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Ship Spotlight: Carnival Sunshine

carnival sunshine sailing out

The Carnival Sunshine was launched all the way back in 1996 as the Destiny.  It was the first cruise ship to exceed 100,000 gross tons, and at the time it was the world’s largest cruise ship.  A complete refit and overhaul added a new partial deck, redecorated the whole ship, and she emerged as the Sunshine in 2013.  The rebuild was so extensive that the Sunshine is considered to be a different ship, to the point where it was launched again with a whole new ceremony.  Those who have sailed upon the ship before and after the refit are hard-pressed to recognized the Destiny in the Sunshine.  The ship represents a break not just with its own past, but with Carnival’s as well.

Carnival ships have a reputation as party barges (or festivity wherries if you’re British we assume), and the line’s emphasis on calling them the Fun Ships encourages the perception.  However, Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 program is more than just a refit and refurbishment program. It is a concentrated effort by Carnival to modernize their ships, broaden their appeal, and attract a more sophisticated set.

Traditionally, Carnival’s has followed Vegas in decorating their ships, and possibly trying to outdo the city of neon lights.  The Destiny was no exception with an atrium clad in polished metal, copper colored corrugations plating the walls, and a casino that was home to more red lights than Amsterdam.  In contrast the Sunshine is much more understated with warm shades that manages to be bright without being overwhelming.  With a name like the Sunshine as a theme the ship Carnival could have easily gone too far, but taste and restraint prevailed.  While it is still bright the Sunshine’s decor manages to be sun kissed rather than sun burnt.

The most noticeable change aboard the Sunshine may be the décor, but structurally the far bigger change was the addition of a new partial deck that adds staterooms and extends the spa.  The glass elevators in the lobby have to ascend another story to reach this brand new level.  The electrical generators, engines, and laundry machines have been replaced too.  Carnival’s claim that the Sunshine is effectively a new ship is very true.  The name alone is enticing.

Carnival Sunshine: Suites and Staterooms

sunshine-stateroom

Decks’ on the Sunshine follow Carnival’s naming conventions, sometimes.  Possibly owing to its unusual refit, or possibly because the Destiny was the original mega cruise ship the Sunshine has unnamed decks, and staterooms in places not found on other ships.

Deck 1 – The Riviera Deck

On Deck 1, or the Riviera Deck, cruisers will find interior and exterior staterooms.  This is one of the quieter decks aboard as its far away from the public areas higher up on the ship.  It is near crew and mechanical areas so some vibrations and noise may intrude into the cabins.  Especially as you move farther aft. 

Deck 2 – The Main Deck

The next deck up, the Main Deck (Deck 2) follows the same layout as the Riviera Deck but the lobby deck is directly above.  The Sunrise Dining Room is above aft, the Sunset Dining room is above amidships, and the atrium is above and forward.  If you’re the sort who likes to sleep in, then the Main Deck is one you’ll want to avoid.

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Deck 3 – Lobby and Staterooms

Oddly for a Carnival ship, the Sunshine has staterooms forward of the atrium.  They are interior and exterior staterooms, and the latter has obstructed views making for a room with natural light that may be had for a reasonable price.  Directly above these staterooms is the Liquid Lounge.  Those looking for a deal on an ocean view room may wish to avoid these rooms as an all-night source of noise is directly above.  Night owls on the other hand may want to book one of these staterooms.  The atrium and its bar is only steps away.  The next deck up is the Mezzanine deck, and there are no staterooms here.

Deck 4 & 5 – Mezzanine and Promenade

The next deck up from the Mezzanine is the Promenade Deck, and in a departure from most of Carnival’s designs it does have staterooms on this deck.  On the Promenade Deck there are interior and exterior cabins that are larger than those found below, deluxe balcony cabins, and two Ocean Suites that are true two-room suites.  Staterooms on this Deck may have some noise issues as they are above and on the same level with some of the most popular common areas aboard the ship.  On the other hand, like the staterooms on the lobby deck these rooms do have direct access to some of the most popular areas on the Carnival Sunshine, and are larger than others found on the ship.

6 & 7 – The Upper Deck and Empress Decks

Deck 6 is the Upper Deck and it’s fully taken up with staterooms.  Of note on this deck are the public areas below which are a source of around-the-clock noise, and the two Premium Vista Balcony Rooms which have wrap around balconies that are the largest on the ship.  Many staterooms on this deck are connecting which is something that may interest large groups and family cruisers.  The Empress Deck, or Deck 7 is very similar and has some of the largest staterooms, but no balconies that compare to what is found on Deck 6.  Deck 8 (no name) closely mimics Deck 6 and its two aft corner staterooms have large wrap around balconies.

Deck 9 – The Lido Deck

The Lido Deck has half of its space give over to interior and exterior staterooms, and the oceanview staterooms forward are a very unusual feature.  They look out over the bow of the ship through giant picture windows.  A feature we have yet to see anywhere else.  Of special note are two owner’s suites which combine space, a forward view, and a balcony.  The balcony is shielded on one direction from the ship’s headwind, but may still be more exposed to the wind than most would like.

On the next three decks up cruisers will find spa staterooms.  Balconies this far forward are very exposed to the wind.  However, spa rooms are absolutely nonsmoking with hefty fines levied if the crew suspects smoking has taken place.  This makes spa rooms appealing to those who absolutely need a room that hasn’t been smoked in.

Public Areas and Activities

The Atrium on Carnival Sunshine

As part of the FunShip 2.0 program the Carnival Sunshine received venues like the Red Frog Pub, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, and the Alchemy Bar.  Venues that proved so liked on the ships they were originally introduced on that they became Carnival standards across the fleet.  Piano Bars are a longstanding Carnival standard and sunshine’s Piano 88 Bar has been transformed into a blue velvet wonderland.  The Havana Bar is designed to evoke pre-Castro Cuba, and the EA Sports Bar is a slick modern sports bar.  The Casino and its bar are far less eye watering than when the ship was called destiny.

The previous paragraph may also illustrate why Carnival has a reputation as a frat boy’s preferred line.

If you’re looking for a dance club, then the Sunshine’s theatre does double duty as the Liquid Lounge.  Results are a bit mixed with dancers and the DJ in a space too large to be intimate.  The shows in the theatre in the early hours are excellent dance revues rather than full Broadway type shows though.

The real star of the renovation is the spa.  The Sunshine spa spans three decks, and is Carnival’s largest spa at sea, with an adult’s only Serenity deck and pool area.   Anyone who books passage on the Carnival Sunshine really owes it to themselves to check it out.

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