Carnival Sunshine crowded??

[We<3WDW]

We were on the 4.4.15 sailing. This was our 6th cruise, all on different ships. Sunshine did have the best food options of all. The only place it felt crowded was the decks on sea days. If you want a chair get there early. If you want 2 together get out there very early! Also, getting off the ship at ports and home port was awful. Otherwise it's a great ship, plenty of tables in the buffet areas. Never waited more than 20 mins for anytime dining.

[MrMileStoner]

We were on the 4.4.15 sailing. This was our 6th cruise' date=' all on different ships. Sunshine did have the best food options of all. The only place it felt crowded was the decks on sea days. If you want a chair get there early. If you want 2 together get out there very early! Also, getting off the ship at ports and home port was awful. Otherwise it's a great ship, plenty of tables in the buffet areas. Never waited more than 20 mins for anytime dining.[/quote']

 

Thank you for an honest review.

[eponym]

We were on the 4.4.15 sailing. This was our 6th cruise' date=' all on different ships. Sunshine did have the best food options of all. The only place it felt crowded was the decks on sea days. If you want a chair get there early. If you want 2 together get out there very early! Also, getting off the ship at ports and home port was awful. Otherwise it's a great ship, plenty of tables in the buffet areas. Never waited more than 20 mins for anytime dining.[/quote']

 

I can see for a lot of people that could be dissapointing. 4-5 sea days of overcrowded decks coupled with 'awful' debark at the ports.

 

Did you notice any crowded areas among the food offerings, and what did you try in the way of the variety of eats? Sunshine has a wide array of food offerings, so I am very curious. How about the shows?

[Flatbush Flyer]

Well, that was an overwhelming answer to simple question that I preferred having answered by a more civil human. No, again, I don't sail Carnival very often, and the reasons mount the more I hear from you specifically.

 

 

 

Don't know what the hearsay is. Carnival announced they increased capacity of that ship when in drydocked in 2013. Additionally, there are NUMEROUS first hand complaints on this board about overcrowing on that ship at times - whether that fits your brand cheer or not.

 

 

 

Ok, THEN, They need a cigar bar, so people can enjoy what they want when vacationing, including you.

 

 

Looks like you won't be vacationing here in California, where there is no smoking allowed in bars and restaurants. Cruise lines will eventually figure our that making money at the expense of people's health (by allowing ANY smoking) is just so low class.

[eponym]

Looks like you won't be vacationing here in California, where there is no smoking allowed in bars and restaurants. Cruise lines will eventually figure our that making money at the expense of people's health (by allowing ANY smoking) is just so low class.

 

Ah, what is most hilarious. My husband and I do NOT smoke. I was just asking questions about cigars smoking on the ship, as I haven't been on Carnival for awhile, and we are traveling with a couple that occasionally smoke cigar with brandy or whatnot.

 

Interesting. When we were at Staples Center last year for Kings playoffs, there was plenty of pot, cigarette and cigar smoking on the VIP balcony areas inside of the arena's San Manuel Club and Lexus clubs/restaurants. Is that an exception?

Edited May 11, 2015 by eponym

[Flatbush Flyer]

Ah, what is most hilarious. My husband and I do NOT smoke. I was just asking questions about cigars smoking on the ship, as I haven't been on Carnival for awhile, and we are traveling with a couple that occasionally smoke cigar with brandy or whatnot.

 

Interesting. When we were at Staples Center last year for Kings playoffs, there was plenty of pot, cigarette and cigar smoking on the VIP balcony areas inside of the arena's San Manuel Club and Lexus clubs/restaurants. Is that an exception?

 

 

Certain "banquet facilities can acquire an exemption: http://smoking.uslegal.com/smoking-regulations-in-california/

Even then, it can be refused if affected employees do not agree with the exception.

[eponym]

Certain "banquet facilities can acquire an exemption: http://smoking.uslegal.com/smoking-regulations-in-california/

Even then, it can be refused if affected employees do not agree with the exception.

 

Interesting.

 

So, when Sunshine sails in European waters or Carnival ships from European ports are the same strict smoking bans in place as from U.S. departures?

 

My international experience has been that there are a lot of European smokers, ladies too, and I am not sure that is low class as you suggest in any place.

Edited May 11, 2015 by eponym

[Flatbush Flyer]

Interesting.

 

So, when Sunshine sails in European waters or Carnival ships from European ports are the same strict smoking bans in place as from U.S. departures?

 

My international experience has been that there are a lot of European smokers, ladies too, and I am not sure that is low class as you suggest in any place.

 

 

Since the seventh largest economy in the world (i.e., California), has figured out how bad smoking is (both first and secondhand smoke and, soon we expect, e-cigs), will the most forward thinking of European countries really be far behind?

 

As for what smoking policies Carnival has now or may have in the future, I have no knowledge. Never been on Carnival and most likely never will.

