EmmasNana Posted June 12, 2015 #1 Share Posted June 12, 2015 I am looking at booking a cruise that is nearly the same on Sunshine or Dream. I have never been on either. For those who have been on both, please let me know which you prefer and why. We have been on Magic and do not want a cove, so that would not be an issue. My husband loves the Blue Iguana(burrito/taco bar) which the Sunshine has but Dream does not. I have read that Sunshine is really really crowded... Please pass along any info. TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmmasNana Posted June 13, 2015 Author #2 Share Posted June 13, 2015 Which ship would you go on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadmoney Posted June 13, 2015 #3 Share Posted June 13, 2015 We have done both and would do either again. What i will say is that the new food places on Sunshine was nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCriuseDirector Posted June 13, 2015 #4 Share Posted June 13, 2015 I would pick the Sunshine because there is a lot more to do onboard. The Dream is great if you want to be on a bigger ship but it fails to compare to the Sunshine in the amenities portion. Even though the Sunshine might seem crowded at some times (Comedy Shows, Lido Parties, etc.) If you get there early or avoid them all together, it should be fine. Might I ask what the Itineraries are? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisatav Posted June 13, 2015 #5 Share Posted June 13, 2015 I was just on the sunshine and I really liked it. With only one pool, other then serenity's, the lido deck can get crowded on sea days but any other day I had no problem finding a chair. I never had a problem finding seating to eat or with waiting for ATD except on elegant night. You didn't say when you were thinking of going but the current entertainment team is amazing but they are moving over to the vista when that starts sailing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmmasNana Posted June 13, 2015 Author #6 Share Posted June 13, 2015 Thanks for replies. I wondered about the crowds. Sunshine Dec 9 San Juan St Thomas Antigua Dominica Matinique Sea Day St Croix Sea Day Grand Turk Sea Day Port Canaveral Dream Jan 14 San Juan St Thomas Dominica St Kitts Sea Day Grand Turk Montego Bay Sea Day Sea Day New Orleans I prefer the Sunshine itinerary but husband prefers Jan over Dec. We are going with another couple. I think I will just let them decide. They haven't been to any of the places except Motego Bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
love my grandkids Posted June 13, 2015 #7 Share Posted June 13, 2015 Dream. We enjoy the comedy club and the venue on Sunshine is way to small. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmmasNana Posted June 13, 2015 Author #8 Share Posted June 13, 2015 Thanks. Please keep replies coming. I am copying them to an email to my DH and friends so we can make a decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Podna's Posted June 13, 2015 #9 Share Posted June 13, 2015 Been on both, loved both but would give the Dream the edge. I do think the over crowding on the Sunshine is over rated but the Dream does have more space. And although at night, sailing up the Mississippi is always a treat. Also spending a night in New Orleans when your cruise is complete is a plus if you have the time. Either way I don't think you can go wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelley2 Posted June 21, 2015 #10 Share Posted June 21, 2015 I am looking at booking a cruise that is nearly the same on Sunshine or Dream. I have never been on either. For those who have been on both, please let me know which you prefer and why. We have been on Magic and do not want a cove, so that would not be an issue. My husband loves the Blue Iguana(burrito/taco bar) which the Sunshine has but Dream does not. I have read that Sunshine is really really crowded... Please pass along any info. TIA We just did the Sunshine and never again. They added more balcony cabins and that really made our cabin smaller with less room. The Dream is a better choice . LK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoosierpop Posted June 21, 2015 #11 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Been on both. Liked them both. Dream a slight edge, so pick it based on itinerary and date. It's that close to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwo4life Posted June 21, 2015 #12 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Both are fun, can't go wrong with those ships. I would give a slight edge to Sunshine because I like the Red Frog Pub, Sports bar, and the additional evening meal venues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riclop Posted June 21, 2015 #13 Share Posted June 21, 2015 The Dream, newer and better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jolyroger Posted June 21, 2015 #14 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Done both ships,just off of the sunshine this past april, I would not hesitate to book again. Beautiful ship,great bars (especially the alchemy bar).. cabins are beautiful, which we had a spa balcony . I don't see it being any different size as the one we had on the breeze...crew was great. Never encointerred it being too crowded that I couldn't find a chair....overall I would definatly book the sunshine again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyMaster Posted June 21, 2015 #15 Share Posted June 21, 2015 I too, have done 'em both, and would choose "Dream" over "Sunshine" any time. So many little things that I didn't care for aboard "Sunshine", and "Dream", on the other hand has so many things that I DO like. :cool: "SKY" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmberTeka Posted June 21, 2015 #16 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Two weeks out from our first cruise. on the Sunshine. Will write a review. Loved the Dream. Sailed on her four times. STILL irked that the moved her from Port Canaveral. That Said. NEW CABINS on Sunshine. 