Carnival Sunshine is a ship with a story of transformation. The ship was originally built as Carnival Destiny and underwent a $155 million transformation in 2013 to become Carnival Sunshine. This refurbishment was not simply a fresh paint job; the ship received an entire overhaul with new dining venues, redesigned staterooms, extended entertainment spaces, and the fleet's first three-deck Serenity adult-only retreat. With the enhancements on Carnival Sunshine, Carnival's vision of an innovative experience with fun was propelled to a new standard.
The Carnival Sunshine cruise ship is unique for its great combination of relaxation and adventure. Guests can relax in the expansive Serenity-Retreat with its own pool, waterfall, and cabanas, or take the plunge into adventure at WaterWorks aqua park with the longest Twister slide in the fleet. Families love SportSquare with ropes courses and mini-golf while foodies soak up the fun dining offerings at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, Cucine del Capitano, and Guy's Burger Joint. With sunrise yoga and starlit Dive-in Movies, it’s like a whole new day has begun each time you awaken. With so many choices, Carnival Sunshine does not just sail the sea; it offers incredible adventures.
Technical Specifications
Before we jump into activities and dining, it's important to have an idea of what makes the Carnival Sunshine ship a ship of strength. This ship was refurbished, enhancing the onboard experience, allowing comfort and fun. It's designed for efficiency, leisure, and thoughtful experiences on the water.
Dimensions & Capacity
- The Carnival Sunshine size is huge; 892 feet in length.
- The ship is equipped to carry around 3,002 guests.
- Around 1,040 crew members keep the whole operation smooth and make sure the ship sails on time on its designated route.
- Gross Tonnage: 102,853 GT.
Construction and Launch Details
- The ship was originally named the Carnival Destiny.
- Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the ship was launched on November 15, 1995, and delivered to Carnival on November 24, 1996.
- Carnival announced in March 2012 the renaming of the ship to Carnival Sunshine, following a $155 million makeover.
- Finally, with new additions, Carnival Sunshine re-entered service in May 2013.
Environmental Features and Sustainability
- Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems to lower sulfur emissions.
- By connecting to shore-side power, the Carnival Sunshine uses renewable electricity from the port grid rather than its onboard generators, which lowers emissions when berthing.
- Air Lubrication Systems (ALS) lead to fuel savings and lower emissions.
Carnival Sunshine Deck Plans and Layout
The decks of the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship are organized into lively neighborhoods and quiet retreats. Every deck is designed for guests to easily find dining, entertainment, and relaxation in one place.
Deck Highlights by Neighborhood
Deck 1 and 2: Staterooms
- Ocean View, Interior, Interior Upper/Lower, Porthole
Deck 3: Lobby
- Staterooms (Interior & Interior with Picture Window Obstructed view)
- Sunrise Dining Room, Sunset Forward Dining Room
- Sunshine Atrium
Deck 4: Mezzanine
- Bonsai Sushi
- Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse
- Limelight Lounge
- Liquid Lounge
- Piano Bar 88
- Sunrise Dining Room
- The Library
Deck 5: Promenade
- Staterooms (Interior, Ocean Suite, Ocean View, Aft-View Extended Balcony)
- The Warehouse
- Sunshine Casino
- Alchemy Bar
- Cherry On Top
- JavaBlue Café & Shake Spot
- Liquid Lounge
- Ocean Plaza
- RedFrog Pub
- SkyBox Sports Bar
Deck 6, 7, and 8: Staterooms
- Interior with Picture Window (Obstructed view), Interior, Interior Upper/Lower
- Aft-View Extended Balcony, Balcony, Premium Vista Balcony
Deck 9: Lido
- Beach Pool
- BlueIguana Cantina
- BlueIguana Tequila Bar
- Cucina del Capitano
- Guy's Burger Joint
- Havana Bar
- Ji Ji Asian Kitchen
- Lido Marketplace
- RedFrog Rum Bar
- Staterooms (Captain’s Suite, Scenic Grand Ocean View, Scenic Ocean View)
Deck 10: Spa & WaterWorks
- Camp Ocean
- Carnival WaterWorks
- Circle "C"
- Cloud 9 Spa
- Club O2
- Staterooms (Cloud 9 Spa - Interior, Suite, Balcony)
Deck 11: Serenity & SportSquare
- Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
- SportsSquare
- Staterooms (Cloud 9 Spa Interior & Balcony)
Deck 12:
- Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
- Staterooms (Cloud 9 Spa - Interior, Suite, Balcony)
Deck 14: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
Carnival Sunshine Rooms and Suites
A vacation feels better with the right space to recharge. The Carnival Sunshine cabins offer a wide range of layouts, each designed with comfort in mind. Guests can choose from cozy interiors to spacious suites, all including Carnival’s signature hospitality.
