Dissappointed for the last time

Item: Carnival Sunshine
Rating: 3.3
Author: bobjanet

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review to Caribbean

bobjanet

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 60

Overall rating:

3.3 out of 5

Western Caribbean

Sail date: December 31, 2017

Ship: Carnival Sunshine

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8235

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

As a gold member, we were hopeful of earning the Silver level soon. That will not happen as we just can't overlook the declining level of service Carnival now delivers. From the constant announcements "Hello Carnival Sunshine family, this is Lee, your director", (we know!) to the mediocre food (even in the upsell restaurants), to the antiquated ships services and facilities. We are as far from "old" fuddy duddy's who don't want to have fun. We enjoy a good time and like watching younger people enjoy themselves with activities beyond our physical capabilities now. This ship should be taken out of the fleet and replaced with one on the level of the Vista however, beyond that - we are just going to search for a different cruise line as it doesn't really matter to Carnival what me or my family think. They will always have loyal and first time customers who will fill their ships.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Very large crowds. Although embarkation was delayed and everyone received a text message with new embarkation times..... very few people paid attention and showed up whenever they wanted. Carnival was not prepared for the influx of people.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Dining rooms are noisy and there are waiters running all around you. Hard to hold a conversation. We had anytime dining but it was hardly that as you had to go two decks up to sign in, wait to be called and then travel down two decks to be seated. This resulted in a substantial wait between 6:15pm and 7:30pm oftern leading to a 2 1/2 hour dinner. Hard to plan the next activity when you don't know when you will be free.

Ocean Plaza

3 out of 5

This redesigned concept is nice as there are plenty of choices. Food could be hotter as could the room. Even if you got hot food, by the time you find a table and sit to eat, the food is cold because of the air conditioning. Food is certainly not great but it is adequate and edible.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Evening shows were really good. The performers worked very hard to entertain us.

Sunshine Casino

2 out of 5

Just be prepared to make a donation and leave it at that. Slots take your money pretty quick and don't even offer an opportunity for entertainment which is what we were interested in. Just to be amused pushing a few buttons for awhile.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Carnival Seaside Theater

5 out of 5

As stated, the performers worked very hard under rough seas to entertain us. Overall, the shows were really good and worth the effort to attend.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Ship is old and it shows it. Rusting everywhere. Did not see the level of cleaning on this ship that I did on the Carnival Vista. I never used so much hand sanitizer before!

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Room was an average balcony cabin. It is cleaned once per day. Steward (Deli) and his staff are very accommodating and work hard to provide a service and be unobtrusive. Due to weather conditions, we spent a lot of time in this room. In room entertainment is horrible with about 8 Carnival TV channels and 4 obscure TV networks and CNN from somewhere.

Ship tip

Don't expect a lot from your wireless internet package. I understand that satellite wi-fi is slower but this was cumbersome and the cruise line obviously blocks sites. I had the premium package.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

Belize City, Belize

4 out of 5

Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

What a cluster! For a crew that does this sort of thing every week, you would think it would act like a fine oiled machine. The cruise director was blaming the delay on the customs folks but the event was similar to what was experienced in every port when trying to get off the ship. Priority is given to those carrying their own luggage off the ship. We were scheduled to disembark at 9:15 am. We were still sitting in lounge at 10:45am. We finally, just gathered our carry off stuff and walked off when a set of luggage numbers was called (below 10) our number was in the 20's. At 11:10 am we walked off the ship and went to our luggage and there it was just waiting for us. Secured a porter and left the port without incident. The crew clearly to works on this process as it does leave a very poor impression of their ability while ending a cruise.

10 Comments

yukonner 6 years ago

Don't blame ship for people not adhering to embarkation. As for dining room being noisy... what did you expect. You have 1500 + diners and wait staff. As for waiters " running all around you" did you expect them to avoid going near you???? Think about that

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Jfrim1 6 years ago

Sunshine not my favorite either she was great as destiny C The make over didn’t help but added many more revenue cabins at expense of cruiser sailed this shop 6 times total And again for Super Bowl HOWEVER you are on vacation enjoy the fact that you don’t have to cook Clean or do anything Elat but relax You gotta get into the zone and chill Workers doing their best plus You should try switching Then you might appreciate the experience

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sunshinel9ver 6 years ago

The Sunshine is a great ship. Been on her twice and would definitely go again. So many different dining venues. When you are serving over 3000 people dinner you must be quiet and not make noice. Glad you have opted not to become “Platinum (not silver) member. Have been on 15 Carnival cruises and knowledgeable, friendly crew is the norm on all of their ships. Bye. Bye😎

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terber1968 6 years ago

Your comparing the Vista to the Sunshine it's like comparing a Mercedes to Ford Focus...just saying

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chrisciara 6 years ago

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lisabourgeois 6 years ago

There are more ships than the sunshine. Go on a different one. Or go away and find a different cruise line. Sounds like you will find fault in any you choose.

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OwenArrrg 6 years ago

I liked the Sunshine but also my 1st cruise. Not sure why they put so much money into an ancient vessel would have made more sense to put that money towards new ship and build level quality to compete with RCCL Oasis Class. Sailing Allure in March cannot wait heard so many great things.

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mepperly 6 years ago

I was on it in November it was great. Clean and fun. Sorry but can't agree with you at all.

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Henryseafood 6 years ago

I get it the sunshine was what ended my summer use of carnival I can’t even imagine 7 days on that ship I have used carny in the past during summer months because of there cheap prices I usually sail Royal 👑 they should have left this ship the destiny and stop beating a dead horse royal too has some OLD ships out there and you must do your research I will not recommend one over the other you just have to read ALL the reviews and roll the dice 🎲

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majmom96 6 years ago

Sorry Carnival did not meet your expectations. I’m sure it is frustrating to be so close to the next loyalty level and decide it’s not the cruise line for you. Perhaps another Carnival ship would be better for your next try with them. If not, I’d recommend Princess or Celebrity. Good luck! 🍸

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