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 Radiance
Carnival Vista
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Radiance
101,509 GT
Carnival Vista
133,500 GT
Length
Carnival Radiance
272 m
Carnival Vista
323 m
Beam
Carnival Radiance
36 m
Carnival Vista
37 m
Passengers
Carnival Radiance
2,764
Carnival Vista
3,936
Crew
Carnival Radiance
1,100
Carnival Vista
1,450
Decks
Carnival Radiance
—
Carnival Vista
15
Year Built
Carnival Radiance
2,000
Carnival Vista
2,016
Space Ratio
Carnival Radiance
36.7 GT/pax
Carnival Vista
33.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Radiance
2.51 :1
Carnival Vista
2.71 :1
| Specification | Carnival Radiance | Carnival Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Triumph Class | Vista Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,000 | 2,016Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 101,509 GT | 133,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 272 m | 323 mWinner |
| Beam | 36 m | 37 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,764 | 3,936Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,450Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.7 GT/paxWinner | 33.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.51:1Winner | 2.71:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9746889 | 9692569 |
Carnival Vista is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 32% more than Carnival Radiance's 101,509 GT. Built in 2016, Carnival Vista is 16 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Radiance edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.5:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Vista |
| Capacity | Carnival Vista |
| Modernity | Carnival Vista |
| Service | Carnival Radiance |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Radiance |
Bottom line: Carnival Vista wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Radiance
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
Carnival Vista
Built in 2016 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,936 passengers means tons of activities
Large 3,936-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
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 mWinner | 8.2 m |
| Decks | — | 15 |
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