With the debut of Carnival Sunrise just a few weeks away, Carnival Cruise Line has announced the senior leadership team for the totally transformed vessel, which will operate a diverse inaugural schedule of four- to 14-day cruises from Norfolk, Va., New York and Fort Lauderdale, beginning April 29, 2019.
The vessel, currently sailing as Carnival Triumph, will depart later today for Cadiz, Spain, to undergo a 38-day, $200 million dry dock and emerge as Carnival Sunrise featuring all of the line’s culinary, beverage and entertainment experiences. The transformation of Carnival Sunrise is part of the line’s comprehensive $2 billion fleetwide enhancement program, the largest in the cruise industry.
Carnival Sunrise’s senior leadership team comprises some of the most talented and experienced mariners in cruising:
Captain Bruno Palomba/Captain Isidoro Renda:
Captain Palomba will command the vessel during dry dock, while Captain Renda will assume command once Carnival Sunrise arrives in the U.S. Palomba is an 18-year veteran of Carnival and was named captain in 2016. A graduate of the N. Bixio Maritime Academy in Naples, he began his cruise industry career with MSC and prior to that worked for ferry operator Tirrenia.
A native of Trapani, Italy, Renda joined Carnival as a second officer in 2000 and, after moving up through the ranks, was promoted to captain in 2014, commanding a number of vessels in the fleet. A graduate of the Nautical Academy ITN Marino Torre in Italy, Renda began his career working aboard oil tankers in Europe.
Chief Engineer Mauro Fabbrini/Chief Engineer Nicola Tonelli:
A 25-year veteran of Carnival, Fabbrini joined the company as a second engineer and was named chief engineer in 2003. He graduated from the San Giorgio Maritime Academy in Genoa, Italy, and prior to joining Carnival started his nautical career with an Italian-based shipping company.
Tonelli began his career as an engine cadet working aboard bulk carriers and ferries after graduating nautical college and serving in the Italian Navy. He joined Carnival in 2001as a third engineer and was named chief engineer last year. Fabbrini will serve as chief engineer during Carnival Sunrise’s dry dock with Tonelli taking over once the ship begins service in the U.S.
Hotel Director Caroline Bourke:
The Cork, Ireland, native and 15-year company veteran joined Carnival in 2004 as a guest services associate and was promoted to guest services manager in 2009 before being named hotel director in 2016. She began her hospitality career at the Hayfield Manor Hotel after earning her degree from the Cork Institute of Technology in Ireland.
These experienced mariners will lead a team of more than 1,000 crew members who traveling to Cadiz to prepare Carnival Sunrise for her inaugural voyage – a seven-day Caribbean cruise from Norfolk, Va., departing April 29. The ship will spend the summer in New York operating cruises to Bermuda, Canada and the Caribbean then reposition to Fort Lauderdale for a winter season of Caribbean and Bahamian voyages beginning in October 2019.
Guests sailing aboard Carnival Sunrise will enjoy a wide range of unforgettable dining and entertainment options, along with open-air attractions like a new WaterWorks aqua park and SportSquare, featuring a suspended ropes course. New dining offerings include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse developed in tandem with Food Network star and longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri, the Cucina del Captiano family-style Italian restaurant and the Caribbean-themed Red Frog Pub.
All of the ship’s staterooms will be updated with island-inspired interiors featuring bright colors and soothing pastels inspired by the line’s Caribbean itineraries, along with new choices such as luxurious Captain’s Suites adjacent to the navigational bridge offering floor-to-ceiling windows and extended balcony grand suites.
To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL. Carnival can also be found on:Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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