Vessel will sail various itineraries, including the first-ever voyages between the US city and Cuba
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunrise has launched a year-round service from the Port of Charleston in South Carolina, following an inaugural visit on 18 May.
SC Ports Authority (SCPA) and Carnival marked Carnival Sunshine’s maiden visit with a traditional plaque exchange ceremony and a lunch for travel advisors, local officials and other VIPs. During the lunch, Carnival gave a donation to One80 Place, a homeless assistance centre in Charleston that has been supported by the cruise line for many years.
“Carnival Cruise Line is a great customer of the port, and we’re proud to welcome the Sunshine as a reflection of its success in Charleston,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of SCPA. “Cruise operations are an important part of SCPA’s maritime commerce mission and the diversification of our business segments. We look forward to continuing this productive relationship with Carnival and applaud their commitment to supporting charitable organizations in our community.”
Carnival Sunshine will operate the first-ever Cuba cruises from Charleston, which will last five days and take guests to Havana. Other options will include four- and five-day itineraries to The Bahamas, six- and seven-day voyages to Bermuda and the Caribbean, and 10- and 11-day Carnival Journeys itineraries to Caribbean with day-long calls at tropical islands.
“Carnival launched Charleston’s first year-round cruise programme 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 at Carnival Cruise Line. “This weekend’s festivities 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.”