Carnival Sunshine was the first ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet to bring all elements of the Funship 2.0 upgrade plan to sea. In the last five years, that program has been rolled out fleetwide. Originally launched as Carnival Destiny in 1996, Carnival Sunshine was stripped down to bare metal. Reimagined and rebuilt, Carnival Destiny went back into service, quickly becoming a favorite in a Royal Caribbean stretch Enchantment of the Seas sort of way. Now, Carnival is doing it again as Carnival Triumph is transformed into Carnival Sunrise.

 

The two-month remodeling plan calls for a similar $200 million bow-to-stern makeover for Carnival Triumph, adding a second ship to Carnival’s Sunshine class.  Gone will be much of what is known as Carnival Destiny.  Newly added: Carnival’s wildly popular branded food, beverage and entertainment innovations.

 

Also to be added; an update of existing staterooms as well as new accommodations aimed to provide new seagoing vacation choices.

Food Glorious Food!

• Cucina del Capitano: offering delicious Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home.
• JavaBlue Café: this expanded version of the line’s popular coffee bars will offer lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated favorites, as well as “spiked” coffees made with liqueurs, and decadent confections.
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse: a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks, gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, with impeccable service and understated ambiance.
• Bonsai Express: the success of the full-service Bonsai Sushi restaurants has spawned this casual spot, featuring a mouth-watering array of sushi, sashimi, rolls and more.
• The Chef’s Table: a new multi-course dining experience hosted in a special glass-enclosed venue in the forward dining room.
• Cherry on Top: The “sweetest spot on board,” an expanded Cherry on Top features bulk candy, fanciful gifts, custom apparel and a Carnival Adventures shop.
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse: a casual open-air eatery featuring “real deal” BBQ favorites created by Food Network star Guy Fieri.
• Lido Marketplace: A casual poolside eatery boasting favorites like Seafood Shack offering lobster rolls and other New England-inspired fare; The Deli with sandwiches and paninis; Pizzeria del Capitano serving hand-tossed artisanal-style pies free of charge 24/7, and an expanded Swirls venue with complimentary ice cream and frozen yogurt.

 

Raising the Bar

• RedFrog Pub: Featuring the Caribbean’s best rums and beers – including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red – enjoyed in a distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West atmosphere.
• Piano Bar 88: A new twist on Carnival’s popular piano bar concept that amps up the excitement with themed nights, engaging new décor and spontaneous sing-along fun.
• Limelight Lounge: Home to the Punchliner Comedy Club featuring a hilarious line-up of comics which later transforms into a sizzling night club where guests can dance the night away.
• New Multi-Purpose Liquid Lounge: an expansive theater that’s home to captivating daytime and nighttime entertainment, including the line’s high-tech Playlist Productions revues and audience participation favorite Hasbro, The Game Show. 

Open-Air Fun and Relaxation

• SportSquare: A suspended ropes course offering heart-racing views to the sea 150 feet below, basketball court, jogging track, ping pong, foosball, pool tables, and a nine-hole miniature golf course highlight this open-area recreation complex.
• WaterWorks: Featuring a 203-foot-long AquaTunnel slide and Carnival’s signature 212-foot-long Twister slide along with a 75-gallon PowerDrencher tipping bucket and kiddie area.
• Serenity Adult Only Retreat: An adult only oasis offering plush chaise lounges, whirlpools and oversized umbrellas, enhanced by dramatic sea views.

 

 

 

 

Expanded Cloud 9 Spa and More

• Cloud 9 Spa:  Designed as the ultimate refuge for rest and relaxation, the health and wellness center offers an elaborate thermal suite, private treatment rooms, and the latest cardio and weight-training equipment.
• Modern, Spacious Facilities for Kids and Teens: including a new Camp Ocean, a colorful marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11, along with new spaces for Circle “C” aimed at 12- to 14-year olds and Club O2 geared to those 15-17.
• The Warehouse:  promising fun for all ages with a variety of the latest video and arcade games.
• Expanded Retail Spaces:  a mall-style shopping area lined with retail outlets offering fine jewelry, watches, fragrances, and more along with the line’s own branded spaces like Hip Fish and The Carnival Store.

Interestingly, Carnival Sunrise will begin service with a series of five- to seven-day voyages from Norfolk on April 29, 2019. Next, it’s off to New York for a summer schedule of four- to 14-day departures starting May 23, 2019.  In October, the Carnival Sunrise deployment schedule moves to  Florida, sailing out of Fort Lauderdale in October.

Unique: Carnival Sunrise enhancements include the redesign of two luxurious Captain’s Suites adjacent to the navigational bridge. Those will offer floor-to-ceiling windows but all of the ship’s staterooms will be updated to offer island-inspired interiors with bright colors and soothing pastels inspired by the line’s Caribbean itineraries.