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 Horizon
Carnival Liberty
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
Carnival Liberty
110,000 GT
Length
Carnival Horizon
323 m
Carnival Liberty
290 m
Beam
Carnival Horizon
37 m
Carnival Liberty
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Horizon
3,954
Carnival Liberty
2,974
Crew
Carnival Horizon
1,450
Carnival Liberty
1,160
Decks
Carnival Horizon
—
Carnival Liberty
—
Year Built
Carnival Horizon
2,018
Carnival Liberty
2,005
Space Ratio
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
Carnival Liberty
37.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
Carnival Liberty
2.56 :1
| Specification | Carnival Horizon | Carnival Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Vista Class | Conquest Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,018Winner | 2,005 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 110,000 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,954Winner | 2,974 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 1,160 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.8 GT/pax | 37.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.73:1 | 2.56:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9767091 | 9245582 |
Carnival Horizon is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 21% more than Carnival Liberty's 110,000 GT. Carnival Liberty offers more personal space with a space ratio of 37.0 GT per passenger versus 33.8. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 13 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Horizon |
| Capacity | Carnival Horizon |
| Modernity | Carnival Horizon |
| Service | Carnival Liberty |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Liberty |
Bottom line: Carnival Horizon wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Horizon
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 3,954-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,954 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Carnival Liberty
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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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36 m |
| Draft | 8.5 mWinner | 8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
