Searching For Sunshine...Feb. 28 thru March 7 Photo Review

[pirate4me2]

Revised Fun Times:

 

 

 

 

[pirate4me2]

This was our first time missing a port on a cruise, and although disappointed, we realize that it is going to happen once in a while. I am sure it will happen to us again sometime in the future! I crawled back in bed and slept until 8:30. When I awoke, I felt MUCH better than I had at 7! It's amazing what an extra hour and a half of sleep can do for you. :) I went and grabbed breakfast from the Blue Iguana and then hunted myself up a deck chair. Since I was up early, I was lucky enough to get a chair right near the pool! There were lots of chair hogs out already though...

 

 

It was a towel animal invasion!

 

 

[pirate4me2]

I sunned myself until about 1:15. I have to say, a plus side to my room being on the 8th floor and just 1 deck below lido was that anytime I needed to use the bathroom, I could just lay my book, towel and water bottle on my chair and scoot down to the room and use my own bathroom instead of the public ones. Needed more sunscreen or another bottle of water? Go grab it from the cabin. I loved it. By later in the day, the pool deck looked like this:

 

 

I was right near the pool, perfect if I decided I wanted to cool off! I was near the hut thingie...

 

The deck games started at 1:15 with Wee Jimmy, and I watched them. At 2 they had the ice carving, which is cool but I had seen it enough times already. I went and wandered around the ship and ended up back at the cabin for a little while. At 4:45 the Past Guest Party took place in the Liquid Lounge. This was our first time getting to attend, so we were excited. They had apps (a bacon cheesecake, salmon, and something else I can't remember) and drinks, which the servers were more than generous with. I ended up with 2 in my hand at one point. That's OK with me though! I think by the time the party was over, which was an hour, I had 4 alcoholic drinks and 2 non. They just kept coming! They were pretty strong too. I was feeling good...

DH and I went to change for the evening. At 6:15 we went to the Red Frog to hear Brian play again...this was becoming a regular thing! The plan was to hear him sing until the 7:15 production show, Studio VIP. However, Wee Jimmy came over the PA to say that there were some technical difficulties with Studio VIP so the 7:15 show was being replaced with a comedy performance. Instead of going to hear the comedy DH and I decided to listen to the 80's hour with Run for Cover.

Dinner tonight was the baked eggplant (meh...), Penne Siciliana (again...meh), and WCMC (ohmygosh so good!). The wait staff danced to Gangham style, and one of the assistant waiters on our team was hilarious. He had everyone cracking up.

We hit up the Piano Bar after dinner to listen to Bob play some more. Tonight he as kind of lame, the vibe just wasn't there for us, so we retired to the cabin early. We did hear that the technical problem with Studio VIP was resolved so they were doing an extra showing at 11:15, but we opted to stay in the room and just watch a movie instead. Goodnight!

 

[pirate4me2]

Fun Times for our last sea day

 

 

 

 

[pirate4me2]

I can't believe it's the last day already! Do I really have to start packing??

We slept in until about 8:30 or so, and decided to go to the sea day brunch for breakfast. I got the Caesar salad (mmmmm, so good) and a spinach, mushroom, pepper, onion and cheddar omlet. It was delish! I also decided that since I was on vacation I would get dessert at breakfast as well and ordered the brownie, but that never showed up. I'm kind of disappointed. Has anyone on here tried it? Did I miss out on anything special?

Chris and I decided to watch Wee Jimmy's morning show in the cabin. It was pretty funny. We then went to the towel folding demo that was held in the Liquid Lounge. It was cute, and Wee Jimmy made fun of our frog...he said it was a very ugly frog! In all honesty it was...it didn't even look like a frog, no matter how you tried to help it. :eek:

After lunch we decided to check out the Marriage show at 2:00. It was HILARIOUS. I wish we had been able to get on stage. We then went and listened to Brian sing one last time in the atrium before heading to the Ship's Life Q&A with Wee Jimmy and Erica in the Ocean Plaza. It was a good, informative chat.

Tonight's production show was Epic Rock, and let me just say...it is the BEST show I have EVER seen on the ships. It was simply amazing. I loved it, and I hope to goodness I get to see it on another ship in the future!

Dinner tonight was a New England Crabcake (yummy), Caesar salad (how many of these have I ate this week? Still good!), and the Panko shrimp (yum). I of course ended it with WCMC...after all, how long will it be until I get it again? October? Sheesh!

Our last activity tonight was to go check out the Piano Bar. I took these pics with my phone, not sure how they will turn out:

 

 

The line outside the window was for the comedy show...

 

Piano Bar Bob and the bartenders

 

A Bluemoon cocktail...man I could use one right now!

 

We ended up calling it a night fairly early, especially since we had to be up at 6:45 in the morning. I was sad to see this cruise coming to a close.

[pirate4me2]

We had FTTF, so for debarkation we chose to do the self assist and met in the Sunset dining room at 7:30 on Saturday morning. We were off the ship and in our truck by 8:30. It was a pretty quick and painless process.

