Continuing its restart of cruise operations from U.S. ports, Carnival Cruise Line has resumed voyages from Charleston, S.C. On Thursday, Carnival Sunshine sailed from the city on a four-day voyage that includes a port call at Nassau, Bahamas.
That voyage was the first by Carnival from the southern port since early 2020 when the start of the pandemic shut down cruise industry operations across the globe.
To commemorate the special "return to sailing" day, the Carnival Sunshine team greeted their first guests on board with a special welcome celebration.
Back Sailing From South Carolina
“We have been sailing from Charleston for 12 years, so we are excited to be back offering guests from all over the southeastern U.S. the opportunity to cruise from this beautiful, historic and charming community," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. She also noted that the restart is a positive step in "providing support to the local economy,”
Carnival Sunshine will operate year-round from Charleston, offering a variety of cruises to destinations within the Bahamas and the Caribbean. It's yet another progress step for Carnival in its restart. The contemporary line now has 19 ships already in guest operations. It's remaining three U.S.-based ships are scheduled to resume their schedules of voyages in March.
In its press release, Carnival said that it will continue to implement a rigorous set of public health protocols focused on the health, safety and well-being of its guests, crew and the communities the line visits. All Carnival voyages are "vaccinated cruises," with all guests and crew required to provide proof of vaccination. In addition, all guests must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of boarding. Masks are required to be worn by all guests and crew in virtually all venues of the ship. Other enhanced health and safety measures are available at www.carnival.com.
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