Carnival Sunshine Embarkation Day | Port of Charleston Details | First Day of the Cruise

Are you going on a Carnival Sunshine cruise? Let us know in the comments section below and check this video out.
In this video you will see...
How does parking and check-in for a cruise work at the Port of Charleston? What is embarkation like for Carnival Sunshine? What does the first day of a cruise look like?
In today's video, Melinda is setting sail on her first cruise in nearly 3 years. She walks you through the parking, check-in and embarkation process at the Port of Charleston, home port to the Carnival Sunshine.
Come along with her as she begins this 5 day journey aboard the Carnival Sunshine!
#CarnivalSunshine #cruisenews #portofcharleston
Whether it's the high seas (CRUISING) or the open road (MOTORCYCLE RIDING), we are going places and taking you with us!
Hello and Welcome to our channel! We are a lifestyle channel where we as twins use our own unique personalities, likes and interests to educate, entertain, and encourage others through content focused on Melinda's cruising adventures and Melissa's motorcycle adventures.
Melissa's videos revolve around the Motorcycle Lifestyle including motorcycle rides, trips, vlogs and events. She shares info about motorcycles (she rides a Harley CVO Triglide) and preparedness as it pertains to the ride. She also shares info about the roads she travels, the historical sites and points of interest along her routes, and the places she visits.
Melinda's videos revolve around her experiences aboard cruise ships: travel vlogs, ship and cabin tours, history and info about ports of call, and tips that make her cruising trips economical and enjoyable.
• The Motorcycle Lifesty...

[@Pintopam321]

I’ve watched LOTS of cruise videos and this is the best. It was detailed, step by step and the narration was excellent. I want to subscribe based on this video alone!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you for your generous comment. I am glad you enjoyed it. More to come...🙂

[@CertifiedQueenThickemz]

im cruising the carnival sunshine in exactly 1 week tomorrow 🤗this video is great ive lookd at video after video and this 1 has helped me more and showed me more than any of the others🤍im so excited🛳️🏝️🇧🇸🌊❤️💙

[@CertifiedQueenThickemz]

oh and im boarding at charleston myself since i live in NC that was way better than having to travel all the way to miami to board😊this video is just perfect it showed me exactly every step we will be taking on embarkation🤍thank u so much @midlifestyletwins

[@pattyobryan3992]

Loved this! You captured the first day perfectly! We were on the Discovery Princess last week so was nice to see the Sunshine. Something they did on our ship was to hide little rubber ducks around the ship with FB tags. Some folks hid 32 ducks! We got two and a friend got two! ❤❤

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Sorry for the late response here. Glad you liked the video. Thank you for watching.

[@adrienneboland830]

heading to the Sunshine in October! Thanks for this VERY informative video!!

[@fredmasn01]

This is a very good, detailed video of the Embarkation process! I cruised on Carnival Sunshine this year (April 2023) and had a GREAT time! She's one of Carnival's oldest ships so her age shows in a few places, especially topside. But with the the massive refurbishment she had in 2012 (and further upgrades in 2018) the interior is beautiful and well laid out! In fact, I loved this cruise so much, I'm taking FORTY of my friends (most of them first time cruisers) from the York County, SC area back on her April of next year! :)

[@katiemay6079]

Nicely done! I loved all the details and deck plan inserts that you added. I also am a Low Country local and will be going on the Sunshine for a NYE cruise in just 12 days. Thanks for all the in depth information!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Awesome! Thank you! So glad you found it helpful. Hopefully I will have the ship tour video done in the next week or so.

[@VelvetHall]

One of the best videos I've seen for the Sunshine!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you for watching and for the feedback. I will have other videos on other cruise ships coming out in the not too distant future. 🥰

[@julesbee6249]

This video was so helpful. We are going on our very first cruise out of Charleston soon. In our 50s and very first cruise ever. We figured this port won’t be available much longer so better take advantage of it being so close….we are also about 20-30 min away.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

I hope you find cruising to be as enjoyable as we did our first time. Enjoy the cruise. Thank you for watching!

