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 Panorama
Carnival Sunshine
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Panorama
133,500 GT
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Length
Carnival Panorama
323 m
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Beam
Carnival Panorama
37 m
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Passengers
Carnival Panorama
4,008
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Crew
Carnival Panorama
1,450
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Decks
Carnival Panorama
—
Carnival Sunshine
13
Year Built
Carnival Panorama
2,019
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Space Ratio
Carnival Panorama
33.3 GT/pax
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Panorama
2.76 :1
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
| Specification | Carnival Panorama | Carnival Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Vista Class | Destiny Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 102,853 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 272 m |
| Beam | 37 m | 38.4 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,008Winner | 3,002 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 1,150 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.3 GT/pax | 34.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.76:1 | 2.61:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9802384 | 9070058 |
Carnival Panorama is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 30% more than Carnival Sunshine's 102,853 GT. Built in 2019, Carnival Panorama is 23 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 Panorama |
| Capacity | Carnival Panorama |
| Modernity | Carnival Panorama |
| Service | Carnival Sunshine |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Sunshine |
Bottom line: Carnival Panorama wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Panorama
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,008-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,008 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
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| Draft | 8.6 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 13 |
