What Is the Best Carnival Cruise Ship? – Our Top 10 Picks

Are you looking for a great cruise that will give you the best value for your dollar? If you are, Carnival Cruise is one of the best options, if not the best.

Recent statistics revealed that in 2018, Carnival Cruise Lines had carried approximately 12.4 million passengers. [1] This cruise liner has the most budget-friendly accommodations in the industry, yet they offer many high-quality and memorable features and amenities.

Carnival Cruise operates 28 liners, and other ships are being planned for the near future. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down which is the best Carnival Cruise Ship. In this article, we’ll make your choice easier by listing our top 10 picks.

What Is the Best Carnival Cruise Ship? – Our Top 10 Picks

  1. Carnival Sunrise (Our Top Pick – Best Overall Carnival Cruise)
  2. Carnival Horizon
  3. Carnival Conquest
  4. Carnival Legend
  5. Carnival Miracle
  6. Carnival Glory
  7. Carnival Dream
  8. Carnival Vista
  9. Carnival Pride
  10. Carnival Inspiration

Read on to learn more about our top picks for the best Carnival Cruise Ship, as well as the features and specs of each.

The Best Carnival Cruise Ships – Our Top 10 Picks

1. Carnival Sunrise

carnival sunrise cruise ship
Carnival Sunrise Cruise Ship

Our top pick among the ten best Carnival Cruise ships is the Carnival Sunrise. The original name of this ship is Carnival Triumph. There were some major renovations made on the ship after 19 years of sailing, after which it was named Carnival Sunrise. The ship sailed as Carnival Sunrise in April 2019, making it the newest ship of Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival Cruise has a gross tonnage of 101,509 tons. It is 893 feet long and 116 feet wide. The widest portion of the ship is the pool deck, which is 125 feet. Its cruising speed is 21 knots. There are 13 passenger decks in this ship that can accommodate a maximum of 3,873 passengers. These passengers are served by 1,108 crew members.

Carnival Cruise has 115 news suites and staterooms, a remodeled water park, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, a string of restaurants, and a deck-ropes course. The new restaurants include Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Red Frog Pub, Cucina del Capitano, and Bonsai Express. Sports buff will love the new Sports Court that includes a mini-golf and WaterWorks.

Sunrise usually starts its cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Norfolk, Virginia, and New York City, sailing to the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.

The below video is a great walkthrough tour and review of our top pick for the best overall Carnival Cruise Ship – the Carnival Sunrise:

2. Carnival Horizon

Our second best pick in the Carnival Cruise Line is Carnival Horizon. It set sail in April 2018, making it one of the new ships in the Carnival fleet. Horizon has even more choices in accommodations. It includes the Cloud 9 Spa staterooms with unlimited use of the spa and the Family Harbor staterooms with their own concierges and lounges.

The gross tonnage of Carnival Horizon is 133,500 tons. It is 1,055 feet long and 122 feet wide, with the widest portion at the pool deck at 158 feet. The ship has 15 decks that can accommodate a maximum of 5,101 guests, who are served by 1,450 crew members.

Some amenities are perfect for all guests and of all ages. There is the SkyRide suspended bike for the kids, climb the ropes course, Dr. Seuss-themed water park, and many more. The parents and older ones have their Cloud 9 spa. You can also enjoy live performances in the evening that the whole family can enjoy.

The ship has budget-friendly rooms as well as interior staterooms and specialty suites complete with a spa. Every suite has its own mini-bar, Carnival comfort bed, and a flat-screen TV. Horizon’s cruising schedule starts from Miami, Florida, and sailing throughout the Caribbean.

3. Carnival Conquest

Our third pick is Carnival Conquest that cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The Conquest is the most attractive ship to first-time cruisers not just because of its budget-friendly rates but also for its accommodations and amenities. Some of the fun features of other Carnival ships are in Conquest, such as the Alchemy Bar, Red Frog Rum Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, and so forth.

The gross tonnage of Carnival Conquest is 110,000 tons. It has a length of 952 feet and a width of 116 feet. Its widest portion is at the pool deck, which is 125 feet. There are 13 passenger decks in this ship that can accommodate a maximum of 3,966 passengers, who are served by 1,180 crew members.

