Small Carnival Cruise Ships

Carnival Cruise Lines is known for its huge ‘Fun Ships’ full of amenities, activities and entertainment.

But what about the smallest Carnival ship in the fleet?

Often overlooked, it packs a unique charm.

Here we take a look at each ship and who they are best suited for. Do you offer the same carnival experience in a more intimate setting? Still fun? Here’s a look at Carnival cruise ships, the smallest of the cruise ships, and whether they’re right for you.

History of Carnival Cruise Line:

The story of Carnival Cruise Lines is the fascinating journey that transformed the cruise industry and made it one of the world’s most recognizable names in the cruise industry. Here is a brief history of Carnival Cruise Lines:

History

1972- Founded: Carnival Cruise Lines was founded in his 1972 by Israeli-American businessman Ted Allison. The company’s first ship, Mardi Gras, set sail on its maiden voyage from Miami in 1972. At the time, Carnival was a converted ocean liner and was seen as a cost-effective alternative to traditional cruise lines.

1980s – Expansion: Throughout the 1980s, Carnival expanded its fleet and added several new ships. The company’s “Fun Ship” concept, which emphasizes a relaxed and fun atmosphere onboard, has become increasingly popular. Carnival pioneered the introduction of shorter cruises that made the cruises available to a wider audience.

1990s – Industry Leader: Carnival Cruise Line continued to grow and innovate throughout the 1990s. The company has introduced larger and more modern ships, including fantasy-class ships such as Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Paradise. These ships offer a wide range of amenities and activities, setting the stage for future developments in the industry.

2000s – International Expansion: In the early 2000s, Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Lines, expanded its global footprint through the acquisition of other cruise brands such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Costa Cruises. The move cements Carnival Corporation’s position as the world’s largest cruise line.

2010s – New Innovation: Carnival Cruise Line continued to innovate by introducing larger and more advanced ships such as Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon. These ships had water parks, IMAX theaters, and other exciting attractions. The company has also invested in green technology to reduce its environmental impact.

2020s – Challenges and adaptations: The cruise industry faced significant challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to business disruptions and changes to health and safety protocols. Carnival Cruise Lines, like other cruise lines, has adapted to these new conditions by enhancing health measures and gradually resuming operations where safe to do so.

Smallest Carnival Cruise Ship?

The smallest ships in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise are both the same size and offer an intimate cruise experience without compromising on amenities.

Specifications	Category	Carnival Elation	Carnival Paradise
Gross Tonnage	Size	70,367 GT	70,367 GT
Length (Feet)	Size	855 feet	855 feet
Total Guest Capacity	Capacity	2,054	2,124
Number of Staterooms	Accommodations	1,026	1,062
Number of Guest Decks	Decks	10	10
Space Ratio	Space Efficiency	34.3	33.4

The Smallest Carnival Cruise Fantasy Class

Carnival Fantasy Class started in 1990 as Carnival Fantasy. Ultimately she consisted of eight ships, each much smaller than today’s mega cruise ships, each with its own charm.

As of 2023, she is the only fantasy-class ship left.

• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Elation

Precision built in Helsinki, Finland, these ships combine classic ocean liner design with modern convenience.

Coincidentally, these were her only two out of eight of her ships built with Azipod her azimuth thrusters for propulsion.

Most of the cabin is housed in the hull, a design choice that evokes memories of traditional sailing.

This ensures passengers a unique cruise experience that blends the nostalgia of old world travel with modern conveniences.

Mardi Gras-like ships feature extensive water parks, themed areas and even roller coasters. But what the fantasy class lacks in grandeur, it makes up for in a sense of intimacy, charm, and nostalgia. There are two other ships in the Fantasy class, both identical in size and most features, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise.

The First One Is Carnival Paradise

Built in 1998, she is the last of eight sister ships of the famous Fantasy class, sailing from Tampa, Florida to destinations in the Bahamas, Caribbean and beyond.

This ship is one of her two ships built in this class with vibration-free navigation as a result of using advanced azipod azimuth her thrusters for propulsion. I’m sorry. This allows our passengers to enjoy a smooth journey, avoiding the chaos that can hinder their voyage.

Carnival Her Paradise boasts an abundance of amenities for its size, but beware of the walkable Promenade Her Deck.

It can get crowded outside on particularly busy days. However, travelers who prefer quieter areas have noticed that the aft tends to be less crowded as most activity is concentrated in the main pool and aquapark areas.