[@judpierson1978]

This is the best embarkation video I have seen. Thank you so much for taking the time to do it!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Glad you enjoyed it! Labor of love for sure. Lot of work, but I enjoy doing these. :-)

[@davidp9028]

Thanks for this.. Very informative.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Glad it was helpful.

[@TamikaJenkins]

I'm taking a friend on her first cruise next week. We will be on the Sunshine and I was looking for a video to show her what to expect and your video is by far the best narration I've ever seen. Thanks so much!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Sorry for the late response...we have been in the middle of a big move. 🙂 Hope you are enjoying (enjoyed) your cruise. So thankful this was helpful!

[@lane1na]

I love how thorough your video is! It is soooo helpful!!!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you for watching and for the feedback.

[@analyngracedelfin8027]

Before going on my cruise, I was searching for detailed processes for Embarkation Day and coming back from the cruise, I'd have to say this is the most accurate video. Thank you for the info!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thanks for viewing and for the feedback! 🥰

[@malo908]

Thank you for showing the parking! This is the vid I was looking for!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Our pleasure! Glad you found it helpful. Thank you for watching and for the feedback!

[@malo908]

@@MidLifeStyleTwins thank you so much!

[@davidlodato9276]

Sailing on the Sunshine in March. Pretty much chose the itinerary for the same reason you did. Closest port and a quick mini vacation to get back to cruising! This video was informative!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you for watching and for the feedback. Hope you have a great trip! Enjoy!!!!!

[@kevinbarrett1996]

My wife and I are taking our first cruise in May and we are aboard the Carnival Sunshine! Your video has me even more excited!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

We hope you enjoy your cruise! Thank you so much for watching.

[@AdventureGlide]

*_Pretty cool. I've never been on a cruise, but it looks like a floating version of a Nevada casino. Thanks for bringing us along and for the tour._*

[@melissamcdaniel7174]

(Melissa Here)...I do not get to do them as often as Melinda does, but next to motorcycle trips, there is no better vacation in my opinion.

[@AdventureGlide]

@@melissamcdaniel7174 It looks cool. An experience for sure.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Melinda here, glad you were able to watch it. I love sharing this experience. I have only walked through a Nevada casino, and that was over 30 years ago. I honestly don't remember it much. Cruise ships are indeed a floating resort. Love cruising! Hope to "see" you in our next video! 🙂

[@edwincabrera9172]

I love watching your videos of the cruises and bike rides. Maybe I'll get chance to meet you when I'm out riding my Harley.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you. That would be awesome...where are you?

[@rebeccaw7739]

I love Tj the Cruise Director. We live in North Carolina on the coast of North Carolina and plan on, cruising on the sunshine possibly this fall.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Enjoy your cruise. I heard TJ is no longer on Sunshine. He was awesome for sure.

[@MrAGreene23]

Thanks for the Detailed Video. Sunshine was the first ship I cruised on going again soon.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

You are welcome!

[@MadameSmithzer]

Thank you for this! Going on the Sunshine in March! Very detailed video!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Glad you found it helpful! Enjoy your cruise.

[@johnjacobjingleheimerschmi2108]

This is literally awesome, thank you so much, My wife and I are talking this exact ship in May, you helped so much!!! I'm watching your other videos also......

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you so much for your support. Glad you found it helpful. ENJOY your cruise!!!!!

[@alexandriacraft1713]

Best cruise video of this ship I have seen! So detailed!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@MyownpersonKeta]

Great video, very detailed. My family and I are taking this cruise in February and I wanted to know what to expect, your video has helped us see what we can expect from Carnival Sunshine. Thank you.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thanks for checking it out. Have another series starting soon.

[@lanedoby8653]

Thank you so much for this video. I will be cruising on Carnival Sunshine next week, and it's my first cruise. I can't wait to enjoy the food and beautiful views!!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you enjoy your cruise. Exciting!!!!

