Carnival Ships by Class — Size & Features [2025]

The first of Carnival’s Dream Class was launched in 2009. The original Dream ship was designed similar to the Conquest class of ships with a few notable exceptions.

Most obvious was the massive, outdoor promenade on deck five. The venue featured outside cafes, a waterpark and jacuzzis lining the edge of the promenade. Dream Class ships were also the first to feature the Sky Course Ropes Course and the amazon 4D Theater.

When initially launched, the Dream Class was Carnival’s largest of the lot. This held true until the Vista Class came along.

The three ships in the Dream Class are similar, but the Magic and Dream are more identical to each other than the Dream. You’ll notice in our chart that there are some differences in features. The Magic and Breeze offer the ropes course, whereas the Breeze does not. The Breeze, however, does include the 4D theater not seen on the other two ships.

Carnival’s XL Class is the newest and most exciting addition. The first of the two planned ships was launched in 2021. The Mardi Gras is now the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet at 184k gross tons.

It’s common to mistake the XL Class name for a nod to its massive size. But, XL does NOT necessarily stand for “extra large.” This class of ships is actually a sub-class under Carnival Corporation’s Excellence Class of ships including some Costa, P&O and AIDA ships.

The XL class will be fueled by standard gas as well as liquid natural gas (LNG)! This allows for more environmental sustainability. The complexity has also led to the ship’s delay.

FUN FACT: Both planned ships in the XL class had a predecessor. The original Carnival Mardi Gras was launched in 1972. The original Carnival Celebration had a maiden voyage in 1987!

The first of Carnival’s Conquest Class was launched in 2002. The original Conquest ship was designed similar to the Destiny (now "Sunshine") class of ships.

All ships among this class underwent significant renovations in the years spanning 2016 through 2019. The most notable change was a "lengthening" of each ship by roughly 60 feet! Most features were expanded and a new dining venue was added above the Lido deck. The number of passenger cabins was also increased.

Among the five ships in the Conquest Class, each have similar common areas. Yet, the decor varies among these and is consistent with the ships names.

One distinguishing characteristic of the Conquest Class is the patriotic theme you’ll find on each. This was influenced by the ships timing, having launched shortly after 9/11.

The Fantasy Class is one of Carnival’s more mature family of vessels. The original Fantasy ship was introduced in 1990 and has had seven siblings added down the line.

It’s unsure whether Carnival planned to thin down the Fantasy Class, but that’s certainly been the case during 2020. The lock down has led to CCL retiring three Fantasy ships (Fantasy, Imagination & Inspiration). Additionally, the Fascination is in long term lay-up mode and has an unknown return date.

If we’re being honest, the Fantasy Class of ships aren’t the company’s "show ponies". They’re older, smaller, and have less bells & whistles. That’s why you can typically find great cruise deals on this class of ships. It’s not uncommon to find cruises cheaper than $40 per day!

The Fantasy Class tends to sail short runs of less than five days. These are popular with repeat visitors and last-minute cruisers.

When the Vista was first launched in 2016, it took the crown for largest Carnival Ship. Her reign continued for a few years until her sister trumped her in 2019. The Horizon is just slightly larger. The Panorama will soon launch as the Vista’s newest ship and take the torch for largest.

Vista class ships boasted more than size. Amazon new ship features were introduced. Some of the more notable include the IMAX Theater at Sea, Family Harbor, Dr Seuss at Sea and cabins with recreational space.

While the three ships are fairly consistent, there’s one big change to note. The Panorama chose not to include the IMAX theater in exchange for their SkyZone Trampoline Park!

You’ll find a wide variety of itineraries (length and destination) on these three ships.

The Spirit Class of Carnival ships includes four, active vessels. The first of which introduced in 2001 is, not surprisingly, the Carnival Spirit. She was followed by the Pride, Legend and Miracle.

Carnival’s sister brand, Costa Cruise Line, also has some Spirit Class ships. The Atlantica and Mediterranea are among the Spirit Class and similarly built.

In terms of size, the Fantasy Class of ships is smaller than the Triumph Class and larger than the Fantasy Class. Each ships holds just over 2k passengers.

You’ll find longer itineraries on Spirt Class ships. Typically 6-10 days and often longer.

FUN FACT: the Spirit Class of ships was built with a specific structure necessary to pass through the Panama Canal. Each gets the green light when it comes to "Panamax form factor."