A Bright SUNSHINE Christmas Cruise Report

[smc1313s]

[quote name='Bobug']So happy you came back to finish your review. We will be on the Sunshine the second week in Feb...very excited![/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]Sorry I left you hanging! You are gonna have such a good time! I am ready to be back on her again![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[smc1313s]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]I have tons more pics from the Grand Palladium, but that should give you a pretty good taste. Overall the place was amazing. We are probably going to plan to stay there for a full week sometime in the future, that is if we can get away from cruising:D. We both really loved the resort and the staff was friendly. The beach was rocky in some areas but they do have a nice area where you can get in the water. We actually only saw a fraction of the resort while we were there. There are at least 2 other pools that we never even saw. I will for certain go there again anytime we port in MoBay.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Laurin612]

I'm confused--were you on the Sunshine for the Christmas cruise (12/22-12/29)? I just assumed you were because your review said Christmas cruise, but I was on that cruise and Montego Bay was not on the itinerary.

[smc1313s]

[quote name='Laurin612']I'm confused--were you on the Sunshine for the Christmas cruise (12/22-12/29)? I just assumed you were because your review said Christmas cruise, but I was on that cruise and Montego Bay was not on the itinerary.[/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]Ok, so the title may be misleading:p. We were on the week before Christmas, but it was mine and my wife's Christmas gift to each other.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[cruizinisthebest]

[quote name='Laurin612']I'm confused--were you on the Sunshine for the Christmas cruise (12/22-12/29)? I just assumed you were because your review said Christmas cruise, but I was on that cruise and Montego Bay was not on the itinerary.[/QUOTE]

OP says 12/15. Christmas "season." :)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

[seguincruiser]

Did you use the spa at all? I'm thinking of getting a spa cabin on the Dream out of New Orleans.

[MoeDeckedOut]

Thanks for the review & all the pictures! We'll be on the Sunshine in March and I'm soaking up every little tidbit I can :)

[txmom11]

Thank you for the review. I'm enjoying it. One of our favorite cruises was on the Destiny and DH wants to take the Sunshine ASAP. :)

Do you have any pictures of the Serenity Deck?

[crazyboutdisney]

Love your review! We sail on the Sunshine Feb 16th...cant wait!

[smc1313s]

[quote name='seguincruiser']Did you use the spa at all? I'm thinking of getting a spa cabin on the Dream out of New Orleans.[/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]I personally did not make it to the spa. My wife and her cousin went and enjoyed it. A (wife's cousin) had some sinus congestion, she wasn't sick just stuffed up, and after the aroma therapy steam room she was clear the rest of the week. One other note, the Sunshine does not have the Thalassotherapy pool, which I probably would have actually used. I am not really one to want to sit in a hot steamy room so the saunas and steam rooms don't really draw me. I like cool, comfortable, low humidity rooms to relax in:D. In the future I probably would not book a spa cabin unless we got a similar deal as this trip. I was originally going for a Lido balcony, but the spa balcony was only like $50 bucks more so we said what the heck, let's try it. I did LOVE the location though, we were on deck 10 and it was a super convenient location. I say if it's a good deal on the Dream, and you think you will enjoy it, then go for it! Plus the Dream has that T-pool which I think sounds nice, although I've never tried it. The Dream is a great ship and I LOVE sailing from NOLA. My favorite thing about the Dream class is the wrap around walk-way on Promenade, I did miss that on the Sunshine.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] Edited January 11, 2014 by smc1313s

[smc1313s]

[quote name='MoeDeckedOut']Thanks for the review & all the pictures! We'll be on the Sunshine in March and I'm soaking up every little tidbit I can :)[/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]Thank you for reading along! You will have such a blast on her! I have seen plenty of negative reviews of Sunshine, but honestly, I really have no complaints other than the Comedy Club. I know it's been said in other reviews, but I think a good tip is that whenever you are eating on Lido, go all the way aft and grab a table. The view of the wake is nice and it is usually less crowded back there during peak hours. That area ended up being our morning meet up for breakfast with A/J. I never found crowding to be an issue anywhere, no more than any other ship, and I only saw one of those infamous buckets, and it was dry! I know you will have an awesome time![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[smc1313s]

[quote name='txmom11']Thank you for the review. I'm enjoying it. One of our favorite cruises was on the Destiny and DH wants to take the Sunshine ASAP. :)

Do you have any pictures of the Serenity Deck?[/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]Thanks for your thanks:)! I appreciate that others are enjoying my story. I am writing it as much for myself as others. It is kinda fun to relive the trip again and I know it will always be here whenever I want to reminisce.

You won't be disappointed with a cruise on Sunshine! It is our favorite ship to date!

