First Anniversary Cruise Booked - #CruisingCarnival on the Carnival Sunshine

September 27th 2015 seems so far away but it really isn't. In 4 months, my husband and I will be celebrating our one year wedding anniversary. Not that I am counting down or anything. Well maybe I am and here is why.....

We will be spending our one year anniversary on board the Carnival Sunshine. This will be my 11th and his FIRST cruise!

Our 5 day Bahamas Cruise leaves Port Canaveral on our actual anniversary. There is only one day at sea, followed by 3 stops in the Bahamas - Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Freeport. Since I have been to the Bahamas what feels like a billion times (seriously, you should see my passport) and Gabe has never gone, I will have to be sure to plan activities he would like vs. me thinking "been there done that".

We are super excited for all the dining options available on board the Carnival Sunshine. This will be the largest and most modern ship I have set sail on.

Excursions 

Half Moon Cay
Since this will be our first destination on the cruise after a day at sea, I really want us to do something special. From the excursions available at Half Moon Cay, I am leaning towards:
Horse Back Riding on the Beach - $99
Island Adventure, Sightseeing & Snorkel Tour - $59.99
Eco Bike & Hike Tour - $37.99

Nassau

This cruise will mark my 10th visit to Nassau. I sit back and reflect on my favorite experience on the island and the Atlantis Dolphin Swim or the  Paradise Island Dolphin Experience stand out. Yet I am not sure Gabe would want to sit around in a wet suit to hug and kiss on a sea mammal. I do think visiting Paradise Island is a must for any first time visitors to Nassau. Plus my husband is a kid at heart and loves water parks.

Atlantis Aquaventure Full Day with Lunch - $189.99. I am not sure if we want to spend nearly $400 for two people.
Atlantis Aquaventure Half Day - $139.99. This may be the route to go if we decide on the Aquaventure, and get lunch on our own.
OR we could do a Self Guided tour of Atlantis, grab lunch and visit the public beach we went to on my Bachelorette Cruise.

Freeport

On my last two trips to Freeport, my best friend and I went to Grand Lucayan. It's not an official excursion but it's the perfect way to spend a relaxing day at the beach with resort amenities. You can read about our 2015 trip here including instructions on how to get to the property.
OR
My Bahamian House: A Select Retreat - $99. This sounds amazing - chef, bartender and a private house? I may have to skip Grand Lucayan this year and book an excursion.

Dining Options on Board

As I mentioned above, the dining available on Carnival Sunshine is unlike any cruise I have sailed on.  Just to name a few:

Guys Burger Joint - Included. Menu here

Cucina Del Capitano - 3 courses for a $15 fee. Menu here

BlueIguana Cantina - Included. Breakfast menu here - Lunch menu here

Bonsai Sushi - For a fee (varies). Menu here

Steakhouse - For a $35 fee. Menu here

Ji Ji Asian Kitchen - For a $15 fee. Menu here

Activites on Board

There are so many activities on board the Carnival Sensation. Here are a few things we will be checking out!

Jogging Track - We will be spending plenty of time here as I will be marathon training during the cruise.  

Punchliner Comedy Club - Gabe loves comedy shows

Casino - We both love Roulette 

EA Sports Bar - The EA Sports bar has drinks, snacks, sports and video games. 

Skycourse - A rope course on top of a cruise ship while sailing at sea? Sign me up! 

RedFrog Pub - Key West style with Caribbean Fare.

Waterworks Onboard Waterpark & Twister Waterslide. What can I say, my husband is a kid at heart. 

Havana Bar - Hello Cafe con Leche!!! 

Mixologist Competitions - Little known fun fact: Both Gabe and I are former Bartenders. This will be FUN and competitive!