Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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 Freedom
Celestyal Journey
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Freedom
110,000 GT
Celestyal Journey
73,500 GT
Length
Carnival Freedom
290 m
Celestyal Journey
269 m
Beam
Carnival Freedom
36 m
Celestyal Journey
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Freedom
2,974
Celestyal Journey
1,800
Crew
Carnival Freedom
1,150
Celestyal Journey
650
Decks
Carnival Freedom
—
Celestyal Journey
—
Year Built
Carnival Freedom
2,007
Celestyal Journey
1,992
Space Ratio
Carnival Freedom
37.0 GT/pax
Celestyal Journey
40.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Freedom
2.59 :1
Celestyal Journey
2.77 :1
| Specification | Carnival Freedom | Celestyal Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Celestyal Cruises |
| Class | Conquest Class | Sovereign Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007Winner | 1,992 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 110,000 GTWinner | 73,500 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 269 m |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,974Winner | 1,800 |
| Crew | 1,150Winner | 650 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.0 GT/pax | 40.8 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.59:1Winner | 2.77:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Panama | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9286274 | 9917173 |
Carnival Freedom is the significantly larger vessel at 110,000 GT — 50% more than Celestyal Journey's 73,500 GT. Celestyal Journey offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.8 GT per passenger versus 37.0. Built in 2007, Carnival Freedom is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Freedom |
| Capacity | Carnival Freedom |
| Modernity | Carnival Freedom |
| Service | Carnival Freedom |
| Spaciousness | Celestyal Journey |
Bottom line: Carnival Freedom wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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
Celestyal Journey
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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32 m |
| Draft | 8.4 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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