Overall a very positive experience considering the "age" of the Sunshine and the infrastructure of the Charleston port. We were very pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed it. Yes, it was crowded (getting a drink at the bar was very trying at times, and service at the one specialty dining was extremely slow), but we had our patience packed and kind of knew what to expect when we saw how many people were boarding.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Very smooth despite the "bare bones" terminal--staff was very cheerful and engaging despite the seemingly never-ending lines of people.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We are not gourmet eaters by any means--just give us some good choices and we are happy. Guy's Burger Joint IS worth all the hype--excellent burgers and they sure turn them out fast! Toppings Bar is not as exciting as they say, but did give you some different options. Cucina del Capitano for dinner was a little disappointing--had to return a pork chop because it was not cooked through. Also took a long time to get through dinner as service was short-handed, but that was understandable. We enjoyed the service in the main dining room (any-time seating) so much we canceled our reservations at the steak house to sit with the same servers again. Buffet was okay--enough choices, including fresh salad makings and made-to-order sandwiches (very popular). Overall, we got fed, we got full, and we got on with the fun!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Pool and outdoor areas were crowded (how do kids get to miss so much school?), but Serenity area for adults was more quiet (still crowded so get there early). Lots of indoor nooks and crannies to hide away from the heat and crowds and get lost in a book, though. Enjoyed all the trivia games (even won a trophy!). Hands down the best event ever was Carnival's Military Appreciation--instead of it being a simple get-together in a tucked away bar, this was held in a main theater and included the cruise director and a program! Those who attended had the opportunity to grab the mic and share their stories and experiences. Carnival put a lot of time and thought into their appreciation program--it was the best we've ever attended on a cruise.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Thoroughly enjoyed the performers at every venue--Rock Epic was terrific, comedians were actually funny!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Despite the crowds and being understaffed, everyone we encountered seemed happy and upbeat. Everyone greeted us in passing and urged us to have a great time.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship's layout is a little confusing--some venues are only accessible by "taking the elevator up, walking across the promenade, the going down one floor" . . . but we finally figured it out.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Great balcony location--roomy enough for two.
Ship tip
Like everywhere else you will encounter people who are very different from you, folks you would not normally choose to share your time and/or space with--just remember everyone is usually on a cruise to have a good time. If their good time is impacting yours, don't make it a thing or don't let it ruin your vacation. It's a small ship, but big enough to find a new space.
Not our favorite port, but they do the best they can with what the city will allow. Did not enjoy being dropped off by bus with all our luggage only to have to drag/carry it all across the parking lot to our car. No signage or clear walkways to parking lot--you have to bob and weave through the wave of traffic of people trying to exit the area.
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