DAY FOUR -- AT SEA

By GERRY and PAMELA BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
June, 2019.

ABOARD CARNIVAL SUNRISE_Sunday morning -- our last day at sea. How do these cruise days go by so fast? In less than 24 hours, we're back at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, right where we started.

First, the weather report you've been waiting for: The winds have picked up, but nothing so far like the trip out. Lots of sunshine streaming through our balcony window.

Sea days are good days to explore and sample areas of the ship you haven't experienced; or just chill out, relax and try to soak it all up before it's over. We did a little of both.

On sea days they offer "Brunch at Sea" in the Sunshine Restaurant. Gerry opted for the fried chicken and honey-cheese biscuit. That gravy was to die for.

​You can do a ropes course up top. There are also basketball courts, miniature golf and a huge tube water slide. On this trip we were more watchers and doers.

Your in-room TV knows who you are, so watch yourself.

The lobby bar in the ship's atrium -- a main
​ gathering spot and the heart of the ship.

Lucky Bowl is the new Asian eatery on Sunrise, located on Deck 9 in the Lido buffet. They offer three
​different noodle bowls on a daily basis. 

The mixologists at the Alchemy Bar on Deck 5 really work their drink magic. Choose you favorite from the lighted menu and watch them do their thing.

The French Kiss

A Peach Cosmo

We were looking forward to "Vintage Pop" in the Liquid Lounge, and it didn't disappoint. This tribute to the Roarings 20s was an electrifying mix of song and dance with topnotch production values. It was so good we saw it again after dinner -- and on all the cruises we've been on, that's a first.

DAY FIVE - BACK IN NEW YORK

ABOARD CARNIVAL SUNRISE_We wake up on the last day of our cruise and take a look outside our balcony window. What a sight. Carnival Sunrise is easing into New York harbor -- just like her name -- at sunrise.

Lady Liberty is always a welcome sight, going and coming back.

Early risers were snapping photos all over the top deck. There's nothing quite like the Big Apple.

Besides our souvenirs and shopping buys, we're also bringing back a lot of great memories.  After we gather our bags and go through security, we'll get a taxi to Penn Station and in the afternoon, board the Amtrak back to West Palm Beach and home. Pam is already excited to buy a box of her favorite cupcakes at the Magnolia Bakery in Penn Station for the trip back.

​Overall, Sunrise is a great choice for a vacation getaway. The upgraded Fun Ship works hard to deliver on their "Fun" promise, but like any kind of travel, it's mostly what you make it. Sunrise just gives you a lot to work with.

Carnival Sunrise will continue sailing from New York through mid-October on a series of four- to 14-day voyages before returning to Norfolk in October for two six-day cruises. Afterwards, she will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for four- and five-day cruises beginning Oct. 28. 

Back in New York

Almost there -- Amtrak makes a stop in Jacksonville. Until the next time, safe travels!