4-J on lobby deck. OV on Deck 5 and even numbered spa balconies on deck 9 (check me on the deck nine) People seem to have a better cruise when they book those. And they are hard to get. the new cabins have minibars which I use to store Diet Sodas. They have been a tremendous help to me in losing a lot of weight. Do your research. Get the right cabin. ATD seems to be confusing. get a SET Dining Time. Don't eat on the Lido at peak times. Go to the BACK and eat at the Havana Bar. MAKE your dining reservations online,. Have your confirmations in hand when you board. ALL of this I learned from reading this Board. People post the best advice here. MY advice....READ every word anyone posts about the SUNSHINE for Two weeks before you book. READ the Reviews on Cruise Critic. A lot of the bad reviews seem to be because they were irked about something else. READ THE CABIN REVIEWS on Cruise critic. HAPPY SAILS> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunkey1 Posted June 22, 2015 #17 Share Posted June 22, 2015 It's all subjective, everyone has their priorities. For me, relaxation is the key thing I want out of a vacation and the Serenity areas on Sunshine simply cannot be beat. I also love the ports on the eastern run for relaxing beach days. As far as crowds, I personally thought the Dream felt more crowded than the Sunshine. Yes, getting a ticket for dinner for ATD is a (minor) inconvenience - we always looked at it as an opportunity to get a pre-dinner drink (which we rarely finished before we were called for a table, if we even had a wait). The Alchemy Bar is also a big plus for us, absolutely loved it and were disappointed to not have it on the Dream the next cruise. My kids loved the Dream because of the activities and locales, may have been a bit bored on the Sunshine. Ultimately, I'm happy if I'm on a ship - they all have their pluses and minuses - just need to prioritize what you want out of that particular cruise and go from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nol4am Posted June 22, 2015 #18 Share Posted June 22, 2015 These two are my favorite ships. I have sailed both several times and loved all the cruises. I don't think you will go wrong with either choice. But I will say that different aspects of cruising appeal to everyone. What I might find important may not be that important to you. So keep what your more interested in when comparing. The food options are great on both ships, though carnival sunshine has guys burgers, taco bar, and the dream has the pasta restaurant for lunch daily and also the bbq on the lanai deck. As far as crowds I have been on 16 cruises and it really is no more crowded than other carnival ships during the summer months. Granted on sunshine the comedy club is smaller but just plan on arriving early if you do the comedy club. But the casino on both ships are nice and dinning rooms are nice, cabins are same size on both ships and very nice. The ports of call would be my decider. I chose sunshine in july and absolutely cant wait to be on her again. But I am a firm believer in the fact that if I am on a cruise, how can I go wrong. spend time preparing and know what to expect and you will enjoy your choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser fanatic Posted June 22, 2015 #19 Share Posted June 22, 2015 I have done both ships. Sunshine wins hands down. I didn't care for the Dream at all. The Sunshine has all the 2.0 upgrades, better food, and more to offer. The Dream was too big, the crew were not friendly, and the food was ok at best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seamus18 Posted August 6, 2015 #20 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Have to repeat what the last person said. My wife and I have been on both ships, and enjoyed the Sunshine far more than the Dream. All of the 2.0 upgrades make a huge difference to us, but your interests may vary. Both ship were at full capacity when we sailed them, and we didn't notice a difference in how crowded it felt. We are currently booked on the Sunshine again in September. Can't wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Sam Posted August 6, 2015 #21 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Which ship would you go on? Not sure if the dates would work for you, but there is also a Pt. Canaveral to San Juan on Sunshine, 11 nights on the 28th of Nov, the weekend directly after Thanksgiving. I like that itinerary best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutontow Posted August 6, 2015 #22 Share Posted August 6, 2015 I have the perfect solution. Flip a coin, then cruise on the "loser" next year. You will have a good time on either one. I personally don't care for the Dream. I like all of the venues the Dream doesn't have. I much prefer the casino on the sunshine which is where we spend most of our time. As stated above you will have a great time on either one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denrusk Posted August 6, 2015 #23 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Dream. I agree the updates on the Sunshine are nice to have, but I don't care what anyone says, Sunshine is the most crowded ship we have been on. Yes all ships are crowded in some areas, Sunshine is the worst of the 10 we have been on Including the Dream. Also, another vote for an evening in New Orleans before or after the cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MACUQUI58 Posted August 7, 2015 #24 Share Posted August 7, 2015 I've been on both ships and if you like to have fun than the Sunshine all the way.... I thought the Dream was to boring.... Havana Bar a little Latin music and dancing very cool.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nol4am Posted August 7, 2015 #25 Share Posted August 7, 2015 (edited) I have sailed 18 times and these two are my favorite ships. Sailed both 3 times or more each and while I like them both, I prefer the Sunshine. The only thing that Dream beats Sunshine with is the pool area and comedy club but the rest in my opinion, and there is a lot to compare, goes to Sunshine. You will like both ships. Dream is bigger but I prefer the size of the Sunshine. Enjoy! Edited August 7, 2015 by nol4am Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now