I would highly recommend this cruise. We loved everything about it...the staff was very pleasant and attentive, the entertainment was high-energy and fun, most of the food was good and the room was perfect!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The embarkation process was well organized. We did wait about 30 minutes in line but then went right onto the ship and were immediately handed cocktails!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We enjoyed the food in the specialty restaurants including the steakhouse which was exceptional, the Chinese restaurant and the Sushi restaurant. The Italian restaurant was just ok. Loved the burger place and 24 hour pizza. The buffet wasn't good. I would have liked an actual ice-cream parlor instead of just a soft-serve machine which wasn't very good and a high quality coffee bar (the coffee place which you had to pay for was poor quality).
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We enjoyed the pool deck and entertainment (DJ, games, etc). The main pool was small and filled with kids. The Serenity/Adult pool was great though. We participated in several Trivia games, Yahtzee, etc and were glad there was always something going on. Loved the gym and spa.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Entertainment was excellent! All the shows were great, DJ and cruise director Emma was fantastic!
Children's Programs
My children are older.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was very pleasant and always smiling. We felt very "at home".
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was smaller and older than some I've been on but I actually liked the fact that it was smaller and I could quickly get from one end to the other. Everything was kept very clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We really liked the aft-view cabin! I read some negative reviews about feeling the ship's vibrations, soot on the balcony, etc...we did not experience any of that. The room was a nice size and had plenty of storage. The view from the aft was just beautiful and I would highly recommend it.
Ship tip
My tip would be to plan to spend extra money dining at the specialty restaurants. We were not happy with the food at the buffet.
The visit was too short and arrived too early. Arrived at 7am and had to be back on the boat by 2:30pm...I wasn't thrilled having to get up so early to go to the beach!!
Loved Grand Turk! We arrived a bit late (again, due to weather issues) but Carnival was very organized getting those of us with booked excursions off the boat first. The island was beautiful but would have loved to be there for more than just a few hours!
We will be on the Sunshine for our second time in January. It is one of my favorite ships. I really like doing the steakhouse and you get a free bottle of wine for dining there on the first night. Of all the Carnival ships we have been on, the Serenity area on the Sunshine is the best by far. It has multiple levels and a pool for adults only. I also suggest going to the cooking demo on the ship. It is held in the steakhouse and you get to taste the delicious food they make and you will receive the recipes. At Grand Turk (our 3rd visit) we will be walking down the beach (about 300 yards) to Jack's Shack. We have heard great things about it- great food, less expensive drinks and beautiful beach.
I would recommend booking an excursion, as it was one of the highlights of our trip. If you go to Grand Turk, the catamaran/snorkeling trip was really fun. Also make a reservation in advance at the steakhouse for dinner. We went the first night and received a free bottle of wine. The food was really exceptional and we're regulars at Ruth's Chris and other top steakhouses so we're picky :-)
I suggest a surge protector, battery powered night light for bathroom at night and if you're going to Grand Turk bring water shoes. A positive attitude is essential. I was on this ship last month and my family and I had a great time.
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