Farewell Destiny Hello Sunshine

Destiny Went In and Sunshine has Emerged

Serenity Deck on Carnival Sunshine   Courtesy CCL

The long awaited transformation of Carnival Destiny into the Carnival Sunshine is now complete as the ship sailed it's inaugural voyage out of Venice with some work remaining to be completed.

This is amongst the largest re-makes in the cruise industry and certainly the largest undertaking for a Carnival cruise ship.   See what you think...

  Watch the Transformation of Carnival Destiny into Carnival Sunshine   
Inaugural Voyage Not All Sunshine

When the revitalized Carnival Sunshine set sail from Venice on its inaugural 12-Night Mediterranean voyage on May 5th, there still was some work to be done to totally complete the transformation. It wasn't until 3 days before the cruise ended that the new WaterWorks Aqua Park was opened to the public. The Rope Course was another feature that was unavailable until near the end of the voyage.

Since Mediterranean cruises are so sightseeing intensive, there might not have been a lot of time to enjoy the facilities on board the ship anyway, but Carnival did the right thing and compensated passengers with a $150 on board credit.

Was It Worth the Wait?

The $155M transformation had originally been slated to be completed by April, but the Carnival Triumph fire that left that ship stranded had a cascading effect on the entire Carnival fleet.   President and CEO Gerry Cahill promised to increase operating redundancies, emergency power and fire prevention, detection and suppression systems fleetwide, so the dry-dock was extended to complete that work on the new Carnival Sunshine.

Read more about the delays: Carnival Triumph & Sunshine Returns Delayed

Carnival Sunshine becomes the first ship in the Carnival fleet to have all of the Fun Ship 2.0 features as well as the first ship to deploy the new safety improvements making it an ideal ship for your next vacation at sea.

Want to Learn more about Fun Ship 2.0? TOUCH this Image and then move your mouse over the various interactive buttons.  Watch Videos, View Menus, Get More Facts.   Enjoy !!

 

 Highlights:

• A fleet first: Carnival Sunshine's WaterWorks area introduces Speedway Splash, featuring two lanes of long-distance waterslide racing action.
• With a brand-new Cloud 9 Spa, plus 95 brand-new Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms, Carnival Sunshine practically floats on air!
• Carnival Sunshine's Serenity Adults-Only Retreat spans three decks, which means relaxation on a whole new level... or two, actually.
• Hungry for something new? Carnival Sunshine will feature 10 dining venues that are either brand-new or completely redesigned.
• Even with all the added decks, staterooms and fun features, Carnival Sunshine's weight will only grow by about 1% (from 101,353 to 102,853 tons).
• 3,006 passenger capacity, 1,150 onboard crew, 893 length in feet

Learn more about the changes:  Destiny Goes In Sunshine Comes Out

Click for Carnival Sunshine Sailings

Destiny Goes In Sunshine Comes Out

49 Days + $155m = Sunshine

Carnival Destiny will undergo a $155 million makeover next year that will incorporate all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of exciting innovations unique to this vessel.

Next February, Carnival Destiny will go into a 49-day dry dock at Fincantieri shipyards. This project represents the most ambitious refit and transformation that Carnival Cruise Line has ever done.

 

During the dry dock, Carnival Destiny will be transformed into Carnival Sunshine, which will emerge from the shipyard with a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck, and the expansion of two other decks within the forward section of the ship.  This transformation  provides the opportunity to incorporate a number of new and exciting on-board spaces. 182 cabins will be added, as well.

Update:  Return to Service now May 5th 2013, 2 European Cruises Cancelled

Carnival Triumph & Sunshine Returns Delayed

Following the dry dock, Carnival Sunshine will embark on a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013 then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning November 2013.

“This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the Carnival Destiny into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options, and on-board innovations not available anywhere else" said Gerry Cahill, Carnival President and CEO.

