September 5, 2026
8-Night Canada Cruise
Departing from Norfolk
From
$845
Price / day
$106
Carnival Sensation|Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sensation vs Carnival Sunshine
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
Carnival Sensation
Carnival Cruise Line
Check prices on CruiseDirectVS
Newer Ship
Carnival Sunshine
Built in 1996
3 years newer
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
More Spacious Ship
Carnival Sunshine
34.3 GT per guest
Gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity
Carnival Sensation vs Carnival Sunshine: Quick Comparison
Carnival Sunshine is the newer ship in this comparison. Built in 1996, it is 3 years newer than Carnival Sensation, which entered service in 1993. Carnival Sunshine is approximately 46% larger by gross tonnage at 102,853 GT. Carnival Sunshine also carries 946 more passengers. Carnival Sunshine has upcoming sailings in Canada 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 Sunshine |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1993 | 1996Newer |
| Gross Tonnage | 70,367 GT | 102,853 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 2,056 | 3,002 |
| Space per Passenger | 34.2 GT | 34.3 GT |
| Length | 261 m | 272.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | — | — |
Key Differences: Carnival Sensation vs Carnival Sunshine
Age
Carnival Sunshine was built in 1996, making it 3 years newer than Carnival Sensation, which was built in 1993.
Size
At 102,853 GT, Carnival Sunshine is approximately 46% larger by gross tonnage than Carnival Sensation at 70,367 GT.
Passenger capacity
Carnival Sunshine carries up to 3,002 passengers compared with 2,056 aboard Carnival Sensation, a difference of 946 passengers.
Passenger space
Carnival Sunshine offers more space per passenger: 34.3 GT per guest, compared with 34.2 aboard Carnival Sensation. A higher passenger space ratio generally means less crowding in public areas.
Itineraries
The upcoming sailings shown for Carnival Sensation and Carnival Sunshine (Canada and Bahamas) currently cover different regions or departure ports.
Compare Ports of Call
Carnival Sunshine
8-Day Canada from Norfolk, VA
- Departure Port
- Norfolk
- Region
- Canada
- Nights
- 8
- Round Trip
- Yes
- Day 1 · Sep 5, 2026Norfolk
- Day 2 · Sep 6, 2026At Sea
- Day 3 · Sep 7, 2026At Sea
- Day 4 · Sep 8, 2026Saint John
- Day 5 · Sep 9, 2026Halifax
- Day 6 · Sep 10, 2026Sydney
- Day 7 · Sep 11, 2026At Sea
- Day 8 · Sep 12, 2026At Sea
- Day 9 · Sep 13, 2026Norfolk
Dates are estimates based on the published departure date.
Upcoming Cruises & Prices
Carnival Sensation
Carnival Sunshine
September 13, 2026
6-Night Bahamas Cruise
Departing from Norfolk
From
$666
Price / day
$111
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
Carnival Sensation
Average
$0 / day
VS
Carnival Sunshine
Average
$109 / 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 do not place as much importance on sailing on a newer ship than Carnival Sunshine.
Choose Carnival Sunshine if…
- You prefer the newer ship.
- You prefer the larger ship by gross tonnage.
- You do not mind sailing on a ship with a higher passenger capacity.
- You value having more space per passenger (higher GT-per-guest ratio).
- You want to sail in Canada and Bahamas.
- Departing from Norfolk works for your plans.
Carnival Sensation vs Carnival Sunshine: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
Carnival Sunshine
Built in 1996
3 years newer
Bigger
Carnival Sunshine
102,853 GT
46% larger by gross tonnage
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
- Carnival Sunshine is 3 years newer.
- Carnival Sunshine is 46% larger by gross tonnage.
- Carnival Sunshine carries 946 more passengers.
- Carnival Sunshine offers more space per passenger (34.3 GT per guest).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is newer, Carnival Sensation or Carnival Sunshine?
Carnival Sunshine is newer. It was built in 1996, while Carnival Sensation was built in 1993, making Carnival Sunshine 3 years newer.
Which is bigger, Carnival Sensation or Carnival Sunshine?
Carnival Sunshine is larger by gross tonnage. It measures approximately 102,853 GT compared with Carnival Sensation at 70,367 GT.
Which ship carries more passengers?
Carnival Sunshine has a passenger capacity of approximately 3,002, compared with 2,056 for Carnival Sensation.
Which ship is more spacious, Carnival Sensation or Carnival Sunshine?
Carnival Sunshine has the higher passenger space ratio at 34.3 GT per passenger, versus 34.2 for Carnival Sensation. The ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity; a higher number means more ship space per guest.
Where does Carnival Sunshine sail?
The upcoming Carnival Sunshine sailings currently listed cover Canada and Bahamas, departing from Norfolk.
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