Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Vista
- Cruises
- 16
- From
- $280
Ship comparison
Carnival Vista vs Freedom of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
- Cruises
- 71
- From
- $299
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Vista is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 3,934 passengers, in service since 2016. Freedom of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose Carnival Vista if you want more of a party, a newer ship or better-rated dining: it outscores Freedom of the Seas for party (10.0 vs 7.0) and dining (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2016 (vs 2006).
Choose Freedom of the Seas if you want a better-rated spa and gym, better-rated staterooms or more space per passenger: it outscores Carnival Vista for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 42.5 gross tons per passenger (vs 33.9).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Vista | Freedom of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2016 (better) | 2006 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 133,500 | 154,407 |
| Passengers | 3,934 | 3,634 |
| Crew | 1,450 | 1,360 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 33.9 | 42.5 (better) |
| Decks | 15 | 18 |
| Length | 1,055 ft | 1,112 ft |
| Beam | 158 ft | 184 ft |
| Speed | 21 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 (better) | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 16 | 71 |
| Upcoming sailings | 77 | 113 |
| Cruise lengths | 5 to 8 nights | 2 to 15 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $280 (better) | $299 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Carnival Vista leads on 3 of the ten, Freedom of the Seas on 5, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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 $280.
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
71 cruises on sale, from $299.
About Freedom of the Seas Plan my cruise on Freedom of the Seas
Questions
Carnival Vista or Freedom of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Carnival Vista or Freedom of the Seas?
Freedom of the Seas is bigger at 154,407 gross tons, against 133,500 gross tons for Carnival Vista. Carnival Vista carries 3,934 passengers and Freedom of the Seas carries 3,634.
Which ship is newer, Carnival Vista or Freedom of the Seas?
Carnival Vista is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2016 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 33.9 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?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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