Sunday, March 31, 2024

Fun at Sea on The Carnival Sunshine

sunshine cruise

My room had two twin beds pushed together into a queen-size bed that was flanked by bedside lamps and two one-drawer, one-shelf nightstands. The living area had a long sofa that could transform into a bed or the bottom half of bunk beds. In place of a traditional shorter coffee table, there was a taller wooden table that could double as a makeshift working desk. The wear and tear was also noticeable inside the room, including a few wall dings and a couple of nicks in the wood furnishings. Also, one of the hangers seemed to have been repaired with duct tape. Carnival Sunshine has been based in Charleston, South Carolina, since 2019, but 2024 will be the last year the ship will depart from the Holy City.

Night Bermuda CruiseDetails

It features all the usual machines and is connected to the Skybox Sports Bar. The Library Bar is just off the Atrium, which would usually mean it would be competing with the noise from there, but sound-proofed doors give it a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Self-serve wine dispensers allow you to sample six different wines for a fee.

Spa & Fitness

Another Port of Baltimore-bound cruise ship changes course to Norfolk - Baltimore Sun

Another Port of Baltimore-bound cruise ship changes course to Norfolk.

Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This is where you're going to want to be for the ultimate in relaxing onboard. Hot stone massage, facial and a mani & pedi — you deserve it. Register with Cruise.com to get access to exclusive rates, discounts and special offers. You can also opt for extra-charge valet laundry and dry-cleaning service, which your cabin steward will handle for you.

Included with your cruise fare:

sunshine cruise

With reasonably priced items like $5 and $7 rolls, and $2 for soup or salad, it's easy to curb your sushi craving on the cheap. That said, the casino was always buzzing and consistently teemed with passengers who either weren't bothered by the smoke or were willing to put up with it for a good game of blackjack. Perhaps the most moving example of staff personalizing an experience for guests was during the military appreciation event, which is held every Carnival sailing and hosted by the cruise director. Traditionally, a recording of "Taps" is played during a moment of silence. Our cruise director, James, is also a trumpet player, so he plays "Taps" live for the ceremony. Similarly, since rough seas canceled the tech rehearsal, the "Epic Rock" production on the second night became an "unplugged" version with performers singing from stools on stage.

What you can expect, though, is to have nonstop fun thanks to a variety of diversions and an enthusiastic group of like-minded shipmates. Although there's an official dress code for the evenings, it's pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which includes khakis or jeans, polo shirts and sundresses. Super casual clothing like cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts aren't permitted.

Because the room was initially designed as a theater with two stories, it's impossible to feature an intimate atmosphere. Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers. A trip to the salon is an opportunity to relax, to chat with others, to focus on yourself. It’s about more than just getting your hair or nails done… but it’s definitely about getting your hair or nails done! Even though you’re on vacation, you won’t have to settle for anything less than the salon style you’re used to back on land.

Porthole

The Camp Carnival play area caters to 2- to 11-year-olds and is divided into three main sections, depending on age group. The really small ones (2- to 5-year-olds) get a little outdoor play area just for themselves and an indoor space with age-appropriate soft toys and games. For the 9- to 11-year-olds, there are more video game consoles, as well as swimming under the stars, scavenger hunts, sport challenges and various other fun activities. It's worth noting that 9- to 11-year-olds are allowed to sign themselves out of the club for any reason, but parents are encouraged to give them a cabin key or arrange a meeting place. If your Carnival ship has Ocean Plaza, what can you expect from this spot? Oh, you know, a little of this, a little of that… and really, a lot of fun.

Kids Venues

Our sandwiches and wraps are always hand-carved and served fresh with cole slaw or relish. Come by, satisfy your craving for a great sandwich and make sure you don’t forget the kosher dill. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear.

So maybe you’ve had sushi on a cruise before, but you’ve never had it like Bonsai Sushi, our onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot. Dine amidst expertly-pruned bonsai trees while enjoying sit-down service and an affordable menu of delectable sushi and sashimi… plus rolls, soups, sides, sakes and desserts. So the next time you’re taking an onboard stroll, stop at Bonsai Sushi for a little something satisfying. This is the best room you can get… without bunking up with the guy himself.

Scary, apocalyptic and whimsical all at the same time, we've never seen anything quite like it. And the music was pretty good, too (if you like hard rock). While this transformation was mammoth, though, that didn’t mean that Carnival simply stopped updating the ship in 2013.

