Low Cost But Poor Value
Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern
5 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)
Sail date: December 26, 2016
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 6164
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
Overcrowded both on the ship and the excursions. Too many people wandering around the deck looking for someplace to sit on sea days. Food quality in main dining room was very poor. We ended up paying extra to eat in specialty restaurants every night. Spa staff was just plain rude. Room while pretty cheesy was spotlessly clean and the maids were terrific. For some reason the ship decided to change carpeting while we were on the ship. Big inconvenience.
I would NOT recommend this Cruise.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Do not sail on this ship!
Ports of call
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
8 Comments
BDRebel 7 years ago
I was on the Carnival in August '15. It does seem a bit more crowded than usual (added two decks of rooms without expanding the common areas on a relatively small vessel).
That being said, it was still comfortable.
I've heard that the anytime dining is a bit disorganized -- we switched to assigned dining for that cruise to avoid it. Liked it so much, I book assigned dining on all ships.
Also, when eating in the buffet, there are a lot of unused tables in the Havana Bar area at the rear of the buffet -- many at the back with a view of the ocean.
BonMike 7 years ago
Sorry you were so disappointed with the Sunshine. We will be sailing her in March and are really looking forward to it after reading many positive reviews. Ships are always crowded, and food is totally individual depending on likes and dislikes. Hopefully your next cruise will be better for you.
ctav 7 years ago
I enjoyed the Sunshine. I didn't find it to be too crowded, and I could always find a place to sit. Maybe cruising around Christmas made a difference. The food wasn't the best, but it was good. Our cabin was down the hall from yours, and we thought it was nice. I hope your next cruise is more to your liking.
I can't comprehend the complaining about the food? I realize it isn't 5 star food but you do have choices where to eat. There was only one meal that I wasn't happy with BUT, that was my fault because I didn't read the menu and I ended up with shrimp in my salad. I allergic to shrimp. My fault.
cruznjan 7 years ago
I enjoyed the Sunshine. I didn't find it to be too crowded, and I could always find a place to sit. Maybe cruising around Christmas made a difference. The food wasn't the best, but it was good. Our cabin was down the hall from yours, and we thought it was nice. I hope your next cruise is more to your liking.
ctav 7 years ago
Overcrowded both on the ship and the excursions. Too many people wandering around the deck looking for someplace to sit on sea days. Food quality in main dining rooum was very poor. We ended up paying extra to eat in specialty restaurants every night. Spa staff was just plain rude. Room while pretty cheesy was spotlessly clean and the maids were terrific. For some reason the ship decided to change carpeting while we were on the ship. Big inconvenience.
I would NOT recommend this Cruise.
Over crowded, eh?
You took a cruise during the busy time of that season, lots of parents with LOTS of kids.
Replacing the carpet? Come on. They have about 3 hours to complete a change over before receiving the 2800 plus passengers and there isn't much time for them to be replacing it.
Food? It's a matter of taste.
Please keep in mind that a ship is a small floating city and not everyone is going feel pleased with their cruise. But, you were on a cruise and you didn't have to pick up after yourself.