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 Sunrise
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
Carnival Sunrise
101,509 GT
Length
Carnival Horizon
323 m
Carnival Sunrise
272 m
Beam
Carnival Horizon
37 m
Carnival Sunrise
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Horizon
3,954
Carnival Sunrise
2,764
Crew
Carnival Horizon
1,450
Carnival Sunrise
1,100
Decks
Carnival Horizon
—
Carnival Sunrise
—
Year Built
Carnival Horizon
2,018
Carnival Sunrise
1,999
Space Ratio
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
Carnival Sunrise
36.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
Carnival Sunrise
2.51 :1
| Specification | Carnival Horizon | Carnival Sunrise |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Vista Class | Triumph Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,018Winner | 1,999 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 101,509 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 272 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,954Winner | 2,764 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.8 GT/pax | 36.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.73:1 | 2.51:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9767091 | 9138850 |
Carnival Horizon is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 32% more than Carnival Sunrise's 101,509 GT. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 19 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Sunrise edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.5:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Horizon |
| Capacity | Carnival Horizon |
| Modernity | Carnival Horizon |
| Service | Carnival Sunrise |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Sunrise |
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 Sunrise
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 m | 8.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
