Can anyone tell me about the Sunshine?

[Noelle2375]

Hello! We are planning our 2nd cruise for April. Our first cruise was on RCCL Freedom of the Seas. We are debating between that one and the Carnival Sunshine. Can you tell me pro's and con's of the Sunshine? I hear that it is very crowded and the food it mediocre. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you

[SFplusP]

Following as we may also go on the Sunshine :)

[RuthlessBoss]

Have you read any reviews? Take some complaints with a grain of salt. One person says it's crowded, the next says it's fine. One likes the food, the next calls it garbage.

[Noelle2375]

Have you read any reviews? Take some complaints with a grain of salt. One person says it's crowded, the next says it's fine. One likes the food, the next calls it garbage.

yes, I have read some reviews. Most people have told me that since my first cruise was the Freedom of the Seas, that if we did the Sunshine we would be disappointed. I was just wondering what other people had to say.

 

Thanks!

[keywest1]

We just sailed on her a couple of weeks ago. We thought the food was good to excellent. It was no more crowded than any other ship except for times when everyone wanted to do the same thing at once. Just plan to go to shows 20-30 minutes early (time for people watching :D) and try to go to the dining venues a little earlier or later than the masses. You can figure it out in a couple of days. The lines for dining moved fairly quickly though, and I've waited much longer in line for local restaurants on a weekend. We prefer the smaller ships just for the open spaces that are limited on the Sunshine, such as the open dining area behind the Lido. But we would definitely sail on the Sunshine again in a heartbeat. Crew was friendly, Jaime Dee was awesome. We had a great cruise.

[Noelle2375]

We just sailed on her a couple of weeks ago. We thought the food was good to excellent. It was no more crowded than any other ship except for times when everyone wanted to do the same thing at once. Just plan to go to shows 20-30 minutes early (time for people watching :D) and try to go to the dining venues a little earlier or later than the masses. You can figure it out in a couple of days. The lines for dining moved fairly quickly though, and I've waited much longer in line for local restaurants on a weekend. We prefer the smaller ships just for the open spaces that are limited on the Sunshine, such as the open dining area behind the Lido. But we would definitely sail on the Sunshine again in a heartbeat. Crew was friendly, Jaime Dee was awesome. We had a great cruise.

 

Thank you for your input! I appreciate it. I feel like we need to create our own opinion and will certainly consider cruising with Sunshine. :)

[lazygal]

We sailed the Sunshine in Europe and it was great for a place to sleep. The food is as good as any cruise ship, especially with the refit when they went to stations in the buffet instead of lines. The biggest problem is what they did to the theater. 1/2 the size and many a disappointed guest. You might be disappointed after the Freedom. Read the reviews.

[Noelle2375]

I just heard from my TA and she said that she just had a group come back off the Sunshine and they were very unhappy. Service was bad and there were leaks everywhere. :(

[winddawn]

Hello! We are planning our 2nd cruise for April. Our first cruise was on RCCL Freedom of the Seas. We are debating between that one and the Carnival Sunshine. Can you tell me pro's and con's of the Sunshine? I hear that it is very crowded and the food it mediocre. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you

I cruised on Sunshine last New Years and loved the ship. The waterfall in the Serenity area is very relaxing. Sunshine has the 2.0 upgrades, so you will enjoy Guy's Burgers (free unlike Johnny Rocket's on FOTS) and Blue Iguana Cantina. Sunshine also has JiJi's Asian Kitchen, Bonsia sushi, Cucina del Capitano, Comfort Kitchen, a steakhouse, and seaday brunch. Lots of good food choices. I certainly would not call the food mediocre. The Comedy Club and Red Frog Pub are very popular. I would not hesitate to book Sunshine again. I loved the ship. I also did well in Sunshine's casino.

[mzloolue]

Yesterday I saw three different dates for November cruises on Sunshine for $210 for seven days.

 

If I had not had to work I would have booked immediately.

 

So, although I am not keen on the idea of Sunshine/Destiny, if the price is right I would do it.

[bassmaster150]

We were on the Sunshine in Europe last year. Had an awesome time, and would book it again in a heartbeat. JiJi's is really good, the steakhouse is great, and we just absolutely loved the ship. You will probably find as many positive reviews as you will find negative reviews on these boards for just about every ship with every cruise company...so until you have sailed, you will never really know.

[sailingwithfriends]

I have been on both FOS and the Sunshine. Here is my opinions:

1. Professional entertainment is better on FOS.

2. The entertainment staff and cruise director are better and more interactive on Sunshine. The audience participation games are great on the Sunshine.

3. The buffet is better on FOS. (Layout and food choices)

4. The main dining room food and wait staff is better on the Sunshine.

5. The Sunshine has a lot more food venues to select for lunch that are free.

6. The pool is better on FOS.

7. Both ships have sports venues. FOS has flowrider and climbing wall (which we didn't use). Sunshine has waterslides and ropes course.

8. I felt the employees were friendlier on the Sunshine. When we were on FOS, our head waitress was under a lot of stress from the supervisor. It was obvious. Our room steward did a good job on FOS, but not overly friendly. The only time we had an employee that wasn't too friendly on the Sunshine was at the Deli. The worker was flirting with another employee, so he didn't interact with us too much.

9. I personally don't care for the shopping mall feel on FOS. However, most of the people in my group do.

10. I enjoy the comedy club on the Sunshine.

 

I liked the price we paid for the Sunshine. I feel both ships are enjoyable. We didn't have any problems on the Sunshine, except for the cigarette smoke in the casino. I did play slots on FOS, but not on the Sunshine because of the smoke.

I would look at the ports and the price to make my decision. I will travel on both ships again if given the opportunity.

[nol4am]

I have sailed on her twice. The first time I loved it couldn't wait to go again. The second time, I loved it and was disappointed when it left our home port. I would sail her again in a heartbeat. Go with an open mind and you will enjoy. People make cruises what they want them to be. Problem arrive on every cruise. Just look on the brighter side and make the best of them if they happen to you. As far as crowds, I did not think it was any worse than any other ship I have been on. (13 carnival trips) and the food options were great and quality was ....cruise quality although I did love Guys burgers and the pizza. I say go and enjoy!

[Jenner9]

We sailed on Liberty of the Seas and we are also thinking of booking the Sunshine (never sailed Carnival). I have the same concerns as OP. Thanks for all the input so far. Sunshine is a much smaller ship than the 3 I've sailed but the price and ports are fantastic so I may just have to give it a try!

[harleymom08]

We just got back from sailing on her this past Saturday & had a fantastic cruise!! We were worried because of all the bad reviews we read but honestly we didn't see any of the stuff ppl have been complaining abt. The buffet was on the small side but there are so many other food options, that wasn't really a problem. The only thing negative I can say is the ship was very warm. Some of the indoor areas got very, very warm @ times. We had a problem one night with our cabin being warm but our traveling companions had to ask for fans in both their cabins because it got fairly hot every night. Customer service supplied those almost immediately upon asking. The service was outstanding! Our room steward was one of the best we've ever had. Jaime was such an energetic CD. The dining room staff was top notch. The bar staff on lido & serenity were also probably the best we've ever had. Don't let the negative comments that others have said worry you. Try her for yourself & form your own opinion. We would definitely cruise on her again in a heartbeat!!!! Happy cruising :)

 

 

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[Beth]

The Sunshine was very enjoyable - the food was good - different food selections - you will not go hungry - Jamie Dee was great - she is out and about and chats with everyone - the band played a variety of songs - the comedy club venue is not very good - small and not well laid out - the theater area is not the best - they have chairs and move them out of the way for other shows and on the right side a major water fall - the tile floor on lido deck is very slippery and it is very hot in the eating area - as others basically stated - it is what you make of it - room stewards did an excellent job as well as the dining room staff - would I cruise on the Sunshine again - in a heart beat - what makes the cruise special is that we meet a lot of good folks

[Noelle2375]

I have been on both FOS and the Sunshine. Here is my opinions:

1. Professional entertainment is better on FOS.

2. The entertainment staff and cruise director are better and more interactive on Sunshine. The audience participation games are great on the Sunshine.

3. The buffet is better on FOS. (Layout and food choices)

4. The main dining room food and wait staff is better on the Sunshine.

5. The Sunshine has a lot more food venues to select for lunch that are free.

6. The pool is better on FOS.

7. Both ships have sports venues. FOS has flowrider and climbing wall (which we didn't use). Sunshine has waterslides and ropes course.

8. I felt the employees were friendlier on the Sunshine. When we were on FOS, our head waitress was under a lot of stress from the supervisor. It was obvious. Our room steward did a good job on FOS, but not overly friendly. The only time we had an employee that wasn't too friendly on the Sunshine was at the Deli. The worker was flirting with another employee, so he didn't interact with us too much.

9. I personally don't care for the shopping mall feel on FOS. However, most of the people in my group do.

10. I enjoy the comedy club on the Sunshine.

 

I liked the price we paid for the Sunshine. I feel both ships are enjoyable. We didn't have any problems on the Sunshine, except for the cigarette smoke in the casino. I did play slots on FOS, but not on the Sunshine because of the smoke.

I would look at the ports and the price to make my decision. I will travel on both ships again if given the opportunity.

 

Thank you for this excellent review. It is very helpful!

[Cruise a holic]

Hello! We are planning our 2nd cruise for April. Our first cruise was on RCCL Freedom of the Seas. We are debating between that one and the Carnival Sunshine. Can you tell me pro's and con's of the Sunshine? I hear that it is very crowded and the food it mediocre. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you

 

IMO Royal trumps Carnival in all areas. I would suggest you consider Freedom of the Seas or Independence of the Seas. If you can, you will love the Allure or Oasis of the Seas also.

 

Enjoy your cruise

[CruiseFan3035]

Hi All!

 

We actually set sail on her next Sunday and we too have had some mixed emotions after reading many a review. This will be our 8th on Carnival and the first on the Sunshine. We decided to sail on her because of the ports, the price and being that we NEVER had a bad experience in Carnival. I agree that your cruises are what you make them. There are always complainers and dissatisfied guests, that's normal wherever you go. We sail each ship with an open mind. You've got to remember it is what you make of it and the Carnival fleets are known as The Fun Ships™ so go and do exactly that..... have fun. I know we will no matter what!! I will write a honest review when we get back. Happy Cruising.

 

 

Me 😃

[kicia]

We've been on the Sunshine twice. Once in May and again a couple of weeks ago. Really like this ship. Didn't see any water drips or any funny smells. Whatever you choose from the Lido you can go all the way to the back of the ship to the Havana bar. Usually easy to find seats there. Also Jiji's is the Wok at lunch for free and Cucina del Capitano has the Italian for free at lunch.

 

Shows were good and great comedy. The comedy club is small so get there early.

 

Food was good and staff was friendly. We would go back.

 

We've also been on the FOS. Very nice looking ship and liked the Promenade and the entertainment. Too bad that Royal doesn't have food. Nothing great but the specialty restaurant was good. We like soup but all of Royal's soups were like broth. Sandwiches were a joke - big bun with very small one piece of meat.

 

Service good on both ships.

 

Will stick with Carnival but might sail with Royal in the future if the price was right.

[hhalliv]

yes, I have read some reviews. Most people have told me that since my first cruise was the Freedom of the Seas, that if we did the Sunshine we would be disappointed. I was just wondering what other people had to say.

 

Thanks!

 

I've been cruising on practically every "mass market" cruise line (Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess, Disney, etc.) and was also quite apprehensive about cruising Carnival my first time too. My first cruise was the Splendor, and I must say it exceeded my expectations. Sure the ships are difficult to navigate, just like the other cruise lines (except Disney) they nickle and dime you for everything, but on the plus side the staff was fantastic, the comedians are the best at sea, the food was second only to Disney in my opinion, and of course we weren't stranded at sea because of power failure...lol. On another note, I think the rooms on Carnival feel much bigger than comparable rooms on other lines, but that may just be me.

 

I think when all is said and done, the cruise will be what you make it. If you go into it with preconceived notions that you won't like it, then you'll hate it.