8 Carnival Cruise Ships Ranked by Value – Which Ship Gives the BEST Deal?

8 Carnival Cruise Ships Ranked by Value – Which Ship Gives the BEST Deal? === 00:50: #8: Carnival Elation 01:40: #7. Carnival Freedom 02:45: #6. Carnival Vista 03:56: #5. Carnival Horizon 04:57: #4. Carnival Mardi Gras 06:03: #3. Carnival Panorama 07:06: #2. Carnival Celebration 08:00: #1. Carnival Breeze === #cruisenow #cruiseship #cruisetour #cruisenews #cruise === 8 Carnival Cruise Ships Ranked by Value – Which Ship Gives the BEST Deal? When it comes to cruising, everyone loves a bargain. But here’s the thing—“cheap” doesn’t always mean the best value. Sometimes the lowest fare leaves you with fewer choices, while a slightly higher ticket can give you twice the fun. Carnival Cruise Line has a massive fleet, from smaller classic ships to giant floating resorts. Today, we’re breaking down the TOP 8 Carnival Cruise Ships ranked by overall value—balancing price, amenities, food, entertainment, and that unforgettable Carnival “Fun Ship” energy. By the end, you’ll know exactly which ships give you the most bang for your buck. 8 Carnival Cruise Ships Ranked by Value – Which Ship Gives the BEST Deal? #8. Carnival Elation – A Budget-Friendly Classic. We start with Carnival Elation, one of the Fantasy-class ships, and one of the cheapest ways to get on board Carnival. Its smaller size means fewer dining options and older décor, but that also makes it cozy and super affordable. If you just want a quick Bahamas or Caribbean getaway without breaking the bank, Elation delivers. Cabins are basic, entertainment is simple, but you’ll still get that Carnival party atmosphere. The value here comes from the price—you can often snag 3- or 4-day cruises for about the cost of a weekend hotel stay, around $149–$379 per person for a basic interior cabin, or $500–$800 for more premium cabins. It’s not the fanciest ship, but for pure affordability, Elation is a solid starter. 8 Carnival Cruise Ships Ranked by Value – Which Ship Gives the BEST Deal? #7. Carnival Freedom – A Step Up Without Big Costs. At number seven, we have the Carnival Freedom, a Conquest-class ship that strikes an ideal balance between affordability and amenities. Freedom isn’t about flashy, over-the-top attractions—it’s about delivering a dependable, fun experience at a price that makes cruising accessible to more travelers. Guests will find a lively pool deck that’s always buzzing with music and activities, a variety of dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, and plenty of Carnival’s signature nightlife, from comedy shows to themed parties. While you won’t get the latest features like roller coasters or massive water parks, you also won’t pay the sky-high prices of mega-ships. Freedom’s itineraries often include popular Caribbean destinations, and you’ll notice that drink packages, excursions, and even cabin fares tend to be lower compared to newer vessels. For 2026, starting prices range from $349–$500 for short cruises to the Bahamas or Caribbean, with higher rates during peak seasons such as summer and holidays. For first-time cruisers or anyone wanting more than the basics without overspending, Carnival Freedom is a true value standout.