Welcome to Cruise Ship Monday.
Today we will explore the ships within Carnival Cruise Line’s Sunshine (formerly Destiny) Class–Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Radiance.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Sunshine-class of ships was originally known as the Destiny class when Carnival Destiny debuted in 1996 as the largest passenger ship ever. It was soon followed by Carnival Triumph and Carnival Victory. However, beginning in 2013, Carnival Cruise Line almost completely gutted the three Destiny Class ships, rebuilt them, and reintroduced them as the Sunshine Class.
The three sister ships–Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Radiance–are similar in size and guest capacity. Dining venues on all three ships include BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cucina del Capitano, Lido Marketplace, Pizzeria del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, JavaBlue Café, Steakhouse Selections, Carnival Deli, and the Main Dining Room. Exclusive to Carnival Radiance is Big Chicken and guests will find Jiji Asian Kitchen and The Captain’s Pasta Bar on Carnival Sunshine. Carnival Radiance and Carnival Sunrise both have a Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, but only Carnival Sunrise has a Lucky Bowl.
You won’t want to miss Seaday Brunch, Chef’s Table or Swirls. There is always room service and pizza delivery as well. Guests can use their Cheers! package at the Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, RedFrog Pub, or BlueIguana Tequila Bar. Carnival Sunshine also has the Havana Bar and the SkyBox Sports Bar, but not a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge.
Entertainment includes Deal or No Deal, The Punchliner Comedy Club, Karaoke, a Piano Bar, the Casino and live music. Playlist Productions puts on phenomenal musical productions with world-class singers and dancers. The shows will vary by ship, but music lovers will not be disappointed.
Each ship offers dive-in movies, bingo, mini golf and basketball. Carnival Sunrise also has a pickleball court. Kids & teens will enjoy age appropriate activities at Camp Ocean, Circle “C,” or Club O2. Everyone will enjoy the Dr. Seuss activities onboard. Adults can enjoy the Serenity Retreat on both ships while families will find the same water activities. Guests will enjoy the same shopping including a Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea and Cherry on Top. Spa & Fitness services will be similar on each ship.
Carnival Sunshine sails from Norfolk, Virginia and offers 2- to 9-day itineraries to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England and the Eastern Caribbean. Carnival Sunrise sails from Miami, Florida and offers 2- to 9-day itineraries to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean. Carnival Radiance sails from Los Angeles, California and offers 2- to 10-day itineraries to Hawaii and Baja Mexico.
Tony was able to film a ship tour in 2019 after Carnival Sunshine’s $200 million upgrade and name change. He also toured 6 of the cabins while onboard.