I honestly never took any pics of Serenity. Every time I was out there I didn't have my phone. I will check with the wife to see if she has any pics. But there are some GREAT videos on youtube that show a complete walk thru of the Serenity area. They are posted by a fellow CC'er. Just go to youtube and search for GailJen1. She posted lots of good videos from all over the ship and I enjoyed those quite a bit before our cruise![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] Edited January 11, 2014 by smc1313s

[smc1313s]

[quote name='crazyboutdisney']Love your review! We sail on the Sunshine Feb 16th...cant wait![/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]I am excited for you! That's just a week away! You are going to love the Sunshine! I wish we could go on her again before she moves to Canaveral and the crew gets changed, but it's not in the cards (read finances:D)! I will make sure to get this report wrapped up before you sail away![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[smc1313s]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]We got up at usual time this morning and met A/J for breakfast on Lido aft near the Havana Bar. This was our usual meeting spot and we enjoyed it back there. You can get a table with a great view of the wake, and it was typically less crowded during peak times. The omlette station is also located back there as well. (I note that because some have complained that it is hard to find) After breakfast we went down to tender into Cayman. We were not in a rush so the vast majority had already gone ahead and we got right on a tender. C and I had no plans, just wanted to shop a little.

Side note: The entire trip I had been looking for a ring for C as a 10th anniversary gift. So A/J were in on the surprise and I told C that J was looking for a gift for A and that he wanted me to go with. This was pretty much the only reason we got off in Cayman.

A/J were planning to go to Seven Mile Beach (I think that’s what it’s called) and after J and I were done shopping (I didn’t find anything in Cayman) they caught a taxi to the beach and C and I caught a tender back to the ship.

C and I just had a leisurely afternoon, I am sure there was some trivia, and lunch. I just don’t remember the exact details, mostly because the VIFP party was this afternoon:D. It was only A/J’s second cruise so they didn’t get to go, but C and I turned Gold on this sailing so we got the invites. We had actually been to one before, on our second sailing before they changed the rules so we knew what to expect. (Side note again: I really miss the Fun Farewell Party that Carnival used to have on the last sea day, but oh well…:rolleyes:) We had a few too many Funship Specials, as the waiters were very generous with them. It was overall a fun production. I am sure it could be boring if the CD wasn’t fun, but Jaime did her usual excellent job.

We met up with A/J in the Serenity area to catch the sunset. They said that the beach wasn’t so great, murky water and super crowded. We had dinner on the Lido and hit the dance club late that night. A/J left a bit earlier that C and myself. I vaguely remember Lido pizza and room service chocolate cake and cheesecake…seems as though this is becoming a habit:o:D! I couldn’t tell you what time we went to bed, but I am sure it was late!
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[MISSSNOOPYGIRL]

I cruise her Jan.19th. Getting EXCITED! I too believe in Cracker Barrel! You guys seem like people I would enjoy cruising with-my kind of people!

[smc1313s]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]Today is COZUMEL!!! I confess, I love Cozumel. It is one of my favorite ports. I know that it is on soooo many itineraries, but I could go on every cruise and not get tired of it.

Our plan for the day was Mr. Sanchos. This would be our second time there. We went for the first time last November on our Dream cruise, and we all agreed that we must do it again! No disappointment, it was as much fun as last time. It was way more crowded though, but last time we only 1 of the 2 ships in Coz that day. Today there were so many ships that a couple were actually tendering in. I think there were like 6-7 ships in port, including the Oasis/Allure of the Seas. Man, that thing is a behemoth! We still had a blast and we had the same waiter as last time and he remembered us. If you ever got to Mr. Sanchos, ask for Francisco, he won’t disappoint!

We mostly hung at one of the tables in the pool. A and myself did venture down to the ocean at some point for a bit. The water was perfect! We had a great lunch as well, the food at Sanchos is delicious!

We made our way back to port in the afternoon and did some more shopping (still didn’t find the perfect ring) and then back on the ship.

We went to the Hasbro Game Show again this afternoon, and again after dinner. It was the same show, but I got to play the second time! The game was Operation. It was basically skee ball. I still had a bit of a buzz from Sanchos so my aim was a bit off. Our team only lost by a little. I got a pocket Operation game as a parting gift. It was really fun!

Here is me up on stage left:
[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/Sunshine%20Ship%20Pics/DSC06755_zpsc411bca4.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/Sunshine%20Ship%20Pics/DSC06755_zpsc411bca4.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

We did Lido dinner sometime between the game shows. Later C and I went to the Blue Iguana deck party and were going to check out the Mexican Feast buffet, but instead decided to call it a night.

Since we were all in the pool most of the day there aren’t really any pics from Sanchos, but you can see some good pics over on the ports of call boards it you’ve never been before.
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[smc1313s]

[quote name='smc1313s'][FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]I am excited for you! That's just a week away! You are going to love the Sunshine! I wish we could go on her again before she moves to Canaveral and the crew gets changed, but it's not in the cards (read finances:D)! I will make sure to get this report wrapped up before you sail away![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]CrazyBoutDisney...I just realized that I am apparently in the wrong month:confused::o. That is like a month and a week away, but still excited for you![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] Edited January 11, 2014 by smc1313s

[smc1313s]

[quote name='MISSSNOOPYGIRL']I cruise her Jan.19th. Getting EXCITED! I too believe in Cracker Barrel! You guys seem like people I would enjoy cruising with-my kind of people![/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]MissSnoopy--Every vacation we go on that involves a road-trip is not officially started until that traditional Cracker Barrel breakfast has been had! We have done it for as long as I can remember! I have read many of your postings and have to agree that we'd probably have a great time cruising together! Enjoy your trip, even though I know I don't have to tell you![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[policewife]

You mentioned you had FTTF boarding. What is that?

