Cruise Frog guide
Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sunshine is a Carnival Cruise Line cruise ship of the Destiny class, in service since 1996. She measures 102,853 gross tons and carries 3,002 guests with a crew of 1,150. She sails Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Transatlantic itineraries.
About Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sunshine began life in 1996 as Carnival Destiny, built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone; she was the first passenger ship to pass 100,000 gross tons and, for a time, the largest in the world. A US$155 million refit in Trieste, finished in May 2013, rebuilt much of the ship and renamed her, adding a racing-themed WaterWorks park, a three-deck Serenity adults-only retreat and SportSquare with a ropes course. She now carries about 3,000 guests. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, for Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, she spends summer 2027 in Europe sailing from Barcelona and Civitavecchia before moving to Galveston for the 2027-28 season.
Ratings
- Cabins
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- Dining
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- Entertainment
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- Service
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- Pools & decks
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- Value
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Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews.
Deck plans
Where she sails
- MediterraneanWestern Med, Greek Isles and Adriatic, mostly April to November
- CaribbeanEastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands, sailing year-round from Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico
- Bahamasshort trips from Florida, often with a day on a line's private island
- Bermudaspring to autumn from New York, New Jersey and Boston
- Transatlanticcrossings between Europe and the Americas, mostly in spring and autumn
Home port: Norfolk, Virginia.
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Carnival Sunshine?
Carnival Sunshine is operated by Carnival Cruise Line and belongs to its Destiny class.
How big is Carnival Sunshine?
Carnival Sunshine measures 102,853 gross tons and 272 metres in length, with 12 decks.
How crowded does Carnival Sunshine feel?
Carnival Sunshine has a passenger space ratio of 34.3: 102,853 gross tons for 3,002 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Carnival Sunshine feels busy for her size.
How many passengers does Carnival Sunshine carry?
Carnival Sunshine carries 3,002 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 1,150 (about 2.6 guests per crew member).
When did Carnival Sunshine enter service?
Carnival Sunshine entered service in 1996 and was last refurbished in 2025.
Where does Carnival Sunshine sail?
Carnival Sunshine sails Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda and Transatlantic itineraries. Her home port is Norfolk, Virginia.
Which airport should I fly into for Carnival Sunshine?
Carnival Sunshine sails from Norfolk, Virginia. Fly into Norfolk International Airport (ORF).
Where can I find the deck plans for Carnival Sunshine?
Carnival Cruise Line publishes the deck plans for Carnival Sunshine; this page links to Deck plans (PDF).
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