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 Sunrise
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Elation
70,367 GT
Carnival Sunrise
101,509 GT
Length
Carnival Elation
262 m
Carnival Sunrise
272 m
Beam
Carnival Elation
32 m
Carnival Sunrise
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Elation
2,052
Carnival Sunrise
2,764
Crew
Carnival Elation
920
Carnival Sunrise
1,100
Decks
Carnival Elation
—
Carnival Sunrise
—
Year Built
Carnival Elation
1,998
Carnival Sunrise
1,999
Space Ratio
Carnival Elation
34.3 GT/pax
Carnival Sunrise
36.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Elation
2.23 :1
Carnival Sunrise
2.51 :1
| Specification | Carnival Elation | Carnival Sunrise |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Fantasy Class | Triumph Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 1,999Winner |
| 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 | 9138850 |
Carnival Sunrise is the significantly larger vessel at 101,509 GT — 44% more than Carnival Elation's 70,367 GT. 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 Sunrise |
| Capacity | Carnival Sunrise |
| Modernity | Carnival Sunrise |
| Service | Carnival Elation |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Sunrise |
Bottom line: Carnival Sunrise 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 Sunrise
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 | 8.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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