[jillpra]

We are going on the Sunshine on June 28th after sailing on the Dream 7 times. I have one question, are there the decks out front of the Sunshine like it was on the Dream? We loved watching the sailaway from the deck away from the crowds. I'm trying to prepare myself for the changes from the Dream as we had it mastered and knew the shortcuts around traffic.

[smc1313s]

[quote name='policewife']You mentioned you had FTTF boarding. What is that?[/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]FTTF or Faster to the Fun is a $50 "excursion" that you can purchase that gives you priority boarding, priority guest services line, and priority tendering, and your cabin is supposed to be ready upon boarding, among other little perks. Basically we got to board the ship after the wedding parties, diamond, and platinum, but before zone 1. Since we arrived to the port so early it was really moot for us I can see how it would be handy sometimes though.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[smc1313s]

[quote name='jillpra']We are going on the Sunshine on June 28th after sailing on the Dream 7 times. I have one question, are there the decks out front of the Sunshine like it was on the Dream? We loved watching the sailaway from the deck away from the crowds. I'm trying to prepare myself for the changes from the Dream as we had it mastered and knew the shortcuts around traffic.[/QUOTE]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]No worries! The Sunshine absolutely has those "secret" decks. The other couple with us had an inside on deck 7 forward and we went out there on the front deck several times. They called it their "private" balcony because hardly anyone was ever out there. I was out there on the last night alone for a few minutes coming up the Mississippi and it was foggy and quite and really creepy, but a cool experience. And for the record, the Sunshine has a very similar layout to the Dream, it shouldn't take you long at all to get used to the layout![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] Edited January 11, 2014 by smc1313s

[lhuggi1]

Great Review, thanks for posting.

[smc1313s]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]Dang! Is it Saturday already? What!?! We have to get off the ship tomorrow?!? Well, we were determined not to let that get us down! We had a leisurely morning and afternoon. Played some trivia, had some good lunch, had our boozy milkshakes. It was a rather perfect last morning/afternoon at sea!

I made reservations for the Steakhouse for dinner tonight. We really wanted to have a great last meal together on the ship. Plus I had a surprise for C! I finally found a ring! Well, she actually found it in the onboard jewelry shop. She didn’t know I was even planning on buying her a ring, but she fell in love with this one:

[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/People%20Pics/943198e1-e2f5-4990-9cf2-359562b8ce87_zpsd53af5b2.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/People%20Pics/943198e1-e2f5-4990-9cf2-359562b8ce87_zpsd53af5b2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

So I went back before dinner and picked it up. We got all dressed up and went to dinner. I was so nervous, I felt like I was proposing again! I talked with the Hostess and the waiter and told them I would like it delivered to her on her dessert plate, and they said, “No problem!” A had already informed them that we were celebrating our anniversary, but even she and J didn’t know I had actually found a ring! It all went off flawlessly! The waiter was amazing. He actually put in in a different plate from the dessert and it had a little lid on it. He put it down in front of her and said, “For your anniversary, compliments of the Chef!” She was shocked when he lifted that little lid and the ring was laying there! It was such a fun surprise! Unfortunately A has all of the pics of the actual surprise and I haven’t gotten them from her yet.

I do have some pics from the Steakhouse dinner though:

Mini Burger Amuse Bouche
[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06778_zps9ec9d3b8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06778_zps9ec9d3b8.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Chilled Tomato Soup Amuse Bouche
[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06780_zps4f9d86be.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06780_zps4f9d86be.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Crab Cake App
[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06781_zpsf1a8bb72.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06781_zpsf1a8bb72.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Escargot App
[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06782_zpsfac37956.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06782_zpsfac37956.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
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[smc1313s]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]Filet Mignon
[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06784_zps45970754.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06784_zps45970754.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Ribeye
[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06786_zps9de2e57e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06786_zps9de2e57e.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Baked Potato Side
[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06788_zps7b20e266.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06788_zps7b20e266.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

And Finally…Cheesecake for dessert
[URL=http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/smc1313s/media/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06789_zps57b26ec8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b562/smc1313s/Sunshine%20Food%20Pics/DSC06789_zps57b26ec8.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

We finished a fantastic dinner, then went to see the last comedy show. After that we headed back to our cabin, along with A/J, and had some last night celebratory champagne and shots. Then A/J left and C and I packed our bags. We all decided to do self-assist debark, as we didn’t have too much luggage. After the packing was done we had some late night pizza and room service dessert one last time and went to bed.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]