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Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Sunshine

Large ship Bliss scored

If you've ever caught a sunrise or sunset at sea, you know that they're the most beautiful kind. Although the sun has set on Carnival Destiny, she has been transformed into the new Carnival Sunshine. With several new offerings, Carnival Sunshine offers…

  • 3,002guests
  • 102,853gross tons
  • 37cruises now
  • $423fares from

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When the sun sets, passengers on Carnival Sunshine have pubs, bars and shows to keep them well entertained.

At a glance

Carnival Sunshine is a large-size cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line, in service since 2013. It carries 3,002 guests and 1,040 crew (2.9 guests per crew member) at 102,853 gross tons. It is the 13th largest of 27 Carnival Cruise Line ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for spa & fitness (9/10) and lowest for adventure & nature and romantic (2/10). It is rated 3.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 3.5 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 37 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $423 to $1,779. 48 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable
3.5 / 5
Berlitz
3.5 / 5
Cruise Critic
4 / 5
Guests
3,002
Crew
1,040
Gross tons
102,853
Decks
12
Length
892 ft
Beam
116 ft
Maiden voyage
2013
Launched
2013
Refurbished
2021
Space ratio
2.9
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
2.9
Speed (mph)
26
IMO
9070058

Bliss scores

What Carnival Sunshine is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

  1. Active 6.5
  2. Adventure and nature 2.0
  3. Cultural 3.0
  4. Dining 5.6
  5. Entertainment 7.4
  6. Family friendly 7.8
  7. Party 8.0
  8. Romantic 2.0
  9. Spa and fitness 9.0
  10. Staterooms 6.0

Our review

Carnival Sunshine: Fun in the Caribbean sun

Carnival Sunshine offers something for everyone in your family or group. First, there's the biggest Serenity Adult-Only Retreat on any of the Carnival ships, featuring three decks, plenty of recliners and even a waterfall. Carnival WaterWorks, the onboard water park, features waterslides such as the slick Speedway Splash. There's also SportSquare, where you can let your inner champion run free (around the jogging track), traverse SkyCourse high up above or even engage in a little one-on-one competition, from Ping Pong to Foosball to giant chess.

Step out of the sun and try out some shade in the Sunshine Atrium. From there, check out dining options such as Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and JiJi Asian Kitchen. All the latest Carnival bars are here, too: RedFrog Pub, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, EA SPORTS Bar and Alchemy Bar, plus the already-classic Havana Bar. You'll enjoy musical revues up on stage from Playlist Productions, while Hasbro, The Game Show gets cruisers (maybe you?) up on stage, competing in larger-than-life family favorite games.

Where Carnival Sunshine sails

Home port: Charleston, S.C.

Destinations: Carnival Sunshine sails mostly 4- and 5-night sailings to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas with occasional forays into the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Read the full review

Top dining options

Bonsai Sushi

Sit down at Bonsai Sushi to enjoy fresh seafood at sea in a fun, festive atmosphere. Select your sushi-house favorites from an affordable menu of delectable catches.

Guy's Burger Joint

Carnival teamed up with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to bring the roadside burger shack appeal to Guy's Burger Joint, a poolside spot for hot burgers, hand-cut fries and all the burger trimmings you crave. 

BlueIguana Cantina

The  BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos, with a side of homemade tortillas chips and salsa.

Chef’s Table

Enjoy a multicourse dinner hosted by one of Carnival’s master chefs. The VIP experience starts with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 14, followed by a tour to see the galley in operation and then a full-service dinner of appetizers, entrees and desserts not found on the regular dining menus. The experience is $75 per guest, and reservations are required.

Lido Restaurant

Carnival's Lido Restaurant is your one-stop destination for casual dining options such as Carnival Deli, Chef’s Choice, Mongolian Wok and Salad Bar. Seating is available indoors and outdoors.

Dine at the Captain’s Table of Cucina del Capitano during your Carnival cruise.
Dine at the Captain’s Table of Cucina del Capitano during your Carnival cruise. Putu Oka Sudhamawan / Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Cucina Del Capitano

Italian-American dishes inspired by the recipes from the family recipes of Carnival’s Italian captains are served up family-style in a comfy, eclectic environment decorated to feel like an Italian country home. Vintage images of the captains and ships adorn the walls, and there's even a Captain's table where you just might see the man himself dine. While the casual pasta lunch is complimentary, the full-service dinner menu is offered at an extra charge.

Shake Spot

Whether you want a classic shake or maybe something tropical or even spiked (for the adults), Shake Spot has a variety of delicious, handcrafted shakes and floats.

