Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most recognizable brands in the cruise industry, known for its lively atmosphere, accessible pricing, and broad appeal to first-time and repeat cruisers alike.
But after sailing with Carnival Cruise Line eight times across ships built in vastly different eras, I’ve learned that not all Carnival cruises have the same experience.
While itinerary and price are often the biggest deciding factors, ship class plays an equally important role in shaping the overall quality of a Carnival cruise.
Across eight sailings, I’ve experienced Carnival ships that ranged from nostalgic and dated to modern and honestly impressive.
Over the years, I’ve sailed on the following ships:
- Carnival Destiny (2011)
- Carnival Fantasy (2016)
- Carnival Ecstasy (2022)
- Carnival Celebration (2022)
- Carnival Mardi Gras (2023)
- Carnival Jubilee (2024)
- Carnival Sunshine (2024)
- Carnival Valor (2024)
Taken together, these cruises illustrate how Carnival’s fleet evolution has reshaped the onboard experience, and why one ship class consistently performs better than the rest.
Carnival’s fleet spans multiple eras and the differences are noticeable
Carnival operates older cruise ships that date back to the 1990s, alongside brand-new, innovative vessels delivered within the last few years. When you look at Carnival’s expansive fleet, you’ll notice major differences across the board.
Everything from layout efficiency and crowd flow to dining variety, entertainment production value, and cabin comfort can be different from one ship class to the other.
After eight sailings, my experiences fall into three clear categories:
- The classic ships – Small, fun, but visibly dated
- The mid-era ships – Functional and reliable, though rarely memorable
- The Excel Class ships – modern, thoughtfully designed, and the best Carnival experience available today
Carnival’s oldest ships are fun, but extremely dated
I sailed aboard two of Carnival’s oldest ships in the Fantasy class, which have since retired from the fleet: Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Ecstasy.
I knew these were older ships, and even then, both felt dated. These vessels delivered the traditional Carnival energy with a lively, social, and casual atmosphere. But, it was hard to ignore the wear and tear was difficult to ignore.
Currently, only two ships from the Fantasy Class remain in service: Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise. The rest of the class has been retired, reflecting Carnival’s broader move away from this generation of ships.
These sailings reinforced a key point: Fantasy Class ships can still be enjoyable, but only under the right circumstances. They are best approached as budget-friendly options rather than full-feature cruise experiences.
Best suited for:
- Bargain-focused travelers who prioritize fare savings above amenities.
- Shorter itineraries where onboard time is limited and ship age is less noticeable.
- Cruisers who value classic Carnival energy and friendly service above design polish.
Less ideal for:
- Sailors comparing older ships directly with mid-era or Excel Class vessels.
- Anyone expecting modern cabins, contemporary design, or abundant dining variety.
- Guests sensitive to crowding in compact public spaces or older infrastructure.
Sunshine class needs another facelift
I sailed Carnival Destiny in 2011, then returned to the same cruise ship in 2024 after its transformation into Carnival Sunshine.
In fact, Carnival Sunshine underwent one of the most extensive overhauls in Carnival Cruise Line’s history. Originally launched as Carnival Destiny in 1996, the cruise ship made history as the first vessel over 100,000 gross tons.
As part of a major revitalization in 2013, Carnival nearly gutted the vessel for a complete overhaul, turning Carnival Destiny into Carnival Sunshine.
On paper, Carnival Sunshine’s extensive refurbishment suggested a refreshed experience. In reality, it highlighted the limitations of retrofitting a ship originally designed decades earlier.
My sailing on Carnival Sunshine was one of the most disappointing Carnival cruises I’ve taken. The stateroom was notably dated, and persistent maintenance issues made the experience even worse, including repeated bathroom flooding and sour smells. We were kept awake all night by the nearby elevator noise.
While Carnival Sunshine introduced new venues during its overhaul, the ship’s age remained evident in high-traffic areas, layout inefficiencies, and overall upkeep. The ship was rusty and worn, and this outweighed the value of the sailing.
Best suited for:
- Budget-focused cruisers wanting an affordable fare
- Guests who are flexible, realistic about ship age, and strategic with cabin selection
- Travelers more focused on itinerary than onboard experience
- Cruisers who appreciate Carnival’s classic, traditional ships
Less ideal for:
- Guests prioritizing cabin comfort and modern bathrooms
- Light sleepers or those sensitive to noise, odors, or maintenance issues
- Travelers expecting a “new-feeling” ship despite refurbishment
Conquest class is dependable, but unremarkable
Carnival Valor is a good example of what I would consider to be Carnival’s workhorse. It’s a mid-size vessel that is not designed to compete with the mega-ships. Instead, its meant to deliver a solid mainstream cruise at a reasonable price.
