WHY IT RATES: The Sunrise underwent a $200 million renovation that touched all aspects of the cruise experience. -Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Following an extensive $200 million renovation that added a variety of food, beverage and entertainment innovations as well as stateroom upgrades, Carnival Sunrise is making her debut today at Norfolk's Decker Half Moone Cruise Center.
Carnival Sunrise is kicking off an exciting inaugural season of four- to 14-day voyages that visit destinations in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, the Panama Canal, New England and Canada with the first four cruises from Norfolk.
"The introduction of Carnival Sunrise brings an incredibly enhanced ship to our guests with all of the popular features from across our fleet," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "We couldn't be more proud to introduce Carnival Sunrise in Norfolk."
"To be the first port in the United States to welcome Carnival Sunrise makes this a very special event for Norfolk," said Stephen E. Kirkland, Nauticus executive director. "We're eager to roll out the red carpet for these guests, and for the staff and crew of this beautiful ship."
According to a study conducted by the Cruise Lines International Association, Carnival and other cruise operators account for $153 million in direct expenditures, 2,800 jobs and $170 million in wages for the state of Virginia each year.
Part of a fleetwide $2 billion ship enhancement program, Carnival Sunrise now includes popular features, such as:
Casual F&B options: Poolside venues like Guy's Burger Joint and Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in collaboration with Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri, BlueIguana Cantina & Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, as well as upgrades to the Lido Marketplace, an expanded ice cream station, the Java Blue coffee bar and 24-hour Pizzeria del Capitano.
Specialty dining: The Chef's Table fine dining experience, the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, as well as Italian, sushi and seafood options.
Shopping and Personal Care: A Cherry on Top sweet shop, Pixels photo gallery, expanded retail outlets and renovated fitness and spa facilities.
Outdoor Decks and Attractions: A new water park with slides and a kiddie splash zone, a Serenity adults-only retreat, and a SportSquare recreation area with ropes course and mini golf.
Youth & Family Entertainment: Dedicated Camp Ocean, Circle "C" and Club O2 facilities hosting supervised children's programming for kids 2-17, as well as an arcade.
Theater & Live Entertainment: The Punchliner Comedy Club in the new Limelight Lounge, Playlist Productions shows in the Liquid Lounge, live entertainment, deck parties, onboard programming and the popular sing-along piano bar.
Staterooms and Suites: Two redesigned Captain's Suites and updates to all staterooms.
Carnival Sunrise's Inaugural Season
Beginning May 23, 2019, Carnival Sunrise will set sail from New York through mid-October on a series of four- to 14-day voyages. An invitation-only naming ceremony will be held on board prior to the May 23 departure with Kelly Arison, daughter of Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine, serving as the ship's godmother.
Carnival Sunrise will return to Norfolk in October for two six-day cruises then reposition to Fort Lauderdale for four- and five-day cruises beginning October 28, 2019.
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