100% honest review of the Sunshine.

[KatieCharlotte]

I have sailed on the Sunshine and loved it! Like another poster mentioned, as a habit I do not try to show up to things at peak times....on any ship. So I never observed crowds.

 

 

Too bad many people refuse to sail her. It just makes it all that more pleasurable for me when carnival drops the prices due to lack of bookings.

 

My feeling about the Sunshine, having not yet sailed on her and only read reviews, is that it would be a fine ship for a budget cruise. I'm sure we will sail on her when the price is right. We also tend to go against the crowds, and we arrive early for shows. But, Sunshine was billed to the masses as "like new" with the newest features. As people sail on her with high expectations, likely having paid higher prices than for another older ship, they're bound to be disappointed. The ship's approval rate based on cruise critic reviews seems to lower than any other Carnival ship.

[NCTribeFan]

I just like how people put "honest" in their title - as though the rest of us are a bunch of liars! :p

 

I'm always honest. At least, the reviews I write are what I "honestly" thought of my cruise. Why would anyone write anything other than what they felt about their particular experience?

 

Anyway, I'm seriously considering cancelling my Splendor-to-Bermuda cruise and doing one of the 1-way longer sailings on Sunshine late this year.

 

I don't really care about the ship. I still sail primarily for the ports. As long as the food is good, I can find somewhere semi-serene to read and relax, and I get a good night's sleep, I'm happy!

 

I did a San Juan sailing on Victory when it was a port every day and, literally, all I saw of the ship was buffet for breakfast, MDR for dinner, a few minutes in the casino after dinner, and my cabin to sleep. Since the sailings I'm considering are very port-intensive, the ship means even less. After all, I even like the Fantasy class and Fantasy in particular.

 

I do have concerns about cabin location. As a solo, I thought I'd go for one of the 1A (with portholes) on Main. There's a deck between Main and the theater, though, right? So if it converts to a club, I shouldn't hear the noise with that deck in between. I hope!

 

So, the Serenity area is actually serene? Doesn't it face the big TV? I've found that the noise pollution from those blaring screens finds it's way forward on Conquest-class ships and the last thing I want in the Serenity area is that sort of noise.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Honestly. ;)

[bgvic24]

I just like how people put "honest" in their title - as though the rest of us are a bunch of liars! :p

 

I'm always honest. At least, the reviews I write are what I "honestly" thought of my cruise. Why would anyone write anything other than what they felt about their particular experience?

 

Anyway, I'm seriously considering cancelling my Splendor-to-Bermuda cruise and doing one of the 1-way longer sailings on Sunshine late this year.

 

I don't really care about the ship. I still sail primarily for the ports. As long as the food is good, I can find somewhere semi-serene to read and relax, and I get a good night's sleep, I'm happy!

 

I did a San Juan sailing on Victory when it was a port every day and, literally, all I saw of the ship was buffet for breakfast, MDR for dinner, a few minutes in the casino after dinner, and my cabin to sleep. Since the sailings I'm considering are very port-intensive, the ship means even less. After all, I even like the Fantasy class and Fantasy in particular.

 

I do have concerns about cabin location. As a solo, I thought I'd go for one of the 1A (with portholes) on Main. There's a deck between Main and the theater, though, right? So if it converts to a club, I shouldn't hear the noise with that deck in between. I hope!

 

So, the Serenity area is actually serene? Doesn't it face the big TV? I've found that the noise pollution from those blaring screens finds it's way forward on Conquest-class ships and the last thing I want in the Serenity area is that sort of noise.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Honestly. ;)

 

I Honestly;) cannot comment on the serenity area as i did not sit up there. just walked through... but as we both know.... those stupid speakers blast everyone... i really miss the steel drum bands..

 

Sent from my VS840 4G using Forums mobile app

[pmoniz]

bgvic24 - Thank you for your thoughts on your Sunshine cruise. A group of us are considering this ship for a cruise in 2016 - based on the ports. We have sailed the Destiny so I guess it'll be familiar territory! LOL

 

Could you tell me how the music was on the ship? Bands, etc.? We sailed the Dream on our last cruise and kind of thought it was a little boring at night with no live band playing anywhere. It was the piano bar or a comedy show it seemed were our choices every night!