[@derekrobinson1387]

This was well put together and provided so much detailed info...Great job

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you Derek! Enjoyed reliving the cruise as I was editing it.

[@heatice77]

Thanks, its so helpful to share this experience

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you for watching. I am so glad it was a help. Enjoy!

[@emotionzcreatedbyzinadesig31]

What a great video! I've never been on a cruise, but would love to go on one someday! I know who to go with now!!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

😀 Cruising is the way to travel (in my opinion). Thanks for watching!

[@melissamcdaniel7174]

That was an awesome video, Melinda!!! I miss cruising...cannot wait to go with you in January.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

January, baby!

[@GEB1166]

I live in Goose Creek and have been on that ship twice. This is the last year of cruising here, but I get on her again in Norfolk, VA, next September. Going to Bermuda. Next month, the Sunrise and in January I'll be on the Vista.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

I no longer live in the Charleston area. If I did, I would be tempted to sail her one last time out of my "home" port. : Thanks for watching!

[@douglasradowick508]

FABULOUS video presentation on the ship of the "embarking" process! Enjoyed every moment! 👍😁 Just because of the"covid" crud, you've gotten "rusty" at all in showing what a good time to be had by all really means! Keep "cruising"!😁🧸🏍️🐻😇🤭🤓 Doug

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you for the feedback and encouragement. Have a blessed day!

[@mylittlepiggies]

I’m going on this cruise and when I’m done watching this video I go look for a different video but I always end up watching this video on repeat and they make the cruise look so cool

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thanks for watching and for the input! Have a blessed day.

[@mylittlepiggies]

Tysm you too!! You’re like my favorite KZbinr.😊😊

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

@@mylittlepiggies What a great compliment. Thank you!!!!! I am working on editing of more cruise content (so time consuming, haha) and hope to have more videos out in the future. Have a great day!

[@JarmDBAuthor]

So excited to hear the restrictions have lifted. I LOVE cruising and miss it immensely! I never knew cruise ships left from Charleston. Good to know, since we will be moving to NC next year!👍🏻

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Hello! Thanks for watching. Yes, there is a cruise going out of here but only until 2024. I have heard we will continue to be a stop off port but there will be no embarkation from here after that time. Sad. Hope you get to cruise again soon. I love it too!

[@deannasumter5488]

They’re leaving Charleston in Dec 2024 & going to Norfolk, Virginia

[@josephb7460]

Melinda! Outstanding video. It would be great to be on a monster ship out on the ocean. My favorite would be at night, in the pitch black on the ocean, looking at the stars and thinking this is how our ancestors did it. But a much smaller ship on a more dangerous voyage. I got goose bumps just thinking about it. 😬 ........................ 😎👍👍

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Hey, Joseph! Glad you enjoyed it. Be on the watch out for the next one in this series. (I am not doubting for one minute that you won't 😉😂😆. Have a great weekend.

[@testingspirits7446]

Great video…loved that shot of Ravenel Bridge. We’re taking this cruise in November. Thanks for your help.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Glad to be of service!!!! Enjoy your cruise.

[@cececece5604]

I love your video! We are going on this ship in August first time cruiser.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Enjoy! I am always so excited for new cruisers. Thank you for watching!!!!

[@sherylharvey6549]

Thank you this was so detailed

[@markshipman1468]

nice video! we are boarding this Saturday on the Sunshine for 12th time!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Enjoy! Hope you have a fantastic time. Would love to go again, but there are other ships to explore. 🙂

[@mauricemurray77]

Very informative and detail love this ❤

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Glad you found it informative! Thank you for watching.

[@Urgirladdykate]

I js went on this crusie sunshine is the best

[@KP-os2lb]

Going on this cruise in two weeks. It is our first and we are very excited. How crowded are the pools? From the video it seems they will be packed. Great video!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Hello! Sorry for the late reply. From the looks of it, you are either getting ready to sail or are sailing now or have just gotten back. The pools do get packed. Thank you for the feedback and for watching!

[@anthonyjohnson9453]

Loved this video, I'll be carnival sunshine in November, my very first cruise

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Enjoy! Cruising is the best!

