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Carnival Cruises Review

Thursday, April 25th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Carnival Cruises
• Best for a party atmosphere and cruising on a budget
• Good for US port departures, with additional destinations in Europe

Carnival Cruise Line is a popular American cruise line that is part of the Carnival Corporation, the world's largest leisure travel company. The company was founded in 1972 by Ted Arison and has since grown to become one of the most recognized names in the cruise industry, offering affordable and fun-filled vacations to travelers of all ages.

Lots of ships and itineraries to consider

Carnival has a fleet of 24 ships that sail to destinations all over the world, including the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Asia. The cruise line offers a range of itineraries, from short weekend getaways to extended voyages, and caters to a variety of travelers, including families, couples, and groups of friends.

Fun fun fun

One of the defining characteristics of Carnival is its focus on fun and entertainment. The cruise line offers a wide range of onboard activities and amenities, including water parks, sports facilities, casinos, live entertainment, and comedy shows. Carnival's ships are known for their vibrant and colorful designs, which feature themes such as "Fun Ships" and "Carnivalization". The interiors of the ships are filled with bright colors, playful designs, and eye-catching art pieces, giving the vessels a lively and energetic atmosphere. But, depending on the Carnival ship you sail on, you might find that it has a somewhat outdated vibe - especially if you're been on other cruise lines that have been refreshed more recently.

Food is surprisingly good

Carnival features a variety of dining options, including casual eateries, upscale restaurants, and specialty dining venues that showcase global cuisine. Despite being a "bargain" cruise line, we were surprised to find that the food quality on our Carnival sailing rivaled other large cruise lines in the same class (not luxury or all-inclusive).

Over 50 options to spend spring break in the Caribbean

One of the reasons why Carnival is so popular is its commitment to providing an affordable vacation experience. The cruise line offers a variety of deals and discounts, making it possible for travelers to enjoy a cruise vacation without breaking the bank. Looking at our comparison sailing, a Caribbean cruise in March about a year in advance, Carnival was indeed one of the lowest-priced options out there - and with a whopping 53 results (where some rival cruise lines only had a handful or none at all during that time of year). There were several 4- and 5-day sailings from New Orleans, Tampa, Miami and Galveston, with starting prices under $400 per person (not including taxes, fees, and port expenses). Even on the high end, you'd still be paying under $1,000 per person, even on a 12-day Southern Caribbean sailing out of New York with stops in St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Maarten.

Higher-than-average gratuities

But, in some ways, Carnival makes up for its lower cruise fares with its extras. For example, you'll pay more in gratuities here than in some places: Carnival's recommended service charges are $16 per person per day in standard staterooms and $18 pp per day in suites Fortunately, you can ask that those be modified once your onboard, but that should only be done if you've received poor service and Carnival can't make it right.

Kids' clubs don't compete with other cruise lines

And, even though Carnival cruises are advertised as being fun for the whole family, that wasn't exactly our experience. First, at least on an Alaskan cruise we experienced, the kids' clubs were only open periodically and rarely followed the posted schedule. Even when the kids were in the club, the counselors seemed to phone it in most of the time and often didn't do the activities that had been planned - instead leaving the kids to play video games or have open time in the club. There weren't as many all-ages entertainment options either, so the kids in our travel party wound up in the stateroom watching TV because "there wasn't anything else to do" .

Not exactly PG-rated sometimes

Beyond that, Carnival cruises almost always have a party atmosphere. That's totally okay if you're sailing to celebrate a bachelorette party or trying to have a wild spring break in the Bahamas! But, for those traveling with children, it isn't the most wholesome environment. ( Let's just say that while one of our staffers went to look at the northern lights on that Alaska sailing, their kids had to avert their eyes from some... adult activities happening on the loungers ). You might want to look at other cruise lines if you wouldn't enjoy that kind of experience.

Underperforms with respect to safety

The last factor in Carnival's lower-than-them-all ranking here is safety. While most cruise lines experience issues from time to time, Carnival typically ranks as one of the lowest-performing. There have been several incidents involving Carnival ships, including fires, power outages, and mechanical failures. The highest-profile issue was back in 2013, when the Carnival Triumph was stranded at sea for several days. People even referred to it as the "poop cruise" because of how a fire aboard knocked out the power and left cruisers without AC, lights, water, food, and working toilets.

You won't choose Carnival again once you've tried another cruise line

Now, we'll probably incur the wrath of devoted Carnival VIFP Club members, who wouldn't dream of sailing on any other cruise line. That's fine, but most people we found who've cruised with one of our higher-ranked options ( which is ALL of them, by the way ), have a hard time seeing Carnival in a very positive light once they've tried a rival's ship, service, and itinerary. Even if a super-big bargain is your deciding factor, with the right promotions you can probably get a great deal with a higher-performing cruise line. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or you've sailed with Carnival before, we really encourage you to see if you can make the numbers work with a different company before settling for Carnival.

More Cruise Line Reviews

• Royal Caribbean

• Disney Cruise Line

• Celebrity Cruises

• Virgin Voyages

• Viking Cruises

• Regent Seven Seas

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Princess Cruises

• Holland America

• MSC Cruises

The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Carnival Cruise Line Review — Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

Katie Seemann

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Basic Information

Departure ports, private ports/islands, formal nights, complimentary dining, specialty dining, bars and beverages, accommodations, carnival australia, final thoughts.

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Carnival Cruise Line has been around since 1972. While it is mostly known for Caribbean cruises, it actually offers cruises to Mexico, Hawaii, and Europe, as well. Carnival Cruise Line Australia covers destinations like Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

Carnival ships, also known as “Fun Ships,” have a reputation for lively atmospheres and numerous onboard activities. With 26 ships sailing across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Europe, there’s something for everyone on a Carnival cruise.

Name: Carnival Cruise Line

Parent Company: Carnival Corporation (which also owns Carnival Australia, Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line, AIDA Cruises, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises)

Number of Ships : 23 (3 more debuting in 2022-2023)

Loyalty Program: VIPF Club

Credit Card : Carnival ® World Mastercard ®

Carnival Cruise Line currently operates 23 ships, with 3 more coming by the end of 2023.

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Ecstasy
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Vista

Carnival Celebration will debut in November 2022. Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Luminosa will debut in 2023. Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination were put into long-term storage in 2020 with no timeline for return.

Carnival Cruises sails to lots of destinations across North America, the Caribbean, and Europe from 26 departure ports.

Cruises to Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific Islands can be found on Carnival Australia.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking for destinations in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific, check out Carnival Australia. This is Carnival’s sister company that offers different itineraries and ships.

While Carnival Cruise Line doesn’t own any private ports, it does make use of 2 of the ports owned by other cruise lines.

• Princess Cays is a private resort on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas that’s owned by Princess Cruise Line. This destination offers everything you would expect — beaches, kayaking, sailing, a kid’s area, an adults-only area, and more.
• Half Moon Cay is another private destination located in the Bahamas. This island, also known as San Salvador Island, is owned by Holland America Cruise Line. You’ll find everything you need for a relaxing day on the beach — swimming, snorkeling, sailing, horseback riding, a water park, and more!

Hot Tip: Be sure to get the most bang for your buck! Check out our guide to the best websites to book cruises at the cheapest prices.

Onboard Activities

These days cruise ships are full of things to do, and Carnival Cruises are no exception.

Carnival offers much of what you would expect to find on a cruise ship these days including pools, a casino, themed parties, Broadway-style shows, youth programs, and art auctions.

Lots of additional activities are offered to ensure you won’t be bored at sea. Not all activities are available on every ship and activities marked with $ come with additional fees.

• Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster ($)
• Cherry on Top candy stores ($)
• Cooking classes
• Cooking demonstrations
• Build-A-Bear Workshop ($)
• Family Feud Live
• IMAX Theater
• Lip Sync Battle
• Make It With Michaels arts and crafts ($)
• Martini tasting ($)
• Mixology competitions
• Outdoor movies
• Punchliner Comedy Club
• Sky Zone trampoline park and challenge zone ($)
• SportSquare
• Video arcade ($)
• Waterslides: WaterWorks and Twister

Formal nights (or Elegant nights) are those in which formal dress is encouraged. That means dress pants with a dress shirt and sport coat for men, and for women, this means cocktail dresses, a pantsuit, or a skirt. If you want to go all out with a tuxedo or evening gown, that’s acceptable, too!

While formal dress is encouraged, it’s not required throughout the ship. However, the main dining room will require formal attire on Elegant nights. On those nights, shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suits, jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats are not permitted in the dining rooms.

Hot Tip: Curious about award travel on cruises? Check out our ultimate guide to using miles and points to book a cruise.

Dining and Beverages

You don’t have to worry about going hungry on a Carnival cruise. You’ll find lots of complimentary choices as well as specialty restaurants that come with additional charges.

You don’t have to pay an extra dime to eat on your Carnival cruise if you don’t want to. All of these options are included in the price of your cruise (however not all locations are offered on every ship).

• Big Chicken
• BlueIguana Cantina
• Guy’s Burger Joint
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que
• Lido Marketplace
• Main dining room
• Mongolian Wok
• Pizza Pirate
• Pizzaria del Capitano
• RedFrog Pub & Brewery
• Seaday Brunch
• Street Eats
• The Captain’s Pasta Bar
• The Carnival Deli

Carnival also features many specialty dining options that aren’t included in the price of your cruise.

• Bonsai Sushi
• Bonsai Sushi Express
• Bonsai Teppanyaki
• Cucina del Capitano
• Emeril’s Bistro 1396
• Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse
• JavaBlue Cafe
• JiJi Asian Kitchen
• Rudi’s Seagrill
• Seafood Shack
• The Chef’s Table

There is no shortage of bars available onboard a Carnival cruise ship. Most beverages including soda come with an extra charge, however, Carnival offers drink packages if you would prefer to pay for all of your drinks ahead of time.

Bottomless Bubbles is a drink package that included unlimited soda and juice and can be purchased on your ship. It must be purchased for the entire length of your cruise (meaning you can’t just buy the drink package for a day or 2). The cost is $8.50 per day for adults and $5.95 per day for kids.

Cheers! is Carnival’s prepaid bar package. With this package, you’ll enjoy unlimited alcoholic drinks (with a few exceptions) for the entire length of your cruise. This package can be purchased ahead of time for $51.95 per person per day or, once you are aboard, for $56.95 per person per day.

Hot Tip: Cheers! and Bottomless Bubbles packages aren’t available on European itineraries.

Here are some of the bars you might find on your Carnival Cruise:

• Alchemy Bar
• Beer Station
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar
• RedFrog Pub
• RedFrog Rum Bar
• SkyBox Sports Bar

Hot Tip: The drinking age on all Carnival ships is 21+, regardless of the drinking age at any port.

There are different levels of staterooms you can choose on Carnival Cruise Line — interior, oceanview, balcony, or suite.

Regardless of what type of room you have, you’ll enjoy the following amenities:

• Dedicated room steward
• Carnival Comfort Collection linens
• Stateroom climate control
• In-room safe

Carnival also offers 4 unique room types to accommodate families or anyone looking for something a little special.

Family-Friendly Staterooms: These rooms will accommodate up to 5 people, and some even come with a second bathroom. Adjoining rooms are available if you need even more space.

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms: This type of room is available for those looking for a little more relaxation. These rooms come with Elemis toiletries, plus bathrobes and slippers. You’ll also get priority spa reservations, free fitness classes, access to thermal suites, and spa discounts on port days.

Havana Staterooms: These unique rooms are for guests 12 and older. They have an island vibe and come with unlimited access to the Havana Bar & Pool. If you upgrade to a Havana Cabana room, you’ll get a larger balcony with a hammock chair. Upgrade to a Havana Cabana suite to indulge in a luxurious rain shower.

Family Harbor Staterooms: These family-friendly rooms are decked out in nautical decor and are located close to the Family Harbor Lounge which features food, games, and movies. Plus, when you’re staying in a Family Harbor Stateroom, your kids will eat free in most of the specialty restaurants, and you’ll enjoy 1 free night of Night Owls babysitting service.

Hot Tip: Make sure you don’t forget anything — check out our printable cruise vacation packing list!

The VIPF Club is Carnival’s loyalty club. You can join at any time, even if you’ve never been on a Carnival cruise. You’ll earn 1 point for each night you spend at sea.

There are 5 levels of membership in the VIPF Club:

• Blue: first sailing
• Red: second sailing — 24 points
• Gold : 25-74 points
• Platinum: 75-199 points
• Diamond: 200+ points

The benefits you’ll receive vary depending on your membership level. Every member will receive members-only offers and an e-newsletter. Other benefits you can earn include complimentary bottled water, priority check-in and boarding, free drinks, VIPF parties, collectible pins, complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant, and more.

Hot Tip: Don’t miss out on valuable points — check out our guide to the best credit cards to use to book your cruise.

Carnival Australia has an entirely different website and offers cruises to different destinations than Carnival, however, it’s not really a different company.

Carnival Australia Ships : Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendor

Carnival Australia Departure Ports :

• Brisbane, Australia (beginning in 2020)
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Melbourne, Australia
• Sydney, Australia

Carnival Australia Destinations:

• Australia (including Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef, Adelaide, and Moreton Island)
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands (including Noumea, Mare, Lifou Isle, and more)
• Papua New Guinea

Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises to the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe on 26 different ships! Onboard, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy including waterslides, games, movies, shows, and even Build-A-Bear Workshops!

When it comes to dining, you won’t go hungry. You’ll have plenty of complimentary options to choose from or you can check out one of Carnival’s specialty restaurants like Emeril’s Bistro 1396 or Bonsai Sushi.

When it’s time to settle in for the night, you’ll be able to choose from lots of different types of staterooms including spa-themed rooms or family rooms with a second bathroom that accommodates up to 5 people.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed vacation or just want to relax on the sea, Carnival Cruise Line has something to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is carnival's newest ship.

The newest ship in the Carnival fleet is Carnival Panorama which will start sailing December 11, 2019. Carnival Radiance and Carnival Mardi Gras will debut in 2020.

What is the biggest Carnival ship?

The biggest Carnival ship is the Carnival Panorama which can accommodate 4,008 passengers and 1,450 crew members. A close second is Carnival Horizon which can hold 3,974 passengers and 1,450 crew members.

How much is the drink package on Carnival?

