Carnival Sunshine tips and secrets

[dotheyes]

hope to see you on board; only 12 more days

if you see two young at hearts pushing walkers say hello

dot and harry

 

 

 

 

Dot,

 

I'm on the same cruise!

 

 

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[mtsnd1900]

Searching for recent copies of the Fun Times for the Western - we sail 28FEB and have not found recent copies online. Anyone??

[LizzieTrowbridge]

I would second the opinions about JiJi- get a reservation for one evening. The meal is well worth the extra cost. It was the best meal of the entire cruise

 

Can you make reservations for JiJi before getting on the cruise?

[LPut714]

[

Wee will be on theSunshine on the 20th as well. We are from cold Michigan

 

QUOTE=ginka;45055385]Hi all!

We will be sailing on the Carnival Sunshine Feb. 20th and I am one that looks to the very most out of every bit of my vacation. I love to know all aobut things ahead of time and keep a notebook with all the little tips and secrets.

 

I have read a few things scattered around in different post, and saw that another poster attempted to get some tips back in 2013, but not real tips or secrets were provided (other than its not a new ship) :)

 

All you past sailors who have been on the Sunshine (and not on the Destiny, since the ship layout changed), please include any tips or secrets you might have.

 

Please also include any overall Carnival wide tips or secrets.

 

(things like...secret doors to "private" viewing deck; get a chair on this deck, facing this way; take this elevator to get to such and such; go here for lunch; get drinks from 'bob' at this bar; arrive by 10 am for quickest embarkation---these are all EXAMPLES... please be as specific as possible)

 

thanks in advance!!!

[saleaway99]

Deck 6&7 forward opens up to an observation deck. No one was ever there. These two decks are small and are directly in front of the 4J inside cabins (inside cabin with walkway view). Enjoy the quite, virtually private area.

 

 

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Ditto - go to deck 6 or 7 fwd and enjoy the view. No deck chairs there - but a small bench. It's a nice, quiet area to enjoy.

[Lightkeeper]

Excellent thread and tips. We'll be going on Sunshine in 2017. If anyone is still following this, and has additional comments, please do share.:)

[mbrownferrier]

The Havana Bar was perfect for seating as well as fresh omelets. The snacks were wonderful. Don't miss the Alchemy Bar. Mario and Miroslav were incredible bartenders and lots of fun. They will make a drink especially for you. Ask them to show how they can pour 20 drinks at one time.

[NatalieWood]

Taste bar for breakfast instead of lido on a port day. Small but nice selection, no line, plenty of seating.

[kay1864]

1. This actually applies to almost all ships. On the Lido near Guy's, you can make your version of Chick Fil A Frosted Lemonade by getting half a cup of lemonade, then getting a dish of soft-serve ice cream, then mixing the ice cream into the lemonade.

 

2. If you have Your Time Dining, and there's only two of you, there's no need to line up early (we saw people waiting 30 minutes in Ocean Plaza for the staff to show up). We went at 5:45 (after the line died down) every day, and were immediately assigned a table.

 

3. Don't miss Cucina. At $15 ($5 for kids!) it's a steal.

 

4. Sushi (across from the steakhouse) is open for lunch on sea days.

 

5. Afternoon tea is offered on sea days, on the top level (deck 4) of the MDR.

 

6. Epic Rock is well worth it (last night of the cruise). Get there about 30 minutes early to get a seat on the main floor (more legroom and better views than balcony seating).

 

7. On our cruise last fall, a magician (who performed one night in the Limelight) also performed late (10:30?) every night in the Library.

 

8. If you're in an oceanview or inside, the small table in front of the sofa will fit under the desk, along with the small stool, when you're not using them. This saves space moving around the cabin.

 

9. (also all ships) If you go by the MDR on the first day, you can see what the dinner menus are for each evening (I took pictures with my phone). This helps you decide which nights to eat in Cucina, JiJi, or the steakhouse.

 

10. Don't miss the Bitter & Blanc dessert, served one night in the MDR. If you're eating in a specialty restaurant that night, afterwards you can stop by the MDR and ask nicely, and they'll get you B&B's to take to your room.

 

11. To get from front to back (or back to front) of deck 4, usually you can just cut through the Limelight (if a show isn't in progress), to get to the Liquid Lounge (or to steakhouse or sushi). But if the Limelight exit door is closed, you can go around, using this route:

 

Back to front route: Go outside (double metal doors just outside the Limelight exit), turn left, walk along the deck, past the first door (which would open inside the club and bump someone's chair). Go back in at the next door--and you're right outside the Limelight entrance.

