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 Sunshine
Carnival Venezia
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Carnival Venezia
135,225 GT
Length
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Carnival Venezia
323 m
Beam
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Carnival Venezia
37 m
Passengers
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Carnival Venezia
4,072
Crew
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Carnival Venezia
1,400
Decks
Carnival Sunshine
13
Carnival Venezia
—
Year Built
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Carnival Venezia
2,019
Space Ratio
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Carnival Venezia
33.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
Carnival Venezia
2.91 :1
| Specification | Carnival Sunshine | Carnival Venezia |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Destiny Class | Vista Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,996 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 102,853 GT | 135,225 GTWinner |
| Length | 272 m | 323 mWinner |
| Beam | 38.4 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,002 | 4,072Winner |
| Crew | 1,150 | 1,400Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.3 GT/paxWinner | 33.2 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.61:1Winner | 2.91:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9070058 | 9801689 |
Carnival Venezia is the significantly larger vessel at 135,225 GT — 31% more than Carnival Sunshine's 102,853 GT. Built in 2019, Carnival Venezia 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 Venezia |
| Capacity | Carnival Venezia |
| Modernity | Carnival Venezia |
| Service | Carnival Sunshine |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Sunshine |
Bottom line: Carnival Venezia wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
Carnival Venezia
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,072-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,072 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.
37 m |
| Draft | 8.8 mWinner | 8.5 m |
| Decks | 13 | — |
_%25E2%2580%2593_Bow.png%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