The Bottomless Bubbles package gives you unlimited soda and juice while on board and costs $8.50 per day for adults and $5.95 per day for kids. The Cheers! package comes with alcoholic beverages and costs $51.95 per person per day if you purchase ahead of time or $56.95 per person per day if you purchase onboard.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Celebration Deck Plans & Reviews

Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Celebration

Activities & entertainment

• Family Harbor Lounge
• Camp Ocean - Kids Club
• Dr. Seuss Bookville
• Evening Kids Programs *
• Cloud 9 Spa *
• Thermal Suites *
• The Salon *
• Cloud 9 Fitness
• Fitness Classes *
• Conference Room
• Carnival Kitchen - Cooking Classes *
• Celebration Central
• The Gateway
• Empress Casino *
• The Fun Shops *
• Limelight Lounge
• Dreams Studio - Portrait Studio *
• Pixels Gallery - Photo Shop *
• Summer Landing
• Whirlpools (8)
• Guest Services
• Carnival Adventures - Shore Excursions *
• 820 Biscayne
• Club O2 - Teens Club
• Circle C - Tweens Club
• The Warehouse - Video Arcade *
• Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
• The Ultimate Playground
• Ropes Course
• Sports Court
• Jogging Track
• Carnival WaterWorks - Water Park
• Waterslides (4)
• Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster *
• Art Auction *
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Groove For St. Jude *
• Piano Bar 88
• The Punchliner Comedy Club
• Grand Spectrum Theater
• Family Feud Live
• Playlist Productions
• Carnival Seaside Theater
• In-Room Entertainment
• Carnivale Restaurant - Main
• Festivale Restaurant - Main
• The Chef's Table - Gourmet *
• Carnival Kitchen - Interactive *
• Emeril's Bistro 1397 - Cajun *
• Latitudes Bar - International Travel-Themed Bar *
• The Golden Jubilee - Historic Bar *
• JavaBlue Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
• Cherry On Top - Candy *
• Tropicale Bar - Popular Bar *
• Aquaria Bar - Popular Bar *
• Piano Bar 88 - Piano Bar *
• Alchemy Bar - Custom Cocktail Bar *
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• The Watering Hole - Patio Bar *
• Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse - Barbecue *
• Rudi's Seagrill - Seafood *
• Deco Deli - Deli
• Miami Slice - Pizza
• Bar 820 - Miami-Themed Bar *
• Cucina Del Capitano - Italian *
• Bonsai Sushi - Sushi *
• Bonsai Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• Havana Bar - Cuban-Themed Bar *
• Chibang! - Asian and Mexican *
• BlueIguana Cantina - Mexican
• Seafood Shack - Seafood *
• Street Eats - Light Bites
• RedFrog Tiki Bar - Tiki Bar *
• Lido Marketplace - Buffet
• Big Chicken - Chicken Sandwiches
• Tides Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Guy's Burger Joint - Pool Grill
• Fresh Creations - Healthy Fare
• Serenity Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 7
• Very Good 9
• All languages ( 28 )
• English ( 26 )
• Spanish ( 2 )

Upcoming itineraries

Carnival Horizon

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line |

Find a Cruise on Carnival Horizon

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 1902 guests have reviewed Carnival Horizon , giving it a rating of 4.4 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Great Caribbean Cruise

Apr 24th, 2024

Overall everything was great. I would sail this ship again. The elevator were a learning curve and difficult for mobility impaired people during embarkation and disembarkation especially. The main dining room service was slow. All the other food options were great as usual.

Traveler Type

Singles/Friends

4-6 cruises

Had a Great time

Apr 23rd, 2024

We had a great vacation and can't wait for the next Cruise.

Interior 10249

I enjoyed this cruise. I liked the ports. Some staff was awesome - Nelson with the hair and Double A in the MDR. Others acted like they couldn’t wait to be off the ship. I get it it’s hard work but while trying to be friendly they could at least pretend to be helpful.

I had a great time. Food was good . Entertainment was great.

Wonderful 8 day cruise

Apr 22nd, 2024

The Carnival Horizon is a beautiful ship and one we would do again. The trip was scheduled for celebration of our daughter's 40th birthday and didn't disappoint. To say we loved it probably isn't strong enough.

Family (older children)

Western Caribbean Cruise

Apr 19th, 2024

Over all the cruise was very good. I think I will cruise a different cruise next time. They need to check the duct work for mold.

Apr 17th, 2024

No disembark for Jamaica, only two stops, decent boat, needs better cleaning and care.

Large Group

Promised a lot more than was delivered

Apr 16th, 2024

Could’ve been better and I won’t ever sail Carnival again.

1 cruise (first)

My overall experience was nice, however they need to do better with the food they serve. We pay so much money to get less than mediocre food served. The ship was not that great. The lobby was small. The events were wonderful especially family feud.

Apr 11th, 2024

Overall it was nice experience. I probably will not go on this ship again but good experience. I like the bigger look and feeling on getting on the ship and the lobby looking so huge like the titanic. This ship didn’t give me that wow feeling at all not even once.

2-3 cruises

Awful Cruise Service

Apr 10th, 2024

This was an extremely disappointing vacation. The service staff overall was not welcoming, happy or even grateful for tips etc. The towel service poolside attendant always was extremely rude and irritated with the guests. The restaurant food was Mediocre at best and the meals took hours to complete. It was my 25th cruise overall and the worst service i have ever experienced.

Family (young children)

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Carnival Sunshine cruise ship review: What it’s like to cruise on Carnival’s oldest ship

TPG's Kristy Tolley accepted a free trip from Carnival Cruise Line to cruise on Carnival Sunshine. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.

Sometimes it's hard to beat an oldie but a goodie, and that's certainly the case with Carnival Sunshine.

Carnival's oldest ship and part of the line's Sunshine Class of reimagined vessels, Carnival Sunshine has the "Fun Ship 2.0" upgrades that bring it in line with newer Carnival ships. Modern amenities and an unpretentious environment dovetail nicely aboard Sunshine, and the updated restaurants, bars and public spaces make you feel like you're on a modern cruise ship.

Sure, you'll spot signs of wear and tear befitting an older ship, but the dings in my cabin furnishings were easy to overlook.

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I'm not the only one who appreciates this made-over ship. On my second sailing on Sunshine, a four-night Bahamas cruise out of Charleston, I found myself surrounded by a diverse group, though most passengers hailed from South Carolina. My shipmates included lots of families, couples traveling together and multigenerational reunion groups.

The common denominator among passengers was that everyone was ready to celebrate something. On embarkation day, I saw an almost endless sea of matching shirts announcing milestone birthdays, bachelorette parties and other special events. The overall vibe — which continued throughout the cruise — was energetic and festive, and most people didn't take themselves too seriously. It was clear from the moment we stepped on the ship that if you didn't have a fun time, it was entirely your fault.

Carnival Sunshine is a great home base for a celebratory vacation (or any kind of getaway, really) that doesn't break the bank, especially if you live within driving distance of one of its departure ports. Some four-night sailings start as low as $374 per person (based on double occupancy) for a four-night getaway. You'd be hard-pressed to spend less with a hotel stay of the same length — not to mention the extra cost of food you don't have to worry about with a cruise.

Even if you don't have a milestone event to celebrate, Carnival Sunshine provides such a perfect backdrop for your fun that your vacation will feel like a celebration.

Overview of Carnival Sunshine

The 102,853-ton Carnival Sunshine is 12 decks high and carries 3,002 passengers at double occupancy in 1,501 cabins.

Launched in 1996 as Carnival Destiny, the ship received an overhaul and a new name in 2013. The glow-up brought added attractions and venues found on newer Carnival vessels. These upgrades included a complete renovation of Sunshine's pool area and the addition of a full-blown water park, a SportSquare area on the top deck, and an adults-only Serenity outdoor lounge area complete with daybeds, padded loungers, a hot tub and a full bar.

Carnival Sunshine also acquired new food and beverage venues like the line's signature steakhouse, Fahrenheit 555; its signature Italian eatery, Cucina Del Capitano; and an express Bonsai Sushi. The line also added 182 cabins, bumping its capacity at double occupancy from 2,642 to 3,002 passengers, a 14% increase.

