Carnival Pride

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Pride

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Glory

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Carnival Pride vs Carnival Glory

    For those seeking a lively yet intimate family adventure, Carnival Pride offers classic fun, while Carnival Glory delivers a vibrant, refreshed party atmosphere perfect for short getaways.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Carnival Pride and Carnival Glory really comes down to the kind of energy you're seeking. Carnival Pride, a Spirit-class ship, offers a more intimate feel with its slightly smaller scale and a good balance of popular amenities, making it a solid choice for families and those who appreciate a friendly, service-focused experience without feeling overwhelmed. Carnival Glory, a Conquest-class vessel, embraces a larger, more vibrant 'party-hard' atmosphere, especially after its recent refresh, and is particularly well-suited for shorter, high-energy cruises. Both ships deliver the quintessential Carnival 'Fun Ship' experience, but with distinct personalities that cater to different preferences for crowd size and onboard ambiance.

    Choose Carnival Pride if…

    Carnival Pride is ideal for families with children of all ages who appreciate a festive, yet more intimate cruising experience, as well as those seeking good value with a focus on attentive service and diverse complimentary dining options.

    Best for

    • Families with children seeking engaging, supervised fun and Dr. Seuss-themed activities.
    • Cruisers who appreciate a lively, festive atmosphere that still feels intimate and less crowded.
    • Guests looking for good value with a variety of complimentary dining options like Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.
    • Travelers desiring a balance of relaxation and activity, with access to an adults-only retreat and thrill slides.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer an ultra-modern aesthetic, as some decor might feel dated.
    • You require multiple power outlets in standard cabins and do not bring a power strip.
    • You are sensitive to noise, as some cabins may have obstructed views overlooking lifeboats or be near lively areas.

    Choose Carnival Glory if…

    Carnival Glory is perfect for first-time cruisers, weekend revelers, and families looking for a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere on shorter itineraries, who appreciate bold decor and a wide array of refreshed activities and dining choices.

    Best for

    • First-time cruisers due to its easy-to-understand deck plan and approachable atmosphere.
    • Weekend revelers and groups seeking a vibrant, 'party-hard' social experience on short cruises.
    • Families with older children and teens who will enjoy the refreshed kids' clubs and water park.
    • Guests who appreciate unique, bold, and quirky interior designs.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a quiet, serene cruise experience, as the ship can be very lively and crowded, especially in public areas at peak times.
    • You dislike whimsical or 'zany' decor, as the Farcusian design might be overwhelming.
    • You rely heavily on complimentary room service for hot meals, as most items incur a fee.
    • You have young children not yet potty-trained, as they cannot use the pools or water slides.

    Overall Vibe

    Carnival Pride

    Launched in 2002, Carnival Pride presents a festive and family-friendly atmosphere, balancing a lively spirit with a more intimate feel compared to some of Carnival's larger vessels. As a Spirit-class ship, it offers a comprehensive 'Fun Ship 2.0' experience, which includes popular dining and entertainment venues. Guests often find its layout easy to navigate, contributing to a relaxed journey where the focus remains on enjoyment and the attentive crew. The ship maintains a good value proposition, making it an appealing choice for those who desire a vibrant cruise without the overwhelming crowds.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory, a Conquest-class vessel built in 2003 and refreshed in Spring 2024, exudes a distinctly vibrant and 'party-hard' energy. Its unique Farcusian decor, ranging from whimsical to wonderfully bizarre, creates an unforgettable visual experience unlike anything else at sea. The recent refit enhanced its appeal with new livery and updated public spaces, ensuring a well-maintained and sparkling environment. It strikes a balance between a homey, relaxed feel and a lively ambiance, making it particularly well-suited for shorter cruises where fun and excitement are high on the agenda.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Carnival Pride

    With a passenger capacity of 2,124 and a dedicated crew of 930, Carnival Pride fosters a convivial and intimate atmosphere. The ship's layout is designed to disperse guests, preventing overly crowded spaces even during peak times. This creates a relaxed environment where families can enjoy the diverse activities, and adults can find tranquility at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. The overall vibe is lively and engaging, yet maintains a comfortable scale, allowing for easier navigation and a more personalized experience for every guest.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory, accommodating 2,980 passengers, offers a larger and more energetic crowd experience. It's known for its 'party-hard' reputation, particularly popular on shorter voyages, drawing a mix of families and groups looking for high-octane fun. While the Lido Marketplace can be bustling during peak hours, the ship's expansive design and numerous venues, including the adults-only Serenity Retreat, help manage passenger flow. The atmosphere is generally upbeat and social, making it an excellent choice for those who thrive in a lively, vibrant setting and enjoy meeting new people.

