joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet after a brief upgrade in March 2025. the ship originally entered service for Princess Cruises in 2002 and then was traferedd to sister line P&O Australia in 2021. the ship was constructed at Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Entered Service: 2002
Gross Tonnage: 108,856
Passenger Capacity: 2,600
Crew Capacity: 1,100
Carnival Adventure – 2001
Just like Carnival Encounter, Carnival Adventure was also tranferred to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in March 2025, following the closing down of the P&O Australia brand. The vessel also first enetered service for Princess Cruises in 2001 after being construted at the Fincantieri shipyard on Monfalcone.
Entered Service: 2001
Gross Tonnage: 108,856
Passenger Capacity: 2,636
Crew Capacity: 1,100
Carnival Spirit – 2001
Carnival Spirit was the very first ship built in the popular Spirit-class and was a totally new design for the cruise line. This class allows guest sailings in other regions such as Panama, Alaska and even Northern Europe. The Carnival Spirit has also been mainly based in Australia in recent years.
The Carnival cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 88,500 and a guest capacity of 2,124 at double occupancy, along with 930 crew members. She cost $375 million to construct at the then-named Kvaerner-Masa yards in Helsinki, Finland.
Carnival Radiance – 2000
Carnival Radiance was previously named Carnival Victory, but during a major transformation in Cadiz, Spain in 2021, the ship became completely new. The new-look vessel is part of the Sunshine class and from December 13, 2021, is sailing from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in California.
The ship’s godmother is Dr. Lucille O’Neal, mother of Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. The huge transformation cost Carnival $200 million and the ship is now 101,509 gross tons with a guest capacity of 2,984 at double occupancy and 1,108 crew members.
Carnival Sunrise – 1999
The Carnival cruise ship underwent a huge $200 million transformation and is now part of the Sunshine class, which also includes Carnival Radiance and Carnival Sunshine. The vessel was previously known as Carnival Triumph, which originally entered service in 1999.
Carnival Sunrise is a completely new cruise ship that departed on its inaugural voyage in April 2019. The vessel is 101,509 gross tons with a guest capacity of 2,984 at double occupancy and 1,108 crew members.
Carnival Paradise – 1998
The Carnival Paradise became just one of the two last Fantasy-class ships after Carnival Ecstasy left the fleet in the fall of 2022. Carnival Paradise will keep offering fun-filled cruise vacations at 71,925 gross tons and a guest capacity of 2,124.
The Fantasy-class cruise ship cost $300 million to construct in Helsinki, Finland and began guest operations in December 1998. There are 11 passenger decks and a crew capacity of 920.
Carnival Elation – 1998
When Carnival Ecstasy departed the fleet in October 2022, Carnival Elation became the oldest ship in the fleet. She is 71,909 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of 2,190 at double occupancy.
The ship was also constructed in Finland at the cost of 315 million. She departed on her inaugural voyage in March 1998 and has undergone 10 dry docks, with the latest adding the ship’s new red, white, and blue livery.
Carnival Sunshine – 1996
The Carnival ship became the first in the new Sunshine class after completing a major bow-to-stern transformation in November 2013. The vessel has become completely new after previously being named Carnival Destiny, which originally entered service in 1996.
Carnival Sunshine, which also dons the red, white, and blue livery, is 102,853 gross tons, slightly larger than her sister ships Carnival Radiance and Carnival Sunrise. The ship also has a guest capacity of 3,002 and 1,040 crew members.
Former Carnival Cruise Ships
Carnival Cruise Line goes beyond the older Fantasy-class vessels such as the Holiday-class. The very first was Mardi Gras which we already mentioned further up, and began sailing for the cruise line in 1972. Then came Carnivale, which is, in fact, the oldest built ship. She didn’t start sailing for Carnival Cruise Line until 1975.
Also Read: The Former Carnival Cruise Ships, Where Are They Now?
Festivale was built in 1962 but joined the fleet in 1977. Tropical was the first new cruise ship built for Carnival Cruise Line in 1982. The new Holiday-class vessel also built for the cruise line helped grow the Fun ship fleet with Holiday arriving in 1985, Jubilee in 1986, and Celebration in 1987.
Here’s the list of the former ships which have either been sold to other operators or scrapped:
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
We look forward to the future Carnival cruise ships with the new era of LNG-powered ships entering service. These new generation ships will grow Carnival even further, bringing new features and innovation to the cruise vacation experience.