At nearly 103,000 tons, Sunshine Class ships are more than 40% smaller than Carnival's newest ships, such as Carnival Celebration. That said, Carnival Sunshine still offers a solid list of onboard diversions, from a multi-slide water park to a theater showing original musical productions.

The ship's age is starting to show, with a few nicks and marks here and there and visible rust spots on the exterior. The need for a fresh coat of paint was more prominent when we were docked beside two newer Royal Caribbean ships in Nassau — so much so that the comedian referenced it in his show that night. It didn't detract from our cruise, but those seeking a new shiny ship should look elsewhere.

Carnival Sunshine has been based in Charleston, South Carolina, since 2019, but 2024 will be the last year the ship will depart from the Holy City. It's moving a bit farther up the East Coast to Norfolk, Virginia, beginning in February 2025.

What I loved about Carnival Sunshine

The festive atmosphere

Carnival wears its "fun ship" moniker well. The line's focus on having a great time is infused in every aspect of your cruise experience, and guests are an extension of that ethos. Every passenger I encountered was friendly and ready to participate in all the activities the Fun Squad had planned.

Karaoke was hugely popular during our cruise. There was always a line of people ready to perform, and the Ocean Plaza area where it took place was teeming with crowds cheering them on. Audience members would often get up and dance to the music or sing along.

Loads of people consistently came out for music trivia at the Sunshine Bar in the Atrium, too. It's hard not to have a good time when your enthusiastic cruise director stands on top of the bar and encourages everyone to join in.

From Noel, our amenable room steward, to Nicole and Tatiana, our capable Alchemy Bar mixologists, every staff member we interacted with was genuine, friendly and cheerful. We weren't their only fans. One passenger even had a T-shirt made featuring a photo of Nicole and Tatiana.

Although Carnival reduced cabin cleaning service to just once a day from twice a day in 2022, our room steward was always close by and checking in on us. Our cabin was well-kept and clean, and we had fresh towels when we needed them.

The crew's flexibility and impressive level of service really stood out on this sailing. For example, we went through a storm during our cruise, and rough seas altered the Welcome Aboard production on the first night. Instead of a musical and dance show, the two onboard comedians performed a short bit of their routine. At least 200 people came out for the show, and the audience was enthusiastic and supportive.

Similarly, since rough seas canceled the tech rehearsal, the "Epic Rock" production on the second night became an "unplugged" version with performers singing from stools on stage. While not ideal, it was another example of the flexibility and upbeat attitude of Carnival staff. Even without a full-on performance, the quality of vocal talent was undeniable.

Perhaps the most moving example of staff personalizing an experience for guests was during the military appreciation event, which is held every Carnival sailing and hosted by the cruise director. Traditionally, a recording of "Taps" is played during a moment of silence. Our cruise director, James, is also a trumpet player, so he plays "Taps" live for the ceremony.

I've sailed with Carnival on several occasions, and the food has always been great. Carnival Sunshine was no exception. I was able to sample most included and added-fee restaurants — including Asian favorites at JiJi's and Bonsai Sushi, and the poolside Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina (more below on each of these).

Carnival Sunshine offers a nice variety of cuisine, so all palates will be satisfied. You could enjoy a spicy chickpea curry dish or jambalaya, freshly prepared artisan deli sandwiches and wraps, or load up on salad fixings and fresh fruit.

The main dining room menu featured fresh seafood, varied pasta dishes (spaghetti carbonara, linguini with Italian sausage), steak and tempting desserts (the creme brulee and Carnival melting chocolate cake are a must).

The only downside is it can be challenging to hit every dining venue you want during a four-night cruise!

What I didn't love about Carnival Sunshine

Smoke in the casino.

Smoking can be a divisive issue on cruise ships, and it's banned nearly everywhere on board. However, it's permitted in the casino, which would be fine if I didn't have to pass through the casino to get to certain parts of the ship. But there was no way to avoid the smoky areas if I needed to get to the Liquid Lounge theater from the Ocean Plaza. I can only imagine how problematic that could be for those who are allergic to smoke.

That said, the casino was always buzzing and consistently teemed with passengers who either weren't bothered by the smoke or were willing to put up with it for a good game of blackjack.

Limited electrical outlets in cabins

If you've sailed on a newer Carnival ship with ample outlets and USB ports in your cabin, you might be surprised by the lack of them on Sunshine. Updating the number of electrical outlets and adding USB ports to the cabins was not part of the 2013 renovation.

The desk area had only two U.S.-style 110V plugs and a European-style 220V plug. The nightstands flanking the bed did not include outlets. If you need more outlets, plan to pack a power strip (just not one with a surge protector, as they're banned on ships ).

Carnival Sunshine cabins and suites

Our cabin was an aft (back of the ship) balcony cabin on Deck 5. I'd never stayed in an aft cabin, so I looked forward to having uninterrupted ocean views over the ship's wake. I particularly enjoyed our view as we plied through rough waters during a storm. It was a fantastic reminder of the strength and endurance of cruise ships.

Another perk of an aft cabin was the size of the balcony — a bit larger than regular balconies in other Carnival cabins I've stayed in. Traditional balconies have room for two chairs and a small table. Our aft balcony fit an additional lounger. As mentioned earlier, the ship shows signs of wear and tear, which was evident on our balcony. It desperately needed a good scrub to get rid of the dark spots and paint drippings.

I had heard that noise could be an issue for those staying in aft cabins. We were above the main dining room, and we could sometimes hear the music from the dinner entertainment. However, we never heard it after hours. Honestly, I didn't notice any more ship noise than on previous sailings in other cabins.

Also, other than the night of the storm, I didn't encounter any extensive rocking or shifting that was out of the ordinary for a cruise ship.

Overall, I was pleased with the cabin. It was basic, with neutral walls and blue patterned carpeting. No cutting-edge designs here, but I wouldn't expect that from an older ship. The bed was cozy, the pillows were soft, the room temperature remained comfortable, and I had ample storage for a long weekend's worth of clothing.

The wear and tear was also noticeable inside the room, including a few wall dings and a couple of nicks in the wood furnishings. Also, one of the hangers seemed to have been repaired with duct tape.

My room had two twin beds pushed together into a queen-size bed that was flanked by bedside lamps and two one-drawer, one-shelf nightstands. The living area had a long sofa that could transform into a bed or the bottom half of bunk beds. In place of a traditional shorter coffee table, there was a taller wooden table that could double as a makeshift working desk.

A large desk/vanity with a lighted mirror and flat-screen TV was on the opposite wall. It housed four drawers (one containing a small hair dryer for in-cabin use), a minifridge, and a cabinet with a small safe. Three side-by-side closets were positioned to the right of the desk.

Our cabin's TV was installed on the wall to the left of the desk mirror. Unfortunately, the wall came out a bit to the left of the TV, which made it impossible to swivel the TV to the left and view it from the bed. The TV wasn't interactive like most are on newer ships. It had about 10 channels of news, movies and children's programming, and several Carnival-sponsored channels.

The bathroom was small but adequate. There were two shelves on both sides of the mirror for toiletry storage and a decent amount of counter space for such a small area. The shower included pump dispensers for shampoo and body wash, as well as a retractable clothesline for drying swimwear.

There were ample towel racks and three hooks on the back of the door. The bathroom was stocked with bath and hand towels, washcloths and a bar of soap.

Most of the accommodations on Carnival Sunshine fall into one of three categories: windowless inside cabins, ocean-view cabins with a window that doesn't open and balcony cabins. Carnival Sunshine offers more than 200 connecting rooms, ideal for large families or groups traveling together who like to stay close.

