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
Discovery Princess
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
Discovery Princess
145,000 GT
Length
Carnival Sunshine
272 m
Discovery Princess
330 m
Beam
Carnival Sunshine
38.4 m
Discovery Princess
38 m
Passengers
Carnival Sunshine
3,002
Discovery Princess
3,660
Crew
Carnival Sunshine
1,150
Discovery Princess
1,346
Decks
Carnival Sunshine
13
Discovery Princess
—
Year Built
Carnival Sunshine
1,996
Discovery Princess
2,022
Space Ratio
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT/pax
Discovery Princess
39.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Sunshine
2.61 :1
Discovery Princess
2.72 :1
| Specification | Carnival Sunshine | Discovery Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Destiny Class | Royal Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,996 | 2,022Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 102,853 GT | 145,000 GTWinner |
| Length | 272 m | 330 mWinner |
| Beam | 38.4 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,002 | 3,660Winner |
| Crew | 1,150 | 1,346Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.3 GT/pax | 39.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.61:1Winner | 2.72:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9070058 | 9837468 |
Discovery Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 145,000 GT — 41% more than Carnival Sunshine's 102,853 GT. Discovery Princess offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.6 GT per passenger versus 34.3. Built in 2022, Discovery Princess is 26 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Discovery Princess |
| Capacity | Discovery Princess |
| Modernity | Discovery Princess |
| Service | Carnival Sunshine |
| Spaciousness | Discovery Princess |
Bottom line: Discovery Princess wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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
Discovery Princess
Built in 2022 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 3,660-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,660 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
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38 m |
| Draft | 8.8 mWinner | 8.7 m |
| Decks | 13 | — |
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