Ship Comparison
Carnival Elation vs Carnival Breeze
The Carnival Elation offers classic charm and value for family fun, while the Carnival Breeze delivers a more modern, high-energy, and expansive Caribbean experience.
The verdict
Choosing between Carnival Elation and Carnival Breeze really comes down to your preferred cruise style. The Elation, a seasoned Fantasy-class ship, provides a more intimate and budget-friendly journey, ideal for those who appreciate a classic cruise feel with proven family activities. Its smaller size means easier navigation and a generally less crowded atmosphere. On the other hand, the Carnival Breeze, a newer and larger vessel, is a hub of non-stop energy, offering a wider array of dining and entertainment options designed for a bustling, social, and modern cruise vacation. While both ships share Carnival's signature 'Fun Ship' ethos, the Breeze leans into a more extensive, contemporary experience, while the Elation excels in delivering reliable fun with a charming, retro appeal. Consider whether a cozier, value-focused trip or a larger, action-packed adventure aligns best with your vacation vision.
Choose Carnival Elation if…
The Carnival Elation is best for families and budget-conscious travelers seeking a classic, more intimate cruise experience with a focus on fun, value, and easy navigation.
Best for
- Families seeking a budget-friendly and fun cruise.
- Travelers who prefer a more intimate, less crowded ship.
- Cruisers who appreciate a classic, unpretentious vacation vibe.
- Guests looking for proven Carnival activities without mega-ship scale.
Avoid if
- You prefer modern, high-tech ships with extensive features.
- You are sensitive to noise from public areas in certain cabins.
- You desire a vast array of specialty dining options.
- You seek a very serene and quiet cruise experience.
Choose Carnival Breeze if…
The Carnival Breeze is ideal for lively families and social travelers who thrive in a high-energy environment with a wide array of dining, entertainment, and active options.
Best for
- Families and groups who love a high-energy, bustling atmosphere.
- Guests seeking a wide variety of dining, bars, and entertainment choices.
- Active travelers interested in water parks, ropes courses, and sports.
- Cruisers who enjoy a social, unpretentious party vibe.
Avoid if
- You prefer a quiet, intimate, and uncrowded cruise.
- You are sensitive to noise and large crowds.
- You dislike a constant, lively party atmosphere.
- You seek a luxury cruise experience with white-glove service.
Overall Vibe
Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation, launched in 1998, presents a classic Fantasy-class charm, having been refurbished in 2017 to blend its original character with modern touches. It offers a comfortable, uncrowded experience, perfect for those who appreciate a more intimate atmosphere. The decor has a distinctive blend of 1970s color and geometric patterns, accented with some Vegas-style elements, creating a retro yet inviting feel. It's a ship that prioritizes proven fun and relaxation without the overwhelming scale of newer vessels, embodying a value-driven and friendly ethos.
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze, built in 2012, radiates a light and lively Caribbean feel throughout its modern design. As a larger 'Fun Ship,' it's crafted for continuous activity and social engagement, featuring contemporary furnishings and tropical décor that transport guests straight to warm island bliss. The ship's atmosphere is energetic and unpretentious, catering to those who enjoy a bustling environment with a nearly nonstop range of options. It's a vibrant, modern take on the Carnival experience, designed for broad appeal and dynamic vacationing.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Elation
With a passenger capacity of 2,190 and a crew of 920, Carnival Elation provides a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, making it easy to navigate its 15 decks. The ship fosters a family-friendly and casual environment, appealing to guests who prefer a cozier cruise. You'll find a lively buzz, especially around the main activity hubs, but also plenty of quieter corners like the Mark Twain Library. The crew is known for being friendly and attentive, contributing to a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all onboard.
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze, a larger vessel, accommodates 3,690 passengers with a crew of 1,386 across its 15 decks, resulting in a bustling and high-energy atmosphere. The ship often sails at full capacity, leading to a vibrant, social, and sometimes boisterous party vibe. It attracts a diverse crowd, all eager to partake in the nearly nonstop activities. While the crew is friendly and accommodating, guests should expect noticeable crowds and lines at popular venues, embracing a lively and informal communal experience rather than quiet solitude.
Dining
Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation offers a solid array of complimentary dining, including the main Dining Room (Inspiration and Imagination), Tiffany's Lido Buffet, and popular poolside spots like Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. You can also grab a slice from Pizza Pirate 24/7 or a sandwich from the Carnival Deli. For an extra touch, there’s the intimate Chef's Table experience, Bonsai Sushi Express, and specialty coffees at JavaBlue Café. The focus here is on satisfying, familiar favorites without an overwhelming number of specialty venues.
