September 6, 2026
4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Departing from Tampa
From
$334
Price / day
$84
Carnival Sensation|Carnival Paradise
Carnival Sensation vs Carnival Paradise
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
Carnival Sensation
Carnival Cruise Line
Check prices on CruiseDirectVS
Newer Ship
Carnival Paradise
Built in 1998
5 years newer
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
More Spacious Ship
Carnival Sensation
34.2 GT per guest
Gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity
Carnival Sensation vs Carnival Paradise: Quick Comparison
Carnival Paradise is the newer ship in this comparison. Built in 1998, it is 5 years newer than Carnival Sensation, which entered service in 1993. Carnival Paradise also carries 68 more passengers. Carnival Paradise has upcoming sailings in Western Caribbean and Bahamas. 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 Sensation | Carnival Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1993 | 1998Newer |
| Gross Tonnage | 70,367 GT | 70,367 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 2,056 | 2,124 |
| Space per Passenger | 34.2 GT | 33.1 GT |
| Length | 261 m | 260.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | — | — |
Key Differences: Carnival Sensation vs Carnival Paradise
Age
Carnival Paradise was built in 1998, making it 5 years newer than Carnival Sensation, which was built in 1993.
Passenger capacity
Carnival Paradise carries up to 2,124 passengers compared with 2,056 aboard Carnival Sensation, a difference of 68 passengers.
Passenger space
Carnival Sensation offers more space per passenger: 34.2 GT per guest, compared with 33.1 aboard Carnival Paradise. A higher passenger space ratio generally means less crowding in public areas.
Itineraries
The upcoming sailings shown for Carnival Sensation and Carnival Paradise (Western Caribbean and Bahamas) currently cover different regions or departure ports.
Compare Ports of Call
Carnival Paradise
4-Day Western Caribbean from Tampa, FL
- Departure Port
- Tampa
- Region
- Western Caribbean
- Nights
- 4
- Round Trip
- Yes
- Day 1 · Sep 6, 2026Tampa
- Day 2 · Sep 7, 2026At Sea
- Day 3 · Sep 8, 2026Cozumel
- Day 4 · Sep 9, 2026At Sea
- Day 5 · Sep 10, 2026Tampa
Dates are estimates based on the published departure date.
Upcoming Cruises & Prices
Carnival Sensation
Carnival Paradise
September 10, 2026
4-Night Bahamas Cruise
Departing from Tampa
From
$330
Price / day
$83
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
Carnival Sensation
Average
$0 / day
VS
Carnival Paradise
Average
$84 / day
Cruise prices vary by departure date, itinerary, cabin type and availability.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Choose Carnival Sensation if…
- You prefer the ship with the lower passenger capacity.
- You value having more space per passenger (higher GT-per-guest ratio).
- You do not place as much importance on sailing on a newer ship than Carnival Paradise.
Choose Carnival Paradise if…
- You prefer the newer ship.
- You do not mind sailing on a ship with a higher passenger capacity.
- You want to sail in Western Caribbean and Bahamas.
- Departing from Tampa works for your plans.
Carnival Sensation vs Carnival Paradise: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
Carnival Paradise
Built in 1998
5 years newer
Bigger
Both ships are the same
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
- Carnival Paradise is 5 years newer.
- Both ships have the same gross tonnage.
- Carnival Paradise carries 68 more passengers.
- Carnival Sensation offers more space per passenger (34.2 GT per guest).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is newer, Carnival Sensation or Carnival Paradise?
Carnival Paradise is newer. It was built in 1998, while Carnival Sensation was built in 1993, making Carnival Paradise 5 years newer.
Which ship carries more passengers?
Carnival Paradise has a passenger capacity of approximately 2,124, compared with 2,056 for Carnival Sensation.
Which ship is more spacious, Carnival Sensation or Carnival Paradise?
Carnival Sensation has the higher passenger space ratio at 34.2 GT per passenger, versus 33.1 for Carnival Paradise. The ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity; a higher number means more ship space per guest.
Where does Carnival Paradise sail?
The upcoming Carnival Paradise sailings currently listed cover Western Caribbean and Bahamas, departing from Tampa.
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