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St. Louis Cardinal Cruise January 20-28, 2024

The st. louis cardinal cruise , join us and celebrity cruise lines' celebrity reflection sailing to lush ports of the eastern caribbean with members of the st. louis cardinals alumni, front office, loyal fans like yourself and everyone's favorite mascot, fredbird.

8 Night Eastern Caribbean Itinerary   

January 20-28, 2024.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - Puerto Rico is one of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Discover the classic signs of a vacationer's paradise on one of our many cruises to Puerto Rico: gorgeous landscape with lush green mountains, underground caves, balmy waters, white-sandy beaches, delicious rum drinks and so much more. Spend an afternoon snorkeling during your cruise to Puerto Rico and discover the beautiful marine life of the Caribbean Sea while swimming among the fish, coral communities, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. Or take an evening sail around Old San Juan for amazing views of the 500-year-old walled city as the sun casts gorgeous light on the turquoise waters. CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS - Charlotte Amalie is the enchanting capital of St. Thomas that has attracted pirates and sailors the world over for centuries. The island enjoys a fascinating fusion of Danish, French, Spaniard, West African and Carib influences. For a nice overview of the island’s history head to Fort Christian Museum. Built as a military fort by the Dutch in 1680, this historic landmark features exhibits chronicling the history of the Virgin Islands from the Stone Age to the present. Experience the beauty of St. Thomas beaches with a wonderful picnic on Magens Bay beach or snorkel in the turquoise Caribbean Sea where you’ll come up close to corals, sponges, and schools of colorful tropical fish. There is one thing that sets St. Thomas apart - shopping. This island is the most commercial of all the U.S. Virgin Islands. Browse through the shop-lined streets and shop for duty-free trinkets and bargains on everything from liquor to imported china and crystal. PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN - In the 17th century, Dutch and French soldiers decided to share this little island, and today it remains happily split between France (Saint Martin, north side) and the Netherlands (Sint Maarten, south side). Cruise to St. Maarten and explore the dozens of alluring beaches that ring the island. At Orient Beach, sunbathers bask and beachcombers stroll on the white sands, while divers and snorkelers explore the sunken shipwrecks and marine life just offshore. You'll really get blown away at Jet Blast Beach. Embrace all the beauty of the island on a tour to the French capital, Marigot, where you can explore the quaint streets and cafés, open-air market, and 18thcentury Fort Louis. Take a scenic cruise of Simpson Bay Lagoon, site of luxurious villas and mega yachts. TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - Tortola also has a fascinating cultural and historical side. For a glimpse into the island’s colonial past, visit the Virgin Islands Folk Museum. The restored house was once the family home of shipwright, Joseph Wilfred Penn and features a deep collection of Arawak and Carib pottery and stone tools, as well as plantation artifacts. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea and a rum tasting at Callwood Rum Distillery are essential on a cruise to Tortola. Sample the delicious curries, spicy soups, and sumptuous shellfish dishes available in abundance at local restaurants and many snack shacks around the island. PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Puerto Plata was inhabited by the Taino people for centuries before Christopher Columbus arrived and founded the city in the early 1500s. By the 20th century, Puerto Plata had emerged as the Dominican Republic’s main tourism hub. You can paddle through a manatee reserve or zipline over treetops. Go for a swim at the awe-inspiring 27 Waterfalls complex. Hike through the lush jungle of El Choco National Park, enjoying the park’s two lagoons. Swim with dolphins at World Ocean, the largest manmade dolphin habitat in the world, or grab a kayak and head out on the water at Manatee Reserve.

What's included?  

• Private cocktail parties
• Q&A Session
• Photo Session
• Autograph Session

ALL with Cardinals Celebrities!

Benefitting Cardinals Care

The St. Louis Cardinals and our charitable arm, Cardinals Care is dedicated to Caring for Kids! This mission statement is achieved through a variety of programs backed by our players, coaches and front office staff, allowing for cash grants to support organizations in and around St. Louis. Redbird Rookies, the flagship program of Cardinals Care, affords thousands of kids the opportunity to play ball and learn life lessons in the process.

Contact our travel experts for more details

Matador Original Series

Eight Passengers Stranded After Breaking the Number One Rule of Cruise Travel

E xperienced cruisers probably know lots of tips and tricks for traveling on cruise ships: make your dining reservations early, do laundry on board instead of overpacking , and don’t fill your days at sea with back-to-back activities.

But even first-time cruisers know one major rule that applies to all cruise lines, all cruises, and all ships, no matter where in the world you are: don’t miss the boat.

Unfortunately for eight travelers on an African cruise stopped in São Tomé and Príncipe, an island just to the east of Equatorial Guinea, they found out the hard way what happens when you break that rule. When they were late returning to their ship after a day on land, it did what it warned would happen — they were left behind by the cruise.

Eight passengers on the Norwegian Dawn were left stranded in Säo Tome, roughly 300 miles off the coast of mainland Africa, when they failed to return to port in time for the ship’s departure. Photo: mbrand85 /Shutterstock

The group of travelers had booked a daytime excursions through an independent company, rather than booking one directly through their ship, the Norwegian Dawn. While independent tours can be a great way to save money and have a more unique adventure, they come with one major downside, which is that ships won’t wait for passengers who are late. If you book an excursion through your cruise company, the ship is guaranteed to wait for you — but no such offer is made if you book an independent tour.

In various interviews with media outlets, the group recounted that they claimed they told their guide they were running late, causing the guide to call the ship to inform it that passengers would miss the “return to ship” time. By the time the guests finally returned to the port, the ship had finished boarding, though it was still anchored in the harbor. Harbor employees called the ship, and when they got no response, decided to ferry the passengers to the Norwegian Dawn. But the captain did not let them on board, the Daily Mail reports. Per various media sources, the ship did give the passengers their passports, which they had not taken with them.

Two Americans in the group told reporters that they thought the ship should have made an exception, seemingly implying that the following day at sea without a stop meant that it could leave late without consequence. “The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us and then go on the way,” passenger Jay Campbell said. “They had no port to call for the next day, they were simply going to be at sea.”

Photo: Norwegian Cruise Lines

Per Norwegian Cruises’ online documents , it’s the guest’s responsibility to be back to the ship on time. “In all ports of call, it is also the guest’s responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship’s scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest’s responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest’s responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship,” reads the company’s “Frequent Asked Questions” page.

The travelers are now having to do just that, with the American couple claiming they’ve spent more than $6,000 to cover the group’s time on the island and travel to rejoin the ship in Gambia or Senegal, depending on logistics. Per People Magazine , four of the travelers are older individuals, and one has an unspecified heart condition.

Matador Network recently asked a cruise line exec what happens if passengers miss their ships , and the answer is pretty straightforward across all lines and sailings: they have to pay their way to the next port.

Why ships can’t wait on late passengers

The Norwegian Dawn carries more than 2,000 guests and 1,000 passengers, all of whom need to be accounted for before the ship can leave a port. Photo: Dennis MacDonald /Shutterstock

I sailed on the Norwegian Dawn in February 2024, and while it had its ups and downs , the ship does make it very, very clear that it will leave without you if you’re late. It holds about 2,000 people, each of whom has to be accounted before prior to the ship’s departure — which is why the “ return to ship ” time at various ports is often an hour or two earlier than the actual departure time . That gives the crew and captain time to ready for departure. Large cruises like the Norwegian Dawn have to stick to a strict schedule, and can’t easily make changes.

I know this not because I’m a frequent cruiser — in fact, the Dawn was my first big cruise — but because Norwegian Cruise Lines informs you of this non-stop. The evening before you arrive, there’s a ship-wide announcement with arrival and departure times for the next day. The information is repeated — repeatedly — the morning you arrive in a port. The return to ship time is printed on the daily newsletter handed out in each room, on the free Norwegian phone app, and on all the various message boards around the ship. There’s usually a buffer time built into this window to accommodate guests who are only a few minutes late.

All cruise companies have fixed times by which passengers must return to the ship at each port. Photo: byvalet /Shutterstock

It’s also a fact listed on Norwegian’s excursion’s page. It’s one of the main reasons many cruisers exclusively book official cruise excursions, because they’re the only way to guarantee the ship will wait for you if you’re late. (Third-party and independent activity operators are also unlikely to refund you if the ship makes a last-minute change and skips a port of call).

While I support booking excursions with local operators, it comes with the known risk that you’ll be left behind by the cruise ship if you’re late. That’s exactly what happened in this case, exactly as Norwegian’s website said would happen. While it’s unfortunate and understandably stressful for the travelers, it’s hardly the cruise line’s fault, and I know I’d be a little annoyed if I had made it back in time, only to have the whole ship delayed for a small group people who made a poor decision.

By the way: guests getting left behind at a port is very, very rare — hence why this one occasion is making global headlines.

How to avoid getting left behind by cruise ships

Independent excursions offer plenty of benefits — but come with the downside that the ship won’t wait if you’re late. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The easiest way for travelers to make sure they don’t get left behind at a port is to book an official excursion through the cruise line. However, official excursions are often more expensive, and a much smaller amount of the cost goes directly to local communities. Without knowing what company or excursions the stranded passengers booked, it’s impossible to know if they followed the rules below. But the following guidelines can help ensure you don’t end up waiving your ship goodbye from land.

• Book with a company that does offer a return to ship guarantee : Third-party companies can’t make the ship wait for you, but they can handle all the logistics if you do miss it. ShoreExcursioner.com will pay up to $500 in travel fees if an excursion booked through them causes you to miss your ship, and ToursByLocals will pay for your accommodations and transportation to the next port if you miss your ship. According to their website, it’s only happened twice — ever.
• Read the online reviews : Plenty of independent operators are reputable and responsible, which means they’re very unlikely to play fast and loose with your return time. The best way to determine if an operator seems reputable is to look at online reviews. Feedback from actual past guests can help you gauge how established and professional the company or tour guide is.
• Talk to your operator in advance: Reputable operators will be familiar with hosting cruise guests and understand the ins and outs of cruise ship scheduling. If you’re worried about, message your operator in advance. Ask them if they’ve ever has issues with being back on time, whether they’ve served guests on your cruise before, and how much of a buffer they build in for traffic and other potential delays.

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About Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista debuted in May 2016 as the first of Carnival Cruise Line's innovative Vista Class series with lots of fun and exciting new features. The 133,500-ton, 3,954-guest ship is also its largest to-date, designed to highlight the connection of passengers with the special seagoing experience with added outdoor spaces and al fresco dining venues so you can enjoy the fresh sea breezes. The floating resort is ideal for families, groups of friends and cruisers of all ages with an abundance of amenities and activities, including almost 30 dining and drinking venues. Chill-out at the many bars, including one where you can taste craft beers at the onboard brewery.

Whether you're looking for a fun retreat at the new Family Harbor staterooms or you prefer the privacy of the new Havana Cabanas, you will feel right at home in spacious accommodations. Leisurely pleasures also abound. Indulge in a host of rejuvenating treatments massages, at the two-deck spa, relax in the thermal suite with four steam chambers and keep up with your exercise routines at a fitness center and at the jogging track. A hair and beauty salon offers a variety of services.

Stretch out on a Balinese-style lounge at an area that is a retreat that is exclusive for adults while also enjoying bar service and the glorious vistas. Melt your cares away at the peaceful whirlpools and get a massage in a private hut. While you are indulging in some "me" time, excitement and fun are provided to children with age-specific youth activities .

Several exciting features made their debut on Carnival Vista, such as the first IMAX Theatre at sea and an open-air aerial attraction designed for thrill-seekers which lets them ride recumbent-like bikes and circle around the 800-foot track 150 feet above the sea. The water park features Carnival Cruise Line's first raft-riding water tube slide — at 455-feet-long — you will have an exhilarating time. You can also relax at the three pools and head to the huge sports area for some family fun time at a ropes course, mini-golf and more.

Enticing culinary delights are offered on Carnival Vista. Savor delicious international cuisine at the two main dining rooms, both with an extensive menu that changes daily. The casual Lido buffet features a variety of food to please everyone's palate and Carnival's first seafood shack — a New England-inspired eatery — serves such classics as lobster rolls, crab cakes and clam chowder. Enticing culinary options also include delicious Asian dishes, sushi, Mexican cuisine and a classic steakhouse. Grab a hand-crafted burger with all the toppings and fresh-cut fries at the poolside burger joint.

Choose from a variety of spacious accommodations, including suites, balconies, interior staterooms and oceanviews. "Family Zone" with Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites were introduced on Carnival Vista and can accommodate up to five guests. Retreat to your own oasis at the new Havana Cabana Suites, with a rain shower in the bathroom and private outdoor patio where you can sink into comfy lounge chairs and enjoy the sea breeze from a hammock. Designed with a relaxing ambiance, spa staterooms and suites offer guests easy spa access and other amenities.

