Solo Fashionista gets some Sunshine (Take 2!)

[lara_lox]

Day 8 - Aruba

 

I was soooooo tired this morning but determined to get up and sorted so I could make the most of our stop in Aruba. I hadn’t booked any excursions or made specific plans for today as I knew what I wanted – beach time! I’d done some research and thought that I might go to the Reflexions Beach Club on Surfside beach, as it is the closest one to the port, and I don’t like to travel far ashore by myself. However, despite not thinking I would be ready in time to meet my friends, everything came together when I bumped into the group just off the ship.

 

We bought bus cards for $4 return from a little kiosk in the town centre, and it seemed that all the buses ran up and down the coast, so we didn’t have to wait for any particular one. There were different coloured routes clearly shown on boards at the stops though. We decided to go to Palm Beach, which is a bit further away. Some other people I had spoken to as I got off the ship had been to one of the closer beaches, Eagle Beach, but the vendors wouldn’t let cruise ship passengers use the facilities, instead keeping them for hotel guests.

 

When we arrived at Palm Beach, after about 15 minutes (the bus driver told us when to get off) we had no such problem, with locals immediately approaching us asking if we wanted loungers etc. We rented two loungers and one umbrella between us, for $25. At the point we got onto the beach there was a pier with a few shops and a bar, plus water sports stalls, but we settled ourselves slightly further up the beach where it wasn’t so busy. Wow! We were all stood there with massive grins on our face, unable to believe that this was real life right now. The beach was absolutely beautiful, and the photos don’t even begin to do it justice.

 

 

 

I had the perfect day. I was in an incredible setting, with great people; life couldn’t have got any better. Oh wait, local beers and jello shots helped haha! We spent a few idyllic hours playing in the sea and sunbathing, and the time just flew by, we all agreed we didn’t want to leave, but we knew we had to get back to the ship. We easily caught the bus back to the port, where I left my friends so I could go for a nap. They quickly stopped by a bar called Mojitos for an appetiser and to use the free wi-fi. This was in a big shopping area next to the port, where there were lots of different kinds of bars, restaurants and stores, but I didn’t check any of them out because I can do those things at home, where there aren’t any stunning beaches to enjoy. I just wish our stop at Aruba had been longer. I guess I will just have to go back!

 

Back on the ship I went to the Blue Iguana Cantina where I tried fish and pork tacos. They were very good and the salsas at the topping bar were delicious. By now I really was shattered so I went to my cabin for that nap, to set me up for the night. I wore a turquoise dress with flat sandals tonight. I left my hair to dry naturally but at some point in the evening we went out on deck to look at the stars and I returned inside with a huge afro, so I had to restrain it in a bun so I didn’t look quite so wild!

 

 

I fancied a change tonight so suggested that our group go to one of the speciality restaurants. I filled a very large glass with the rest of my bottle of wine from my cabin to take with me. We decided on Cucina del Capitano, and they had no problem reserving our table for five last minute. It was amazing! We were brought complimentary deconstructed bruschetta, which was grilled bread with side portions of roasted garlic, baby tomatoes and ricotta. We had to try not to fill up on this, knowing what was to come. To start I had anti pasti, and also aubergine parmigana. The parmigana was fantastic, I could have easily eaten it as my main course. Knowing this would be a filling dish, I ordered the shrimp main, which was also excellent, the shrimps were so flavoursome and juicy. I had these with a side of broccoli and also B’s left over rocket salad from his starter! The others had the risotto balls, meatballs, caprese salad, ceaser salad, and short ribs, so between us we tried most of the menu. For desert we all shared the apple tart, lemon sorbet and tiramisu, even though we were stuffed. M and I in particular both love our food and we both spend the whole meal groaning with delight at every mouthful! Everyone agreed on how good the food was, and that it was well worth the $12 cover charge.

 

Tonight there wasn’t a comedian on, but a comedy magic show, in the Limelight Lounge. It was ok, but I prefer one or the other, I find the combination a bit odd because you don’t really get the best of either comedy or magic. As we were finishing our drinks and the lounge was emptying, the magician invited us to come to the front for a little after show. He wanted some feedback because this was his first show, and he did some more tricks close up for us. He was very good, I would have liked to see him do a full magic show without the comedy aspect.