Fun Ship 2.0 + New Features

• A full-service Asian restaurant inspired by the line’s popular Mongolian wok casual eateries , with no charge for lunch, but a nominal fee for dinner.
• The Comfort Kitchen: Located in the Lido Marketplace, it will offer a tempting array of American-style “comfort food” entrees and side dishes.
• Havana Bar, a tropical-inspired nightspot located aft within Lido Marketplace featuring a panoramic ocean view from its floor to ceiling windows and offering a unique and memorable venue for cocktails, live Latin music and dancing.
• New Sunshine Bar, an elegant lounge with sun-splashed interiors located at the lobby level of the ship’s towering atrium.
• A new cigar bar concept offering fine cigars and a variety of brandies, cognacs and liqueurs, ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks and conversation.


• Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, with plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a cascading waterfall, teak-planked decks, a pool and complimentary dining area.
• SportSquare, Carnival Sunshine’s new open-air recreation complex that includes a ropes course, mini-golf course, a lighted half court for basketball and volleyball among other sporting amenities.  

Mediterranean Cruises

• 14-day Venice to Barcelona (Apr 6-23, 2013)
• 9 and 12-day R/T Barcelona or Between Barcelona and Venice (18 voyages)
• Ports include: Marseilles, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno (Pisa/Florence) and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Transatlantic Cruise

•  16-day departing Barcelona Nov1 arriving New Orleans Nov 17, 2013

Year-round Deployment - New Orleans

• 6-day from New Orleans (Nov 18-24, 2013)
• 7-day schedule begins Nov 24, 2013 (3 different itineraries)
• western Caribbean route to Belize City, Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel, Mexico
• Bahamas/Florida schedule to Key West, Fla., Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas
• western Caribbean departures to Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel

Carnival Sunshine will replace Carnival Conquest, which is currently based in New Orleans. Additional details on the Carnival Conquest deployment will be announced in the near future.

Carnival Splendor Cruise Cancellations Extended

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES CANCELS

ADDITIONAL VOYAGES 

OF CARNIVAL SPLENDOR 

AS REPAIRS CONTINUE

Ship Now Scheduled to Re-Enter Service February 20 

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced additional cancellations of Carnival Splendor.  The January 16, 23, 30 and February 6 and 13, 2011, voyages were canceled to allow for additional repair time following the engine room fire aboard the vessel in November. 

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2, 2011 (click following link for latest)

Carnival Splendor to Leave San Francisco and Return to Service

Update:   The investigation is ongoing, but the U.S. Coast Guard has released preliminary findings

USCG Generates Recommendations Following Splendor Fire

Carnival Splendor needs new generator, alternators, switchboard parts

Carnival's statement indicated that as the repairs have been progressing, additional problems were uncovered requiring additional repair time.  In addition, some parts were unavailable and had to be manufactured in Europe.

The ship is currently in San Diego, however, it will sail to San Francisco in mid-January where repairs will be completed at a dry dock facility.

"We sincerely apologize to our guests for having to cancel these additional cruises," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO.  "We made our best effort back in November to estimate the necessary repair time with a strong goal of not having to modify it at a later point in time.  Unfortunately, as the repairs have progressed and we have discovered additional issues, it is now clear that we need more time.  We know this is extremely disappointing for our guests and particularly disheartening for those who already had their vacations cancelled once and are now being affected again."

As has been the case with the earlier cancellations, guests booked on the cancelled voyages will receive a refund or future cruise credit equal to the amount paid, along with reimbursement of air transportation-related change fees. Those who re-book may also receive a 25 percent future cruise discount and/or onboard credit depending on the ship and sailing date of the new booking.

Additional details can be found in Carnival Splendor's Travel Advisory statement.

While this is disappointing, Carnival Cruise Line has once again tried to accommodate guests impacted by this accident.   We all look forward to the day when Carnival Splendor will once again be sailing the seven seas with passengers enjoying the repaired ship.

Related Blog Posts:


Carnival Splendor Repair Status
Carnival Splendor Fire Investigation 
Assisting Carnival Splendor 
Carnival Splendor Without Power After Engine Fire
Carnival Splendor Cruises Cancelled until January 16

The Pictures Tell The Story

Where is Chris - Featured Destination Sept 09

It’s a gorgeous morning where I am. The sun is shining, and the trees are gently swaying in the warm breeze. Back home, the wind is howling and the snow is blowing. I am very thankful that I am here.

