Carnival Cruise Line operates one of the largest fleets in the cruise industry, offering everything from massive, feature-packed ships to smaller, more intimate vessels.
Whether you’re curious about the cruise line’s newest high-tech ships or its longest-serving classics, this guide ranks every Carnival cruise ship by age in service from newest to oldest as of 2026.
Knowing a ship’s age can help you decide which one is right for your vacation. Newer ships often have the latest attractions, while older ships can offer a more relaxed, budget-friendly experience.
| Ship name | Year |
|---|---|
| Carnival Jubilee | 2023 |
| Carnival Celebration | 2022 |
| Mardi Gras | 2021 |
| Carnival Firenze | 2020 |
| Carnival Panorama | 2019 |
| Carnival Venezia | 2019 |
| Carnival Horizon | 2018 |
| Carnival Vista | 2016 |
| Carnival Breeze | 2012 |
| Carnival Magic | 2011 |
| Carnival Dream | 2009 |
| Carnival Luminosa | 2009 |
| Carnival Splendor | 2008 |
| Carnival Freedom | 2007 |
| Carnival Liberty | 2005 |
| Carnival Valor | 2004 |
| Carnival Miracle | 2004 |
| Carnival Glory | 2003 |
| Carnival Conquest | 2002 |
| Carnival Legend | 2002 |
| Carnival Pride | 2002 |
| Carnival Encounter | 2002 |
| Carnival Adventure | 2001 |
| Carnival Spirit | 2001 |
| Carnival Radiance | 2000 |
| Carnival Sunrise | 1999 |
| Carnival Paradise | 1998 |
| Carnival Elation | 1998 |
| Carnival Sunshine | 1996 |
Coming soon: Carnival Festivale (2027) and Carnival Tropicale (2028)
- Class: Excel Class
- Gross Tonnage: ~180,000 GT
- Homeport: Port Canaveral, FL (Festivale) and TBD (Tropicale)
- The newest Excel-class ships will feature Sunsation Point, replacing the BOLT rollercoaster. More details will be released soon!
Carnival Jubilee: 2023
- Class: Excel Class
- Gross Tonnage: 183,521 GT
- Homeport: Galveston, TX
- Jubilee is the third in the Excel Class. It’s packed with features like the BOLT roller coaster, an expanded water park, and unique themed zones. Jubilee brings a Texas flair to Carnival’s largest ship design.
Carnival Celebration: 2022
- Class: Excel Class
- Gross Tonnage: 183,521 GT
- Homeport: Miami, FL
- Celebration is Carnival’s second Excel-class ship and one of the largest in the fleet. Powered by LNG for cleaner cruising, it features six themed zones, more than 20 dining venues, and nostalgic nods to Carnival’s 50 years of cruising.
Mardi Gras: 2021
- Class: Excel Class
- Gross Tonnage: 180,800 GT
- Homeport: Port Canaveral, FL
- Mardi Gras is the first ship in Carnival’s Excel class. It’s powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it one of the most environmentally friendly ships in North America. She has six themed zones and BOLT. With innovative dining, expansive entertainment, and modern staterooms, Mardi Gras redefined the Carnival cruise experience.
Carnival Firenze: 2020
- Originally: Costa Firenze
- Launched with Carnival: 2024
- Class: Venice Class
- Gross Tonnage: 135,156 GT
- Homeport: Long Beach, CA
- Firenze brings Italian flair to Carnival’s lineup, with Mediterranean-inspired dining, stylish décor, and Carnival’s signature fun. It offers year-round Mexican Riviera itineraries that combine Carnival’s playful atmosphere with Italian touches throughout the ship.
Carnival Panorama: 2019
- Class: Vista Class
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500 GT
- Homeport: Long Beach, CA
- This is the third and final ship in Carnival’s Vista Class. It boasts a variety of onboard attractions, such as the Sky Zone trampoline park, SkyRide suspended cycling course, and a WaterWorks aqua park. Guests can also enjoy the Cloud 9 Spa, SportsSquare recreation area, and Havana-themed accommodations.
Carnival Venezia: 2019
- Originally: Costa Venezia
- Launched with Carnival: 2023
- Class: Venice Class
- Gross Tonnage: 135,156 GT
- Homeport: New York City, NY and Port Canaveral, FL
- Venezia brings Venetian-inspired décor, piazza-style dining, and elegant lounges. Guests can enjoy Italian-themed restaurants and bars, along with classic Carnival favorites like Camp Ocean, a water park, SportSquare, and Playlist Productions. Terrazza staterooms with exclusive lounge access blends Italian elegance with Carnival’s signature fun.
