We would do it again with some different caveats to the port of call.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
5 Stars. Arriving on our designated embarkation time took 20 minutes to step on the ship. Staffers were informative and signs were clear.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Main dining room was fantastic. We did not have an assigned dinner time utilizing the Carnival app for reservations. Our ship was a full capacity and we waited less then two minutes to be seated. Waiters were terrific. Attentive and efficient.
Guy’s Burgers were a disappointment. Both burgers and French fries were consistently greasy. Not recommended if you want a decent burger.
Also had dinner at the Japanese Sushi Restaurant. If you never ate a bad Japanese restaurant, this one is it! Worst miso soup and fish was not fresh. You could taste the chemicals they used to make the fish look and taste fresh. Avoid!
Buffet is a buffet. However, it was clean, well presented, and staff were fabulous.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
The Cruise Director was Aces. We have been fortunate to travel quite a bit throughout various continents, other cruises without kids, resorts, Vegas, Broadway, etc.... This guy was the best. He was just amazing. Personality, interaction with guests. His ability to remain professional with his comical sense of humor. Energy was exceptional. He involved everyone, kids to elderly. Love and Marriage and nightly music atrium music parties were amazing. We could stop laughing. Can’t miss this guy. We would return to the Sunshine just to see his performances again.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Comedy was hilarious. 5 star performance. The PG show was amazing for the kids.
1 Star, they should allow parents to use discretion over teenagers attending. Our 16 year old was not allowed into the adult show. We’re a bit disappointed with Carnivals position on the subject. Carnival guests come from all over the world where laws for age appropriate alcohol rules and or adult entertainment vary. I can understand obeying laws of port nations, that being said, being out at sea parents should be provided the discretion to exposing their teenagers to experiencing actions like responsible drinking and adult humor.
Dance and singers were good 4 stars. DJ was awesome 5 stars.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Room Staff, waiting staff, guest services, etc were all very informative and outstanding.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
It’s a large ship with lots of walking! What was important is the bathrooms and common areas were always clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Four in a states room. Kids were comfortable on bunk beds and queen size bed was large. Lots of closet and draws for clothes. Again, always clean. Our butler Rory was a professional.
Ship tip
This is a party boat. If you want entertainment and fun, sail the Sunshine.
The ease of getting On and leaving the ship was impressive. Years ago we experience sailing with Royal Caribbean which was a terrible experience embarking. Kudos to. Arrival for listening to the guests.
4 stars for the pool and options for the kids.
However, no beach option was disappointing. We needed to travel 20 minutes by taxi for $70 to attend a beach on an island. $70 for a taxi in the Dominican Republic is more expensive than San Francisco prices. Ridiculous! I would not return to this port.
Food and alcohol prices at the restaurant were abusive. Alcohol and food quality were terrible. Stay on the ship.
We signed up for the snorkeling and stingray excursion. Not worth the price. We snorkeling for 30 minute and guide demanded group stay together. We saw 4 fish. Worst snorkeling ever! Enter snorkeling on the Potomac River.
Crew lacked personality and patience with some of the guests who did not have the experience. Reaction of captain to some of the guests was simple unprofessional. I give a one star because the sting ray experience was worth it. Over priced not recommended.
About allowing teens into the adult comedy shows, one thing you have to keep in mind is that seating for these shows is limited. As is I've missed a lot of shows because I couldn't get a seat. But to not be able to procure a seat at an ADULT show because there were a bunch of teenagers planted in them, would definitely get me upset. There are clubs for teens on board that *I* would not be allowed to hang out at, with or without my teenager. I think the ADULT activities should be restricted to the grown ups.
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