Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Magic
- Cruises
- 10
- From
- $393
Ship comparison
Carnival Magic vs Carnival Vista
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Vista
- Cruises
- 16
- From
- $356
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Magic is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 3,690 passengers, in service since 2011. Carnival Vista is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 3,934 passengers, in service since 2016.
Choose Carnival Magic if you want a better-rated spa and gym or more culture: it outscores Carnival Vista for spa & fitness (7.0 vs 6.0) and cultural (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Carnival Vista if you want a more romantic trip, more adventure and nature or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Carnival Magic for romantic (6.0 vs 2.0), adventure & nature (5.0 vs 2.0) and family friendly (10.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Magic | Carnival Vista | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2011 | 2016 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2018 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 130,000 | 133,500 |
| Passengers | 3,690 | 3,934 |
| Crew | 1,367 | 1,450 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 35.2 (better) | 33.9 |
| Decks | 17 | 15 |
| Length | 1,004 ft | 1,055 ft |
| Beam | 122 ft | 158 ft |
| Speed | 29 mph | 21 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 10 | 16 |
| Upcoming sailings | 79 | 84 |
| Cruise lengths | 6–8 nights | 5–8 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $393 | $356 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Carnival Magic leads on 3 of the ten, Carnival Vista on 5, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Magic
At 1,004 feet, Carnival Magic continued Carnival's Dream class tradition, with food and entertainment space in the Ocean Plaza, the splashy stylings of Carnival WaterWorks and The Lanai, a convenient and scenic half-mile outdoor wraparound promenade deck.
Highlights
- Exclusive teens-only Club O2
- Waterslides at Carnival WaterWorks
- Mini golf course at SportSquare
- Relaxing in Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
Sailing now
10 cruises on sale, from $393.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Vista
The 3,934-passenger Carnival Vista debuted as Carnival Cruise Line's largest ship when it launched in 2016, and it's been matched in size by sister ships Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama and overtaken by the considerably larger 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and the 5,374-guest Carnival Celebration.
Highlights
- Delicious burgers and fries at Guy's Burger Joint
- Fun waterslides and fountains at Carnival WaterWorks
- The first IMAX theater at sea
Sailing now
16 cruises on sale, from $356.
Questions
Carnival Magic or Carnival Vista?
Which is bigger, Carnival Magic or Carnival Vista?
Carnival Vista is bigger at 133,500 gross tons, against 130,000 gross tons for Carnival Magic. Carnival Magic carries 3,690 passengers and Carnival Vista carries 3,934.
Which ship is newer, Carnival Magic or Carnival Vista?
Carnival Vista is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2016 against 2011 for Carnival Magic.
Which has more space per passenger?
Carnival Magic, with 35.2 gross tons per passenger against 33.9 on Carnival Vista. 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 2.7 passengers.
Which is better for families?
Carnival Vista scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for Carnival Magic.
Still deciding?
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