Carnival Sunshine Fiasco

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

eflorio

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 58

Overall rating:

1 out of 5

Verified Review

8 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 20, 2017

Ship: Carnival Sunshine

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9198

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

First of all there are too many passengers for the size of the boat !!!!!! Everything is overcrowded, At the shows people can not find seats. There is not enough seats in the theater. Line jumping is rampant, carnival crew does nothing to stop it,even after being informed of this. I have been on a few carnival ships before this one,I will never go on carnival again. I would not recommend this ship to my worst enemy. We got to Puerto Rico late and most of the excursions were cancelled. We got out of St. Thomas late and had to cut short the amount of time in Grand Turk. There should be some form of compensation for this. At one point the hot tubs were cold.Carnival people didn't,t even know this had to be told. The whole trip was very stressful. To start off we were in the muster position for at least an hour they could not find everybody. The food at the buffet was fair at best. I am a senior citizen and retired, money is not so easy to come by. My wife and I saved up for over a year to go on this cruise. I really in my heart feel , sorry to say I squandered my money. Everyday the pools were full and the hot tubs full beyond capacity could not get in. Too many people for the amount of space.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Not very good

Entertainment

1 out of 5

The entertainment was high school level.

Children's Programs

Did not use these

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Do not go on this ship !!!!!!

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Ports of call

New York, New York

3 out of 5

San Juan, Puerto Rico

1 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

3 out of 5

Grand Turk Island

3 out of 5

55 Comments

Deniseg 7 years ago

I looked for an update but didn't find one.

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geminigirl52169 7 years ago

hmmmm I don't know then

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Deniseg 7 years ago

I don't have a trashcan. I only have a flag.

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geminigirl52169 7 years ago

yes. there is a,trashcan under the post. only the person who posted it can delete

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Deniseg 7 years ago

Can

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Deniseg 7 years ago

Can you delete a comment after you send it?

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Deniseg 7 years ago

OceanSky, I agree. I love these people that say they've been on multiple Carnival cruises and then they have one bad one and say that they're never going to sail Carnival again. Doesn't make any sense to me. I was on a cruise that he speaks about. Yes, I was disappointed that we were only at Grand Turk for 4 hours but I made the best of my time there. I know I will get back there probably next year. Overall, I enjoyed myself throughout the cruise. Your cruise is what you make of it.

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OceanSky 7 years ago

PrettyUnlimited - Well put, and I agree with you. I think if you're incapable of finding something to do on a cruise ship then maybe cruising isn't for you. I believe Carnival really does try to stick to their itineraries, but sometimes stuff happens beyond their control. And don't forget, if Carnival skips a port, they lose money. Not only do they return everyone's port fees, they also lose the money they would have made on their excursions. Oh, and they also have to cook more food than planned because nobody gets off the boat. If you're going to take up cruising as a hobby, you need to be the kind of person who can relax and go with the flow. And if by chance you do end up on a crappy cruise (because they do occasionally happen!), you need to be the kind of person who is highly disappointed and even complains to Carnival, but who doesn't believe that one bad cruise means that all cruises suck.

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yankeeswife98 7 years ago

Read your contract. Ports are not guaranteed. There can be extenuating circumstances that prevent a port being made or the length of time being shortened. Some are due to weather and other issues that would require it to be unsafe. That's the chance you take. Try to enjoy what you have within the ship and don't base your cruise just on the ports.

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PrettyUnlimited 7 years ago

Rough seas cause delays. Not the fault of Carnival. Families have money to pay for their children to board. Not Carnivals fault. I really don't understand the issues with kids being on the cruises.....maybe because I'm a people watcher so I enjoy watching so many people having a great time and watching families bond. Research the time frame that you're considering. Research the ship. Research other ships and cruise lines. I do a ton of research but sometimes it just it what it is. Look at it like an adventure and find the humor. Make friends in those long lines. I chat with everyone. Lol Read your contract. Don't blame Carnival for not holding your hand. Took us two years to pay for this. I'm not going to put out thousands of dollars and not check into everything first, during and after. lol I'm still researching. It's the best way to find out how to get the most out of your money and time.

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CVCruiser 7 years ago

Oct is my fav time to cruise!!