[ufyellowfin]

I'm on the ship right now, just got back from the gym. So far I haven't really noticed too much crowding. Our room is a promenade 5th floor OV on the starboard side. IMO perfect location because almost everything is accessible here except the serenity, and I've got two little ones so we haven't done too much of that. The only places I've seen that was crowded and a bad design was near the alchemy bar, where the anytime diners congregate. (The funny thing is you would think these anytime diners wouldn't be in a hurry or rude but most of them are. Pushy and complaining as we try to squeeze by ... should have set a time to eat.) The worst is at the actual door next to the alchemy bar going to the stairs to get to the dining room. it's a real bottleneck area.

 

As far as other areas, we were able to get lounge chairs both times we've been up top. The area going into camp carnival can be congested to if you go right at drop off and pick up. We have taken the advice and taken our breakfast and lunch to the aft of the ship in the Havana bar to eat. It's a lot quieter, except for my 2.5 year old, sorry guys, and there are a some really good Cuban finger foods on the port side of the bar.

Edited May 11, 2015 by ufyellowfin

[eponym]

Since the seventh largest economy in the world (i.e., California), has figured out how bad smoking is (both first and secondhand smoke and, soon we expect, e-cigs), will the most forward thinking of European countries really be far behind?

 

As for what smoking policies Carnival has now or may have in the future, I have no knowledge. Never been on Carnival and most likely never will.

 

Thats sounds logical. But the 7th largest econony in the world has medical marijuana where doctors authorize people to smoke, so its a preference based smoking culture. It's appears that is true also at certain restuarants even in California, per your revised information. I remember seeing commercials, now on the web, from long ago that certain cigarettes were Doctor recommended too in the past.

I'm not sure American culture drives other cultures around the world as much as the reverse overall.

 

Hopefully someone can shed light on the European departures. If the Sunshine is overcrowded on decks by sheer passenger volume, the desingated smoking area probably affects them too.

Edited May 11, 2015 by eponym

[tiggerman101]

Since the seventh largest economy in the world (i.e., California), has figured out how bad smoking is (both first and secondhand smoke and, soon we expect, e-cigs), will the most forward thinking of European countries really be far behind?

 

As for what smoking policies Carnival has now or may have in the future, I have no knowledge. Never been on Carnival and most likely never will.

 

Sigh. This is not a smoking thread. Besides, why would you care if you don't go near the cruise line? I seriously do not understand this. Why are you even commenting? I am really asking a question. I can't imagine someone being so bored they troll a Carnival Message board to regurgitate their anti-smoking rhetoric on a thread that is not even related to it. Sigh indeed.

 

Anyway, IMO the Sunshine is very crowded. I sailed her in Europe and frankly it is my least favorite ship I have ever been on. The Lido Deck and Serenity fill up and get packed. There are bottlenecks in various areas due to the layout and it just does not flow right.

 

With that said, a person might not even notice these things. If they are used to Carnival ships it won't be much of a difference (not a jab, just an observation. I obviously cruise Carnival a lot). With all that said, I would still sail her again if the itinerary was right. I would be all over her 13 day RT Southern Cruise if the timing was different.

[MrMileStoner]

Repeating other people's accounts is hearsay and Sunshine doesn't have any European routes so not even sure where that is coming from. :p

[tiggerman101]

Repeating other people's accounts is hearsay and Sunshine doesn't have any European routes so not even sure where that is coming from. :p

 

Is this directed at me? If so, then you need to do your research before commenting. When They converted Destiny to Sunshine the work was done over in Europe. Upon completion the Sunshine sailed a summer of Med cruises. This was just two years ago BTW. I was on the second of those cruises.

[MrMileStoner]

Is this directed at me? If so, then you need to do your research before commenting. When They converted Destiny to Sunshine the work was done over in Europe. Upon completion the Sunshine sailed a summer of Med cruises. This was just two years ago BTW. I was on the second of those cruises.

 

No need to do research as we have been on Sunshine a number of times including Europe. Sunshine WAS (as in the past) in Europe. Sunshine does not (as in the present or foreseeable future) have European routes so hypothetical smoking questions about European Sunshine routes in the present or future make no sense, as in nonsense. ;)

[tiggerman101]

No need to do research as we have been on Sunshine a number of times including Europe. Sunshine WAS (as in the past) in Europe. Sunshine does not (as in the present or foreseeable future) have European routes so hypothetical smoking questions about European Sunshine routes in the present or future make no sense, as in nonsense. ;)

 

Regardless, this thread is about crowding on the ship, not smoking. I provided my opinion on the topic at hand.

 

Yes, it does feel overcrowded.

[Kristi Williamson]

Sunshine is a fabulous ship! We sailed her last June and while the pool is the size of a thimble and sea days did become crowded, the Sunshine is one of our favorite ships. We're booked on the 10 day from Charleston next May on her and can't wait.

[MrMileStoner]

Regardless, this thread is about crowding on the ship, not smoking. I provided my opinion on the topic at hand.

 

Yes, it does feel overcrowded.

 

You are entitled to your opinion as am I. People who have never been on the ship can only repeat selective opinions of others.

 

Every ship can feel overcrowded at certain times/places. My opinion of Sunshine is that it was no more crowded than other ships.

[We<3WDW]

I can see for a lot of people that could be dissapointing. 4-5 sea days of overcrowded decks coupled with 'awful' debark at the ports.