Entertainment on Carnival Vista, including the first at sea IMAX Theatre, shows Hollywood blockbusters on a three-deck-high screen. A huge multiplex offers a theater with special effects that will leave you awe-struck. The comedians will keep you laughing at the comedy club. Go dancing and join in the fun at deck parties. Unforgettable nights include a magical experience under the stars with spectacular lighting effects and the excitement at the bustling casino. Enjoy new vistas on this fun-filled ship.

Carnival Vista sails to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Grand Suite

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Vista features even more space than the standard suite — there’s plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and a convenient dressing area with vanity. And outside your room, you’ll even enjoy access to the Havana Pool.

Havana Cabana Suite

You could call the Havana Cabana Suite the crème de la crème… but that's French. So here's your Spanish lesson for today: la habitación mejor. In "the best room" you'll find all the luxury of a suite, all decked out in Cuba-inspired decor. Outside your Havana Cabana Suite lies a private lounging area with your own deck chairs and hammock, plus exclusive daytime access to Havana Pool area... not to mention amenities like VIP check-in, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with one luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Cloud 9 Spa Suite

A Cloud 9 Spa Suite is the ultimate in both stateroom and spa accommodations. There's room for you and your things — with a large room and balcony — and a walk-in closet. The soothing in-room whirlpool tub will help you stay relaxed after your relaxing spa treatment. And like all suites, a Cloud 9 Spa Suite features VIP check-in, which lets you easily get right up to your amazing stateroom.

Family Suite

Family life is the sweet life, whether on land or at sea… and especially when in a Family Harbor Suite. Your whole crew will enjoy not only the stretch-out space, huge balcony and other perks a suite offers, but a nautical décor specially-designed for Family Harbor staterooms. And while you sail along, the kids and the adults can make use of exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus other exclusive perks around the ship. In-room, there’s a full bathroom… plus the convenience of a separate washroom. A private yacht it’s not… but leave the sailing to us — you’d rather be relaxing anyway.

Ocean Suite

A Carnival Vista suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub

Junior Suite (obstructed view)

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Vista, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Vista Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet; and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

Havana Premium Vista Balcony

Since no other one will do, we'll go ahead and invent a Spanish word to describe the Havana Premium Vista Balcony stateroom: balconissimo. In this 'balconiest' of Havana staterooms, you'll find classic old-time Cuban decor that's practically overflowing with flavor. And outside — oh, that balcony! — it wraps around for maximum coverage, and the most sea-breezed private lounging area. For a mid-day change of scenery, you'll also have exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Premium Balcony

There's more to a Havana Premium Balcony stateroom than just the extra outdoor space for staring out at the ocean. A view like this is entertaining, and this balcony is designed for sharing it. Invite someone special to come along and share the comfy interior as well, featuring classic Havana decor and exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Aft-View Extended Balcony

For a stateroom with that classic Havana decor larger balcony and a great view, just look back. A Havana Aft-View Extended Balcony puts you in the rear of the ship, prime location already for enjoying a view of the sea and the ship's wake as you sail along... but perhaps even more so thanks to the larger balcony. And let's not forget about all that Havana flavor — both in-room and out — with exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Cabana Balcony

There are amenities by the handful in this Havana-flavored stateroom, but the one that'll excite you most of all is likely to be this: Havana Cabana staterooms come with an outdoor patio — complete with your own loungy deck chairs — right outside your room. They also feature Cuba-inspired decor, exclusive access to Havana Pool area and loads of sunlight with floor-to-ceiling window, but like we said... your very own deck chairs! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Premium Vista Balcony

Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Vista, giving you a unique vantage point from which to enjoy luxuriously panoramic views of the sky and the sea — and yes, take in even more of that sunshine.

Premium Balcony

We designed Carnival Vista balcony staterooms for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, and this stateroom features a balcony that's even wider than our standard balcony. Enjoy the extra outdoor space, along with all the standard Carnival stateroom amenities.

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony

Whether you're warming up for your spa appointment or winding down after your treatment, there's no better place to do it than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony. Breathing is important — take the ocean breeze in, then let it out — you're already getting the hang of the whole spa thing!

Aft-View Extended Balcony

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space... not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Vista's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Family Cove Balcony

If your group likes to sail a little closer to the waves — or just in a calm location at the aft of the ship — choose a Family Harbor Cove Balcony stateroom. You’ll find your outpost a wave-watcher’s paradise… and while we can’t promise, you just might catch a living, swimming marine biology lesson from your railing! This stateroom features a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. The whole family will also enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus more great perks around the ship.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise aboard Carnival Vista. Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Cove Balcony

Love the sea? Carnival Vista Cove Balcony staterooms are the best way to see the sea — these rooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location. Enjoy things from a whole new perspective: one amazing up-close view of the wake and seafoam as the ship cruises along.

Guaranteed Balcony

This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View (walkway view)

The best way to enjoy the relaxing, invigorating Cloud 9 Spa while on a cruise is in a spa stateroom, and this one fits the bill, providing comfy accommodations and convenient, priority access to treatments and services at the Cloud 9 Spa. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

Family Deluxe Ocean View

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of a room with a view: a Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View stateroom. Not only are the sky, the sea and the sights beautiful to behold from your window, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. And while you sail along, the whole family will enjoy not only exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge and more great perks around the ship, but a convenient full bathroom… plus a separate washroom.

Deluxe Ocean View

On Carnival Vista, Deluxe Ocean View staterooms are a great choice for families who want to let the sun shine in as they sail. Rooms of this type feature great views, a full bathroom — plus a separate washroom — and while stateroom configurations vary, certain Deluxe Ocean View rooms have space to sleep up to five cruisers.

Family Ocean View

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of sailing in a room with a view: a Family Harbor Ocean View stateroom. Not only will a vacation with a view like this help cultivate a lifelong love of the ocean, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. And while you sail along, the whole family will enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus more great perks around the ship.

A picture window gives you views of scenery you won’t find anywhere on land, all from the comfort of your stateroom. Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television Stateroom climate control.

Guaranteed Ocean View

Cloud 9 Spa Interior

We've taken the warm essence of our Cloud 9 Spa and infused it into your room, plus you’ll get exclusive spa perks for maximum relaxation.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control

Havana Interior

Extra sabor — for not a lot of dinero. This room is all flavorfully decked out in Old Havana style, plus there’s exclusive perks! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Family Interior

An affordable way to keep the family close, featuring a unique nautical décor and exclusive perks the whole gang is sure to love. Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television Stateroom climate control.

Interior with Picture Window (obstructed view)

Your picture window gives you a view beyond your stateroom, to the observation deck outside, including a great sky view. (Note: view will be partially obstructed.)

This is an affordable way to cruise without leaving out the comfort or convenience! Great for curling up after a long day of fun.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control.

Interior Upper/Lower

These staterooms are great for a pair of cruisers on a budget, creatively maximizing space with a different layout — featuring one Twin bed, and either an upper Pullman or sofa bed.

Guaranteed Interior

This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship with possible trundle bed.

View Deck Plan

BlueIguana Cantina

Deck: 10-Lido

Nobody knows Mexican dining like a blue iguana. Well, our blue iguana, at least. That’s why it should come as no surprise that the BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for your enjoyment. Throw our homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will make you say “mmmm” (which is actually Iguanese for “more, please”).Nobody knows Mexican dining like a blue iguana. Well, our blue iguana, at least. That’s why it should come as no surprise that the BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for your enjoyment. Throw our homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will make you say “mmmm” (which is actually Iguanese for “more, please”).

Bonsai Sushi

Deck: 5-Promenade

So maybe you’ve had sushi on a cruise before, but you’ve never had it like Bonsai Sushi, our onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot. Dine amidst expertly-pruned bonsai trees while enjoying sit-down service and an affordable menu of delectable sushi and sashimi… plus rolls, soups, sides, sakes and desserts. So the next time you’re taking an onboard stroll, stop at Bonsai Sushi for a little something satisfying.

The Chef's Table

Deck: 3-Lobby

The Chef's Table.

Cucina Del Capitano

The iconic red and white checkered tablecloth in your neighborhood Italian trattoria means you’re in for a certain kind of dining experience. At a table such as this, who’s gathered around is just as important as what’s being served, and we see these as the two halves of the experience at Cucina del Capitano

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse

Turn your special vacation in the direction of delicious — book a table for an unforgettably delectable evening at the Steakhouse. Our menu features mouthwatering premium cuts of beef cooked to your exact specifications, as well as a fantastic selection of seafood, entrées, gourmet appetizers and an extensive wine list. The atmosphere pairs remarkably well with — and perhaps even enhances — the culinary creations of our gourmet chefs.

Guy's Burger Joint

We went looking for someone to help us grill up the best burgers at sea, and we found just the guy. Carnival has teamed up with best-selling author, restaurateur and Food Network personality Guy Fieri to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy’s Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries. Try a fresh-off-the-grill burger Guy’s way, or take it off-road to our toppings bar and truly make it your own.

Horizons Restaurant

Decks: 4-Mezzanine 3-Lobby

Horizons Restaurant.

Ji Ji Asian Kitchen

A modern dining spot inspired by a society that measures its history in millennia, JiJi Asian Kitchen serves up enticing dishes in a thoughtfully-designed space that’s ripe for experiencing not only good food, but good fortune… and perhaps a surprise or two. You’ll enjoy your meal among Asian prayer rolls and Mongolian-inspired fabrics that infuse northern-country style into this unique culinary experience. JiJi offers a full-service menu featuring a mix of exotic and familiar dishes designed to challenge and delight your senses.

Seafood Shack

A good seafood dish is quite the catch. However you like yours served — whether it’s on a roll or a platter — Seafood Shack’s the place to cast your net. Imagine a New-England-style seaside spot where you can take it all in, enjoying a great meal complete with a side of ocean view. On a Carnival cruise is where you’ll find this shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be

Reflections Restaurant

Reflections Restaurant.

Pizzeria Del Capitano

On Carnival ships, the captain tends to be kind of a big deal — almost a celebrity. On a few select ships, they’ve even got their own pizza kitchen. The best part? Pizzeria del Capitano is open to everyone, 24 hours a day! And since our captains tend to be Italian, you know the quality of the ingredients truly pass muster. (Sorry, nautical pun.) Hand-tossed dough, made from imported Italian flour, plus fresh mozzarella form a solid base, and a choice of toppings put the finishing touches on this piping hot, fresh-from-the-oven mealtime — or anytime — classic.

Lido Marketplace

Lido Marketplace.

Fresh creations

Deck: 15-Serenity

Sun, sea… salad? Yep! Leave the pizza and burgers for the kids — or maybe just for later — because we’ve got an all-grown-up chopped salad station right inside Serenity. Fresh Creations is free and it’s there when you need it most: on sea days, those lazy afternoons of lounging around and enjoying all the good stuff your ship has to offer. There’s plenty of good here, starting with nearly a dozen varieties of greens (really!), tons of protein and veggie options… only to be topped by dressings creamy, vinaigretty… and in some cases freshly made right there.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse

Cherry on Top

A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top happens to be the perfect place. You'll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionery favorites, but the place to pick up food and apparel gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone happens to be you!

Carnival Multiplex

Carnival Multiplex.

Dr. Seuss Bookville

Let’s use our imaginations — just think what would happen if we took a normal library and put it through one of Dr. Seuss’s wacky contraptions… set to maximum fun, of course. It would probably come out looking much like Dr. Seuss Bookville, which as you can imagine, is exclusively aboard Carnival! The room is all decked out in bright colors, fun and whimsical furniture and even has some of your all-time favorite Dr. Seuss characters on the walls. But let’s not forget that this space is all about the books — the shelves are filled to the brim for hours of fun reading.

Redfrog Pub & Brewery

You can enjoy a pint served with Caribbean atmosphere at RedFrog Pubs across the Carnival fleet. But at one location — RedFrog Pub & Brewery aboard Carnival Vista — there’s a real working brewery, right there inside the pub! Beer connoisseurs can be found delighting their palates with complex and delicious pints of craft-brew exclusives made just feet away by our onboard brewmaster, like ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin’ IPA, ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat, FriskyFrog Java Stout and ThirstyFrog American Pale Ale. Plus, our brewmaster is always dreaming up unique, small-batch seasonal brews. Of course, you’ll also find great craft cocktails at the full bar — after all, one of RedFrog’s founding principles is that good rum can be served up neat in a tasting flight… or mixed with refreshing tropical flavors. So fly on in for the great drinks, but stay for the atmosphere: live music, delicious bites and pub games make this brewery a welcoming, fun-for-all chill spot.

