Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Horizon
- Cruises
- 11
- From
- $362
Ship comparison
Carnival Horizon vs Freedom of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
- Cruises
- 64
- From
- $358
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Horizon is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 3,960 passengers, in service since 2018. Freedom of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose Carnival Horizon if you want more of a party, a newer ship or more adventure and nature: it outscores Freedom of the Seas for party (10.0 vs 7.0) and adventure & nature (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2018 (vs 2006).
Choose Freedom of the Seas if you want more space per passenger, a better-rated spa and gym or better-rated staterooms: it outscores Carnival Horizon for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 7.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 42.5 gross tons per passenger (vs 33.7).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Horizon | Freedom of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2018 (better) | 2006 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 133,457 | 154,407 |
| Passengers | 3,960 | 3,634 |
| Crew | 1,400 | 1,360 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 | 2.7 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 33.7 | 42.5 (better) |
| Decks | 15 | 18 |
| Length | 1,055 ft | 1,112 ft |
| Beam | 122 ft | 184 ft |
| Speed | 21 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 (better) | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 11 | 64 |
| Upcoming sailings | 97 | 93 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–8 nights | 2–12 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $362 | $358 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Carnival Horizon leads on 5 of the ten, Freedom of the Seas on 3, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Horizon
Carnival Horizon from Carnival Cruise Line is a bold, sophisticated, gorgeous ship brimming with activities, dining options, and bars and lounges galore. The ship carries 3,936 passengers (double occupancy) and 1,450 crew members — both identical to sister ship Carnival Vista — and it measures the same 133,457 gross registered tons.
Sailing now
11 cruises on sale, from $362.
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas features several maritime innovations to stir your imagination. Share a high five with Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen.
Highlights
- Meeting Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience
- Shopping on the Royal Promenade
- Ice skating in the onboard ice skating rink
- Sipping delicious wines at Vintages wine bar
Sailing now
64 cruises on sale, from $358.
About Freedom of the Seas Plan my cruise on Freedom of the Seas
Questions
Carnival Horizon or Freedom of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Carnival Horizon or Freedom of the Seas?
Freedom of the Seas is bigger at 154,407 gross tons, against 133,457 gross tons for Carnival Horizon. Carnival Horizon carries 3,960 passengers and Freedom of the Seas carries 3,634.
Which ship is newer, Carnival Horizon or Freedom of the Seas?
Carnival Horizon is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2018 against 2006 for Freedom of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Freedom of the Seas, with 42.5 gross tons per passenger against 33.7 on Carnival Horizon. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Freedom of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.7 passengers against one for every 2.8 on Carnival Horizon.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10.
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