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 Firenze
Carnival Sunshine
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Firenze
135,156 GT
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Length
Carnival Firenze
323.6 m
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Beam
Carnival Firenze
37.2 m
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Passengers
Carnival Firenze
4,126
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Crew
Carnival Firenze
1,425
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Decks
Carnival Firenze
14
Carnival Sunshine
13
Year Built
Carnival Firenze
2,020
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Space Ratio
Carnival Firenze
32.8 GT/pax
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Firenze
2.90 :1
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
| Specification | Carnival Firenze | Carnival Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Costa Smeralda Class | Destiny Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 135,156 GTWinner | 102,853 GT |
| Length | 323.6 mWinner | 272 m |
| Beam | 37.2 m | 38.4 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,126Winner | 3,002 |
| Crew | 1,425Winner | 1,150 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 32.8 GT/pax | 34.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.90:1 | 2.61:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9871757 | 9070058 |
Carnival Firenze is the significantly larger vessel at 135,156 GT — 31% more than Carnival Sunshine's 102,853 GT. Built in 2020, Carnival Firenze is 24 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Sunshine edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Firenze |
| Capacity | Carnival Firenze |
| Modernity | Carnival Firenze |
| Service | Carnival Sunshine |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Sunshine |
Bottom line: Carnival Firenze wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Firenze
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,126-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,126 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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 | 4.2 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | 14Winner | 13 |
