Carnival Excel class and Bigger...should… - CruiseHuddle

Carnival Excel class and Bigger...should they really build them? Or upgrade the smaller ships?

I honestly feel like that Carnival should update their smaller ships, instead of trying to compete with Royal for largest ships. People are going to cruise. They will make their money. I just feel the sacrifices are too great for the giant ships. Crew to passenger ratios, venue and room sizes, even the energy of the fun crew. I have sailed on the Vista and the Jubilee. My first was the Glory. I can honestly say, had the Vista been my first, I probably would have never sailed again. It was like it was the "test" ship to see what people liked the best. So much crammed together. Smaller venues. Jubilee was still smaller venues. They sacrificed space in the rooms(espcially bathroom). Ship, though new, was very plain. Loved the Glory. It was dated, could have used some tlc. The vibe was epic. Pics are Jubilee room entry and bathroom(balcony room). Lounge on the Glory(karaoke). Best spot on the Vista(Havana Lounge)
Carnival Cruise Line
3 cruisers

2 Replies

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I wonder if the cost of upkeep and updates or upgrades is somehow higher than the cost of building new. If they're keeping the older ships in service while adding new ships, perhaps the older ships will be updated at a later date?
@mermaid-vale
Oct 1, 2026
yeah the giant ship thing isnt for us either. we booked an excel class once for all the new stuff and honestly felt like cattle being herded. the main pool area was just a wall of people, zero vibe. give me a smaller, older ship any day. the crowds feel more like a community, you actually see the same people more than once. and i definitely agree on the cabin sizes, felt like a downgrade paying more for less room.

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