 

After this we made our way to the club and joined all the other night owls for some dancing and photos. Because I had enjoyed my wine so much earlier, I carried on drinking this. Big mistake! I love red wine but only drink it if I’m just having a couple of glasses, because I know it will make me rough otherwise. When the club closed everyone headed to the EA sports bar, where although the bar was shut, there was a socket for the speakers someone brought, and the casino bar nearby. It was really nice to have everyone together from all the different groups, and we stayed there a while drinking and chatting. My camera was taken hostage and shows the progression of a somewhat blurry night!

 

 

 

 

As was now becoming customary, we ended the night out on Serenity before another unwisely late night….

[lara_lox]

Day 9 – At Sea

 

…Bleurghhhhhhhhhhhh! I felt awful this morning, I could barely open my eyes. Damn red wine! This was the first and only day I really felt rough. I couldn’t even begin to face the dining room so I hid in a corner of the Havana Bar with an omelette instead. Then all I wanted to do was quietly lie out in the sun with my Kindle. But today was the one time I couldn’t get a lounger in Serenity. There were plenty free around the main pool though, so I set up camp there. I couldn’t relax though beucae the music was ridiculously loud! It was so bad that after about thirty minutes I’d had enough and was getting annoyed, so I left. I walked to the back of the ship where the water park is, and again found lots of free loungers there, and blissfully, no music. So I tried again and laid out there, watching people shooting out of the waterslides, which was funny. However, this still wasn’t a good spot because there was no breeze at all and within minutes I was boiling hot and laying in a pool of my own sweat, urgh! I wasn’t doing very well today so far! So I got up once again and wandered back over to Serenity. Third time lucky! I found myself a nice quiet, comfortable lounger on the top deck to settle down on.

 

M and J found me there and kept me company for a while but then it started to rain. We toughed it out for a while but when it showed no sign of stopping we admitted defeat and went inside. I changed out of my bikini and went with M to get myself one of the delicious turkey rolls from the deli. I took this back to the Havana Bar and she also persuaded me to try a Bloody Mary! I felt much better after these and was finally starting to come round a bit. We went to sit on the sofas in the sheltered part of Serenity, so even though it was still raining a bit, we were able to enjoy a magnificent view of the ocean and get some sea air. After a while J and L found us, and we spent the rest of day relaxing there, having a lovely chilled out afternoon.

 

 

 

 

Tonight was the second elegant night and already my outfit was messed up because I had planned to wear the silver shoes that had broken on the first night. I was able to improvise though, and so I wore a hot pink satin dress with my black peep toe heels.

 

 

I returned to my set dinner table tonight where I had the seafood platter, broccoli soup, chateaubriand, then another WMCC. Everything was very good and I enjoyed my meal. Egged on by my table mates I got up and danced with the waiters during tonight’s entertainment, despite joking that I would pop out of my dress because I had eaten so much. Luckily I didn’t. Yet…

 

I had arranged to meet my friends outside the comedy club for tonight’s show, but I was a bit early so I stopped by the Piano Bar which is on the way. I quite liked it in here and there were obviously people who went every night because they had a good rapport going with the girl playing. I stayed and listened for a short while, leaving when I saw my friends pass by. As before, we queued up for the comedy show about thirty minutes before it began, but only had to wait a few minutes before going in and finding good seats. Tonight was Russ Nagel, and I found him really funny and enjoyed his show. Unfortunately the room was really hot tonight and I was actually quite uncomfortable. We stopped by the Atrium for a quick drink and for everyone to regroup, then headed to the club where we stayed until it’s latest closing time yet of 2am. Oh and just to add to my list of fashion disasters this cruise, I actually did pop out of my dress! One of the straps couldn’t take the strain and just snapped. Luckily the straps are actually detachable so I just removed them both and wore the dress strapless.

 

 

 

[lara_lox]

Thank you all for the lovely comments and compliments, I'm glad you're enjoying my story :)

[porterhouse111]

Love these reviews - it is all about the little details, rather than just a general impression here or there. We love reading the details; even the logistics of things, thanks!

[maureencruiser]

I'm glad to read this (again) and see your pictures for the first time. I always like to see what you are wearing and I agree, your boarding dress is adorable. And, now that your pics are up, I see that what you call a vest, I call a tank top. I was picturing you in a vest with buttons down the front. :o

[SunshineCruiser24]

Where are the pictures? they're not showing up for me :-(

[lara_lox]

Where are the pictures? they're not showing up for me :-(

 

Oh no! I have no idea why, I can see them. Is anyone else having this problem?