 

Did you notice any crowded areas among the food offerings, and what did you try in the way of the variety of eats? Sunshine has a wide array of food offerings, so I am very curious. How about the shows?

 

We didn't have any problem with crowding in the buffet areas or any of the other Lido offerings. Honestly there was plenty of room to sit and eat even with our large group and the lines to get food were never long in our experience. We tried all the food options, except for the Cuban snacks which we just never got around to, everything was good to really good. Best pizza and burgers and buffet food of any ship we have been on. Burrito bar was great for lunch and breakfast. Deli, italian, wok and MDR were the same as other ships.

Shows and comedians all enjoyable.

I don't know why it was always so backed up and unorganized trying to get off the ship. It took us 45 minutes to over an hour past docking time to get off the ship in every port. Well, except for San Juan, we waited to get off almost 2 hours after all clear though. That was very frustrating, not to mention hot and smelly with everyone crammed in the hallways.

[sxyshell]

Agreed. We've sailed her twice' date=' both times at capacity. Was it crowded, yep but nothing different than I've experienced on other cruises on sea days. If you want your pick of chairs on the lido or the serenity deck I'd get there no later than 9-9:30. You'll love the serenity deck if you choose to sit or lay there. It's 2nd to none.

Give her a try. Beautiful ship![/quote']

 

We cruised Sunshine last August and thought it was very crowded but guess what?? We loved some of the other things about the ship so we are going to give it another try this August. We were on the Premier casino cruise so we're hoping it will be a little different this time.

[jimbo5544]

Hearing these bad things about Sunshine is not making me happy ... but best to know before we go!

Sunshine will be doing some sailings out of Charleston (very convenient port for us) next year so we're looking at the 10 day May 30, 1016. If the public areas are always really crowded ... maybe not. :o

LuLu

 

Check out a review by PaulMedik. He does wonderful review, spot on with his comments and has more or less just started one. In the beginning he did a cliff notes version and discusses ship space.

 

Here is the link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2200542

Edited May 12, 2015 by jimbo5544

[Out to sea!]

I have been looking into going on Carnival Sunshine this July. The ship looks really great but I've read complaints about the Lido deck and more specifically the main pool being over crowded and people not even being able to go into the pool or find a chair. Is this true? Has anyone been on Sunshine in the middle of summer and experienced the ship being to crowded?

 

I sailed her 6 weeks ago and did not find her over crowded. Crowded on a sea day, sure, and it's been that way on every cruise I've been on. Overcrowded and couldn't find a chair anywhere, nope, no problems there.

[AliMouse]

Sailed on the Sunshine in May 2014 and booked again in July 2015! My favorite ship so far! Sailed the Dream, Glory, and Fascination. Finding chairs in pool area and Serenity was difficult at times on ALL ships! Loved the food options-- Alchemy Bar-- everything on the Sunshine! Cannot wait to sail again![emoji295]️[emoji474][emoji481][emoji483][emoji620] Yes!

[Harrier1961]

Wow , if you read reviews , the Sunshine seems to get more mixed reviews than all of the other ships combined. Recently though it seems the reviews have started trending towards the positive , and a couple of weeks ago a friend of our sailed her and loved it. Said that some of the public area's did get crowded during peak times , but no worse than any other ship he had been on. We've always been a little reluctant to book due to the reviews , but have finally broken down and are booked on the Journeys 9 day cruise next April and based on what I've been reading lately really looking forward to it !!!!

 

I think that a lot of the early reviews were actually from people that never sailed her. They just looked at the deck plans and gave their "expert" opinon.

I sailed her in March.

Was it crowded on Sea days? Yes, more so than a what we normally sail which is the Conquest type ships.

Does the ship have some odd layouts due to the rebuild? Yes.

However, I absolutly love the ship and we are booked on her for a 9 day Journey sailing next April.

 

Overall, the ship is awesome. Love the new areas especially the Serenity deck.

Just my two cents, adjusted for inflation.

Andy

Edited June 12, 2015 by Harrier1961

[happy flamingo]

Harrier1961,

Thanks for your comments. We will be on the Sunshine in September this year and then again for the April 2016 journey cruise. See you in April!

[rdevine10]

We sailed the Sunshine on April 11 (as a previous poster did). We never really had an issue finding any seating on deck- even on sea days.

 

We loved many things about this ship, however, only having one family pool was a real negative to us. Even in the evening hours the pool was still very busy (it had not been that way on our other cruises). Our lesson we learned is our kids want to swim (we knew going in that this could be an issue but they really wanted to go on a ship with a waterpark). In the end, as much as we had a GREAT vacation (it was my 40th bday), we are now taking a break from cruising, as the kids enjoy the pools the most and a land vacation seems a better fit.

 

Have fun on the Sunshine, she may be a refurb but she really was very pretty!!! (I would of loved to spend some time in serenity, it was HUGE!)

 

Edited to add: our other issue with the sunshine was the layout of the quad balcony room we were in. The sofa/aka bottom bunk was not as it had been on our other cruises. The bottom bed needed to be made into an L shape for the bottom person to have a full length bed. HUGE space waster!

Edited June 15, 2015 by rdevine10