Cabin Categories and Options with Features
Every room of Carnival Sunshine has some common amenities - a dedicated attendant for each stateroom, plenty of closet space, a television, and an in-room safe for keeping valuables. Now let’s look at the individual features of each type of cabin.
1. Interior Staterooms
Cloud 9 Spa Interior
- Priority reservation for the spa.
- Thermal Suites are available for unlimited use.
- Every guest gets two complimentary fitness classes.
- Body composition analysis.
- Cloud 9 Spa bathrobes and slippers.
Interior with Picture Window (Walkway View)
- Natural light and a view, though the ship's structure may partially block it.
Interior with Picture Window (Obstructed View)
- The view is partially blocked by the ship's structure.
Porthole
- Has two round windows.
- Get the traditional seafarer's view without going over budget.
Interior Upper/Lower (Porthole), Interior Upper/Lower
- One Twin bed, and either an upper Pullman or sofa bed.
- Excellent for two cruisers on a tight budget.
2. Ocean View Staterooms
Scenic Ocean View
- Floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Breathtaking ocean view.
3. Balcony Staterooms
Premium Vista Balcony
- Located at the aft corner of the ship with a distinctive viewpoint of the ocean.
Premium Balcony
- A larger stateroom with an oversized balcony.
Cloud 9 Spa Balcony
- A private balcony with special access to the spa.
Aft-View Extended Balcony
- A bigger balcony and views of the ocean.
- Located in the back of the ship.
4. Suite
Captain's Suite
- The most luxurious option.
Grand Suite
- Have more space than the standard suite.
- Huge balcony.
Cloud 9 Spa Suite
- In-room whirlpool tub.
- A balcony.
- Access to the Cloud 9 Spa.
Ocean Suite
- Bathroom with a whirlpool tub.
- Balcony for ocean view.
Carnival Sunshine Dining Options
Food is at the heart of cruising, and restaurants onboard serve flavors to match every mood. With complimentary venues and specialty choices, the ship offers plenty of ways to enjoy dining at sea.
Complimentary Dining Options
All these venues are included in your Carnival Sunshine price:
- Guy's Burger Joint: Developed with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, you’ll get fresh-off-the-grill burgers and hand-cut fries here.
- BlueIguana Cantina: Custom-made tacos and burritos with a choice of meat, fillings, and fresh salsas.
- Pizzeria del Capitano: A 24-hour pizzeria that offers freshly made pizzas with traditional toppings.
- Lido Marketplace: Casual buffet with global options. You get indoor and outdoor seating options here.
- Swirls: For ice cream and frozen yogurt.
- The Carnival Deli: Get hot pastrami on rye, grilled Reuben, or roasted turkey breast.
- Main Dining Rooms: For breakfast, lunch (on sea days), and dinner. For a more traditional dining experience, choose the Sunrise and Sunset Dining Room.
- The Captain’s Pasta Bar: Enjoy a made-to-order pasta meal for lunch.
Specialty Dining Options
You need to pay some additional charges for dining at any of these places:
- Cucina del Capitano: Inspired by the Italian captains of Carnival, this Italian restaurant offers family-friendly cuisine in a classic trattoria environment.
- Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse: A traditional American steakhouse offering a classy, private dining experience.
- JiJi Asian Kitchen: Offers a full-service menu with a variety of both familiar and exotic foods.
- Bonsai Sushi: Popular for Japanese food, including sushi and sashimi.
- The Chef’s Table: A special multi-course meal prepared by the Master Executive Chef for a small group.
- JavaBlue Café: On deck 5, this place is known for premium coffee, decadent desserts, and a variety of hot and cold beverages.
Bar and Lounges
- Alchemy Bar: Only 21+ people allowed.
- Havana Bar: Cuban coffee, cocktails like mojitos, and authentic Cuban sodas.
- RedFrog Rum Bar: Caribbean-inspired poolside bar, where you get rum-based cocktails and beers.
- BlueIguana Tequila Bar: Enjoy Mexican beer and ice margaritas at this Mexican-themed bar.
- Piano Bar: Live piano music for late-night entertainment.
- SkyBox Sports Bar: Enjoy your favorite game with a wide selection of beers, buckets of brews, and snacks.
NOTE: For these bars and lounges, you might have to pay extra.
Carnival Sunshine Entertainment
The Carnival Sunshine cruise thrives on entertainment, offering stage shows, live music, and comedy nights. Guests enjoy something different every evening, ensuring there’s always something to look forward to.
