Carnival Cruise Line Largest Ship: A Guide to the Biggest Ships

Carnival Cruise Line has an impressive fleet of ships, but one stands out as the largest - the Mardi Gras. It spans an incredible 1,130 feet in length and 135 feet in width, making it a behemoth of the sea.

The Mardi Gras has a gross tonnage of 180,000 tons, which is roughly the size of a small island. This massive size allows for a wide range of onboard amenities and activities, including a massive water park and a sprawling casino.

One of the most impressive features of the Mardi Gras is its capacity - it can accommodate over 6,000 passengers and 1,750 crew members. This is a testament to the ship's sheer scale and ability to provide a luxurious experience for thousands of guests.

The largest Carnival ship is a title that's been held by several vessels over the years. Currently, the largest Carnival ships are tied in terms of size, with Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Celebration each coming in at 183,521 gross tons and carrying 5,374 passengers at capacity.

These massive ships offer an unparalleled seagoing vacation experience, featuring cutting-edge entertainment, luxury cabin options, and a slew of cuisine choices. They also boast onboard breweries, tons of lounge areas, and top-deck amusements like ropes courses, waterslides, and even roller coasters.

A second XL ship is currently under construction and is scheduled to be delivered in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Carnival Cruise Line's founding. This ship will be the largest Carnival cruise ship ever constructed, weighing in at 180,000 tonnes and operating from Port Canaveral.

The largest Carnival ship is the Carnival Jubilee, which arrived in December 2023 and boasts an impressive size of 183,521 gross tons.

At double occupancy, the Carnival Jubilee can accommodate 5,374 guests, but that number can rise to a maximum of 6,631 passengers.

The Carnival Jubilee is one of the Excel class ships, and it has a crew capacity of 1,735.

In this article, we'll explore the world of Carnival Cruise Line's largest ships, from the biggest to the smallest. We'll also take a look at what's coming down the pipeline and what sets these massive vessels apart from their smaller counterparts.

The largest Carnival ship by size is the Carnival Jubilee, which measures a whopping 183,521 gross tons.

Carnival's Excel Class ships are among the largest in the fleet, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. A fourth vessel is currently on order and set to be delivered in 2027.

Smaller ships in the Carnival fleet tend to be older, with decor that reflects their age. Older hardware boasts bright colors, whimsical art installations, and neon lights, a signature style of renowned architect Joe Farcus.

Here's a comparison of the biggest and smallest Carnival ships:

Fares are also a factor to consider, with smaller ships often offering short, affordable itineraries. However, major exceptions to this rule are Carnival Journeys voyages, which feature extended itineraries of two weeks or longer.

The Carnival Cruise Line has a vast fleet of ships, ranging from the smallest to the largest. The smallest ships, like the Carnival Paradise, can accommodate around 2,100 to 3,000 passengers and measure less than 90,000 gross registered tons.

The largest ships, on the other hand, can accommodate over 5,000 people and measure more than 180,000 gross tons, like the Carnival Jubilee. This massive ship is the third Excel-class vessel to join the fleet and is just about identical to its sister ship, Carnival Celebration.

Here's a rough ranking of Carnival's ship classes by size:

The Gross Tonnage of these cruise ships is quite impressive. At 88,500, it's a significant measure of their size and capacity.

All four ships, Carnival Legend, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Miracle, and Carnival Pride, share the same gross tonnage of 88,500. This is a notable feature that sets them apart from other ships.

Here's a breakdown of their key statistics:

This shared gross tonnage is a testament to the consistency and quality of these ships. Each one is designed to provide an excellent experience for its passengers.

The smallest Carnival cruise ships belong to the Fantasy class, whose dimensional weight is less than 72,000 tons. The smallest ship in this class is Carnival Paradise, which has a gross tonnage of 70,367 tons.