 

12. No need to lug a case of water with you when you go cruising. The tap water on cruise ships is completely safe and drinkable, having been through rigorous filtration and testing, all of which are overseen by U.S. and European heath agencies. While some cruisers claim that the tap water in restaurants and bars tastes different from what comes out of the cabin bathroom, it is all, in fact, the same water.

 

13. Skip the milkshakes at the Shake Spot on deck 5 (spiked or unspiked). Neither one is that great. Plus there's an automatic surcharge/tip (15% IIRC) which means the posted price isn't what you pay. The $7.75 spiked shake ends up being almost $9.00.

 

14. For breakfast, you can have made-to-order omelettes in the area behind the Lido buffet. Get there early to avoid long lines. Same options on either side, so just pick the shorter line.

 

15. Another lunch alternative: made-to order Italian or Asian (same areas as the omelette stations). They saute/stir-fry it to order.

 

16. For now at least, you can ignore the email / robo-call that tells you what time to check in, since it's Port Canaveral. We like to get there around 1030 or 11, and usually get to board right after VIP and FTTF.

 

17. Don't wheel your carryon through security at the port. You'll have to wheel it everywhere (including the lunch buffet), until your cabin opens around 130-145. Instead, check it curbside (print your luggage tags before you leave), and carry a small day bag or purse on board with you.

 

18. When you board, wear your swimsuit under your clothes (or pack in your day bag/purse, along with any expensive items (cameras etc)). After lunch, you'll have the pool or waterpark practically to yourself, as everyone else is still boarding (or they left their swimsuit in their checked bags)

 

19. Read the Fun Times each night to see what's going on the next day.

 

20. If you have to stay in touch with friends during your trip, Carnival has a pretty good deal ($5/day): Access the most popular websites and applications. Includes: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Snapchat. Does not include access to other websites or apps.

Edited February 5, 2016 by kay1864

[13cheermom]

1. This actually applies to almost all ships. On the Lido near Guy's, you can make your version of Wendy's Frosted Lemonade by getting half a cup of lemonade, then getting a dish of soft-serve ice cream, then mixing the ice cream into the lemonade.

 

2. If you have Your Time Dining, and there's only two of you, there's no need to line up early (we saw people waiting 30 minutes in Ocean Plaza for the staff to show up). We went at 5:45 (after the line died down) every day, and were immediately assigned a table.

 

3. Don't miss Cucina. At $15 ($5 for kids!) it's a steal.

 

4. Sushi (across from the steakhouse) is open for lunch on sea days.

 

5. Afternoon tea is offered on sea days, on the top level (deck 4) of the MDR.

 

6. Epic Rock is well worth it (last night of the cruise). Get there about 30 minutes early to get a seat on the main floor (more legroom and better views than balcony seating).

 

7. On our cruise last fall, a magician (who performed one night in the Limelight) also performed late (10:30?) every night in the Library.

 

8. If you're in an oceanview or inside, the small table in front of the sofa will fit under the desk, along with the small stool, when you're not using them. This saves space moving around the cabin.

 

9. (also all ships) If you go by the MDR on the first day, you can see what the dinner menus are for each evening (I took pictures with my phone). This helps you decide which nights to eat in Cucina, JiJi, or the steakhouse.

 

10. Don't miss the Bitter & Blanc dessert, served one night in the MDR. If you're eating in a specialty restaurant that night, afterwards you can stop by the MDR and ask nicely, and they'll get you B&B's to take to your room.

 

11. To get from front to back (or back to front) of deck 4, usually you can just cut through the Limelight (if a show isn't in progress), to get to the Liquid Lounge (or to steakhouse or sushi). But if the Limelight exit door is closed, you can go around, using this route:

 

Back to front route: Go outside (double metal doors just outside the Limelight exit), turn left, walk along the deck, past the first door (which would open inside the club and bump someone's chair). Go back in at the next door--and you're right outside the Limelight entrance.

 

12. No need to lug a case of water with you when you go cruising. The tap water on cruise ships is completely safe and drinkable, having been through rigorous filtration and testing, all of which are overseen by U.S. and European heath agencies. While some cruisers claim that the tap water in restaurants and bars tastes different from what comes out of the cabin bathroom, it is all, in fact, the same water.

 

13. Skip the milkshakes at the Shake Spot on deck 5 (spiked or unspiked). Neither one is that great. Plus there's an automatic surcharge/tip (15% IIRC) which means the posted price isn't what you pay. The $7.75 spiked shake ends up being almost $9.00.

 

14. For breakfast, you can have made-to-order omelettes in the area behind the Lido buffet. Get there early to avoid long lines. Same options on either side, so just pick the shorter line.

 

15. Another lunch alternative: made-to order Italian or Asian (same areas as the omelette stations). They saute/stir-fry it to order.