The ship has a good staff-to-guest ratio, so you can expect prompt service every time. There are Grand Suites and interior staterooms that you can book if you have the budget. These rooms come with 24-hour room service, flat-screen TV, and other treats. If you really have the money to splurge away, get one Suite. You will have your own balcony, a whirlpool tub, and a walk-in closet.

4. Carnival Legend

If you’re still wondering which Carnival Cruise Ship is best, look no further than the Carnival Legend – our 4th top pick. This cruise ship was originally launched in 2002, but it was updated in May 2018. Among the cosmetic upgrades include Red Frog Rum Bar, Guy’s Burger Joint, Blue Iguana Cantina and Tequila Bar, and the Alchemy Bar. There is a wide array of activities and entertainment offered by this beautiful cruise ship.

Carnival Legend’s gross tonnage is 110,000 tons. It is 952 feet long and 116 feet. The widest area of this ship measures 125 feet, which is at the pool deck. There are 13 passenger decks in this ship that can accommodate a maximum of 2,966 guests. Passengers are served by a total of 1,180 crew members.

Approximately 80 percent of the staterooms in Legend offer ocean views, and 80 percent of them have their own balconies. All staterooms have standard 24-hour room service and a flat-screen TV. Guests are fed well because this ship has two main dining rooms: a buffet that offers Chinese food and pizzas. There is also a sushi restaurant and a steakhouse.

A Legend cruise trip usually starts from Barcelona, London, New York, Tampa, Los Angeles, Venice, and Vancouver, sailing to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. It can also go on transatlantic trips.

5. Carnival Miracle

The fifth among our top 10 picks in the Carnival Cruise Line is the Carnival Miracle. This ship was built in 2013. While she doesn’t have all the amenities and features of her sister ships, she has one of the most fantastic cruises in the fleet. You would love two things in the Miracle: the exterior open-air promenade that’s good for early jogging and the interior promenade with window-lined seating.

Carnival Miracle has a gross tonnage of 88,500 tons. It is 963 feet long and 106 feet wide. There are 12 passenger decks in this ship that can accommodate a maximum of 2,680 guests, who are served by 910 crew and officers.

Popular among the guests is the SkyBox Sports Bar because they can catch the latest big games. The Alchemy Bar stands out for relaxing cocktails too. Guests can also play Clue: The Murder Mystery. It is a game woven into the voyage of Miracle.

The Miracle starts its voyage from San Diego, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, sailing to the Mexican Riviera. Its schedule includes a seven-night Caribbean Cruise departing from Tampa, Florida.

6. Carnival Glory

The sixth best Carnival Cruise ship on our list is Carnival Glory. Budget-conscious guests will consider Glory as the best of all. Carnival Glory sailed on its maiden voyage in 2003.

In 2012, it was fitted with all the amenities of “Fun Ship 2.0.” There were also new bars and dining venues on the liner. It was routinely upgraded in 2017, in which several enhancements were added, such as new tiles and carpeting and the inclusion of the Carnival WaterWorks water park.

The gross tonnage of Glory is 110,000 tons. It is 952 feet long and 116 feet wide, with the widest part at 125 feet at the pool deck. The ship has 13 passenger decks that can accommodate a maximum of 3,756 guests. They are served by 1,180 crew and officers.

Guests have varied options in lodging at Glory. They include budget-friendly smaller interior rooms, Ocean View cabins, and luxurious suites, with 24-hour room service, terry cloth robes, and flat-screen TVs. Carnival Glory’s usual itinerary starts from New Orleans to selected ports across the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.

7. Carnival Dream

Our seventh-best Carnival Cruise Liner is the Carnival Dream. It is one of the largest ships in the fleet, having a gross tonnage of 130,000 tons with a total length of 1,004 feet and a width of 116 feet. The widest portion of the Dream is at the pool deck at 125 feet.

The ship has a wrap-around promenade on Deck 5. Some whirlpools extend off the ship’s side. The ship has a sprawling water park that has a 300-foot twisting slide, which kids and teeners will enjoy. For the adults, there is the Cloud 9 Spa for relaxation.

