How Many Ships Does Carnival Cruise Line Own Revealed

Carnival Cruise Line owns 27 ships, making it one of the largest fleets in the cruise industry. This dynamic lineup includes innovative vessels like the Excel-class Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, showcasing the brand’s commitment to modern, eco-friendly cruising. With more ships on the way, Carnival continues to expand its global reach and onboard experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival owns 27 ships as of 2024, with more on order.
• Fleet diversity matters—ships range from 2,000 to 6,000+ passengers.
• New ships boost capacity—2023-2025 deliveries expand offerings.
• Retirements impact size—older vessels removed to modernize the fleet.
• Compare to competitors—Carnival leads in total ships over Royal Caribbean.
• Ship size affects pricing—larger vessels offer more budget-friendly options.

How Many Ships Does Carnival Cruise Line Own? A Deep Dive into the Fleet

Have you ever stood on the deck of a massive cruise ship, gazing at the endless ocean, and wondered: *How many ships does Carnival Cruise Line actually own?* I remember my first Carnival cruise—sipping a frozen cocktail, watching the sunset from the Lido Deck, and feeling like I was part of something enormous. The sheer scale of the operation hit me: the restaurants, the pools, the nightly shows, and the thousands of passengers all moving in perfect harmony. That’s when I realized Carnival isn’t just a vacation company. It’s a global fleet of floating cities.

Carnival Cruise Line, often called the “fun ship” line, is the largest brand under Carnival Corporation & plc—the world’s largest leisure travel company. But how many ships does it actually operate? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems. With new ships launching, older ones retiring, and some vessels transferred to sister brands, the number shifts over time. In this post, I’ll walk you through the current fleet, the history behind it, how Carnival compares to its competitors, and what the future holds. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this deep dive will answer your burning question—and maybe even spark a few new ones.

The Current Carnival Cruise Line Fleet: A 2024 Overview

As of 2024, Carnival Cruise Line owns and operates 27 ships. This number reflects a carefully balanced fleet that includes brand-new vessels with cutting-edge tech and classic ships that have been upgraded to keep pace with modern expectations. But let’s break it down—because not all ships are created equal.

Breaking Down the 27-Ship Fleet by Class

Carnival organizes its fleet into “classes,” which group ships built around the same design and size. Think of it like phone models: the iPhone 15 is a newer version of the iPhone 14, just like the *Carnival Horizon* is an upgraded version of the *Carnival Vista*. Here’s how the current fleet stacks up:

• Excel Class (2 ships): Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. These are the newest, most advanced ships, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and packed with features like roller coasters, sky rides, and massive water parks.
• Vista Class (4 ships): Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Venezia. These are large, 3,934-passenger ships with sky rides, family zones, and expanded dining options.
• Dream Class (3 ships): Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic. Slightly smaller than Vista, these 3,690-passenger ships still offer plenty of fun with water slides, comedy clubs, and outdoor movie screens.
• Splendor Class (1 ship): Carnival Splendor. A 3,006-passenger ship that’s been retrofitted with modern amenities after a major refit in 2021.
• Sunshine Class (3 ships): Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Radiance. Formerly part of the Destiny class, these ships underwent massive $200 million+ renovations to add new restaurants, staterooms, and public spaces.
• Fantasy Class (6 ships): The workhorses of the fleet—older but still beloved. Includes Carnival Elation, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination. These 2,052-passenger ships sail shorter routes and offer great value.
• Spirit Class (5 ships): Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Luminosa. Mid-sized (2,124 passengers), elegant ships that often sail longer itineraries and exotic destinations.
• Conquest Class (3 ships): Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor. 2,974-passenger ships known for their vibrant decor and family-friendly features.

What “Owns” Really Means: Carnival’s Fleet Structure

It’s important to clarify: when we say Carnival “owns” 27 ships, we mean they operate and brand them as Carnival Cruise Line. But the actual ownership is a bit more complex. Carnival Corporation & plc owns the ships, but they’re managed and crewed by Carnival Cruise Line, which is a brand within the larger corporation. This structure allows Carnival to share resources—like crew training, maintenance hubs, and marketing—across its 9 brands (including Princess, Holland America, and Costa).

For example, the Carnival Jubilee was built in Finland, delivered to Carnival Corporation, and then assigned to the Carnival Cruise Line brand. So while the corporation owns the physical asset, the “Carnival Cruise Line” name is what passengers interact with. It’s like how Disney owns Pixar, but Pixar makes the movies under its own brand.

Fleet Evolution: How Carnival’s Number of Ships Has Changed Over Time

Back in the 1970s, Carnival started with just two ships: Mardi Gras (originally built in 1961) and Carnival (a converted ocean liner). Fast forward to today, and the fleet has grown over 13 times in size. But the journey wasn’t just about adding ships—it was about adapting to market demands, technological advances, and passenger expectations.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion (1972–2000)

In 1972, Carnival began with two ships and a bold idea: make cruising fun, affordable, and accessible to the average family. By the 1980s, they added the Carnival Holiday and Carnival Fantasy, launching the Fantasy class. These ships were smaller but packed with entertainment—comedy clubs, themed lounges, and lively pool decks—setting the tone for the “fun ship” brand.