The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is a world of complete peace, sea breezes and swaying hammocks. On Carnival Vista, we're taking the chill to new highs with even more options for stretching out and getting comfy. And now, you can get a light bite with a chopped salad station right here. Serenity’s the place to do the stuff that’s hard to do in everyday life — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all.

Family Harbor Lounge

Family Harbor Lounge.

Guest Services

Guest Services.

Dance Floor

Dance Floor.

Vista Lobby and Bar

Vista Lobby and Bar.

Liquid Lounge

Decks: 4-Mezzanine 5-Promenade

Liquid Lounge.

Vista Atrium

Deck: 4-Mezzanine

First impressions are important — everyone knows that. We’ll let you in on a little secret: that’s why it’s so important to us that the atrium, your first taste of your Carnival cruise, tastes like ‘wow.’ From the moment you step aboard, the atrium — the heart of the ship — simply screams “welcome aboard!” It screams it with hustle, with bustle, with music and with high ceilings featuring panoramic views of the whole scene from the upper decks. This 360-degree funspot is also the home of the Guest Services desk, the place you go if you have questions for one of our certified fun experts… about just about anything that’s on your mind.

Vista Casino

Vista Casino.

What a hangout! From the moment your teen (age 15-17) steps into Club O2 they'll hang with friends, watch movies, listen to the latest music, play video games, join Karaoke jam sessions and more.

Sports Bar.

Art Gallery

Ah, imagine a perfect day out on the links, the golfer's zen of the ball, the hole and nothing in between but well-manicured fairway... plus one cactus, a treasure chest... and wait, is that a windmill in the way? Just who designed this course anyway? Whoever it was, they had one thing in mind — maximum fun for mini-golfers, big and small! That's precisely why you'll find a course on every Carnival ship, where you can hit the holes and take in everything you’d expect, like the sights and the sounds... plus the seagulls.

Limelight Lounge

Limelight Lounge.

Havana Bar.

Havana Pool

Havana Pool.

Decks: 5-Promenade 12-Spa, WaterWorks & Sports 15-Serenity 10-Lido

Ocean Plaza

Ocean Plaza’s where it all comes together — and all in all, it’s all kinds of delicious. Enjoy live music, coffee and snacks, dancing… and best of all the outdoors are right next door, so expect extra helpings of sunshine and sea breezes, simply ripe for the sitting and savoring. Oh, and when nature’s all done sunning for the day, Ocean Plaza transforms into a spot that’s seriously stunning for the night. Get your nightlife — not to mention your daylife — done at Ocean Plaza.

Dreams Studio

Dreams Studio.

Alchemy Bar

You don’t need to be a mix-master to appreciate Alchemy – you just have to be up for trying something new. We’ve been stirring up some magic behind the scenes here at Carnival to produce a tasty series of all-new cocktails served at this unique vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy.” Let our cocktail specialists 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 unique ingredients.

The Library

The Library.

Piano Bar 88

Play it again, Sam. Or Diana. Or whatever your name is. Because this is the bar where you call the shots – and the songs. Pull up a seat, order your favorite cocktail, and let your friendly piano player know the songs you'd like to hear. Then join the sing-along for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time. Don't feel like flexing your vocal cords? No worries. Shy songbirds are welcome here, too. And since it's open from early evening to late at night, it's the perfect spot for a before-dinner drink or singing 'til the wee hours of the evening.

Decks: 5-Promenade 4-Mezzanine

What does the “C” in Circle “C” stand for? Well, “chill,” “connect” and “cool,” just to name a few. It’s where young teens ages 12 to 14 go to hang out, meet new friends, and enjoy some pretty awesome activities like dance parties, games, outdoor movies and more, in the special Circle “C” area or around the ship. It’s all supervised by friendly and fun-loving counselors who want your young teens to have the best vacation ever.

The Warehouse Video Arcade

If you love to play video games, you’re in luck. Our video arcade boasts a huge array of games, and is open to players of all ages, all night and all day. So get some tokens from the vending machine and let the fun times begin. Challenge your friends to a game, or just see if you can beat the top score. After all, with the video arcade open 24 hours and an entire cruise ahead of you, you have plenty of time to try

Thrill Theater

Thrill Theater.

Imax Theater

Imax Theater.

Tides Pool.

Beach Pool.

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar

BlueIguana Tequila Bar is the onboard spot to chill and enjoy a slushy tequila drink or an ice-cold Mexican cerveza. 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 (yes, really). Where can you find this little slice of Mexican paradise? Next to the pool, of course. So stay cool and take in the bar’s vacation vibe while you kick back on your cruise – that’s what official bar mascot Blue the Iguana would tell you.

Redfrog Rum Bar

Guests have told us we hit on something special with the cool Caribbean chill of the RedFrog Pub. We've taken the best parts and brought them poolside with the RedFrog Rum Bar, where the frog keeps the fun hopping day and night with all the island flava you know and love. Join the party at this poolside bar featuring a great selection of frog-approved Caribbean rum-based concoctions available by the glass or pitcher, plus plenty of Carnival’s signature private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red.Guests have told us we hit on something special with the cool Caribbean chill of the RedFrog Pub. We've taken the best parts and brought them poolside with the RedFrog Rum Bar, where the frog keeps the fun hopping day and night with all the island flava you know and love. Join the party at this poolside bar featuring a great selection of frog-approved Caribbean rum-based concoctions available by the glass or pitcher, plus plenty of Carnival’s signature private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red.

When families cruise Carnival, even the smallest fish in the pond have a big, awesome time. Okay, so it’s actually way more than just a pond — it’s Camp Ocean. At Camp Ocean, 2–11 year-olds stay busy, keep active and have fun as they enjoy all new ocean-themed activities and entertainment made for kids

Jogging Track

Deck: 12-Spa, WaterWorks & Sports

Jogging Track.

Decks: 12-Spa, WaterWorks & Sports 15-Serenity

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse.

Carnival Seaside Theater

Carnival Seaside Theater.

Carnival Waterworks

Carnival Waterworks.

Thermal Suite

To be the king or queen of the thermostat — doesn't it feel great? While bending the elements to your will, finding that perfect temperature for relaxation is awesome… even better is not needing to. Carnival's Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites are dedicated relaxation zones with a variety of available environments, each carefully developed by our master climate artists. Whether you prefer to lounge in the dry heat of the Laconium or Tepidarium, or like a little soothing moisture in the air (in which case try the Oriental or Aroma steambaths), prepare to experience temperature nirvana.

Cloud 9 Spa Treatment Rooms

Decks: 12-Spa, WaterWorks & Sports 14-Spa

Sometimes you just need to get away… from all that vacation. We know — sitting at home, it’s hard to imagine that, but trust us — it’s really, really nice to have a place to unwind from the day’s excitement. Escape to a world designed, from the ground up, for relaxation. Cloud 9 Spa staff are masters (or, maybe more like artists) trained in the craft of simply helping you chill. What’s their secret? Massages, facials, body wraps, thermal suites and more — plus, on certain ships, the amazing Thalassotherapy Pool — these are the tools of the trade. And the trade is ultimate relaxation. Sometimes you just need to get away… from all that vacation. We know — sitting at home, it’s hard to imagine that, but trust us — it’s really, really nice to have a place to unwind from the day’s excitement. Escape to a world designed, from the ground up, for relaxation. Cloud 9 Spa staff are masters (or, maybe more like artists) trained in the craft of simply helping you chill. What’s their secret? Massages, facials, body wraps, thermal suites and more — plus, on certain ships, the amazing Thalassotherapy Pool — these are the tools of the trade. And the trade is ultimate relaxation.

Relax Room.

Fitness Center

We have some bad news for you — your ship has a gym. In other words, there’s no excuse for leaving your fitness routine back on land. That’s great news, however, for your body, which will definitely benefit from all the extra energy that vacationing pumps directly into you. And let’s not forget the extra time you’ll have, since you won’t be waking up and spending most of the day at the office or anything like that. If those were some of your go-to excuses, we’re sorry, but we all know this is important.

Deck: 14-Spa

A trip to the salon is an opportunity to relax, to chat with others, to focus on yourself. It’s about more than just getting your hair or nails done… but it’s definitely about getting your hair or nails done! Even though you’re on vacation, you won’t have to settle for anything less than the salon style you’re used to back on land. And these good looks go beyond the usual — we even offer services like teeth whitening… great for taking those ‘I’m on vacation and I’m looking great!’ smiles to the next level.

Carnival Adventures

Carnival Adventures.

Outdoor Playground

Outdoor Playground.

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery.

Sports Court

Sports Court.

Ropes Course

Ropes Course.

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• CruiseMapper
• Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Sunshine

Former name: carnival destiny.

Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line

• Charleston SC (South Carolina)
• Norfolk VA (Virginia)

Carnival Sunshine current position

Carnival Sunshine current location is at US East Coast (coordinates 29.82705 N / -77.37468 W) cruising at speed of 17 kn (31 km/h | 20 mph) en route to USCHS>DOPOP. The AIS position was reported 1 hour ago.

Current itinerary of Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Sunshine current cruise is 8 days, round-trip Eastern Caribbean . Prices start from USD 2219 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 13 Apr, 2024 and ends on 21 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Carnival Sunshine

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Carnival Sunshine Itineraries

Carnival sunshine review, review of carnival sunshine.

The 1996-built/2013-reconstructed Carnival Sunshine cruise ship was initially named "Carnival Destiny". After a major refurbishment in 2013 (USD155 million drydock), the vessel was renamed Sunshine. As class, Carnival Sunshine was the first of three Destiny-class Carnival ships - together with Victory-Radiance and Triumph-Sunrise . Today, the liner belongs to the unique Sunshine-class.

The vessel (IMO number 9070058) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 308017000) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924-1999, co-founder of NCL Norwegian ). 

CCL has the Corporation's largest fleet as number of vessels and GT-tonnage (ship sizes/volumes and passenger capacities). In 2023, CCL had ~9% (by revenue) and ~19% (passengers) share of the cruise industry's worldwide market. In 2024, the parent company (Carnival Corporation) had ~51% stake in the US$64+ billion industry.

The 3000-passenger ship Carnival Sunshine is not a Dream-class ship but contains almost all the elements found on Breeze and Magic: high-energy, low-commitment activities, including 20-min standup comedies, 30-min production shows; sushi, burgers, burritos. For the first time, the Fun Ship 2.0 blueprint was laid down on Carnival Magic (in 2011), followed by Carnival Breeze (in June 2012). Next photo shows the old Carnival Destiny ship.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Sunshine staterooms (1501 total) include 53 Suites, 518 Balcony, 320 Oceanview and 624 Inside cabins, in all 34 grades. Most staterooms are sized 185 ft2 / 17 m2, cabin balconies are sized 35-85 ft2 / 4-8 m2. "Family" staterooms (connecting cabins) are with max capacity 5 passengers. The largest are the Captain's Suites (500 ft2 / 46 m2 plus 150 ft2 / 14 m2 terrace) with max occupancy 5 passengers. Sunshine also has 89 Cloud 9 Spa cabins and 32 wheelchair-accessible cabins.

The boat has 13 decks , of which 11 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Carnival Sunshine offers many of the Fun Ship 2.0 additions in terms of dining - Guy's Burger Joint, Cucina del Capitano, BlueIguana Cantina. The line made a few adjustments to the existing venues and also added the Asian restaurant Ji Ji. There are two Main Dining Rooms onboard the Sunshine: Sunset, at the midship, and double-deck Sunrise located aft. The complimentary Punchliner Comedy Brunch, which is a sea day exclusive, features 5-minute teasers every hour on the hour from 9 am to 1:30 pm.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Sunshine restaurants and food bars.

• Sunset Restaurant (forward Main Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings, or “Your Time Dining”)
• Sunrise Restaurant (aft Main Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings; offers themed breakfasts - “Seuss At Sea”, for $5 cover charge; hosts Punchliner Comedy Brunch).
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (alternative, reservations only restaurant, serving prime steaks and seafood at a surcharge; also hosts “Chef’s Table” VIP dining, $75 PP surcharge)
• Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ (offers pork sandwiches, complimentary lunch barbecue)
• Guy’s Burger Joint (fast food bar)
• BlueIguana Cantina (Mexican complimentary restaurant; offers house-made tortillas, burritos, tacos)
• Lido Marketplace buffet restaurant (complimentary self-service restaurant with various food stations; operates as a bistro in the evenings).
• Cucina del Capitano (Italian reservations-only restaurant; offers a la carte dinner at a surcharge and complimentary lunch)
• SeaDogs (complimentary beef hotdogs stand)
• Ji Ji Asian Kitchen (serves Chinese food, Mongolian Wok)
• Bonsai Sushi Bar (complimentary).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Carnival made a heavy investment in lights and sound for its shows on Carnival Breeze and has taken a step further on Sunshine. An ultra-HD graphics package is beamed onto a vast screen and the performers use it as a backdrop of their show. A number of themed shows take place in ship's Liquid Lounge, which doubles as the 800-seat main Theater. Because the room was initially designed as a theater with two stories, it's impossible to feature an intimate atmosphere.