[Swampbaby]

Tried to edit my post but it won't let me now.

 

YES, our cruise was great and do not regret it one bit. Had a blast. Just would not choose the Sunshine again for reasons I listed. Will say, if you have kids, they will love the Water Works while adults will appreciate the 3 level Serenity decks. One place I enjoyed sitting outside - due to not being a laying in the sun person - was outside on lobby deck.

[bgvic24]

bgvic24 - Thank you for your thoughts on your Sunshine cruise. A group of us are considering this ship for a cruise in 2016 - based on the ports. We have sailed the Destiny so I guess it'll be familiar territory! LOL

 

Could you tell me how the music was on the ship? Bands, etc.? We sailed the Dream on our last cruise and kind of thought it was a little boring at night with no live band playing anywhere. It was the piano bar or a comedy show it seemed were our choices every night!

 

Well the music from to DJ is the same every day... Loud and played out... Steel Drum bands or a live singer would be great outside on sea days.. at least 1 day a week...

 

This ship was on our cruise was awesome at night!!!

 

Redfrog Pub was amazing they had 2 diff people playing the guitar. Brian was awesome! could play anything.

 

Liquid Lounge really didn't get going till after 11pm... Mostly on our cruise there were younger "than me" I am 38.. having a good time in there. Loved the lighting walking into there.

 

Piano bar Bob... was so funny we sat in there and when someone else walks in everyone yells at them.. I wont say what they yell but it was funny ;)

 

I will say that this was a pretty fun cruise entertainment was above par in my book. Always something to do. Wee Jimmy was cruise director and if you have never been with him before... He is great.

 

Karoke in the Alchemy area was always packed Had really good singers to watch. Big dance floor/ viewing area. Bigger than the Dream class Ocean Plaza area.

 

Havana bar was great also! there was so much to do on this ship. As I said in my main review we loved the cruise just not the ship.... Hope this helps a bit.

[islandatsea]

Thanks for your review on the Sunshine. Our cruise on the Sunshine will be next February but with the negatives we have read about, we will know what to look out for. Mainly taking that cruise because of the 8 Ports we will be visiting :D .

[pmoniz]

Absolutely helped!! Thank you bgvic24 !

[cruizinisthebest]

I just like how people put "honest" in their title - as though the rest of us are a bunch of liars! :p

 

 

 

Yeah I agree with you. It's as if suggesting a completely positive review where these things wouldn't bother a cruiser is somehow not honest.

 

Having booked the sunshine last year and then having to cancel, then booking it again this year, I have read sooooooooooo many reviews and commentary. I swear it must be Carnival's most reviewed ship. At least on here. The feedback has been useful, and I appreciate the OP taking the time to comment and then coming back and answering questions. I'm so blissfully excited about our upcoming Sunshine cruise as I am with any cruise. But I've been wanting to try this ship since the first pics came out after its reinvention, and I will also "honestly" report back here once the trip is over.

 

 

OP what cabin did you stay in and how did you like it? So nice to hear about the music and the nightlife. I had heard before the ship was dead at night.

[jonbgd]

Having sailed the Destiny, I would sail on the Sunshine just for the comparison

I was thinking maybe in a couple months

 

 

But with so many other cruiseships/cruiselines out there, it is tough to talk my GF (or any of our friends) in to cruising on her with all the negatives.

Especially since they are on CC and can read the complaints first hand:eek:

[Acosmo]

Gently Snipped:

...However it was not great... Our cruise was AWESOME :D had a friggin blast but ship was not good.... and I will not sail it again. Funny enough we booked the Breeze for Feb 2016

 

Thank you for your honest review, we're looking forward to having a fun cruise on the Sunshine and are forewarned for what to expect because of reviews like yours.

 

Have a great time on the Breeze next year.

