First time on the Sunshine

Item: Carnival Sunshine
Rating: 4.2
Author: my3kbs

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review

my3kbs

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 72

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

5 Night Bahamas (Charleston Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 11, 2020

Ship: Carnival Sunshine

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7324

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

It’s always a good time to be on the sea even though it was a little rough this time.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

We shuttle from a local hotel to the port. It is relatively effortless. With the construction at the port, you do have to switch buses but it wasn’t an issue. I feel they have it down to a science.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

We typically go to the main dining room only one time each cruise. Got to have the chocolate melting cake. The rest of the trip we break it up between Guy’s Burgers, Blue Iguana and the Lido buffet. There two or three specialty restaurants for fee but we chose not to go the extra expense.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Carnival does a very good job trying to meet all their guests needs. We are big people watchers so it’s always fun to watch the Dance for St. Jude and Hairy Chest. The Dive In movie feature was new to us and we really enjoyed grabbing a blanket and popcorn for an evening of fun.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

The Sunshine staff is always friendly and hard working.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

As with any vessel that spends its life at sea, you will find rust, wear & tear. As far as design and layout, I was not a fan of the atrium. It seemed closed off somehow. The lido pool area was much smaller than the Ecstasy that was in Charleston for a few years. I feel that more rooms were added at the expense of common area when the Sunshine went in for its remodel.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

We love a balcony and this was our first time with an aft. Likes the extra room but did not like the extra turbulence. Weather definitely a factor. Bathroom is very small and the toilet placement is awkward. Shower comfortable. The TV placemat seemed like an afterthought. Fridge did not keep drinks cold. Just added a slight chill.