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 Dream
Carnival Encounter
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Dream
130,000 GT
Carnival Encounter
109,000 GT
Length
Carnival Dream
306 m
Carnival Encounter
290 m
Beam
Carnival Dream
37 m
Carnival Encounter
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Dream
3,646
Carnival Encounter
2,600
Crew
Carnival Dream
1,367
Carnival Encounter
1,100
Decks
Carnival Dream
—
Carnival Encounter
18
Year Built
Carnival Dream
2,009
Carnival Encounter
2,002
Space Ratio
Carnival Dream
35.7 GT/pax
Carnival Encounter
41.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Dream
2.67 :1
Carnival Encounter
2.36 :1
| Specification | Carnival Dream | Carnival Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Dream Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009Winner | 2,002 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 130,000 GTWinner | 109,000 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,646Winner | 2,600 |
| Crew | 1,367Winner | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.7 GT/pax | 41.9 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.67:1 | 2.36:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9378486 | 9192363 |
Carnival Dream 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 35.7. Built in 2009, Carnival Dream is 7 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Dream |
| Capacity | Carnival Dream |
| Modernity | Carnival Dream |
| Service | Carnival Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Encounter |
Bottom line: Carnival Dream wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Dream
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,646-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,646 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 | 8.4 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 18 |
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