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 Panorama
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Encounter
109,000 GT
Carnival Panorama
133,500 GT
Length
Carnival Encounter
290 m
Carnival Panorama
323 m
Beam
Carnival Encounter
36 m
Carnival Panorama
37 m
Passengers
Carnival Encounter
2,600
Carnival Panorama
4,008
Crew
Carnival Encounter
1,100
Carnival Panorama
1,450
Decks
Carnival Encounter
18
Carnival Panorama
—
Year Built
Carnival Encounter
2,002
Carnival Panorama
2,019
Space Ratio
Carnival Encounter
41.9 GT/pax
Carnival Panorama
33.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Encounter
2.36 :1
Carnival Panorama
2.76 :1
| Specification | Carnival Encounter | Carnival Panorama |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Grand Class | Vista Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 109,000 GT | 133,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 323 mWinner |
| Beam | 36 m | 37 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,600 | 4,008Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,450Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.9 GT/paxWinner | 33.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.36:1Winner | 2.76:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9192363 | 9802384 |
Carnival Panorama 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 33.3. Built in 2019, Carnival Panorama is 17 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Panorama |
| Capacity | Carnival Panorama |
| Modernity | Carnival Panorama |
| Service | Carnival Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Encounter |
Bottom line: Carnival Panorama 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 Panorama
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,008-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,008 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 m | 8.6 m |
| Decks | 18 | — |
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