We’ve Sailed 27 Carnival Ships… Here Are Our Top 5!
We’ve spent years exploring Carnival ships, sailing more than 50 times on 27 unique vessels. Each cruise has shown us something new about what makes these ships special—whether it’s a small, cozy ship perfect for quick getaways or a larger one packed with fresh designs and features. Over time, we’ve learned what to expect from each class and what details can make or break a cruise experience.
In this article, we’ll share what stood out to us across the different ship classes and talk about which ships we think shine the most. We’ll also cover what to look for when planning your next sailing and what’s coming next for Carnival.
Key Takeaways
- Each ship class offers a different cruise experience.
- Some ships stand out for their design, comfort, or layout.
- Knowing what suits your travel style helps make better cruise choices.
Carnival Cruise Experience Overview
Introducing the Leo Hoppers
We’re Tony and Christina, and together we’ve sailed on more than 50 Carnival cruises across 27 distinct ships. Cruising has become a big part of our lives, and we’ve experienced everything from the smallest ships to the newest and largest.
| Fun Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Cruise Together | Carnival Holiday |
| Number of Sailings | Over 50 |
| Different Ships | 27 |
| First Year Cruising | 2001 |
We’ve seen the cruise line grow and change, but what’s stayed the same is how much fun we have exploring every ship and destination. Even when one ship stands out more than another, we always find something to enjoy.
Cruise Journey and Background
Our Carnival story began when Christina joined her mother for a conference aboard the Carnival Holiday, sailing a short route out of Long Beach to Catalina and Ensenada. Later, we cruised together on the same ship, marking the start of our cruise adventures.
Over the years, we’ve explored every class of Carnival ship and noted what makes each unique. For example:
- Fantasy Class: Smaller, older ships with bold decor and great value for short trips.
- Spirit Class: Narrower design for Panama Canal travel, glass funnels, and family‑friendly features like retractable pool roofs.
- Conquest Class: Mid‑sized ships with classic layouts and impressive atriums.
- Splendor Class: A one‑of‑a‑kind ship known for its early burrito bar and cozy upper‑deck dining area.
Some of our top memories include five‑o’clock sushi on the Inspiration, soaking in Alaska’s hot tubs aboard the Legend, and sailing the Mediterranean on the Liberty. Each cruise gives us new experiences, and we continue to enjoy seeing how Carnival evolves while keeping the fun at its core.
Understanding Carnival Ship Classes
Comparing the Different Ship Groups
We’ve cruised on everything from Carnival’s smallest ships to the newest and largest ones. Each class feels unique in its own way.
| Ship Class | Size | Notable Traits | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasy Class | Small | Older look, bright décor, budget-friendly | Elation, Paradise |
| Spirit Class | Mid-size | Narrow build, designed for the Panama Canal, glass funnel | Legend, Miracle |
| Conquest Class | Larger | Distinct atriums, family-friendly layouts | Liberty, Conquest |
| Splendor Class | One ship only | Early features that inspired later upgrades | Splendor |
The Fantasy ships stand out for value. They’re smaller, easy to get around, and have colorful interiors that remind us of earlier Carnival days.
The Spirit class ships offer more open areas and glass features, especially the funnel ceiling above the steakhouse. We loved sailing them in cooler places like Alaska since the covered pool areas stayed warm.
The Conquest class ships gave us great memories. Their atriums with glass accents and open spaces made them fun for long trips.
Then there’s the Splendor, which stands alone. We first noticed its burrito bar long before BlueIguana came along. It also had quiet upstairs dining spots that became some of our favorite hangouts.
How Ship Type Shapes Your Cruise
Ship class changes how the cruise feels. Smaller ships make it easy to move around and meet people, but they have fewer dining options. Larger ships add more venues and entertainment, though they can take more time to navigate.
We noticed older ships keep a classic vibe, while newer ones focus on sleeker design and modern upgrades. When picking a cruise, we think about what matters most—cost, itinerary, or onboard features—and choose a class that fits that goal.
Fantasy Class Insights
Key Traits of the Fantasy Line
We always think of the Fantasy class ships as the classic side of Carnival. They’re smaller, older, and have that retro vibe that reminds us of early cruising days. Ships like Sensation, Paradise, Elation, and Ecstasy still sail, and even though they’ve been updated, they keep that bold 1990s look—bright colors, shiny fiber optic signs, and lively décor everywhere.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Smaller, easier to explore |
| Decor | Bright colors, classic Carnival design |
| Upgrades | Some modern renovations but still vintage in feel |
| Best For | Short or budget-friendly trips |
Advantages and Drawbacks
These ships offer great value, especially for short getaways. We love how easy they are to move around and how relaxed the atmosphere feels. But space is limited, and you won’t find all the newer attractions or dining options that larger, modern ships have.
