carnival cruise charleston 2024

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Charleston Just Told Carnival It Can No Longer Sail Out Of Its Port Starting In 2024, Here’s Why

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South Carolina is saying goodbye to Carnival Cruise Line starting in 2024, and the state is happy to see the company go!

No More Departures 

The South Carolina Ports Authority is ending its deal with Carnival, preventing the cruise line from departing from Charleston. Carnival ships are currently using the Union Pier Terminal for departures and arrivals. A lot of those journeys are short — heading to the Caribbean and back. The state’s decision ends a 14-year contract. Carnival will still be able to use the port, but only for the day. 

Right now, Carnival Sunshine calls Charleston home, and will continue to do so until early 2024. The last cruise from the South Carolina port is scheduled for April 27, 2024. The 5-day sail will stop in Nassau, Bahamas, and the Carnival-owned island of Half Moon Cay before returning to Charleston one last time.

Controlling Tourism

Charleston officials are applauding the state’s decision, citing a large number of cruise departures throughout the year. In addition to limiting cruise departures, the South Carolina Ports Authority is limiting ships to no more than 104 visits per year and no ship can hold more than 3,500 passengers. Charleston’s mayor says eliminating these departures will allow the city to redevelop the Union Pier Terminal and open up more opportunities for city growth and vitality. 

“We’re grateful to the port for taking this critically important step, and we look forward to continuing to work with [South Carolina Ports Authority] to make Union Pier a beautiful and vibrant part of the city of Charleston,” said Mayor John Tecklenburg.

Charleston is following in Key West’s footsteps in limiting cruise departures as a way to control tourism. In 2020, Key West voters approved a measure to severely limit the number of cruise ships allowed to dock there. But, the state of Florida reversed that decision a year later.

Whether you’re heading to Charleston for a cruise or for the weekend this summer, be sure to check out our list of top beaches near Charleston , plus 12 charming vacation rentals .

Amy’s passion for traveling and writing started at a young age. She grew up traveling with her family -- visiting three continents by the time she was 16. She’s always looking for her next trip and isn't happy until she has at least one (or two) on the horizon. She is most fulfilled when she’s exploring new areas like a local and finding good deals on travel and activities.

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Amy is married with two young kids. Both kids got their passports before age one, as it’s her goal to instill the travel bug in them from a young age. If you can’t find Amy at an airport, you can find her trying out new restaurants, reading, or running.

Charleston Voyage > Charleston Cruise Lines > Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruises from Charleston

Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises from Charleston all year-round. These "Fun Ship" voyages are affordable vacations that the entire family can enjoy. Sail to the Bahamas or the Caribbean. See the full schedule below.

The Carnival Sunshine ship includes features like the big Serenity adults-only retreat, Camp Carnival for kids, Waterworks aquapark, SportSquare, SkyCourse, Spa Carnival, a casino, nightclubs, and live enterainment.

Multiple dining options are included in your fare. Those options range from the main dining room to the Lido buffet, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

4-day cruises to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to Nassau (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 2, January 11, February 8, March 7, April 4, May 2, May 30, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22, September 5, October 3, October 17, October 31, November 14, November 28, December 12, December 26.

4-day cruises to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 25, March 21.

5-day cruises to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 6, January 29, February 12, March 2, March 11, March 25, March 30, April 8, April 27, May 6, May 25, June 3, June 17, July 1, July 6, July 15, July 29, August 3, August 12, August 17, August 26, August 31, September 9, October 21, November 18, November 23, December 16, December 30.

5-day cruises to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to Nassau (Bahamas) and Princess Cays (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: February 3, March 16, June 8, June 22, July 20, September 28, October 7, October 12, October 26, November 4, November 9, December 21.

6-day cruises to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to Freeport (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: February 25, April 21.

6-day cruises to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: May 19, September 22.

8-day cruises to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). • 2024 departures: May 11, September 14.

8-day cruises to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), St Maarten and San Juan (Puerto Rico). • 2024 departures: February 17.

8-day cruises to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departures: April 13.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), St Maarten, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). • 2024 departure: December 2.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Charleston to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), St Maarten, St Kitts, St Croix and San Juan (Puerto Rico). • 2024 departure: January 15.

Have fun. Explore the world. Take a Carnival cruise from Charleston.

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Carnival Family Cruising

Carnival Bahamas cruises from $164*

Carnival Bermuda cruises from $429*

27 Ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet

Ship:  .

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Carnival Sunshine Overview

As the sun shines on the Carnival Sunshine you can find passengers laughing, smiling and screaming in delight as they are climbing in the ropes course, sliding down a giant waterslide or cheering on their favorite team at the EA SPORTS Bar. When the sun sets on the Carnival Sunshine, a whole different kind of fun emerges. Passengers are invited to attend a Playlist Production where they can dance in the aisles and sing along to some of their favorite songs brought to life by professional singers and dancers. The RedFrog Pub and Havana Bar heat up and you’ll enjoy some time under the stars.