Spa lovers can stay in one of the 92 Cloud 9 Spa cabins and three spa suites with direct access to the spa. They also score exclusive spa packages and discounts, unlimited use of the Thermal Suite, a free body composition analysis and upgraded Elemis toiletries in their cabin.

If you want to splurge and book a suite on Carnival Sunshine, you have 58 options across four categories — Ocean Suites (45), Grand Suites (8), Captain's Suites (2) and the aforementioned Cloud 9 Spa Suites (3). Ocean Suites are akin to junior suites, expanded versions of balcony cabins.

The suites come with varied perks, which can include priority check-in and boarding, as well as priority disembarkation on the final morning of your trip.

Carnival Sunshine restaurants and bars

Carnival Sunshine offers a bevy of restaurant and bar choices. It offers a good mix of included-in-your-fare and extra-fee options, and overall, I enjoyed all my meals on board. If you want to try one of the ship's specialty restaurants, make reservations as soon as possible, as they tend to book up quickly.

Restaurants

Carnival Sunshine has two main dining rooms — Sunrise Dining Room (decks 3 and 4) and Sunset Dining Room (Deck 3). You can choose fixed-time, assigned table seating at 5:30 p.m. (early dining) or 7:45 p.m. (late dining). If you know you want to eat at either of those designated times, you should reserve when you book, as they fill up fast.

We opted for Your Time Dining, so we could dine any time between 5:15 and 9 p.m. When we were ready for dinner, we checked in through Carnival's mobile app and received an alert when our table was ready. From check-in to being seated, we only had about a 10-minute wait on both evenings. All Your Time Dining folks dine in the Sunrise Dining Room.

We enjoyed both main dining room meals, which included prime rib, lobster tail, New York strip and pan-seared barramundi. I especially enjoyed the beet and petite greens salad with a citrus dressing. Of course, when on a Carnival ship, you must try the line's signature melting chocolate cake, which I did, and it was perfection.

Don't miss the Seaday Brunch, with top-notch eggs Benedict, French toast, made-to-order omelets, brunch burgers and bloody marys. I splurged on a fresh pressed juice ($5) with pineapple, ginger, lime, dates and turmeric. It was fantastic. The main dining room is also open for breakfast on port days.

Guy's Burger Joint is a walk-up counter restaurant at the back of the pool area on the Lido Deck. My husband is a huge Guy's Burger fan, so that is always our first meal on embarkation day. Judging from the lines, the majority of Sunshine cruisers had the same idea. Lines moved pretty quickly, though. Even my special-order veggie burger took under five minutes to make (though it was my least favorite dish on the ship).

My husband ordered the "Straight Up" burger with all the fixings, and it was almost on par with others he's eaten on previous cruises.

His take: "This was the 'least good' Guy's burger I've had, and it was still delicious." His second Guy's burger on our third day of the cruise was even tastier.

Also on the Lido Deck, BlueIguana Cantina serves freshly made burritos, tacos and bowls. It's one of my favorite casual dining spots, and I would put the veggie burrito up against Chipotle any day of the week.

The Lido Marketplace is the ship's popular buffet restaurant, offering a variety of culinary options from early morning through late night. Breakfast offerings included scrambled or boiled eggs, beans, potatoes, varied pastries, fresh fruit, and hot or cold cereal. There were also two omelet stations in the Havana Bar area, located just off the Lido Marketplace. (The Havana Bar serves craft Cuban-style daiquiris, mojitos and Cuban coffee drinks.)

Lunch consisted of made-to-order deli sandwiches and pizza, as well as international dishes, hot sides and a salad station.

Carnival Sunshine features five added-fee restaurants — JiJi Asian Kitchen, Bonsai Sushi, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano and the Chef's Table — for cruisers looking for a special meal. Hot tip: If you pre-book your specialty dinner for the first night of your cruise, you'll score a free bottle of wine. You can choose between a chardonnay and merlot, and can either drink it with your meal or enjoy it in your cabin later. It's a nice way to kick off the cruise.

We booked a table at Jiji's for our first evening on board. The pan-Asian menu features dishes from Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, China and Mongolia served family style. I ordered the shrimp dumplings, sweet and sour shrimp, and the Chinese broccoli. My husband had the chicken rolls and the peppered beef. We closed out our dinner with the rose creme brulee with ginger cream and caramelized crepes served with citrus ice cream.

Every dish was delicious. The pacing of our meal was perfect, and we didn't feel rushed through the courses. Service was attentive without being intrusive. The cost is $24 (per person) for adults and $6 (per person) for kids aged 11 and under — a great price for a fantastic meal.

Open for lunch and dinner, the Bonsai Sushi outpost on Sunshine is smaller than those on newer ships. With reasonably priced items like $5 and $7 rolls, and $2 for soup or salad, it's easy to curb your sushi craving on the cheap.

Other specialty dining options include the line's signature Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse (one of TPG's favorite cruise ship specialty restaurants ) and La Cucina del Capitano for an authentic family-style Italian meal. During lunch, La Cucina del Capitano offers a free pasta bar. Passengers can also book the Chef's Table experience, an intimate multicourse meal hosted by the executive chef.

A fun meal for families is the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast ($10 per adult and $8 per child aged 14 and under). Held in the main dining room, it kicks off with the lively Seuss-a-palooza Parade led by The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2. You get to nosh on "green eggs and ham," pancakes, French toast, "Moose Juice" and other whimsical dishes inspired by Seuss' books. The characters stick around for meet-and-greets and photo ops.

After boarding, we checked out the RedFrog Pub on Deck 5. It was far enough away from embarkation day chaos but busy enough for entertaining people-watching. The bar was out of fresh mint, so I couldn't sample the Ving Mojito, so I sipped a tasty margarita instead.

A fun component of this bar is the screens above the bar that carousel through photos the bartenders have taken of RedFrog Pub patrons. The Pub didn't seem to be the hub for activities as I've seen on other vessels, probably because karaoke, live music and trivia games were held just outside the door in the Ocean Plaza.

The Alchemy Bar is a cocktail bar designed to resemble an apothecary, offering "elixirs" and "remedies." It's one of the venues I look forward to the most when cruising with Carnival.

Full disclosure: I've been smitten with this watering hole since I tasted my first Cucumber Sunrise aboard Carnival Conquest in 2013. Maybe it's because it was my first foray into herbal-based craft cocktails or because the bartenders are consistently fun and engaging. Either way, few things can beat a refreshing, restorative basil drop served by some of the best bartenders in the cruising industry.

Want to try something off the menu? No problem. After determining my preferred spirits and flavors, the bartenders always come up with something fantastic. I'm a gin and lavender fan, and our bartender, Tatiana, created an amazing cocktail with gin, lavender, St. Germain, elderflower and lime juice.

The Alchemy Bar on Carnival Sunshine is situated just off the popular Ocean Plaza area, the place to be for trivia games, karaoke and live music.

The Havana Bar is the place to head for top-notch mojitos. The small buffet area by the bar often features Latin-inspired bites like empanadas and Cuban sandwiches. Since it's located just beyond the main pool on Deck 9 and beside the Lido Marketplace buffet area, I found it to be an ideal spot to retreat to when buffet area seating was limited.

Poolside RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar were both a hub of activity most days. And if you're lounging by the pool, you can expect servers to come by often and take drink orders. Other popular spots for some spirits include the Serenity Bar by the adults-only sun deck, SkyBox Sports Bar (where multiple TVs behind the bar broadcast various games), the Piano Bar (with nightly singalongs), the Atrium Bar and the Sunshine Casino.

We also visited the Piano Bar twice during our short cruise. The pianist/singer was top-notch and had a great rapport with the guests. The only thing that tainted our experience was that both times we visited, a family with younger kids monopolized the show with requests. The Carnival website lists the Piano Bar as a 21-plus venue, but no one challenged the family.