The Dream also offers plenty of interior staterooms for the budget-conscious and suites and balcony rooms with amazing ocean views. All cabins come with 24-hour service and flat-screen TVs. There are 14 passenger decks on the ship that can accommodate a maximum of 4,633 guests. These guests are served by 1,369 crew and officers.

Carnival Dream starts its trip from Galveston sailing to tourist spots all over the Caribbean.

8. Carnival Vista

The eighth cruise ship on our list is the Carnival Vista. Carnival Vista embarked on its maiden voyage on May 1, 2016, starting from Trieste, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain, on a 13-day European Cruise. This ship offers its guests non-stop action once it lifts its anchor.

It has a lot of unique “at sea” attractions that are designed to give its guests unforgettable experiences. Some of the best attractions are the 4D Thrill Theater with 3D glasses, air blowing, and additional effects that provide extra-sensory experiences to guests. Vista also has a light-show waterslide called Kaleid-O-Slide and Sky Ride, where guests can ride bikes that are suspended in the air.

The gross tonnage of Vista is 133,500 tons. Its length is 1,055 feet, with a width of 122 feet. The widest part of the ship is the pool deck, measuring 158 feet. 15 passenger decks can accommodate a maximum of 4,977 guests, who are served by 1,450 crew and officers.

Vista usually starts cruising from Galveston and calls on the ports of Cozumel, Mexico, George Town, Grand Cayman Island, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returns to its home base in Galveston.

9. Carnival Pride

If you’re still wondering which Carnival Cruise Ship is best, then Carnival Pride is another excellent choice, coming in at number 9 on our list. If you are after great ocean views, the Pride is your best choice because 80 percent of its staterooms have this attractive feature. But since you will also spend much time outside your cabin, Pride offers many onboard activities.

This cruise ship has the “Fun Ship 2.0” water park, a 214-foot long Twister waterslide, and many more attractions. There are a lot of dining venues with different cuisines that will satisfy your cravings, from Guy’s Burger Joint to Bonsai Sushi eatery.

The Pride can accommodate a maximum of 2,680 passengers, who are served by 910 crew and officers. It departs from Baltimore and sails to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Panama Canal and back.

10. Carnival Inspiration

Our tenth best in the Carnival Cruise Line is the Carnival Inspiration. It was launched in 1996 and was refurbished in November 2018. The ship offers various fun activities that will appeal to all types of travelers.

Cruise attractions include the Punchliner Comedy Club, a mini-golf course, lounges, six bars, and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. For the little ones and teeners, there’s a video game arcade and the WaterWorks water park. Inspiration is a 70,367 tons ship with ten passenger decks. It can accommodate a maximum of 2,697 guests, who are served by 920 crew and officers.

Carnival Inspiration departs from Los Angeles and sails to Mexico and back.

Future Carnival Cruise Ships

mardi gras carnival cruise ship

Carnival is adding another ship to its cruise liners. The ship will be named Mardi Gras. It will be the largest in Carnival’s fleet and will also be its first LNG-powered ship. Construction will begin in 2020. Carnival Mardi Gras is scheduled to sail in 2022.

This massive ship, Carnival’s biggest yet, will weigh approximately 180,000 tons and carry about 6,000 guests. This will be an exciting launch for sure.

The below video gives a great review and walkthrough of the planned Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Ship:

Conclusion – What Is the Best Carnival Cruise Ship?

So, to revisit our initial question: “What is the best Carnival Cruise Ship?” Our top ten picks are:

  1. Carnival Sunrise – (Our Top Pick – Best Overall Carnival Cruise)
  2. Carnival Horizon
  3. Carnival Conquest
  4. Carnival Legend
  5. Carnival Miracle
  6. Carnival Glory
  7. Carnival Dream
  8. Carnival Vista
  9. Carnival Pride
  10. Carnival Inspiration

Any cruise from this list will be an excellent choice as they all deliver a wide variety of top amenities and features.

Related reading:

How Long Is a Carnival Cruise Ship? (With 25 Examples)

What Is the Newest Disney Cruise Ship?

What Is the Biggest Carnival Cruise Ship?

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