Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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 Sunshine
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Elation
70,367 GT
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Length
Carnival Elation
262 m
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Beam
Carnival Elation
32 m
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Passengers
Carnival Elation
2,052
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Crew
Carnival Elation
920
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Decks
Carnival Elation
—
Carnival Sunshine
13
Year Built
Carnival Elation
1,998
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Space Ratio
Carnival Elation
34.3 GT/pax
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Elation
2.23 :1
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
| Specification | Carnival Elation | Carnival Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Fantasy Class | Destiny Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 70,367 GT | 102,853 GTWinner |
| Length | 262 m | 272 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 38.4 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,052 | 3,002Winner |
| Crew | 920 | 1,150Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.3 GT/paxWinner | 34.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.23:1Winner | 2.61:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9070620 | 9070058 |
Carnival Sunshine is the significantly larger vessel at 102,853 GT — 46% more than Carnival Elation's 70,367 GT. Built in 1998, Carnival Elation 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 Sunshine |
| Capacity | Carnival Sunshine |
| Modernity | Carnival Elation |
| Service | Carnival Elation |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Elation |
Bottom line: Carnival Elation wins more categories (3 vs 2), 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 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 | 8.1 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 13 |
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