If you're looking for your own mug, a key card-activated facial-recognition system helps. Directly below is Dreams Studio, where you can set up a cheesy shot. Carnival doesn't have the big-name Broadway shows that other lines have secured for their ships. Instead, it has opted to bring its own interpretation to the typical "journey-through-the-classics" cruise-ship revue shows. When originally launched as Carnival Destiny, Carnival Sunshine was the lead ship for Carnival’s Destiny class. However, when Carnival Destiny was rebranded as Carnival Sunshine in 2013, it took over as the lead ship for the new Sunshine class.

Various treatments and therapies are available — from deep tissue and stone massages to acupuncture and other traditional Chinese techniques. Additionally, the spa offers hair and nail services, facials and medispa treatments. During this sailing, many families seemed to hang out together during the day — spending time at the pool, watching karaoke and participating in other activities. Also on the Lido Deck, BlueIguana Cantina serves freshly made burritos, tacos and bowls. It's one of my favorite casual dining spots, and I would put the veggie burrito up against Chipotle any day of the week.

Here’s more of what to expect, so you can start planning your Carnival Sunshine cruise. Don’t worry — that’s because all of them were renamed when the Destiny class was rechristened the Sunshine class, and all of the ships received new names and new looks. Now to get into Carnival Sunshine‘s long and winding history and its many refurbishments. Time to relax with a great book that I have been meaning to read for a while. The covered lounge chairs are the perfect relaxation spot on board.

Since it's located just beyond the main pool on Deck 9 and beside the Lido Marketplace buffet area, I found it to be an ideal spot to retreat to when buffet area seating was limited. The pacing of our meal was perfect, and we didn't feel rushed through the courses. The cost is $24 (per person) for adults and $6 (per person) for kids aged 11 and under — a great price for a fantastic meal. We booked a table at Jiji's for our first evening on board. The pan-Asian menu features dishes from Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, China and Mongolia served family style.

Sister ships include similarly refurbished and renamed ships, the current Carnival Radiance and Carnival Sunrise. However, the Carnival Sunshine ship hasn’t always been Carnival Sunshine. Instead, the cruise ship launched in 1996 as Carnival Destiny. Since then, it’s undergone several rounds of refurbishments, with the most substantial occurring in conjunction with its reintroduction and renaming in 2013. The casino is a great spot to spend a few hours, no matter your preferred game of chance. So, don’t be worried about your cruising experience being outdated or on the lackluster side when you take a Carnival Sunshine cruise.

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Ship Review First-hand Expert Review

sunshine cruise

And these good looks go beyond the usual — we even offer services like teeth whitening… great for taking those ‘I’m on vacation and I’m looking great! Spacious accommodations are featured on Carnival Sunshine, with most of the outside cabins also featuring balconies and sitting areas. Feel right at home on the line's acclaimed ultra-comfy mattresses. Spa staterooms provide private access to the spa and more, plus have relaxing spa-related amenities.

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All can be checked out with the help of a librarian (who doubles as the lobby bar bartender on Deck 3). Tabs on book borrowers are kept via their Sail and Sign cards. All these shows take place in the Liquid Lounge, which doubles as the main 800-seat Theater.

Carnival Sunshine activities

When you take a Carnival Sunshine cruise, you’ll enjoy all your favorite, classic Carnival offerings, from the brand’s well-known restaurants to daily activities and entertainment. The iconic red and white checkered tablecloth in your neighborhood Italian trattoria means you’re in for a certain kind of dining experience. At a table such as this, who’s gathered around is just as important as what’s being served, and we see these as the two halves of the experience at Cucina del Capitano. Atop our tablecloth you’ll enjoy courses of dishes — antipasti, entrées, pasta and desserts — inspired by our Italian captains’ and officers’ childhoods. This is an affordable way to cruise without leaving out the comfort or convenience!

sunshine cruise

Construction on Second Chinese-Built Cruise Ship Well Underway

Many nights we will go to both shows just to see how the comedians change up their acts. The combination of great singing, dancing and a fun story line had us enthralled the entire time. The mixologist were happy to whip up a cocktail to cure what ails me. They made a custom drink for me based on my requests on the Alchemy prescription pad. This was the perfect way to kick off our date night on board.

