September 5, 2026
8-Night Bahamas Cruise
Departing from Galveston
From
$775
Price / day
$97
Carnival Dream|Carnival Magic
Carnival Dream vs Carnival Magic
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
VS
Newer Ship
Carnival Magic
Built in 2011
2 years newer
Lower Price Per Day
Carnival Magic
$68 / day
$28 less per day
More Spacious Ship
Carnival Dream
35.7 GT per guest
Gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity
Carnival Dream vs Carnival Magic: Quick Comparison
Carnival Magic is the newer ship in this comparison. Built in 2011, it is 2 years newer than Carnival Dream, which entered service in 2009. Carnival Magic also carries 44 more passengers. Carnival Dream has upcoming sailings in Bahamas and Western Caribbean, while Carnival Magic has sailings in Eastern Caribbean. Based on the upcoming cruises currently displayed, Carnival Magic has the lower average starting price per day. The sailings shown cover different itineraries, so the price per day figures are not a like-for-like comparison. Cruise fares vary significantly by itinerary, departure date and cabin availability, so any price difference should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent gap.
Ship Comparison
| Spec | Carnival Dream | Carnival Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 2009 | 2011Newer |
| Gross Tonnage | 130,000 GT | 130,000 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 3,646 | 3,690 |
| Space per Passenger | 35.7 GT | 35.2 GT |
| Length | 306 m | 306 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | — | — |
Key Differences: Carnival Dream vs Carnival Magic
Age
Carnival Magic was built in 2011, making it 2 years newer than Carnival Dream, which was built in 2009.
Passenger capacity
Carnival Magic carries up to 3,690 passengers compared with 3,646 aboard Carnival Dream, a difference of 44 passengers.
Passenger space
Carnival Dream offers more space per passenger: 35.7 GT per guest, compared with 35.2 aboard Carnival Magic. A higher passenger space ratio generally means less crowding in public areas.
Itineraries
The upcoming sailings shown for Carnival Dream (Bahamas and Western Caribbean) and Carnival Magic (Eastern Caribbean) currently cover different regions or departure ports.
Price
Among the upcoming sailings currently displayed, Carnival Magic has the lower average starting price per day at $68 per day.
Compare Ports of Call
Carnival Dream
8-Day The Bahamas from Galveston, TX
- Departure Port
- Galveston
- Region
- Bahamas
- Nights
- 8
- Round Trip
- Yes
- Day 1 · Sep 5, 2026Galveston
- Day 2 · Sep 6, 2026At Sea
- Day 3 · Sep 7, 2026Key West
- Day 4 · Sep 8, 2026Celebration Key™
- Day 5 · Sep 9, 2026RelaxAway
- Day 6 · Sep 10, 2026Nassau
- Day 7 · Sep 11, 2026At Sea
- Day 8 · Sep 12, 2026At Sea
- Day 9 · Sep 13, 2026Galveston
Dates are estimates based on the published departure date.
Carnival Magic
8-Day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, FL
- Departure Port
- Miami
- Region
- Eastern Caribbean
- Nights
- 8
- Round Trip
- Yes
- Day 1 · Sep 5, 2026Miami
- Day 2 · Sep 6, 2026Princess Cays
- Day 3 · Sep 7, 2026At Sea
- Day 4 · Sep 8, 2026San Juan
- Day 5 · Sep 9, 2026St. Maarten
- Day 6 · Sep 10, 2026St Thomas
- Day 7 · Sep 11, 2026At Sea
- Day 8 · Sep 12, 2026At Sea
- Day 9 · Sep 13, 2026Miami
Dates are estimates based on the published departure date.
Upcoming Cruises & Prices
Carnival Dream
September 13, 2026
6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Departing from Galveston
From
$571
Price / day
$95
Carnival Magic
September 5, 2026
8-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Departing from Miami
From
$533
Price / day
$67
September 13, 2026
6-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Departing from Miami
From
$414
Price / day
$69
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
Carnival Dream
Average
$96 / day
VS
Carnival Magic
Average
$68 / day
Carnival Magic has the lower price per day among the sailings shown
$68/day vs $96/day
About $28 less per day
This comparison is based on the upcoming sailings currently shown and may not represent like-for-like itineraries.
Cruise prices vary by departure date, itinerary, cabin type and availability.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Choose Carnival Dream if…
- You prefer the ship with the lower passenger capacity.
- You value having more space per passenger (higher GT-per-guest ratio).
- You want to sail in Bahamas and Western Caribbean.
- Departing from Galveston works for your plans.
- You do not place as much importance on sailing on a newer ship than Carnival Magic.
Choose Carnival Magic if…
- You prefer the newer ship.
- You do not mind sailing on a ship with a higher passenger capacity.
- You want to sail in Eastern Caribbean.
- Departing from Miami works for your plans.
- The lower price per day among the sailings currently shown matters to you.
Carnival Dream vs Carnival Magic: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
Carnival Magic
Built in 2011
2 years newer
Bigger
Both ships are the same
Lower Price Per Day
Carnival Magic
$68 / day
About $28 less per day
- Carnival Magic is 2 years newer.
- Both ships have the same gross tonnage.
- Carnival Magic carries 44 more passengers.
- Carnival Dream offers more space per passenger (35.7 GT per guest).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is newer, Carnival Dream or Carnival Magic?
Carnival Magic is newer. It was built in 2011, while Carnival Dream was built in 2009, making Carnival Magic 2 years newer.
Which ship carries more passengers?
Carnival Magic has a passenger capacity of approximately 3,690, compared with 3,646 for Carnival Dream.
Which ship is more spacious, Carnival Dream or Carnival Magic?
Carnival Dream has the higher passenger space ratio at 35.7 GT per passenger, versus 35.2 for Carnival Magic. The ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity; a higher number means more ship space per guest.
Which ship is cheaper, Carnival Dream or Carnival Magic?
Among the upcoming sailings currently displayed, Carnival Magic has the lower average starting price per day at $68 per day versus $96 per day. Fares vary by itinerary, departure date, cabin type and availability.
Where does Carnival Dream sail?
The upcoming Carnival Dream sailings currently listed cover Bahamas and Western Caribbean, departing from Galveston.
Where does Carnival Magic sail?
The upcoming Carnival Magic sailings currently listed cover Eastern Caribbean, departing from Miami.
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