The Sunshine ship offers a complete list of activities and entertainment for each age group and taste - from ballroom scene dancing, classical music concerts, tea time and art auctions to a hairy chest and knobby knees contests, bingo, and karaoke.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Sunshine lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Sunshine Atrium (9-deck high midship open area served by Lobby Bar)
• FunHub (24-hour Internet computers room)
• Liquid Lounge and Theater (800-seat, 2-level main show lounge)
• Ocean Plaza (entertainment area; features live music and trivia)
• The Library Bar; Piano 88 Bar; EA Sports Bar; ShakeSpot; Java Blue Cafe; The Taste Bar; Alchemy Bar; Havana Bar
• RedFrog Pub (English pub with live music; offers international beers selection and the private label Thirstyfrog/RedFrog beer)
• RedFrog Rum Bar (serves Caribbean rums selection and ThirstyFrog Red drought beer)
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar (offers Mexican beer, margaritas, drink specialties)
• Limelight Lounge (hosts Punchliner Comedy Club/brunch)
• Pixels Photo Gallery and Shop; Dreams Photo Studio; Cherry On Top (candy shop, offers the Fun Shops catalog, “Bon Voyage” store menu, souvenirs, watches, jewelry, logo merchandise, duty-free liquor, fashion boutiques)
• Circle C (kids' complimentary club lounge with movies, video games, parties, planned activities)
• 24-hour Warehouse Video Games Arcade; Club O2 teens' lounge for movies, karaoke, parties
• Sunshine Casino (served by Sunshine Casino Bar)
• Seaside Theatre (LED screen outdoor cinema)
• Serenity (adults only relaxation area with Serenity Pool, Serenity Bar, Spa Whirlpool, cascading waterfall, loungers, and hammocks)
• Beach Pool area (with two Whirlpools); Carnival WaterWorks Aqua Park (with 5 slides; 1 Whirlpool, SplashZone for kids)
• Camp Carnival (kids' club lounge with a complimentary programme and play area)
• Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness complex (with Gym, Fitness Studio, Sauna, Steam Room, Thermal Suites, Beauty Salon, 15 Treatment Rooms; offers ZSpa teenagers program)
• SportSquare (Basketball/Volleyball Court, Jogging Track, Tennis Tables, 9-hole Mini Golf Course, Shuffleboard).

Itineraries

Carnival Sunshine itinerary program is based on Western and Eastern Caribbean roundtrip cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida. Feature port destinations include Bahamas (with Nassau and line’s private island Half Moon Cay ), Puerto Rico, Saint Thomas USVI , Grand Turk , Roatan , Belize , Mexico ( Costa Maya and Cozumel ). In 2016, the ship started itineraries to Bermuda - 7-day from NYC New York and 5-day from Norfolk Virginia .

Starting May 2019, the ship's new itinerary program offers 4- (to Nassau) and 5-day (Nassau and Half Moon Cay) short Bahamas cruises leaving roundtrip from a new homeport ( Charleston SC ) on a year-round schedule. The maiden voyage was scheduled for May 18 (2019). Carnival's South Carolina annual cruise shipping volume is approx 220,000 passengers. In Charleston, Carnival Sunshine will replace Carnival Ecstasy (to be relocated to Jacksonville Florida ), while the Jacksonville-homeported Carnival Elation will be repositioned to Port Canaveral FL .

In Dec 2022 CCL announced that between February 2025 and April 2025 Sunshine will be homeported in Norfolk VA. Bookings were opened for the following 4 roundtrip/ex-Norfolk itineraries:

• (6-day Bahamas) to North Bimini-Nassau-Freeport, and to Nassau-Half Moon Cay-Freeport
• (8-day Eastern Caribbean) to Amber Cove Dominicana-Grand Turk-Princess Cays Bahamas, and to Half Moon Cay-Grand Turk-Amber Cove

Carnival Sunshine - user reviews and comments

Photos of carnival sunshine.

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Other Carnival Cruise Line cruise ships

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

Carnival Sunshine Wiki

Fun Ship 2.0 upgrade was done in 2013. Sunshine is one of Carnival's "old new" liners, representing a truly grandiose ship transformation project. The old Carnival Destiny ship (1996-buit by Fincantieri Monfalcone ) was extensively (and expensively) drydock refitted and refurbished in Europe ( Trieste Italy ) at the astonishing cost of USD 155 million. The vessel was transformed into a brand new Carnival "Fun Ship 2.0" in 2013 under the sunny and shiny name "Carnival Sunshine". Carnival Destiny had as sisters the CCL ships Triumph (Sunrise since 2019) and Victory (Radiance since 2020) , and also Costa Fortuna and Costa Magica .

Carnival Sunshine (Monfalcone shipyard/hull number 5941) is powered by Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (models 8ZAV40S and 8ZAL40) generating total power output 63,36 MW.

The Sunshine ship's interior design was done by Partner Design ( Hamburg -based company). Destiny ship's interior design was by Joe Francus. The new ship now features modern amenities, new venues, more dining options, new onboard entertainment program (3 new grand show productions).

As a Destiny-class liner, Carnival Destiny was the world's first cruise ship with GT/weight over 100,000 tons. Carnival Destiny's Inaugural Cruise started on November 24, 1996. Sunshine's Inaugural Cruise started on April 12, 2013 (14-day Mediterranean Venice - Barcelona ).

Carnival Destiny's list of chartered/ themed voyages includes the first-ever "311 Caribbean Cruise" (March 2011), the first-ever "Kiss Kruise" (October 2011) and the first-ever "Weezer Cruise" (January 2012).

Carnival Destiny-Sunshine refurbishment 2013 conversion review

The most extensively-expensive of all (ever) was the Carnival Destiny's drydock refit/transformation. At the staggering cost of USD 155 million, this really extreme makeover produced a brand new Carnival ship in 2013! After its last dry-dock ever (a 49-day refurbishment), the Destiny ship emerged as Carnival Sunshine. This amazing cruise ship transformation was made in the Fincantieri shipyard (Monfalcone, Italy) adding a new partial deck and 2 other decks (in the front section). As a result of the Carnival Destiny renovation, 182 new cabins were added (including 96 spa cabins), all of the ship's other cabins were also refurbished (with a new tropical decor). The list of all major changes includes:

• (new) Ji Ji Asian Kitchen (casual restaurant), also were added “Fat Jimmy’s BBQ”, “Cucina del Capitano”, “Fahrenheit 555 SSteakhouse”, “JavaBlue Cafe”, “Shake Spot”, “Guy’s Burger Joint”, “BlueIguana Cantina”/Mexican, “Seaday Brunch”, “The Comfort Kitchen”/Lido, “Havana Bar”/Lido, “Sunshine Bar”, “Alchemy Bar”, “RedFrog Pub”, “Cherry On Top”, “Punchliner”, “Hasbro”
• "The Comfort Kitchen" (in the Lido Marketplace)
• "Havana Bar" (Lido Marketplace) with floor-ceiling windows
• "Sunshine Bar" (Atrium)
• a new cigar club (Casino Bar)
• CCL fleet's first 3-deck-high Serenity Retreat (adults-only deck) with the Carnival Cloud 9 Spa package .
• "SportSquare" (an open-air complex with Ropes Course, Mini-Golf Course, half-size Sports Court/basketball-volleyball-tennis.

During drydock 2018 (October 14-21, in Freeport Bahamas ) were made regularly planned maintenance works.

Drydock 2016 was in the period March 8-20.

In 2021 (October-November) Carnival Sunshine was drydocked at Navantia Shipyard ( Cadiz Spain ), mainly for general maintenance (technical and routine) works and also repainting (received CCL's new livery).

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.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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What is Included on a Carnival Cruise & What’s Not

What is included on a Carnival Cruise is a common question people have when planning a cruise vacation.

This article is a must read before heading out on your first cruise as it will detail what is included in your cruise fare as well as what will cost extra.

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The short answer for what is included on a Carnival Cruise is:

Transportation

Accommodation, entertainment.

• Youth Clubs

Keep reading for greater details.

Carnival ships offer great value and fun for the whole family.

What is included on a Carnival Cruise

Whether you are looking at Caribbean cruises, Alaska, Europe, Panama Canal, or New England cruises, you are going to see some incredible places.  All without having to pack and unpack. 

Often you will visit places you might not have otherwise. Cruise itineraries have a combination of stops in ports of call allowing you explore new places and sea days, giving you time to explore the amazing ships.

The rooms on a cruise ship are called staterooms or cabins.

There are different categories of staterooms on a ship, all with different costs.

The main types of staterooms on a cruise are:

Interior Stateroom

An interior stateroom is the least expensive room category and they do not have windows.  If you are on a tight budget or don’t plan on being in your room much, you might consider this option.

Outside Stateroom

An outside stateroom has a picture window looking out at the ocean.  These windows do not open.

Balcony Stateroom

A balcony stateroom, as the name suggests, has a small balcony attached to your cabin allowing you to enjoy the ocean sights, sounds, and smells.

Carnival Cruise Line ships have a variety of suites on their ships ranging in size, amenities, and price.

Within the above broad categories there are specialty cabins on select ships including spa staterooms , Family Harbor staterooms , and amazing looking Havana staterooms .

A Carnival cruise includes amazing, all you can eat food.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are all included in your cruise fare and is available at a number of venues.  You will find both fine dining and casual dining options.

In my opinion, Carnival as the best selection of free dining options.  On our last Carnival Dream cruise we ate at only the included restaurants and never felt we were missing out.  We thought the selection and the quality was excellent.

Carnival Corporation, like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and most other major cruise lines offer a number of specialty restaurants that do have an additional charge.  It is optional to eat at these.

We will cover the extra cost restaurants in the next section.

Carnival Cruise Included Food

The following Carnival Cruise Line restaurants are included in your cruise fare.

Main Dining Room

Each Carnival ship has a main dining room offering fine dining with a different menu nightly.  Food at these dining rooms are included in the price of your cruise.

The larger cruise ships have two main dining rooms.  You will be assigned to one of them.  They offer the same menu.

Carnival has a dress code for the main dining rooms.  You can read more about that in What to Wear on a Carnival Cruise.

The Carnival Cruise main dining rooms are open for breakfast and dinner.  Be sure to check out the Carnival Sea Day Brunch too.

Lido Restaurant

The Lido Restaurant, called Lido Marketplace, is the buffet restaurant on Carnival’s ships.  The buffet restaurant has a great selection of food options available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and desserts. 

You do not have to pay extra to eat at this casual dining spot.

In the Lido Marketplace you will find a non-alcoholic beverage station with coffee, tea and juices in the morning, and usually iced tea in the afternoon.  Ice and water is available all day.

The main dining room and buffet restaurant are probably what you’d expect to find on a cruise ship.  But Carnival has so much more.

Guy’s Burger Joint

Guy’s Burger Joint is a popular alternative restaurant and is one of my family’s favorite lunch or early casual dinner spot.

Many other cruise line’s charge extra for their specialty burger restaurants, but Carnival does not.  Yay Carnival!

You will find a Guy’s Burgers on all of Carnival’s ships.

Blue Iguana Cantina

Blue Iguana Cantina is another popular and complimentary food venue found on all Carnival ships. 

Carnival BlueIguana Cantina serves up delicious tacos and burritos for breakfast and lunch.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que

Another Carnival restaurant by Guy Fieri.  Pig & Anchor is open for lunch, is included in your cruise fare, and is available on many of Carnival’s ships.

You can find pizza available 24 hours a day on Carnival.  On some Carnival ships the pizza restaurant is called Pizza Pirate, while on others it is called Pizzeria del Capitano.

Mongolian Wok

Mongolian Wok is a lunch option available only on select ships.  This included restaurant is currently only available on Carnival Breeze, Dream, Freedom, Liberty, Magic, Splendor, and Carnival Valor.

Carnival Sunrise has a similar complimentary lunch venue called Lucky Bowl.

Big Chicken

Shaq’s Big Chicken is a casual dining option open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but is currently only on Carnival’s newest ship Mardi Gras and Carnival Radiance.

When Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee set sail they’ll also feature Big Chicken.

Carnival Deli

Carnival Deli is the name of the sandwich shop on select cruise ships.

This is an option if you are looking or a light lunch or dinner.

Carnival Deli is on Carnival Legend and several other ships but not on all of the Carnival fleet.

The Captain’s Pasta Bar is yet another included lunch option on some of the Carnival ships.

Choose from 3 different pastas, 5 different sauces, and a selection of add ons.

You will find the Captain’s Pasta Bar on Carnival Horizon, Breeze, Magic, Panorama, Sunshine, and Carnival Vista.