Where is Chris? I’m not going to tell you right away. Close your eyes and imagine you are standing next to me while I paint a picture of what I saw today and we will see if you can figure it out.

Arriving early in the embarkation port ...

I decided to fly in a few days early before my cruise started to visit a city I had heard about but never visited. It is a diverse city and inexpensive to explore and enjoy. There is plenty of entertainment, places to see and things to do. You will not be disappointed in exploring it.

Exploring the neighborhoods ...

The first thing I do after breakfast is get a map of the city. With a map, I can plot out what I want to see without wandering and getting lost. The city is divided into neighborhoods and each one has a map of the things to visit in their area. I decided to just explore some of the neighborhoods since there is another destination that I want to see before my cruise starts.

Exploring Microcentro...

You will spend plenty of time in this part of the city since it is the hub of the government, banks, services and everything that makes this city tick. The area’s defining feature, that connects two neighborhoods, is the pedestrian thoroughfare that is crowded by day with shoppers and at night the performance artists thrill tourists and locals alike.

The biggest attraction/destination is situated in an old restored building that houses valuable and artistic murals. It offers an extensive list of choices – stores of fashionable clothes, leather articles, books, jewelry, souvenirs and many more things. It has movie theatres and a graceful dining area offering all types of options. It also houses a famous Ballet School.

Exploring a classy neighborhood ...

Another classier neighborhood is lined with handsome apartment buildings and is home to fine shops, art galleries and restaurants. This neighborhood grew up around an area that covers 4 square blocks and has one of the city’s most visited attractions. The ancestors of the city’s aristocracy are buried here. The Recoleta Cemetery is a virtual crypt city of tall and elaborate tombs and mausoleums. The monument most people seek out is the simple dark marble crypt belonging to the wife of the dictator Juan Peron and the heroine of the city’s working class- Eva Peron.

Where am I ?

If you haven’t figured out by now, the city I am spending a few days in is Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires is either the starting point or is in the middle of various cruises. Some of these cruises sail around the tip of South America and end in Valparaiso, Chile.

It is the capital and largest city of Argentina. It is located on the southern shore of the Rio de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent. It has a population of around 13 million and is considered the richest city in South America and the Southern Hemisphere.

Time for you to continue the exploration ...

Let me help you plan a cruise vacation to South America which starts or ends in Buenos Aires. Extend your stay before or after the cruise so that you can visit the many diverse neighborhoods of this city on your own. I have selected a couple itineraries that you might consider in February, 2010.

Select from these Celebrity Infinity Cruises or contact me for other choices ...

14-Night South America, Buenos Aires to Valparaiso

14 Night Antarctic Cruise, Buenos Aires R/T

Let us CUSTOM DESIGN a SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE VACATION for YOU.

e-mail us: cpappin@cruisesinc.com to start planning YOUR cruise

Where is Chris - Featured Destination - August

It’s a gorgeous morning where I am. The sun is shining, and the trees are gently swaying in the warm breeze. Back home, the wind is howling and the snow is blowing.

I am very thankful that I am here.

Where is Chris? I’m not going to tell you right away. Close your eyes and imagine you are standing next to me while I paint a picture of what I saw today and we will see if you can figure it out.

Arriving early in the embarkation port ...

I decided to fly in a few days early before my cruise started to visit a city I had heard about but never visited. It is a diverse city and inexpensive to explore and enjoy. There is plenty of entertainment, places to see and things to do. You will not be disappointed in exploring it.

Exploring the neighborhoods ...

The first thing I do after breakfast is get a map of the city. With a map, I can plot out what I want to see without wandering and getting lost. The city is divided into neighborhoods and each one has a map of the things to visit in their area. I decided to just explore some of the neighborhoods since there is another destination that I want to see before my cruise starts.

Exploring Microcentro...

