If you ever cruised on Carnival Triumph, and are wondering what you can expect from the ship in its new form as Carnival Sunrise, we’ve laid it all out for you. This ship, which was dry-docked in Spain and recently received a huge overhaul, is nothing like its predecessor, but this means that cruisers can now expect an amazing, modern cruising experience with all the bells and whistles that a newer ship offers.
Carnival Sunrise sailed through its inaugural season, with cruises out of Norfolk in April 2019. This season also included cruises out of New York, with four- and 14-day sailings from both destinations.
In October 2019, Carnival Sunrise headed to Florida to sail the Caribbean and the Bahamas before making a Spring 2020 return to New York. The ship was upgraded in time for sailing rather quickly, entering the dry dock phase in March, with a turn around by the end of April.
Carnival Sunrise Stats
| Gross Tonnage: | 101,509 |
| Passenger Capacity: | 2,984 |
| Crew Capacity: | 1,108 |
| Entered Service: | 1999/2019 |
| Class Ship: | Sunshine-class |
The top-to-bottom transformation (which, by the way, cost a grand total of $200 million) includes new eateries and activities that you’ll find on the newer ships in Carnival’s fleet, as well as reimagined retail spaces, a spa and new cabins with upgraded furnishings.
The ship holds nearly 3,000 guests at normal double occupancy, thought it can hold a full guest occupancy of nearly 4,000. It has 13 passenger decks and more than 1,000 crew members. There are nearly 1,500 guest staterooms, 50 of which are handicap accessible and more than 50 of which are spacious suites.
Also Read: A Simple Guide on Carnival Ships by Size
These facts just scratch the surface, though, of all the good reasons you should book a Carnival Sunrise cruise. Here are our top 18 reasons to take a Carnival Sunrise cruise as soon as possible!
1. So Many Renovations
All of these renovations mean a better cruising experience for you and your family. After nearly 20 years of cruising, the Carnival Triumph was honestly due for an upgrade. The renovations directly impact how you enjoy your cruise, as they cover so many of the various public spaces throughout the ship — the restaurants, the bars and pubs, the spa, the sporting facilities.
They’re all brand new and you’re the beneficiary of all this brand-new fun! So, if you’re wanting to go on a cruise this year and you’re even slightly considering Carnival Sunrise, go ahead and book this ship. The newness and added amenities will far surpass what you’ll find on other, similar ships.
2. New Outdoor Adventures
Like we mentioned, the sporting and outdoor activity facilities aboard Carnival Sunrise received an upgrade during the dry dock. What can you expect now? There’s Carnival’s family-friendly, totally fun onboard waterpark, with slides, rides, pools and more. WaterWorks is a true playground for the swimmers in your family.
If you’d rather stay all dry, though, you can head on over to SportSquare for loads of fun getting competitive with a round of mini golf, basketball game or other activity. Then, take to the skies with the SkyCourse ropes course, for a thrilling challenge.
3. New Ways to Relax
Of course, you might be on this cruise just to relax and only relax, and we definitely feel you if that’s the case. Luckily, there’s a totally new way to relax onboard the Carnival Sunrise ship, and it’s an adults-only retreat known as Serenity. Reserved for those over the age of 21, it’s the perfect spot for you to completely get away from it all — no screaming or splashing kids as far as the eye can see.
There’s a bar, so you can get your drink on with a fruity cocktail; plenty of sun loungers so you can read the latest best-seller in peace; and a pool and hot tub, in case you want to take a dip with your favorite person.
4. New Ways to Laugh
One of the new venues on Carnival Sunrise is the Punchliner Comedy Club. The great thing about this club is that it goes from kid-friendly to adults-only all overnight. If you want some good, clean fun, then visit during the daylight hours with the kiddos, for a family experience. If, though, you like to laugh to a raunchier brand of comedy, come after dark for some totally side-splitting acts.
5. New Ways to Channel Your Inner Star
Maybe you want to be the one up on the stage, rather than watching from the sidelines. If that’s the case, head to the new Piano Bar 88, where you can channel your inner Beyonce and belt out your favorite tunes at this karaoke haven.
You’ll still love the spot even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket, however. Piano Bar 88 serves up great drinks alongside entertaining acts, for an evening everyone will enjoy.
6. New Ways to Let Your Hair Down
But back to the all-things-relaxing theme. If the thought of standing in front of a crowd makes you queasy, you can fuel up with some liquid courage at the many new places Carnival Sunrise offers to have a little drink or two.
The many watering holes throughout the ship offer diverse experiences and unbeatable cocktail menus. Our advice? Head to RedFrog Pub for Caribbean eats and drinks — it’s one of the fan favorites, hands down!
7. New Ways to Watch Your Worries Sail Away
The new Cloud 9 Spa is THE place to say goodbye to all your stresses and cares, as you indulge in the many relaxing spa treatments available in the new space. From classic massages to refreshing facials to smoothing body wraps, whatever your favorite spa treatment, you’ll find it.
There are also many spots within the spa to relax for a while before or after your treatments, so you can easily spend an entire day here (and we won’t blame you if you do!)!