Soft Serve I ce Cream

All Carnival ships have a soft serve ice cream station they call Swirls.  And the best part – no extra charge.

As you can see, there is a great selection Carnival cruise included food. In addition to these, there are several great pay restaurant options.  Keep reading for the extra charge specialty restaurants.

Onboard Activities

They don’t call them the fun ships for nothing.  There are so many fun active things to do on a cruise, many of which are included in the price of your cruise.  These fun activities definitely make for a great time.

The onboard activities and amenities vary greatly from cruise ship to cruise ship.  Be sure to research the ship carefully before booking. 

Most ships have pools, hot tubs and a fitness center, but first time cruisers might be surprised to find out some Carnival ships have fun amenities like water parks, a basketball court, mini golf, and a ropes course. 

Read on for the additional cost activities like a roller coaster – yes a roller coaster. 

37 Free Things to do on a Carnival Cruise outlines more of the activities included in your Carnival cruise fare.

Nightly entertainment is included in your cruise cost.  The Carnival Hub app will show you the daily entertainment and activities schedule.

Whether you choose to enjoy live music, dance the night away in the night club, take part in a game show, laugh at a comedy show or take in one of the shows, the choice is yours.  All for no extra cost.

Punchliner Comedy Club

Carnival has the Punchliner Comedy Club which has both family friendly and adult only comedy shows.  If you are cruising with kids be sure you are at the right show.

Playlist Productions

The highlight evening entertainment on Carnival cruises are the musical productions put on by Playlist Productions.

Deck Parties

Be sure to take in a deck party or two on your next cruise.  It’s fun for the whole family.

Other entertainment options found on most Carnival ships are Lip Sync Battle and Dive in Movies.  Dive In Movies are movies shown on the big screen poolside.

Carnival Youth Programs

Carnival has 3 age specific youth programs that are included in your cruise fare.

Carnival Camp Ocean is specifically for 2-11 year olds.  Here you will find supervised age-appropriate games, crafts, and crafts.  Within Camp Ocean the kids will be separated into smaller age groups (2-5yrs, 6-8 yrs, and 9-11 years old).

Carnival Circle C

Circle C is the Carnival kids club for 12-14 year olds.  Read more about Carnival Circle C here.

Carnival Club O2

Club O2 is the name of the teen club on Carnival.  It’s a fun hangout area for teens 15-17 years of age.  Fun activities, movies, music and video games for your teen and their new friends.

Related posts –

21 Reasons Your Teen Will Love Carnival’s Mardi Gras

Top Reasons Teens Will Love Carnival Horizon

Prepaid Cruise Gratuities

Tipping on a Cruise

While the youth programs are included please note that Camp Carnival Night Owls has an extra charge.  Night Owls is a supervised program after the other youth programs close.  It allows parents a late night out (currently until 1 am).  It is for kids 6 months – 11 years old.

There is so much included on a Carnival cruise, however there are things that do cost extra that you should be aware of and budget for. If you have an onboard credit you may want to use it one one of these.

Things that cost extra on a cruise

I have no doubt you’ll find the Carnival crew members amazing.  For convenience, Carnival charges each guest their recommended daily gratuity amount. 

The amount of Carnival gratuities is currently $13.99 USD per person per day and $15.99 USD per person per day.  This of course can change, use this only as a guideline.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are the tours or activities that you take/do at each cruise stop.  The cost will vary depending on the excursion. 

Related posts:  

Stingray City A Must Do In Grand Cayman

Dunns River Falls Jamaica

5 Reasons to Book Cruise Line Shore Excursions

Alcoholic Drinks

Alcoholic drinks are NOT included on a Carnival cruise.  Carnival does however have a drink package called Cheers that can be purchased.  Details can be found on Carnival’s website here .  If you do decide to purchase the drink package, purchase it ahead of time as you usually get the best deals booking it before your cruise.

Speaking of drinks, be sure to check out the Alchemy Bar on many of the ships including Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Spirit, and Carnival Conquest.

Select Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Drinks such as sodas, energy drinks, and specialty coffee cost extra on Carnival.  If you are a soda drinker, consider purchasing Bottomless Bubbles.  This is Carnival’s soda (soft drink/pop) package.

You probably didn’t expect this to be included in your cruise price but I included it just so you are aware that Carnival ships do have casinos and if you like to gamble a bit then it is something to budget for.

The use of the spa facilities and spa treatments cost extra but might be worth it to treat yourself to a pampering.

If you are looking for a free place to relax on the ship, try lounging in the adult only serenity area.  This quieter are has upgraded lounge chairs.

Specialty Restaurants

Select specialty restaurants have an additional cost.  As you read above, you can enjoy a great selection of food included in your Carnival cruise fare, but if you are looking or something different then these options are available on select ships for a cost.

Seafood Shack

Carnival Seafood Shack serves up favorites such as shrimp, lobster rolls, fish and chips, and more.  You can check out the menu and prices here .

Cucina del Capitano

Cucina del Capitano is an Italian specialty restaurant open for dinner on select Carnival cruise ships.   This restaurant is currently a flat fee of $15USD for adults.  This of course can change.  You can find the Cucina del Capitano menu here .

JiJi Asian Kitchen

Jiji Asian Kitchen is a specialty restaurant found only on Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Vista.  See the Jiji Asian Kitchen menu here .  The price for dinner is currently $15USD per person.  Remember that this price can change, I included it here only as a guideline.

Bonsai Sushi

Bonsai Sushi is open for lunch and dinner on several Carnival ships.  The pricing here is a la carte, meaning you pay per food item. 

Bonsai Teppanyaki

Bonsai Teppanyaki is not just a restaurant, it is a dining experience.  It is currently only on Carnival Horizon, Panorama, and Mardi Gras, but will be added to Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.  See the Bonsai Teppanyaki menu here .  The price is currently $32 USD per adult.  Reservations are highly recommended.

Carnival Steakhouse is a popular specialty restaurant available on many Carnival ships.  Choose an appetizer, salad, entrée, side, and a dessert for $38USD (may change). 

Emeril’s Bistro 1396

If you are sailing on Carnival Mardi Gras, you may want to check out Emeril’s Bistro 1396 for breakfast, lunch, dinner.  This is the only Carnival cruise ship with this specialty restaurant.

The Chef’s Table

The Chef’s Table is a culinary experience available on all Carnival ships but for a small group of people.  If you are a foodie you may want to splurge on this.  The price is in the $75-$95USD range per person. 

Here is just a sample of the specialty restaurants on certain Carnival ships.  There are other available on the newer ships.  Check out your ship closely for additional dining options.

24-Hour Room Service

24-hour room service is available on all of Carnival’s ships. It is a combination of included in your cruise fare and extra cost.

Continental breakfast is available by room service for no additional cost.

Currently from 6:00am to 10:00pm Carnival has a selection of room service items available for no extra charge, as well as some items such as chicken tenders, philly cheesesteak, and wings that do have an additional cost.

Carnival room service from 10:00pm to 6:00am does have a fee per item.

You can see Carnival’s room service menu here .

Extra Cost Cruise Activities

As you have read, there are so many fun things to do on a Carnival Ship.  If you want a refresher, click over to the post 37 Free Things to do on a Carnival cruise . 

There are some optional activities for even more fun that do have an extra charge.  Here are some of the top activities that cost extra on a Carnival Cruise.

Bolt – Roller Coaster

The first roller coaster at sea is on the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.  What a cool amenity.  We rode the Carnival Celebration Bolt , it was more thrilling than I expected.  It not surprisingly has an additional cost, currently $15USD for 2 turns around the track.

Sky Zone trampoline park is only available on Carnival Panorama, which is currently sailing from the West Coast to Mexico.

There is an IMAX theater on two of Carnival’s ships, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista. 

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Carnival has a Build-A-Bear Workshop at sea on select Carnival ships.  The cost varies depending on the stuffy, clothes, and accessories you choose.  Here is the bear my daughter built on Carnival Dream.

Are Carnival cruises all inclusive?

As you can see from the above points, a Carnival cruise is not quite all inclusive. It does include most of the vacation essentials but the biggest difference is that alcohol is not included.

How to Make a Carnival Cruise Extra Special For Kids

What to Wear on a Carnival Cruise

21 Romantic Things to do on a Carnival Cruise

9 Surprising things to bring on a Carnival cruise

I hope this has helped you understand what is included on a Carnival Cruise and what costs extra.  A cruise is a such a great choice for a vacation whether you are cruising solo, as a couple, as a family, or as part of a large group you are sure to have a wonderful time.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Plan Your Trip

What Cruise Ships Leave From Mobile Alabama

Published: December 8, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Nonah Briones

• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant city of Mobile, Alabama, where sunny beaches meet southern charm. Nestled along the Gulf Coast, Mobile offers an array of exciting attractions and a rich history. But did you know that Mobile is also a thriving hub for cruise ship departures? If you’re looking to embark on a memorable cruise adventure, you’re in luck! In this article, we will take a closer look at the cruise ships that leave from Mobile, Alabama, and the incredible itineraries and destinations they offer.

Departing from the Mobile Cruise Terminal, these cruise ships offer a convenient and accessible starting point for your vacation. Whether you’re seeking a short getaway or a longer voyage, the cruise lines that call Mobile home will have you covered. Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, two of the industry’s most reputable names, provide a wide range of options to suit various preferences and budgets.

From family-friendly adventures to romantic escapes, these cruise lines promise an unforgettable experience as you sail the high seas. With a plethora of onboard amenities, entertainment, and dining options, you’ll be able to indulge in the ultimate luxury and relaxation while exploring stunning destinations. Let’s dive deeper into the world of cruise ships departing from Mobile, Alabama!

Overview of Cruise Ships Departing from Mobile, Alabama

When it comes to cruise ships departing from Mobile, Alabama, there are two major players in the game: Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. Both cruise lines offer exceptional experiences and a wide range of itineraries to choose from.

Carnival Cruise Line, known for their fun and vibrant atmosphere, operates the Carnival Fantasy from Mobile. This ship has a capacity of over 2,000 passengers and offers a variety of exciting amenities and activities. From thrilling water slides and poolside movies to live entertainment and mouthwatering dining options, Carnival Fantasy ensures that your days at sea are filled with joy and excitement.

Royal Caribbean International, on the other hand, brings their signature style and sophistication to Mobile with the Vision of the Seas. With its sleek design and luxurious features, this ship offers a more refined cruising experience. Passengers can enjoy spacious staterooms, a wide selection of dining venues, a fitness center, spa facilities, and even a rock-climbing wall. The Vision of the Seas is ideal for those seeking a touch of elegance and relaxation on their cruise vacation.

Both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International have a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and strive to provide exceptional service throughout your journey. Whether you choose a Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise, you can rest assured that you’ll be well taken care of.

Furthermore, these cruise lines offer a range of itineraries departing from Mobile, Alabama. From short getaways to the nearby Western Caribbean islands of Cozumel and Progreso to longer adventures exploring the southern Caribbean, there are options to suit every traveler’s preferences. Whether you’re looking for sun-soaked beaches, fascinating cultural experiences, or thrilling water activities, you’ll find it all in the itineraries offered by these cruise lines.

Choosing the right cruise ship and itinerary will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and available vacation time. Take some time to explore the options and find the perfect cruise adventure that will take you to the destinations you’ve always dreamed of.

Now that we have an overview of the cruise ships departing from Mobile, Alabama, let’s delve into the exciting itineraries and destinations they offer. Get ready to set sail on the cruise vacation of a lifetime!

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is a well-established name in the world of cruising, known for their lively and fun-filled atmosphere. Departing from Mobile, Alabama, Carnival offers exciting itineraries onboard the Carnival Fantasy.

The Carnival Fantasy is an impressive ship with a capacity of over 2,000 passengers. It offers a wide range of amenities and activities to keep guests entertained throughout their journey. From thrilling water slides and splash parks for the kids to adults-only retreats and Serenity Spa for relaxation, there’s something for everyone onboard.

One of the highlights of Carnival cruises is their exceptional dining options. From casual buffets to upscale steakhouse experiences, Carnival ensures that your taste buds are treated to a feast. Indulge in a variety of cuisine, including international dishes, seafood specialties, and mouthwatering desserts.

Entertainment is also a top priority on Carnival cruises. Enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music performances, comedy acts, and a variety of engaging activities and games throughout the day. The fun never stops onboard!

When it comes to destinations, Carnival offers several enticing itineraries departing from Mobile. Experience the stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Cozumel, Mexico, or embark on a cultural adventure in Progreso, where you can explore ancient Mayan ruins and immerse yourself in the region’s rich heritage. These short getaways are perfect for those seeking a quick escape from their everyday lives.

