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 Magic
Carnival Splendor
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Magic
130,000 GT
Carnival Splendor
113,323 GT
Length
Carnival Magic
306 m
Carnival Splendor
290 m
Beam
Carnival Magic
37 m
Carnival Splendor
38 m
Passengers
Carnival Magic
3,690
Carnival Splendor
3,012
Crew
Carnival Magic
1,367
Carnival Splendor
1,150
Decks
Carnival Magic
—
Carnival Splendor
13
Year Built
Carnival Magic
2,011
Carnival Splendor
2,008
Space Ratio
Carnival Magic
35.2 GT/pax
Carnival Splendor
37.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Magic
2.70 :1
Carnival Splendor
2.62 :1
| Specification | Carnival Magic | Carnival Splendor |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Dream Class | Concordia Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,011Winner | 2,008 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 130,000 GTWinner | 113,323 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 37 m | 38 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,690Winner | 3,012 |
| Crew | 1,367Winner | 1,150 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.2 GT/pax | 37.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.70:1 | 2.62:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9378498 | 9333163 |
Carnival Magic is the larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 15% more than Carnival Splendor's 113,323 GT. Built in 2011, Carnival Magic is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Magic |
| Capacity | Carnival Magic |
| Modernity | Carnival Magic |
| Service | Carnival Splendor |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Splendor |
Bottom line: Carnival Magic wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Magic
Large 3,690-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,690 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 | 8.4 m | 8.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 13 |
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