Carnival Spirit

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Spirit

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Glory

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Carnival Spirit vs Carnival Glory

    For a cheerful, value-driven cruise, Carnival Spirit offers a classic fun-ship experience, while Carnival Glory shines with a vibrant, refreshed atmosphere ideal for shorter, energetic getaways.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Carnival Spirit and Carnival Glory comes down to your preference for scale and recent updates. Carnival Spirit, a Spirit-class ship from 2001, refurbished in 2015, maintains a beloved, relaxed vibe with a highly praised crew and unique decor, particularly appealing to Australian cruisers. Carnival Glory, a Conquest-class vessel launched in 2003 and significantly refreshed in 2024, offers a larger capacity and a more modern, yet still whimsical, atmosphere, perfectly suited for lively, shorter sailings.

    Choose Carnival Spirit if…

    Travelers seeking a laid-back, friendly atmosphere with a highly attentive crew and diverse dining, especially those cruising from Australia looking for good value and a wide range of activities for all ages.

    Best for

    • Families seeking diverse activities and kids' clubs
    • Value-conscious cruisers looking for inclusive dining
    • Adults desiring a dedicated retreat area
    • Foodies interested in specialty dining experiences
    • Travelers who appreciate an exceedingly friendly crew

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a very modern or minimalist aesthetic
    • You are sensitive to eclectic interior design
    • You require an all-inclusive beverage package

    Choose Carnival Glory if…

    Cruisers desiring a vibrant, energetic experience on a larger ship that has seen recent cabin refreshes, offering an easy-to-navigate layout and plenty of activities for families and social explorers, particularly on shorter Caribbean itineraries.

    Best for

    • First-time cruisers seeking easy navigation
    • Families looking for extensive water park features
    • Party-goers and social explorers on short cruises
    • Guests appreciating recently refreshed cabins and amenities
    • Individuals with sensory needs due to KultureCity® certification

    Avoid if

    • You dislike bold, whimsical, or zany decor
    • You prefer an entirely quiet and serene cruise experience at all times
    • You expect all room service to be complimentary

    Overall Vibe

    Carnival Spirit

    The Carnival Spirit, a Spirit-class vessel built in 2001 and last refurbished in 2015, exudes a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Known for its "hodgepodge of styles" in decor, it embraces an eclectic charm that many cruisers find endearing. This 88,500-ton ship, carrying 2,124 passengers across 12 decks, has cultivated a reputation as a favorite for its top-value holiday experience. It's a ship where the focus is on genuine fun and comfort, making guests feel right at home despite its distinctive interior design.

    Carnival Glory

    The Carnival Glory, a larger Conquest-class ship launched in 2003, received a significant refresh in 2024, ensuring its public spaces and cabins sparkle. This 110,000-ton vessel, accommodating 2,980 guests across 14 decks, boasts a vibrant and often whimsical "Farcusian" design, characterized by its colorful and sometimes zany creations. The recent updates have enhanced its appeal, providing a cheerful, easy-to-navigate environment that balances old-school charm with modern amenities, creating a lively yet relaxed setting.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Carnival Spirit

    Carnival Spirit draws a diverse crowd of families, couples, and singles, all contributing to a "let's have fun" mentality. With a passenger capacity of 2,124 and a dedicated crew of 930, the ship maintains a good guest-to-crew ratio, fostering a personalized and attentive service experience. The atmosphere is notably laid-back and friendly, with the crew often cited as a standout feature for their exceptional engagement, making for a warm and inviting journey for everyone onboard.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory cultivates a "party-hard" yet relaxed and happy atmosphere, particularly popular for its shorter cruises. Accommodating 2,980 passengers, it offers a more bustling environment than its slightly smaller counterpart. The ship's design is known for its "wacky, often zany" character, which contributes to a vibrant social scene. It's also recognized for being easy to navigate, making it an approachable choice for first-time cruisers and those seeking an energetic, engaging vacation.