For those looking for a longer and more immersive experience, Carnival also offers longer cruises to the southern Caribbean. Discover beautiful islands like Belize and the Cayman Islands, where you can enjoy water activities like snorkeling and diving, or simply relax on the pristine beaches.

Carnival Cruise Line is known for providing a fantastic value for money, with affordable pricing options and a wide range of activities and amenities included in the fare. Whether you’re traveling with your family, friends, or a loved one, Carnival cruises from Mobile, Alabama, promise a memorable and exciting vacation.

Now that we’ve explored Carnival Cruise Line, let’s turn our attention to another major player in the cruising industry: Royal Caribbean International.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International is renowned for offering a sophisticated and luxurious cruising experience. Departing from Mobile, Alabama, Royal Caribbean brings the elegant Vision of the Seas to the Gulf Coast.

The Vision of the Seas is a stunning ship that exudes style and impeccable service. With spacious staterooms, elegant dining venues, and a wide range of onboard activities, guests are treated to the utmost comfort and luxury throughout their voyage.

Indulge in a variety of culinary delights onboard the Vision of the Seas. From specialty restaurants serving gourmet cuisine to casual dining options, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean or grab a quick bite at one of the casual cafes.

When it comes to entertainment, Royal Caribbean excels in providing top-notch experiences. Witness dazzling productions featuring talented performers, participate in game shows and trivia nights, or groove to live music at the onboard bars and lounges. Thrill-seekers will also delight in the ship’s rock-climbing wall and fitness center, perfect for staying active while at sea.

With their vast array of itineraries, Royal Caribbean offers unforgettable journeys from Mobile, Alabama. Explore the sunny, white sand beaches of the Western Caribbean, visiting destinations such as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico. Take part in exciting water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relax on the beach with a refreshing drink in hand.

For those seeking a longer adventure, Royal Caribbean also offers cruises to the southern Caribbean from Mobile. Discover the stunning islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire, known for their pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of these breathtaking destinations.

Royal Caribbean is committed to delivering a high level of service and attention to detail, ensuring that each guest’s experience is nothing short of extraordinary. The Vision of the Seas offers a refined and elegant cruise experience that will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic getaway, or simply looking to indulge in luxury, Royal Caribbean cruises from Mobile, Alabama, offer a perfect blend of sophistication and relaxation.

Now that we have explored both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, it’s time to discover the exciting itineraries and destinations they offer.

Itineraries and Destinations

Embarking on a cruise from Mobile, Alabama opens up a world of exciting itineraries and destinations. Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer a range of options to explore stunning locations in the Western and southern Caribbean.

Short getaways are perfect for those seeking a quick escape, and Carnival Cruise Line delivers with itineraries to the Western Caribbean. Discover the vibrant city of Cozumel, Mexico, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and exciting water sports activities. Explore the colorful coral reefs through snorkeling or scuba diving, or take a relaxing beach break with a refreshing margarita in hand. Another stop on these itineraries is Progreso, a charming port city that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, indulge in local cuisine, or simply soak up the sun on the sandy beaches.

For those with more time to spare, Royal Caribbean International offers longer cruises to the southern Caribbean from Mobile. Explore breathtaking destinations such as Aruba, where you can relax on pristine beaches, go snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or visit historic landmarks like the Natural Bridge. Discover the vibrant island of Curacao, known for its colorful Dutch-inspired architecture and world-class diving spots. Or visit Bonaire, a paradise for nature lovers with its diverse marine life and protected coral reefs.

Whether you choose a shorter or longer itinerary, both cruise lines ensure that each port of call provides a memorable experience. Enjoy exploring the local culture, trying delectable cuisine, or engaging in thrilling water activities. Each destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and warm hospitality.

It’s important to note that itineraries and destinations may vary depending on the season and specific cruise dates. Be sure to check with the respective cruise line for the most up-to-date information on available itineraries to make the most informed decision for your cruise vacation.

Now that we have explored the itineraries and destinations offered by Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, let’s turn our attention to the port facilities in Mobile.

Port Facilities in Mobile

Mobile, Alabama, is home to a modern and convenient cruise terminal that serves as the starting point for your cruise adventure. The Mobile Cruise Terminal offers a range of facilities and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable embarkation and disembarkation process.

Located on the Mobile River, the terminal provides easy access for cruise passengers arriving by car or public transportation. The terminal is equipped with ample parking spaces, making it convenient for those driving to the port. Additionally, the terminal is easily accessible from the Mobile Regional Airport, allowing for a smooth transition from air travel to embarkation.

Inside the terminal, you’ll find a welcoming and well-organized check-in area. Friendly staff members are readily available to assist with the check-in process, ensuring a hassle-free start to your cruise vacation. The terminal also features comfortable seating areas and restroom facilities for the convenience and comfort of passengers.

Once you’ve completed the check-in process, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the various amenities available at the terminal. Gift shops offer a selection of souvenirs, travel essentials, and last-minute items you may need for your cruise. There are also dining options available, allowing you to grab a bite to eat before boarding your ship.

As you step onto the ship, the cruise terminal offers a picturesque view of the Mobile River and the city skyline. Take a moment to soak in the scenic beauty before embarking on your cruise adventure.

With its well-designed layout and efficient operations, the Mobile Cruise Terminal ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for passengers. The friendly and professional staff work diligently to provide exceptional service and make the embarkation and disembarkation process as seamless as possible.

It’s important to arrive at the terminal with ample time before your ship’s departure to allow for check-in procedures and security measures. Be sure to check with your specific cruise line for their recommended arrival time to ensure a stress-free start to your vacation.

Now that we’ve explored the port facilities in Mobile, let’s move on to booking information and tips to help you plan your cruise getaway.

Booking Information and Tips

Booking a cruise from Mobile, Alabama is an exciting endeavor, and with some helpful information and tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind when booking your cruise:

• Research and Compare: Take the time to research and compare different cruise itineraries, ships, and cruise lines. Consider factors such as destinations, onboard amenities, and pricing to find the best fit for your preferences and budget.
• Book in Advance: It’s always advisable to book your cruise in advance to secure your desired cabin and take advantage of early booking promotions and discounts. Popular itineraries tend to fill up quickly, so don’t wait until the last minute.
• Pack Smart: Before your cruise, make a checklist of essential items you’ll need during your trip. Be sure to pack comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and any necessary travel documents. Most importantly, don’t forget your passport or other identification documents.
• Consider Travel Insurance: It’s highly recommended to purchase travel insurance to safeguard your investment. This will protect you in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
• Arrive Early: To avoid any last-minute stress, plan to arrive in Mobile a day or two before your cruise departure. This ensures that you have ample time to get to the port, settle in, and explore the city before stepping on board.
• Participate in Pre-Cruise Activities: Many cruise lines offer pre-cruise activities and online check-in options. Take advantage of these opportunities to streamline the embarkation process and get a head start on your vacation experience.
• Budget for Onboard Expenses: Keep in mind that while most meals and entertainment are included in the cruise fare, there may be additional costs for specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, shore excursions, and gratuities. Budget accordingly to make the most of your onboard experience.
• Stay Connected: While it’s nice to disconnect and enjoy your vacation, it’s also important to stay connected with your loved ones. Check with your cruise line regarding internet packages or consider using international roaming services if needed.
• Explore Onboard Activities: Once onboard, take the time to explore the ship and familiarize yourself with the various amenities and activities available. Attend the daily onboard activities schedule to maximize your cruise experience.
• Follow Safety Guidelines: Always adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions provided by the cruise line. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and ensure that you have a plan in place in case of any unexpected situations.

By considering these booking tips and taking the necessary steps to prepare for your cruise, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable and enjoyable vacation experience from Mobile, Alabama.

As we conclude our guide to cruise ships departing from Mobile, Alabama, we hope that it has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration for your next cruise adventure. Whether you choose Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International, embark on your journey with excitement and anticipation as you set sail from Mobile on an incredible vacation.

So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a remarkable voyage at sea. Bon voyage!

Embarking on a cruise from Mobile, Alabama offers an incredible opportunity to explore beautiful destinations and create lifelong memories. Whether you choose Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International, you can expect a fantastic experience full of adventure, relaxation, and top-notch service.

The Carnival Fantasy and the Vision of the Seas provide an array of amenities and activities to keep you entertained throughout your journey. From thrilling water slides and delicious dining options to captivating live entertainment and serene spa treatments, these cruise ships offer something for everyone.

With itineraries ranging from short getaways to longer voyages, you have the flexibility to choose the duration and destinations that suit your preferences. Whether you’re craving the sun-kissed beaches of Cozumel, the cultural wonders of Progreso, or the picturesque islands of the southern Caribbean, there is an itinerary that will satisfy your wanderlust.

Mobile’s cruise terminal boasts excellent facilities and a smooth embarkation process, ensuring a stress-free start to your cruise vacation. The friendly and professional staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service, enhancing your overall experience.

As you plan your cruise, be sure to research, compare, and book in advance to secure the best deals and availability. Pack wisely, consider travel insurance, and prepare for the onboard expenses to make the most of your adventure at sea.

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, a cruise from Mobile, Alabama promises an unforgettable vacation filled with excitement, relaxation, and priceless memories. So, set sail and immerse yourself in the captivating world of cruising, where every moment is an adventure waiting to unfold.

Now, it’s time to embark on your dream cruise getaway from Mobile, Alabama. Bon voyage!

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Cardinals Have a Special Meaning. Here's What Experts Say About Their Symbolism

The beautiful red birds could be trying to tell you something when they show up in your yard or at your window.

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Are cardinals messengers from heaven?

What is the superstition behind cardinals, what does seeing a cardinal mean for my relationship, what does seeing a cardinal mean if i'm mourning a loss, what are some other birds it might be a good omen to see, how do i bring cardinals into my yard.

For even the most casual birdwatcher or nature lover , there's something so uplifting about seeing a male northern cardinal. The candy apple red birds with the short orange beaks and the adorable crest bring brightness to even the dreariest day, and their whistled song is just as sweet as their appearance. With a U.S. range that extends through much of the territory east of the Rockies as well as the Desert Southwest, these winged wonders are celebrated as the designated birds of a whopping seven states .

But did you know that the bird is noteworthy for more than just his pretty plumage and cheery cheeps? There is an important meaning and symbolism behind a cardinal, and when you see one it just might bring a message of hope, much like the angel numbers 11:11 , 444 , and 1212 do when they appear in your life.

Because cardinals are private birds that favor dense tangles and often fly low and close to the tree line, seeing one should be considered a gift, according to Janet Rae Orth , a clairvoyant, intuitive, and energy healer who can communicate with animals.

"They are thus a symbol of optimism," she says. "Some consider them a sign of divine intervention in your life...In many cultures throughout the world, the vibrant red color of the cardinal is a symbol of good luck and abundance. It is also said to represent vitality. If a cardinal crosses your path, it is meant to give you strength and hope."

Of course, depending on your situation, a cardinal might come bearing a more specific message, perhaps around grief, a romantic relationship or even matters of faith. To find out more, we checked in with a panel of expert spiritualists and animal communicators. Here's what they had to say.

What does a cardinal mean spiritually?

While most songbirds migrate, flying to and from Central and South America in the fall and spring, cardinals are permanent U.S. residents. Their beautiful red hue provides a much-needed burst of color on dull and drab winter days, and a reminder, notes Aycee Brown , psychic channel and medium, that "even in the bleakness of winter, beauty and song can persist. So, cardinals often represent hope, especially during tough times."

According to Brown, who says that cardinals come up "quite a bit" in her work, the birds may act as a kind of courier from the sweet hereafter, sent to bring tidings of comfort and guidance.

"During readings, if someone mentions a deceased loved one and a cardinal suddenly appears outside the window, it can be a way for that spirit to say hello or show they're listening," she says. "Sometimes, it's more of an intuitive nudge. I might be getting the feeling of strong, unwavering love for someone during a reading, and then a cardinal pops into my head. It's like a confirmation that this message of love is important for the person I'm working with."

Because cardinals are present in all seasons, from barren winter to fruitful summer, they may also represent renewal, transformation and manifestation, spiritual and otherwise. It's also a common belief that when one crosses your path, it signals a new beginning is ahead. In trying times or not, you should pay attention—you may need to think about making a change in your life.

It shouldn't be a surprise that redbirds (as they're known in the South) are often associated with the spirit realm. After all, they're said to have been named after Roman Catholic Church cardinals, who wear scarlet-shaded robes and peaked caps, similar to the cute crest the feathered type of cardinals sport. But the link doesn't end there. A group of avian cardinals is sometimes called a Vatican, and some say the bird's crimson color signifies the blood of Christ, his salvation, and promise of eternal life.

Although cardinals aren't specifically mentioned by name in the Bible, birds in general sometimes act as messengers for God in the Old Testament, so it's not a big leap to believe they could be carrying a message of hope or comfort from spirits, angels, or even the Heavenly Father.

