Carnival Sunshine Cruise Reviews - Reviews

In April 2016, I sailed on Sunshine for the first time.  It was fabulous!  The experience inspired me to book another cruise on the same ship.  So, I booked this cruise ...  it was a great trip but the ship is not quite the same:

What needs to be improved?

1.  the food was good but it was not great.  the food was never hot, not in the restaurants or in the marketplace buffet.  that made it less than delicious

2.  room service was very poor.  the food selection needs to be enhanced and the quality needs to be improved

3.  our room steward, Pedro, was very nice and polite.  however, he was not always efficient.  we had to ask for items more than once before we received them, our rooms were not really tidied well throughout the stay.  please know, he was nice yet, his service was not the greatest

4.  we asked for ice in our room, there were no ice buckets.  we got ice in a plastic bin covered with a towel.  not acceptable - i do not want a bath towel covering food i would consume!

What was great?

1. The faster to the fun is fabulous! Great way to start the cruise

2. Embarkation and debarkation is so organized it's seamless experience.

3. Cruise director Emma is FANTASTIC!  She completely engaged everyone to WANT to participate in the many fun activities that were available onboard.  She met us as we entered the ship and she wished us well as we departed.  

4. Our table stewards (table #609, late dining, Sunset) were great.  Always remembered our name and what we preferred as dining choices.  made us feel very welcome.  

5.  my mother, sister, daughter and I each received spa services.  all great!

I still like the Sunshine ... giving it another try ... family cruise vacation planned for October 2017.  I hope this time is a better experience.  Unfortunately, the faster to the fun had already sold out so not looking forward to not having that great beginning.  But I hope that the food and service is better (more like my cruise in April '16)

Went on ship sunshine, is old, rooms are tiny,food was horribe,went to dinner 2x and both times food cold, back in the day you looked foward to having a great dinner trying things you would not normally try like lobster well now if you want to you have to pay additional fee of 20.00. I thought that was included in your price what the hell are we paying over 4000. for 5 people for? Not for nassau and freeport that for sure. Food on buffet was horrible, the only bright spot was Guys burger joint, they were FANTASTIC dont miss one of them, our cruise director emma was great!! Shows were so so, the punchliner was funny they did 4 shows 1 pg 3 r rated wish they made it equal 2 and 2.The outside movies were not runnng, kids really disappointed, pool is really small, Ive had friendlier staff on other cruises, they dont seem to care. Debarkcation was a night mare. I will not go on another carnival cruise again, think im going to try royal caribbean or do disney again they were awesome

This was our third time cruising with you.  There was only one flaw, and that was the dining room, specifically Sunset lower.  The ceiling was very low and had no acoustic tile.  It was difficult to converse across the table because of the noise level.  We ate only one meal there and the rest on the Lido deck, which was wonderful.

Constantly busy with things to do, staff was great and very friendly. Kanya in the dining room was amazing! Comedians were hilarious. Food was really excellent. Could work on a different venue as far as the drinks. 

This was a wonderful itinerary and would do it again in a heartbeat!  The ship was clean, it did take a couple of days to figure out the layout of the ship, but otherwise it was great.  The food was very good.  The activities were many.  The only thing I was a bit disappointed in was not having a mini-fridge in the cabin.  Only a few floors had mini-fridges, but I had brought a small cooler, so filled it up with ice each day, plus the cabin steward put a ice bucket each morning in the room.  All staff members were super friendly.

Would go on this same cruise again.

I was really disappointed with the food on the ship. We had late dining and our food would arrive lukewarm or cold. I also found the food to be bland. One example: The New England clam chowder had no clams or clam flavor to it, it was bland potato soup. The service was very good and everyone was helpful if we had questions.

Carnival Sunshine is such an amazing ship!  Even though we were on a fully booked 8 day cruise, we never felt cramped among the 3000 plus passengers!  The ship layout definitely attributed to this!  The cabins were great, steward was awesome, and the variety of animal towels were always a special treat.  The entertainment was top notched and Carnival had a little bit of everything to offer for everyone's tastes from magic shows to trivia contest to all out shows in the Liquid Lounge.  As for the dining room food - SCRUMPTIOUS and dining room staff service - FLAWLESS.  The ports were visited were beautiful and breathtaking and we especially enjoyed having 2 sea days at the beginning and end of the cruise.  Definitely recommend this voyage!

We always love cruising and not having to cook, or clean. We had many sleepless nights. Next time we won't let a travel agent choose our room. We will do our homework. We booked far in advance not to have been stuck below the Liquid lounge. The ports were great. Everything else about the cruise was great.