[MURCOTT]

I can see the pictures.

[Malamel]

I love your reviews! And your shoes! I'm getting so excited for my first solo trip in September - Breakaway to Bermuda!

[wichitastatecruiser]

Day 8 - Aruba

 

When we arrived at Palm Beach, after about 15 minutes (the bus driver told us when to get off) we had no such problem, with locals immediately approaching us asking if we wanted loungers etc. We rented two loungers and one umbrella between us, for $25. At the point we got onto the beach there was a pier with a few shops and a bar, plus water sports stalls, but we settled ourselves slightly further up the beach where it wasn’t so busy. Wow! We were all stood there with massive grins on our face, unable to believe that this was real life right now. The beach was absolutely beautiful, and the photos don’t even begin to do it justice.

 

 

 

I had the perfect day. I was in an incredible setting, with great people; life couldn’t have got any better. Oh wait, local beers and jello shots helped haha! We spent a few idyllic hours playing in the sea and sunbathing, and the time just flew by, we all agreed we didn’t want to leave, but we knew we had to get back to the ship. We easily caught the bus back to the port, where I left my friends so I could go for a nap. They quickly stopped by a bar called Mojitos for an appetiser and to use the free wi-fi. This was in a big shopping area next to the port, where there were lots of different kinds of bars, restaurants and stores, but I didn’t check any of them out because I can do those things at home, where there aren’t any stunning beaches to enjoy. I just wish our stop at Aruba had been longer. I guess I will just have to go back!

 

Sounds like the Caribbean won you over and this won't be your last trip Stateside! If you haven't been Grand Cayman is great, if you ever decide to sail RCCL Labadee is good also!

[<3_2_Cruise]

I love your review….and your outfits!! Thank you for sharing!

[SunshineCruiser24]

Oh no! I have no idea why, I can see them. Is anyone else having this problem?

 

I figured it out. I was trying to take a peek at work, and the pics were blocked. checked my phone and the pics showed up, I Didn't mean to alarm you :-)

[lara_lox]

Sounds like the Caribbean won you over and this won't be your last trip Stateside! If you haven't been Grand Cayman is great, if you ever decide to sail RCCL Labadee is good also!

 

I LOVE the states and the Caribbean! I just wish I didn't live so far away, darn airfare...

[lara_lox]

Day 10 – Grand Turk

 

I was awoken this morning by nearly vibrating out of my bed! It must have been something do with the way we were docking but there was a really loud grinding noise and juddering motion. It was very strange but a good wake up call, at least I wasn’t going to miss Grand Turk! This was the only time I remember this happening, but it would be worth bearing in mind if you are thinking about booking a forward cabin on a low deck.

 

I went to the buffet for breakfast with my friends, and today I shunned the hot items I wasn’t so keen on and made myself a continental style bagel, which was so much nicer. Plus of course some of that delicious banana bread, which I have just given myself a craving for by writing about it!

 

We went ashore and at my suggestion, immediately headed through Margaritaville, past the crowded beach of the cruise centre and down to Jack’s Shack. (As you walk off the ship and through duty free, turn left and walk down the beach for 10 minutes then you will see the sign.) The loungers are free to use, but there is a $10 charge for umbrellas. There was also free wi-fi but you did have to go right next to the bar to pick up the signal. I was happy to see the infamous dog of Jack’s, Topher, digging away in the sand. He even went for a swim with my friends! The rest of the day passed far too quickly once again as we just relaxed and enjoyed the beach. I had a quick peek around Margaritaville, which looked really fun, and had much more of a party atmosphere, but there just wasn't time to do everything. Just as well I already decided I'm going back, huh?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mum had very kindly given me some holiday/Easter money just before I left, and I wanted to spend it on something that would be a treat, rather than have it disappear towards my bar bill, and so I had decided to have a massage. Today there was a special on in the spa, so before I left the ship I had booked a full body Swedish massage for $99. I rushed back for a quick shower and Guy’s burger before my appointment. I had Natalia from Poland, who was an excellent masseuse, very friendly, and she appeared to tailor the massage according to the tension she found in my body. I hate it when the masseuse just sticks to their set routine, regardless of what your needs are. She managed the perfect combination of digging in hard and releasing my knots but also relaxing me. I had to fight not to fall asleep. As always she mentioned some products at the end, but when I told her I already had most of them she just left it and didn’t ruin the session with a hard sell. I relaxed in the sauna for a while then used the spacious showers in the spa before heading back to my cabin.

