Sunshine 11/28/15 11-night Journeys/Premier Review

[NCTribeFan]

Home last night at about 8 and back to work this morning. I didn't take a ton of photos but it still will be a while before I can get them uploaded and start posting.

 

I only took notes for the first few days, so the review will be pretty sparse. Once I start looking at the photos, I'm hoping some memories will return. :p

 

Having those 7 port days to finish the cruise was very exhausting and it's all a bit of a blur already.

 

Overall, it was a very good cruise. MDR food was just OK. Not awful, but not wonderful, which is no big surprise. Enjoyed Guy's more than the past couple of times.

 

Casino wasn't very good to me until the last night, which is good, because then I didn't get the opportunity to give it all back!

 

As for the throw-back thing, it was pretty much a non-event for me. The 80s weren't my favorite decade! Still, it was nice to have the Captain's Party.

 

Really didn't think the ship felt any more crowded than any other.

 

Anyway, I'll try to get this started for real soon, but I probably need to at least begin unpacking and doing laundry tonight. ;)

[Jimmy Geegitz]

Sweet. Just don't mention John Heald or this thread will be deleted. Not sure why. I guess the CC folk don't like him.

[Jamman54]

Welcome home!! Looking forward to your take on the Sunshine, which is, as of now, the next cruise we have booked.

[kjunea]

Looking forward to your review!!

[LaCal]

Looking forward to your review and photos

 

I know you were on a premier casino cruise as I will be in March

 

Few casino/premier questions?? Who were the casino hosts and how were they?

 

How was the premier party? What gifts did you recieve throughout the week?

 

How were the Prizes and hourly drawings?

 

And anything else you could add in about the casino would be great

 

Glad you Won the last night and had a great cruise

[KroozFoolz]

Looking forward to reading what you did at each of the ports.

[pirate4me2]

Oh, I've been waiting for your review!

[NCTribeFan]

I didn't do any laundry last night and didn't upload my photos. Sorry. I'm still pretty exhausted and have tons of work piled up for me. One of the drawbacks of a longer cruise - all those port days are tiring and when you have a job, you usually get slammed as soon as you return to work.

 

I promise I'll get started tonight or tomorrow! ;)

[NCTribeFan]

Although I don't have photos uploaded yet, I might as well get started writing. Our server was down most of yesterday and back down again today. Not happy that I returned on Wednesday only to find I couldn't really get any work done yesterday or today! I most definitely would've loved to have spent a couple of days post-cruise in San Juan. I absolutely love it there.

 

So, where to begin?

 

Black Friday! I finished my packing (had done absolutely nothing on Thanksgiving Day except most of my packing). While having a large Mimosa, I'd accidentally dumped a bunch of my prescription into the wet sink, so I needed to make a run to Walgreen's to pick up my refill.

 

DD was off (she'd worked on Thanksgiving), so she came over and I took her to Waffle House for a big breakfast in exchange for taking me to the airport. Needed to start stretching my stomach for all the overeating I was going to be doing for the next 11 days!

 

I'd purchased two new pieces of (unneeded) luggage and wanted to try them out. I had the 25" case about as full as I could get it and it still only weighed about 39 pounds. The 21" case was lightly-packed and was serving as my carry-on. I was expecting heightened security, but it was only about 10 minutes from being dropped at the curb to being seated at the gate. For some reason, Southwest had marked me as "TSA precheck" on my last few flights and there was absolutely no one in that line, so I breezed right through.

 

Sat down and ordered a beer, and then realized it wasn't quite 11 am. Whatever! It's not like I was going to be driving anywhere for a while! Flight was bumpy most of the way, but quick. Eventually found the hotel shuttle pickup area and was crammed in with many supersized Orlando vacationers headed to the nearby hotels. Stayed at the Hampton Inn on T E Lee Blvd.

 

I had met my cruise companion on the Pride sailing last year and we sailed together on Splendor to Bermuda on 10/23. She arrived late afternoon, and since I'd had no lunch and was starving, we headed out for dinner. We walked around the block and down to Chili's. Had a beer and quite good fish tacos.

 

The pre-cruise excitement and couple of beers had me ready to fall asleep at about 8:30 but I managed to stay awake until 10. Such a partier! :p

[Jeafl]

Looking forward to reading the rest!

[LUVMYGSDOG]

Looking forward to rest of your review Jane!

 

 

 

Kim

[NCTribeFan]

Got my photos uploaded last night and am finally doing some laundry!

 

Let me address the Premier questions first and then move on the the day-by-day, step-by-step, meal-by-meal part of the review. ;)

 

Hostesses were Desi and Joalane. Desi had been the assistant host on my first Premier (Freedom 11/29/14). Nice girl but her tendency to laugh after every single thing she said got a little old by about Day 3!

 

Premier party was in the main show lounge. Lots of drinks and bites of food stuffs. Guitar-playing guy was there at the beginning. I didn't win.

