pcc1342

We got a mini bus when we got off the ship. But beware, we wanted a taxi for ourselves but were told only a mini bus with about 15 people would go to M'bay. So our time frame was dictated by the group. We wanted to come and go as we wanted but it didn't work out that way. Still had a good beach day.

Tried to get a taxi but no go, was told at the taxi stand that a sort of mini bus would take us. The problem was that we all had to return together and the mini bus was run like a tour, singing etc. the minibus fit about 15 people. It is done this way because Montego Bay is almost an hour drive from Falmouth. Dr. Cave beach was nice, facilities were good but didn't like the whole bus situation.

We were also going to rent a jeep in Cozumel until I found out that if you have an accident, payment is expected before you can leave the island. Then you are reimbursed by the insurance company. Too risky for me.

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We thought the Sunshine seemed more crowded than other ships. Crowds of people in many places. Thought it might be because the ship was originally designed for less people than are on it now with the refurbishment.

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I always enjoy myself even if some things aren't to my liking. It's just that other lines are more comfortable. Is it the line, ship, people? Probably a combination.

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Just off the Sunshine yesterday. We had anytime dining and even though you had to sign in and get a pager on deck 5 then go to deck 3, that was not a problem. You sign in next to the taste bar so while waiting there were nibblies and the alchemy bar was also there. The problem was the food in the dining room. Lukewarm at best and both my husband and I felt the choices did not thrill us. This was a surprise for us as usually we can't decide what we want, everything looks good! Go to Ji Ji's or Bonsai Sushi. $15 per person and so worth it - and this from someone who has never been to a paying restaurant on a ship!

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There were usually about 3 comedy shows per night, one family and 2 adults only.

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Maybe I did not express myself correctly. The main problem was that it was cold. When butter doesn't melt on pancakes.....

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Off the Sunshine this morning. Some good things, some not so good. A little about me first: my husband and I are in our early 60's with about 10 cruises under our belt. Have cruised on Carnival several times, as well as Royal Caribbean, Norweigan, and Princess. We have our favorite line but enjoy every cruise we have taken.

I am not going to do a full review but will gladly answer any questions. I do have some high points and some low ones. We liked the newness of the ship. It didn't feel like it was an old ship that had been reconfigured and refurbished. The crew were friendly and helpful as always. Took the excursion through the ship in San Juan to the rain forest. Loved it, saw a lot of the island, had a wonderful guide and it was money well spent. As far as the food, we went several times to Ji Ji Aisan Kitchen restaurant and the food was outstanding. We have never gone to a paying restaurant on any ship, I am against it as I feel I am paying for my meals in the dining room but we were amazed at the food here. Also loved Bonsai Sushi and ate there several times as well. And why did we do this? Well, the food in the dining was..... very different from previous Carnival cruises. I don't know what is going on with them but not only was the food cold but very few of the choices looked appetizing. The cold issue was during dinner, breakfast and brunch.

There was some great music in the various bars and you could always find something to listen to. We really wanted to go to a comedy show but the few times we tried, the lines stretched down several hallways. And this was a half hour before the shows started. Couldn't Carnival have issued tickets like Royal does with their ice shows?

The cabins seemed a bit smaller than previous cabins we have been in. And there wasn't a refrigerator in the room! Lots of storage, really more than was necessary. We never used 2 cabinets at all that were located below the desk area. Maybe a refrigerator could have been in one of them?

Please don't think we didn't enjoy this cruise. We did but I don't know if we will cruise with Carnival again.

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My husband has used a cpap machine for 11 years, has never used distilled water, machine works fine and he does fine on it.

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We are doing a cruise from Barcelona in September. The airfare from Newark has been about $1200pp. Keep checking to see if it goes down!

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We did this last year. Tried to take a taxi but were steered onto a mini bus which was like a tour. When we said we wanted a taxi, they said this was the only way to go. I think that is because it is almost an hour away from Falmouth. The problem was it was run like a tour, singing, introducing each other, etc., the worst part was that we all had to leave together at a specified time. My husband and I wanted to leave when we wanted not to stay until the mini bus left. And when we tried to get info before we left Falmouth, we could not get a straight answer from those in charge. A nice beach but was not worth the hassle.

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I am trying to avoid the 20 hour round trip drive to/from Jacksonville. I can find good airfare from JAX to either BWI or DCA. But getting to JAX by air is too expensive for us. I will only fly a direct flight the day of sailing & the day before you have the hotel cost also.

 

So has anyone taken Amtrak? If so how was it?

This would be an 11.5 hour trip by train. I have no idea about being on a train for that long. I haven't been on Amtrak since the 1970's.

But we would be in a car for 10 hrs if we drove. The other bonus is we fly back. No long drive home! Cost would be $200pp round trip for 4 of us. Would you do it?[/QUOT

 

No, I have not but I have traveled on Amtrak. Two years ago, I went from Pa. to Florida. Many, many delays, we finally arrived about 10 hours late. Then, because of heavy snow up north, all trains along the east coast were cancelled for 2 days. You never know and it is not something I would want to chance.