Pros
- Lower cost for quick cruises
- Easier layouts
- Comfortable classic style
Cons
- Older interiors
- Fewer specialty restaurants
- Limited modern amenities
Favorite Moments on the Fantasy Class
One of our best memories comes from the Inspiration. It was one of our top five ships before it was retired. We loved walking the promenade on deck 5, sitting near the casino lounge, and showing up for the five o’clock free sushi. We also remember the old “octopus dining room”—it had purple ceiling pieces that looked like sea tentacles. We used to call it the Ursula Room. Those smaller cruises on the Inspiration were simple but full of charm, and we still miss that ship today.
Spirit Class Review
Ship Layout and Key Attractions
We like the Spirit Class because it’s built narrower so it can pass through the Panama Canal. These ships have a distinct glass funnel, and the steakhouse sits right underneath it with a stairway made of glass that looks amazing at night. We enjoy the indoor pool area with a retractable roof, especially when the weather cools down. The water slides, open decks, and comfortable layout make it easy to enjoy sea days.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Narrow build allows passage through the Panama Canal |
| Dining | Steakhouse under a glass funnel |
| Pool Area | Covered roof for all-weather swimming |
| Entertainment | Waterslides and open deck lounges |
Top Routes for Spirit Ships
We’ve cruised on several Spirit Class ships and found that they’re perfect for scenic routes. We took the Carnival Legend to Alaska and loved soaking in the hot tubs while surrounded by mountains. The glass-covered pool made chilly days easy to handle. Ships like the Spirit and Miracle also work well for extended trips because of their layout and indoor areas.
Some of our favorite routes:
- Alaska: Warm pools under cool skies
- Panama Canal: Designed exactly for this passage
- Longer ocean voyages: Smooth and easy navigation
Strengths and Practical Limits
We’ve had great experiences on every Spirit Class ship, but like any class, there are trade-offs. Because of the narrow layout, it can take more time to get from one end to the other. Still, the cozy feel, good design, and comfortable public areas make them worth it.
Pros:
- Great for cooler climates
- Smart design for canal routes
- Relaxed atmosphere
Cons:
- Narrow layout slows movement
- Some spaces feel smaller than newer ships
Conquest Class Highlights
Notable Traits of the Conquest Class
We have fond memories of the Conquest class because our daughter’s first cruise was on the Carnival Conquest back in 2004. These ships may be smaller than the newest ones, but they still feel spacious and comfortable.
One thing that stood out to us was the beautiful glass décor throughout the atrium. We remember the stunning Murano-style glass and the glass elevators moving up and down, giving the whole area a lively and elegant feel. The layout of the ship was easy to navigate, and we often found ourselves sitting in the atrium, people-watching, talking, and simply relaxing.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Atrium Design | Murano glass details and glass elevators make it a bright centerpiece |
| Ship Size | Moderate in scale, offering a familiar and comfortable layout |
| Age | Older class but well-maintained and enjoyable |
We especially loved our time on the Carnival Liberty, which we sailed on for a long Mediterranean trip. It combined classic Carnival spirit with an enjoyable design that worked well for daily family activities.
Family Moments on Conquest Ships
Traveling as a family on these ships felt relaxed and fun. The open spaces, good seating options, and casual atmosphere made it easy to spend time together.
We shared meals, explored the decks, and played trivia in lounges without feeling rushed. The comfortable layout let us keep close while still giving everyone room to move. Our daughter enjoyed the experience, and seeing her excitement made the whole trip special for us.
- Best for: Families who enjoy a calm environment without crowds
- Favorite memory: Watching the elevators in the atrium with the colorful reflections of the glass around us
- Vibe: Classic Carnival charm with plenty of quiet spots to unwind
Exploring the Splender Class
Unique Features of the Splender
We’ve sailed the Splender several times, and it always stood out to us because it’s the only ship of its kind. When it first launched, it felt huge compared to the others we had cruised on. For a while, it was based in Los Angeles before moving to the Australian market.
One thing that made it different was the layout of the buffet area. The open design made it easy to find a spot to sit and enjoy the sea view. The ship had a calm flow, with comfortable decks where we spent time relaxing.
| Feature | Our Impression |
|---|---|
| Size | Large for its time |
| Deck Design | Easy to navigate |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed and family friendly |
Food Highlights on Splender
Before the newer upgrades rolled out, the Splender already offered food options that would later inspire some Carnival favorites. The most memorable for us was the burrito bar. It was located near the back of the buffet area, and they made burritos fresh, right in front of you.
We also loved the upstairs dining area. It had a hidden barbecue and macaroni corner that felt like a secret spot. Few people knew about it, so it became one of our favorite places to grab food and unwind quietly.
Favorite Eats on the Splender:
- Made-to-order burritos
- Hidden barbecue and macaroni station
- Peaceful upper dining area with extra seating
Ranking the Top Five Carnival Ships
After sailing on more than 50 Carnival cruises across 27 ships, we finally narrowed down our top five favorites. Each one holds special memories for us, from quick weekend getaways to long family trips.