This was a great cruise with a great value.  The ports of call were very good, especially St. Maarten.  This was our second cruise on the Sunshine, entertainment, service, room stewards, food, wait staff were fantastic.

This is the first time we have not had a mid-ship cabin which proved to be detrimental to our comfort.

The wheelchair assistance getting on and off the ship was excellent and much appreciated by my wife.

Notes on the Carnival Sunshine

February 3rd to 11th ,2017

8 Nights

Ocean Suite 7133

This was our third time on this  ship therefore no surprises. Our first time  in an Ocean Suite on that ship although we had one last autumn on the Carnival VALOR.

The cruises and the itinerary were flawless.

Staff and crew well oiled.

The cabin this side of magical.

LIKES:

-The cabin itself with it's new 40+ inch large flat screen tv, two bathrooms and a tub with a Jacuzzi tub and it's location idea with no other cabins beside us and just above where the ocean waves broke against the ship sides. Basically, dead silent except for the sounds of the sea.

-Two first run movies per day in cabin. One or more different  latest releases up on the Lido screen every night.

- The stage shows were excellent and timed perfectly ahead of our late seating formal  dining.

- My wife loves the casino and she broke even after 8 days. She did admit the smoking violators paid no   attention to the rules.

-Free laundry on our 4th day at sea ( part of being Platinum level cruisers with Carnival )  

- Social Media wifi- for $35 for the 8 days ( last time on the Valor the signal was terrible but this time really strong) We set up one account but shared it alternatively to go on Facebook and save pictures and memories. Worked fine each day.

-Every port we visited had Free Wi-fi off ship: Unlike previous years all we had to ask   a restaurateur for a drink and they allowed free Wi-Fi. In Bonaire the Brewery Bar not only had beers for $4.50 their signal was so strong we were able to use Facebook Messenger to call friends all over the world. Their out side lounge area included comfy couches and we sat there for over an hour. Same result  in Gran Turk at Margaretville .

In Aruba not so easy but we did find free wi-fi in a shopping mall along the main street.

Some will argue why the internet? We debated that also but it was nice keeping in touch with distant family and close friends.

DISLIKES:

- No sugar free drinks beyond Ice tea and Water:  this was particularly upsetting as we called Carnivals head office and asked if I could bring on ship two sealed  bottles of Sugar Free Cranberry Juice.  Being diabetic that was important to me. They said why not and told me they marked my file. At Port Canaveral Security they seized both bottles. Soda and wine only allowed on board. Once I ship I mentioned this to guest services and they apologized explaining they do not control port security. The promise was made once we got to Aruba  they'd inform Carnival Security  I was allowed to purchase bottles at a nearby grocery store. Problem was that store was over a mile away and I wasn't up to that long of a walk. Gave up on the idea till Bonaire and found a nearby grocer. They wanted over $12 a bottle so I gave up trying. Considering I pay $3 back in Florida I felt  it was a waste of my time.

....Well kind of. I made it my mission to see on the ship if anyone had nutritional information on the beverages being served. To my surprise   there wasn't anyone that had that type of information. The head waiter on the Lido deck was also surprised when he pulled out a  milk carton , lemon carton   and ice tea jugs .He discovered none of them had nutritional facts posted on the sides.  Back in America that would be illegal. I had a laugh that on the  lemon aid jug it listed lemon as the 4th ingredient after water and two  sugars.

The head waiter was surprised .He told me how to address this with the Cruise Director. She was very pleasant but also remarked in this day and age ,and so many type 2 diabetics  traveling with Carnival , she was surprised no one on ship had a clue about non sugar free beverages or foods.

-Ice cream: they serve sugar free ice cream in the main dining room but not on the Lido deck

-Vegetarian: by nature Ii try and be vegetarian on each cruise as much as possible. Every prior cruise they always  had two vegetarian choices each night in the dining room. This time not only one choice but the same one every night. I asked our head waiter about this  and once again : cut backs from last January....

-The spa: we always book a spa treatment but this time were let down. Our first visit after getting on board is to visit the spa for a tour and  get prices on treatments. We knew the deal so it was easy for us to decide until they pulled a fast one. If you booked that day they have a 10%-20%-30% off  package for 3 treatments. They then said if you were staying in one of their spa cabins you got 20%-30%-40% off deal. I spoke up to the spa manager we were in an Ocean Suite that cost us  twice the weekly rate  a spa cabin would have cost. I asked why couldn't we et that deal? She did the classic blame head office but commented they get that complaint all the time. She said the previous trip a family in the Captains Suite were denied any discounts. I argued  we typically reserve a spa suite but they had none available on our cruise.  She also said they keep 50 such spa suite upgrades available on each cruise for an extra fewee but all were taken. In the end we said no to anything the spa but not before telling the spa manager i thought that was dreadful customer service. I told my wife before we cruise again with Carnival we'll go to a local spa a few days before  departure.

