First B2B, First Interior Room, First Time out of Miami

Carnival Sunrise Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 10
Helpful Votes: 306

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5
Carnival Sunrise

5 Night Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 06, 2021

Ship: Carnival Sunrise

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 2427

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 3 years ago

Review summary

At this time, the crew is not allowed to leave the ship at any port and rely on Amazon orders which take 2 weeks to a month to receive. If you are looking for gifts that would be so appreciated, think about toiletries. We have been doing this in addition to the additional gratuities and chocolates we normally bring. This will be our 4th cruise since restart. My wife is Filipina and strikes up conversations with the crew all the time. Since they are doing extra cleaning, with harsher chemicals, lotions are much appreciated. Also, since they are wearing masks practically 24/7, lip balm is also a good idea. In short, anything like toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, etc., would be great. Dollar Tree is great for these items. We also get the gift bags and thank you card/envelopes there as well. Below is a picture of our gifts for the past cruise. We gate the toiletries to our room attendant and his assistant and our 3 Dining room servers early in the cruise – Gave additional gratuities and chocolate on the last night. We flew to Miami, so we were limited in what we brought. Since we live close to Baltimore, we will load up – they deserve it!

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Considering COVID, I would argue that there really was not much difference in time that it took to get from the street to the ship. Pretty efficient.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
We ate at all venues and they were great. The main dining menu selections are noticeably reduced, but food quality was still excellent.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Not a big activities type, just relaxing for the most part. We walked the track before sunrise each morning during our 10 days and that was something we had missed during the cruise shutdown.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Saw all of the playlist performances and 3 of the comedians during the cruise. Those were all great. I must admit and maybe it was personal taste, but the musical acts were a bit lacking. The Latin Duo were great, but nothing else was of interest.

Children's Programs

No kids

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Evening Dining: We heard from our cruise on the Magic last month that Michelle was on Sunshine. He had her on two previous cruises, so we asked if she could be our server. We asked Maria (Junior Host) on the Lido Deck at embarkation lunch if this was possible, we did not want to cause any issues. She was over the top accommodating and said she would do her best to work with her boss to see what could be done. Her assistance was appreciated, and we were able to be assigned to Michelle and her Team. I want also say that Maria consistently checked on us while dining in the Radiance Dining Room. She was reassigned to the Sunshine dining room and even then, made an effort to come over to the Radiance dining room to check on us! She was friendly and accommodating throughout the cruise! Michelle and her team (Bernadette and Marphee) were great. Michelle is a true professional and leader. The team worked smoothly and did not miss a beat in serving us. We look forward to seeing Michelle on future cruises. The following people related to dining make our experience especially noteworthy: The Maitre D’ Milo and Denis. Both were exceptional and they constantly checking on us whether in the Main Dining or Lido Deck for Lunch and Breakfast. On the Lido, we were so happy to speak with Martha, Angela, Alexandru, Sovi, and Angelo. During a “sit down breakfast” we had the pleasure of being served by Virgilio and during a “Sea Day” Brunch being served by William. Both were friendly, accommodating, and efficient. Ben, who worked the omelet station was fast, efficient, and friendly. We sat near that station so we say that he was entertaining and brought everyone’s spirit up. Sudita, who was in charge of the Lido Deck, was great. He ran the team well, and joked with us as well. Evening Dining: We heard from our cruise on the Magic last month that Michelle was on Sunshine. He had her on two previous cruises, so we asked if she could be our server. We asked Maria (Junior Host) on the Lido Deck at embarkation lunch if this was possible, we did not want to cause any issues. She was over the top accommodating and said she would do her best to work with her boss to see what could be done. Her assistance was appreciated, and we were able to be assigned to Michelle and her Team. I want also say that Maria consistently checked on us while dining in the Radiance Dining Room. She was reassigned to the Sunshine dining room and even then, made an effort to come over to the Radiance dining room to check on us! She was friendly and accommodating throughout the cruise! Michelle and her team (Bernadette and Marphee) were great. Michelle is a true professional and leader. The team worked smoothly and did not miss a beat in serving us. We look forward to seeing Michelle on future cruises. The following people related to dining make our experience especially noteworthy: The Maitre D’ Milo and Denis. Both were exceptional and they constantly checking on us whether in the Main Dining or Lido Deck for Lunch and Breakfast. On the Lido, we were so happy to speak with Martha, Angela, Alexandru, Sovi, and Angelo. During a “sit down breakfast” we had the pleasure of being served by Virgilio and during a “Sea Day” Brunch being served by William. Both were friendly, accommodating, and efficient. Ben, who worked the omelet station was fast, efficient, and friendly. We sat near that station so we say that he was entertaining and brought everyone’s spirit up. Sudita, who was in charge of the Lido Deck, was great. He ran the team well, and joked with us as well. Room Stewart: Raja was great. Room condition and cleaning was perfect. We saw him often in the hallways and he was always friendly, called us by name and always asked how we are doing. He is kind and sincere for sure.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Cleanliness and overall condition were great. Ship layout was consistent with just about every ship with Carnival.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
This was our first Interior Room and pleasantly surprised. It was one of the smaller class interior rooms so there wasn't a sofa, but did not feel cramped as it felt like you could actually fit one. Lots a room to move around. Pretty large TV in my opinion and great to have a refrigerator. The room was quiet and glad we did not hear any noises from the main dining that was just above us.

Ship tip

For lunch, you have many options. I recommend trying the Italian just above the Lido (free during lunch). Also Guy's Pig & Anchor on embarkation and Sea Days. Lucky Bowl is new and has a rotating menu, give that a try.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5
Took Uber to and from port and maybe because of that it was smooth and well laid out.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5
Perfect weather and always nice water. This was maybe our 5th or 6th visit. We only use the free chairs since we spend so much time in the water. We keep it simple.

Nassau, Bahamas Did not visit port

We stayed on ship since we were just there the previous month while on Carnival Magic.

Bimini, Bahamas

4 out of 5
This port had only been taking Cruise ships for 4 weeks by the time we were there. Since we were visiting the port on the second of the B2B, we just explored. We took the free tram, which was great. It stops at 4 locations, the Casino and 3 beaches, then loops back to the pier. It was maybe 20 minutes for the loop though the accommodate what is needed, so not on a strict schedule. There are multiple trams so not really much of a wait. After that, we took a taxi to "downtown". $5 each. There isn't really a downtown, just 4 shops selling souvenirs. I guess if you want items that say "Bimini" this is the only place to get them. This is a good stop for Radio beach. The water looked super clear. There are chairs for rent along with a beach bar and assorted deep fried food. On the taxi ride back, the driver Anita Harris took us on a brief history - sight seeing tour of the island. She did not ask for any additional money, but I did tip her. She works for Harmonia which is a taxi and vehicle rental company on the island. She wanted me to pass her contact number, and hope it is appropriate 1-242-802-8110. The island is new to the large cruise ships so I suspect it will develop more. On our second trip to the island the following week, we just took the tram to the last stop, which was the public beach. I would say it was clearer than HMC and just as calm. Needless to say, it was nice. The chairs are for rent, but too expensive in my opinion. Food options are limited, but there are some water toys to rent, if interested.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Platinum allowed us early departure and the facial recognition system immigration now uses for people with Passports made leaving the terminal simple. We were on the curb before we knew it. Uber was quick, they pick you up on the out island.
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