You will spend plenty of time in this part of the city since it is the hub of the government, banks, services and everything that makes this city tick. The area’s defining feature, that connects two neighborhoods, is the pedestrian thoroughfare that is crowded by day with shoppers and at night the performance artists thrill tourists and locals alike. The biggest attraction/destination is situated in an old restored building that houses valuable and artistic murals. It offers an extensive list of choices – stores of fashionable clothes, leather articles, books, jewelry, souvenirs and many more things. It has movie theatres and a graceful dining area offering all types of options. It also houses a famous Ballet School.

Exploring a classy neighborhood ...

Another classier neighborhood is lined with handsome apartment buildings and is home to fine shops, art galleries and restaurants. This neighborhood grew up around an area that covers 4 square blocks and has one of the city’s most visited attractions. The ancestors of the city’s aristocracy are buried here. The Recoleta Cemetery is a virtual crypt city of tall and elaborate tombs and mausoleums. The monument most people seek out is the simple dark marble crypt belonging to the wife of the dictator Juan Peron and the heroine of the city’s working class- Eva Peron.

Where am I ?

If you haven’t figured out by now, the city I am spending a few days in is Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires is either the starting point or is in the middle of various cruises. Some of these cruises sail around the tip of South America and end in Valparaiso, Chile.

It is the capital and largest city of Argentina. It is located on the southern shore of the Rio de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent. It has a population of around 13 million and is considered the richest city in South America and the Southern Hemisphere.

Time for you to continue the exploration ...

Let me help you plan a cruise vacation to South America which starts or ends in Buenos Aires. Extend your stay before or after the cruise so that you can visit the many diverse neighborhoods of this city on your own. I have selected a couple itineraries that you might consider in February, 2010.

Select from these Celebrity Infinity Cruises or contact me for other choices ...

14-Night South America, Buenos Aires to Valparaiso

14 Night Antarctic Cruise, Buenos Aires R/T

Let us CUSTOM DESIGN a SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE VACATION for YOU.

e-mail us to start planning YOUR cruise

MSC Cruises Welcomes Big Band Lovers

Swing and sway to a Big Band

aboard MSC Poesia

Turn the clocks back to the 1930's and 1940's. Times were tough, much like they are today. The Great Depression was in full swing and the world was about to go to war once again. It was during these dismal times that the Swing Era began and became an important part of musical history.

Enter the Big Band, a type of musical ensemble associated with playing jazz music. Big bands evolved with the times and continue today. A big band typically consists of approximately 12 to 25 musicians and contains saxophones, trumpets, trombones, singers, and a rhythm section.

Teenagers and young adults were the principal fans of the Big Bands in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. They danced to recordings and the radio, and attended live concerts whenever they could. You'll probably remember greats like Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington.

Big Bands played a major role in lifting morale during World War II. Many band members served in the military and toured with USO troupes at the front, with Glenn Miller losing his life while traveling between troop shows.

MSC Cruises rekindles the music of the 30's with two Big Band themed cruises aboard MSC Poesia. Whether you want to hear Big Band music for the first time, or if you are a lover of this era gone by, you will enjoy this special themed cruise.

Featured Musicians:

The 15-piece Les DeMerle Orchestra, featuring vocalist Bonnie Eisele, is sure to have toes tapping, bodies swaying and guests singing along to the sounds of Ellington, Basie, James and Miller, plus the biggest Broadway hits, rock ‘n’ roll classics, hot Latin grooves and show-stoppers from the 40s through today. In addition to their regular appearances, the band will perform a Big Band Jazz Concert and conduct a lecture on the Big Band Era.

Chose one of the following cruises:

REMARKABLE RAINFORESTS & THE PANAMA CANAL
DECEMBER 10, 2009 11 days 10 nights
Fort Lauderdale • Grand Cayman • Cartagena • Cristóbal • Puerto Limón • Playa del Carmen • Fort Lauderdale

ISLAND TREASURES & ANCIENT TEMPLES
FEBRUARY 27, 2010 8 days 7 nights
Fort Lauderdale • Key West • Playa del Carmen • Grand Cayman • Montego Bay • Nassau • Fort Lauderdale

For more information about MSC Poesia and these cruises, see my website or give me a call. Don't forget that Kids 17 and under Sail Free (in same cabin).