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze boasts an extensive and diverse culinary landscape. Complimentary options include the main Blush and Sapphire Dining Rooms, The Lido Marketplace buffet, Guy's Burger Joint, and BlueIguana Cantina. Additionally, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse and The Captain's Pasta Bar offer more included variety. For a fee, guests can indulge at Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, or the highly exclusive Chef's Table. The ship provides a wider spectrum of culinary adventures, from casual bites to upscale experiences.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Elation
Entertainment on Carnival Elation centers on classic Carnival fun. Guests can enjoy performances at Playlist Productions, laugh at The Punchliner Comedy Club, or enjoy live music in venues like the Atrium and Duke's Piano Bar. For active fun, there's WaterWorks with its Twister Waterslide and racing slides, plus mini-golf and outdoor games. Kids have dedicated spaces at Camp Ocean, Circle C, and Club O2. The casino offers games of chance, while the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat provides a peaceful escape.
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze offers a broad and dynamic entertainment lineup across its decks. Guests can immerse themselves in Playlist Productions shows, enjoy comedy at The Punchliner Comedy Club, or dance the night away at Liquid Nightclub. The WaterWorks water park features a 320-foot Twister Waterslide and PowerDrencher, while SportSquare offers a ropes course, mini-golf, and a basketball court. For an extra thrill, there's the 4D Thrill Theater. Live music is abundant, and dedicated youth programs like Camp Ocean, Circle C, and Club O2 keep younger cruisers engaged.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Elation
Cabins on Carnival Elation are generally spacious and comfortable, offering ample storage. Standard options include Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, each accommodating up to five guests. Suites, such as the Junior Suite, Grand Suite, and Grand Vista Suite, provide more expansive living areas and balconies, along with VIP perks like priority check-in and complimentary laundry. It's worth noting that some Junior Suites on Deck 11 have obstructed views, and cabins on Empress and Promenade decks may experience noise from public spaces.
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze features functional, contemporary cabins with generous storage, though they can be snug for larger families. Beyond standard Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony options, the ship offers unique Cove Balcony staterooms closer to the waterline, and Deluxe Ocean View rooms with a separate washroom. Cloud 9 Spa cabins and suites come with exclusive amenities like priority spa reservations and unlimited thermal suite access. Suites, including Ocean Suites and Grand Suites, offer whirlpool tubs and walk-in closets, ensuring a more luxurious and Personalized experience with added space.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Elation
The Carnival Elation prides itself on its friendly and attentive crew, which is a hallmark of the Carnival experience. Guests consistently note the personalized touch and warmth from the onboard staff. The ship's style, while a blend of classic and vibrant, contributes to an informal and welcoming atmosphere where the crew plays a significant role in creating a fun-filled, unpretentious vacation. The emphasis is on genuine hospitality and a comfortable cruise environment that feels familiar and easygoing.
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze maintains Carnival's reputation for friendly and accommodating crew members who contribute to its lively Caribbean ambiance. The onboard style is contemporary with tropical décor, designed to enhance the fun-for-everyone ethic. Service is efficient and geared towards supporting the ship's non-stop activity schedule, from the bustling Lido Deck to the specialty restaurants. The crew's energy complements the ship's social and unpretentious vibe, making guests feel welcome to participate in all the excitement or simply relax in their own way.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Elation
Given Carnival Elation's classic Fantasy-class design and passenger capacity, it is well-suited for shorter, value-oriented cruises, often sailing regional routes from homeports that attract a strong drive-market. These itineraries typically involve port-intensive experiences, allowing guests to explore destinations without lengthy sea days. The ship's manageable size makes for easier embarkation and debarkation in various ports, appealing to cruisers seeking an accessible and enjoyable getaway focused on destination discovery and onboard fun.
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Breeze, with its larger scale and extensive onboard amenities, is perfectly designed for diverse itineraries, including longer voyages that incorporate more sea days. These longer sailings allow guests ample time to explore the ship's wide range of activities, from SportSquare to the various dining venues. Its modern features and capacity make it suitable for popular Caribbean routes, offering a robust blend of destination visits and a resort-at-sea experience, catering to those who desire both exploration and a comprehensive onboard vacation.
What reviewers say
Carnival Elation
4/5Carnival Elation, though an older Fantasy-class ship, offers a charming, uncrowded experience with a strong focus on family fun and value. Its recent upgrades and dedicated crew ensure a good time for those seeking a classic cruise without the mega-ship scale.
Carnival Breeze
4/5Carnival Breeze offers a light and lively Caribbean feel, with friendly and accommodating crew members, embodying Carnival's fun-for-everyone ethic at its best. It provides a nearly nonstop range of activities and dining options, making it ideal for those seeking an unpretentious and social cruise experience.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Carnival Elation
Carnival Breeze
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.
Compare different ships
Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.
Ship A
Ship B

