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 Sunshine
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Dream
130,000 GT
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Length
Carnival Dream
306 m
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Beam
Carnival Dream
37 m
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Passengers
Carnival Dream
3,646
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Crew
Carnival Dream
1,367
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Decks
Carnival Dream
—
Carnival Sunshine
13
Year Built
Carnival Dream
2,009
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Space Ratio
Carnival Dream
35.7 GT/pax
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Dream
2.67 :1
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
| Specification | Carnival Dream | Carnival Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Dream Class | Destiny Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 130,000 GTWinner | 102,853 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 272 m |
| Beam | 37 m | 38.4 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,646Winner | 3,002 |
| Crew | 1,367Winner | 1,150 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.7 GT/paxWinner | 34.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.67:1 | 2.61:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9378486 | 9070058 |
Carnival Dream is the significantly larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 26% more than Carnival Sunshine's 102,853 GT. Built in 2009, Carnival Dream is 13 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Dream |
| Capacity | Carnival Dream |
| Modernity | Carnival Dream |
| Service | Carnival Sunshine |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Dream |
Bottom line: Carnival Dream wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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 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 | 8.4 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 13 |
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