Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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 Sunshine
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Length
Carnival Horizon
323 m
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Beam
Carnival Horizon
37 m
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Passengers
Carnival Horizon
3,954
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Crew
Carnival Horizon
1,450
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Decks
Carnival Horizon
—
Carnival Sunshine
13
Year Built
Carnival Horizon
2,018
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Space Ratio
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
| Specification | Carnival Horizon | Carnival Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Vista Class | Destiny Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,018Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 102,853 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 272 m |
| Beam | 37 m | 38.4 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,954Winner | 3,002 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 1,150 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.8 GT/pax | 34.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.73:1 | 2.61:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9767091 | 9070058 |
Carnival Horizon is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 30% more than Carnival Sunshine's 102,853 GT. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 22 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Sunshine edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Horizon |
| Capacity | Carnival Horizon |
| Modernity | Carnival Horizon |
| Service | Carnival Sunshine |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Sunshine |
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 Sunshine
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,002-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,002 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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.5 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 13 |
