Loved the trip, not the ship
Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean
Sail date: September 29, 2013
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Cabin type: Balcony
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 9 years ago
Review summary
We took this as our second honeymoon and had a wonderful time simply due to the fact that it was our second honeymoon. We could have floated around in a tub and still enjoyed ourselves. We selected this because of the itinerary, not the cruise line or ship.
Upside: Great itinerary included destinations that we both really wanted to go to (e.g., Barcelona, Cinque Terra, Pompeii, Sicily). Tour guides who really knew what they were talking about and where to go to get the best views and features not ordinarily accessible.
Downside: Smoking was allowed on balconies which made them inhabitable for us. We paid to have a balcony and ended up having to go back inside too many times to count. Getting dragged to tourist traps (e.g., cameo factory on way back from Pompeii) as part of the excursions. I would have preferred more time in Pompeii.
This was our first Med cruise so comparing it to another Med cruise is not possible BUT comparing ships and balconies is definitely possible. This ship's balconies were narrow and the chairs were rigid and uncomfortable. Compared with other ships with reclining chairs and footstools, well there is no comparison. Also, this did not have a sliding door but rather had a window and a door. It limited the view from inside.
Surprise of the cruise: Dubrovnik. This was a delightful day of wandering around alleys and noshing on cheese and fresh bread. What a beautiful city!
We look forward to another Med cruise but on a different line with a no smoking policy.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
IF you have a sensitivity to smoking, check to be sure the ship is no longer allowing smoking on balconies.
Traveler Photos
2 Comments
WeCruiseToo 9 years ago
Thanks for the review CruisingCM! We love visiting Europe and Dubrovnik was absolutely one of the highlights last year when we cruised there for our 20th anniversary! But you are so right about how “neighbors” smoking can ruin your balcony. Here’s hoping your next cruise is perfect!