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 Sunshine
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Encounter
109,000 GT
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Length
Carnival Encounter
290 m
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Beam
Carnival Encounter
36 m
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Passengers
Carnival Encounter
2,600
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Crew
Carnival Encounter
1,100
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Decks
Carnival Encounter
18
Carnival Sunshine
13
Year Built
Carnival Encounter
2,002
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Space Ratio
Carnival Encounter
41.9 GT/pax
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Encounter
2.36 :1
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
| Specification | Carnival Encounter | Carnival Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Grand Class | Destiny Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 109,000 GTWinner | 102,853 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 272 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 38.4 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,600 | 3,002Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,150Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.9 GT/paxWinner | 34.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.36:1Winner | 2.61:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9192363 | 9070058 |
Carnival Encounter is the larger vessel at 109,000 GT — 6% more than Carnival Sunshine's 102,853 GT. Carnival Encounter offers more personal space with a space ratio of 41.9 GT per passenger versus 34.3. Built in 2002, Carnival Encounter is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Encounter |
| Capacity | Carnival Sunshine |
| Modernity | Carnival Encounter |
| Service | Carnival Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Encounter |
Bottom line: Carnival Encounter wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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 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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.6 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | 18Winner | 13 |
_%25E2%2580%2593_Bow.png%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