For an even more tranquil experience, the adults-only Serenity Retreat offers accommodations for guests 21 and older, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.

The ship’s interior design is reminiscent of the grandeur of ocean liners of yesteryear, with modern comforts and nostalgia.

At night, the carnival paradise comes to life. As the shows and music reach higher decibel levels, guests can expect the enjoyment to be even greater and every night to be just as enjoyable as they would expect on a Carnival Cruise.

here are some good things about Carnival Paradise:

1. Family-Friendly: Carnival Paradise is family-friendly and offers a supervised youth program, Camp Ocean, for younger guests. You can enjoy activities together as a family or just relax.
2. Destinations: The ship offers a wide range of itineraries, including cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico. Explore beautiful tropical destinations and enjoy shore excursions in a variety of ports of call.
3. Relaxation: For those seeking relaxation, Carnival Paradise has serene spots like Serenity Adults Only Retreat, where you can relax in a peaceful atmosphere with breathtaking ocean views.
4. Themed Cruises: Carnival frequently operates themed cruises on a variety of ships, including Carnival Paradise. Ranging from music-themed cruises to holiday and special event cruises, we offer guests a unique experience.
5. Cruise Experiences: Carnival Paradise is known for providing fun and vibrant cruise experiences. A friendly crew, entertainment options, and a range of onboard amenities make this ship a popular choice for cruising novices and seasoned travelers alike.
6. Refurbishment: Until the last knowledge update in September 2021, Carnival Paradise has been refurbished to update and improve various in-flight features. This is part of Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to providing modern amenities while maintaining its classic charm.

The 2nd One Is Carnival Elation

Carnival Elation was built in 1998, one of the last of a series of eight sister ships and one of only two with Azipod azimuth thrusters, ensuring a vibration-free cruising experience and smooth journey.

Externally there is no Promenade deck, which means means that certain areas can feel particularly crowded, especially when the ship is fully booked.

However, the aft section offers a quieter respite, as it`s distanced from the bustling activities around the main pool and Aqua Park.

For those seeking tranquility, the adults-only Serenity retreat on deck 9 provides a peaceful haven for guests over 21.

The Elation`s interior design is a tribute to mythical muses and renowned composers, creating an ambiance that resonates with their timeless compositions.

Elation offers both fixed and flexible options for onboard dining. While the food is satisfying, it may not be the highlight of your carnival experience.

However, during mealtimes you can enjoy lively entertainment with singing, dancing and parades. For the lucky ones, the onboard casino offers a variety of entertainment options.

As day turns to night, Elation awakens with the vibrant energy you’d experience on a Carnival cruise ship.

The ship has several bars and lounges, a library and a reading room. As the night progresses, the atmosphere transforms into a party mood and a good time is guaranteed.

here some things about Carnival Elation

1. Dining: Enjoy a diverse dining experience onboard, from casual dining to elegant dining rooms. The ship’s main dining area offers a variety of cuisines, as well as specialty restaurants for those looking for a unique dining experience.

For Families: Carnival Elation is a family-friendly cruise ship that offers a supervised youth program called Camp Ocean for young guests. Families can enjoy a variety of activities together while spending time alone.

Destinations: The ship offers a variety of itineraries, including cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico. Explore beautiful tropical destinations and enjoy shore excursions in a variety of ports of call.

Relaxation: Carnival Elation offers tranquil spaces for relaxation, including the Serenity Adults Only Retreat, where guests can unwind in peaceful surroundings with breathtaking ocean views.

THEMED CRUISES: Carnival may operate themed cruises on a variety of ships, including Carnival Elations. These themed cruises range from music-themed cruises to vacation and special event cruises, offering passengers a unique experience.

Cruise Experiences: Carnival Elation is known for providing fun and vibrant cruise experiences. With a friendly crew, a wide range of entertainment options, and an array of onboard amenities, the ship is popular with cruising novices and seasoned travelers alike.

Refurbished: As of the last knowledge update in September 2021, Carnival Elation may be refurbished to update and improve various onboard features. Cruise ships often invest in refurbishments to provide modern amenities while preserving her ship’s unique charm.

Comparison between Smallest Carnival Cruise Ship to the Largest

The smallest Carnival cruise ship is more than half the size of the current Carnival Celebration’s largest ship.