• Passenger Capacity: 3,002 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1996
• Last Refurbished: 2021

• Serenity retreat One of the greatest things about a cruise is the ability to escape the hustle and bustle you have back home. Some people choose to let loose and party, while others seek some peace and quiet. Luckily the Carnival Sunshine now features three stories to their Serenity adults-only retreat. You are sure to find space to lounge with a good book, a good drink or both.  

• WaterWorks The islands aren’t the only place to splish splash around. Carnival Sunshine has her own waterpark onboard. WaterWorks offers waterslides that twist and two where you can race your friends. There’s also the PowerDrencher where a bucket of water comes raining down on you when you least expect it and lots of other fun spots to get wet.  

• Guy’s Burger Joint 3You may know him and love him as the host of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network, but on the Carnival Sunshine you’ll praise Chef Guy Fieri for making the best burgers ever. His Guy’s Burger Joint is the place to come to try a delicious burger like the Pig Patty, Chilius Maximus and Straight Up. Get ready to try some of Guy’s favorite flavors including Donkey Sauce, which is his secret version of mayonnaise.  

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Destinations

Spanning 6 continents and countless countries ranging from Croatia to the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Lines' list of destinations below is nothing short of inspiring. There's somewhere for the culinary enthusiast, the history buff, the beachside lounger and the rugged explorer. Destinations include, but are not limited to: the Bahamas, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, just to name a few. You can follow the links to learn more about each particular destination.

Bring the whole family for a sunny Bahamas cruise full of smiles, sandy beaches, and maybe a snorkel or two.

Be enchanted, enthused and enamored with the history, setting and fun that Bermuda has to offer with Carnival Cruise Lines.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

Carnival Sunshine Departure Ports

Carnival has ships home ported in cities across the U.S. making sure you’re never more than a car ride away from embarking on an unforgettable vacation. You can find Carnival ships in Charleston, New York, Long Beach and New Orleans. Ready to sail, call The Cruise Web to start your trip today!

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is known for its southern charm, historic buildings and beautiful beaches.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a quaint historically nautical town situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, leading to the Atlantic Ocean and many wonderful cruise destinations.

Carnival Sunshine Deck Plans

Mezzanine deck, promenade deck, spa & waterworks, serenity & sportsquare, carnival sunshine staterooms.

Balcony (8M)

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

Balcony (8N)

Balcony (BL)

Any balcony stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Balcony (8A)

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 Sunshine. Two Twin beds convert to king). Desk and Seat. Full bathroom w/ Shower. 3 Closets. Private balcony with patio chairs and table. Twin beds do not convert to king when two uppers in use.

Balcony (8B)

Catch a glimpse of what's going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine, where you'll get views you won’t find anywhere on land. Don’t miss sunrise and sunset at sea — your comfy stateroom is the best way to experience these!

Balcony (8C)

Balcony (8d), balcony (8e).

Balcony (9B)

Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Sunshine, 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.

Balcony (8T)

SpaBalc: 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!

Balcony (9C)

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine and itÂ’s easy to see exactly what youÂ’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. ItÂ’s about more than just the room itself, youÂ’ll findÂ… step onto your oversized balcony and youÂ’ll find that when thereÂ’s a sea breeze in your hair, thereÂ’s no limit to the relaxation you can have.

Balcony (8S)

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!

Inside (1A)

A Carnival Sunshine Interior Upper/Lower stateroom creatively maximizes space for a pair of cruisers. These staterooms feature all the same amenities as other Interior staterooms, with a different layout — including one Twin bed, and either an upper Pullman or sofa bed. They also feature linens from the Carnival Comfort Collection, a full private bathroom and more.

Inside (4A)

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Carnival Sunshine's interiors are not just cozy, but are full of things youÂ’d expect from any Carnival stateroom: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and just-a-call-away 24-hour room service.

Inside (4B)

Inside (4c), inside (4d), inside (4e), inside (4f), inside (4g).

Inside (4J)

An Interior with Picture Window stateroom on Carnival Sunshine gives you a view beyond your stateroom, out to the observation deck outside including a great sky view. (Note that the view will be partially obstructed.)

Inside (IS)

Any inside stateroom, or better, dependng on availability.

Inside (PT)

Carnival Sunshine's Porthole staterooms give you the classic seafarer's view times two - a pair of round windows providing an affordable view of the ocean. If you tire of ocean-gazing, there's plenty more to do onboard, but 24-hour room service is one amenity you can enjoy as you continue to take in the view.

Inside (4S)

We've taken the warm essence of our Cloud 9 Spas and infused it into spa staterooms on Carnival Sunshine. Your room is the perfect place to do less, actually: just relax and take some you-time, anytime. All Cloud 9 Spa accommodations feature private spa access, special amenities and priority spa reservations.

Oceanview (OV)

Catch a glimpse of what's going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine, where you'll get views you won't find anywhere on land. Don't miss sunrise and sunset at sea - your comfy stateroom is the best way to experience these!