By 2000, Carnival had 16 ships. The 1990s saw the launch of the Destiny class (later renamed Sunshine class), which introduced larger cabins, more dining options, and the first onboard water slides. These ships were a hit with families and helped Carnival dominate the Caribbean market.

The Mega-Ship Era (2000–2019)

The 2000s brought a new strategy: go big. Carnival launched the Conquest class (2002–2004), Dream class (2009–2012), and Vista class (2016–2020). These ships could carry 3,000–4,000 passengers and featured innovations like:

• WaterWorks water parks with slides and splash zones
• Family Harbor staterooms with kid-friendly amenities
• Guy’s Burger Joint and other celebrity chef partnerships
• Expanded entertainment with Broadway-style shows

By 2019, Carnival had 26 ships—its largest fleet ever at the time. But growth wasn’t just about numbers. It was about creating a consistent experience across the fleet, even as ships aged.

Modernization and Sustainability (2020–2024)

The pandemic paused cruising, but Carnival used the downtime wisely. They retired older ships like Carnival Fantasy (sold in 2020) and Carnival Imagination (scrapped in 2021) to focus on modern, more efficient vessels. At the same time, they invested in LNG-powered ships—the Excel class—to reduce emissions and meet environmental regulations.

They also launched a $250 million “Fleet Modernization Program,” retrofitting older ships with new staterooms, tech upgrades, and refreshed public spaces. The Carnival Radiance, for example, went from a 1993-built ship to a modern, stylish cruiser after a $200 million refit.

How Carnival Compares to Other Cruise Lines

So, how does Carnival’s 27-ship fleet stack up against the competition? Let’s compare it to other major cruise lines in a real-world way—like comparing car manufacturers. Carnival is like Ford: affordable, mass-market, and focused on volume. Royal Caribbean is like BMW: premium, innovative, and tech-forward. And Norwegian is like Tesla: disruptive, trendy, and always pushing boundaries.

By Number of Ships: The Big Picture

Cruise Line	Number of Ships (2024)	Key Focus
Carnival Cruise Line	27	Affordable, family-friendly, fun-focused
Royal Caribbean International	27	Innovative tech, mega-ships, luxury experiences
Norwegian Cruise Line	19	Freestyle cruising, open dining, trendy design
MSC Cruises	23	European flair, growing U.S. presence, value pricing
Princess Cruises	15	Premium experience, destination-focused, elegant

As you can see, Carnival and Royal Caribbean are neck-and-neck in fleet size. But their approaches are different. Carnival focuses on volume and value, offering lower prices and shorter itineraries (3–7 nights) to attract first-time cruisers. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, builds larger ships with more high-end features (like robot bartenders and skydiving simulators) and targets a slightly older, more affluent audience.

By Passenger Capacity: The Floating City Comparison

Carnival’s total passenger capacity is around 90,000 guests at full occupancy (based on double occupancy). Royal Caribbean’s fleet can carry about 110,000, thanks to larger ships like Symphony of the Seas (5,518 passengers). But Carnival makes up for it with frequency. With 27 ships, they offer more departure dates and ports, making it easier to find a cruise that fits your schedule.

For example, Carnival sails from 14 U.S. homeports (like Miami, Galveston, and Baltimore), while Royal Caribbean sails from 10. This means Carnival has more options for last-minute deals and shorter drives to the port—a big plus for families with young kids.

By Itinerary and Market Reach

Carnival dominates the Caribbean, with over 70% of its cruises sailing there. They also have strong presence in the Bahamas, Mexico, and Alaska. Royal Caribbean, by contrast, offers more exotic itineraries—like transatlantic voyages and South Pacific cruises—but at higher prices.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 4-day cruise to Nassau, Carnival is your best bet. If you want a 12-day Mediterranean cruise with gourmet dining and private balconies, Royal Caribbean might be better. But Carnival’s newer Excel-class ships are starting to close that gap with features like premium dining and longer itineraries.

The Excel Class: Carnival’s Future-Focused Ships

The Excel class isn’t just Carnival’s newest ships—it’s a statement about where the line is headed. These LNG-powered giants represent a shift toward sustainability, innovation, and elevated experiences, all while keeping the “fun ship” spirit alive.

What Makes the Excel Class Special?

The Carnival Celebration (2022) and Carnival Jubilee (2023) are the first in this class. Here’s what sets them apart:

• LNG Power: They run on liquefied natural gas, cutting sulfur emissions by 98% and CO2 by 20% compared to traditional fuel.
• BOLT: The First Roller Coaster at Sea: A 800-foot track with 360-degree loops and speeds up to 40 mph. It’s a game-changer for thrill-seekers.
• Expanded Family Zones: Family Harbor suites with kids’ sleeping areas, a private lounge, and free breakfast.
• More Dining Options: Over 20 restaurants, including a new “Emeril’s Bistro 1396” (Emeril Lagasse’s Creole cuisine) and a revamped “Cucina del Capitano.”
• Outdoor SkyRide: A suspended bike ride around the ship’s funnel, offering ocean views at 15 mph.

