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 Valor
Celestyal Journey
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Valor
110,000 GT
Celestyal Journey
73,500 GT
Length
Carnival Valor
290 m
Celestyal Journey
269 m
Beam
Carnival Valor
36 m
Celestyal Journey
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Valor
2,974
Celestyal Journey
1,800
Crew
Carnival Valor
1,180
Celestyal Journey
650
Decks
Carnival Valor
—
Celestyal Journey
—
Year Built
Carnival Valor
2,004
Celestyal Journey
1,992
Space Ratio
Carnival Valor
37.0 GT/pax
Celestyal Journey
40.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Valor
2.52 :1
Celestyal Journey
2.77 :1
| Specification | Carnival Valor | Celestyal Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Celestyal Cruises |
| Class | Conquest Class | Sovereign Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,004Winner | 1,992 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 110,000 GTWinner | 73,500 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 269 m |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,974Winner | 1,800 |
| Crew | 1,180Winner | 650 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.0 GT/pax | 40.8 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.52:1Winner | 2.77:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Panama | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9220020 | 9917173 |
Carnival Valor is the significantly larger vessel at 110,000 GT — 50% more than Celestyal Journey's 73,500 GT. Celestyal Journey offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.8 GT per passenger versus 37.0. Built in 2004, Carnival Valor is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Valor |
| Capacity | Carnival Valor |
| Modernity | Carnival Valor |
| Service | Carnival Valor |
| Spaciousness | Celestyal Journey |
Bottom line: Carnival Valor wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Valor
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
Celestyal Journey
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
Good range of onboard options
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.
32 m |
| Draft | 8.3 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |