IOS or Carnival Sunshine?

[dcgrumpy]

I'm posting this on both the Carnival and RCCl boards

 

I'm trying to decide between IOS and Carnival Sunshine. I've sailed on Freedom of the Seas and enjoyed it very much. My kids (9,11 &13) keep asking is we can sail on a ship with water slides.

 

Sunshine is 8 days with stops in St Kitts, St Maarten, San Juan and Grand Turk

 

IOS is 7 days, St Kitts, St Maarten and San Juan

 

IOS is about $100 more for the 5 of us

 

I'm worried about Sunshine after reading some reviews that have said it feels crowded.

 

Has anyone sailed on both Sunshine and a Freedom class ship?

[matj2000]

The water slides on ships are really not that great and I would not use that issue to base your choice.

Do the IOS and bring them to Wet N Wild Orlando.

[karen&roy]

We were originally booked on the Sunshine BUT on the advice of my brother who I must add, works for Carnival, he suggested I would not be very happy with that ship and suggested we go on the Carnival Freedom. Well, it wasn't in our time frame so as you can see we canceled the Sunshine and now are booked on Independence.. :rolleyes:

[joepeka]

Here is a CC review by a RCI regular of her cruise on the Sunshine. She doesn't make any comparisons to Indy but does give a good review of Sunshine from the perspective of someone who normally does RCI:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2049021

[bbgordon]

I would go with IOS. We just did the Sunshine on May 10th and the ship was very over crowded. I also agree, they could have done without the waterslides and added another pool.

[cruisinlover1414]

I would recommend the IOS. From our experience on carnival, the food is not as good, along with the children's programs. Also, the carnival sunshine is a small ship compared to the IOS. The IOS has a lot more to do. Back in January, we debated the Sunshine vs the Allure, and chose the Allure and had the best time! There is so much to do on RCCL; I would really recommend.

 

 

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[Cruising89143]

You have cruised on the Freedom OTS so you know what to expect. The Indy will be very close. I like the Freedom class. Plenty to do.

 

I cruised on the Sunshine when it was the Destiny as a brand new ship. It was crowded then with a poor layout and passenger flow. It is even worse now due to her revitalization. Carnival removed public space to add more cabins including a complete floor in the main forward show lounge.

 

I don't care how Carnival marketed this ship. She entered service in 1996 and is not new anyway they try to spin the PR machine.

 

For the price it's a no brainer. Go with RCI.

[time4u2go]

8 days versus 7? I'd go with Sunshine.

[LMaxwell]

Not much to do in Grand Turk. Little cruise line built shopping/eating area and a beach day.

 

While normally I'd say 8 over 7, for such a little price difference I'd take RCI over Carnival Sunshine. If it were a newer ship like the Breeze and it was the 8 day southern route I'd say toss a coin and go either way.

 

So in this case IOS.

[sailingwithfriends]

I traveled on FOS in June 2011 and on the Sunshine in June 2014. I enjoyed both ships. My opinions are: FOS has better entertainment (shows). The Ice Skating show is amazing. Sunshine has better food and free food options. Loved the 24 hours a day soft serve ice cream, Guy's Burgers and the Burrito Bar. FOS has better pools. Sunshine has great slides and the sports square which is very popular. FOS has a nice cabin with comfortable bed. Sunshine has more storage in their cabins and much larger showers. The beds are comfortable. My husband loved the promenade area of the FOS. I prefer Sunshine's shopping area. However, I did not like having to walk through the smoky casino. I do think the wait staff and room stewards are better on the Sunshine. I enjoy the atmosphere on both ships. I feel like you and your children will enjoy both ships. You should look the price, ports and type of room you can get for your money. I would love to sail on both ships again.

[ivanrocko]

This is an easy decision, go on RC Independence

 

 

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