[lara_lox]

I was all chilled out after my relaxing day, and now that the Blue Iguana Mexican fiesta had already been held, and my ‘blue’ outfit I had planned was obsolete, I decided I didn’t fancy dressing up (yes really!) so I re-wore my Cocoa beach outfit of my flowered vest, blue skinny jeans and wedges. I love these wedges, which I only just bought, but tonight their cuteness was somewhat overshadowed by my puffed-up red feet spilling out of them :eek: I had somehow burnt my feet and they had swollen right up and looked like ham hocks! They got worse and worse throughout the night, which was funny when L advised me not to dip them in the hot tub or they would be boiled hams (!!!) but also very uncomfortable. Be warned, put extra sun cream on those tootsies.

 

I had received an invitation to a VIP art event tonight, so although I had wanted to see the theatre show, which was Swamp Thang Rocks On, I decided to stop by the gallery. There was no-one there! However the gallery staff were lovely and after I browsed some of the art work with a glass of champagne, I thanked them and said goodbye, but they encouraged me to stay and have a few more drinks! I chatted to them and some other people who eventually showed up and enjoyed my champers. After that I thought I’d better make my way for some food to soak up those bubbles.

 

I had an excellent meal in the dining room tonight, of langoustine cocktail, beef carpaccio, lamb chops, amaretto cake, and cheese. It was all absolutely delicious. How I didn’t come home as fat as a pig I don’t know!

 

Again I had arranged to meet my friends for tonight’s 10.15pm comedy show, which was with Jason Blanchard. All I have to say is HAAAAAAHAAAAAAAHA! He was hilarious, M and I were laughing so hard we could barely breathe and had tears running down our faces. Unusually the 11.15pm show wasn’t a repeat, but new material, so we practically sprinted out the room at the end of the show to queue back up for his next one. There is a one-way kind of system in and out the lounge, so that everyone gets a chance to watch the shows, instead of the same people just staying put through them all. The second show was just as good, and I really enjoyed our night of comedy.

 

Afterwards we headed to the club, but it was already pretty late so it shut before long. We still had time for a few pics and some dancing though. The late night Serenity gang grew tonight and there was a huge group of us up there. Security even came to see what was going on, but they didn’t say anything, I think they were just checking that we were all adults and weren’t up to no good. Everyone was having fun hanging out, but by now my ham hocks were out of control, and looked like they were about to explode so I thought I would save everyone this sight and go back to my cabin!

 

 

 

[wichitastatecruiser]

I LOVE the states and the Caribbean! I just wish I didn't live so far away, darn airfare...

 

Well Lara your 29 and single. There are plenty of single guys Stateside... just sayin! Glad you enjoyed your second trip Stateside! I know what you mean about airfare, I haven't been to Europe since my high school days and I won't say how long ago that was...

[lara_lox]

Day 11 – At Sea

 

Wow, I managed a whole six hours sleep (nothing at home but cruise gold!) I had a craving for some decent caffeine so before meeting my friends for brunch I stopped by the Java Café for a ‘proper’ coffee. The couple of dollars for a freshly ground Americano was well worth it. We went to the dining room where we experienced the worst service of the whole cruise. Given how much I had enjoyed my first brunch, today was such a let down. First off, the table wasn't ready, but our waiter didn’t replace the missing items, and as a result we were missing half our cutlery and had no cups or cream. Our waiter rushed us, asking us seconds after sitting down if we were ready to order and although we said no, we were hoping for a leisurely meal and were in no rush, he returned about two minutes later meaning we had to send him away again. We didn’t arrive just before the brunch finished at 12.30 either, it was around 11.30 so we should have had plenty of time. Then we got our bread basket. Where were the lovely little cakes and muffins from last time? Instead we got these really odd batter type creations which were disturbingly similar to a British Yorkshire Pudding, which is eaten with roast meat and gravy! I asked if there were any cakes left and half way through our meal the waiter brought me a random bagel?! D had to ask for coffee because none was offered (lucky I got mine already!) then she had to wait for cream. I ordered the steak and eggs because when my previous tablemates got them they had looked so good. I was hugely disappointed, it really wasn’t good, with disgusting concealed, separated béarnaise sauce and raw eggs. I ate a bit of D’s hash instead and M’s salmon once she reminded our waiter to bring it! So all in all not a very good experience.

