We were tossed around like crazy the first night. My 18 year old wanted off the ship, and my 9 year old started throwing up. The next 2 days were a little smoother- BUT OVERCROWDED- and loud and rude people bumping into us and partying in the halls outside our rooms at all hours of the night. Also saw cabins occupied by only teenagers with no parents in sight- keeping us awake all night, banging on doors while they walked in groups up and down halls. My older sons are 22 and 18 and had their own cabin and it was like an act of congress for me to book that way and their cabin had to be near mine. People apparently found a loophole- because I saw unattended teens everywhere being obnoxious and nobody was supervising them. Had to spend alot of money to enjoy anything. Purchased 3 internet packages- and were unable to use internet in our cabins (over $200 for nothing).Half Moon Cay was magical and if we could have stayed there the entire time, we would have. Dinner at 555 Fahrenheit was incredible. Worth every penny. Waterslide area was fun for the boys. Pool was underwhelming, given this is a cruise ship and had 3,800 people on it. 20 people filled it up- and we never got to get in it. Aside from the steakhouse dinner and Half Moon Cay, I regret booking. I am still queasy 3 days after being home. Too much money for this experience- given the issues we had and the rough ride. and the hidden fees once on board will break the bank. This was an awful experience for us- and I am upset about it- because this was a special trip for me and my boys to celebrate a graduation and 2 birthdays- and making memories with them. A few good memories, but a long list of bad ones- were not worth what I paid. This has turned us against cruising ever again.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
line moved fast and got everyone on the ship fairly quickly and efficiently
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
the buffets were pretty good, with plenty of selection and availability- but often overly crowded with limited seating and long lines-which made you dread having to go find food. our dinner at 555 Fahrenheit Steakhouse (FIVE STARS FOR THIS MEAL) was THE BEST meal of our lives with the best service. It was one of the few highlights of our trip.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Plenty to do, but so crowded that it was uncomfortable to try and move around in the main areas. We were expecting multiple pools- and found 1 small pool that stayed over crowded the entire time. We never even got to get in it. My youngest and oldest sons did enjoy the water slide area. But the ship was far too crowded for us to really enjoy ourselves.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Music was good- but again, the crowds just overshadowed any positive experience.
Children's Programs
all of my sons stayed with me the whole time
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
most everyone with the crew was eager to help and very friendly. I did have a few bad experiences that led me to try and call guest services from the room, but could never get anyone on the phone- so I would have to go stand in a ridiculous line at guest services for help. They would tell me to call with any issues but would never answer the phone when I called. also when going to the bar areas to get sodas, we were often left standing there forever while they served alcohol to other guests. they would also deny me additional sodas if I didn't have everyone's room keys with me...so if I left the boys in the room and went to grab us all a drink but only had 2 key cards with me- they'd only let me get 2 drinks- even though I paid for the endless bubbles for everyone in our party.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
they should limit the number of guests for the size of this ship. overall clean- the staff stays on top of keeping rooms clean and common areas always looked clean- just too crowded
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
while the bed was comfortable, and the cabin was clean- the cabin was tiny- and in the worst possible part of the ship. deck 1 and near the front. worst ride ever- still seasick after being home for 3 days. i purchased the endless bubbles package for all of us bc we drink mostly soda- the people working the bars(where you have to go to get sodas) treated us like an inconvenience when we wanted soda- and if I was trying to get all 4 of us a drink- but didn't have everyone's room keys with me, they would deny me the additional drinks even though I PAID FOR ENDLESS SODA. also- after paying for internet packages for 3 devices(over $200)- we were unable to use internet in our cabins and had to get a refund. made an already terrible experience even worse without phones. we will not sail again
Ship tip
prepare for overcrowding, an empty bank account, and a rough ride. Not worth it
I love Charleston, but we did not explore this time. Just wanted to get on the ship and when we got back from the awful ride- we just wanted to be home. The area where the ship is located is actually kind of run down.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL place I have ever been in my life. Clear, turquoise water and white, powdery sand. It was hot that day- so the walk to and from the shuttle and to and from the buffet was a bit much. I wish we could have had more time here. 9:30am-2:00pm- because the last shuttle back to the ship leaves the island at 3- was not enough time to enjoy this gorgeous place.
we had purchased a bottle of liquor to take home- and they hold it in the shop until disembarkation. The line to pick up liquor was wrapped around the entire 5th level and was not moving. I was in that line for over an hour. and even though instructions for disembarkation are given loudly and clearly and multiple times over the intercom, the mass of people did not listen and made the process worse. too many people on this ship, and it ruined the experience from start to finish.
Hopefully Carnival corp will send more variety to their terminal in Charleston as I believe the Sunshine is the only ship currently sailing from there & it looks to have been pretty banged up from the last storm it got caught in 🙄
We sailed carnival sunshine one time and never again. The Sunshine rocks alot no matter the weather!! Please don't be turned off to cruising. I understand the issues with Carnival as we experienced alot of the same problems. However, we were not 1st time cruisers so we knew there were better cruise lines out there.
Hope you give it another chance.
I'm sorry you had a bad experience of sailing. Here is tips. You need to do research on the drink package. It clearly said or they will state you need everyone key room to purchase drinks. Rooms book mid ship. Less rocking. Although we booked in back and enjoyed it. And book off season. We do and less crowded. And most as much headache you expierienced. And if I see your date I believe your cruise you already was getting side effects of the tropical storm that came out there. I will admit we I came across one time sea sickness. But was ok.
So sorry you were disappointed! When school is out there are always a lot of kids. Research, as others have said. Rough seas can happen. Staff is required to scan room cards for the drinks, even if you bought the package. Jerry and I have had many cruises on Carnival, and had good experiences. Never do a short cruise on any line, as it is a party trip. Please try again. Here and on Cruise Critic, we are happy to help.
I’m sorry to say but as a new cruiser you needed to do more research. There are so many of us that have cruised many times that would gladly help out. Room placement is crucial. You need to get something as close to the middle as you can and as low down as you can to minimize the rocking of the ship. Also have guest cabins above and below you and to keep away from stairways and elevators. The next thing is that 4 day Carnival cruise is a boose and party cruise stay away from them it’s always a party a noise fest.
I’m sorry your first cruise experience was disappointing.
I can recommend cruising on the Carnival Magic since both of our cruises on this ship were very enjoyable and only felt overcrowded on embarkation day and when debarking but it went smoothly for us. The cabins are small, especially for more than two people. We always book our cruises that allow us to choose our room location and try to stay on deck 7. We haven’t had any issues with sea sickness and enjoy the quiet cabin locations at the front of the ship.
There are many cruisers on this website that will help answer your questions if needed.
I hope your future cruises or vacation plans are much more enjoyable for you.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
😎🛳️☀️🩴🏝🪸🐠🌺🙏🏻
Sorry to hear of your disappointment in your first cruise. Please consider another cruise in the future, you might have a different experience. Congratulations on graduating and happy belated birthday’s.
Appreciate your detailed review. Sorry your first experience was so disappointing. Hope you are feeling better soon. If you decide to try to cruise again, pick a cabin as close to midship as possible, to avoid motion sickness. Also be sure to have cabins above and below yours. Most seasoned cruisers will be happy to help you with any other questions. At least I will.
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