My experience onboard was largely positive. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, the food met expectations, and the ship delivered a straightforward cruise experience without major shortcomings.
This was also my first time purchasing Carnival’s drink package! With three days at sea, I loved being able to try many new cocktails across Carnival Valor’s different bars and lounges.
While the design feels dated in places and the entertainment lacks the scale of newer ships, Carnival Valor does what it sets out to do. For cruisers seeking an affordable, no-frills getaway, particularly on shorter itineraries, Carnival’s Conquest class remains a solid option.
Best suited for:
- Travelers who want reliable, classic Carnival cruising with consistent food, entertainment, and a familiar vibe.
- Budget-conscious cruisers looking for straightforward itineraries and solid cabins without latest-gen features.
- Itinerary-focused cruisers who plan to spend more time ashore than onboard
Less ideal for:
- Guests who feel older layouts and centralized dining areas can feel crowded during peak periods.
- Those hoping for modern design cues, expansive dining options, or innovative entertainment.
Excel class can’t be compared to the rest of Carnival’s fleet
I’ve sailed on Carnival’s newest and biggest vessels, including Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. After comparing my experience to other ship classes, it seems the experience isn’t even comparable.
In my honest opinion, Excel Class is the best ship class Carnival has ever introduced – and it’s not even close. My first Excel class cruise was aboard Carnival Celebration, and I couldn’t believe the ship was part of Carnival’s fleet! I was blown away by the chic design, modern amenities, and expansive selection of dining across the ship.
The Excel Class features a modern, thoughtful design with zone-based layouts. You can also find more dining options, higher-caliber entertainment, and contemporary cabins designed for today’s travelers.
These ships feel purpose-built for contemporary cruising, with fewer of the bottlenecks, layout inefficiencies, and comfort trade-offs that are more common on older vessels. For cruisers willing to spend a bit more, Excel Class ships offer the best Carnival experience at sea.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of why I’d argue Carnival’s Excel class ships are the best.
More intuitive layout and crowd flow
Despite their size, Excel Class ships feel easier to navigate than many older vessels. I didn’t find myself confused by the deck plans! Distinct zones reduce congestion and make public spaces feel purposeful rather than overwhelming.
Diverse dining options
While Carnival staples appear across the fleet, Excel Class ships offer broader included dining options and better distribution of venues. The result is less crowding and a more elevated feel without sacrificing Carnival’s casual style. I’d argue that Carnival’s Excel class ships have some of the best complimentary dining options in the entire cruise industry!
Elevated entertainment
Entertainment is where the Excel Class truly separates itself. Production quality, venue variety, and use of technology noticeably exceed what’s available on older ships, creating evenings that feel more dynamic and memorable. If you’re someone who loves cruise ship entertainment, this is the best class for you!
Larger size with more amenities
At more than 180,000 gross tons, Excel Class ships rank among the largest in Carnival’s fleet. With their expanded footprint, the cruise line is able to incorporate significantly more usable space for modern amenities, including a wider variety of dining venues, larger entertainment spaces, themed bars, and distinct themed zones.
The additional square footage also allows for better separation of high-traffic areas, helping to reduce congestion during peak times and creating a more balanced onboard experience, especially on sea days when crowding can be most noticeable.
More onboard attractions and thrills
Excel Class ships feature a broader range of onboard attractions than most of Carnival’s older vessels, made possible by their larger deck space. Signature thrills like the BOLT roller coaster are complemented by waterparks, ropes courses, sports courts, and multiple activity zones.
My verdict: Carnival’s Excel class is the best ship class
After sailing on multiple Carnival cruises across the entire fleet, there’s no comparison for me: Carnival’s Excel class ships are the best. In my experience, the older vessels feel worn down and lack proper upkeep. The older vessels can be charming and intimate, but the traditional experience isn’t the best fit for me.
That doesn’t mean Carnival’s older vessels lack value. For the right traveler and the right price, they can still offer an enjoyable cruise. But when time and money are on the line, Excel Class provides the best balance of design, dining, entertainment, and comfort in Carnival’s fleet today.
If I were advising a first-time Carnival cruiser, or a loyal guest deciding where to splurge, I would recommend choosing an Excel class ship whenever possible. As the biggest and most modern cruise ship in Carnival’s fleet, Excel class ships perfectly exemplify Carnival’s fun-focused reputation.
