First time on the Sunshine

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 73

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5
Carnival Sunshine

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.

Ship tip

Take a breather and learn the layout of the ship. We always feel better once we have a sense of where everything is located.

Ports of call

Charleston, South Carolina

4 out of 5
Charleston is a quaint old world town. We always wish we had more time to explore it.

Princess Cays (Cruise Line Private Island)

5 out of 5

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5
We have been there several times. Nice little shopping area. Didn’t get off the ship this time.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
This was the easiest & fastest disembarkation we have ever experienced. Great job Sunshine crew.

Traveler Photos

Always a great day at Princess Cay Aft balcony rainbow
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6 Comments

Fiesta83    4 years ago

Glad you enjoyed your cruise

jgfan24    4 years ago

Were going in April and gonna try to sightsee around town. Richntina08 any ideas of good things to do and where to eat?

Mydogluke    4 years ago

Love the Sunshine and Carnival

cruisereckoning    4 years ago

So glad you enjoyed.

Cruiserike0322    4 years ago

We are booking a cruise out of Charleston. Just not sure when yet

richntina08    4 years ago

When in town let me know and can give y'all ideas to do while here in port in Charleston

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