Below you’ll find all Carnival Ships by Age from newest to oldest. We know that some members of our cruise community like the newest Carnival ship off the line. And we’ve heard that others prefer some nostalgia. Fortunately, Carnival offers a wide variety of ship ages.

In this age of hyper-sensitivity, we wouldn’t dare favor the youngest over the oldest Carnival Cruise ship. Nor vice versa. We love all ships equally. As annoyingly “PC” as that sounds, we truly have a soft spot in our hearts for all Carnival’s ships regardless of age.

Our charts below will help you find the perfectly aged ship for your specific preference. We’ve prepared an infographic laying out Carnival ships by Age from its newest active ship, the Mardi Gras (a beast), to its oldest ship still in operation (spoiler… it’s the Ecstasy).

Carnival Oldest and Youngest Ships

Many cruisers will scroll to the very top or the very bottom of the chart. Maybe they want the freshest ship off the line. Or, perhaps they just want to avoid sailing the most ancient of the fleet. Either way, here are the most common two questions ask from potential Carnival cruisers.

What is Carnival’s newest cruise ship?

Carnival’s newest active ship is the Horizon, launched in 2018. The next ship to be launched will be the Panorama in December 2019 and then the Mardi Gras in 2020. See details on each below.

What is Carnival’s oldest ship?

Carnival’s oldest cruise ship, which is still active today, is the Carnival Fantasy. It was launched in 1990 and currently offers departures form Mobile, Alabama.

FUN FACT: Carnival’s newest, active ship (the Mardi Gras) is also Carnival’s oldest ship… say, “whaaa?!” The original Mardi Gras launched in 1972 and served over two decades. It left Carnival’s fleet in 1993 and lived another 10 years before it was scrapped in 2003 (pouring a little out in memory). Carnival has kept its memory alive by naming its newest ship with the same name!

You’ll see from our Carnival Ship Age Infographic that the cruise line’s active ships go back to 1991. If you’re on one of these older ships, however, don’t think expect a 90’s throwback complete with Nirvana music and tamagotchis. Cruise ships are regularly upgraded to provide the newest venues and a fresh coat of paint.

Let’s be honest, the Carnival Ecstasy won’t have the same “new ship smell” that you’ll find on the Panorama. And cruise pricing typically reflects this. Newer ships and ships more recently renovated will command higher prices than those in need of some updates.

If you’re looking for the newest cruise ship off the lot, then our graph below should be exactly what you need. If you’re cool with a recently upgraded ship, be sure to check out the details below. In addition to the Carnival cruise ship age, you’ll also find the most recent renovation date included. The adjoining text will provide detail on the venues added during that retrofit.

Enough ship talking. Below, find the complete list of active Carnival Ships by Age.

Carnival Ships by Age [Infographic]

Ship age alone won’t tell the full story. Most of Carnival’s ships have been renovated since first launched. Below, you’ll find each of Carnival’s ships with birth date, renovation date, and some other helpful info to help you find the perfect ship.

#1 – Carnival Celebration

The Carnival Celebration is scheduled for launch in 2022. It will share the rank of “Carnival’s largest ship” with the Carnival Mardi Gras. Both are in Carnival’s “XL” Class. Year Built : 2022

: 2022 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : N/A

: N/A Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : XL

: XL Gross Tonnage : 183,900 GT

: 183,900 GT Passenger Capacity: 5,200

#2 – Carnival Mardi Gras

The Carnival Mardi Gras was built in 2020 and shares the rank of “Carnival’s largest ship” with the Carnival Celebration. Both are in Carnival’s “XL” Class. Year Built : 2020

: 2020 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : N/A

: N/A Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : XL

: XL Gross Tonnage : 183,900 GT

: 183,900 GT Passenger Capacity: 5,200

#3 – Carnival Panorama

The Carnival Panorama was the cruise line’s only new ship to launch in 2019. It entered service late in the year on December 11, 2019. It should still have that “new ship smell.” Year Built : 2019

: 2019 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : N/A

: N/A Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Vista

: Vista Gross Tonnage : 135,500 GT

: 135,500 GT Passenger Capacity: 4,008

#4 – Carnival Horizon

The Carnival Horizon was newly constructed in 2018. It was the largest Carnival ship ever built until the Panorama came along. Her first sailing was on April 2, 2018. Year Built : 2018

: 2018 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : N/A

: N/A Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Vista

: Vista Gross Tonnage : 133,500 GT

: 133,500 GT Passenger Capacity: 3,960 Click for Available Carnival Horizon Cruises