Carnival Sunshine activities

When the weather cooperated, most passengers gravitated to the upper decks for fun in the sun and water. In addition to the one main pool and two hot tubs on Deck 9, Sunshine is home to Carnival's WaterWorks water park with waterslides and a kiddie splash zone. A bevy of diversions at the nearby SportSquare included a ropes course, minigolf, ping-pong and foosball.

The ship's quieter adults-only Serenity Deck area was midship on decks 11 and 12 and overlooked the main pool area. Passengers 21-plus could take advantage of a plunge pool with a waterfall, a hot tub, a bar, and loungers and cabanas.

Energetic cruisers who can't veg in the sun all day can find limitless activities indoors to occupy their sea days. Free events included trivia games, Bingo, spa pampering parties, karaoke, and ice carving or towel animal folding demonstrations. For-fee activities like Build-A-Bear Workshop and $5,000 Jackpot Bingo also drew a crowd.

Shopping opportunities were decent. You have the Fun Shops for Carnival-branded items, souvenirs, jewelry, liquor and fragrances. For a sugary splurge, Cherry On Top sells an extensive selection of sweet treats.

The Sunshine Casino on Deck 5 midship was popular with passengers on my sailing. Every time I walked through, it was buzzing with activity (although, as previously mentioned, I didn't spend a lot of time there). The venue is a maze of slot machines, with a collection of poker tables, a craps table, two roulette tables and several blackjack tables. Throughout our cruise, the casino hosted organized poker tournaments, raffles and other ways to test Lady Luck.

Karaoke events were held in the Ocean Plaza area in between the Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Pub. The openness of the space provided optimum participation from passengers and performers, so a lively crowd was always on hand to sing along.

Families can take advantage of included-in-your-fare childcare in Carnival's Camp Ocean facilities on 10. The youngest cruisers can participate in supervised activities, divided into age-based groups: Penguins (2 to 5 years), Stingrays (6 to 8 years) and Sharks (9 to 11 years).

The designated areas for each age group were spacious and offered plenty of seating. Though they had separate entrances, the spaces were close enough that pick-up and drop-off would be easy for families with kids checked into different areas.

Tweens and teens have their own hangouts and activity schedules. Circle C is for cruisers ages 12 to 14, with events like dance parties, outdoor movies and group games. The Circle C space had a futuristic vibe with metal walls and a minimalist design.

Club O2 is for the 15-to-17 set and offers a chance for older teens to hang out together, play sports and games, and interact during group activities. The modern atmosphere extended to Club 02 with a bold red and black pattern on the floor, sleek red chairs and metal accents.

During this sailing, many families seemed to hang out together during the day — spending time at the pool, watching karaoke and participating in other activities.

Carnival's Cloud 9 Spa on Deck 10 is the place to go for vacation pampering. Various treatments and therapies are available — from deep tissue and stone massages to acupuncture and other traditional Chinese techniques. Additionally, the spa offers hair and nail services, facials and medispa treatments.

You can also buy Thermal Suite passes for a day or the entire length of your cruise. You'll have access to the heated tile loungers, rain showers, an aroma steam room and a sauna.

The fitness center was well stocked with just about every piece of equipment you need to keep your workout routine while you cruise. It's free to use, but you can pay extra for instructor-led classes like Pilates, yoga or indoor cycling. If you like fresh air with your morning walk or run, head to the top deck and hit the jogging track.

Unlike newer Carnival ships with a full promenade that provides access to restaurants and bars, Sunshine has the more traditional promenade with shuffleboard and some outdoor seating. Come for a walk or take in the sunset.

Carnival Sunshine shows

We sailed through a storm for a couple of days, and both the "Welcome Aboard Show" and the Playlist Productions "Epic Rock" show were altered because of it. Instead of a full-on production, we got two short sets from each comedian (for the welcome show) and performers singing from stools on stage ("Epic Rock").

It was a bummer to miss a "true" Carnival production. I've cruised with Carnival several times, and I'm always impressed with the caliber of talent. The shows are one of my favorite parts of cruising with Carnival. I've enjoyed Latin-themed performances ("Amor Cubano"), British music tributes ("The Brits") and an art-infused journey through music and dance ("Color My World").

We took in a comedy show at the Punchliner Comedy Club (in the Limelight Lounge on Deck 4) and enjoyed it. I'm a hard nut to crack, and the comedian got me laughing out loud more than once. My husband guffawed throughout the set. Each sailing typically includes a family-friendly "PG" show at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The 18-plus shows take place at 8:45 p.m. and 10 p.m. Most cruises have one or two comedians on board.

Carnival Sunshine itineraries and pricing

Throughout 2024, Carnival Sunshine will sail year-round four-, five-, six- and eight-night Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean voyages from Charleston. Depending on the itinerary, stops might include Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan and the cruise line's private island, Half Moon Cay.

At the time of publication, prices started from $374 per person for a four-night Bahamas sailing in an inside cabin (excluding taxes and fees).

As previously mentioned, beginning in 2025, the vessel will move to its new home port of Norfolk, Virginia. From there, it will offer six-night Bahamas and Bermuda sailings, as well as eight-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

At press time, prices started at $519 per person for an inside cabin on a six-night Bahamas cruise (excluding taxes and fees).

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that begins and ends in a U.S. port, you must have a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A passport card is also acceptable.

Your passport must be valid for at least six more months.

Important note: The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. We recommend you check Carnival's website before you sail for the most recent updates on requirements.

Carnival adds an automatic service gratuity of $14.50 to $16.50 per person, per day to final bills, depending on the cabin category. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.

You can adjust the amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking if you are not satisfied with the service you received. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Over the last couple of years, Carnival has rolled out faster Wi-Fi systems across its fleet, so you can now stream video on some ships. Pricing changes over time, but the fastest "premium" service on Carnival Sunshine was recently priced at $18.70 per person, per day.

Other packages available for a Sunshine sailing include the less expensive "social" plan that only allows access to key social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and messaging services such as WhatsApp for $12.75 a day. A slightly more expensive "value" plan, at $17 per day, adds access to email and most websites. If you pay for a plan prior to sailing, you'll receive a discount.

Carry-on drinks policy

You can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne (per person) onto the ship at boarding, as well as up to a dozen standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas.

Nonalcoholic drinks in glass or plastic bottles are not allowed. If you want to bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink, you'll incur a $15 corkage fee. Drinks brought on board must be carried in your carry-on luggage.

Smoking policy

On Carnival Sunshine, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in the casino. Smoking is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

While cigarette smoking is allowed in the casino, according to Carnival's website, you must be seated and playing to smoke in the casino. Smoking is permitted in designated areas on Deck 3 (port side, forward) and Deck 10 (starboard side, midship).

Self-service launderettes are on decks 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (midship) on Carnival Sunshine. Each launderette has washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There's a $3.25-per-load charge to use a washer or dryer. The laundrettes also have vending machines stocked with small boxes of detergent and fabric softener at $1.50 per box.

You can also opt for extra-charge valet laundry and dry-cleaning service, which your cabin steward will handle for you. Expect to pay per piece, with prices running from $2 (for an undergarment or pair of socks) to $15 (for a two-piece suit).

Electrical outlets

As mentioned previously, Carnival Sunshine cabins have both standard North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets. Bring a power strip if you need more than that.

The currency used on Carnival Sunshine is the U.S. dollar. However, the ship operates on a "cashless system," so any onboard purchases you make will automatically post to your onboard account. You'll receive a Sail & Sign card that you can use to make charges. This same card also gets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

Passengers must be 21 to drink alcohol on Carnival Sunshine.

