Disappointing

Item: Carnival Sunshine
Rating: 2.7
Author: sbergquist

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

sbergquist

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 30

Overall rating:

2.7 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Bahamas (Charleston Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 14, 2023

Ship: Carnival Sunshine

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 2144

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 11 months ago

Review summary

First, they took my Beer at security, minus $15, then they took my small pocketknife that's been in my family for $50 years. Then the baggage guy put my wives CPAP back into the truck of the car instead of on baggage cart. I'm guessing he thought it was my laptop, and thought since I didn't tip him, he'd keep me from having my laptop, but know he kept us worried that it was lost on the boat for two days, because our luggage didn't get to our room until after 10pm. Every bar tender charged gratuity on every drink bought. So, why is there a gratuity option to pay up front? That was $128 that was added to my bill. Every waiter coming around shoving drinks in our face trying to get us to buy, even at dinner table. Kids, there was an announcement telling people to keep an eye on their kid with green bracelets, but they ran all over the ship unattended, stayed in the hot tubs 24/7, and got plates of food that weren't eaten. If I wanted to babysit, I'd have brought my kids. Room Staff Excellent. Comedy, there was only one real comedian. I thought theses ships had shows? Casino, the smoke was so bad, I was able to watch for a while, my wife not at all. Sports, one bar with 50 of us trying to watch football and relax, use the other rooms to project football and maybe you'll sale more drinks, and apps.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

Poor

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Good, Good, okay

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Comedy, dating game,

Entertainment

1 out of 5

good

Children's Programs

no kids

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

good

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

okay

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

great

Ship tip

Don't

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Charleston, South Carolina

2 out of 5

okay

Thumbs Up 0

Nassau, Bahamas

2 out of 5

okay

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

terrible sit in the hall for hours hoping to leave.

15 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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byhisgrace 10 months ago

Yikes 😳

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NanMarie 10 months ago

We have been on the Sunshine 8 times and never had waiters pushing drinks in our face. Sometimes it's hard to get a drink. As far as you thinking the porter left the CPAP in the car because you didn't tip him?????? In the first place you should tip the porter, plus it is your responsibility to tell the porter what comes out of the car. I always say this luggage comes out and my carry on and backpack stay in. He is not mind reader.

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NanMarie 10 months ago

If you had done any research at all before your first cruise you would know you can't take beer or a knife onboard. That is your own fault. Cruising is probably not for you. The 18% tip for drinks is common too. Next time maybe do some reading or watch YouTube about cruising. There are a lot of great ones out there.

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Samud 11 months ago

You are never allowed to bring beer or knives on board. Carnival sends emails prior to cruising going over what is or is not allowed. I have been on this ship twice once in 2022 & again in 2023. They always have multiple shows music, dancing and comedy. Perhaps you missed them in the fun times or app. All cruises will have some parents not watching their kids it is annoying but I try to just ignore them. The ship and staff on the sunshine are wonderful. I wish it was not leaving Charleston.

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javawoody 11 months ago

You seem unaware of many aspects of cruising. You need to read what is allowed and what to expect.

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cortneyb 11 months ago

first of all... you can't bring beer on board. only 1 bottle of wine per person over 21yrs old. second... really? a pocket knife. it's considered a weapon and not allowed. both these things are all listed online. the gratuities that you pre paid are for dining staff, room stewards etc. the 18% gratuity added to a drink is like a tip simular to what you tip at a bar on land. EVERYTHING is all mentioned online if you would've done your research. and fyi... all lines operate this way with gratuities, alcohol etc. all this is on YOU

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sopha 11 months ago

Fake

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lsbs 11 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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Gwbigdog 11 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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kdlady 11 months ago

Of course, they took your beer - read your cruise documents, and yes, they will take weapons because they aren't allowed onboard, either. Neither of these things is Carnival's fault - it's 100% on you. Common sense, people - don't underestimate it.

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cruising2004 11 months ago

Has to be a first time cruiser!

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joyandjerry 11 months ago

If you checked the regulations of the contract you signed, you would know that beer cannot be carried on the ship. Knives ok if blade is under a certain size. It is a shame many let kids run wild. We never go at a time kids are out of school or on short cruises.

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Niavlys 11 months ago

Ouf, am not a big fan of Carnival..and your comments doest really make me want to cruise again with them. Tks for sharing and hope you'll find you go-to cruiseline like I did: Celebrity all the way...

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jwasney 11 months ago

First cruise.....learning experience

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