"But ultimately, the meaning of a cardinal sighting is a personal experience," Brown says. "If you see a cardinal and feel a sense of peace, a connection to a loved one, or a surge of hope, it could be interpreted as a message from your higher power or angels, depending on your individual beliefs."

Indigenous Americans have a rich tradition of folklore around the animal world, and the cheerful cardinal is no exception. Perhaps because they tend to mate for life , and males may even appear to kiss females when they feed them during courtship, the Choctaws have long associated the bird with romance. In one Choctaw myth , a clever cardinal acts as a matchmatcher, bringing together a virtuous maiden and a lonely brave.

Astrid Bly, premier advisor with California Psychics , says that while the Choctaws see "the cardinal as a positive sign that you may be getting closer to a healthy and happy relationship...in other Native American cultures, cardinals can predict weather changes and protect from illnesses." She adds, "The Cherokee people give the bird an association with femininity, being known as the daughter of the sun."

According to legend , the daughter of the sun was slain and the Cherokee people had to journey to Ghost Country and bring her back to restore light to their homeland. As they opened the box they carried her in, a beautiful redbird flew out and began singing. When the Sun smiled, they knew the cardinal was his daughter.

When cardinals appear to you, it usually means nothing but goodness for you and your beloved, with their lifelong partnership suggesting a strong, unwavering bond. "They are a symbol of devotion and loyalty," Orth says of the bird. "This includes representing domestic harmony and new or renewed romance. So they may be a sign that you have a happy home life, with a devoted partner you can trust. Or if you're single, that new love is coming."

Not only are cardinals monogamous , but they are also usually territorial during breeding season, attacking other birds and even their own reflection. They live their entire lives in one area, with both males and females pitching in to raise the brood. Even after the chicks have matured, they stay with their parents, forming a family unit.

Their faithfulness and dedication to each other make "the cardinal a symbol meant to encourage us to trust more deeply," says Orth. "The cardinal is letting us know that our loved ones can be counted on. That things will be ok. They are encouraging us to be steadfast in our path and purpose."

Take solace if a cardinal appears to you while you are grieving, for many people believe they bring messages from loved ones who have crossed over to the other side, making us feel connected to them and comforted even in our sadness. Specifically, according to Brown, a cardinal's appearance is meant to show us that we are not alone, with their beautiful red feathers signifying enduring love. As a popular phrase says, "When cardinals appear, angels are near."

"Seeing a cardinal is a sign that your loved ones or angels are near," Orth confirms. "That they are there to protect, bless and guide you....They are offering you love and encouragement. If you see a cardinal right after the passing of a loved one, they are letting you know they made it home. Letting you know not to worry, you will be reunited again."

As meaningful as cardinals are, they are not the only birds that portend happier times ahead. Doves are widely recognized as symbols of peace, love and new beginnings, Brown says, so seeing one could signify a calming of tensions, a blossoming relationship, or a fresh start. And spotting an eagle, which are associated with strength, leadership and freedom, might "be interpreted as a message to embrace your power, take charge, or pursue your goals with determination," she adds.

Meanwhile, the feisty blue jay symbolizes fearlessness and determination, with hummingbirds known "for bringing good energy, resilience, and happiness," says Bly.

Happily, northern cardinals are a plentiful species in the U.S. and thrive in habitats where humans also dwell. With a still-increasing population of roughly 110 million individuals, provided you live within their range, it shouldn't be difficult to entice a few of these beauties into your yard by following these tips:

• Put out platform or tray feeders filled with dark-colored berries, sunflower and safflower seeds and suet crumbles.
• Provide fresh water in open basins filled a couple of inches deep.
• Plant a mixture of dense, native shrubs, bushes and trees on your property, including pine and spruce, box elder, shrub roses and grapevine. Keep pruning to a minimum, so you maintain some cardinal-friendly thickets.

Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.

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Adam Silver calls player gambling 'cardinal sin' as league continues Jontay Porter investigation

Porter has been inactive since march 23 as nba commissioner warns 'consequences could be very severe'.

The NBA has largely remained quiet as it has investigated Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for irregularities relating to prop bets for his statistics, but on Wednesday, commissioner Adam Silver addressed the allegations in a Q&A with reporters following a board of governors meeting. Silver called what Porter has been accused of "a cardinal sin" in basketball and acknowledged that possible discipline for involvement with gambling could be to "ban him from the game."

"There is nothing more serious, I think, around this league when it comes to gambling and betting on our games and that is a direct player involvement. So the investigation is ongoing, but the consequences could be very severe," Silver said .

The investigation centers on two games that Porter participated in. Both games saw an unusual amount of betting action on Porter's prop bets. Specifically, bettors saw tremendous profits betting the under on a number of prop bets based on Porter's statistics. In both cases, Porter left the games early. In one case, the Raptors cited an eye injury as the reason for his absence. In the other, it was illness. CBS Sports has covered the specifics of the Porter allegations in more depth here .

Porter has not played in a game since March 22, which came two days after the second of the two games the NBA is reportedly investigating. The NBA has not disciplined a player for gambling-related issues since 1966, though the league obviously dealt with the high-profile FBI investigation that led to former referee Tim Donaghy earning a 15-month prison sentence due to his own involvement with the gambling world. 

Gambling scandals are becoming more common in professional sports. The NFL has suspended several players over the past few years for betting, while Major League Baseball is sorting through the fallout of a scandal involving Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter , Ippe Mizuhara.

There is no telling how long the investigation into Porter will take, but given the stakes here, the league will surely be as thorough as possible. The integrity of the sport is perhaps the single most important factor in the health of the NBA. The moment fans don't trust the legitimacy of the product is the moment the business begins to decline. If Porter is found guilty of any illicit activity, the NBA appears perfectly willing to kick him out of the league for good.

Looking for more NBA coverage? John Gonzalez, Bill Reiter, Ashley Nicole Moss and special guests dive deep into the league's biggest storylines daily on  the Beyond the Arc podcast .

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Home » Hot off the Press » DC Cardinal Surprisingly Praises Pope Francis on LGBT Issues

I n a surprising move, a typically left-of-center Catholic cardinal is praising the Vatican’s new declaration Dignitas infinita  for its approach to LGBT issues. In a recent interview, Washington, D.C.’s Cardinal Wilton Gregory said that the new Vatican document, which addresses “gender theory” and transgender genital mutilation surgeries, among other issues, applauded the love with which the Francis pontificate treats those struggling with homosexuality or transgenderism. No, not a false love built on emotional over-sensitivities, but the love of a father (or, more accurately in the case of the Catholic Church, a mother) who seeks the child’s ultimate good, even if the child doesn’t appreciate that particular good.

READ MORE: Vatican Statement on Transgenderism Comes at Opportune Time

When asked why Pope Francis hasn’t rewritten the Catholic Church’s age-old moral doctrine to approve of homosexual acts and relationships, Gregory replied: “Well, he can’t if he’s going to be true to the Church’s history and its teaching. He can’t ignore the history of our faith, but he can call us to be respectful of others, but also to invite others to see and to appreciate and to accept the Church’s moral teaching.” Gregory added, “I said the most loving parent, at least in my own experience, but watching it in other situations, listens with the heart of the parent to a child, but it doesn’t believe that the child gets everything they ask for.”

This is, quite frankly, a surprising insight from Gregory and truly drives at the heart of the “pastoral” spirit that so many priests and bishops today seem to elevate above moral clarity. Priests and bishops are, of course, pastors or shepherds of their flocks, tasked with guiding souls to Heaven. It is very much en vogue (though not quite so en vogue as it has been in recent decades) to preach a strange sort of emotional prosperity gospel: Do what makes you happy — and if sin makes you happy, then can it really be sin? Oughtn’t we, after all, appreciate and enjoy the good that God has given us, even if sin has warped and distorted that good almost beyond recognition?

Pastors, shepherds, are to guide their sheep, to keep their flocks safe from ravaging wolves and steep cliffs, not to let their sheep wander where they will because it “feels right” to the sheep. Yet all too often, our shepherds today allow their sheep to graze within inches of the wolf’s jaws, often with some justification such as, “Well, the grass there looks awfully green, and why shouldn’t my sheep enjoy a nice meal?”

This notion seemed to peak last year with the publication of Fiducia supplicans , a Vatican directive touted as permitting certain informal types of blessings for same-sex couples, although subsequent clarification made it clear that only individuals were being blessed, not the relationship between the individuals and certainly not the relationship itself. But the Francis pontificate (both the pope and those closest to him) have insisted on pointing out the “good” that can be found in homosexual relationships: stability, companionship, mutual respect and affection. (READ MORE from S.A. McCarthy: The Vatican OK With Normalizing the Exception )

What has been often forgotten by those who ought to be pastors in the Church is that these “goods” are but wavering shadows of the true goods God intended for heterosexual relationships, culminating in marriage and family. What the emotional prosperity preachers call a “stable” relationship between two men might better be called “stagnant.” It cannot grow into a marriage; it cannot blossom into a family. What is called “mutual respect” or “mutual affection” is really nothing of the sort. After all, how can one claim to respect or show affection toward another if one’s very lifestyle is contributing to the other’s spiritual decay? If homosexual relationships are, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church declares, “intrinsically disordered,” can engaging in such a relationship with another really be called a form of love?

Whether he meant to or not, Gregory hit that proverbial nail on the head. Holy Mother Church is not, as her enemies would have us believe, a strict and soulless dictator, merely a cabal of closeted old men devising rules to deny pleasure to the populace. She is, instead, a loving mother, listening with care to her children, showering them with the riches of their Father, and always pointing out to them the right path to tread, even if it seems a difficult or arduous one.

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No. 5 Oregon State Beavers vs. Stanford Cardinal: Preview, starting lineup, how to watch baseball series opener

• Updated: Apr. 12, 2024, 5:52 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 12, 2024, 3:05 p.m.

The Oregon State Beavers host the Stanford Cardinal Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Goss Stadium in Corvallis. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

• Joe Freeman | The Oregonian/OregonLive

The No. 5 Oregon State Beavers host the Stanford Cardinal Friday night at Goss Stadium in Corvallis.

It’s the opener of a three-game Pac-12 series.

The Beavers bring a pair of notable winning streaks into tonight’s game — they’ve won six in a row overall and 20 in a row at Goss Stadium, which is the third-longest active home winning streak in college baseball behind North Carolina (24) and Arkansas (23).

But Oregon State is looking to break a different kind of streak against the Cardinal.

Stanford has won the last five games in the series.

(For more on the series, read this weekend primer . For the latest on the injury status of Brady Kasper, Micah McDowell and Trent Caraway, read this update )

PREGAME UPDATE: Brady Kasper, who has missed the last 17 games with a sprained knee, is batting cleanup and filling the designated hitter role tonight against the Cardinal. It’s his first appearance since March 9 and first start since since Feb. 23.

Here are details about tonight’s game:

No. 5 Oregon State Beavers (27-4, 8-3) vs. Stanford Cardinal (13-17, 6-6)

When: 6:05 p.m. PT Friday, April 12

Where: Goss Stadium, Corvallis

TV channel: Pac-12 Networks.

How to watch live stream online: The game will be streamed live by the Pac-12 Networks, which subscribers can access at Pac-12.com and via the Pac-12 Now app.

Radio: All games air on the Beaver Sports Network. Pregame starts 30 minutes before the first pitch. Affiliates include KEJO 93.7-FM and 1240-AM (Corvallis), KKNX 105.1-FM and 840-AM (Eugene), KCFM 104.1-FM and 1250-AM (Florence), KLAD 104.3-FM and 960-AM (Klamath Falls), KCFM 103.1-FM (Mapleton), KTMT 96.1-FM and 580-AM (Medford), KCMX 880-AM (Medford), KCMX 99.5-FM (Phoenix), KEX 1190-AM (Portland), KSKR 1490-AM (Roseburg) and KBZY 1490-AM (Salem). You can also listen online via the Varsity Network app.

Probable starters: OSU RHP Aiden May (1-0, 4.35) vs. Stanford RHP Matt Scott (2-5, 3.86)

This and that: May is making his sixth start of the season and fourth since missing a month with tightness near his forearm. He’s slowly been building back into midseason form, which has forced him to work under a strident pitch count since his return, and he has been limited to 45, 59 and 78 pitches in his last three starts. But the Beavers could be ready to give him a longer leash tonight. ... OSU’s six-game winning streak is the seventh-longest in the nation and its 27 wins ranks fourth nationally. ... The Beavers’ five-game losing streak to the Cardinal is their longest since a 13-game streak that stretched from 1971-2000. ... Oregon State leads the Pac-12 in nearly every major offensive statistic, including batting average (.335), homers (62), runs (301), triples (15) and walks (201). Nationally, OSU ranks fourth in batting average, 11th in runs, 14th in homers and 15th in walks. ... A whopping thirteen Oregon State players are hitting .300 or better.