 

16. For now at least, you can ignore the email / robo-call that tells you what time to check in, since it's Port Canaveral. We like to get there around 1030 or 11, and usually get to board right after VIP and FTTF.

 

17. Don't wheel your carryon through security at the port. You'll have to wheel it everywhere (including the lunch buffet), until your cabin opens around 130-145. Instead, check it curbside (print your luggage tags before you leave), and carry a small day bag or purse on board with you.

 

18. When you board, wear your swimsuit under your clothes (or pack in your day bag/purse, along with any expensive items (cameras etc)). After lunch, you'll have the pool or waterpark practically to yourself, as everyone else is still boarding (or they left their swimsuit in their checked bags)

 

19. Read the Fun Times each night to see what's going on the next day.

 

20. If you have to stay in touch with friends during your trip, Carnival has a pretty good deal ($5/day): Access the most popular websites and applications. Includes: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Snapchat. Does not include access to other websites or apps.

 

Thanks for all of these tips! We have been on the Sunshine twice now but are going again in April, it's nice to be reminded about some of these tips as well as a few new ones. :)

[2xsin12mths]

Great tips! We will be on Sunshine May 2017 and I don't know why I'm on a Sunshine thread already!! We have Glory first in November......love any Carnival ship and especially with Alchemy Bar!:D

[summersigh]

1. Sunshine is not confusing to get around if you print out deck plans ahead of time and study up on how to get around.

 

2. The Ocean Plaza has a show band most nights that plays a different show each night. Red Frog had games or live music most nights

 

3. Check it out ... but most nights in the bars "doubles" are $3 off

 

4. The line at Guy's Burgers moves fast so it you're going to get a mixed drink to have with it ,,, go to the bar BEFORE getting your burger or it'll be cold and greasy before you have a chance to eat it.

 

5. At lunch time we'd take our food from the Lido or the Deli into the Havana Bar area. there were almost always tables available with a good view.

 

6. Sea Day Brunch in the MDR. Also, we'd order coffee and juice room service to sip on while we got ready in the morning

 

7. We sailed in early Jan - there were lots of lounges available in the Serenity on Port Days. Do your excursions in the morning then come back to bask in the sun :D

[crusinpsychRN]

We sailed on the Sunshine last December. We thought the specialty restaurants had much better food than the MDR or buffet. My foodie GF said that the steak in Cucina del Capitano was the best she'd ever had, and our dinner in JiJi's Asian ranked in our top 10 all-time.

 

Don't miss Jaime the cruise director. In fact, you CAN'T miss her--she seems to be everywhere on board! No idea when (or if!) she sleeps.....

 

What JiJi food did you like?

[crusinpsychRN]

I sailed in July and I loved it! The food was amazing at cuciana!! Wish I had tried it sooner. The movie nights were packed deff go early. Watching the movie from serenity was tough because the railing it smack in the middle of the screen. Havanas had some appetizers out during lunch which was really good. I loved everything! No complaints really.

 

Did Havana have Cuban sandwiches and if they did were they good, is there a charge?

[AnnaBeth]

Several people have mentioned Jaime Dee as the CD, unfortunately she is no longer on the Sunshine. Matt Mitchum is there now and Donkey Salazaar is taking over on 3/5.

[Sea Raven]

Did Havana have Cuban sandwiches and if they did were they good, is there a charge?

 

Yes, the Havana bar serves a small free selection of breakfast and lunch items. The coconut breakfast pastries are delish. For lunch, they serve tasty Cuban sandwiches, pork or beef empanadas, and a dessert item. This is located on the back side of the bar, next to the right hand beverage station. Tip: the Havana guava sauce is good with the chicken tenders on the lunch buffet.

[crusinpsychRN]

Can't wait for a good Cuban!

[kay1864]

What JiJi food did you like?

I love Asian food, but we liked only the appetizers. I like my Chinese and Thai food medium spicy, but JiJi's was WAY too spicy for us. For us it was not $15 well spent.

 

Cucina del Capitano, on the other hand... :swoon:

Edited February 5, 2016 by kay1864

[mgoose1]

1. This actually applies to almost all ships. On the Lido near Guy's, you can make your version of Chick Fil A Frosted Lemonade by getting half a cup of lemonade, then getting a dish of soft-serve ice cream, then mixing the ice cream into the lemonade.

 

2. If you have Your Time Dining, and there's only two of you, there's no need to line up early (we saw people waiting 30 minutes in Ocean Plaza for the staff to show up). We went at 5:45 (after the line died down) every day, and were immediately assigned a table.

 

3. Don't miss Cucina. At $15 ($5 for kids!) it's a steal.

 

4. Sushi (across from the steakhouse) is open for lunch on sea days.

 

5. Afternoon tea is offered on sea days, on the top level (deck 4) of the MDR.

 

6. Epic Rock is well worth it (last night of the cruise). Get there about 30 minutes early to get a seat on the main floor (more legroom and better views than balcony seating).