TIPS: - bring along a small power bar and night light. It helps when recharging  tablets. The night light much easier compared to leaving the bathroom light on all night.

- Selecting a cabin is very subjective. If you want ocean views we always try for town-  port- views. Port is the left-hand side of or direction from a vessel, facing forward. Starboard is the right-hand side, facing forward.  The port side  almost never allows you to see the port and you do tend to get  less sunshine in the afternoons. Not a bad thing if you are up on deck but if you prefer balconies select starboard for perfect afternoon sun.

-Hot tea drinkers? : bring along your own tea bags. Effective last January CARNIVAL only has basic Lipton tea. they use to always have the Tea Box with many varieties of teas but no more. We love tea and know Lipton is the cheapest of the cheap teas on the market

In general most cruisers would never notice the subtle changes. Having cruises Carnival  over 20 times we noticed everything. Still the Fun Ships but not as much fun as last year.

I enjoyed all the islands we went to. Grand Turk being my favorite, since the beach is right there.  The layout of the ship is different than any other Carnival ship I've been on....not that impressed.

My favorite part of the cruise was Emma the cruise director.She was always around for activities.She was always smiling and uplifting.The anytime dining was great.The serenity areas were very nice although everyone was saving chairs all over the ship.There were plenty of fun activities.The marriage show was a riot.The food was very good.I missed the midnight buffet they used to have.I miss the special party they used to have for repeat customers.The ship was very rocky.

team i nyoman were outstanding at dinner.

casino was way to tight slot machines did not pay out spent many hours in casino so no one win anything. automatic shuffle table machine gave you no chance counted over 100 hands heavily favored dealer.

No fault of carnival. My spouse started to get sick on the second day of the cruise. I had to rent a wheelchair for the rest of the cruise because he got very weak. To make a long story short he ended up having a heart attack on the ship which we did not detect till we got him to the hospital where is is in the i.c.u unit with a heart attack,copd and a double lung infection.

Entertainment was very good . Wish they had seats such as some ships do on the upper levels  while enjoying the entertainment around the main center bar. People would have to stand the whole time , there for so many walked away because they got tired of standing , the entertainment was great.  Food was outstanding and the Major D  was very good , our servers were excellent they were right on top of things.

The cruise was great.  Best service on any cruises taken so far.  They did need to have more deck seating.  Rooms were clean and well maintained.  Food was good but not outstanding.   Ports of call were real good.  Cruise line staff were real friendly and helpful.  We needed to get for early since we had a long drive and the staff went out of there way to make that happen.  

We had great food both at the buffet and in the dining rooms.  The food was much better than on our previous Carnival cruise.  I was especially happy with the choice of sugar-free desserts.  Our grandkids had a wonderful time on the water slides!  All cruise staff were friendly and helpful.

Carnival cruise review...I've never written a review of services rendered in a letter like this but no prompt has given me a script review to answer so I'll write my own review.

        This 5 day cruise was our second attempt at having a 4-sibling reunion. We evaluated daily as we met for our evening meal. In general we thought the cruise went well and each of us found plenty to keep us entertained. We took in the casinos, extra restaurants, stage shows and shore excursions. We didn't take any of the planned excursions as several from our groups had health problems that limited activities. The food was good, the shows were spectacular and the service excellent!

...A few complaints would be having to pay for so many extras that were in the past part of our cruise cost. No.1 Extra cost for specialty food items such as NY strip & lobster. No.2 Special sale promotions were not the quality you use to sell. No.3 Picture selections were wonderful...IF YOU COULD FIND THEM! Our brother & his wife paid for a picture but when they got home to check it out the picture was not in the folder! There has to be a better way of locating one's pictures. Last but least the poor departure plan you have for exiting disabled patrons. Entering the ship one was ramped up but for the departure there was one small elevator that would take us down that could not handle the volume. More assistance is needed for pushing disabled wheelchairs. Your volume of patrons are older & using all means of wheeled conveyances and the slow exiting was fatiguing.  Some folks sat for hours waiting for someone to push them to elevator. 

       Hope this evaluation will be taken in the way it was written...a true evaluation from folks who have taken prior cruises to be able to compare.

Difficult finding enough activities to not be bored.  Went to tons of TRIVIA GAMES daily, more than 9, just to have something to do.  CONNECT FOUR board games, shuffleboard, foosball, bean bag toss offered in team competition (I can do those at home, free).  

