Enjoyable Destinations
Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 166
8 Night Southern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 10, 2018
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: 2261
Traveled as: Large Group
Reviewed: 6 years ago
Review summary
We enjoyed the itinerary and for the biggest part, the ship. If you can't enjoy the open sea air, the sunrises and sunsets and being disconnected from what you left behind, cruising on the Sunshine is not for you. One thing I must say and I am sure this fits many cruises with lots of kids. Many parents abdicate oversight once on the ships and kids, on this cruise in particular, were running the hallways at hours well after 10:00 at night, yelling, talking loudly, being incredibly disruptive and disrespectful to many passengers who wanted to sleep. I called the customer service desk on several occasions to report the rambunctious noise only to have the phone ring and ring and ring to no answer. I found out when I went to the customer service desk there is a special number (not published) they guarantee will be answered. Security did come down and said they would talk to the parents of the kids but this might not have had to happen if they simply had security staff walking through the passenger areas. In spite of some negative, I can't wait until our next cruise vacation.Embarkation
I really liked how they scanned your passport and you didn't have to stand in line to go to the counter, get your picture taken while waiting for your room keys. A much quicker and timelier process.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
There was never a time when someone in our group lacked for choice in something to eat. The food from the Blue Iguana Burrito Stand was excellent. Our dinner choices were varied and we never got up from the table hungry.
Onboard Activities
My grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed the water slides and the ropes course. The two youngest were very happy to go into Camp Carnival and liked it so much they wanted to go the last night of the cruise. One thing I was pleased with is the Serenity area was kept free from kids; however, it was difficult to get a seat because people would go up early and place towels on multiple seats. it wasn't worth the frustration of an argument to move the towel when they hadn't showed until an hour or two later. Even though they publish a statement against setting towels and leaving, the staff never removed them like they said they would. One other thing is the DJ's kept things loose on the lido deck.; however, one session, the music played encouraged some dancing that one would see in a club with poles only in this case the poles were other people. Not quite appropriate for the pool deck full of kids.
Entertainment
I rated this OK because the Limelight lounge was two small to accommodate the number of people who wanted to see the comedians. The PG comedy was held at 7 and 8 by two different comedians before the same would do the adult comedy at 9 and 10. Because of the very limited seating, those who got into the 7:00 show stayed and no one else cold get in so we quit trying. Besides we had an early dining time that rarely finished before 7:30. Had the comedians been scheduled for the Liquid Lounge, more could have enjoyed their shows. The variety shows in the Liquid Lounge were decent with great special effects.
Children's Programs
My 5 year old and 9 year old grandchildren were enthralled with Camp Carnival. My 5 year old could not wait to go back the camp. It made a lasting memory for her.
Service and Staff
Our room steward, I Putu, worked on Deck Two and was one of the best we have had in all of our many cruises. He learned our names an never failed to address us by name. He was quietly efficient, yet, politely conversational every time we saw him. His towel animals made our grandchildren laugh. He should be commended for his service. On a ship, the dining staff can make the difference between a great meal or a regrettable experience. Leonilo, Jose, and Ketut, who served our tables in the Sunset Dining room made our meal time something we did not want to miss. The were attentive, quick, made us feel like they took a personal interest in each one of our group. They learned names and what we seemed to like over the course of the cruise. It was a great experience and wish I could do more for them to get them the recognition they deserve.
Ship Quality
We truly enjoyed the Havana Bar area. What a great idea. I thought the outer decks around deck ten were much narrower than other ships and that limited seat on that deck, especially around the area overlooking the pool. The Serenity area was superb, if you got there early enough to get a seat. I still have a problem with the smoke from smokers in the casino because it is located in the middle of the ship on the same deck as the shops. Additionally, the Skybox Sports lounge is a non smoking area, yet, it is wide open to the casino and thus inundated with the smell of cigarette smoke. If you wanted to see any sports on televisions, you had to go to the Skybox or the casino, because no sports channels were broadcast over tvs in the rooms. The one pool was very small, especially for the number of kids on the boat. It was always crowded. As far as cleanliness, the vessel was clean and the staff worked hard to keep it that way despite the folks who thought it appropriate to leave empty glasses and drink containers wherever they felt like leaving them. The Limelight lounge was way to small for the shows hosted in it (comedy).
Cabin / Stateroom
Large cabin, room to move and comfortable bed. We liked the larger shower but the toilet location and the fact the door opened into the bathroom created a slight need to be a contortionist. Very adequate storage and closet space.
Ship tip
Enjoy the Havana Bar!!!
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
I was only there to catch the ship. It was fairly easy to get in and out of as well as catch the shuttle.
Too little time. We went to the beach and visited Palm Beach where the hotels are. I believe we are planning to fly back to be able to enjoy more of the island. I am sure that more time is possible on a cruise out of San Juan but for a sampler it was fine. The beach, I believe was called Asashi beach was clean and the water clear.
Very busy place. You feel as though you are in Holland due to the architecture. Much to see in a small amount of time. There were two ships in the port so Mambo Beach was packed.
I have to say the only detractor was the incredible amounts of brown seaweed clogging the beach. Other than that, How About 'Jack's Shack'. The food (jerked chicken and fried conch) and beverages are excellent. It is a great place to go 'Bobbing'.