Sailing Its Inaugural Season After a $200 Million Makeover
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RELATED: The Chef's Table
By GERRY and PAMELA BARKER North Palm Beach Life June, 2019. ABOARD CARNIVAL SUNRISE_After investing nearly $200 millon in shiny new upgrades for Carnival Triumph, it's no wonder Carnival opted to give the refurished ship a new name as well. Meet Carnival Sunrise. Newly launched this spring after two months in drydock, Pam and I are checking out all the changes on a 5-day cruise to Bermuda, departing from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. We're anxious to see all the changes an d upgrades Carnival has made to the ship, plus this is our first visit to Bermuda. Please join as we explore what Sunrise has to offer. |
Our journey started by boarding the Amtrak Silver Meteor train at the West Palm Beach station. We arrive at Penn Station the next day. Slow, yes, but more scenic. Having a sleeper helps, too.
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DAY ONE
Amtrak has made some nice upgrades to the dining car since our last trip. When you get a sleeper, meals are included.
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Despite rain showers, there's nothing like sailing past the soaring New York skyline and Lady Liberty,
still standing tall. |
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Inside, we're impressed by how engaged Carnival personnel, stationed outside elevators and dining areas, are in answering questions and directing guests. It really helps first-timers, as well as veteran cruisers making their first visit to this ship.
We have chosen Anytime Dining, which means we can request a table anytime between 5:15 and 9:15. Carnival has made that easy, too, through the Carnival HUB app, which helps you organize just about all aspects of your cruise. As New York fades in the distance, the sun has returned in all its glory. Tomorrow is a sea day, and we'll take that time to look over all the changes $200 million will buy. Stay tuned. An electric violin trio entertained in the ship;s atrium as guests streamed aboard. Sunrise has a capacity of 2,800 passengers and 1,100 crew. |
DAY TWO
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The big story on Day Two is the wind. We were rocking and rolling to the point the pool had to be closed, as well as access to the upper decks. Mother Nature was having her way with us.
Over in the atrium, the ship's chefs were holding a cooking demontration, featuring sushi and other dishes from the ship's specialty restaurants. Even better, we all got free samples!
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Despite the wind, the loungers were open for business, and business was brisk as guests soaked up the sun.
This is Bonsai Sushi, on Deck 5, where you can enjoy your favorite sushi in a relaxed and serene setting.
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This was our choice for lunch -- Cucina del Capitano. While a specialty restaurant by night, it's a free, sit down and order pasta place by day.
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Pam waits for lunch to arrive while the chef, above, gets it ready. You get to pick your choice of pasta and sauce -- and it's all good.
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The Sunshine Restaurant has been beautifully restyled as part of the ship's makeover. This is where you eat for Anytime Dining. Assigned seating is available in Radiance.
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There was an afternoon tea service in the Sunshine Restaurant, one of two main dining rooms. You could have Earl Grey for an extra $1.95, or go with Lipton. We chose Lipton.
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That night, we venture to the Liquid Lounge to see a performance of "Soulbound." Due to the winds, the cast had to forego the regular show and just sing the songs, but that was enough to impress. There was a lot of talent and powerful voices on display, none more so than female vocalist Paige Braley (fourth from the right). Now we can't wait to see their next show, "Vintage Pop."
We had dinner at the 555 Fahrenheit Steakhouse, a specialty restaurant with a $38 upcharge. Since we don't eat red meat, we both opted for the Dover Sole. Delicious.
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An amuse bouche to start. So good!
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The molten chocolate cake
was a decadent delight. |
We closed the evening with Scott, the Piano Man, in the 88 Bar, who was playing guest requests
in front of a packed house. Hats off to Scott, who kept going and going and going.
Who knows -- he may still be singing as I type this.
in front of a packed house. Hats off to Scott, who kept going and going and going.
Who knows -- he may still be singing as I type this.