The Best of Carnival Sunshine: The Family Edition

From my balcony, there is a wide expanse of inky blue sea that is occasionally punctuated with little white-capped comma shaped waves. The air is warm and slightly sticky, a marked difference from the chilly 40 degree weather we left behind in New Orleans just two days ago. In two days aboard the Carnival Sunshine, the newest ship in the Carnival fleet, we are just beginning to get to know our floating home away from home. In those two days we have already found a few favorite places to eat, play, and relax the days away.

What shines brightest on the Carnival Sunshine?

Eat: Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina are two of the new dining options onboard. Guy’s, as in celebrity chef Guy Fieri, offers gourmet burgers and thick cut fries. The BlueIguana Cantina is constantly cooking up fresh tortillas and made to order burritos. Both restaurants have fun themed décor and are located poolside so you are never too far from a snack.

Play: When it comes to fun, you can’t beat a ropes course at sea-and that’s just one of the many ways to spend the day in the Sports Square. The open air recreation facility features a nine-hole mini golf course, lighted basketball court, foosball, pool tables, and ping pong tables. Shuffleboard and larger than life games of twister and chess are also found in this area. This area sits just above the Waterworks water park, complete with 40 different interactive water features. The highlight of the water park is the longest slide on a Carnival ship. This slide includes a twist that extends over the edge of the ship.

Sleep:  The update to the ship added 182 staterooms, including 96 spa rooms which offer extra spa amenities. Connecting rooms for families are also available nearby Camp Carnival for convenience.  Although staterooms on cruise ships are usually tight quarters, the standard staterooms use every inch of available space wisely. There is plenty of storage space, even for a larger family. Couches and convertible bunkbeds can be accessed for even more sleeping space for the kids.

Do: Giant versions of your favorite Hasbro games such as Sorry!, Connect 4, and Operation take center stage for Hasbro the Game Show. The stars of the show come from the audience, where they play games and win prizes.

Watch:  The Punchliner Comedy Club by George Lopez is the funniest show at sea. Comedians chosen by George Lopez himself keep the audience in stitches. Family friendly shows early in the evening and mid-morning mean everyone can enjoy the laughs.

Treats: Cherry on the Top is a candy and more store that is stocked with more than 80 bins of candy treats. Novelties, gifts, and treats for special occasions can also be purchased here.

Relax: Every parent knows that the definition of Serenity is a bit of kid-free time. Carnival agrees and has created the largest ever Serenity deck with three levels of papasan chairs, hammocks, and kidless calm.

~Carnival Cruise Line provided my family with our cruise aboard the Carnival Sunshine. They did not require that I express a particular viewpoint and all opinions are my own.~