[pirate4me2]

I just like how people put "honest" in their title - as though the rest of us are a bunch of liars! :p

 

I'm always honest. At least, the reviews I write are what I "honestly" thought of my cruise. Why would anyone write anything other than what they felt about their particular experience?

 

Anyway, I'm seriously considering cancelling my Splendor-to-Bermuda cruise and doing one of the 1-way longer sailings on Sunshine late this year.

 

I don't really care about the ship. I still sail primarily for the ports. As long as the food is good, I can find somewhere semi-serene to read and relax, and I get a good night's sleep, I'm happy!

 

I did a San Juan sailing on Victory when it was a port every day and, literally, all I saw of the ship was buffet for breakfast, MDR for dinner, a few minutes in the casino after dinner, and my cabin to sleep. Since the sailings I'm considering are very port-intensive, the ship means even less. After all, I even like the Fantasy class and Fantasy in particular.

 

I do have concerns about cabin location. As a solo, I thought I'd go for one of the 1A (with portholes) on Main. There's a deck between Main and the theater, though, right? So if it converts to a club, I shouldn't hear the noise with that deck in between. I hope!

 

So, the Serenity area is actually serene? Doesn't it face the big TV? I've found that the noise pollution from those blaring screens finds it's way forward on Conquest-class ships and the last thing I want in the Serenity area is that sort of noise.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Honestly. ;)

 

I can say that the Serenity deck is not serene at all. It is right there with the TV speakers and the DJ blasting music toward it. Bring earplugs. :)

[nwo4life]

We loved our week on Sunshine and are ready to get back on her. There are so many new and different things on the ship it almost felt like a new cruise line to us. And Jaime Dee is awesome, most fun CD we have cruised with.

[elainmir]

I'm surprised you didn't see anyone painting..every cruise I see someone hanging there on the side of the ship painting with long rollers...lol...maybe they were on vacation...:)

[Pjnc]

I just like how people put "honest" in their title - as though the rest of us are a bunch of liars! :p

 

I'm always honest. At least, the reviews I write are what I "honestly" thought of my cruise. Why would anyone write anything other than what they felt about their particular experience?

 

Anyway, I'm seriously considering cancelling my Splendor-to-Bermuda cruise and doing one of the 1-way longer sailings on Sunshine late this year.

 

I don't really care about the ship. I still sail primarily for the ports. As long as the food is good, I can find somewhere semi-serene to read and relax, and I get a good night's sleep, I'm happy!

 

I did a San Juan sailing on Victory when it was a port every day and,

literally, all I saw of the ship was buffet for breakfast, MDR for dinner, a few minutes in the casino after dinner, and my cabin to sleep. Since the sailings I'm considering are very port-intensive, the ship means even less. After all, I even like the Fantasy class and Fantasy in particular.

 

I do have concerns about cabin location. As a solo, I thought I'd go for one of the 1A (with portholes) on Main. There's a deck between Main and the theater, though, right? So if it converts to a club, I shouldn't hear the noise with that deck in between. I hope!

 

So, the Serenity area is actually serene? Doesn't it face the big TV? I've found that the noise pollution from those blaring screens finds it's way forward on Conquest-class ships and the last thing I want in the Serenity area is that sort of noise.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Honestly. ;)

 

 

Hi Joan

 

I was on the Sunshine first week of February. Never on the Sunshine again. No people space not even on the promenade except near the Red Frog. No cushy window seats just a slab of marble. The most crowded ship I have ever been on. What a experience trying to find a lounger on a sea day. I am pretty easy going but even the cabins that were not new were small bathroom tiny we were on the 8th deck in a 8E balcony and it was the smallest balcony cabin I have ever been in not even a fridge.

 

I like the idea of the new longer cruises but I need to find a cabin mate for one of those or it is too much with the single supplement.

 

I am thinking of a Princess Panama in December have not done that yet

 

Hope I get to see you on another cruise

 

pat

murrells inlet, sc

[eponym]

Where in the op's review was power plant mentioned? Agenda :confused:

 

Do you know that the additional power plants don't work?....maybe they are taking up some of that crowded choke point space?