 

Final thoughts...I love FTTF, I found it worth it for this cruise for (a) being able to practically just walk onto the ship on embarkation day, (b) the few times I went to Guest Services I never waited in line, and © the early debarking allowed us to get home quicker and since we were driving 9 hours, that was nice.

As far as a guarantee cabin...I feel like we lucked out pretty good this time. We could have ended up above the nightclub or some other crazy loud venue or down on a low, low deck, but our cabin location was great. However, I really do prefer to choose my own cabin for the fact that I like to get one that is in between decks of cabins so I can sleep better, so I doubt I will book one again. However, I am not opposed to interior cabins anymore and even booked one for our Vista cruise! To help save money, I will book them once in a while. I am still partial to my aft balconies though...

 

Seated Dining...It was a nice change, but I do prefer the flexibility of ATD. However, on the Sunshine, after seeing the lines, I will always book a set dining for sailing her.

 

Entertainment...this was by far the best entertainment we have ever experienced on a ship! From the CD to the musicians to the production shows, it was all incredible. We were blown away by it. I hope more Carnival ships get this level of entertainment!

 

Ports...We had fun in all of them, but I think I prefer the Eastern ports to the Western. The water seems to be more clear on the Eastern itineraries, and I don't know...both DH and I commented on how we thought the Eastern ports just seemed prettier.

 

Overall, the Sunshine is a good ship. Yes, she has a few issues, but what ship doesn't? I have decided that I would sail her again, but I would make sure to book a balcony so that if the deck chairs were all taken, I could go relax on my own balcony. I encourage anyone who is on the fence about sailing her to go ahead and book it. I was hesitant, and I ended up having a great cruise! See for yourself, and go in with an open mind.

 

Thank you everyone for reading, and I hope you all have wonderful cruises ahead of you!

[islandatsea]

Thanks for your excellent review/pictures of the Sunshine & taking time to write it :) !!

[pirate4me2]

Thanks for your excellent review/pictures of the Sunshine & taking time to write it :) !!

 

You are more than welcome! It helped me to relive the vacation a little bit and extend that warm and fuzzy feeling that cruising gives me. :) Now that it's over, what am I going to do to keep that feeling going? :(

[cruisin'thrulife]

I'm following along, excitedly anticipating Embarking on the Sunshine in a month! Great review so far!!!

 

CookiePie, I'll be on there with you. Can't wait to hit the beaches.

[NCTribeFan]

Thanks for your input and photos.

 

I received some sad news yesterday about the passing of an old friend after a brief illness, and I'm thinking I need to just do what I need (and want) to do and stop putting things off. I may never get the opportunity again.

 

So, I'm probably going to book one of the casino cruises for post-tax-season, and switch from the Splendor Bermuda cruise to one of the long Sunshine cruises at the end of November/early December. Although I'd have to add air, the cost of the 10-night sailing is about the same as 7-nights to Bermuda.

 

That means we won't get to sail together! At least, not in October. :(

 

With a port-intensive cruise, the ship doesn't make much of a difference to me. I never go hungry and I always find enough to keep me entertained when on board. I have no need or desire to sail the newest, biggest, most bells-and-whistles ships. Remember, I'm a fan of the Fantasy class! I do enjoy the variety of food options on the 2.0 ships, though. Too much so! :o

 

I'm not a fan of YTD. Tried it twice now and just prefer late seating, even though it's always *interesting* as a solo.

 

I just wish the Serenity Deck wasn't facing the stupid big TV. Geez, I hate those things!

[pirate4me2]

Thanks for your input and photos.

 

I received some sad news yesterday about the passing of an old friend after a brief illness, and I'm thinking I need to just do what I need (and want) to do and stop putting things off. I may never get the opportunity again.

 

So, I'm probably going to book one of the casino cruises for post-tax-season, and switch from the Splendor Bermuda cruise to one of the long Sunshine cruises at the end of November/early December. Although I'd have to add air, the cost of the 10-night sailing is about the same as 7-nights to Bermuda.

 

That means we won't get to sail together! At least, not in October. :(

 

With a port-intensive cruise, the ship doesn't make much of a difference to me. I never go hungry and I always find enough to keep me entertained when on board. I have no need or desire to sail the newest, biggest, most bells-and-whistles ships. Remember, I'm a fan of the Fantasy class! I do enjoy the variety of food options on the 2.0 ships, though. Too much so! :o

 

I'm not a fan of YTD. Tried it twice now and just prefer late seating, even though it's always *interesting* as a solo.

 

I just wish the Serenity Deck wasn't facing the stupid big TV. Geez, I hate those things!

 

Aw, I hate to see you cancel Bermuda, but some of the longer itineraries look great! And you will enjoy the Sunshine, the entertainment was great. Sorry to hear about your friend.

[A&Jfamily]

Quick question to the cruisers that have returned from the Sunshine: the snacks and breakfast/ lunch nibbles at the Havana Bar- are they free? Are they only available for certain times of the day? Thanks in advance.

