Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
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across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Encounter
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Breeze
130,000 GT
Carnival Encounter
109,000 GT
Length
Carnival Breeze
306 m
Carnival Encounter
290 m
Beam
Carnival Breeze
37 m
Carnival Encounter
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Breeze
3,690
Carnival Encounter
2,600
Crew
Carnival Breeze
1,386
Carnival Encounter
1,100
Decks
Carnival Breeze
—
Carnival Encounter
18
Year Built
Carnival Breeze
2,012
Carnival Encounter
2,002
Space Ratio
Carnival Breeze
35.2 GT/pax
Carnival Encounter
41.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Breeze
2.66 :1
Carnival Encounter
2.36 :1
| Specification | Carnival Breeze | Carnival Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Dream Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,012Winner | 2,002 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 130,000 GTWinner | 109,000 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,690Winner | 2,600 |
| Crew | 1,386Winner | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.2 GT/pax | 41.9 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.66:1 | 2.36:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9555723 | 9192363 |
Carnival Breeze is the larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 19% more than Carnival Encounter's 109,000 GT. Carnival Encounter offers more personal space with a space ratio of 41.9 GT per passenger versus 35.2. Built in 2012, Carnival Breeze is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Breeze |
| Capacity | Carnival Breeze |
| Modernity | Carnival Breeze |
| Service | Carnival Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Encounter |
Bottom line: Carnival Breeze wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Breeze
Large 3,690-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,690 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Carnival Encounter
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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36 m |
| Draft | 8.5 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 18 |
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