 

Eh?

[Trish12345]

I sailed the Sunshine last October (booked Dream and they switched ships). I have to agree 100% with your review.

 

I should have paid the penalty and switched ships since we booked a Spa Suite and I especially wanted the T-pool.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your report.

[imluvncruzn]

I sailed on the Sunshine in January and agree with the OP's review. We saw pails and leaky ceilings on deck 7 and 8. The leak was so bad on 7 that the carpet sloshed when walking through that area. The crowding on this ship was unlike anything I've experienced on any other ship and the Anytime Dining was a nightmare. We waited 45 minutes night one. Second night got there earlier (right at 6:00) and waited 70 minutes for a table. I love Carnival and will continue to sail Carnival just not on the Sunshine!

[NCTribeFan]

I've tried YTD twice now (both as a solo) and I'll never do it again. I much prefer set late dining.

 

The first time I looked at the deck plans I wondered about the noise in the Serenity Area. I know I'm old, but there's nothing about the word "serene" that makes me think of blaring TVs, or blaring music from a DJ or live band. Or even blaring fellow cruisers who sit 2 feet away from each other and still bellow.

 

Sigh.

 

I think the only "saving grace" to doing one of these long cruises on Sunshine would be the fact that I'd be off the ship and in port almost every day.

 

Yes, Pat, as a solo, it's still expensive, even in a 1A. If I could get a cruise buddy to join me, I might splurge on a balcony just to be sure I'd have somewhere to sit and read that *might* be semi-quiet (depends on how considerate (or not) the neighbors might be).

[MCFTJCH2V]

Thank you OP. More reviews tell me to avoid this ship than to ever step foot on it again. Once was enough for me when she was the Destiny.

[Bob NC]

100% honest review of the Sunshine.

 

LOL, as opposed to what?

[MCFTJCH2V]

LOL, as opposed to what?

 

I've read some completely over the top reviews of this ship, as if it were written by Carnival employees or on a kickback program.

[CHOPPERTESTER]

We were on the Sunshine in Dec 2014. The review is fair and accurate.

 

No serenity due to the blaring speakers. No peace for the smokers as their area was right behind the speakers.

 

Loved JiJis.

 

I'm not knocking anyone for their negative views of the ship. I just think some people may be put off simply by the reviews and yet if they sailed her....might actually enjoy her.

 

The following things are why we love her so much:

 

1. JiJi Asian Kitchen - no other ship has this (yet). We ate there 3 nights.

2. Bonsai Sushi - ate there 2 nights.

 

Unfortunately, there are NO wheelchair accessible tables at Bonsai Sushi. $155 M and they couldn't have thought about that. We were offered to order and have it as take-out.

 

In this day and age, shame on you Carnival.

[klc0472]

Hopefully people dont actually use CC reviews to base their decision 100% on whether to sail a ship or not. My DW and I find it quite amusing to read some of the posts and "issues" people have. We didn't see a single portion or carpet that was tattered and worn, did not think the layout "horrible" (cannot get anywhere without going up and down decks?? Come on, that's just ridiculous and over exaggerating), had no issue with waking around people getting drinks ( the ice cream machines were in the corners not in anyone's way at all), lido deck chairs "worst ship ever"? It's a ship with limited space. Lol. Any ship has the most chairs/ loungers crammed into the decks they can get. I really can't see the deck getting "so full of chairs that there is no place to walk on the ship". I find some peoples exaggeration amusing to say the least. I just don't hope some people take certain reviews totally to heart and cancel/ change ships/ don't book on certain ships, simply because of what they read. We were on the sunshine last week and thought the ship was great. Did see a couple water leaks ( you just walk AROUND a bucket!), had great meals, great service and got to serenity early to grab our seats. We had several conversations about reviews we read on here while enjoying dinner ( which we only waited one night for and that was only 15 minutes) and wondered which ship, if at all, some people were actually commenting on.

 

 

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