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okserena 7 years ago

I've heard about that.. really stinks. On our last cruise we went in December so we didn't encounter any storms but I'm worried now, especially since we have excursions for all the islands

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TNTGreen 7 years ago

@okserena She said due to the currents. If the seas are rough to ensure the safety of the passengers and ship they will take an alternate route. When I cruised this past May there was a storm when we left Belize on route to Cozumel. The seas were rough but the Captain did avoid going through the storm and took another route. Cozumel and Belize are not that far from each other so we still made it to Cozumel on time but as Deniseg said that's not always the case. Even if you arrive in a port later than scheduled you still have to leave that port at the scheduled time. Any moment longer then the cruise line gets hits with fines. There are also times the ship would skip an island all together if it's not safe or if the time would be really shortened. It's all stated in your Cruise Contract that no one reads.

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okserena 7 years ago

Wow, why did you get to the islands late?

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wersilly 7 years ago

We have been on 7 cruises and Sunshine was by far the worst ship we ever cruised on!! We cruised on Sunshine shortly after the upgrade, and hated it. I wrote Carnival a super long complaint letter and got $200 on-board credit and 15% off a later cruise. It's a shame that they aren't doing anything to improve the Sunshine.

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levine 7 years ago

that stinks!!!!

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Deniseg 7 years ago

TNTGreen, yes, we were 2 hours late to San Juan because of the currents. We were supposed to be there 3-11 and we were there 5-12. We were 90 minutes late leaving St. Thomas which made us 90 minutes late for Grand Turk. We were supposed to get there at 1 and we got there at 2:30 and had to be back on the ship by 630.

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OceanSky 7 years ago

I agree that there is no sure way to know how many kids will be on your ship, if you book your cruises for times when most kids are in school, there will be less of them on board. The bigger issue for many people is not booking during spring break for the colleges. If you're a partying kind if person, it's probably a blast. But it one of the few times of the year when you know the ship will be pretty much sold out and packed to the rafters. At my age, drunken college students running up and down the halls every night and partying loudly in their rooms at 3:00 AM, is a bit too much partying. But unfortunately, when I booked the cruise I just assumed that since it was 3 weeks before Easter it would be OK. No one had ever told me that Spring Break for the East Coast colleges isn't always exactly at Easter! It ended up being my worst Carnival cruise, and Carnival must have agreed because we got a letter of apology from them along with a hefty OBC for use on a future cruise. ð¦

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TNTGreen 7 years ago

Deniseg Were you late to the ports?

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Deniseg 7 years ago

I was on this cruise as well. It was our 9th Carnival cruise. Although we were never late to ports before, it is always a possibility. As for the pool, I went to the Serenity pool twice and it was NOT crowded. I'm not sure why everyone is saying the pools are crowded when they could've on there.

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geminigirl52169 7 years ago

oops meant pool all day

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geminigirl52169 7 years ago

unfortunately there is no way to know the number or ages of kids. my son is also autistic and although we signed him up for the kids club it didn't work out for him, but he is 13, and was content to hang out at the po all day. he made good friends with one of the bartenders and he was hooking him up all day long with non alcoholic drinks free of charge . he is high functioning so I could leave him for a while and one time I came back to him surrounded by empty drink glasses and the bartender always knew where he wad. we didn't ask or expect him to "watch" him but he did keep an eye out on him although he would have been without it. believe me, I would never leave my son if I didn't think he could handle being alone . it all depends on how high functioning your son is.

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TNTGreen 7 years ago

@IMhughes27: You won't find anywhere that will state how many children will be on your cruise. They do have a kids Camp (either Camp Ocean or Camp Carnival) that your child can hang out in. They also have open times that you can hang out with him at the camp as well. If you log into your booking you should see the Camp Option and register him prior to your sailing. Here is a link https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1397/kw/Kids

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lmhughes27 7 years ago

Tntgreen you are saying do your research. Frankly, I was naive and too excited to not book ours for my party of 5. So, I am learning a lot since my booking but before our cruise date. I haven't found anywhere that tells me how many children, what type of group parties, etc. during our cruise. Where can I find such information? I am trying to be very informed as my son is autistic and I am trying my best to be as well prepared going forward. Thank you in advance.

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jpfarmer 7 years ago

I sorta kind of agreeing with the original poster. We've been on Sunshine twice and will not book again. When they added all the cabins on decks 5 & 3 the ship is definitely overcrowded.

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Ssue450 7 years ago

My kids are grown but I love seeing the kids having fun and I don't mind the crowds at all. If I want to see a show I always get there early and have never had a problem. Even if your on the bigger ships if you get there late you are probably going to be standing or waiting for the next show... that's just how it is!!!!! Carnival is known as the party ship and where there are parties there are lots of people. I love it !!!!!