 

Gifts - in the Welcome Bag in the cabin were two red & black portable coffee cups (I haven't unwrapped mine and will probably give it away); two lanyards with our drinks cards, the invitation to the party, and the list of the main daily activities. During the week, received a bottle of Chandon Brut (which I consider an upgrade over the prosecco I'd received on my prior two Premier sailings), a plate of petit fours (instead of the same Platinum chocolates (which I don't eat and certainly don't need two of)), and the main gift, which was the big, heavy, journal/planner and pen (which we gave to the local in St Croix who acted as our tour guide for the day).

 

I think I missed one of the snowball drawings but I didn't win that or any of the ones I attended. On the past two Premier sailings, I'd at least won some of the minor things (hot seat; playing cards). Not this time. But, on Sunday evening, we were playing Roulette (were the only two at the table at the time), when Desi appeared and asked if we'd like to have dinner in the steakhouse on Monday or Tuesday night. That's the first time I've ever been comped anything (I've never received a bounce-back offer or even pack-n-play offers), plus a bottle of wine. That was nice.

 

As always, the casino was busy, but it wasn't even as bad as it was on Splendor, which wasn't a Premier cruise! That time, it was difficult to even get a seat at either of the Roulette tables. This time, the non-smoking table wasn't even in use full-time in the evening, and I don't recall the other table being full more than a couple of times when I was playing. And, of course, the smoke was awful. People refuse to follow the "smoking allowed while playing" rule and just wander around with lit cigs, through the few non-smoking areas. And, of course, the non-smoking machines/tables are surrounded by smoking, so really are pointless. :mad:

 

I didn't do well on the slots and never really found a "favorite" machine. Even when I'd hit a bonus on one, they didn't pay out for me. But any time I come home with cash and haven't even spent my daily gambling allowance, I consider that winning. :p

 

There were times when it was difficult to get a drink. I hadn't had that problem the other times. We did have a favorite drink server (German, from Peru) who took good care of us when he could. We had late dinner, and the snowball drawings were usually at 8 pm, so we'd get there a little before then, find German, get a drink, not win the drawing, take our drinks and head to dinner.

[NCTribeFan]

Didn't sleep particularly well and woke with a slight headache. We both realized that we hadn't packed our usual complement of OTC drugs. My problem with that is that often if I have any variety of headache and don't knock it out, it morphs into a migraine. So I always carry some Excedrin Migraine with me. Yes, the bottle was in my purse but I'd neglected to refill it and it was empty. I'd also neglected to refill my little bottle of ibuprofen, but at least I had about a half-dozen of those. What was really annoying is that I had big bottles of both at home and had simply forgotten to refill them.

 

We had our breakfast and did a little shuffling of items to carry on, then headed outside to wait for our shuttle to Port Canaveral. I'd booked with Cortran's ($20 pp 1-way, which was way less than returning to the airport and using Carnival's shuttle). The driver arrived right at 10, we paid using plastic, and were off.

 

OK. My prior two Premier sailings were from Ft Lauderdale, where the little VIP room was way too small for all the priority boarding people. At least at Port C, they weren't trying to cram us all into a small room. However, when it was time to start boarding, the displays around the room simply showed "priority" although she announced Diamond first (there were many). By the time I went up and asked if Platinum was boarding, there were dozens and dozens of people in line. There were hundreds of Platinums on this sailing. Anyway, we were on the ship by 11:25.

 

Had an interior on Deck 1 (hey, it was cheap and if I can't have a balcony, I prefer insides (I love it dark at night)). Cabin was small but the shower was large. We discovered that the prior occupants had locked the safe.

 

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We headed up to Lido for a Guy's Burger and a Thirsty Frog for me. We then wandered the ship a bit. This was Carnival cruise #24 for me and I still managed to stay mildly disoriented due to the different layout.

 

Back to the cabin to unpack but bags weren't there yet so we called the desk and asked to have someone come unlock the safe. Security showed up soon and our bags arrived while she was there. Got unpacked and headed out for the safety drill. I cannot stand in one place for more than a few minutes thanks to back issues, so I headed in to the Limelight Lounge to sit with all the folks in wheelchairs, on scooters, with walkers and canes. Good thing, too, because it took a really long time.

 

Time for the Premier Welcome Party. Sail-away was late (don't remember why), so we went to the kiosk to apply our gift cards, which showed as having $0 balances. All of them. Hmmmm. So we got ready for dinner (had steakhouse reservations for 7) and stopped at the service desk to have them applied. Nope! System not working and wouldn't apply them. What a pain.

 

Steakhouse dinner was much better than it had been on Splendor (which was rather disappointing since it was very good a year earlier there). I reverted back to the Surf and Turf and was happy. Took a slice of cheesecake to go. Took that down to the cabin and then tried my luck at the Roulette wheel. Except I didn't have any luck. Back to the cabin where I wolfed down most of the cheesecake and then hit the sack.

