Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1152980
B M & T ••• July/August 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 42 C arnival Sunshine has launched a schedule of four- to 11-day voyages from the Port of Charleston, becoming the newest ship to operate year-round cruises from that port. Carnival Sunshine inaugural festivities in May included a luncheon for travel advisors, local officials and VIPs during which Carnival made a donation to One80 Place, a homeless assistance center sup- ported by the cruise line for many years. Charleston-based ships have donated hundreds of mattresses, chairs, dishes and other items for use at the facility over the years. Carnival Sunshine's schedule from Charleston includes four- and five-day sailings to the Bahamas, six- and seven-day voyages to Bermuda and the Caribbean, and the first-ever Cuba cruises from Charleston with a series of five-day sailings calling at Havana. Also offered are longer-length 10- and 11-day Carnival Journeys sailings to the Caribbean with daylong calls at tropical islands, opportunities to sample local cuisine and entertainment and activities like a retro Throwback Sea Day. "Carnival launched Charleston's first-year round cruise program nearly a decade ago and we're delighted to homeport Carnival Sunshine which offers our guests so many wonderful onboard features and amenities," said Terry Thornton, senior vice president of nautical and port operations for Carnival Cruise Line. "This weekend's festivi- ties were a great way to celebrate the arrival of Charleston's newest year-round cruise ship while supporting a longtime charitable partner that has made such a tremendous impact on the community," he added. Commented Jim Newsome, SC Ports Authority president and CEO, "Carnival Cruise Line is a great customer of the Port, and we're proud to welcome the Sunshine as a reflection of their success in Charleston. Cruise operations are an important part of SCPA's mar- itime commerce mission and the diversification of our business seg- ments. We look forward to continuing this productive relationship with Carnival and applaud their commitment to supporting charitable organizations in our community." In addition to featuring more than 500 balcony staterooms and nearly 50 suites, Carnival Sunshine offers a wide range of onboard amenities that include stunning outdoor spaces like a three-level Serenity adults-only retreat, a suspended ropes course and Speedway Splash, dual racing slides that are part of an expansive WaterWorks aqua ark. A variety of food and beverage options such as Ji Ji Asian C R U I S E N E W S CARNIVAL SUNSHINE LAUNCHES YEAR-ROUND SERVICE FROM CHARLESTON Inaugural Festivities Include VIP Luncheon, Donation to Local Charity One80 Place