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Ssue450 7 years ago

If you want a ship where there isn't any kids book princess or MDR.... not many kids at all. Carnival, Royal, and Norwegian are all geared to families and are very FUN ships.

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TNTGreen 7 years ago

I pulled my kids out of school as well when we cruised this past May but there were far less children than what would sail during the summer months.

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geminigirl52169 7 years ago

I pull my kids out of school as well. we still bring school work that I have gotten from the teachers before hand

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alleycat51699 7 years ago

The traditional "Summer Vacation" we knew as kids no longer exists. Homeschooling, charter schools, alternative schools, and year-round schools have all skyrocketed in recent years. It's not uncommon to see families taking vacations during track-out times, and homeschoolers can plan vacations whenever. Be prepared to start seeing kids everywhere at any time of year.

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kmkerr8 7 years ago

A lot of kids now days are home schooled. I am one of those parents that pull mine out. Yes school is important, but so is family, and living life, and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. I have no regrets, my daughter has been on the honor roll for the past 3 years.

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clferr 7 years ago

We usually book cruises late Sept. early Oct. and there are still kids on board. Cant understand how parents take them out of school right after they have just gone back. But im sure its not as bad as it would be during peak times.

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kmkerr8 7 years ago

Good advice OceanSky!

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OceanSky 7 years ago

A quick word about spending an hour at the muster drill. That drill is MANDITORY and EVERYONE is LEGALLY REQUIRED TO BE THERE! I don't think it's fair to blame Carnival because some inconsiderate passengers opted to ignore the announcements and tried to dodge the drill. And booking a cruise during a time that school is out pretty much guarantees that there will be tons of kids on board. Again, NOT Carnival's fault. I agree with my fellow posters who state that you are entitled to post your negative opinion, but I also agree with the ones who wrote about the importance of research and planning before booking a cruise. And as a fellow "senior cruiser" who lives on a tight budget and has to save up to be able to afford to cruise, allow me to share a seldom mentioned suggestion with you and the rest of the group.... Before booking your cruise always Google the holiday calendar for the ports you will be visiting. A few years ago I found out the hard way that Labor Day in the Bahamas is NOT on the same day it is in the USA. We got to Nassau and EVERYTHING was CLOSED! My poor husband couldn't even find a place to buy a cigar! There was a small parade, but the strawmarket and all the tourist places were closed for the holiday. ðµ

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kmkerr8 7 years ago

I book while school is in session. Can't wait to go on the Sunshine in January.

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freebase 7 years ago

I was on the Sunshine in December. Most of what eflorio says is true. They have very good crew. The food was good. Just overcrowded.

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Brenni 7 years ago

IkeDeb, after many negative reviews I called the cruise line and changed to another ship from another port for just an admin fee of $50 each. Glad I did.

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geminigirl52169 7 years ago

yes, I found out the hard way about Novembet. will not be making that mistake again.

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CVCruiser 7 years ago

Yea, biggest vacations for week after Thanksgiving.. Cruises and Disney!! lol. I live 15 min from Disney and love to cruise.... so I've learned when NOT to go to the parks or take a cruise. lol

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sunshinel9ver 7 years ago

Love the Sunshine. Been on her twice. MANY dining options. Many places to relax. The Havana Bar is a great place to get away from the crowds. Great aft views of the Caribbean as you sail. A cruise is as good or as bad as you make it. Sounds like eflorio is looking for compensation. Said they had been on other Carnival ships!! Why not go back to them instead of dissing Carnival completely?? Sounds like a very unhappy person!ð

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geminigirl52169 7 years ago

I agree to a point, but all in all he is still entitled to his opinion and shouldn't be chastised for it. we went on carnival with our kids in November, thinking it's the week after Thanksgiving and the kids had their break the week of thanksgiving and it wouldn't be overrun with kids. we were wrong. there seemed to be a million and one kids, the pool was way over crowded, couldn't get near a hot tub, kids in the serenity area, alot of the kids were not well behaved, of course not the ships fault. it made for a less than relaxing trip even for my kids. we thought we chose a good time to go, but obviously not

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TNTGreen 7 years ago

And either way whether it was his first, second or twentieth you should research prior to booking. How can you get mad that they have let's just say 500 kids on a ship if you're sailing in July? Or the ship being crowded overall and you're sailing in the summer months or spring break?