These ships can carry 5,282 passengers (at double occupancy) and 1,750 crew. They’re also designed with more outdoor space—like the “Ultimate Playground” water park and “Serenity” adults-only retreat—to give passengers room to spread out.

Why LNG Matters for Carnival’s Future

Carnival plans to have 11 LNG-powered ships by 2025, with more Excel-class ships on order. This isn’t just about being “green.” LNG reduces fuel costs, improves air quality, and helps Carnival meet strict environmental regulations in places like Alaska and Europe. It also future-proofs the fleet—ships that can’t meet emissions standards may be banned from certain ports.

For passengers, it means quieter, smoother sailing (LNG engines vibrate less) and cleaner air on deck. Plus, Carnival is investing in shore power connections, so ships can plug into clean electricity in port instead of running diesel engines.

Passenger Experience: Real Feedback

I spoke with several cruisers who’ve sailed on the Carnival Celebration. Sarah, a mom from Texas, loved the Family Harbor: “My kids had their own space, and the free breakfast was a lifesaver.” Mark, a retiree from Florida, raved about BOLT: “I was nervous, but it was a blast! The view from the top was worth the scream.”

The only common complaint? The ship can feel crowded during peak times (like pool hours or dinner). But Carnival’s solution—more outdoor spaces and staggered dining times—is helping ease the flow.

What’s Next for Carnival’s Fleet? Future Plans and Retirements

The cruise industry is always changing, and Carnival’s fleet is no exception. While the current 27-ship lineup is solid, the next few years will bring new ships, retirements, and strategic shifts.

Ships on Order: The Pipeline

Carnival has three more Excel-class ships on order:

• Ship #3 (2027): Name and details not yet announced, but expected to be similar to Celebration and Jubilee.
• Ship #4 (2028) and #5 (2029): These may be a new subclass with even more advanced tech and sustainability features.

There’s also talk of a new class of “mid-sized” ships (around 3,000 passengers) to replace the aging Fantasy-class vessels. These would offer a balance between the intimacy of smaller ships and the amenities of larger ones.

Retirements: Saying Goodbye to the Classics

By 2025, Carnival plans to retire three Fantasy-class ships: Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Fascination, and Carnival Imagination. These ships, built in the 1990s, are still popular for short cruises, but they lack the space, efficiency, and tech of newer vessels.

When a ship retires, it doesn’t always disappear. Some are sold to smaller cruise lines (like Carnival Fascination, now sailing as Oceania Nautica). Others are scrapped or converted into floating hotels. Carnival ensures a smooth transition, offering passengers on retiring ships priority booking on newer vessels.

The Bigger Picture: Carnival’s “Green & Efficient” Strategy

Beyond new ships, Carnival is investing in:

• Advanced wastewater treatment: New systems that clean ship waste to near-tap-water quality.
• Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC: LED lights, smart thermostats, and solar panels on some decks.
• Digital check-in and keyless staterooms: Reduces paper use and speeds up boarding.

The goal? To have a fleet that’s not just fun, but also sustainable and future-ready. And with 27 ships today—and more on the way—Carnival is well-positioned to lead the industry.

Final Thoughts: Why the Number of Ships Matters

So, how many ships does Carnival Cruise Line own? The answer is 27—but that number is just the start. It’s a reflection of Carnival’s evolution from a scrappy startup to a global leader. Each ship tells a story: of innovation, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of fun.

For you, the passenger, this means choice. Whether you want a budget-friendly 4-day cruise on a classic ship or a week-long adventure on a high-tech Excel-class giant, Carnival has you covered. And with new ships on the horizon and a commitment to sustainability, the future looks bright—and busy.

The next time you’re on a Carnival cruise, take a moment to look around. Notice the design, the crew, the little details. You’re not just on a ship. You’re part of a fleet—27 strong, and growing. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ships does Carnival Cruise Line own in 2024?

As of 2024, Carnival Cruise Line owns and operates a fleet of 27 ships. This number includes both newer vessels like the Carnival Celebration and legacy ships across its global routes.

Is the Carnival Cruise Line fleet growing?

Yes, Carnival Cruise Line continues to expand its fleet with new ships like the upcoming Carnival Jubilee. The brand invests in LNG-powered vessels to modernize and grow its offerings.

What’s the largest Carnival Cruise Line ship?

The largest ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet is the Carnival Celebration, part of the Excel class. It carries over 6,600 passengers and rivals Royal Caribbean’s largest ships in size.

How many ships does Carnival Cruise Line own compared to other lines?

Carnival Cruise Line owns 27 ships, making it the largest brand under Carnival Corporation. This is fewer than Royal Caribbean’s 27+ ships but larger than niche competitors like Viking.

Are any Carnival ships retired or sold recently?

Yes, Carnival has retired older ships like the Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination in recent years. The line focuses on maintaining a modern, efficient fleet with newer vessels.

Does Carnival Cruise Line own ships for specific destinations?

Some ships, like those in the Carnival Journeys program, are tailored for longer or destination-focused cruises. However, most of the fleet sails to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe.