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Excel Class · 180,000+ Gross Tons · LNG-Powered
Carnival Celebration
Launched 2022Excel Class · Miami, FL
The second Excel-class ship, launched during Carnival's 50th anniversary in November 2022. She features the BOLT roller coaster at sea, six themed entertainment zones, and LNG propulsion.
Read all reviews for Carnival Celebration✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Celebration
Her first major scheduled drydock is currently planned for April 4 to April 23, 2027.
🎬 Ship Videos
Celebration Deck 16 Lido Tour
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Celebration Deck 17 Tour
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Celebration Deck 6 Tour
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Celebration Deck 7 Tour
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Celebration Deck 8 Tour
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Celebration Serenity Deck Tour
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Celebration Ultimate Playground Tour
Watch on YouTubeCarnival Jubilee
Launched 2023Excel Class · Galveston, TX
The newest and largest ship in Carnival's fleet, delivered in December 2023 with godmother Gwen Stefani. The third Excel-class vessel introduced two new themed zones: The Currents and The Shores.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Jubilee
As a recently launched vessel, she has not yet required a routine drydock.
Mardi Gras
Launched 2021Excel Class · Class Flagship · Port Canaveral, FL
The ship that launched a new era for Carnival as the first LNG-powered vessel in the fleet and home to the world's first roller coaster at sea (BOLT).
Read all reviews for Mardi Gras✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Mardi Gras
She completed her very first routine drydock since entering service in October 2025.
Fun Italian Style · 135,000+ Gross Tons · Former Costa Ships
Carnival Firenze
Launched 2020Fun Italian Style · Long Beach, CA
The second Fun Italian Style ship, transferred from Costa Cruises and relaunched in April 2024. Nearly identical to sister ship Venezia, she's based in Long Beach serving the West Coast market.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Firenze
Following her major transformation in Cadiz, Spain prior to her 2024 relaunch, her next drydock is scheduled for February 27 through March 29, 2027.
Carnival Venezia
Launched 2019Fun Italian Style · New York, NY
Originally built for Costa Cruises in 2019, Venezia was transferred to Carnival in 2023. She retains stunning Italian-inspired decor and offers a distinctly different feel from a typical Carnival ship.
Read all reviews for Carnival Venezia✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Venezia
Her next scheduled maintenance drydock will take place from October 6 through November 14, 2026.
🎬 Ship Videos
Venezia Deck 10 Tour
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Venezia Deck 11 Tour
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Venezia Deck 4 Tour
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Venezia Deck 5 Tour
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Venezia Serenity Deck Tour
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Venezie Deck 12 Tour
Watch on YouTubeVista Class · 133,500 Gross Tons
Carnival Horizon
Launched 2018Vista Class · Miami, FL
The second Vista-class ship, Horizon introduced the first Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse to the fleet, along with Dr. Seuss WaterWorks.
Read all reviews for Carnival Horizon✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Horizon
She required an emergency drydock in late 2021 to repair technical issues impacting her cruising speed. Her next major scheduled drydock is set for May 9 through June 14, 2026.
🎬 Ship Videos
Horizon Deck 4 and Casino Tour
Watch on YouTubeCarnival Panorama
Launched 2019Vista Class · Long Beach, CA
The final Vista-class ship and the first new Carnival vessel based on the U.S. West Coast in 20 years. She swapped the IMAX theater found on sister ships for the fleet's only Sky Zone Trampoline Park at Sea.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Panorama
She completed a major 24-day drydock in Singapore in October 2024, receiving Carnival's signature red, white, and blue hull livery and a new non-smoking casino.
Carnival Vista
Launched 2016Vista Class · Class Flagship · Port Canaveral, FL
Carnival's first new ship design since 2009, Vista debuted in 2016. She introduced the iconic SkyRide suspended cycling experience on the top deck and features an onboard craft brewery exclusive to the ship.
Read all reviews for Carnival Vista✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Vista
She completed her most recent technical and routine maintenance drydock in January and February of 2024.
Dream Class · 130,000 Gross Tons
Carnival Breeze
Launched 2012Dream Class · Miami, FL
The last Dream-class ship and Carnival's flagship for four years until Vista arrived in 2016.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Breeze
During a 2022 drydock in Spain, she received the updated red, white, and blue livery. She is next scheduled for routine drydock from January 15 through March 4, 2027.
Carnival Dream
Launched 2009Dream Class · Class Flagship · New Orleans, LA
The class-leading ship that introduced a new era of Carnival design in 2009, with a layout that became the template for ships that followed.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Dream
She was the second ship to receive the new patriotic livery during a 2021 drydock. Her next extensive maintenance drydock is slated for February 7 through March 20, 2026.
