Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
%2C_Vancouver_Harbour%2C_Kreuzfahrtschiff_Queen_Elizabeth_--_2022_--_2181.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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 Vista
Queen Elizabeth
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Vista
133,500 GT
Queen Elizabeth
90,900 GT
Length
Carnival Vista
323 m
Queen Elizabeth
294 m
Beam
Carnival Vista
37 m
Queen Elizabeth
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Vista
3,936
Queen Elizabeth
2,081
Crew
Carnival Vista
1,450
Queen Elizabeth
1,005
Decks
Carnival Vista
15
Queen Elizabeth
—
Year Built
Carnival Vista
2,016
Queen Elizabeth
2,010
Space Ratio
Carnival Vista
33.9 GT/pax
Queen Elizabeth
43.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Vista
2.71 :1
Queen Elizabeth
2.07 :1
| Specification | Carnival Vista | Queen Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Cunard |
| Class | Vista Class | Vista Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,016Winner | 2,010 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 90,900 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,936Winner | 2,081 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 1,005 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.9 GT/pax | 43.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.71:1 | 2.07:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9692569 | 9477438 |
Carnival Vista is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 47% more than Queen Elizabeth's 90,900 GT. Queen Elizabeth offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.7 GT per passenger versus 33.9. Built in 2016, Carnival Vista is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Vista |
| Capacity | Carnival Vista |
| Modernity | Carnival Vista |
| Service | Queen Elizabeth |
| Spaciousness | Queen Elizabeth |
Bottom line: Carnival Vista wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
Queen Elizabeth
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
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 | 8.2 mWinner | 8 m |
| Decks | 15 | — |
