Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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 Horizon
Carnival Splendor
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
Carnival Splendor
113,323 GT
Length
Carnival Horizon
323 m
Carnival Splendor
290 m
Beam
Carnival Horizon
37 m
Carnival Splendor
38 m
Passengers
Carnival Horizon
3,954
Carnival Splendor
3,012
Crew
Carnival Horizon
1,450
Carnival Splendor
1,150
Decks
Carnival Horizon
—
Carnival Splendor
13
Year Built
Carnival Horizon
2,018
Carnival Splendor
2,008
Space Ratio
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
Carnival Splendor
37.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
Carnival Splendor
2.62 :1
| Specification | Carnival Horizon | Carnival Splendor |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Vista Class | Concordia Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,018Winner | 2,008 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 113,323 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 37 m | 38 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,954Winner | 3,012 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 1,150 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.8 GT/pax | 37.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.73:1 | 2.62:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9767091 | 9333163 |
Carnival Horizon is the larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 18% more than Carnival Splendor's 113,323 GT. Carnival Splendor offers more personal space with a space ratio of 37.6 GT per passenger versus 33.8. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Horizon |
| Capacity | Carnival Horizon |
| Modernity | Carnival Horizon |
| Service | Carnival Splendor |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Splendor |
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 Splendor
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,012-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,012 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 | 8.5 m | 8.5 m |
| Decks | — | 13 |