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geminigirl52169 7 years ago

also to adf, I have been on 23 cruises but my profile only shows 2 because to be honest I was too lazy to go thru and add all of them. it doesn't make his review any less valid

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geminigirl52169 7 years ago

exactly why I deleted my post after I reread his post. however, he is still entitled to what his opinion of what his vacation was like

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TNTGreen 7 years ago

Gemini girl: they did not say it's their first they said they have been on several Carnival Ships previously.

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TNTGreen 7 years ago

OP has no info in their profile as far as previous cruises so I'm a bit skeptical on this post in its entirety. You have to do your research.

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KDees 7 years ago

martinmano I forgot about the serenity area because I went with my kids and spent my time with them lol. But you are absolutely right the serenity deck was a great place for adults on the Sunshine! And Levine I agree with you as well, I have kids and know when I need a getaway not to schedule when school is out....its called careful planning and research. But sometimes with the best planning s#$t happens you have to mske tge best of it because as money is hard to come by for many if us. I don't believe this is a real review but if it is take it as a lesson learned.

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CVCruiser 7 years ago

Ohh as KDees says.... On all Carnival ships, you can reach the front of the ship on several decks and its always quiet, and a great place to watch seagulls ride the bow wave, and hunt for fish ... Just watch out for bomb drops!! lmao

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CVCruiser 7 years ago

YES... Its very easy on ships to find plenty of quiet places to get away from the crowds. I had a great time on the Sunshine... wasn't my favorite ship, but it has some cool design features... The water park is awesome!! The best Serenity area Ive seen on any Carnival ship yet!! Balcony rooms were spacious, great storage, comfortable balconies, and music was great! I just prefer the Liberty, and Valor (aka Conquest class) size ships. That 50ft makes a WORLD of difference in crowd control!! Sunshine and Victory are same basic size, and yet the Victory felt a little less crowded. But nothing compared to the Valor and Liberty... The extra food court areas due to the extra 50ft helps and extra deck space above. No worries... you should still have a great cruise on the Sunshine!!! CHEERS!!

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KDees 7 years ago

You'll be fine IkeDeb take the steps up from the Lido on the side where the taco bar is and go toward the Aft it's close to the action but not as crowded as the Lido and gets great Sun if you are into tanning. The very front of the boat is a nice quiet couple spot you can exit off of deck 7

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levine 7 years ago

the reason why this ship is so crowded is because school is out and it's high season especially in the summertime. we always avoid the summer cruise and go after Easter around May before memorial day just before school is out. I'm sorry your cruise was so bad. lots of luck on any vacation in the future.

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KDees 7 years ago

I wouldn't say the Sunshine is the best cruise I've been on but it certainly isnt as described above. I found several quiet places look at the pics on my profile....btw interesting that your profile is empty! If course popular places like the Lido deck is crowded but you have to explore. I'm a mature adult as well and with years of experience on earth know to do my research and not depend on others to determine how I'll enjoy my vacation

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IkeDeb 7 years ago

Sorry to hear that,we are booked for the Sunshine in January.This will be our sixth cruise with Carnival. All the other cruises were great. I guess we have no choice now. Hope our review will be much better.

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CVCruiser 7 years ago

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise. But this should be a lesson to everyone... 1) Do your research on ships, schedules, weather patterns, and ports! I've been on the Sunshine, and not a fan either. same number of passengers as the Conquest class, but 50ft shorter in length.... all in the middle where entertainment, dining rooms, and food court is...yes makes everything feel more cramped. RESEARCH PEOPLE... COMPARE SPECS AND DECKPLANS!!! 2) Manage your expectations realistically. ANY ship is going to have lines, and line jumpers, and little things that can be irritating. Don't expect to be able to use pools or hot tubs during peak hrs without crazy crowds! Use them during off times. 3) Don't take 3-4 day cruises if you expect to relax... these are typically packed with partiers, and families with tons of kids!! 4) Shit happens at sea... Just because you've been cruising in the sun, doesn't mean it was the shortest route to get to the destination.... If you take a cruise for the destinations your going about it wrong... cruising is about the journey... NOT the ports. If you want the ports, then fly to the ports and enjoy! Bottom line... ANY day cruising is better than being at work or sitting at home!! If it's not.. Stop cruising and save your money!! lol. Cheers and HAPPY CRUISING!!

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KDees 7 years ago

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