    Dining

    Carnival Spirit

    Carnival Spirit offers a diverse culinary journey, from the grand Empire Restaurant with its assigned or flexible dining, to the expansive La Playa Grille buffet featuring 10 food stations and 24-hour pizza and ice cream. Complimentary favorites include Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, along with Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ. For a special evening, Nouveau Steakhouse offers aged prime beef for an additional charge, and the Chef's Table provides a unique, highly recommended degustation experience for a fee. Bonsai Sushi and Seafood Corner also offer a la carte options.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory provides a wide array of dining choices that cater to various tastes. The main dining rooms, Platinum and Golden, offer a pleasing ambiance with flexible and assigned seating. The Red Sail Restaurant, serving as the Lido Marketplace buffet, includes Ol' Fashioned BBQ, Pizza Pirate, and the Carnival Deli, all complimentary. While Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina are available, they are listed as additional cost on this ship. Specialty options like the Emerald Room Steakhouse and the exclusive Chef's Table deliver upscale experiences for a surcharge, complemented by JavaBlue Cafe for coffee and pastries.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Carnival Spirit

    On Carnival Spirit, entertainment spans from Vegas-style revues and Playlist Productions in Pharaoh's Palace to engaging shows at The Punchliner Comedy Club, offering both family-friendly and 18+ performances. Nightlife heats up at the Alchemy Bar for crafted cocktails, the RedFrog Pub with live music, and the lively Dancin' Nightclub. Daytime fun includes the thrilling Green Thunder waterslide, the Carnival Twister Waterslide at WaterWorks, mini-golf, and Dive-In Movies under the stars, ensuring a dynamic mix for all ages.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory's entertainment is designed for a lively crowd, featuring major theatrical productions at the Amber Palace Theater and the popular Punchliner Comedy Club with PG and R-rated acts. The White Heat Nightclub keeps the party going late, while The Cinn-A-Bar Piano Bar offers nightly sing-alongs. For outdoor fun, Carnival WaterWorks boasts the Twister waterslide, an AquaTunnel, racing slides, and a giant dumping bucket. Dive-In Movies are shown poolside, and the Camel Club Casino provides gaming excitement, along with various deck parties like the Mega Deck Party.

    Cabins & Suites

    Carnival Spirit

    Carnival Spirit offers 1,062 cabins, with nearly 75% being outside cabins, and 80% of those featuring balconies. All staterooms are decorated in attractive earth tones and include standard amenities like twin beds (convertible to king), flat-screen TVs, safes, mini-bars, and Australian power points. Suites, including Grand, Vista, Ocean, and Junior categories, provide more space, larger balconies, and VIP perks. Ocean Suites even feature whirlpool tubs, adding a touch of luxury to your private retreat.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory's cabins received a refreshing update in Spring 2024, now featuring new soft furnishings, bedding, and modern bedside lighting with dual USB ports and 120V outlets. These spacious staterooms include ample storage, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. The ship offers four suite categories, such as Junior, Ocean, Grand, and the expansive Captain's Suites, which boast 180-degree views and two full bathrooms. Many cabins can accommodate up to four guests, with connecting options available for larger families or groups.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Carnival Spirit

    The Carnival Spirit is highly regarded for its "exceedingly friendly and attentive crew," often praised as five-star. This dedicated service contributes significantly to the ship's overall laid-back and fun atmosphere, creating a welcoming environment for all guests. The onboard style, while a "hodgepodge of styles" in decor, is complemented by a crew that makes every interaction feel personalized, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable cruise for everyone.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory's onboard style is characterized by its "wacky, often zany interior creations" by Joe Farcus, providing a distinctive and memorable aesthetic. The ship fosters a homey, relaxed, and happy atmosphere, making it particularly easy for new cruisers to navigate. It is also KultureCity® "Sensory Certified," with trained staff and sensory bags available, enhancing inclusivity and providing a supportive environment for guests with sensory needs, reflecting a thoughtful approach to service.

    Best Itineraries

    Carnival Spirit

    Carnival Spirit has become a firm favorite among Australian cruisers, suggesting its itineraries often focus on the South Pacific and surrounding regions. It's well-suited for voyages that emphasize a relaxed pace with plenty of onboard activities, offering a great value holiday for those exploring these beautiful destinations. The ship's layout and amenities cater effectively to longer, more immersive cruise experiences from its homeport.

    Carnival Glory

    Carnival Glory is noted as a perfect ship for shorter, more energetic cruises, typically three or four-night sailings to destinations like the Bahamas. Its vibrant atmosphere and extensive array of activities are well-matched for guests seeking a quick, fun-filled getaway. The ship's recent refresh further enhances its appeal for these shorter, high-energy voyages, providing a lively backdrop for Caribbean explorations and celebratory trips.

    What reviewers say

    Carnival Spirit

    4.5/5

    Carnival Spirit offers a top-value holiday for all ages, delivering fun activities, good food, and exceptional service. Despite its eclectic decor, the ship provides a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that keeps passengers returning.

    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 Spirit

    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