 

After this we had a wander around the ship, looking at some of the photos we had taken throughout the week then checking out the casino as M had some play vouchers she wanted to use. However the Craps table wasn’t open so we decided to come back later. Any of my regular readers might have noticed how much time I was spending with my new friends. I always say how as much as I love to socialise at night, the day is ‘my’ time to chill out by myself. The fact that I was always somewhere with at least one of my new mates was a testament to how well we got on and enjoyed each other’s company.

 

We settled ourselves on some of the beds up at Serenity, which was surprisingly quiet for a sea day. I enjoyed a pleasant few hours reading my Kindle whilst getting distracted by a bucket of Corona…

 

 

Serenity got even quieter as everyone went to pack so we moved to the clam shells for more shade. By now I was really hungry after the rubbish brunch so I went to the buffet on a food run. I went to my beloved Deli, where a very flustered man was serving instead of the usual lovely, efficient girl. He was getting all confused and seemed a bit overwhelmed, with a long queue of people waiting. I managed to snaffle a corned beef sandwich for me and hotdog for M, but one look then taste of my sandwich and I realised it was horrible. I didn’t want M’s hotdog to get cold so I abandoned my plate and went in hunt of some ketchup for her. I used one of the pumps at Guy’s and it must have been faulty because ketchup exploded all over me. Great, I now looked like I had murdered someone! I delivered the hotdog to M before grabbing myself some pizza instead, just because the line was shorter.

 

I had really wanted to try out the water slides, but after all the messing around today, I just didn’t have the time because I had to return to my cabin and pack before dinner. I had already decided to put my case out before I left for the evening, so that I didn’t have to return in time for the 11pm deadline. In anticipation of having to keep them in my hand luggage the next morning, I wore a cotton flowered midi dress with my flat flowered sandals:

 

 

I wanted to do something nice for our last night so I had already arranged to meet some of my friends at Ocean Plaza for us to enjoy a bottle of Champagne together. Well, in keeping with the rest of the day, nothing went to plan. For once I couldn’t find a waitress then when I eventually flagged one down to ask for a Champagne list, she said they don’t have one. Huh?! I asked what they did have and she wasn’t sure so asked me to walk through to the Casino bar with her to check. The poor girl was very sweet and trying her best to help me but it really didn’t go very well. She went into the back then returned, having written down what she could see. Several of these were the house sparking wines and prosecco which I am more than happy with generally, but tonight I wanted the real deal! She asked me if I recognised any of the names and I saw ‘Chandon’. I told her that the Moet et Chandon would be fine and ordered and signed for a bottle of that. She came out with an unopened bottle and went to pass it to me! I told her we needed a cooler and glasses and asked if she could please bring them over to our table at Ocean Plaza. She tried her best but arrived with a beer bucket full of ice with the still corked bottle plonked in it, then left us to it. So I had to open it myself, but as I wet to do this I realised this was not Moet et Chandon Champagne – ie. That brand of exclusive sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France, but some fizzy wine under the ‘Chandon’ name umbrella, made in California. I’m not posh, I’m not pretentious and I’m not demanding but I was not happy – what does it take to get a chilled bottle of nice Champagne brought, opened and served to you. ARGHHHHHHHHHHH! This whole ordeal took twenty-five minutes and really ruined what I had wanted to be a nice treat for my me and my friends. Luckily the wine was actually very nice and once I slugged a glass back I relaxed and remembered that I was enjoying a fantastic cruise and I shouldn’t sweat the small stuff.

 

 

 

Fiasco over, I left my friends for my final dinner in the dining room. I had a very tasty crab cake, followed by a salad with smallest crumbs of feta I’d ever seen, then some nice mahi mahi with vegetables . The mac and cheese someone ordered looked so good I asked for one of those too and it was great. My desert was the Grand Marnier soufflé, which whilst not bad, just didn’t really taste of taste of anything, it was just like a vanilla sponge with vanilla custard, so rather disappointing.

