CARNIVAL SUNSHINE

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Latest news

US Customs forcibly deported Filipinos from cruise ship despite valid visas

On July 20, 2025, at least 18 Filipino workers were forcibly removed in handcuffs from the 'Carnival Sunshine' in the Port of Norfolk in Virginia, and sent back to the Philippines and banned from re-entry to the United States for 10 years. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) removed the workers, all with valid 10-year visas, from the vessel, the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) said in a joint statement. The workers have not been charged or found guilty of any crime. They had valid work visas and were previously cleared to work in the United State

ruise ship received an inspection score of 89 during a routine health check

The 'Carnival Sunshine' received an inspection score of 89 during a routine health check conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 8 as part of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), flagged 26 violations. Among the most serious were reports of a food service employee continuing to work while experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, insects found in food service areas, and refrigeration failures that compromised safe food storage. The CDC noted cockroaches and fruit flies in multiple galleys and food preparation areas, including sightings beneath equipment and near dishwashing stations. In a detailed inspection report, the CDC cited several equipment issues, including malfunctioning refrigeration units that allowed potentially hazardous foods—like sandwiches and raw meatballs—to rise above safe temperature thresholds. Additional problems included worn gaskets on ice machines, leaking water lines, damaged flooring, and disrepair of food-contact surfaces. While the ship did pass the inspection, it still must submit a corrective action plan to the CDC.

Cruise ship delayed due to poor weather

The 'Carnival Sunshine' had to slow down on her return to Charleston, South Carolina, at the end of her current 5-night sailing due to poor weather. Strong winds and waves made it difficult for the ship to sail at full speed and maintain optimal safety and comfort. This has had a knock on effect on embarkation fort the departure on Feb 8, 2024,, which was delayed by several hours. Incoming guests have been alerted to the change and advised to push back their arrival time to accommodate the delay. Travelers were asked to delay their terminal arrival appointment by three hours. All guests, however, had to be onboard no later than 5:30 p.m. for the ship to depart. Originally, the 'Carnival Sunshine'‘s planned departure was 4 p.m., but this has been pushed back as much as possible to permit adequate time for both debarkation and embarkation. The ship’s next sailing was a 4-night Bahamas cruise, with a day at sea first, followed by a full day in Nassau and another day at sea before returning to Charleston on Feb 12. At this time, there was no change to that itinerary.