Carnival Horizon: 2018
- Class: Vista Class
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500 GT
- Homeport: Miami, FL
- Carnival Horizon offers a blend of innovative features and classic Carnival fun. The ship boasts an IMAX theater at sea, the SkyRide aerial cycling course, and a dedicated Havana area with its own pool and bar. Dining options include Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Sushi, and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
Carnival Vista: 2016
- Class: Vista Class
- Gross Tonnage: 133,500 GT
- Homeport: Port Canaveral, FL
- Carnival Vista offers a variety of onboard attractions, including the first IMAX theater at sea, a SkyRide aerial cycling course, and a ropes course. Dining options feature Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Sushi, and the BlueIguana Cantina. The ship also boasts a Havana Bar & Pool area, a WaterWorks aqua park, and a Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.
Carnival Breeze: 2012
- Class: Dream Class
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000 GT
- Homeport: Galveston, TX
- With a tropical-themed design, she features popular Carnival attractions like the WaterWorks aqua park, SkyCourse ropes course, and casual favorites such as Guy’s Burger Joint.
Carnival Magic: 2011
- Class: Dream Class
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000 GT
- Homeport: Miami, FL
- Known for introducing the first SkyCourse ropes course at sea, Magic also features the WaterWorks aqua park, RedFrog Pub, and a wide variety of dining options.
Carnival Luminosa: 2009
- Originally: Costa Luminosa
- Launched with Carnival: 2022
- Class: Spirit Class
- Gross Tonnage: 92,720 GT
- Homeport: Sydney, Australia; Brisbane, Australia; Singapore; San Francisco, CA
- Carnival Luminosa offers a unique design blending features of the Spirit- and Vista-class, with spacious lounges, multiple dining venues, a Cloud 9 Spa, and Carnival favorites like Playlist Productions and Punchliner Comedy Club. It carries just over 2,200 guests, making it a more intimate option compared to Carnival’s larger ships.
Carnival Dream: 2009
- Class: Dream Class
- Gross Tonnage: 130,000 GT
- Homeport: Galveston, TX; Barcelona, Spain; and New Orleans, LA
- Carnival Dream was the first in her class, introducing larger outdoor spaces, expanded family accommodations, and popular features like the WaterWorks aqua park and Serenity retreat.
Carnival Splendor: 2008
- Class: Splendor Class
- Gross Tonnage: 113,300 GT
- Homeport: Sydney, Australia
- Known for her colorful interior design, Carnival Splendor features Carnival favorites like WaterWorks, Serenity adults-only retreat, and a wide variety of dining options.
Carnival Freedom: 2007
- Class: Conquest Class
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
- Homeport: Port Canaveral, FL and Barcelona, Spain
- She offers a mix of classic Carnival favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, the Punchliner Comedy Club, WaterWorks aqua park, and the Serenity retreat.
Carnival Liberty: 2005
- Class: Conquest Class
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
- Homeport: New Orleans, LA
- She was the first cruise ship to debut the Seaside Theater, Carnival’s giant outdoor movie screen. Today, Liberty features popular favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, WaterWorks, and the Serenity adults-only retreat.
Carnival Valor: 2004
- Class: Conquest Class
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
- Homeport: New Orleans, LA
- Featuring an American patriotism theme, she offers Carnival favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, WaterWorks, and the Serenity adults-only retreat.
Carnival Miracle: 2004
- Class: Spirit Class
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500 GT
- Homeport: Rome Italy; Tampa, FL; Seattle, WA; Galveston, TX
- Known for her “miraculous” themed décor, she features Carnival favorites like the Punchliner Comedy Club, Serenity retreat, and WaterWorks. Smaller than newer ships, Miracle offers a more intimate cruising experience.
Carnival Glory: 2003
- Class: Conquest Class
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
- Homeport: Port Canaveral, FL and Barcelona, Spain
- Glory is known for her colorful interiors, family-friendly activities, multiple dining options, WaterWorks aqua park, and Carnival’s signature fun atmosphere.
Carnival Encounter: 2002
- Originally: Star Princess (2002) and Pacific Encounter (2021)
- Launched with Carnival: 2025
- Class: Adventure Class
- Gross Tonnage: 108,865
- Homeport: Brisbane, Australia and Singapore
- Carnival Encounter offers a dynamic onboard experience featuring multiple pools and waterslides, the adventurous Edge Adventure Park, the adults-only Oasis Retreat, the exclusive Byron Beach Club, a day spa, and diverse dining options including Luke’s, Angelo’s, and Dragon Lady, accompanied by live entertainment and deck parties.
Carnival Conquest: 2002
- Class: Conquest Class
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
- Homeport: Miami, FL
- Known for its vibrant French Impressionist–inspired décor, the ship features Carnival favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, WaterWorks, and the Serenity adults-only retreat.
