MIAMI — The new and improved Carnival Sunrise has arrived home in Fort Lauderdale to launch a series of Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from Port Everglades.

The ship, which debuted earlier this year following an extensive US$200 million renovation as part of a fleetwide $2 billion ship enhancement program, arrived in its new homeport on Oct. 28 after a sold-out, five-day cruise to Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman.

The cruise marked the first of nearly 40 departures from Fort Lauderdale through May 2, 2020. To commemorate its inaugural call at the port, a traditional maritime plaque exchange was held with port and government officials as well as a reception and lunch for local dignitaries and travel agents.

“We are pleased to bring Carnival Sunrise to Port Everglades, providing our guests with more options in sailing from South Florida,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Since debuting earlier this year, the ship has received rave reviews from our guests offering exciting enhancements and the amazing service that our crew always delivers.”

New features onboard the Carnival Sunrise include poolside venues like Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse by Food Network star Guy Fieri, The Chef’s Table fine dining experience, the pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar and a new waterpark featuring slides and a kiddie splash zone.

There’s also a new Serenity adults-only retreat, a SportSquare recreation area with ropes course and mini golf, the new Pixels photo gallery, expanded retail outlets, renovated fitness and spa facilities, the Punchliner Comedy Club in the new Limelight Lounge, Playlist Productions shows in the Liquid Lounge, and two redesigned Captain’s Suites. All staterooms have also been given a refresh.

Carnival’s four-day ‘long-weekend’ cruises will call at tropical ports like Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, Grand Turk and Nassau, while five-day cruises will visit seaside destinations in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Grand Turk.

Carnival Sunrise will reposition to New York for four-day cruises to Bermuda and eight-day Caribbean departures beginning May 3, 2021.

All of Carnival Sunrise’s sailings are open for reservations.