Great Service but Crazy Party Cruise, 2/27-3/2

Item: Carnival Sunshine
Rating: 4.1
Author: smayhew

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

smayhew

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 152

Overall rating:

4.1 out of 5

4 Night Bahamas (Charleston Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 13, 2020

Ship: Carnival Sunshine

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6255

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

If you’re looking for a non-stop party, search no more! Wall to wall people. Not our cup of tea, but still had an enjoyable cruise. Many adults were behaving badly, partying in cabin corridors after 1am. Loud talking, laughing and running around in the middle of the night. . Unsupervised children in bare feet riding the scenic elevators for kicks. Food and entertainment awesome. Wonderful staff.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Quick and easy. In our cabin by 11:30am with FTTF.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

MDR Food was amazing. Cucina Del Capitano delicious. Buffet adequate and tasty. Great pizza 24/7.

Sunset Dining Room

5 out of 5

Excellent service. Food was so good. Delicious Baked Alaska and Veal Parm. Freshly chilled Gazpacho was amazing. Great job Carnival.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Thermal spa steam room very nice. The ceramic hot stone beds were lukewarm. So that was a little blip. Nice views from the relaxation room. Spa staff great.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

We saw the 70’s Disco Show and Epic Rock in the Liquid Lounge. Both were VERY good. Many talented singers and dancers in this group.

Children's Programs

Did not travel with children.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Excellent service from cabin steward to waitstaff. They each went above and beyond with service.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

This ship is too small for the number of passengers. More air purifiers needed for the smoky casino. There is a strong sewage smell around the mid ship elevators. This lingered for first two days. It was horrid. I’m sure it involves draining sewage tanks from previous cruise, but wow was it overwhelming. The shops are small and very cramped. We found the Liquid Lounge to be very comfortable. We enjoyed the shows there.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Extremely narrow and cramped cabin, but certainly acceptable for a short cruise. There were several spots of paint missing here and there. There are zero electrical outlets near the bed. Bathroom had some rust around mirror and shower. Sofa had stains on pillow back. Bed was comfy and sheets were nicely laundered and fresh. Our cabin was sparkling clean and our steward, Mr. K, was wonderful.

Ship tip

Be sure to visit the Havana Bar, Cucina Del Capitano and JIJI Asian Kitchen, 9 Aft, behind the lido buffet.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Charleston, South Carolina Did not visit port

We live nearby.

Thumbs Up 1

Nassau, Bahamas

4 out of 5

Fun port. We had a day pass at local hotel and enjoyed our beach day very much.

Thumbs Up 1

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Quick and easy.

Traveler Photos

8 Comments

KurryandTyler 2 years ago

👍🏼

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cruisereckoning 4 years ago

Thanks for the review

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Mydogluke 4 years ago

Love the Sunshine

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Cruiserike0322 4 years ago

Thanks for your review, we loved the Sunshine

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smayhew 4 years ago

Someone said this was a “tax return” cruise. Lol. It was packed! Lots of unruly adults partying in the cabin corridors after 1am. Loud and crazy. This was my sister’s first cruise and a trial to see if it’s something she would enjoy. Thankfully the pros outweighed the cons. They’re looking forward to cruising more. Something out there for everyone I suppose. We cruise Princess and like a more low key, relaxing experience. There is no bad cruise though. 😊

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cbyron3 4 years ago

Gosh just the week before had the opposite experience regarding the crowds. Absolutely no lines any where, the buffet, pizza, guys burgers, the show's, the spa, the movies. Least lines we've ever had. No problem getting choice seats in serenity any time of day. Agreeaboutthe stone loungers in the spa though. Barely warm. It's a pretty sorry spa. Had no issues with odors or stains in the spa balcony areas.

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smayhew 4 years ago

Yes! Somewhat sums it up. Always make the best if things. There is no bad cruise! I’ve never seen so many grown ups behave so badly! Felt sorry for the crew having to respond to drunks in the hallways.

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bobduck1993 4 years ago

Glad that you enjoyed your cruise,somewhat!

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Other reviews of this sailing

Highly recommend the Carnival Sunshine and Port of Charleston. My wife and I took our preteen daughters on a four-day cruise to Nassau. Stayed in suite 9107 which has a floor-to-ceiling window instead of balcony. On our second day at sea saw dolphins

Wonderful cruise. Very friendly people!

February Cruise