OSU’S STARTING LINEUP

1. Travis Bazzana, 2B

2. Gavin Turley, RF

3. Mason Guerra, 3B

4. Brady Kasper, DH

5. Jacob Krieg, 1B

6. Elijah Hainline, SS

7. Dallas Macias, LF

8. Tanner Smith, C

9. Canon Reeder, CF

— Joe Freeman | [email protected] | 503-294-5183 | @BlazerFreeman | Subscribe to The Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.

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Stanford a 'leading contender' for Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen, No. 3 scorer in the country

• Author: Kevin Borba

In this story:

The Stanford Cardinal women's basketball team is set to look extremely different next season following key departures from head coach Tara VanDerveer who retired and star forward Cameron Brink who is off to the WNBA.

As of now, they return Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year Kiki Iriafen, and also have a very promising recruiting class coming in for Kate Paye's first team as the head coach. However, one thing that this team has been lacking over the past few years is a guard who can stretch the floor and consistently create shots for herself.

While taking in transfers isn't always easy for Stanford, and is something that VanDerveer may attempt to tackle in her new role with the school and athletic department, the Cardinal are in hot pursuit of one of the top transfers in the country.

Mar 9, 2024; Uncasville, CT, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Lucy Olsen (3) shoots against the

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report by EJ Arrow, the Cardinal are one of the top teams for Lucy Olsen, who is ranked as the No. 4 transfer in the portal. She put up an impressive 22.3 points per game this past season, making her the third-leading scorer in the country, and shot it at a high clip, shooting 43.8% from the field. She did see her three-point percentage drop, but is a career 32% from deep.

247Sports' Brandon Clay broke down her game, expressing that Olsen can slide right in and make an impact for any team.

"Olsen was a walking bucket during the 2023-24 campaign averaging 23.3 points per on 43.8 percent from the field. Olsen also managed to grab 4.8 rebounds to go along with 3.8 assists per as well. She's right there in potential impact with any available backcourt prospect in this cycle to date," wrote Clay.

If the Cardinal can land her, it takes the pressure off of younger guards while also giving Stanford a playmaking/scoring threat that they don't have on the roster. The admissions department will play a role, but Paye and Stanford would absolutely love to add Olsen.

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No. 5 Oregon State Beavers baseball gets series win over Stanford Cardinal

CORVALLIS — Oregon State leaned on timely hitting and another stellar performance from its starting pitcher to stay atop the Pac-12 standings.

The No. 5 Beavers topped Stanford, 3-1, at Goss Stadium Saturday evening and secured a series win in the process.

Had they lost, the Beavers (29-4, 10-3 Pac-12) would have fallen behind No. 17 Oregon (25-9, 10-4) in the conference standings as the Ducks beat USC, 5-3, in Eugene earlier in the day. But junior catcher Wilson Weber extended his recent hot streak and provided the go-ahead knock in the fifth inning, and the Beavers never looked back from there.

"Two consecutive days of high-quality pitching and defense," Oregon State head coach Mitch Canham said. "Controlled the heck out of the (strike zone); 12 (Stanford) walks, and we only had two there. Great grit. ... Impressed by how we carried over from yesterday and how the guys went about it again today. Today was a great momentum-builder."

Oregon State pitcher Jacob Kmatz helps lead the Beavers

Oregon State starter Jacob Kmatz, who tossed a complete game against Arizona State last weekend, produced another quality start on Saturday. The junior righty held Stanford to one earned run on six hits while striking out six in 6.0 innings of work.

Dallas Macias provided the Beavers with an insurance run when, for the second day in a row, he launched a home run that cleared that right field bleachers.

"I think it's definitely a byproduct of putting in work with the swing," Macias said of what has been clicking for him lately. "The guys around the team: (Travis Bazzana), (assistant coach Ryan Gipson); I went to Driveline, too, over the winter, which helped out a lot with different things. I'm also just making better swing decisions, getting the right pitch and squaring it up better."

Stanford third baseman Jimmy Nati ambushed Kmatz for a solo homer in the top of the second to open the scoring and give the Cardinal an early advantage.

One inning later, Kmatz briefly lost command and surrendered a one-out walk to Stanford No. 9 hitter Ethan Hott, and then a single to leadoff man Owen Cobb. Cort MacDonald followed with a hard-hit single to right field, and Hott attempted to score from second.

But Beavers' right-fielder Gavin Turley delivered an outstanding throw home to gun down Hott for the second out of the inning.

"I gave (Turley) a big hug there in the dugout," Kmatz said. "I had to. That was pretty cool. Defense has just been on lock right now."

The danger wasn't over for Oregon State at that point, though. Stanford catcher Malcolm Moore, who is widely considered to be one of the top Major League Baseball Draft prospects in the nation, stepped to the plate with two outs and runners in the corners.

Moore ran up a full count against Kmatz. But the Beavers' hurler struck him out looking with a fastball to end the inning and escape the jam.

"The goal is to get him out soft and away," Kmatz said of his battle with Moore. "It's pitch after pitch after pitch after pitch, and then you see a window (inside) late in the at-bat and get him leaning over the plate a little bit. So, just throwing my best heater on the inner half right there and letting it play up like it can and giving myself and the team the best chance of succeeding in that situation. Because getting that out right there was a pivotal moment."

Meanwhile, Stanford freshman lefty Christian Lim stymied the Oregon State bats, allowing just two hits and four walks throughout his first 4.0 innings. Oregon State's bats came to life in the bottom of the fifth, though, when Bazzana scorched a leadoff double to right-center, and then moved to second when Turley followed with a walk.

Lim bounced back and struck out Mason Guerra and Brady Kasper — the Beavers' No. 3 and No. 4 hitters — in succession. The Cardinal then turned to hard-throwing righty Joey Volchko with hopes of escaping the inning unscathed.

But Weber greeted Volchko with a two-run single to right to ultimately serve as the go-ahead hit.

Midway through the seventh, Canham turned the game over to closer Bridger Holmes. The standout junior tossed 2 1/3 innings scoreless innings and struck out four to slam the door on the Cardinal.

In 20.0 innings this season, Holmes has struck out 27 batters, surrendered just eight hits, and has yet to allow a run.

What's next for the Beavers?

The Beavers take on the Cardinal in Game 3 of the series at noon on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on Pac-12 Networks.

Jarrid Denney is the high school sports reporter for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at  [email protected]  or on X @jarrid_denney

College Sports | Stanford Cardinal star Iriafen enters transfer…

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College sports | israel says iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were intercepted, college sports, college sports | stanford cardinal star iriafen enters transfer portal days after vanderveer’s retirement announcement, loss of iriafen, who helped cardinal reach the sweet 16, would leave stanford with just two returning starters.

Stanford basketball will likely enter the post-Tara VanDerveer era without star Kiki Iriafen, who reportedly has entered the transfer portal just days after the legendary Cardinal coach announced her retirement.

According to according to On3’s Pete Nakos, Iriafen entered the portal with a no-contact tag, meaning the Pac-12’s most improved player and Honorable Mention All-American likely has already decided where she’s transferring.

Kate Paye, VanDerveer’s successor after serving as a Cardinal assistant since 2007 , already inherited a program that already was losing two starters — two-time All-American Cameron Brink to the WNBA and Hannah Jump, who is out of eligibility. Iriafen also is set to graduate this spring, in her third year, and is eligible to transfer by pursuing a master’s degree at another school.

Iriafen, who was the winner of the 2024 Katrina McClain Award, recognizing the nation’s best power forward, will be a Player of the Year candidate wherever she lands. The 6-foot-3 forward was the Cardinal’s leading scorer this season — one of two players in the country to average 19 points and 11  rebounds per game — and had a breakout postseason . She scored 41 points to help the Cardinal beat Iowa State in overtime and advance into the Sweet 16, and averaged 24 points and 11.5 rebounds in six Pac-12 and NCAA Tournament games overall.

Iriafen was among the Stanford players who attended VanDerveeer’s retirement announcement on Wednesday. When asked after the press conference if she planned to return to Stanford, she answered with a shrug.

Iriafen’s departure would leave Elena Bosgana and Talana Lepolo as the lone returning starters from this season’s team that went 30-6.

Earlier this week, Stanford was listed as one of the top landing spots for Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen, the nation’s No. 3 leading scorer this season, according to a report by EJ Arrow.

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Cardinal Fernández explains the ‘novelty’ of new Vatican doc on dignity

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The 116 footnotes in the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s declaration on human dignity reflect the fact that most of the content of the 12,700-word text is not new Catholic teaching.

But, as has been true with many documents issued during Pope Francis’ papacy, there was plenty of reaction from people who had hoped to see significant changes in the church’s position, particularly on gender issues, and from people who claimed Pope Francis was overturning centuries of church teaching, particularly on the death penalty.

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the doctrinal dicastery, presented the declaration, “Dignitas Infinita” (“Infinite Dignity”), at a Vatican news conference April 8.

Pointing to all the footnotes, a journalist asked the cardinal why the document was necessary since it seemed to be just a list of things that had already been said about human dignity and the sacredness of human life and against abortion, surrogacy and sex-change surgery.

The declaration, he responded, summarizes “the most important teachings about human dignity and organizes them around a central point, which is the dignity of every human being ‘beyond all circumstances,’” an affirmation from Pope Francis’ encyclical “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.”

The text takes “this principle that Pope Francis wanted to emphasize and develops the question around that principle -- this is the novelty of the document,” Cardinal Fernández said.

In a church that values tradition, the idea of “novelty” strikes some people as strange, and another reporter asked the cardinal if people could expect that in another 80 years the teaching in the document would change again.

“I would not phrase it that way,” Cardinal Fernández responded. “But I would say one could understand it better” as time goes on. “One can go deeper into that inexhaustible well that is the Gospel. The Gospel is an inexhaustible well. And we still have so much to find there, so much that we have not understood.”

The idea, particularly as explained by St. John Henry Newman, is that while revelation does not change, the church’s understanding of it can grow and deepen or be phrased in new ways to respond to new questions.

“Human dignity is a central question in Christian thought,” Cardinal Fernández told reporters. “It has had a magnificent development over the past two centuries along with the (development) of the social doctrine of the church.”

The cardinal used the example of slavery, which was accepted in the Bible and by popes for centuries. In 1452, Pope Nicholas V allowed King Alfonso V of Portugal the right to enslave certain people, he noted. Then, in 1537 Pope Paul III “condemned with excommunication those who subjected others to slavery. Why? Because they are human. That was the only reason. Because they are human.”

“See, only 80 years later, at a time of slow change and on such an important issue, a pope says virtually the opposite of a previous pope,” Cardinal Fernández said. “This is an example that shows how the church’s understanding of truth evolves.”

Now, the cardinal said, a vocal group of critics claim Pope Francis cannot and should not say anything new and that the development of doctrine “was definitively closed with the previous popes.”

But, he said, the Catholic Church continues to mature in its understanding of human dignity and the sacredness of all human life.

He pointed to St. John Paul II’s decision in 1997 to amend the Catechism of the Catholic Church to reflect his teaching that capital punishment can be justified in only “very rare, if not practically non-existent” circumstances.

In 2018 Pope Francis ordered a further update to the catechism, noting that while the death penalty “was long considered an appropriate response to the gravity of certain crimes and an acceptable, albeit extreme, means of safeguarding the common good,” there now is “an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes.”

In addition, it says, because “more effective systems of detention have been developed” to keep the public safe without taking another life, “the Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that ‘the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,’ and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.”

Cardinal Fernández used the evolution of the church’s teaching on capital punishment to emphasize how seriously the Catholic Church takes the dignity of every human being created in the image and likeness of God.

“A firm rejection of the death penalty shows the extent to which it is possible to recognize the inalienable dignity of every human being and admit that he or she has a place in this world, because if I do not deny it to the worst of criminals, I will not deny it to anyone,” he said.

The cardinal also explained that in labeling the document a “declaration” rather than a “note,” the dicastery was indicating it is “a text with a high doctrinal value.”

Declarations are rare, he said. “Dominus Iesus,” the doctrinal document affirming Christ as the only savior and the Catholic Church’s unique role in salvation, was a declaration issued in 2000 when the prefect was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would go on to become Pope Benedict XVI.

Cardinal Fernández said the dicastery also labeled as a declaration “Fiducia Supplicans,” the text issued in December that opened the possibility for priests and other ministers to give non-liturgical blessings to gay and other couples not married in the church.

While the subject matter of “Fiducia Supplicans” was “certainly less central, less important,” the cardinal said, it was issued as a “declaration” because “there was a magisterial innovation, an innovation in the way we understand blessings.”

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