There is no specific dress code during the day on Sunshine, so people dress casually. Beach attire is the norm for sea days, and if you plan to spend your day on the top deck, plan to dress in T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside).

Although there's an official dress code for the evenings, it's pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which includes khakis or jeans, polo shirts and sundresses. Super casual clothing like cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts aren't permitted.

Depending on the length of your cruise, one or two nights of the itinerary will include a "cruise elegant" night where the suggested attire for men is dress slacks and a dress shirt; sports coats and suits are optional. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. If you don't want to dress up, you can choose a more casual dinner venue, but dress code enforcement in Carnival dining rooms tends to be lax.

Bottom line

Whether you're looking for an affordable Caribbean cruise for the whole family or want to escape with your besties, Carnival Sunshine is a solid bet if having a fun time is a priority.

It's not a shiny, new vessel, so don't expect flawless cabins and the latest attractions. What you can expect, though, is to have nonstop fun thanks to a variety of diversions and an enthusiastic group of like-minded shipmates.

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Baltimore Port Closure

I have a cruise out of Baltimore scheduled for 5/5/2024. I have been checking daily my emails and Carnival website for updates on the port closure. Carnival finally sent an email today advising they are moving this cruise out of and return to Norfolk. Was told there would be a $300 cancelation fee (as I am out of NY and I can't purchase their insurance). And it's $300 because it's past the cancelation. Was told the cancelation charge would be $300 because it's after the cancelation date. As everyone knows this wasn't a natural disaster, but man made (both the government for not maintaining bridges and the ship captain. I checked and the flight to Norfolk is cost double what it is to Baltimore. I'm over 5 hours away from Baltimore and Norfolk adds another 5 hours. They are offering bus service, but do not guarantee you a seat. For the inconvenience they are offering a $100 shipboard credit. This is upsetting and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I called and was just read what the email I received today said. I just want to cancel and put the money that I have paid towards a cruise when Baltimore becomes operational again. I'm sure there are a lot of other angry cruisers especially those with plane reservations that can't be changed. To fly into Baltimore in the afternoon, there is no way you would make it to Norfolk prior to ship leaving. Carnival needs to be a bit more flexible.

Date of experience : April 23, 2024

I am disgusted with how Carnival…

I am disgusted with how Carnival treated some friends of ours. They refused to let my friend on because her birth certificate was her original (which the team member checking us in said she accepts all the time). They were told they would be able to rebook or possibly get their money back and now Carnival is refusing to do either. They banked off of them and are refusing to make it right. I am disgusted with them and will NEVER give another cent to them. I will also ensure that everyone we come in contact with knows how they treated our friends and encourage them to use another cruise line. So disappointed in Carnival. We have cruised many times with Carnival and have loved it but NEVER AGAIN.

Date of experience : March 09, 2024

My first and last time on a cruise with Carnival. Apart from the boat and food etc being very average, the staff were shocking. I booked two rooms and my kids (who were in one room) decided to leave the cruise in Sydney. Upon boarding after our day trip they gave my room to other passengers without even asking me. I booked and paid for that room, along with internet etc for the entire trip. The customer service staff both on and off the boat are shocking.

Date of experience : March 14, 2024

Literally the worst customer service ever

Had issues with our room location on the ship as we were located right below the kitchen. The noise from this was insane. Was Kept up all night throughout the cruise so we enjoyed very little sleep on our vacation. Additionally, we had hundreds of dollars in mysterious charges on our bill. We tried to call carnival to discuss our experiences over 20 times and it’s literally IMPOSSIBLE to speak to anyone on the phone who can help you. It’s been 4 months since we sailed and we’ve emailed probably a half dozen times or more and called 20+ times and no one has ever even got back in contact with our family. If you call the phone number to discuss an issue, it’s literally impossible to get someone on the line to help. However if you tell them you are considering spending your money, you’ll literally have someone on the line in seconds. Quite honestly, that really describes what appears to be the values of their company. They will take your money, but when it comes to actually CARING for their customer, they could care less. Truly horrible customer service

Date of experience : December 28, 2023

Carnival Cruise Birthday Ruined

Had to cancel my cruise for June '25 because of another commitment and tried to transfer the deposit to another cruise this December and was told today they couldn't do it!! 😡 So Carnival pocket my substantial deposit and i'm left empty handed!! 🤬 I'm so ticked off!!! It was supposed to be my first cruise with them too!! Obviously I won't be booking with them ever again!! Especially since they knew it was for my 50th birthday!! #BeWarned Don't let them ruin your birthday too!! #AvoidCarnival

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

Least genuine apology. Ever

After a rude interaction with a customer service agent, who hung up on me when I asked his name, I received a form letter apology today saying he is "receiving training". But also... They can not "locate" the staff member who had been assisting me with requests over the past 2 months. Can't locate. Their staff member! Needless to say, it was a bulls£1t apology and I don't believe a word.

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

The website is the WORST

I don’t have any complaints about the actual cruise, but their website makes me want to shoot myself in the head every damn time. I cannot believe such a well established cruise line has such a crappy website.

Date of experience : March 24, 2024

Amenities not operational and Premium Wi-Fi did not work

The food was mediocre at best. Amenities were not kept up-to-date, jacuzzi was lukewarm, water slide was broken. Most frustratingly, I purchased 2 Premium Wi-Fi passes prior to sailing ($170) because we had scheduled our mornings for work and Zoom meetings. Their "Premium" Wi-Fi was anything but and I could barely send an email, let alone take a Zoom call. Guest services was unhelpful and stated I needed to reach out to Customer Service after the cruise was over. I was unable to do any of my scheduled work during the week of the cruise nor take any meetings, which had a domino effect after coming back. After sailing, I reached out to the Customer Service team and explained the issue. They refunded $60. I lost a lot more than $110, as there were significant delays and consequences with work after the fact. Won't be sailing with Carnival ever again.

Date of experience : March 03, 2024

Waste of money

February 4-11 Australia. Very disappointed cruise. Very cheap and not caring. No fun. No performance. Rude comedian. Horrible food (I am a chef). No independent restaurants. Some Staff passive aggressive (not happy). Room and a balcony with a view was only a pleasure. DJ’s looks like self made and not professional starting at 11.30pm when I am sleeping. Cruise director young self indulgent unprofessional. As I said only the ocean view made our trip enjoyable. Carnival a cheap embarrassment for red necks and bogans. Never again!