Signature Productions and Venues
- Liquid Lounge Theatre: The primary venue for entertainment on board is this two-story show lounge. In addition to game shows and other events, it hosts the Playlist Productions shows every night.
- Punchliner Comedy Club: Comedy shows and karaoke in a fun, social atmosphere.
- Carnival Seaside Theater: For movies, sporting events, and other entertainment.
Nightlife and Live Music
- Late-night live piano music at the Piano Bar.
- Enjoy jazz music at the Cigar Lounge.
- Dance to Latin music at Havana Bar.
Onboard Facilities and Amenities
The Carnival Sunshine amenities are designed to make every day at sea enjoyable, whether you’re seeking quiet relaxation or high-energy fun. From pools and spas to sports courts, shops, and lounges, the ship ensures guests always find something for their travel style.
For Recreation and Relaxation
- WaterWorks: Features water slides like the Twister and Speedway Splash.
- Serenity Adult Only Retreat: Only for people above 21 years old.
- Cloud 9 Spa: Offers various spa treatments, as well as a thermal suite.
For Kids and Teens
- Ropes Course: A challenging activity for kids.
- Camp Ocean: Supervised fun for ages 2-11, with themed activities like art, craft, and games.
- Circle “C”: 12-14 years enjoy movies, dance parties, and video games.
- Club 02: Teens aged 15-17 get their own space with music, dance events.
- Seuss at Sea: Dr. Seuss-themed storytime.
For Shopping
- Duty-free boutiques for jewelry, watches, fragrances, and apparel.
- Visit the Art Gallery for auctions.
- You can also book a professional portrait session.
Carnival Sunshine Itineraries and Destinations
The Carnival Sunshine itinerary features sailings to many destinations. Cruises range from shorter getaways to longer adventures, with each port offering unique experiences. Infinity Travel Mate helps you select the perfect Carnival Sunshine location and itinerary for your travel goals.
Bahamas Cruise
From: Norfolk, VA.
Duration: 6 Days.
Routes:
- Norfolk > Celebration Key > Nassau > Bimini > End: Norfolk
- Norfolk > Nassau > Half Moon Cay > Celebration Key > End: Norfolk
- Norfolk > Nassau > Princess Cays > Celebration Key > End: Norfolk
- Norfolk > Nassau > RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay > Celebration Key > End: Norfolk
- Norfolk > Nassau > Celebration Key > Bimini > End: Norfolk
- Norfolk > Bimini > Nassau > Celebration Key > End: Norfolk
- Norfolk > Nassau > Bimini > Celebration Key > End: Norfolk
Best Carnival Sunshine Deals
Securing the right Carnival Sunshine cruise deals can make your vacation even more rewarding. Smart planning ensures the best Carnival Sunshine prices, especially when you partner with an expert travel agency.
Smart Planning Tips for the Best Cruise Deals
- Sail off-season: Prices are often lower in shoulder seasons. You get a chance to experience the same cruise at a better value.
- Book early for perks: Reserving the Carnival Sunshine ship well in advance often unlocks cabin upgrades or onboard credits, adding more to your journey.
- Stay flexible with the date: If you can shift your sailing window slightly, you might find the best savings while still enjoying the same Carnival Sunshine itinerary.
- Compare cabin types: Sometimes a balcony or ocean view offers more value than you expect compared to an interior cabin.
- Look for bundled packages: Deals including Wi-fi, dining, or beverage options often offer more overall value than paying separately.
Carnival Sunshine Booking and Guidelines
- Booking your trip on the Carnival Sunshine ship should feel as enjoyable as the journey itself. Infinity Travel Mate offers hands-on support from inquiry to sailing, making every step smooth and simple.
How to Book Carnival Sunshine with Infinity Travel Mate?
- Contact us directly at (888) 325-0139.
- Share your preferred travel dates, location, and budget.
- Our travel experts will guide you to the best cabin types in your budget.
- Confirm the vacation and make payments.
Onboard Policies and Guidelines
- Prohibited items - firearms, sharp objects, pepper spray, and flammable liquids, etc.
- Guests under the age of 17 must leave all public areas by 1 a.m. unless they are accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older.
- Smoking is strictly not allowed in all state rooms.
- Adults (21+) can bring one 750ml bottle of unopened, sealed wine or champagne in their carry-on luggage on the day of departure.
NOTE: These guidelines can change at any time. Get in touch with our travel experts at Infinity Travel Mate for the most recent ones.
What to Pack and How to Prepare?
- Carry all the necessary documents with you - passport, government ID, and a copy of the cruise booking.
- Bring a camera, a charger, and power strips.
- Small bag for shore excursions.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Download the Carnival Hub App on your phone and view the deck plans before boarding the ship.