The largest Carnival cruise ship is the Carnival Celebration, which falls under the Excel category and carries an impressive 183,521 tons. This ship is part of the Excel class, which also includes Mardi Gras, Carnival Jubilee, and a fourth, unnamed vessel set to be delivered in 2027.

Here's a list of Carnival's ship classes, ranked by gross tonnage:

Carnival's Excel class ships are the largest and newest in the fleet, with the Carnival Jubilee being the third ship in this class to join the fleet in 2023. These ships are just about identical to the sister ship Carnival Celebration, which joined the fleet in 2022.

Carnival Splendor is a standout addition to the Carnival fleet with a gross tonnage of 113,573, originally designed for Costa Cruises.

It sails from Sydney to other Australian ports, New Zealand, and various South Pacific destinations.

The ship has a length of 952 feet and a beam of 116 feet.

Aboard Carnival Splendor, you can enjoy comfortable accommodation and wonderful spa treatments.

The ship has a cruising speed of 21 knots and is registered in Panama.

Here's a comparison of Carnival's smallest and largest ships in terms of capacity:

The largest vessels, like Carnival's Excel-class ships, measure over 180,000 gross tons, while the smallest ships measure less than 90,000 gross registered tons.

Carnival's smallest ships tend to be older than their larger counterparts, with decor that's a dead giveaway to their age.

Newer vessels, on the other hand, have a more toned-down look.

The largest Carnival ships are quite impressive. The Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Celebration are tied for the biggest, each coming in at 183,521 gross tons and carrying 5,374 passengers at capacity.

Carnival is constantly innovating and expanding its fleet. A fourth ship for its Excel Class is currently under construction and set to be delivered in 2027.

The largest Carnival ship ever constructed is the XL vessel, which will weigh in at 180,000 tonnes when it's delivered in 2020. It will also be the first-ever ship operating in North America to use liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The largest Carnival ship is the Carnival Jubilee, which is tied with the Carnival Celebration in terms of size, each coming in at 183,521 gross tons.

These massive vessels can carry 5,374 passengers at capacity, making them a popular choice for cruise-goers.

The Carnival Jubilee is part of the Excel Class, a line of ships that also includes the Mardi Gras, and is named after a member of Carnival's original fleet.

Not only are these ships large, but they're also equipped with cutting-edge entertainment options, luxury cabin choices, and a variety of dining options.

The Carnival Jubilee has a maximum passenger capacity of 6,631, making it one of the largest ships in the world.

The largest Carnival ship ever built is actually the upcoming XL vessel, which will weigh in at 180,000 tonnes and feature a variety of innovative technologies.

This ship will be the first to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) in North America and will operate from Port Canaveral beginning in 2020.

The XL vessel will also have a distinctive red, white, and blue hull design that celebrates Carnival's legacy as America's Cruise Line.

The ship's name is scheduled to be revealed in early December, and details on its inaugural season will be announced in January.

A second XL ship is currently under construction and is expected to be delivered in 2022, marking the 50th anniversary of Carnival Cruise Line's founding.

The largest ship in the Carnival fleet is a title that has changed over the years. As of January 2024, the largest Carnival ship by size is the Carnival Jubilee, which joined the fleet in December 2023. It's a massive vessel, measuring 183,521 gross tons and carrying a maximum of 6,631 passengers.

The Jubilee is one of the Excel class ships, which also includes Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. These ships are known for their cutting-edge entertainment, luxury cabin options, and a wide range of cuisine choices. They also feature onboard breweries, lounge areas, and top-deck amusements like ropes courses, waterslides, and even roller coasters.

The Carnival Jubilee has a crew capacity of 1,735 and can carry 5,374 passengers at double occupancy. It's a significant upgrade from the smaller Carnival ships, which have a gross tonnage ranging from 27,284 to 70,367.

Here's a brief comparison of the largest Carnival ships:

It's worth noting that Carnival has ordered a fourth Excel class ship, which is set to be delivered in 2027. This new ship will likely be the largest in the Carnival fleet, but we'll have to wait and see what its specifications are.