#5 – Carnival Vista

The Carnival Vista is one of the newest in the fleet, built in 2016. As such, it includes all of the major Carnival Fun Ship features as well as extras like the IMAX theater, SkyRide, Dr Seuss Bookville and much more. Year Built : 2016

: 2016 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : N/A

: N/A Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Vista

: Vista Gross Tonnage : 133,500 GT

: 133,500 GT Passenger Capacity: 3,934 Click for Available Carnival Vista Cruises

#6 – Carnival Breeze

In April of 2017 the Carnival Breeze received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the Breeze: Bonsai Sushi; Cucina del Capitano; Fat Jimmy’s BBQ; Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ; SeaDogs Hot Dogs. Year Built : 2012

: 2012 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2017

: 2017 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Dream

: Dream Gross Tonnage : 128,000 GT

: 128,000 GT Passenger Capacity: 3,690 Click for Available Carnival Breeze Cruises

#7 – Carnival Magic

In March of 2016 the Carnival Magic received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Magic Cucina del Capitano; Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ; Pizzeria del Capitano; SeaDogs Hot Dogs. Year Built : 2011

: 2011 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2016

: 2016 Scheduled Renovation : 2021

: 2021 Ship Class : Dream

: Dream Gross Tonnage : 128,000 GT

: 128,000 GT Passenger Capacity: 3,690 Click for Available Carnival Magic Cruises

#8 – Carnival Dream

In Feb of 2017 the Carnival Dream received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Dream Bonsai Sushi; Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ; Pizzeria del Capitano. Year Built : 2009

: 2009 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2017

: 2017 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Dream

: Dream Gross Tonnage : 128,000 GT

: 128,000 GT Passenger Capacity: 3,646 Click for Available Carnival Dream Cruises

#9 – Carnival Splendor

In Nov of 2019 the Carnival Splendor received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the Splendor. Year Built : 2008

: 2008 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2019

: 2019 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Splendor

: Splendor Gross Tonnage : 113,300 GT

: 113,300 GT Passenger Capacity: 3,012 Click for Available Carnival Splendor Cruises

#10 – Carnival Freedom

In March of 2019 the Carnival Freedom received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Freedom Bonsai Sushi; Cherry On Top; Seafood Shack; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 2007

: 2007 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2019

: 2019 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Conquest

: Conquest Gross Tonnage : 110,000 GT

: 110,000 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,980 Click for Available Carnival Freedom Cruises

#11 – Carnival Liberty

In Dec of 2016 the Carnival Liberty received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Liberty Seafood Shack. Year Built : 2005

: 2005 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2016

: 2016 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Conquest

: Conquest Gross Tonnage : 110,000 GT

: 110,000 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,980 Click for Available Carnival Liberty Cruises

#12 – Carnival Miracle

In March of 2020 the Carnival Miracle received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Miracle Cherry On Top; Dr Seuss Bookville; Skybox Sports Bar. Year Built : 2004

: 2004 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2020

: 2020 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Spirit

: Spirit Gross Tonnage : 88,500 GT

: 88,500 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,124 Click for Available Carnival Miracle Cruises

#13 – Carnival Valor

In August of 2016 the Carnival Valor received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Valor Seafood Shack. Year Built : 2004

: 2004 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2016

: 2016 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Conquest

: Conquest Gross Tonnage : 110,000 GT

: 110,000 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,980 Click for Available Carnival Valor Cruises

#14 – Carnival Glory

In March of 2017 the Carnival Glory received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Glory Seafood Shack; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 2003

: 2003 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2017

: 2017 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Conquest

: Conquest Gross Tonnage : 110,000 GT

: 110,000 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,980 Click for Available Carnival Glory Cruises

#15 – Carnival Conquest

In October of 2017 the Carnival Conquest received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Conquest Seafood Shack; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 2002

: 2002 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2017

: 2017 Scheduled Renovation : 2020

: 2020 Ship Class : Conquest

: Conquest Gross Tonnage : 110,000 GT

: 110,000 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,980 Click for Available Carnival Conquest Cruises

#16 – Carnival Legend

In May of 2018 the Carnival Legend received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Legend Bonsai Sushi; Cherry On Top; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 2002

: 2002 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2018

: 2018 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Spirit

: Spirit Gross Tonnage : 88,500 GT

: 88,500 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,124 Click for Available Carnival Legend Cruises

#17 – Carnival Pride

In Feb of 2019 the Carnival Pride received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Pride Bonsai Sushi; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 2002