Date of experience : February 04, 2024

Unsanitary, horrible food, smells of sewage on ship

I am filing a complaint because conditions were very unsanitary around the buffet areas and foods were definitely NOT as you pictured them on your flyers and websites for example the Burger cafe served only ultra thin patties that were so thin the sides got burned. The deli did not make what was on the menu, a panini was toasted white sandwhich bread as were most of the other items. The salads were luke warm and I felt they were not safe to eat. Tables were full of left over food plates for hours and nobody cleaned the tables or wiped them down. You post that there is no waiting for buffet foods on the ship yet there were 30 minute + lines for most buffets. The ice cream machines were filthy because kids ran rampant and made messes that were not cleaned up at all. Dirty spoons in a jar right next to the clean ones near the coffee machines and I witnessed that most people grabbed from the wrong jar. When I complained to one of two managers, the first evening, I was told they would talk to someone. Understaffed pizza and hamburger cafes where the one poor cook had to serve lines that went around to the seafood shack the whole cruise! Not enough cleaners to keep the food areas sanitary. My daughter developed a type of mouth ailment that made her lips and mouth burn which is a candida transferable contagious disease typically caused by unsanitary dishes. The whirlpools were extremely unsanitary overloaded with way too many kids (30 in a regular sized whirlpool) with the adult whirlpool being the same and no personnel on duty to check or correct capacity, we observed one lifeguard attending the pool area. So we did not use them, wanted to, but decided we did not want to end up with health issues. The hallways leading to the rooms reeked of marijuana and sewage. The casino allowed smoking which permeated to other inside areas and to get to the Silver restaurant we were assigned to for dinner and breakfast, we were told to go through the casino and as I have lung problems it caused some breathlessness and distress. The portions in the restaurant were too small (2 spoons of mashed potatoes, 2 small glazed carrots, with a tiny steak and three medium sized shrimps for an appetizer, or half of a waffle (where the menu stated waffles) for breakfast. A croissant without butter nor jelly served, and if I asked the attendant for more, he did not bring it. I weigh 135 lbs so the portions even for me, were tiny. Scrambled eggs seemed to be made of a powdered substance really I can go on and on. Yes, it was that bad. The maitre d was a rather gruff man who got very short when I complained because although I selected 6 pm dining, they changed it to late dining without notice. They are so severely understaffed that sanitation, quality and quantity suffers. It was embarrassing at times and what should have been fun turned into a frustrating experience. What we also noticed is that marine protocol was not followed about safety measures while onboard. Nobody explained to us when we boarded where life vests were located or what to do in an emergency. The lady that was supposed to just asked to see our badge to check us in. I felt very unsafe and I have been on cruises before with Carnival, Disney and P&O but this was really a trip that I don’t elect to remember. I am filing a complaint with the VSP Inspectors and Consumer Advocate Office Florida Attorney General. I have filed a complaint with Carnival with no response except automatically generated emails. I welcome other cruise guests with similar experiences to contact the VSP inspectors or FL attorney General.

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

NO EXCURSION, NO REFUND!!!

We missed our shore excursion and were told getting a refund would be no problem. We stupidly disembarked without getting the refund (almost $500) and now they won't honor their word. Nothing! They apologize profusely, but because we can't produce the excursion papers they brought to our room before the excursion, they say we must have used them. I threw them away as soon as I got back to the room, thinking they weren't important anymore, so word to the wise, if they give you any papers, keep them!!! Or just skip sailing with Carnival period, the food is NOT good anymore, and their integrity is in the toilet!!! We won't be using them in the future and we tell everyone we talk to about vacations, not to use them either!

Date of experience : September 26, 2023

Back in August I booked a cruise to the…

Back in August I booked a cruise to the Bermuda. Because of hurricane Franklin Carnival rerouted our cruise. I understand that Carnival can't control the weather but it seems that they didn't put a whole lot of thought in making us whole. We went to all the roughest spots in the Bahamas and was given a $200 on board credit. They laid out food that wasn't covered and bugs were flying all around the food that wasn't fit to eat. I've taken several Carnival cruises but this was by far the worst cruise ever.

Date of experience : August 27, 2023

Dissatisfied and Disappointed

Did not get one night of sleep! Two cabins across from us had low class thug “LSU and Alabama football players” (per them, haha LIES). Loud and obnoxious ALL hours of the night, especially around 2AM when the club closed. And don’t forget all of the little thots coming in and out of the room all night long. All of them were using profanity and even racial slurs. We called front desk MULTIPLE times and they did put a person at the end of our hall. That was a waste of time because the thugs would just talk back and do as they please in the hall way. The first night we called guest services at 3am, someone came down, knocked on the thugs door and told them we were the ones that complained. Very upset about this because I literally felt threatened every time I walked out of my room, not knowing what the thugs would do in retaliation. Carnival cruise is definitely the least expensive cruise line but just remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!! We will never waste our money on a carnival cruise again!

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

MAKING IT RIGHT, NO WAY

Reservation hold beware … I made a reservation with Carnival & received a booking number. I asked for a reservation hold so I could pay the following day. Less than 24 hours later while I was placing my credit card info on their website, without warning I found my reservation canceled. I called customer service and attempted to pay over the phone only to find out they gave my reservation away. I asked to speak with a manager and told him Carnival was not honoring their 24 hour hold. I was literally trying to make payment when they canceled the reservation from underneath me. I was told there was nothing he can do & they had a complete booking. When asked why Carnival was not honoring their 24 hour hold I wasn’t given a straight answer. Carnival has no interest in making it right for a customer when they screwed up! My gut tells me this the norm with them. Read other reviews before booking.

Date of experience : February 26, 2024

Reimbursement of cancellation

I booked cruise on Carnival on Nov. 25, 2023 from LA to Mexico. They cancel the cruise due to issue with the ship which is understandable. They offer to reimbursement of air fare cancellation.When I sent in my document, they deny my airfare cancellation reimbursement saying I use E-Credit to pay for the airfare. I bought E-Airlines Gift Card with my credit card from Costco. But Carnival just denies it without any written policy. Even with written policy, such policy is illegal as they just simply deny consumer right.

Date of experience : November 17, 2023

gary anderko with carnival cruise

gary anderko with carnival cruise went out of his way to try to help us. In the day of no customer service I must say it was pleasure to work with him

Date of experience : February 28, 2024

Cruise was great until we disembarked…

Cruise was great until we disembarked in Brisbane and realised yesterday that we have been charged twice for our onboard expenses. We rang our bank who said to contact Carnival. We contacted Carnival who Initially said contact your bank and then gave us an email address to send our complaint to. We are not rich and are still waiting for a satisfactory conclusion to this which Carnival said could take up to 45 days.

Date of experience : December 03, 2023

The casino is fraudulent steeling money…

The casino is fraudulent steeling money from the carnival guests and customer service can’t do anything because it’s contracted out They are showing on your casino app that you have money you go take it out and say you have no money on your card They are saying the app is wrong but the card is write when speaking to the manager Eric he couldn’t even keep His poker face full of lies his face was beat red They are keeping your winnings and won’t let you cash out so they are always winning Lots of complaints people were saying the same thing that when they are getting their winnings they are saying there is no money this is fraudulent and they don’t care because they are on open waters Carnival Venezia from New York dec 28 2023

Disappointing cruise

I am a platinum cruiser and never been more disappointed as this cruise. Sunshine out of Charleston. Bar service was extremely slow. Casino (most popular table) had no dealer for over 2 hours. When we asked supervisors they would walk away to find out (so they said) but never came back with an answer. They changed .any dealers at other tables. Finally told us they were short staffed. Explained this is when management needs to step up and deal. Food was a c-. Organization on this cruise was very poor! My travels will not be with Carnival anytime soon.

Date of experience : January 01, 2024

We purchased a photo package for $199…

We purchased a photo package for $199 for 10 pictures, and we never used it and were told that we might be able to get our money back. The reason we did not use it was that we bought pictures that were $17/picture and were never told that we could use them towards our photo package of 10 pictures for $199. I spoke with the manager and asked why they would not tell us about this and have us pay more money for pictures that we could have used toward our photo package. He then retorted because there are to many people buying pictures and we do not need to ask them if they purchased a photo package. I asked for a refund and was told that I may or may not get it back but could choose 10 pictures if I liked. Of course I did not want another 10 pictures because we had already spent about $170 on the pictures we wanted. The manager told me to email carnival and see if they could issue a refund. Our stateroom was flooded and we had to use the towels in the room. We were told we would get new towels sent to our room which never happened, we had to share two towels between 5 people. It was a big mess and we just had to deal with it. I understand things happen but the way it was handled was terrible. My family and I will not be using carnival again.

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