Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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 Elation
Carnival Radiance
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Elation
70,367 GT
Carnival Radiance
101,509 GT
Length
Carnival Elation
262 m
Carnival Radiance
272 m
Beam
Carnival Elation
32 m
Carnival Radiance
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Elation
2,052
Carnival Radiance
2,764
Crew
Carnival Elation
920
Carnival Radiance
1,100
Decks
Carnival Elation
—
Carnival Radiance
—
Year Built
Carnival Elation
1,998
Carnival Radiance
2,000
Space Ratio
Carnival Elation
34.3 GT/pax
Carnival Radiance
36.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Elation
2.23 :1
Carnival Radiance
2.51 :1
| Specification | Carnival Elation | Carnival Radiance |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Fantasy Class | Triumph Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,000Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 70,367 GT | 101,509 GTWinner |
| Length | 262 m | 272 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 36 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,052 | 2,764Winner |
| Crew | 920 | 1,100Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.3 GT/pax | 36.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.23:1Winner | 2.51:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9070620 | 9746889 |
Carnival Radiance is the significantly larger vessel at 101,509 GT — 44% more than Carnival Elation's 70,367 GT. Built in 2000, Carnival Radiance is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Elation edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Radiance |
| Capacity | Carnival Radiance |
| Modernity | Carnival Radiance |
| Service | Carnival Elation |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Radiance |
Bottom line: Carnival Radiance wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Elation
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
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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| Draft | 8.1 m | 8.4 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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