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 Spirit
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Dream
130,000 GT
Carnival Spirit
85,920 GT
Length
Carnival Dream
306 m
Carnival Spirit
290 m
Beam
Carnival Dream
37 m
Carnival Spirit
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Dream
3,646
Carnival Spirit
2,124
Crew
Carnival Dream
1,367
Carnival Spirit
930
Decks
Carnival Dream
—
Carnival Spirit
—
Year Built
Carnival Dream
2,009
Carnival Spirit
2,001
Space Ratio
Carnival Dream
35.7 GT/pax
Carnival Spirit
40.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Dream
2.67 :1
Carnival Spirit
2.28 :1
| Specification | Carnival Dream | Carnival Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 9170843 |
Carnival Dream is the significantly larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 51% more than Carnival Spirit's 85,920 GT. Carnival Spirit 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 Spirit |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Spirit |
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 Spirit
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
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32 m |
| Draft | 8.4 mWinner | 8.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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