Fantasy class · Carnival · In service since 1998
Carnival Paradise
Carnival Paradise is a Fantasy class cruise ship operated by Carnival, in service since 1998. At about 70,367 gross tons, it carries roughly 2,124 guests and ranks #29 by size in the 29-ship Carnival fleet we cover.
- 70,367 gross tons
- 2,124 guests
- 855 ft long
Photo: Beau Hudspeth - Digi-Gen Design Studios - Photography, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Fantasy class
- Entered service
- 1998 (28 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 70,367
- Guests
- 2,124
- Length
- 855 ft (260.6 m)
- Speed
- 21 knots
- Builder
- Kvaerner Masa-Yards
- Flag
- Panama
- IMO number
- 9120877
About Carnival Paradise
Carnival Paradise, the last Fantasy-class ship built, entered service in 1998 as a completely smoke-free ship, a rarity at the time, though that policy was later dropped. It shares the class’s multi-deck atrium and compact layout, along with Fun Ship 2.0 additions such as Guy’s Burger Joint and the BlueIguana Cantina. The ship has been a regular on short Western Caribbean trips from Tampa, often to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. It’s a good fit for travelers who care more about a quick break than about the latest onboard attractions.
Best for: Gulf Coast and Florida cruisers who want a short, low-key getaway from Tampa.
Carnival Paradise highlights
- Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina
- RedFrog Rum Bar on the Lido Deck
- Serenity adults-only retreat
- Short Western Caribbean itineraries from Tampa
How Carnival Paradise 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 Paradise FAQs
How big is Carnival Paradise?
Carnival Paradise measures about 70,367 gross tons and is about 855 feet (261 m) long. That makes it #29 of 29 Carnival ships we cover by tonnage, and #181 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Carnival Paradise carry?
About 2,124 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 Paradise built?
Carnival Paradise 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 Paradise?
Carnival Paradise belongs to Carnival's Fantasy class, alongside Carnival Elation. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Carnival Paradise 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 Paradise 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.