Carnival Magic
Launched 2011Dream Class · Norfolk, VA
The second Dream-class ship, debuting alongside Carnival's FUN 2.0 upgrades in 2011, which set the tone for the modernized fleet aesthetic still seen today.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Magic
She was the first ship in the fleet to sport Carnival's bold new red, white, and blue livery after a 2021 drydock. Her next scheduled drydock is planned for April 18 through May 25, 2026.
Splendor Class · 113,300 Gross Tons · One of a Kind
Carnival Splendor
Launched 2008Splendor Class · One of a Kind · Sydney, Australia
The only ship of her class in Carnival's fleet - originally ordered by Costa Cruises as a Concordia-class vessel before being redirected to Carnival during construction.
Read all reviews for Carnival Splendor✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Splendor
She notably suffered an engine fire during a 2009 voyage to the Mexican Riviera. Based in Australia since 2019, she is next scheduled for drydock from August 15 to August 31, 2027.
Conquest Class · 110,000 Gross Tons
Carnival Conquest
Launched 2002Conquest Class · Class Flagship · Miami, FL
The first Conquest-class ship and a landmark for Carnival - at 110,000 gross tons she was the line's largest ship at her launch in November 2002.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Conquest
After sparking a new era of larger ship design, she underwent her most recent routine drydock from January 5 through January 26, 2026.
Carnival Freedom
Launched 2007Conquest Class · Port Canaveral, FL
The fifth and final Conquest-class ship, closing out one of the most successful classes in Carnival's history. Built by Fincantieri for $500 million.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Freedom
She has a highly notable history of funnel fires, with her signature whale-tail catching fire in both 2022 and 2024, leading her to sail with a modified funnel. Her next drydock is scheduled for September 1 to October 8, 2026.
Carnival Glory
Launched 2003Conquest Class · New Orleans, LA
The second Conquest-class ship, making her inaugural voyage on July 14, 2003.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Glory
Glory made global headlines in late 2019 when she collided with the docked Carnival Legend in Cozumel, Mexico. Following a full refurbishment in 2022, her next scheduled drydock is March 2 through April 10, 2026.
Carnival Liberty
Launched 2005Conquest Class · Fort Lauderdale, FL
A notable first: Liberty was the inaugural ship fleet-wide to receive the FUN 2.0 upgrades in 2011, introducing Guy's Burger Joint - now a staple found on virtually every Carnival ship.
Read all reviews for Carnival Liberty✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Liberty
She successfully completed her most recent routine maintenance drydock between May and July 2025.
Carnival Valor
Launched 2004Conquest Class · New Orleans, LA
The fourth Conquest-class ship, launched with Today show co-host Katie Couric serving as her godmother.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Valor
She received all FUN 2.0 upgrades during a major 2016 drydock, and successfully completed her most recent maintenance cycle in May and June of 2025.
Former P&O Australia · 108,856 Gross Tons
Carnival Adventure
Launched 2001Grand Class · Sydney, Australia
Sister ship to Carnival Encounter, she features a distinctive Grand-class design brought over from Princess Cruises and P&O Australia.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Adventure
She is currently scheduled for a wet dock from February 10 through February 26, 2027, to handle technical updates.
Carnival Encounter
Launched 2002Grand Class · Sydney, Australia
Originally a Princess Cruises Grand-class ship, Encounter was transferred to P&O Australia in 2021 before being absorbed into the Carnival fleet.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Encounter
Prior to entering full service under the Carnival banner, she underwent technical work and class inspections during a wet dock in Singapore from February 16 to March 5, 2026.
Sunshine Class · 101,000-103,000 Gross Tons · Heavily Rebuilt
Carnival Radiance
Launched 2000Sunshine Class · Long Beach, CA
Built originally as Carnival Victory in 2000. Her godmother is Dr. Lucille O'Neal, mother of Shaquille O'Neal.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Radiance
She underwent a massive $200 million transformation in Cadiz, Spain in 2021 to emerge as Carnival Radiance. She is next scheduled for drydock from September 12 to October 2, 2026.
Carnival Sunrise
Launched 1999Sunshine Class · New York, NY
Originally launched as the Carnival Triumph. In 2019, she received a massive $200 million overhaul to be reborn as the modern Carnival Sunrise.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Sunrise
As the Triumph, she gained infamy in February 2013 after an engine room fire left passengers stranded at sea without power, leading to the widely publicized 'poop cruise'. Her next drydock is slated for January 9 to January 26, 2027.
