Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
_%25E2%2580%2593_Bow.png%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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 Pride
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Dream
130,000 GT
Carnival Pride
85,920 GT
Length
Carnival Dream
306 m
Carnival Pride
290 m
Beam
Carnival Dream
37 m
Carnival Pride
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Dream
3,646
Carnival Pride
2,124
Crew
Carnival Dream
1,367
Carnival Pride
930
Decks
Carnival Dream
—
Carnival Pride
—
Year Built
Carnival Dream
2,009
Carnival Pride
2,001
Space Ratio
Carnival Dream
35.7 GT/pax
Carnival Pride
40.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Dream
2.67 :1
Carnival Pride
2.28 :1
| Specification | Carnival Dream | Carnival Pride |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Dream Class | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 130,000 GTWinner | 85,920 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,646Winner | 2,124 |
| Crew | 1,367Winner | 930 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.7 GT/pax | 40.5 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.67:1 | 2.28:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Kvaerner Masa-Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9378486 | 9170855 |
Carnival Dream is the significantly larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 51% more than Carnival Pride's 85,920 GT. Carnival Pride offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.5 GT per passenger versus 35.7. Built in 2009, Carnival Dream is 8 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Dream |
| Capacity | Carnival Dream |
| Modernity | Carnival Dream |
| Service | Carnival Pride |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Pride |
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 Pride
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
32 m |
| Draft | 8.4 mWinner | 8.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
_(cropped).jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