Entertainment & activities

The Punchliner Comedy Club

Carnival teamed up with renowned comedian and TV personality George Lopez, who helped select talent for the fleetwide Punchliner Comedy Clubs. Guests can enjoy an evening laughing along to the comedians’ jokes.

Carnival WaterWorks

This onboard water park features two waterslides: Drainpipe and Twister. At the center of Carnival WaterWorks is a giant, 300-gallon dump bucket that combines water and gravity in a way that's sure to soak.

Carnival's Seaside Theatre

Guests can watch a movie on the giant outdoor screen while relaxing in a pool or lounging on a beach chair. 

Serenity Adult-Only Retreat

The Serenity area lets adults spend time with other adults. Read a book, enjoy the view, sip something from the bar or just enjoy some quality time to yourself.  

Casino

Feeling lucky? Head over to the onboard casino to try out a wide selection of slots and table games including blackjack, roulette and poker.

DJ IRIE

Carnival's DJs have all been trained by DJ IRIE, the Miami Heat's official DJ, to drop beats that inspire dancing in all areas of the ship.

Hasbro, The Game Show

You've played Connect 4 and Yahtzee, but have you ever played giant versions of them onstage in a competition that puts your gaming skills to the test? You'll have your chance when you take part in Hasbro, The Game Show. Team up with your friends and family to win great prizes, all in front of a live audience.

Playlist Productions

Playlist Productions takes tunes you know and puts them live on stage, transforming them into full-blown musical productions featuring pro singers and dancers rocking the house. Enjoy the spicy sounds of Latin Nights or the know-them-anywhere favorites of Divas.

Liquid Lounge Show Lounge

Prepare yourself to be entertained by high-energy musical productions and live game shows at Liquid Lounge Show Lounge.

Bars & lounges

Havana Bar

Step into the Havana Bar and be transported to an antebellum Cuba, preserved today in old postcards, vintage literature and classic delicacies. Sip on authentic Cuban coffee and handcrafted Cuban cocktails, or take a bite of a delicious Cuban pasty. Music and dancing keeping this spot hot well into the night.

RedFrog Rum Bar

RedFrog Rum Bar is Carnival's laid-back bar based on the no-worries vibes of the British West Indies and Key West. It is serves up tasty rum drinks and Carnival's house brew, ThirstyFrog Red.

RedFrog Pub

The similar RedFrog Pub serves up the same laidback vibe as the rum bar, alongside a menu of delicious Caribbean fare.

EA SPORTS Bar

At EA SPORTS Bar, guests can grab a drink, catch a game and play a few, too. Watch your favorite games live on big flat-screen TVs, and keep up with real-time scores from across the sports world. And if you’re feeling that competitive spirit, you can get right into the game with the latest video game titles from EA SPORTS.

Head to the BlueIguana Tequila Bar on your Carnival cruise if you like ice-cold cervezas and slushy tequila drinks.
Head to the BlueIguana Tequila Bar if you like ice-cold cervezas and slushy tequila drinks. Andrew Hetherington / Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

BlueIguana Tequila Bar

The menu offers up Mexican favorites, including several brands of tequila and a slew of Mexican brews. There’s a lineup of frozen concoctions, cocktails and margaritas served by the glass or by the pitcher, and even a special Mexican beer cocktail.

Alchemy Bar

You don't need to be a mix master to appreciate Alchemy. Carnival produces a tasty series of all-new cocktails served at this vintage-themed cocktail pharmacy. Let the mixologists prescribe you something from the bar, with both nonalcoholic and alcoholic elixirs to remedy what ails you. Or create your own custom concoction from a variety of ingredients.

The Library Bar

For a relaxing time, check out The Library Bar, where great literature doesn't stop at the wine list. This intimate cocktail lounge features self-serve wine dispensers, plus bartenders who can make a fine drink.

Spa & fitness

Spa Carnival

Renew yourself with premium beauty and wellness therapies, like hot stone massages, aromatherapy or full-body wraps.

Fitness Center

There’s no excuse for leaving your fitness routine back on land with the fitness equipment available on board in the fitness center. Plus, there are also fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates and indoor cycling.

Family-friendly options

Camp Carnival

Camp Carnival is the place where the youngest cruisers (ages 2 to 11) will experience games, finger painting, story time, movies and more in a supervised environment, while their parents can be off having fun of their own. Carnival's babysitting program also offers, for a fee, a fun late-night option for kids while their parents stay out until as late as 3 am.

Circle “C”

Youths ages 12 to 14 can enjoy video games, scavenger hunts and dance parties at “Circle C” as well as enjoy getting outside with sports, pool parties and special shore excursions. Plus, they can enjoy all of this excitement with kids their own age.

