Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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 Radiance
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Dream
130,000 GT
Carnival Radiance
101,509 GT
Length
Carnival Dream
306 m
Carnival Radiance
272 m
Beam
Carnival Dream
37 m
Carnival Radiance
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Dream
3,646
Carnival Radiance
2,764
Crew
Carnival Dream
1,367
Carnival Radiance
1,100
Decks
Carnival Dream
—
Carnival Radiance
—
Year Built
Carnival Dream
2,009
Carnival Radiance
2,000
Space Ratio
Carnival Dream
35.7 GT/pax
Carnival Radiance
36.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Dream
2.67 :1
Carnival Radiance
2.51 :1
| Specification | Carnival Dream | Carnival Radiance |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Dream Class | Triumph Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009Winner | 2,000 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 130,000 GTWinner | 101,509 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 272 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,646Winner | 2,764 |
| Crew | 1,367Winner | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.7 GT/pax | 36.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.67:1 | 2.51:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9378486 | 9746889 |
Carnival Dream is the significantly larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 28% more than Carnival Radiance's 101,509 GT. Built in 2009, Carnival Dream is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Radiance edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.5:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Dream |
| Capacity | Carnival Dream |
| Modernity | Carnival Dream |
| Service | Carnival Radiance |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Radiance |
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 Radiance
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
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 | 8.4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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