Carnival Sunshine
Launched 1996Sunshine Class · Oldest in Fleet · Charleston, SC
A highly historical vessel originally launched as Carnival Destiny in 1996 - marking the world's very first 100,000-ton cruise ship.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Sunshine
She was totally rebuilt during a $155 million transformation in 2013 to become Carnival Sunshine. Her most recent routine drydock concluded in February 2025.
Spirit Class · 88,500-92,720 Gross Tons · Panama Canal Capable
Carnival Legend
Launched 2002Spirit Class · Baltimore, MD
One of the most well-traveled ships in the fleet, operating year-round from Baltimore after spending seasons in Alaska, Australia, and Northern Europe.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Legend
She has a notable accident history, having collided with Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas in 2009, and later colliding with Carnival Glory in 2019. Her next drydock is slated for April 29 to May 19, 2026.
Carnival Luminosa
Launched 2009Spirit Class · Seattle, WA
Transferred from sister brand Costa Cruises in 2022, Luminosa is slightly larger than her Spirit-class fleetmates. She retains Italian-inspired venues and uniquely lacks Guy's Burger Joint.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Luminosa
Her next scheduled maintenance drydock will take place from October 23 through November 29, 2026.
Carnival Miracle
Launched 2004Spirit Class · Tampa, FL
The fourth and final Spirit-class ship, built in Helsinki and specifically sized to transit the Panama Canal, allowing for unique repositioning itineraries.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Miracle
She successfully completed her most recent extensive drydock during April and May of 2025.
Carnival Pride
Launched 2002Spirit Class · Baltimore, MD
The second Spirit-class ship. Built in Helsinki for $375 million, her narrower beam easily allows her to transit the Panama Canal.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Pride
Following a 2023 drydock that added new venues and the modern hull livery, she is next scheduled for maintenance from March 15 to April 8, 2026.
Carnival Spirit
Launched 2001Spirit Class · Class Flagship · Sydney, Australia
The original Spirit-class ship. She introduced a narrower design capable of handling Alaskan waters, the Panama Canal, and Australian itineraries.
Read all reviews for Carnival Spirit✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Spirit
She notably struck a large piece of blue ice in Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska in 2024. She emerged from her most recent month-long drydock with enhancements in March 2025.
Fantasy Class · 70,000-72,000 Gross Tons · Classic Era
Carnival Elation
Launched 1998Fantasy Class · Mobile, AL
She entered service in March 1998 and is currently the oldest active ship sailing in Carnival's fleet. She was notably the first cruise ship ever equipped with azimuth thrusters.
✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Elation
Having undergone over 10 drydocks in her lifetime, she completed her most recent scheduled maintenance from January 19 through February 8, 2026.
Carnival Paradise
Launched 1998Fantasy Class · Smallest in Fleet · Tampa, FL
The smallest ship in Carnival's current fleet. She launched in December 1998 as an entirely smoke-free ship - a highly controversial experiment for the time that ultimately didn't last.
Read all reviews for Carnival Paradise✦ Notable History and Dry Dock Updates for Carnival Paradise
She underwent a major drydock update in October 2023, and is scheduled for her next drydock from April 9 to April 30, 2026.
Our Review Methodology - How We Score Cruises, Ships, and Cruise Lines
A great vacation is more than just a ship; it’s a seamless experience from the terminal to the final debarkation. To provide the most accurate ratings, I evaluate every voyage on seven key dimensions. These scores determine the rating for a specific cruise, which then feeds into a rolling average to calculate the overall 1–5 star rating for the ship and the cruise line
| Category | What We Evaluate | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Embarkation | Speed of check-in, terminal efficiency, and the muster process. | First impressions set the tone for the entire vacation. |
| Stateroom | Layout, storage, technology (USB/outlets), furnishings, and noise levels. | This is your "home" at sea; it must be functional and comfortable. |
| Dining & Food | Taste, quality, and service in the MDR, buffet, and specialty restaurants. | We rate every food outlet individually to find the best value for your money. |
| Service | Attentiveness of cabin stewards, bartenders, waitstaff, and senior officers. | Great service can elevate a budget cruise to a premium experience. |
| Entertainment | Engagement level, production quality (Broadway vs. amateur), and variety. | You should never be bored, but you should not feel overwhelmed either. |
| Vibe & Guests | The passenger mix, age, activity level, and the general atmosphere onboard. | The crowd you sail with can make or break the daily "vibe" of the ship. |
| Debarkation | Organization and speed from the ship to the curb on the final morning. | A chaotic "hot mess" at the end can ruin a great week. |
The "Rolling Average" Guarantee: One bad cruise won't tank a line's rating, but consistent issues will. My ratings are ever-changing and based on real-world experiences to ensure you have the most current data for your 2026 planning.