I don't like sounding negative but I did come on board with an open mind and had set my standards on the low side as cruises have a bad rap in my family. This to me seemed like a good cruise for those on a low budget if you like crowds and are very easily pleased. I try to always be positive and I had a great time and there were lots of things to like, but I just felt there were too many people for the facilities offered. Sometimes you could find a quiet time but that was rare. Halfmoon Cay was nice. Nassau was disgusting. Virgin is bringing out a cruise line which I think could be more to my tastes.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Quick and easy
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
One day great, next day ordinary. All food on board should be free. I don't agree with having to pay extra
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Too few, too small pools. Hot tubs crammed full all daylight hours. Movies good as long as weather was good and if you could find a seat
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Comedians good, didn't attend others
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
It was good for the most part. Casino bar staff excellent and so were most Lido buffet floor staff.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The cleaning staff are very good and on the ball. No apparent laziness except once in the main dining room. Tables weren't cleared and orders not fulfilled. That was only one time though.
For goodness make the 2 lifts that go to decks 11 and 12 exclusive to the upper decks only. There are more than enough lifts to cater to the lower decks. My knee blew out from all of the stair climbing from 5-12 several times a day as lifts were too slow. I love walking and that's lucky because we had to do a lot. I felt sorry for the less mobile.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
It was comfortable. A little cramped but it is a ship after all and we didn't do more than sleep and shower there. Loved the balcony. Was worth paying extra for the option to use the deck when desired.
Ship tip
Geared more for families I think. Not really for me.
No excursion, went walking on our own . Very pretty beach. Tried to get a drink in pirate bar but no one was interested in serving us. Moved on. Going down the beach away from crowds was worthwhile. We took a packed lunch we put together from breakfast buffet and some water. Was a great idea for us as we did not go for the island lunc .
Didn't do an excursion. Walked to Atlantis. Very touristy and expensive . Don't get off the boat in Nassau unless it's to maybe have a drink and something to eat at Shenanigan's Irish pub. The food was amazing. Drinks cheaper than ship. The locals on Nassau are just there to suck money out of you. A woman at the beach near the port took toilet paper out of cubicles and tried to sell a few sheets for $5. Disgusting.
The lifts made this process very frustrating. Trying to get down from 12th deck proved impossible. People going up to go down meant lifts were full when they came up. With only 2 lifts it was ridiculous.. Otherwise it was no problem
martinmanorsurplus. You have no idea what you are talking about. I have stayed in the finest hotels and traveled extensively throughout the world. I can afford to go on any ship I choose but love Carnival. Anyone who does their research will see that Carnival promotes families and their tag line is “The Fun Ships”. I have been on the Sunshine twice and have sailed with Carnival 15 times. I hope the very biased reviewer and Mr. Surplus STAY on other ships. Love the Sunshine and Carnival.
Was on the Sunshine in October last year when it rocked on its side but it didn't spoil my trip would sail on her again had a ball after that incident.
Loved the sunshine so much we are booked to go back on her again next month. To spite the contention that it is only for low class people with low expectations, we found it as good as our cruises on all the other lines. But any cruise is what you make it and more a reflection of the guests attitude than the cruise itself.
I think if an opinion is asked for it should be given honestly. We all have different tastes and experiences. Reviews help people decide on a holiday and when thousands of dollars are being spent research is essential. I don't complain to be a whiner, just giving an honest opinion for those of the same mindset as myself. Good and bad.
Yep... The Sunshine always feels crowded, compared to other ship designs. Most of the people who give good reviews of the Sunshine really havent been on newer designed ships.
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