 

7. On our cruise last fall, a magician (who performed one night in the Limelight) also performed late (10:30?) every night in the Library.

 

8. If you're in an oceanview or inside, the small table in front of the sofa will fit under the desk, along with the small stool, when you're not using them. This saves space moving around the cabin.

 

9. (also all ships) If you go by the MDR on the first day, you can see what the dinner menus are for each evening (I took pictures with my phone). This helps you decide which nights to eat in Cucina, JiJi, or the steakhouse.

 

10. Don't miss the Bitter & Blanc dessert, served one night in the MDR. If you're eating in a specialty restaurant that night, afterwards you can stop by the MDR and ask nicely, and they'll get you B&B's to take to your room.

 

11. To get from front to back (or back to front) of deck 4, usually you can just cut through the Limelight (if a show isn't in progress), to get to the Liquid Lounge (or to steakhouse or sushi). But if the Limelight exit door is closed, you can go around, using this route:

 

Back to front route: Go outside (double metal doors just outside the Limelight exit), turn left, walk along the deck, past the first door (which would open inside the club and bump someone's chair). Go back in at the next door--and you're right outside the Limelight entrance.

 

12. No need to lug a case of water with you when you go cruising. The tap water on cruise ships is completely safe and drinkable, having been through rigorous filtration and testing, all of which are overseen by U.S. and European heath agencies. While some cruisers claim that the tap water in restaurants and bars tastes different from what comes out of the cabin bathroom, it is all, in fact, the same water.

 

13. Skip the milkshakes at the Shake Spot on deck 5 (spiked or unspiked). Neither one is that great. Plus there's an automatic surcharge/tip (15% IIRC) which means the posted price isn't what you pay. The $7.75 spiked shake ends up being almost $9.00.

 

14. For breakfast, you can have made-to-order omelettes in the area behind the Lido buffet. Get there early to avoid long lines. Same options on either side, so just pick the shorter line.

 

15. Another lunch alternative: made-to order Italian or Asian (same areas as the omelette stations). They saute/stir-fry it to order.

 

16. For now at least, you can ignore the email / robo-call that tells you what time to check in, since it's Port Canaveral. We like to get there around 1030 or 11, and usually get to board right after VIP and FTTF.

 

17. Don't wheel your carryon through security at the port. You'll have to wheel it everywhere (including the lunch buffet), until your cabin opens around 130-145. Instead, check it curbside (print your luggage tags before you leave), and carry a small day bag or purse on board with you.

 

18. When you board, wear your swimsuit under your clothes (or pack in your day bag/purse, along with any expensive items (cameras etc)). After lunch, you'll have the pool or waterpark practically to yourself, as everyone else is still boarding (or they left their swimsuit in their checked bags)

 

19. Read the Fun Times each night to see what's going on the next day.

 

20. If you have to stay in touch with friends during your trip, Carnival has a pretty good deal ($5/day): Access the most popular websites and applications. Includes: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Snapchat. Does not include access to other websites or apps.

Thank you for your excellent info!

 

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[summersigh]

Deck 6&7 forward opens up to an observation deck. No one was ever there. These two decks are small and are directly in front of the 4J inside cabins (inside cabin with walkway view). Enjoy the quite, virtually private area.

 

Thanks !! We were just on the Sunshine in Jan and didn't know this secret. We'll be sure to check it out when we sail her again this spring.

 

BTW ... we really liked the Sunshine and would sail her again. The staff was excellent. We printed out deck plans ahead of time and studied them so we didn't have problems getting lost.

[summersigh]

For those who have to use canes, walkers or wheelchairs - the Sunshine allows you and a companion to wait out Muster Drill in the Limelight Lounge rather than have to try to stand out on the deck.

 

Be sure to check in with the staff in there to get credit for attending.:)

[Lightkeeper]

Excellent tips! Thank you all for sharing insider tips. I'm having trouble tracking down a deck map, like they give out on the ship. I keep finding the one that shows all the decks side by side. The print is way too small for my eyes. Does anyone know off hand where I could find the "stacked" version deck maps?

[crusinpsychRN]

Excellent tips! Thank you all for sharing insider tips. I'm having trouble tracking down a deck map, like they give out on the ship. I keep finding the one that shows all the decks side by side. The print is way too small for my eyes. Does anyone know off hand where I could find the "stacked" version deck maps?

 

cruisedeckplans.com

[jmnarc]

Going on Sunshine In April. These tips are great!

[Lightkeeper]

cruisedeckplans.com

Thanks!

 

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