Overall good

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 43

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5
Carnival Sunshine

5 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 18, 2018

Ship: Carnival Sunshine

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 1457

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Overall we had a blast. The ports were beautiful, charming and exciting. The performers were all incredible. Emma did a lovely jubbly job. I wish there were guides outlining everything you NEED to know to get newbies on the same page as experienced cruisers. I found us asking diamond members questions before the staff.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
A little cluttered when entering. Not a lot of direction. Carnival staff was great but security was rude. Very easy once you get to the gangway.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Drinks were perfect every time and we tried just about everything they had. The food the first night was less than impressive at late night dining, however everything after that was really good.

Lido Marketplace

5 out of 5

All the buffets, pizza and deli were awesome. Preferred these over everything else.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Sunshine Casino

5 out of 5

The casino was great and a lot of fun. It does make you feel uncomfortable when I child is sitting in the smoking section, at the bar, on a stool when it was stated numerous times that children were only allowed to walk through, which for their health, i would like to see this better implemented in the future

Beach Pool

2 out of 5

The pools and hot tubs are way too small and packed. Children were splashing and jumping in the hot tub and causing discomfort for other guests. The parental supervision should be better monitored. I don't mind the kids being in the hot tub, but cannon balls are for the pool. The serenity deck is a nice idea, but there was no control over children being up there. I think a little more control over the pools and hot tubs and adult only areas would be appreciated by many

Entertainment

5 out of 5
We did the mowtown, 70s and rock shows. All of these were insanely fun, interactive and the performers were insanely talented. We did the comedy club and piano bar as well. Both comedians were hysterical and the Adam in the piano bar was funny and talented. More seating for these shows would be awesome.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
We had Dewa as our steward. He needs a raise!! He was so kind, got us anyrhing we needed and remembered our names! He is a perfect, respectful human and should be in charge of training all personel. Emma the cruise director is absolutely adorable and so much fun! Wannya from the any time dining should train all of the wait staff. We had some lack luster dining staff but she was the best. She was so friendly and helpful and seemed to really care about her visitors. The 3 staff I mentioned should really be in charge of training other staff members as I found them to be exemplary examples of what good staff looks like. The woman who served drinks during the shows in the first floor of the liquid lounge in the left side front (when facing the stage) was amazing and helpful also.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
I wish the maps near elevators were better and that there was more information provided for first time cruisers but it was very clean and everything seemed to work.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Every thing I read in preparing for our cruise lead me to believe rooms are small, cramped and uncomfortable. Our room was spacious enough for 2 people. The bathroom door was kind of a pain as the bathroom was small, but it worked and had just enough room. The mattresses were a little thin but we slept just fine. Overall I wouldn't have changed anything.

Ship tip

Google everything! There isn't enough info for people who haven't done it. Get the cheers program, but not if you plan on gambling a lot the first 2 days. I earned free drinks but had already bought the program and that sucked. If you want to pay for dinner or spa make your appointment the first day. If you don't like kids in adult only areas, pick another ship.

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

5 out of 5
LOVED. We did the zip lining and horse back trip. It was incredible, fun and eye opening. David was our guide and all of the people who worked with him were just awesome!

Grand Turk Island

5 out of 5
Also beautiful. We did power snorkeling and sting rays adventure. I can't say enough. It was so cool to see the bottom of a crystal clear ocean and hold and kiss sting rays.

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
Staff seemed fed up by the end of the cruise. No one had answers for you. We were lucky enough to be the 2nd floor called to leave but there wasn't much direction. Staff off the ship near customs and at the end of gangway were very friendly
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9 Comments

mamavanduser    6 years ago

So happy to hear you enjoyed your cruise! We will be going on the Sunshine in November, I can't wait!!

loraburroughs    6 years ago

Typical cruising. ... : )

hiiroxanne    6 years ago

Over all it really was good. Just try all the food before being discouraged. Be prepared for inattentive parents. Go to the shows but show up a little early and you will have a blast šŸ¤—

loraburroughs    6 years ago

I appreciate your feedback. It seems like some comments can be so negative and they make you worry about your upcoming cruise. Your feedback was honest and much appreciated.

hiiroxanne    6 years ago

Yea I think that they were either very negative and wanted something to complain about or were pregnant and their senses were heightened. I have a sensitive nose and stomach and it was not frequent. My review I feel like hit on the good and the bad fairly evenly so if it concerned me I would have told you šŸ˜

loraburroughs    6 years ago

I just saw a previous post from someone who said it smelled the entire cruuse. Thanks for your reply. I'm happy to hear it was occasional.

hiiroxanne    6 years ago

I wouldn't say all of it but there was an occasional smell but it never lasted. It honestly didn't cross my mind until you asked. So occasionally yes.

OnDeckWithCB    6 years ago

Iā€™d also like to know about the smell

loraburroughs    6 years ago

Someone posted the majority of the ship smelled like a sewer. Did you find this to be true.

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