 

After dinner I met my friends for the final Jason Blanchard comedy show, and he didn’t let us down. I really recommend seeing this guy, he was fantastic and I would very happily pay to see him. M then finally got to use her casino credit at the Craps table whilst the rest of us tagged along for moral support. (Read standing about drinking, cheering her on!) Everyone gathered at the Havana Bar as the club was closed tonight, but it was pretty dull up there. I didn’t want my last experience on the Sunshine to be sat watching teenagers doing line dances so I suggested we finish as we had every night, enjoying the comfort and beauty of Serenity. We chilled out, all sad that this was our last night together, but still managed some happy faces for photos. Did I really have to get off the ship tomorrow?

 

 

[Toria915]

I enjoy reading your reviews and am hoping you return to finish this one. Would you sail with Carnival again?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[lara_lox]

I enjoy reading your reviews and am hoping you return to finish this one. Would you sail with Carnival again?

 

Thank you and I will definitely finish this review off, it's just pesky real life getting in the way! Hopefully I should get chance to post properly later today.

 

Yes I would sail with Carnival again, though only the newer ships really appeal to me. I'd like to try the Breeze. More on how I found the whole experience to come...

[greatlakesgirl]

Thank you and I will definitely finish this review off, it's just pesky real life getting in the way! Hopefully I should get chance to post properly later today.

 

Yes I would sail with Carnival again, though only the newer ships really appeal to me. I'd like to try the Breeze. More on how I found the whole experience to come...

Looking forward to reading the rest of your review! :)

[AZmike480]

Great review Lara!

[lara_lox]

Day 12 – Home Time (*Sob*)

 

When I booked this cruise I knew I was probably in for a long boring day sat at the airport today, as my flight wasn’t until 4.30pm. My plan was to get one of the Carnival shuttles to the airport, but I had decided not to pre-book it, but wait until I was on the ship and have it charged to my onboard account in order to avoid the overseas transaction fees I faced from home. This ended up working out very well for me indeed! As soon as my new friends, who lived locally, found out about this, they immediately offered to take me out for the day. We had different debarkation times due to having cabins on different decks, so the day before we had gone to Guest Services and asked to change our tags so that we could all leave together. Everyone had to be out of their cabins by 8.30am, so we decided that there was no point hanging around for the sake of it and asked for the earliest tags available. For those who need to know, about 8am was the first call for self assist, where you carry your own bags off, then Platinum/VIP guests were called off, and 8.30am was the first zone call for the rest of us.

 

We had a quick breakfast on the Lido, which was surprisingly quiet compared to usual masses of people you see at this point. For the first time this cruise I was up getting breakfast on the Lido when the Blue Iguana was serving breakfast burritos. I had really wanted to try one, but given that I had just rolled out of bed after only a few hours sleep, I just wan’t hungry enough. We didn’t have specific areas to wait in, but no-one was allowed down to the Lobby deck, where you debarked, until your zone was called. Staff were fantastic at controlling this, checking your zone as soon as you got to the bottom of the stairs or out the lift, and sending you back if you were trying to sneak off! This meant that there were no crowds of people milling around, and no long lines, and I was very impressed indeed at how smoothly the whole process went thanks to Carnival’s excellent organisation. We were called about twenty minutes late but then were off the ship within minutes. We found our luggage very easily, and even had no problem locating one of J’s bags that had no tag on it. The line for Customs took a while, plus J had to pay some taxes for the alcohol she had bought, but even with all this, plus a short wait for our lift, we were back at L’s house in Cocoa by 10.30am! We were still sad that we had to leave the Sunshine behind though.

 

 

It was great to see my new friends in their ‘real’ lives, and I was also very jealous of the amazing view L has from his home! It made me want to move there! Once I had said a sad goodbye to J, and L and M had gotten settled, we drove up to Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar at the Port for a final drink together. I was so pleased to get to visit the port as I hadn’t the chance to do so during my pre-cruise stay on Cocoa Beach. We ended the trip in the same style as we had become accustomed to, with some frozen cocktails ;) Yum yum! It was such a lovely end to my holiday and far, far better than I had envisaged this day.

