Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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
Mein Schiff 3
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Elation
70,367 GT
Mein Schiff 3
99,436 GT
Length
Carnival Elation
262 m
Mein Schiff 3
294 m
Beam
Carnival Elation
32 m
Mein Schiff 3
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Elation
2,052
Mein Schiff 3
2,506
Crew
Carnival Elation
920
Mein Schiff 3
1,000
Decks
Carnival Elation
—
Mein Schiff 3
—
Year Built
Carnival Elation
1,998
Mein Schiff 3
2,014
Space Ratio
Carnival Elation
34.3 GT/pax
Mein Schiff 3
39.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Elation
2.23 :1
Mein Schiff 3
2.51 :1
| Specification | Carnival Elation | Mein Schiff 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | TUI Cruises |
| Class | Fantasy Class | Mein Schiff |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,014Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 70,367 GT | 99,436 GTWinner |
| Length | 262 m | 294 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 36 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,052 | 2,506Winner |
| Crew | 920 | 1,000Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.3 GT/pax | 39.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.23:1Winner | 2.51:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Meyer Turku |
| Flag | Panama | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9070620 | 9641730 |
Mein Schiff 3 is the significantly larger vessel at 99,436 GT — 41% more than Carnival Elation's 70,367 GT. Mein Schiff 3 offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.7 GT per passenger versus 34.3. Built in 2014, Mein Schiff 3 is 16 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Mein Schiff 3 |
| Capacity | Mein Schiff 3 |
| Modernity | Mein Schiff 3 |
| Service | Carnival Elation |
| Spaciousness | Mein Schiff 3 |
Bottom line: Mein Schiff 3 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
Mein Schiff 3
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.1 m | 8.4 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