    Dining

    Carnival Pride

    Carnival Pride offers a delightful array of dining options. Complimentary choices include the elegant Normandie Restaurant, the expansive Mermaid's Grille Lido Restaurant with its diverse food stations, and casual favorites like Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and Pizza Pirate, all included in your fare. For an additional cost, guests can savor Japanese cuisine at Bonsai Sushi, indulge in a gourmet meal at David's Steakhouse, or experience the exclusive Chef's Table. The ship ensures a satisfying culinary journey, from casual bites to refined dinners, with plenty of variety to please different palates.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory boasts an extensive selection of dining venues, ensuring there's always something to tempt your taste buds. Complimentary options include the lively Red Sail Restaurant (Lido Marketplace) with its various themed stations, Ol' Fashioned BBQ, Pizza Pirate (24-hour), and The Carnival Deli. For an extra charge, you can enjoy Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, or opt for more upscale experiences at the Emerald Room Steakhouse or the exclusive Chef's Table. The ship also features the Golden and Platinum Restaurants for main dining, offering a diverse menu that caters to both traditional and adventurous eaters.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Carnival Pride

    Entertainment on Carnival Pride is designed for continuous fun, featuring engaging Playlist Productions shows in the Taj Mahal Main Show Lounge, and laughter at The Punchliner Comedy Club. The Beauties Dance Club keeps the party going late into the night, while the RedFrog Pub and Ivory Piano Bar offer live music and sing-alongs. Outdoors, guests can enjoy movies under the stars at the Carnival Seaside Theater or splash at Carnival WaterWorks, which includes the thrilling Twister Waterslide and DrainPipe. The ship also hosts various games, trivia, and themed deck parties, ensuring there's always something lively happening.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory's entertainment and nightlife are vibrant and diverse, with a focus on high-energy experiences. Guests can enjoy Broadway-style productions from Playlist Productions and multiple comedy shows at The Punchliner Comedy Club in the Ebony Cabaret. The White Heat Dance Club is the place for dancing, while the Cinn-A-Bar Piano Bar offers lively sing-alongs. The ship also features Carnival WaterWorks with its Twister and AquaTunnel slides, Dive-In Movies by the pool, and exciting casino gaming at the Camel Club Casino. Expect numerous themed parties and live music throughout the ship, keeping the atmosphere buzzing.

    Cabins & Suites

    Carnival Pride

    Carnival Pride offers a range of comfortable accommodations, from interior staterooms to expansive suites. Standard rooms are thoughtfully appointed with ample storage, a safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, and flat-screen TV, though note they typically have only one power outlet. Suites, such as the Grand, Vista, Ocean, and Junior Suites, provide extra space, VIP check-in, and enhanced amenities like a walk-in closet and a whirlpool tub in the bathroom (in Ocean and Junior Suites). Vista Suites stand out with a generous 220 sq ft wrap-around balcony, perfect for panoramic views.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory's cabins and suites were significantly refreshed in 2024, featuring new soft furnishings, bedding, and modern bedside lighting with dual USB ports and 120V outlets. This ensures a comfortable and contemporary stay across all categories. The ship offers a wide selection, including Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, many accommodating up to four passengers. For those seeking luxury, the Captain's Suites are particularly noteworthy, offering 548 sq ft of living space, two full bathrooms (one with a whirlpool tub), and a sweeping 258 sq ft balcony with 180-degree views, truly a standout feature.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Carnival Pride

    The service on Carnival Pride is consistently highlighted as spot-on, delivered by a friendly and helpful crew who contribute significantly to the ship's inviting atmosphere. The onboard style leans towards a classic Carnival aesthetic, incorporating elements like the Art Deco-inspired Normandie Restaurant and the zen-like Bonsai Sushi. The ship is also KultureCity 'Sensory Certified,' ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for guests with sensory and invisible disabilities, demonstrating a commitment to personalized care and guest comfort.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory's onboard style is defined by its unique and often vibrant Farcusian decor, which gives the ship a distinctive character that seasoned cruisers either love or find delightfully quirky. Despite its age, the ship maintains a well-kept appearance, especially following its Spring 2024 refresh which included updated balcony doors and windows, and new LED lighting. The crew generally provides efficient and friendly service, contributing to the ship's happy and relaxed vibe. Like Pride, Carnival Glory is also KultureCity 'Sensory Certified,' offering a supportive environment for all guests.

    Best Itineraries

    Carnival Pride

    Carnival Pride is well-suited for a variety of itineraries, offering a balanced cruise experience without the overwhelming crowds often found on larger ships. While specific routes are not detailed, its design and amenities make it a flexible choice for diverse destinations, appealing to families and couples looking for a mix of relaxation and lively activities. Guests appreciate the value it provides, combining popular Fun Ship 2.0 features with a more intimate ship size, allowing for enjoyable voyages to destinations that emphasize a blend of port exploration and onboard fun.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory truly shines on its shorter itineraries, particularly the three or four-night cruises to destinations like the Bahamas, making it an ideal choice for 'Weekend Revelers' and first-time cruisers. Its 'party-hard' atmosphere and extensive range of activities are perfectly suited for these brief, high-energy getaways. The ship’s easy-to-navigate deck plan is a plus for those new to cruising, ensuring a stress-free experience as guests maximize their fun in a short timeframe. It’s a great option for a quick, vibrant escape.

    What reviewers say

    Carnival Pride

    4/5

    Overall, Carnival Pride is a festive ship where everyone enjoys their vacations, offering spot-on service from a friendly and helpful crew. It provides a great value with Fun Ship 2.0 additions without the crowds typically found on larger vessels.

    Carnival Glory

    4/5

    Carnival Glory reveals itself to be the perfect ship for a three or four-night cruise, offering a compelling mix of cozy public rooms, well-kept staterooms, and unique décor. This creates a perfect experience that rivals newer vessels, providing a happy, relaxed atmosphere for any traveler seeking fun or a quiet escape.

    Itineraries to compare

    Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.

    Carnival Pride

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Carnival Glory

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    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

    More comparisons