 

 

 

 

M had really wanted to take me for lunch at a gorgeous fish restaurant just down from Grills, called Seafood Atlantic, which also has a fresh fish market. Unfortunately it was just too early for lunch, and we weren’t hungry yet, but the restaurant overlooking the Port was beautiful and the food looked great, so I was now wishing I actually had a later flight. Instead we went for a look around and I even got to watch some dolphins and turtles playing around right next to us. I guess I just have yet another reason to return to Florida…that list is really growing!

 

Only too quickly we had to set off to the airport, as M had very kindly offered to drive me. During the journey I was telling her how lucky I felt. I had enjoyed yet another fantastic trip, but perhaps more so than ever before, as this time every single element had been great, rather than one or two aspects being amazing but then a few disappointments. I really believe that one the best decisions I ever made in my life was in that moment three years ago when I said Sod It! I’m going away by myself! and booked my first solo cruise. I feel sorry for everyone who has looked at me with pity or confusion when they find out that I travel alone, because in my eyes they are the ones missing out. I have had some of my happiest times and best moments of my life on my trips, and this one really was pretty close to perfect. Once again I’d had experiences and met people I would probably have never done if I’d been there under different circumstances. I know I’m being unusually serious and sentimental right now, but hey, sometimes it’s got to be done!

 

I could feel myself getting emotional as I said goodbye at the airport, because I just really didn’t want to leave. But that’s what makes these things special I suppose, because one horrific flight home, full of screaming children and I was back in the rain of Manchester! Twelve nights, four amazing new friends (plus far too many other cool people to count), three beautiful new destinations, twenty-one outfits, nine pairs of shoes and one new old ship, and another Solo Fashionista adventure was over.

[lara_lox]

Final Thoughts on the Sunshine

 

So to finish off I will leave you with some of my thoughts about the ship itself. First of all I never once smelt this bad odour that people keep commenting on. And with regards to buckets lying all over to collect leaks, the only buckets I saw were the bins outside every bathroom, which were for the tissues provided for you open the doors for hygiene reasons.

 

With the odd exception I already mentioned, the staff of the Sunshine were fantastic. My cabin steward Jai was the friendliest I have ever had and was absolutely lovely. My dining room waiters were also great, very accommodating and efficient.

 

The ship felt surprisingly un-crowded compared to my expectations from previous reviews and the fact that public spaces were cut to make room for more cabins. As I’ve said, I generally never had any trouble finding a seat to eat at or a sun lounger, even at peak times. Yes there were occasional lines for various things, but nothing more so than I have experienced before and certainly not to the extent that I was ever really bothered.

 

The food on the whole was very good to excellent, with only the odd meal or dish that I have commented on specifically. There were so many options that there was no way I could try them all in just eight days, and I honestly can’t understand how anyone could complain that they could find nothing they liked. The only minor issue I had around eating was with the times that the various venues opened and closed. From about 10.30am – 12pm then 3.30-5.30, which are often prime eating times for me, there were rather limited options. But that being said, there was always something available and there is no way you are going to starve!

 

I found the numerous small venues on the Sunshine rather reminiscent of the Norwegian Epic. Although everyone can’t be in the same place at once (actually a huge bonus in my eyes!) there are lots of different choices, depending on what you feel like that day/night. So rather than a standard routine of pre dinner drinks – show – dinner – club, you are able to mix it up if you want, depending on your mood. Yes the layout of the ship is absolutely ridiculous and it was hard to get your head round it, but this in no way affected my enjoyment of the cruise. I would definitely consider sailing on the Sunshine again as I really enjoyed this ship and the amenities she had to offer.

 

Oh and one last thing, you know I said about all the reasons I have to return…

 

I’M FLYING BACK TO FLORIDA IN THREE WEEKS!!!!!!!! :D:eek::D

 

I just couldn’t stay away and am lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit my new friends and help L celebrate his birthday. So in case you can’t tell, I’m very excited to have that to look forward to!

 

Thank you all so much for reading another stupidly long rambling of mine and bearing with me through the technical problems. I hoped you enjoyed it and found at least some of it useful. So, until next time folks, Happy Cruising! Xxx

 

 

[BuzzBuzzen]

Thank you very much for your wonderful review and awesome photos , cheers, Buzz.

[tandemcruzr]

Thanks for the review Lara Lox.

 

We will be on the Sunshine in November on a B2B and your views have relieved a bit of our concerns about some of the negatives others post.

 

We tend to 'go with the flow' and are looking forward to November.