Fantasy class · Carnival · In service since 1998
Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation is a Fantasy class cruise ship operated by Carnival, in service since 1998. At about 71,909 gross tons, it carries roughly 2,130 guests and ranks #28 by size in the 29-ship Carnival fleet we cover.
- 71,909 gross tons
- 2,130 guests
- 855 ft long
Photo: P. Alejandro Diaz, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Fantasy class
- Entered service
- 1998 (28 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 71,909
- Guests
- 2,130
- Length
- 855 ft (260.6 m)
- Speed
- 21 knots
- Builder
- Kvaerner Masa-Yards
- Flag
- Panama
- IMO number
- 9118721
About Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation, delivered in 1998, is one of the last two Fantasy-class ships from Carnival’s original run of eight, and it was the first cruise ship built with Azipod propulsion, steerable pods that are now common across the industry. It is smaller and simpler than the line’s newer ships, but Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades added Guy’s Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina and the RedFrog Rum Bar, and Serenity offers adults a quiet deck. Elation focuses on short Bahamas trips, which makes it an easy, low-commitment first cruise.
Best for: First-time cruisers who want a short, inexpensive Bahamas trip on a simple, easy-to-navigate ship.
Carnival Elation highlights
- First cruise ship built with Azipod propulsion
- Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina
- RedFrog Rum Bar
- Serenity adults-only retreat
- Camp Ocean kids’ club
How Carnival Elation compares in size
- Carnival Celebration183,521
- Carnival Jubilee183,521
- Mardi Gras181,808
- Carnival Venezia135,500
- Carnival Firenze135,156
- Carnival Vista133,500
- Carnival Horizon133,500
- Carnival Panorama133,500
- Carnival Dream130,000
- Carnival Magic130,000
- Carnival Breeze130,000
- Carnival Splendor113,300
- Carnival Conquest110,000
- Carnival Glory110,000
- Carnival Valor110,000
- Carnival Liberty110,000
- Carnival Freedom110,000
- Carnival Encounter108,977
- Carnival Adventure108,806
- Carnival Sunshine102,853
- Carnival Sunrise101,509
- Carnival Radiance101,509
- Carnival Luminosa92,720
- Carnival Pride88,500
- Carnival Legend88,500
- Carnival Miracle88,500
- Carnival Spirit85,920
- Carnival Elation71,909
- Carnival Paradise70,367
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Fantasy class sister ships
Sailing with Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line is America’s budget-friendly “Fun Ship” brand: casual, sociable and packed with free food, comedy and pool-deck parties. It sails from more US ports than almost any other line, which makes short Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico getaways easy to reach. It suits families, groups and value seekers, less so travelers wanting quiet elegance or fine dining.
Read our full Carnival guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Carnival Elation FAQs
How big is Carnival Elation?
Carnival Elation measures about 71,909 gross tons and is about 855 feet (261 m) long. That makes it #28 of 29 Carnival ships we cover by tonnage, and #176 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Carnival Elation carry?
About 2,130 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Carnival Elation built?
Carnival Elation entered service in 1998 and was built by Kvaerner Masa-Yards. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.
What class of ship is Carnival Elation?
Carnival Elation belongs to Carnival's Fantasy class, alongside Carnival Paradise. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Carnival Elation good for families?
Camp Ocean runs free supervised activities for kids aged 2 to 11 in age groups, Circle C is for 12- to 14-year-olds and Club O2 is for teens 15 to 17. Night Owls offers paid late-evening group babysitting. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Carnival Elation offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Carnival official site.