[@anthonyjohnson9453]

@@MidLifeStyleTwins I'm so nervous

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

@@anthonyjohnson9453 Hope you are able to relax and have a great time. Try not to be nervous.

[@anthonyjohnson9453]

@@MidLifeStyleTwins how long does it take for them to deliver your luggage to your room

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

My experiences are wide and varied. Only one time (I have been on 12 cruises), did it not come by about 430pm. I always embark in an outfit that is suitable for eating in the main dining room. Of course the cruise line is lenient on their dress code that first evening.

[@SteveBak]

Beautiful couple

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thank you 😊

[@angelaharrison4314]

Very detailed but that's a lot to have to board. Two busses before u even get to security?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Yes it was a lot. Have a great day. Thank you for watching!

[@jenniferkintz5477]

This was amazing! Thank you for helping to calm my anxiety for what to expect when we sail our first cruise next week with our two small children! One question if our boarding pass says our terminal arrival time is 11-11:30 should we plan to actually get to the parking lot by 11 or early?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Hello! Sorry for the delay in the response. I have been working on an editing project for another cruise ship tour.. So glad this was a help. Knowing ahead of time what to expect sure is comforting (to me anyway). I would get there earlier than 11:00 myself. For an 11:00 boarding, I would get there at 10:00. I have been on 5 cruises in the last year, and we arrived an hour early before all of them, and it was not an issue checking in early. Hope you have a FANTASTIC time. ENJOY!!!! Let us know how it goes.

[@deannasumter5488]

First time cruiser here, 7/11/24. Thank you so much for this. I had no idea how Embarkation was. Are suites open before 1:30?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

That is a great question. I am not sure the answer to it though. You may check the cruise line’s website. Have a great day and ENJOY your cruise!

[@kburk910]

We are embarking in 7 days! Your video was super informative. I have a few questions! Is there a parking deck* (more than that small lot)? We aren't checking in until 12pm and I'm worried all the spaces will be gone! How long was the check-in process from arriving at the parking lot to walking on the ship? Did you tip the spa tour guide?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Hope you have a GREAT time on your cruise! As for parking, I really do not think you have to worry about finding parking in that lot at the Charleston port. It is quite large. Check in process from parking lot to walking onto the ship was about an hour and 10 minutes. That was with the wait on the bus for our turn to get off the buses to enter the security check point. We did not tip the tour guide. She kind of disappeared towards the end. She directed us to the raffle sign up and then when we turned around to speak to her again, she was gone. Honestly though, I do not know tipping protocols for that kind of thing. 😁

[@dprovini]

We did this cruise last year and are heading out tomorrow for the same cruise. Do they make you take the shuttle bus to the ship? We were going to walk it. We walked from the ship to our car last year. We were planning on skipping the shuttle bus but I think you mentioned you have to take it. Great video btw . Thanks

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Sorry for the late reply. I remember seeing this comment last week and replying to it. Not sure why it is showing that I did not reply. I hope you had a great time on your cruise. By now you are probably aware that you had to take the bus to get to the ship but could walk to your car (skipping the shuttle bus) once you got off the ship.

[@pleasureprinciples2031]

I was on this same ship October 29-Nov 3

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

So you just got off recently. I hope you had a good time. We sure did. Love cruising again. Thank you for watching and commenting. Hope you enjoy the rest of the series here.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Who is ready to go on a cruise?????

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

I am always ready!

[@lisaherman4775]

How long does it take once you start checking process approximately? Very helpful video!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Thanks for watching and for the question. I am not sure how long it is taking now that "covid testing" is no long a thing. When we cruised on the Sunshine in Fall of 2022, part of the process was checking testing status. (Boy am I glad that is ancient history). Anyway, if I remember correctly, from the time we pulled into the parking lot at 920am, parked, walked to the terminal to check in, checked in, shuttled to security/ship, passed through security and stepped on the ship, it was about 1050am. I hope that is helpful! :-)

[@clayburris5995]

Hii this was very helpful! Did you have to have a passport I’m going on this cruise in 2 weeks?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

You do not need a passport (a government ID and birth certificate works), but I won’t travel without it. Enjoy your trip. I am glad it was helpful!