Oceanview (6A)

Oceanview (6b), oceanview (6c), oceanview (6d).

Oceanview (6J)

Your Scenic Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine provides the best view of the sea that lies ahead of the ship, with views unlike any on land. And you'll get more of them, too, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of looking-glass for gazing at the natural wonders of the sea... and let's not forget sunrise and sunset.

Oceanview (6K)

Your Scenic Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Sunshine provides the best view of the sea that lies ahead of the ship, with views unlike any on land. Two Twin beds (convert to King). Sofa and Coffee table. Desk and Seat. Full bathroom w/ Shower. 3 Closets. Floor-to-ceiling window.

A Carnival Sunshine 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.

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.

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Sunshine features even more space than the standard suite - plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Any suite, depending on availability.

This is the best room you can get... without bunking up with the guy himself. A Captain's Suite aboard Carnival Sunshine features tons of indoor space, and a huge balcony when you need a little more. Back inside you'll find a king-size bed, two full bathrooms (one with whirlpool tub), plus a separate living room that sleeps another three. And VIP check-in? Naturally.

Photo Gallery for Carnival Sunshine Cruise Ship

Imagine the fun that’s waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise. The drinks, the games, the sights and the sun! Take a look at this photo gallery to help you envision your perfect vacation.

Carnival Sunshine just outside Dubrovnik

Carnival Sunshine

Guy's Burger Joint

Top 10 Carnival Sunshine Cruises

• Carnival Sunshine 8-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Charleston, South Carolina (Sep 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine 6-day Bahamas Departing From Charleston, South Carolina (Sep 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine Journeys - 10-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Charleston, South Carolina (Dec 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine 8-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Norfolk, Virginia (Feb 2025 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Sunshine 6-day Bahamas Departing From Norfolk, Virginia (Feb 2025 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Sunshine 6-day Bermuda Departing From Norfolk, Virginia (Jul 2025 - Oct 2025)

Learn More About Carnival Cruise Line

Accessibility

Learn about Carnival Cruise Lines' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities - including special staterooms, accessible elevators, dietary accommodations and more.

Savor dining aboard Carnival cruises, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, the Asian Kitchen, Main Dining Room, Steakhouse, Pizzeria, Coffee Bar, Seadogs, Shake Spot and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Carnival's onboard entertainment, including stage shows, Thrill Theater, game shows, comedy clubs, live music, DJs, seaside theater, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Take advantage of Carnival's onboard activities, including WaterWorks water slides, pools, sports courts, ropes course, mini-golf, video arcade, sports bars, casino, duty-free shopping, bars and lounges, art gallery and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Carnival takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services by attentive, cheerful staff. Plus, view Carnival Cruise Lines' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Carnival's Serenity Adult Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, fitness center, jogging track, beauty salon, yoga or pilates courses. Carnivals treatments include massages, body wraps, facials, thermal suites and more.

Special Events

From weddings to parties, celebrate your special events at sea with Carnival Cruise Line.

View Carnival's cruise ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and interior staterooms. Plus, Cloud 9 Balconies bring health and wellness to your room.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Carnival. There's Camp Carnival for ages 2 - 11, Circle C for young teens and Club O2 for ages 15 - 17. Plus, Camp Carnival Night Owls will watch kids until 3 am.

Cruise Type

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Cruises From Charleston 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Carnival Sunshine - May 2, 2024

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May 2, 2024

May 2 - 6, 2024

Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Cruise Lines

4 Night Bahamas

from Charleston, South Carolina

The May 2, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Sunshine departs from Charleston, South Carolina. On this 4 Night Bahamas sailing, the ship will visit a total of 2 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Sunshine sets sail on a Thursday (May 2, 2024) and returns on a Monday (May 6, 2024).

The Carnival Sunshine was built in 1996 and is amoung Carnival's 26 ships in it's fleet. The Carnival Sunshine is included in the cruise line's Sunshine Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Carnival Sunshine vs all other Carnival ships.

All Itineraries

Perhaps no other city in America has enjoyed as much celebrity as Charleston, South Carolina. Named after King Charles of England, Charleston was not only the "Holy City," but also a city steeped in history and romance. Charleston's energy and vitality is virtually palpable, and the arts, food, culture, gentility and variety of Charleston are unsurpassed on the East coast.

Perhaps no other city in America has enjoyed as much celebrity as Charleston, South Carolina. Named after King Charles of England, Charleston was not only the "Holy City," but also a city steeped in...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Carnival Sunshine Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Nassau/Paradise Island is the capital of the Bahamas. Explore Parliament Square, the government center that dates back to the early 1800s or check out the port's vibrant night life, including more casinos, theatres, and fabulous cuisine than you could possibly fit into a short stay. During the day, there's plenty of golfing, tennis, and swimming.

Nassau/Paradise Island is the capital of the Bahamas. Explore Parliament Square, the government center that dates back to the early 1800s or check out the port's vibrant night life, including more...