Getting to the main Ocean lounge, deck 5, where all the ‘action’ was, required traipsing thru a smoke-laden Casino in the middle of walkway path!  No other way to get there!  Pure dumb design.  Other cruise lines do NOT allow smoking in enclosed rooms, as the smoke doesn’t ‘know’ it should stay in one room, it billows out to any opening found. Highly allergic, face swells like a red strawberry, and need to be drugged on anti-histamines to breathe.

(Brought Epi-pens in case, sure glad!)

Food, mediocre in Lido.  Not enough fresh fruits.  I do not like honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, and watermelon chopped into one small bowl.  Should be large amounts of each, in separate BIG bowls, so flavors don’t mix, nor marinate.  Many conversations with other passengers said same thing.  We are the healthy group who tries to eat sensibly.

FINE DINING had fabulous food!  Looks appetizing too.  Chef is experienced, good at his trade.  Wait staff works well together, makes one feel pampered. Score 10!

Every activity room, lounge area, dance area contains those super-tall bar stools.  Wheelchair families cannot sit together without the chair person craning their neck to chat.  Seems guests prefer shorter, normal height seating, as always full, with only the tall stools left, which I cannot use.  (Neither can most all of the older folks). Not many handicap accessible bathrooms, only 2 on ship in main areas, so you are constantly needing to find an elevator to go pee across the ship. Started limiting my drinks severely, so as not to need a bathroom so frequently.

My personal room Steward, Erfan doesn’t know how to clean.  Shower bench contained black mold, and wads of black, long hair on day one arrival. (I took pics).  Bathroom floor grout mold, scum, needs bleached.  Walls have splattered brown pecks that do rub off easily, I tested.  Gross.  I left a note asking for carpet to be vacuumed, on arrival day, it was only partially achieved.  (Should a guest HAVE to ask, when you can clearly see lint, hair, and paper on the floor?)  He made cute animal towels, that’s about all the credit I can honestly give.

Trouble getting a spot for the main big shows, as only two handicap spots on the balcony in theatre.  Didn’t get to see any of the big shows, 3 of them on the schedule. My chair is manual, tiny racing style, so if I’m in the back aisle, I can’t see anything except a post.  Disappointed.

Emma, cruise director, a joy!  Delightful young lady, personable, called me out by name several times.  Well-suited for that career position. Score 10!

Band, BLENDED SOUL, performed in Ocean Lounge, me going thru Casino smoke, gagging to get to this main attraction.  Three nights spent dancing in that one area. Band was especially notable.  Chloe, lead singer, exceptional, gets the crowd involved.

Attended a Magic show that was quite entertaining. Performer was oriented to crowd’s vibe. He gets a 10!

Detriment to the SUNSHINE, Atrium has no dance floor.  Design Engineer placed a huge, circular BAR on that old floor, limiting the already deprived activities to drinking-only.  Many complaints from other passengers, appalled this had been done.  Atrium is a main event in a ship, where all people walk by, get a sense of the ship’s enthusiasm, energy, or in this case, that no-party-is-happening if you don’t drink.

Comedy club had several shows, some repeated for guests who couldn’t squeeze into the lounge (kudos!).  Antman and Kim Harrison get the funny bone kicked in.  Highlight of my cruise.

Crew super-friendly, most smile and greet, including security & Captain‘s mates.  I’ve cruised other ship lines and find this to be true.  Carnival Sunshine does have this going for it. You picked awesome people, except my room Steward. Another gal told me her Steward was just as useless in her dirty cabin, so it isn’t limited to my experience alone. Someone needs to follow-up on the room cleanliness of ALL housekeeping personnel, IF you can find them!!!!

Staggered embark & disembark do not work. Airplanes and heavy traffic roads don’t agree with your system of assigned, set times.   Unhappy guests waiting to board in hours differences embark & grumpy to get home after cruise. Hurry up and wait.   Encountered a few persons spouting insults about Carnival, having to wait while 3-4 tag numbers called at a time, because we were corralled in the main lounge like cattle.  I understand WHY you do this, to keep lines shorter, at terminal & customs, less standing, but it doesn’t work well.  Trying to find a Porter to roll luggage to my truck is a joke.  I asked the lead supervisor 3 times for a Porter.  She did ask the first one to follow me to luggage area 23, but he went to another area with more bags, ignored supervisor and me both.  Finally, Supervisor walked a Porter over to me herself.

Nearly took the 110% guarantee, go back home, but I’m not a quitter.  My roommate nearly begged me for a reprieve.  Gave Carnival a fair chance,  huge let down.  Will be going back to my preferred cruise line.