[@clayburris5995]

@@MidLifeStyleTwins thank you so much! Your videos helped so much happy I found you!❤

[@TheSharayahg]

Can you recommend any lower price but nice hotels in the Charleston area that are in safe neighborhoods?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Unfortunately most hotels are expensive in the entire area especially on weekends because Charleston is such a popular destination these days. If you do pick a hotel in North Charleston, the area around the airport and I-26 and the Tanger Outlet is a pretty safe area (like any metro area, you will have crime issues to be on the look out for). If you want a nice experience and can afford it, you can stay just on the other side of the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant. There is a lot to explore on that side of the bay the day before your cruise and it looks across the bay into downtown Charleston. Of course, optimally, staying downtown is the way to go if you can because it is a beautiful city and lots to see and do. I wish I could be a bigger help, but I don't live there anymore. It is amazing how quickly you forget the little things. Enjoy your cruise, and I hope you are able to find an affordable lodging.

[@Flyerscaptain]

How closely do they look at the wine bottles? ;)

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Sorry for being behind on this. We just got off a cruise yesterday and made it home today. :-) Anyway... The port of Charleston was VERY picky and scrutinized the bottles of wine more than any cruise line or port I have ever experienced in Florida or in Quebec City or in Vancouver or Seattle. I don't know if it is a Carnival thing or port thing. They almost did not let my Plum Wine through because the gal checking it did not know what it was and said she didn't think it was the kind that could be brought on board. Finally the supervisor ok'd it. Crazy. Don't try to smuggle anything more than what is allowed. :-)

[@Thutravels]

Hi there! How much you pay for a day parking lot! Thanks

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

I am sorry for the delay in answering this. I answered it in another window but it did not save for some reason. Thank you for reaching out. The cost to park at the cruise port in Charleston is $21/day. Hope that answers your question.

[@BBQBOY76]

Do they require proof of vaccination or current covid test? Charlestonian here too.

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

I think vaccinations and testing are a thing of the past for US cruises. You will want to verify with your cruise though.

[@BOOMBIGZ]

My name is also MELINDA & We are also travel vloggers on KZbin!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Hello, Melinda. Thanks for watching and commenting. Looking forward to checking your channel out!

[@KZBeatzz]

What’s was the music used at around 21:10?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

I will go in and try to find out for you. Thank you for watching!

[@KZBeatzz]

@@MidLifeStyleTwins thank you!

[@christipayne6514]

Can you take a roller cart for your drinks?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Great question. I am not sure. I know you can bring roller bag luggage on if you don’t want to check it with the porter. Thank you for watching and for the input.

[@SteveBak]

question for parking, I have a Handicap sticker and I was told that I won't have to pay for parking, is that correct ? Senior citizen from Canada. Thanks guys

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

It is my understanding handicap parking is free. Enjoy your cruise.

[@kellytedder5225]

Where do you get your boarding pass?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

When you checkin you can print the boarding pass and the luggage tags on your own printer. Hope that helped. Thank you for watching!

[@kellytedder5225]

@@MidLifeStyleTwins Ok thanks!! I didn't know if you got it at the port or what. I haven't been since I was 17... 31 now so wayy overdue lol

[@sarahtrevelline2288]

Nice video, but please cut the sad background music!! Pump it up!! How about some island vibes? Salsa music..? Or just the noise of the Ship/ Ocean!

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Great feedback! Thank you! This was our first video, and we bumped it up a bit in the others in this series. Thank you for watching.

[@ZeusKingOfGods1]

What about covid stuff ?

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Hi, Dilan! Can you clarify your question so we answer it correctly? Thank you!

[@62play4]

Blue cards......

[@MidLifeStyleTwins]

Hello! Not sure what you are referring to. Have a blessed day.