The Carnival Celebration is the largest Carnival ship, tied with Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Mardi Gras, each measuring 183,521 gross tons. These massive vessels can carry 5,374 passengers at capacity.

One of the biggest differences between Carnival's largest and smallest ships is their size, with the largest measuring over 180,000 gross tons and the smallest less than 90,000 gross registered tons. The largest ships have space for many more attractions, but smaller ships have a more intimate feel.

Here's a comparison of the largest Carnival ships:

Carnival's Excel class includes the largest ships, featuring cutting-edge entertainment, luxury cabin options, and a variety of onboard amenities. These ships are part of Carnival's newer fleet, with more modern decor and amenities compared to the older ships.

The Carnival Jubilee is a massive ship, measuring 183,521 gross tons, which is a staggering amount of space. This size allows it to carry 5,374 passengers at capacity.

One of the key things to note is that gross tonnage is not the same as weight, but rather a measure of a ship's internal volume and capacity.

The Carnival Jubilee has a lot to offer, including a range of luxury cabin options and a variety of cuisine choices.

The Carnival Celebration is a massive ship, with a gross tonnage of 183,521 tons, making it one of the largest in the Carnival fleet. It can accommodate up to 5,374 passengers.

This ship offers a variety of amenities, including gourmet meats and wines, creative cocktails, and exceptional spa services. It's a great option for those looking for a luxurious cruise experience.

The Carnival Celebration has been making waves since its maiden voyage in 2022, and it's clear that it's been a hit with cruise-goers. Its size and amenities make it an excellent choice for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

One of the unique features of the Carnival Celebration is its ability to run on liquefied natural gas, making it a more environmentally friendly option for travelers.

The Venezia is a ship that's definitely worth mentioning. It's actually a former Costa Venezia that was renamed in 2023.

The Venezia has a massive size, weighing in at 135,225 gross tons. That's a huge vessel.

Its passenger capacity is 4,072 people, which is a lot of travelers.

Carnival Cruise Line's largest ship, the Mardi Gras, is a marvel of modern engineering. It boasts a gross tonnage of 183,521 tons.

The Mardi Gras is not the only massive ship in Carnival's fleet, however. The largest ship in the fleet is actually the Mardi Gras's sister ship, the Carnival Panorama. It measures 183,521 tons as well, making it a near-twin to the Mardi Gras.

Looking back at Carnival's history, their first ship was the Mardi Gras, which was launched in 1972. It was a much smaller vessel, measuring only 70,367 tons.

Carnival Cruise Line has a long history, and with it, a number of ships that have been scrapped over the years.

The largest of these former ships were the Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Fascination, and Carnival Fantasy, all of which had a gross tonnage of 70,367 and a length of 855 feet.

The Carnival Ecstasy, for example, was a massive ship that was scrapped at a Turkish shipyard. Its size was impressive, to say the least.

Here's a list of the largest former Carnival ships, listed from largest to smallest by gross tonnage:

The smaller ships, like the Celebration and Jubilee, had a gross tonnage of 47,262 and a length of 732-733 feet.

Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its Excel Class with a fourth ship, set to be delivered in 2027, but it's still unnamed.

The new ship will be built by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany and could have a slightly larger tonnage and capacity than its sister ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, depending on design adjustments.

Carnival Corporation, the parent company, announced the order on February 13, 2024, and it's clear they're committed to growing their fleet.

The Excel Class ships are already impressive, but time will tell if this new addition will help Carnival Cruise Line rival the size of Royal Caribbean cruise ships in the future.

The delivery of the new ship is scheduled for 2027, which gives Carnival Cruise Line a few years to prepare for its arrival.

The Carnival Sunshine, formerly known as the Carnival Destiny, is a massive ship that's hard to miss. It measures 102,853 gross tons.

I've heard that the Carnival Sunshine has a passenger capacity of 3,002. That's a lot of people on board!

Its maiden voyage took place in 1996.