Carnival Cruise Lines has a diverse fleet, from more intimate smaller ships like the Carnival Eration to gigantic floating cities that push the boundaries of ocean engineering. Carnival celebrations are a prime example.

This versatility gives travelers the choice of whether they prefer a more leisurely cruise experience or the luxury and amenities of a giant ship.

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the differences in size, capacity and equipment between the smallest and largest ships in the Carnival lineup.

Specifications	Category	Carnival Elation (Smallest)	Carnival Celebration (Largest)	Difference (Celebration – Elation)
Gross Tonnage	Size	70,367 GT	183,521 GT	113,154 GT
Length (Feet)	Size	855 feet	1,130 feet	275 feet
Total Guest Capacity	Capacity	2,606	6,631	4,025 guests
Number of Staterooms	Accommodations	1,026	2,687	1,661 staterooms
Number of Guest Decks	Decks	10	15	5 decks
Space Ratio	Space Efficiency	34	34	No difference (Equal)

Carnival’s Smallest Cruise Ship vs. Titanic

When it comes to cruise ships, some find it interesting to compare modern cruise ships to the size of the Titanic.

Once the world’s largest and most luxurious ocean liner, her RMS Titanic has long been the benchmark of sea magnificence.

In today’s conditions, however, even the smallest ships of major cruise lines like Carnival often surpass the Titanic in terms of size, comfort and technological advances.

At 882 feet 9 inches long and with a gross tonnage of about 46,328 tons, the Titanic was considered huge at the time.

Difference

By contrast, Carnival Fleet’s smallest ships, such as fantasy-class ships such as Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, are 855 feet long, but gross tonnage she is 70,367 tons. It packs more amenities into its slightly shorter length, suggesting a more efficient use of space.

While the Titanic could accommodate approximately 2,435 passengers and 892 crew members, Carnival’s smallest ship comfortably seats more than 2,600 passengers and offers access from an extensive water park to multiple restaurants and It is equipped with the latest equipment, including entertainment facilities.

Essentially, the evolution of cruise ship design and engineering over the past century has made even today’s “smaller” ships look like Titanic-era giants, both in size and in the range of experiences they offer passengers. means to be considered.

Specifications	Category	Carnival Elation	Titanic	Difference (Titanic – Elation)
Gross Tonnage	Size	70,367 GT	46,328 GT	-24,039 GT
Length (Feet)	Size	855 feet	882.5 feet	27.5 feet
Total Guest Capacity	Capacity	2,606	2,435	-171 guests
Number of Staterooms	Accommodations	1,026	840	-186 staterooms
Number of Guest Decks	Decks	10	9	-1 deck
Space Ratio	Space Efficiency	34	Not Known	Not Known

Smallest Carnival vs. Titanic
Despite its shorter overall length, even the smallest Carnival cruise is overall larger than the Titanic, with much higher gross tonnage, additional guest decks, more cabins, and consequently more guest capacity. will also increase.

Decommissioned(retired) Carnival Fantasy-class small ship

A 1990s signature of Carnival Cruise Lines, the Carnival Fantasy class has retired several of its iconic ships in recent years. The smallest ship in the
Carnival Fleet, like the last two existing smallest Carnival cruise ships, will be missed by those who have sailed it. see in table:

Ship Name	Years in Service	Gross Tonnage	Reason for Leaving Fleet
Carnival Fantasy	1990–2020	70,367	Scrapped in Aliağa
Carnival Fascination	1994–2020	70,367	Sold, renamed “Century Harmony”
Carnival Imagination	1995–2020	70,367	Awaiting scrapping in Aliağa
Carnival Inspiration	1996–2020	70,367	Scrapped in Aliağa
Carnival Sensation	1993–2022	70,367 GT	Scrapped post-COVID shutdown
Carnival Ecstasy	1991–2022	70,367 GT	Sold for scrapping post-COVID

Advantages of Sailing on a Smaller Ship

Choosing a smaller vessel offers many advantages. The intimate atmosphere ensures personal attention and makes every guest feel special.

Smaller size allows for faster boarding and disembarking, saving passengers valuable time.

What’s more, these ships have access to harbors inaccessible to larger vessels, ensuring a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.

FAQ,S

Conclusion

Only two ships remain in Carnival’s smallest fantasy class. We have to see how long they stay.

A compact, all-around fun carnival cruise experience that’s sure to last a lifetime. If you have the chance, you can also enjoy cruising on Carnival’s smallest cruise ship. stay blessed