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 Encounter
Carnival Horizon
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Encounter
109,000 GT
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
Length
Carnival Encounter
290 m
Carnival Horizon
323 m
Beam
Carnival Encounter
36 m
Carnival Horizon
37 m
Passengers
Carnival Encounter
2,600
Carnival Horizon
3,954
Crew
Carnival Encounter
1,100
Carnival Horizon
1,450
Decks
Carnival Encounter
18
Carnival Horizon
—
Year Built
Carnival Encounter
2,002
Carnival Horizon
2,018
Space Ratio
Carnival Encounter
41.9 GT/pax
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Encounter
2.36 :1
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
| Specification | Carnival Encounter | Carnival Horizon |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Grand Class | Vista Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,018Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 109,000 GT | 133,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 323 mWinner |
| Beam | 36 m | 37 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,600 | 3,954Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,450Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.9 GT/paxWinner | 33.8 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.36:1Winner | 2.73:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9192363 | 9767091 |
Carnival Horizon is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 22% more than Carnival Encounter's 109,000 GT. Carnival Encounter offers more personal space with a space ratio of 41.9 GT per passenger versus 33.8. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 16 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Horizon |
| Capacity | Carnival Horizon |
| Modernity | Carnival Horizon |
| Service | Carnival Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Encounter |
Bottom line: Carnival Horizon wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Encounter
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
Carnival Horizon
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 3,954-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,954 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 | 8.6 mWinner | 8.5 m |
| Decks | 18 | — |
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