Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Freedom
- Cruises
- 18
- From
- $221
Ship comparison
Carnival Freedom vs Navigator of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Navigator of the Seas
- Cruises
- 27
- From
- $301
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Freedom is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 2,980 passengers, in service since 2007. Navigator of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2002.
Choose Carnival Freedom if you want more culture, more of a party or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Navigator of the Seas for cultural (6.0 vs 4.0), party (8.0 vs 6.0) and family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Navigator of the Seas if you want a better-rated spa and gym, a more romantic trip or more adventure and nature: it outscores Carnival Freedom for spa & fitness (8.5 vs 6.0), romantic (4.0 vs 2.0) and adventure & nature (4.0 vs 2.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Freedom | Navigator of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2007 (better) | 2002 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | 2019 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 110,000 | 138,000 |
| Passengers | 2,980 | 3,114 |
| Crew | 1,150 | 1,185 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 36.9 | 44.3 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 15 |
| Length | 952 ft | 1,020 ft |
| Beam | 116 ft | 157 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 18 | 27 |
| Upcoming sailings | 134 | 109 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 15 nights | 2 to 17 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $221 (better) | $301 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Carnival Freedom leads on 4 of the ten, Navigator of the Seas on 4, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Freedom
The last Conquest-class ship to be built for Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Freedom is inspired by and pays tribute to decades of the past, so passengers feel as if they are stepping into not only a different place, but a different time entirely.
Highlights
- Splash down the spiraling Twister Waterslide, filled with twists, turns and squeals of thrilled delight from kids and adults alike.
- Guy's Burger Joint, a partnership between Guy Fieri and Carnival, brings all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to the poolside.
Sailing now
18 cruises on sale, from $221.
Royal Caribbean
Navigator of the Seas
As the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class, the 3,114-passenger Navigator of the Seas has plenty to offer. Refurbished in 2019, the ship features the longest waterslide at sea, a revamped pool area, new nightlife venues and updated dining options. The best way to enjoy this ship is to take advantage of the amenities.
Highlights
- Duty-free shopping on the Royal Promenade
- Recreational facilities such as the ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall
- More than 100 treatments at Vitality Spa
- Solarium pool, an adults-only retreat
Sailing now
27 cruises on sale, from $301.
About Navigator of the Seas Plan my cruise on Navigator of the Seas
Questions
Carnival Freedom or Navigator of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Carnival Freedom or Navigator of the Seas?
Navigator of the Seas is bigger at 138,000 gross tons, against 110,000 gross tons for Carnival Freedom. Carnival Freedom carries 2,980 passengers and Navigator of the Seas carries 3,114.
Which ship is newer, Carnival Freedom or Navigator of the Seas?
Carnival Freedom is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 2002 for Navigator of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Navigator of the Seas, with 44.3 gross tons per passenger against 36.9 on Carnival Freedom. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers.
Which is better for families?
Carnival Freedom scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for Navigator of the Seas.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about Carnival Freedom, Navigator of the Seas or a ship that suits you better.