Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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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 Freedom
Carnival Magic
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Freedom
110,000 GT
Carnival Magic
130,000 GT
Length
Carnival Freedom
290 m
Carnival Magic
306 m
Beam
Carnival Freedom
36 m
Carnival Magic
37 m
Passengers
Carnival Freedom
2,974
Carnival Magic
3,690
Crew
Carnival Freedom
1,150
Carnival Magic
1,367
Decks
Carnival Freedom
—
Carnival Magic
—
Year Built
Carnival Freedom
2,007
Carnival Magic
2,011
Space Ratio
Carnival Freedom
37.0 GT/pax
Carnival Magic
35.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Freedom
2.59 :1
Carnival Magic
2.70 :1
| Specification | Carnival Freedom | Carnival Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Conquest Class | Dream Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007 | 2,011Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 110,000 GT | 130,000 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 306 mWinner |
| Beam | 36 m | 37 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,974 | 3,690Winner |
| Crew | 1,150 | 1,367Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.0 GT/paxWinner | 35.2 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.59:1Winner | 2.70:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9286274 | 9378498 |
Carnival Magic is the larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 18% more than Carnival Freedom's 110,000 GT. Built in 2011, Carnival Magic is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Freedom edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Magic |
| Capacity | Carnival Magic |
| Modernity | Carnival Magic |
| Service | Carnival Freedom |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Freedom |
Bottom line: Carnival Magic wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Freedom
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
Carnival Magic
Large 3,690-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,690 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 | 8.4 m | 8.4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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