Staterooms

Casual venues include a two-story indoor/outdoor buffet restaurant with a host of delicious offerings, from handcrafted burgers and fries at a poolside eatery to Asian dishes and deli-style fare. Family-style Italian dining is offered, as well as mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, a sushi bar, a café with a different coffees and 24/7 pizza and soft yogurt. Decadent handcrafted shakes will delight kids and adults alike.

Looking for things to do on Carnival Sunshine? See what cruise experts had to say about Carnival Sunshine activities ... - Cruise Critic

Looking for things to do on Carnival Sunshine? See what cruise experts had to say about Carnival Sunshine activities ....

Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:50:55 GMT [source]

Even if you don’t “know” much about art, of course you can still tell when you like something — who needs a refined palette to know when a piece is good? Carnival leaves snobbish cultural pretensions ashore, and makes art something that everyone can enjoy with a series of events designed to bring great art where it belongs — to the people. Take part in an art-themed battle of the sexes or check out showcases highlighting the best of, say, European artists or world-famous pop artist Peter Max. These staterooms are great for a pair of cruisers on a budget, creatively maximizing space with a different layout — featuring one Twin bed, and either an upper Pullman or sofa bed. It's not a shiny, new vessel, so don't expect flawless cabins and the latest attractions.

It offers a good mix of included-in-your-fare and extra-fee options, and overall, I enjoyed all my meals on board. If you want to try one of the ship's specialty restaurants, make reservations as soon as possible, as they tend to book up quickly. Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise aboard Carnival Sunshine. Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Carnival Sunshine restaurants and bars

Each program features its own space and lots of events and activities designed with these three individual age groups in mind. You’ll find lots of ways to keep yourself entertained aboard a Carnival Sunshine cruise. There are plenty of activities for the entire family, whether you want to spend a day by the pool, working up a sweat or relaxing in style.

Every passenger I encountered was friendly and ready to participate in all the activities the Fun Squad had planned. The ship's age is starting to show, with a few nicks and marks here and there and visible rust spots on the exterior. The need for a fresh coat of paint was more prominent when we were docked beside two newer Royal Caribbean ships in Nassau — so much so that the comedian referenced it in his show that night. It didn't detract from our cruise, but those seeking a new shiny ship should look elsewhere. Carnival Sunshine is a great home base for a celebratory vacation (or any kind of getaway, really) that doesn't break the bank, especially if you live within driving distance of one of its departure ports.

This is the perfect time to check out a specialty restaurant, visit the spa and relax on the Lido Deck. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only.

The glow-up brought added attractions and venues found on newer Carnival vessels. Serenity overlooks the main Lido Deck, which features one pool that is way too small for the number of passengers onboard. The pool is flanked by the aforementioned quartet of branded bars and restaurants -- Guy's Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina, BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar. Night time isn't the only time to see stars on your cruise.

Some four-night sailings start as low as $374 per person (based on double occupancy) for a four-night getaway. You'd be hard-pressed to spend less with a hotel stay of the same length — not to mention the extra cost of food you don't have to worry about with a cruise. Colors are subtle, and the palette throughout -- from the main dining rooms to the corridors and cabins -- is distinctly muted.

I can only imagine how problematic that could be for those who are allergic to smoke. The crew's flexibility and impressive level of service really stood out on this sailing. For example, we went through a storm during our cruise, and rough seas altered the Welcome Aboard production on the first night.

Great for curling up after a long day of fun.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control. Tweens and teens have their own hangouts and activity schedules. Circle C is for cruisers ages 12 to 14, with events like dance parties, outdoor movies and group games. The Circle C space had a futuristic vibe with metal walls and a minimalist design. A fun component of this bar is the screens above the bar that carousel through photos the bartenders have taken of RedFrog Pub patrons.

Although Carnival reduced cabin cleaning service to just once a day from twice a day in 2022, our room steward was always close by and checking in on us. Our cabin was well-kept and clean, and we had fresh towels when we needed them. Loads of people consistently came out for music trivia at the Sunshine Bar in the Atrium, too. It's hard not to have a good time when your enthusiastic cruise director stands on top of the bar and encourages everyone to join in. Carnival Sunshine also acquired new food and beverage venues like the line's signature steakhouse, Fahrenheit 555; its signature Italian eatery, Cucina Del Capitano; and an express Bonsai Sushi. The line also added 182 cabins, bumping its capacity at double occupancy from 2,642 to 3,002 passengers, a 14% increase.

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