Carnival Sunshine

After $155m makeover, Carnival Destiny emerges as Carnival Sunshine, with all those Carnival extras

Carnival Destiny, Carnival’s first “Floating Resort”, began cruising from Miami on November 24, 1996. Now she is born again, emerging in May 2013 from a $155m refurbishment with a new name – Carnival Sunshine.

As Destiny, she was the first cruise ship to top 100,000 tons, catering for up to 3,000 guests and offering the highest space ratio of any Carnival ship and most other contemporary passenger vessels.

The vessel underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2005 that included the addition of a new teen club – part of the line’s popular “Club O2” program – along with a renovated Lido restaurant and children’s pool, redesigned casino, and updated suites.

Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sunshine negotiates her way around Venice

Now, following another massive renovation, Carnival Sunshine, as she is now known, boasts all of the modern amenities and facilities that are the hallmark of Carnival cruising.

Here’s a look at some of the many innovations added to the 3,006-passenger vessel during its comprehensive makeover:

Dining Choices
Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, a stunning new full-service restaurant featuring an extensive menu of delicacies from the Far East, all enjoyed amid striking Asian-inspired interiors
Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries
Cucina del Capitano, offering Italian favourites and new Carnival classics served family-style in an engaging atmosphere
BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where you can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas
JavaBlue Café, offering lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated favourites,
Pizzeria del Capitano, an expansion of Cucina del Capitano offering five varieties of hand-tossed artisanal-style pizza, all available free of charge 24 hours a day
Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse offering steaks, gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts
Shake Spot, the ideal “chill” spot where you can enjoy hand-crafted milkshakes and floats
Outdoor Fun and Relaxation
Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, offering chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a waterfall, a pool, and, of course, magnificent sea views
SportSquare, an open-air recreation complex that includes a ropes course, mini-golf course, a basketball court, jogging track, ping pong, foosball and pool tables, and more
WaterWorks, an expansive water park with 40 interactive water features, a gigantic drenching bucket, five different slides and a 334ft Twister
Seaside Theatre, a 270-sq-ft LED screen displaying nightly movies, concerts, sporting events and other programming
Raising the Bar
RedFrog Pub, featuring the Caribbean’s best rums and beers in a distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West atmosphere
BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor watering hole offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers
EA SPORTS Bar, where youcan catch live sporting events, check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker, and play the latest EA SPORTS video games
Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” with concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients
RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside adaptation of the RedFrog Pub offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe
The Library Bar, a warm and cozy venue offering self-serve wine dispensers and full bar service
Havana Bar, which by day serves as a gathering spot for Cuban coffee and snacks, then at night transforms into a Latin-inspired courtyard for classic Cuban cocktails, music and dancing
Entertainment
Playlist Productions, with live performances of recognisable pop and rock songs and spectacular special effects
Hasbro, The Game Show, featuring larger-than-life adaptations of the company’s iconic and popular games
The Punchliner Comedy Club featuring a line-up of hilarious, laugh-out-loud comedians
Staterooms
1,503 situated on seven accommodation decks
More than 60 per cent are ocean view,
More than 60 per cent measure about 220sq ft with picture or ceiling to floor windows
More than 60 per cent of these have private balconies – the largest proportion on any modern ship.
All have unobstructed views, since lifeboats are located on one of the recreation decks.
Inside staterooms measure approximately 185sq ft which is considerably larger than average in the cruise industry.
Every stateroom features a sitting area, while about 13 per cent have connecting doors and there are 16 family staterooms located near the children’s facilities.
The Destiny also features suites (340sq ft) and penthouse suites (430sq ft). There are specially adapted staterooms for physically challenged guests.

PASSENGERS : 2642

BERTHS : 1321

CREW : 1000

FACILITIES : Two dining rooms (two sittings), casino, theatre, library, three outside swimming pools, one inside pool, gymnasium, laundry service.