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 Vista
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Carnival Vista
133,500 GT
Length
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Carnival Vista
323 m
Beam
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Carnival Vista
37 m
Passengers
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Carnival Vista
3,936
Crew
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Carnival Vista
1,450
Decks
Carnival Sunshine
13
Carnival Vista
15
Year Built
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Carnival Vista
2,016
Space Ratio
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Carnival Vista
33.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
Carnival Vista
2.71 :1
| Specification | Carnival Sunshine | Carnival Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Destiny Class | Vista Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,996 | 2,016Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 102,853 GT | 133,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 272 m | 323 mWinner |
| Beam | 38.4 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,002 | 3,936Winner |
| Crew | 1,150 | 1,450Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.3 GT/paxWinner | 33.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.61:1Winner | 2.71:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9070058 | 9692569 |
Carnival Vista is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 30% more than Carnival Sunshine's 102,853 GT. Built in 2016, Carnival Vista is 20 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 Vista |
| Capacity | Carnival Vista |
| Modernity | Carnival Vista |
| Service | Carnival Sunshine |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Sunshine |
Bottom line: Carnival Vista 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 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
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37 m |
| Draft | 8.8 mWinner | 8.2 m |
| Decks | 13 | 15Winner |
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