Club O2

Teens 15 to 17 can enjoy the latest music with exclusive dance parties at Club O2, as well as video games and movies from the club's comfy seating and video monitors all over the place. They'll even have fun outside of the club, with pool parties, team sports and special teen-only shore excursions.

Your take

How about you? Have you sailed on Carnival Sunshine? We'd like to hear about your experience!  

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

Interested in a cruise on Carnival Sunshine? Contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773 or by email. You'll usually get a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.

SEE ALL CARNIVAL SUNSHINE SAILINGS

On board highlights

Dining

Where to eat on Carnival Sunshine

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 5

  • Sail to the beaches of Freeport in the Bahamas on Carnival Cruise Lines.
    Sail to the beaches of Freeport in the Bahamas on Carnival Cruise Lines.
  • Explore the beaches of Freeport, the Bahamas, when you book a cruise on Carnival Cruise Line.
    Explore the beaches of Freeport, the Bahamas, when you book a cruise on Carnival Cruise Line.
  • Snorkel in the coral reef at Goff's Caye, off the shore of Belize City, Belize.
    Snorkel in the coral reef at Goff's Caye, off the shore of Belize City, Belize.
  • Horseback riding, hiking and nature walks are as popular as the beaches and snorkeling at Half Moon Cay, one  of about 700 islands that make up the Bahamas.
    Horseback riding, hiking and nature walks are as popular as the beaches and snorkeling at Half Moon Cay, one of about 700 islands that make up the Bahamas.
  • Cruise the Bahamas and spend a day swimming, sunning and snorkeling at the beautiful beaches at Half Moon Cay.
    Cruise the Bahamas and spend a day swimming, sunning and snorkeling at the beautiful beaches at Half Moon Cay.

Dining 12

  • Head to the BlueIguana Cantina aboard your Carnival cruise for tacos and fresh Mexican cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
    Head to the BlueIguana Cantina aboard your Carnival cruise for tacos and fresh Mexican cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
  • In the mood for Mexican fare? Head to the BlueIguana Cantina aboard your Carnival cruise for tacos and fresh Mexican cuisine.
    In the mood for Mexican fare? Head to the BlueIguana Cantina aboard your Carnival cruise for tacos and fresh Mexican cuisine.
  • Enjoy classic Italian-American cuisine in Carnival's Cucina del Capitano restaurant.
    Enjoy classic Italian-American cuisine in Carnival's Cucina del Capitano restaurant.
  • A sushi entrée served at Bonsai Sushi aboard a Carnival cruise.
    A sushi entrée served at Bonsai Sushi aboard a Carnival cruise.
  • A fresh sushi roll served at Carnival's Bonsai Sushi.
    A fresh sushi roll served at Carnival's Bonsai Sushi.
  • Enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sushi in Carnival's Bonsai Sushi restaurant.
    Enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sushi in Carnival's Bonsai Sushi restaurant.
  • For a change of pace, head to Carnival’s Japanese Bonsai Sushi restaurant.
    For a change of pace, head to Carnival’s Japanese Bonsai Sushi restaurant.
  • Guy’s Burger Joint is the ultimate poolside venue on board Carnival for hot burgers and hand-cut fries.
    Guy’s Burger Joint is the ultimate poolside venue on board Carnival for hot burgers and hand-cut fries.
  • The traditional Straight Up burger of Guy's Burger Joint available aboard a Carnival cruise.
    The traditional Straight Up burger of Guy's Burger Joint available aboard a Carnival cruise.
  • Carnival Sunshine features Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, which serves authentic Asian cuisine such as this cilantro root soup.
    Carnival Sunshine features Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, which serves authentic Asian cuisine such as this cilantro root soup.
  • Get the Chef's Appetizer at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen and try several new flavors at once when you sail with Carnival Sunshine.
    Get the Chef's Appetizer at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen and try several new flavors at once when you sail with Carnival Sunshine.
  • Hakka Style Noodles offer a filling meal when you dine at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen aboard Carnival Sunshine.
    Hakka Style Noodles offer a filling meal when you dine at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen aboard Carnival Sunshine.