1. Carnival Inspiration
We loved this small Fantasy-class ship. It was easy to explore, and the promenade on Deck 5 was a perfect place to relax. The lounges, casino, and five o’clock sushi made evenings extra fun. We miss that ship more than we can say.
2. Carnival Legend
This Spirit-class ship stands out for its smooth design and glass features. We sailed it in Alaska, and the covered pool area let us enjoy the hot tubs even in chilly weather. Our son loved the water slides, and we all enjoyed the cozy feel of the ship.
3. Carnival Miracle
Also in the Spirit class, the Miracle gave us great views through its glass stairways and open spaces. The layout made it feel spacious but still easy to navigate. We liked how the design helped bring the outside scenery indoors.
4. Carnival Liberty
The Liberty, part of the Conquest class, offered beautiful décor and a comfortable layout. We spent a lot of time in the colorful atrium watching the glass elevators move. Our family trip through the Mediterranean on this ship was unforgettable.
5. Carnival Splendor
This one-of-a-kind ship had features that were new at the time. The burrito bar near the buffet quickly became one of our favorite spots, long before the BlueIguana Cantina existed. The hidden upper-level dining area was quiet and relaxing.
| Ship Name | Class | Favorite Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Inspiration | Fantasy | Promenade deck and sushi bar |
| Legend | Spirit | Covered pool and Alaska route |
| Miracle | Spirit | Glass design and open layout |
| Liberty | Conquest | Mediterranean cruise and atrium view |
| Splendor | Splendor | Early burrito bar and quiet upper dining |
Our Least Favorite Ship and Reasons
After so many sailings, we can honestly say we’ve enjoyed every trip. But if we had to pick a ship that didn’t rise to the top, it would be the Carnival Holiday. It was our first Carnival ship, and while we have many good memories, the ship itself showed its age.
What made it our least favorite:
- Small size: It felt more limited compared to newer ships.
- Old design: The look and layout felt dated even back then.
- Few features: It didn’t have many of the fun spots or dining options that later ships offered.
| Feature | Carnival Holiday | Newer Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Décor | Bright, older style | Modern, simple design |
| Dining Choices | Limited | Wide variety |
| Entertainment Spaces | Fewer options | Multiple lounges and venues |
We still had fun on it because being on the ocean always makes us happy. But if we could choose today, we’d rather sail on one of the newer ships with updated spaces and more to do.
What to Think About Before Booking a Carnival Cruise
When we plan a Carnival cruise, we look at the class of ship first. Each one offers a different feel, size, and style. Smaller ships like those in the Fantasy class cost less and often sail shorter trips. They have an older look with bright colors and fun, quirky designs. We loved ships like the Inspiration because they were easy to walk and had cozy spots to relax, like the promenade deck and sushi bar.
The Spirit class ships are a bit narrower, built to fit through the Panama Canal. These have glass ceilings, retractable roofs over pools, and nice views even in colder destinations like Alaska. They are great for families who like a mix of indoor and outdoor time. One thing to know—these ships can take longer to walk across, but we enjoy their unique design.
If you want more space, the Conquest class ships give you larger public areas and attractive details, like the colorful glass atriums. We had one of our favorite trips on the Liberty, which felt big but still comfortable. It’s an older class now, but it still gives a strong value.
| Ship Class | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fantasy | Smaller size, lower cost, bright design | Short or budget trips |
| Spirit | Narrow design, glass roofs, cooler weather travel | Scenic or family cruises |
| Conquest | Larger size, detailed atrium, classic layout | Longer or family trips |
We also remember the Splendor, a one-of-a-kind ship that started with the first burrito bar before the BlueIguana Cantina ever existed. It had a quiet upper dining area we liked visiting when we wanted a calm spot. Small details like that make each ship special and worth considering before booking.
Looking Ahead: New Carnival Ships and Project Ace
We’ve sailed on so many Carnival ships over the years that it’s exciting to see what’s next for the fleet. Carnival keeps adding new ships and updating older ones, and the upcoming Project Ace has us curious to see what changes are coming next.
Each new design seems to build on what guests love most—better dining, smoother layouts, and more outdoor spaces. We expect Project Ace to continue that trend while bringing a few surprises. Based on what Carnival’s done lately, here are a few things we look forward to:
- More modern interiors with cleaner designs and relaxed colors
- Expanded food and beverage spaces for quicker service and more variety
- Technology upgrades that make boarding, dining, and scheduling easier
| Feature | What We Hope to See | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Size | Slightly larger but easy to navigate | Keeps crowds manageable |
| Dining | New specialty and casual options | Offers more flexible choices |
| Deck Spaces | More shaded seating and walking areas | Improves comfort for sea days |
We’ve seen Carnival evolve from the bright, bold older ships to the sleek modern styles of today. Watching the next phase unfold with Project Ace feels like a natural step forward, and we can’t wait to sail on it when it launches.
