Carnival Cruise Line has been around since 1972, with the first cruise setting sail on March 11, 1972. Since then, the cruising industry has changed dramatically. In fact, the original Mardi Gras was advertised as being 27,000 gross tons, while her namesake which was launched in 2021 is a little over 180,000 gross registered tons.
Today's newest ships tend to have the most onboard amenities, whether it is an increased number of dining venues and bars or one-of-a-kind attractions at sea like the roller coaster BOLT. Some cruisers, however, prefer older ships due to their smaller size, as they have a more intimate feel and often visit destinations that are unable to accommodate the larger mega-ships.
Whether you are a fan of newer or older ships, Carnival's fleet of 27 (soon to be 29 once the cruise line successfully acquires two ships from P&O Cruises Australia) has a vessel that will satisfy every type of traveler. Here is a list of Carnival's ships by age as of 2025.
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