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 Valor
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Dream
130,000 GT
Carnival Valor
110,000 GT
Length
Carnival Dream
306 m
Carnival Valor
290 m
Beam
Carnival Dream
37 m
Carnival Valor
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Dream
3,646
Carnival Valor
2,974
Crew
Carnival Dream
1,367
Carnival Valor
1,180
Decks
Carnival Dream
—
Carnival Valor
—
Year Built
Carnival Dream
2,009
Carnival Valor
2,004
Space Ratio
Carnival Dream
35.7 GT/pax
Carnival Valor
37.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Dream
2.67 :1
Carnival Valor
2.52 :1
| Specification | Carnival Dream | Carnival Valor |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Dream Class | Conquest Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009Winner | 2,004 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 130,000 GTWinner | 110,000 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,646Winner | 2,974 |
| Crew | 1,367Winner | 1,180 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.7 GT/pax | 37.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.67:1 | 2.52:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9378486 | 9220020 |
Carnival Dream is the larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 18% more than Carnival Valor's 110,000 GT. Built in 2009, Carnival Dream is 5 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Valor 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 Valor |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Valor |
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 Valor
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 mWinner | 8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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