8. New Ways to Fuel Your Day
If you need a little pick me up, there are plenty of places to find one on Carnival Sunrise. If coffee’s your go-to, then stop by JavaBlue for a nice cup of Joe, any time of day, whether you prefer it straight black, full of flavor, iced, cold or hot. If you need a sugar rush rather than a caffeine fix, then go to Cherry on Top for loads of ice cream, candy and other sweet treats, perfect for calming a raging sweet tooth.
9. New Ways to Wine and Dine
The fine dining options aboard Carnival Sunrise are truly top-notch. If you go to Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, you’ll find elegant dinners and a classic steakhouse menu, including items like prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, to-die-for appetizers and extensive wine and cocktails.
For family-style Italian cuisine, Cucina del Capitano certainly delivers with its equally extensive pasta menu. Then, Chef’s Choice provides you with all the best international cuisine. There’s certainly no reason to go back to your stateroom hungry when you’re on board this ship!
10. New Ways to Grab a Bite
If it’s not a high-end dining experience you’re searching for, but rather something more low-key, then grab a bite at one of two brand-new eateries aboard Carnival Sunrise. Bonsai Sushi Express is a made-to-order sushi bar, for all your favorite raw fish eats.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse does dinner the opposite way — by slow-roasting and smoking your dinner for hours until you have melt-in-your-mouth meats alongside old-fashioned, rib-sticking sides like collard greens and potato salad.
11. New Ways to Stay
If you’ve cruised with Carnival before and already know what an average stateroom is like, maybe opt for an upgrade this time around and book one of the new, specially designed Cloud 9 Spa staterooms. These staterooms really do have everything you might need to relax in high style.
Special amenities include spa-style toiletries, posh robes and slippers, priority access to the spa, free fitness classes and unlimited access to the spa’s thermal suites.
12. New Ways to Live Large
If, though, you really want to go all out and get a top-tier suite, then you want to book the Captain’s Suite and nothing less! The Carnival Sunrise Captain’s Suite includes tons of indoor space, and outdoor space as well.
Enjoy lots of storage for your personal belongings, a huge bed, two full bathrooms, a large soaking tub, a separate living room (that can also double as sleeping quarters for three) and a big balcony with ocean views and plenty of outdoor seating.
13. New Ways to Stay Healthy
You don’t have to leave your fitness regimen behind just because you’re on vacation. Carnival Sunrise cruises make it easy, for every age! For the smallest cruisers among you, Zumbini classes gives kids a way to get active and on their feet (think Zumba for toddlers).
An outdoor jogging track gives you access to the perfect spot for your daily run — only with an unbeatable view that you definitely don’t have at home! And, of course, the onboard fitness center is a great way to enjoy views of the water and top-tier exercise equipment.
14. New Ways to Place Your Bet
Don’t miss the chance to try your hand at a rousing game of blackjack, poker, roulette or at the slots. The state-of-the-art casino aboard the cruise ship gives guests a fun opportunity to try their luck, place their bets and see if they can win some extra cash while they’re at it.
Not a fan of table games? You can also have a drink at the casino bar, or play for prizes, rather than cash.
15. New Ways to Shop
Have you ever done a little shopping at sea? Well, now you can! The ship’s shops include vendors selling fine jewelry, cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, luxury watches, spirits, accessories, apparel and more. Whatever your favorite item to shop for, you’re more than likely to find it in the Carnival Sunrise shops.
16. New Ways to Get Creative
Channel your inner Picasso this vacation and get creative. Cruise programming includes arts and crafts time for kids, hosted by craft store Michael’s, and adults can even get in on the fun with arts-centric activities for them too, like art auctions, art games and even a selection of art seminars.
17. New Ways to Party
From the ship-wide Sailaway Party, to the nightly parties in the many different Carnival Sunrise bars and other venues, you’ll find lots of ways to party during your cruise.
Kick back with a beer and cheer on your team at SkyBox Sports Bar. Indulge in a martini tasting at Alchemy. Pack the dance floor at the nightclub or just find some live music to groove to — it won’t be hard, with the ship hosting talented performers across every deck.
18. New Ways to Look Your Best
The brand-new Carnival Sunrise spa certainly gives you ways to relax, but it also gives you a few ways to look your best, too. The spa includes a hair and beauty salon and offers both men’s and women’s services. There are also medi-spa treatments available, so you can come back from your trip looking like the very best version of you!
Also Read: 10 Reasons to Cruise on Carnival Sunshine
Do You Get the Idea? Have we made it clear enough, yet? Everything aboard Carnival Sunrise is all about the new, new, new. Take advantage of the ship’s newness before it’s too late and book a cruise for this upcoming cruising season.
There’s so much to love, including all the 18 activities listed above, as well as everything else you’ll find aboard this ship. So, what are you waiting for? A new way to have fun is waiting!
Carnival Sunrise Cruise Ship FAQ
The cruise ship underwent a huge $200 million transformation at the shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. The vessel which was previously named as Carnival Triumph completed the full makeover on April 28, 2019.
When the Carnival Sunrise cruise ship underwent a huge dry dock transformation in 2019 a number of spaces were added including 115 new guest suites and staterooms. You can check the full list here.
The Carnival Sunrise is a Sunshine-class cruise ship very similar to Carnival Sunshine. The ship is 101,509 gross tons and is 893 feet long. There are also 13 passenger decks.
There a number of ways to book a cruise vacation on the Carnival Sunrise and the best way to start is by checking the top 10 deals for the ship right here.
Main Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