 

Yes they are free. They are on the left side of the bar as you enter from the stairwell area under a hood and on a warming tray. They are free. Breakfast had an egg, onion and plantain fritatta, a guava pastry, a sweet cream cheese pastry and either ham or chicken croquettes. Lunch was empandas, pork rolls, mini cubans and a desert of some kind.

[A&Jfamily]

Pirate-

 

I believe that "fruit" in your picture is a coconut....:D

[kittycrusin08]

Thank you for your excellent review and pictures. Good to read a positive review about the Sunshine and all the fun times you had. ;)

[pirate4me2]

Pirate-

 

I believe that "fruit" in your picture is a coconut....:D

 

 

I thought so but wasn't sure. I didn't want to come across as an idiot. :)

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your excellent review and pictures. Good to read a positive review about the Sunshine and all the fun times you had. ;)

 

Thank you for reading it!

[LPGA Golfer Gal]

Yes they are free. They are on the left side of the bar as you enter from the stairwell area under a hood and on a warming tray. They are free. Breakfast had an egg, onion and plantain fritatta, a guava pastry, a sweet cream cheese pastry and either ham or chicken croquettes. Lunch was empandas, pork rolls, mini cubans and a desert of some kind.

Thank you so much for the info. Cannot wait to try them.

[pghsteelerfan]

I've been following along with your review and just now finished. I really enjoyed reading and you got some great pictures. Sorry that you missed getting into Costa Maya. We missed our first port ever, out of 6 cruises, last year on Liberty...Grand Cayman. The only downside was that we weren't scheduled until 10AM, so we didn't get to sleep in. :D Occasionally missing ports is all part of cruising and a great excuse to book another...we just haven't done that yet. I definitely agree with you about the Eastern ports being prettier. I think, for me anyway, it's that they're mountainous and so beautiful sailing into and out of. The underground river on your Cozumel stop, I noticed you mentioned the water being 60 degrees. Is it freezing during the whole tour or is it one of those things that once you get started you don't even notice. That looks like fun but my only fear is that I'd be freezing the whole time. :) Thank you for taking the time to do a review of your cruise on Sunshine, I really enjoyed it.

Edited March 13, 2015 by pghsteelerfan
Forgot ?

[Toobar]

Loved your review! Thanks so much for taking the time to post. We will be on the Sunshine in just 2 weeks. Sooooo Looking forward to it!

[pirate4me2]

I've been following along with your review and just now finished. I really enjoyed reading and you got some great pictures. Sorry that you missed getting into Costa Maya. We missed our first port ever, out of 6 cruises, last year on Liberty...Grand Cayman. The only downside was that we weren't scheduled until 10AM, so we didn't get to sleep in. :D Occasionally missing ports is all part of cruising and a great excuse to book another...we just haven't done that yet. I definitely agree with you about the Eastern ports being prettier. I think, for me anyway, it's that they're mountainous and so beautiful sailing into and out of. The underground river on your Cozumel stop, I noticed you mentioned the water being 60 degrees. Is it freezing during the whole tour or is it one of those things that once you get started you don't even notice. That looks like fun but my only fear is that I'd be freezing the whole time. :) Thank you for taking the time to do a review of your cruise on Sunshine, I really enjoyed it.

 

Thank you for reading it! We booked a cruise that goes to Grand Cayman in 2017, I so hope we don't miss that port...it is the whole reason we chose that cruise!

The water was a bit cold to get into at first on that excursion, but then it felt so refreshing and good! I worried about the same thing, but it wasn't an issue at all.

 

 

 

 

Loved your review! Thanks so much for taking the time to post. We will be on the Sunshine in just 2 weeks. Sooooo Looking forward to it!

 

Have a great cruise! Tell Wee Jimmy hi!

[2NEWTOCRUISE]

Really enjoyed your review! We are sailing Sunshine April 25th, and now I am even more excited to get onboard. Ever thought about being a cruise reviewer? I think you have a talent! :)

[pirate4me2]

Really enjoyed your review! We are sailing Sunshine April 25th, and now I am even more excited to get onboard. Ever thought about being a cruise reviewer? I think you have a talent! :)

 

What is a cruise reviewer? I like cruising and I like writing, so that sounds interesting! I am glad you enjoyed the review, and I hope you have a great trip in April!

[fadenya]

Really enjoyed your review! We are sailing Sunshine April 25th, and now I am even more excited to get onboard. Ever thought about being a cruise reviewer? I think you have a talent! :)

 

I will be on the Sunshine with you. April 25th cant get here fast enough!

[Crusin Karen]

I will be on the Sunshine with you. April 25th cant get here fast enough!

That's my birthday so I will CHEER you both as you begin your cruise! :D;)

[CookiePie]

CookiePie' date=' I'll be on there with you. Can't wait to hit the beaches.[/quote']

 

I'm so ready!!! More snow predicted in CT for tonight into tomorrow....on the first day of SPRING:(

[framboesa]

F

I stayed in my precious lounger until about 2:30 (sorry roll call...I slept thru our meet and greet!)

 

After dinner we hit up the Piano Bar again. There was a good crowd, and we hung out for a while.

We were in your roll call and went to piano bar all nights....may be we met each other several times:D