On board 12

  • Head to the BlueIguana Tequila Bar on your Carnival cruise if you like ice-cold cervezas and slushy tequila drinks.
    Head to the BlueIguana Tequila Bar on your Carnival cruise if you like ice-cold cervezas and slushy tequila drinks.
  • Enjoy a night of gaming at the casino during your Carnival cruise.
    Enjoy a night of gaming at the casino during your Carnival cruise.
  • Relax in the Cloud 9 Thermal Lounge, where the temperature is always perfect, during your Carnival getaway.
    Relax in the Cloud 9 Thermal Lounge, where the temperature is always perfect, during your Carnival getaway.
  • Enjoy music with a Cuban beat at Havana Bar on your Carnival cruise.
    Enjoy music with a Cuban beat at Havana Bar on your Carnival cruise.
  • Head to the Havana Bar for daiquiris, mojitos and great music during your Carnival cruise.
    Head to the Havana Bar for daiquiris, mojitos and great music during your Carnival cruise.
  • Choose your show and laugh out loud at Punchliner Comedy Club, one of the entertainment options during your Carnival sailing.
    Choose your show and laugh out loud at Punchliner Comedy Club, one of the entertainment options during your Carnival sailing.
  • Enjoy private-label brews, appetizers and upbeat tunes from live musicians at RedFrog Pub on your Carnival cruise.
    Enjoy private-label brews, appetizers and upbeat tunes from live musicians at RedFrog Pub on your Carnival cruise.
  • Get rejuvenated in the spa of the Serenity Adult Only Retreat during your Carnival cruise.
    Get rejuvenated in the spa of the Serenity Adult Only Retreat during your Carnival cruise.
  •   Soak in the relaxing vibe of the Serenity Adult Only Retreat with your significant other during your Carnival sailing.
    Soak in the relaxing vibe of the Serenity Adult Only Retreat with your significant other during your Carnival sailing.
  • Frolic in the warm weather at WaterWorks, your Carnival waterpark.
    Frolic in the warm weather at WaterWorks, your Carnival waterpark.
  • Splish-splash the day away at WaterWorks, Carnival's onboard waterpark.
    Splish-splash the day away at WaterWorks, Carnival's onboard waterpark.
  • Have some fun with family members at WaterWorks during your next Carnival cruise.
    Have some fun with family members at WaterWorks during your next Carnival cruise.

More photos 12

  • When the sun sets, passengers on Carnival Sunshine have pubs, bars and shows to keep them well entertained.
    When the sun sets, passengers on Carnival Sunshine have pubs, bars and shows to keep them well entertained.
  • Dine at the Captain’s Table of Cucina del Capitano during your Carnival cruise.
    Dine at the Captain’s Table of Cucina del Capitano during your Carnival cruise.
  • The Chilius Maximus burger served at Guy's Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Lines.
    The Chilius Maximus burger served at Guy's Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Lines.
  • Try the potstickers, or Jiaozi, when you dine at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen on Carnival Sunshine.
    Try the potstickers, or Jiaozi, when you dine at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen on Carnival Sunshine.
  • Carnival Sunshine serves spicy Kung Pao Chicken at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen.
    Carnival Sunshine serves spicy Kung Pao Chicken at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen.
  • Carnival Sunshine sails to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda.
    Carnival Sunshine sails to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda.
  • At 892 feet long, Carnival Sunshine cuts an elegant figure as she sails the seas.
    At 892 feet long, Carnival Sunshine cuts an elegant figure as she sails the seas.
  • In addition to cruises of two to five or six to nine days, Carnival Sunshine has sailings of 10 days or more for those with more time to relax and revive.
    In addition to cruises of two to five or six to nine days, Carnival Sunshine has sailings of 10 days or more for those with more time to relax and revive.
  • Carnival Sunshine sails to the tropical, sun-drenched ports of the Caribbean and Central America, including Mexico, Roatan and Belize.
    Carnival Sunshine sails to the tropical, sun-drenched ports of the Caribbean and Central America, including Mexico, Roatan and Belize.
  • Waterworks water park is the sweet spot for a ton of fun atop Carnival Sunshine.
    Waterworks water park is the sweet spot for a ton of fun atop Carnival Sunshine.
  • Grab a cocktail and meet new people at the Alchemy Bar aboard Carnival Sunshine.
    Grab a cocktail and meet new people at the Alchemy Bar aboard Carnival Sunshine.
  • The atrium aboard Carnival Sunshine.
    The atrium aboard Carnival Sunshine.

Sailing now

Cruises on Carnival Sunshine

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Side by side

Compare Carnival Sunshine with

Overheard

“As far as snazzy onboard amenities, you can't miss the brand-new top deck WaterWorks, an expansive water park with 40 interactive water features including the 334-foot-long Twister (the longest in the fleet) and the Speedway Splash dual racing slides.”

Porthole magazine

“A big part of Carnival Sunshine's transformation was the addition of the adults-only Serenity.”

Cruise Travel magazine

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