: 2002 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2019

: 2019 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Spirit

: Spirit Gross Tonnage : 88,500 GT

: 88,500 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,124 Click for Available Carnival Pride Cruises

#18 – Carnival Spirit

In May of 2018 the Carnival Spirit received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Spirit Bonsai Sushi; Cherry On Top; SoulPlay Kids Club; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 2001

: 2001 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2018

: 2018 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Spirit

: Spirit Gross Tonnage : 88,500 GT

: 88,500 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,124 Click for Available Carnival Spirit Cruises

#19 – Carnival Radiance

In Jan of 2018 the Carnival Radiance received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Radiance Bonsai Sushi; Cherry On Top; Seafood Shack. Year Built : 2000

: 2000 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2018

: 2018 Scheduled Renovation : 2020

: 2020 Ship Class : Destiny/Sunshine

: Destiny/Sunshine Gross Tonnage : 101,509 GT

: 101,509 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,754

#20 – Carnival Sunrise

In March of 2019 the Carnival Sunrise received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Sunrise Seafood Shack. Year Built : 1999

: 1999 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2019

: 2019 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Destiny/Sunshine

: Destiny/Sunshine Gross Tonnage : 101,509 GT

: 101,509 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,984

#21 – Carnival Elation

In September of 2017 the Carnival Elation received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Elation Camp Ocean; Cherry On Top; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 1998

: 1998 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2017

: 2017 Scheduled Renovation : 2020

: 2020 Ship Class : Fantasy

: Fantasy Gross Tonnage : 71,909 GT

: 71,909 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,130 Click for Available Carnival Elation Cruises

#22 – Carnival Paradise

In March of 2018 the Carnival Paradise received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Paradise Camp Ocean; Cherry On Top; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 1998

: 1998 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2018

: 2018 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Fantasy

: Fantasy Gross Tonnage : 71,909 GT

: 71,909 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,124 Click for Available Carnival Paradise Cruises

#23 – Carnival Sunshine

In May of 2016 the Carnival Sunshine received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Sunshine Bonsai Sushi; Cucina del Capitano; Havana Bar; JavaBlue Cafe; Ji Ji Kitchen; Pizzeria del Capitano; SeaDogs Hot Dogs; Shake Spot. Year Built : 1996

: 1996 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2016

: 2016 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Destiny/Sunshine

: Destiny/Sunshine Gross Tonnage : 102,853 GT

: 102,853 GT Passenger Capacity: 3,002 Click for Available Carnival Sunshine Cruises

#24 – Carnival Sensation

In February of 2017 the Carnival Sensation received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Sensation Camp Carnival; Cherry On Top; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 1993

: 1993 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2017

: 2017 Scheduled Renovation : 2020

: 2020 Ship Class : Fantasy

: Fantasy Gross Tonnage : 70,367 GT

: 70,367 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,056 Click for Available Carnival Sensation Cruises

#25 – Carnival Ecstasy

In October of 2019 the Carnival Ecstasy received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Ecstasy Bonsai Sushi; Camp Ocean; Cherry On Top; Dreams Studio; Waterworks Water Park. Year Built : 1991

: 1991 Ship Status : active

: active Year Renovated : 2019

: 2019 Scheduled Renovation : N/A

: N/A Ship Class : Fantasy

: Fantasy Gross Tonnage : 70,367 GT

: 70,367 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,056 Click for Available Carnival Ecstasy Cruises

#26 – Carnival Fascination

In February of 2018 the Carnival Fascination received a FunShip 2.0 upgrade, complete with the following features: RedFrog Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, DJ IRIE, Punchliner’s Comedy Club, Hasbro Game, EA Sports Bar, Library Bar, Taste Bar, & Carnival Steakhouse. Additionally, the following was added to the : Fascination Bonsai Sushi; Cherry On Top. Year Built : 1994

: 1994 Ship Status : laid-up

: laid-up Year Renovated : 2018

: 2018 Scheduled Renovation : 2020

: 2020 Ship Class : Fantasy

: Fantasy Gross Tonnage : 70,367 GT

: 70,367 GT Passenger Capacity: 2,056 Click for Available Carnival Fascination Cruises

If you like exploring our Carnival Ships by Age chart, you’ll also love our Carnival Ships by Size infographic! There you’ll see the dramatic difference in the cruise line’s fleet.

We hope that you’ve gotten a good sense of Carnival Ships by Size.

To help spread the word, please use the share buttons below!