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 Sunshine
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Breeze
130,000 GT
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Length
Carnival Breeze
306 m
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Beam
Carnival Breeze
37 m
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Passengers
Carnival Breeze
3,690
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Crew
Carnival Breeze
1,386
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Decks
Carnival Breeze
—
Carnival Sunshine
13
Year Built
Carnival Breeze
2,012
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Space Ratio
Carnival Breeze
35.2 GT/pax
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Breeze
2.66 :1
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
| Specification | Carnival Breeze | Carnival Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Dream Class | Destiny Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,012Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 130,000 GTWinner | 102,853 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 272 m |
| Beam | 37 m | 38.4 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,690Winner | 3,002 |
| Crew | 1,386Winner | 1,150 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.2 GT/paxWinner | 34.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.66:1 | 2.61:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9555723 | 9070058 |
Carnival Breeze is the significantly larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 26% more than Carnival Sunshine's 102,853 GT. Built in 2012, Carnival Breeze is 16 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Breeze |
| Capacity | Carnival Breeze |
| Modernity | Carnival Breeze |
| Service | Carnival Sunshine |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Breeze |
Bottom line: Carnival Breeze wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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 Sunshine
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,002-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,002 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8.5 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 13 |
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