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 Sunrise
Carnival Sunshine
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Sunrise
101,509 GT
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Length
Carnival Sunrise
272 m
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Beam
Carnival Sunrise
36 m
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Passengers
Carnival Sunrise
2,764
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Crew
Carnival Sunrise
1,100
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Decks
Carnival Sunrise
—
Carnival Sunshine
13
Year Built
Carnival Sunrise
1,999
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Space Ratio
Carnival Sunrise
36.7 GT/pax
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Sunrise
2.51 :1
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
| Specification | Carnival Sunrise | Carnival Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Triumph Class | Destiny Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,999Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 101,509 GT | 102,853 GTWinner |
| Length | 272 m | 272 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 38.4 mWinner |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,764 | 3,002Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,150Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.7 GT/paxWinner | 34.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.51:1Winner | 2.61:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9138850 | 9070058 |
Built in 1999, Carnival Sunrise is 3 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 Sunshine |
| Capacity | Carnival Sunshine |
| Modernity | Carnival Sunrise |
| Service | Carnival Sunrise |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Sunrise |
Bottom line: Carnival Sunrise wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Sunrise
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
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.
8.5 m |
8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 13 |
_%25E2%2580%2593_Bow.png%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