Carnival Legend: 2002
- Class: Spirit Class
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500 GT
- Homeport: San Francisco, CA; Galveston, TX; Miami, FL; Dover (London) England; Civitavecchia (Rome) Italy; Tampa, FL; Seattle, WA
- Legend is designed for longer itineraries and unique destinations, including Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. The ship is known for its themed interiors inspired by legends and folklore, along with plenty of Carnival favorites like the WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity retreat, and a wide variety of dining venues.
Carnival Pride: 2002
- Class: Spirit Class
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500 GT
- Homeport: Baltimore, MD
- With décor inspired by Renaissance art, she offers a more intimate cruising experience while still featuring Carnival favorites like WaterWorks, Guy’s Burger Joint, and the Serenity adults-only retreat.
Carnival Adventure: 2001
- Originally: Golden Princess (2001) and Pacific Adventure (2021)
- Launched with Carnival: 2025
- Class: Adventure Class
- Gross Tonnage: 108,865 GT
- Homeport: Sydney (White Bay), Australia; Sydney, Australia; Singapore; and Melbourne, Australia
- Featuring 13 decks packed with waterslides, four pools, the thrilling Edge Adventure Park, with zip-lining, rock-climbing, and abseiling. Lounges like Luke’s Bar & Grill, kids’ clubs, a day spa, and more. It’s designed for families, couples, and friends seeking action and relaxation.
Carnival Spirit: 2001
- Class: Spirit Class
- Gross Tonnage: 88,500 GT
- Homeport: Seattle, WA and Mobile, AL
- Designed with a slimmer build, she can sail through the Panama Canal and reach unique destinations. Spirit is a favorite for Alaska and Australia cruises, with more outdoor space per passenger than many newer ships.
Carnival Radiance: 2000
- Originally: Carnival Victory
- Launched as Carnival Radiance: 2021
- Class: Sunshine Class
- Gross Tonnage: 101,509 GT
- Homeport: Long Beach, CA
- After a massive $200 million transformation of Carnival Victory, the Radiance features upgraded dining and redesigned staterooms. It offers a variety of dining options, including Guy’s Burger Joint and Bonsai Sushi. Family-friendly programs like Camp Ocean, exciting activities such as a ropes course and WaterWorks aqua park, and entertainment including live shows and movies under the stars.
Carnival Sunrise: 1999
- Originally: Carnival Triumph
- Launched as Carnival Sunrise: 2019
- Class: Sunshine Class
- Gross Tonnage: 101,509 GT
- Homeport: Miami, FL
- After a $200 million transformation, this ship offers a wide range of dining options, family programs like Camp Ocean, WaterWorks aqua park, ropes course, live entertainment, and adults-only retreats such as Serenity and Cloud 9 Spa.
Carnival Paradise: 1998
- Class: Fantasy Class
- Gross Tonnage: 71,925 GT
- Homeport: Tampa, FL
- As one of Carnival’s smaller and older vessels, she offers a more intimate cruising experience while still featuring favorites like the Serenity adults-only retreat, WaterWorks, and lively entertainment.
Carnival Elation: 1998
- Class: Fantasy Class
- Gross Tonnage: 71,909 GT
- Homeport: Jacksonville, FL
- Known for its smaller, more personal atmosphere, Elation features popular Carnival staples like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, WaterWorks aqua park, and the Serenity adults-only retreat.
Carnival Sunshine: 1996
- Originally: Carnival Destiny
- Launched as Carnival Sunshine: 2013
- Class: Sunshine Class
- Gross Tonnage: 102,853 GT
- Homeport: Norfolk, VA
- After a $155 million transformation of Carnival Destiny, Sunshine offers a blend of classic charm and modern upgrades. The ship boasts a variety of onboard attractions, such as the WaterWorks aqua park with the Speedway Splash slide and SportSquare recreation area. She features a wide variety of dining options, including Carnival’s favorite Guy’s Burger Joint, among others.
Carnival cruise ships by age: Choosing the best ship for your vacation
Carnival’s fleet offers something for every traveler, from massive LNG-powered ships like Carnival Jubilee to smaller, traditional ships like Carnival Spirit.
- Newer ships: Offer cutting-edge attractions, diverse dining, and modern staterooms. Best for travelers wanting the latest and greatest.
- Mid-age ships: Balance size, amenities, and value, with frequent refurbishments to keep them fresh.
- Older ships: Provide a more intimate, traditional cruising experience, often with unique itineraries and fewer crowds.
Whether you want the thrill of new attractions or the charm of a cozier ship, this guide to Carnival cruise ships by age can help you choose the perfect vessel for your next vacation.
