Tell me about the Sunshine and Charleston Port

[markntara]

Hi Folks,

My wife and I are Platinum but never sailed on the Sunshine or out of Charleston, but we're looking at it.  The most recent reviews on Cruise Critic are not the Sunshine's friend. 

 

What are your recent experiences?  The good, bad, and the ugly.

Thanks in advance & have a nice day.
 

[mz-s]

I have not been on the Sunshine in a year but sailed her 3x last year and have sailed out of Charleston something like 10x altogether. The ship is now the oldest in Carnival's fleet. It was renovated in 2012 but hasn't really been touched since.

 

As far as the ship, it's fine. It mostly adheres to the typical Carnival experience right now. So if you are good with the Carnival product of the past year to 18 months you'll enjoy it. The main quirks are the oddly designed lounges and buffet areas, but that is well documented online.

 

Charleston port is unique because it was never designed to accommodate a 3000 passenger vessel. But they get the most out of the facilities they have. Expect a reasonably pleasant embarkation experience. No, it won't be like Terminal F in Miami but they do a good job. Charleston and Carnival had plans for over a decade to build a beautiful new modern port in Charleston but it will not happen and the port will cease homeport operations at the end of 2024, which is sad.

Edited September 12, 2023 by mz-s

[Drazil65]

We were on the Sunshine last month and  we enjoy this ship.  Truthfully its pretty much the only older/smaller ship we will sail on with CCL as we do prefer the larger, newer ones.  The Sunshine is in decent shape we are typically in a balcony or suite so deck 7 or above, midship.  This ship has plenty of entertainment and dinning options and we have never had an issue with YTD.  Last month the comedy and the production shows were very good.  The serenity area on this ship is above average as are the spa/gym options if you use them. The casino is typical for this medium size ship but will get crowded in the evening.  

 

We love visiting Charleston and have no issues with the port parking, its a little different than most ports but is efficient for the most part.  We are also platinum and we have not had any issues with boarding (we do board early).  We will definitely miss  this port and the Sunshine being so close to home after next year but will always go back to visit Charleston.  

[Butterbean1000]

I've sailed out of Charleston a couple of times and the port is fine.  It's definately different from what you're probably used to.  The port has always been controversial.  The city is divided, some love having it there and others hate it.  I'm sorry that it will not be an option after 2024.  My daughter lives in Charleston which makes it a cheaper trip for us. It's close and we don't have to pay for a hotel and parking. 🙂

[mz-s]

1 hour ago, Butterbean1000 said:

I've sailed out of Charleston a couple of times and the port is fine.  It's definately different from what you're probably used to.  The port has always been controversial.  The city is divided, some love having it there and others hate it.  I'm sorry that it will not be an option after 2024.  My daughter lives in Charleston which makes it a cheaper trip for us. It's close and we don't have to pay for a hotel and parking. 🙂

 

As usual the people that love it love the money it brings, and the people that hate it don't need the money it brings.

[ninjacat123]

If you cruise on Sunshine and enjoy delicious Asian food, book a dinner at JiJi's!!  Totally worth the upcharge ($18/person last time I was there) service is great and tons of yummy food!  Cucina del Capitano was worth it as well.  I'm gonna miss Sunshine in Charleston!