A Few Hiccups But Overall Great!!
Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 87
4 Night Bahamas (Charleston Roundtrip)
Sail date: October 10, 2019
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 9149
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 4 years ago
Review summary
Cruises Carnival one time before. Last time was the Elation so this was a new ship to try. There were a few hiccups but overall we had a great time! Will definitely be cruising Carnival again and the Sunshine!Embarkation
So smooth and quick. The most confusion came from figuring out where to be dropped off at. But once we got dropped off, it was about 30 minutes from check in, security and on the boat. If possible, get on the boat earlier! Lunch places are open and not crowded yet plus our luggage was waiting for us at 1:30 when rooms opened.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Main dining room, sea day brunch, deli and Guy’s was great! I was in able to try the burrito bar and specialty restaurants. The buffet food wasn’t really that great but it wasn’t awful. The pizza had to be the thinnest pizza I’ve ever had. I’m talking you could almost see through the crust but it didn’t taste bad so if you like thin crust, you will love it! Ice cream machine was not working properly some days. It was some out almost liquid. But there are a ton of food options for those who don’t like the buffet so don’t fret!
Onboard Activities
The pool is a little small for the boat which I know is a common review. It was usually over run with children’s but the Serenity deck had a great pool area (small) and hot tub for adults so there are options. Lots of things going on (trivia, dance classes, spa seminars, shows). I personally enjoyed the comedy shows and trivia. Loved doing the dive in theater at night! Get there early and snag a clam shell! Best seat in the house! Didn’t go see Epic Rock or Bingo but are options as well.
Service and Staff
Our room steward Oswald was fabulous! He was attentive and took great care of us! Our dining room crew did good as well. They were not very personable but we had late dinner and they had lots of tables so I know at that point it had been a long day. They did good though and would bring what was requested and in a timely manner. Overall very impressed! Staff on the ship was very friendly and would say hi as you walked by. They were friendly even when dealing with rude people so that says a lot!
Ship Quality
She was clean and well maintained. When stopped in port, you would even see guys on the outside of the ship painting. You can tell all staff worked hard to keep the ship clean and maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
If you’ve been to Nassau then you know that the people can be pushy. But if you tell them no thank you they will stop so just be prepared. We did the Blue Lagoon excursion. It seemed very unorganized getting to the lagoon. They advertise it as a 5 hour excursion but be advised that by the time you get on the ferry and to the lagoon you will only have about 2 1/2 hours to enjoy before you have to load back up. Food was alright but nothing great. The beaches and lagoon area are beautiful and great for relaxing. If you would like to get away from the kids, walk to the end of the lagoon or go the beach side. All in all perfect for relaxing!
Thumbs Up
7
I’m from Charleston so I personally enjoy it. It has lots of shopping and history tours for people wanting to stop for the day. There is something for everyone!
Disembarkation
This took forever. I heard a room that 2 custom officers had an emergency at the port and had to leave the line and that there was a warrant out for someone on board so I’m sure that contributed and that it wasn’t normally like that. It did seam a little disorganized when standing on the 3rd floor by the elevators. I fell like they could have moved the lines down the halls so people could get off the elevators and not stand there holding the door or keep riding. Tip for those staying on the 8th floor or above, check your luggage when getting off. If you get tags 1-5 you will most likely get off before your floor is called and you don’t have to deal with getting your luggage off the boat. They have it ready in the terminal for you and your line is t as long going through customs.