Spirit class · Carnival · In service since 2002
Carnival Legend
Carnival Legend is a Spirit class cruise ship operated by Carnival, in service since 2002. At about 88,500 gross tons, it carries roughly 2,124–2,680 guests and ranks #25 by size in the 29-ship Carnival fleet we cover.
- 88,500 gross tons
- 2,124–2,680 guests
- 963 ft long
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Spirit class
- Entered service
- 2002 (24 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 88,500
- Guests
- 2,124–2,680
- Length
- 963 ft (293.5 m)
- Speed
- 22 knots
- Builder
- Kvaerner Masa-Yards
- Flag
- Malta
- IMO number
- 9224726
About Carnival Legend
Carnival Legend, delivered in 2002, is the Spirit-class ship themed around myths and legends, with the Golden Fleece Steakhouse beneath the funnel. Like its sisters, it pairs a slim, Panamax-size hull with a high share of balcony cabins. Legend has sailed a wider range of routes than many Carnival ships, including Alaska, Europe and Mid-Atlantic departures. On board, Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades give it the BlueIguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint, while the ship’s scale stays easy to navigate, with short walks between the pool, dining rooms and theater.
Best for: Travelers who want Carnival’s relaxed fun on less typical itineraries, from Alaska to Europe.
Carnival Legend highlights
- Golden Fleece Steakhouse, set high in the ship
- Mythology-themed interiors
- Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina
- WaterWorks with a waterslide
- Serenity adults-only retreat
How Carnival Legend 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.
Spirit 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 Legend FAQs
How big is Carnival Legend?
Carnival Legend measures about 88,500 gross tons and is about 963 feet (294 m) long. That makes it #25 of 29 Carnival ships we cover by tonnage, and #152 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Carnival Legend carry?
About 2,124–2,680 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 Legend built?
Carnival Legend entered service in 2002 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 Legend?
Carnival Legend belongs to Carnival's Spirit class, alongside Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Luminosa. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Carnival Legend 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 Legend 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.