[BattyL]

Did you have to make arrangements to be in the lounge for the muster drill? I have had 4 back surgeries and it is difficult to stand for long periods of time. Anxiously awaiting the rest of your review. We are sailing on 8/25/16. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[NCTribeFan]

People needing assistance should contact Carnival before they sail. They did have a clipboard and were having people sign. I simply told the crew member that I couldn't stand for long periods of time.

 

After several years of cruising, and my insistence that Carnival never changes the ship's time to local time (except on sailings to Bermuda), there was a blurb at the bottom of the last page of the FunTimes (we had the new, tri-fold version, which, when folded, is now the size of the former tear-off sheets), that we would be moving our clocks forward one hour for the duration of the cruise.

 

While I didn't like losing that hour, it really makes sense since we were going to be in Atlantic time for over a week. And getting that hour back on the flight home after an exhausting cruise was appreciated.

 

So, with the time change and the dark cabin, we slept quite late. Breakfast was an omelette in the Havana Bar. Enjoyed the Cuban breakfast treats, too.

 

With only two sea days, I was looking forward to spending a little time in the large Serenity area. Except this was what it was like that morning.

 

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Sigh. Oh well. Guess I'd just have to find other things to keep myself occupied (while not blowing my entire gambling budget on the first day)! Friend stopped to get a coffee at the coffee shop, and as we were leaving, we ran into Darnell, part of the entertainment staff. He was on our Bermuda cruise. We went to the Ocean Plaza and played some trivia, helped the Gals win the Battle of the Sexes, and then I won the 60s Music Trivia with a score of 37 out of 40.

 

And I just realized that somehow, I managed to come home without a FunTimes for Sunday. Dang.

 

I think I spent a little time in the casino, but don't remember.

 

First elegant night and our first night in the MDR. We were in the Sunrise (aft) dining room on Deck 4, table 520. Michael was our headwaiter. I was disappointed in the meal. Both the shrimp and lobster were overcooked and tough, and terribly salty. I managed to eat it all, though!

 

Back to the casino after dinner where I continued to not win and blew through my daily allowance quickly. Having lost an hour during the previous night, I was ready for bed fairly early.

[reerun25]

Looking forward to reading the rest of your review!

[NCTribeFan]

Except for the Bermuda cruise in October, my previous 5 sailings have called at Grand Turk (and I've been there at least 5 or 6 times before those). It is not my favorite port. I can't swim, so can't take advantage of the great diving and snorkeling they have to offer. I detest Margaritaville (and all chain bar/restaurants providing over-priced "island" booze experiences). They've spread the development down to the southern end of the island where you used to be able to somewhat get away from the noise and activity. I'm not impressed with Jack's Shack. I did the Horseback Ride & Swim 4 consecutive visits and really enjoy it but don't need to do it every time I'm there.

 

HAL's Westerdam was already docked when we arrived. We were in no hurry to disembark so waited a bit for the mobs to clear out. We walked down the beach past Margaritaville, about halfway between there and Jack's. There's a place that used to be Local Village and then Barefoot Cabana, but it was closed. They still had chairs and umbrellas, so we paid $15 and settled in for a few hours of reading and relaxing.

 

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Friend wanted nachos at Margaritaville, so I capitulated (she was buying) and helped consume the mountain of food and had another beer.

 

Back on the ship, I went up top on Serenity and read a little.

 

Dinner was just OK. No luck at Roulette again.

[NCTribeFan]

It was cloudy again this morning. Again had breakfast in the Havana bar area (I think I probably got a breakfast burrito from Blue Iguana and carried it back there to eat). Or maybe we had brunch. Maybe we did that the first day. Who knows? It's all a blur!! :o

 

Played more trivia. Now, not to be petty, but when someone is playing alone, they shouldn't really have to compete with a table of 6 or 8 playing together. I know it's just a Ship on a Stick, but, really, folks. It's cheating. Just play yourself, or teams of 2 at the most.

 

Had lunch at the pasta bar and quite enjoyed it. The half portion was plenty for lunch (and I always say, it's not like you're going to go hungry on a ship so no need to eat enough for three people every time you pick up a plate).

 

Sun came out finally; sat out on Deck 3 for a little while.

 

 

Friend not feeling well so went to rest in the cabin. I parked myself at the Roulette wheel and had too many Bellinis! I did win a little, though!

 

Captain's Cocktail Party was 7 for us late diners. Music, drinks, food things, CD, etc. The dinner menu had some different items but the lobster and shrimp were there again and were better than the first elegant night.

 

80's music trivia in the atrium (with Jaime in her 80s clothes running around on the bar). Back to my non-winning ways in the casino again.

[NCTribeFan]

Yes, John Heald was on the ship for most of the cruise. He left early, but I'm not sure when, since I'm not a member of his fan club. ;)

 

The first day, as we were wandering the ship, getting our bearings, we were just starting into the casino on Deck 5 from the lobby when we hear some squealing. Yes, it was adult women flocking over to him like a bunch of 13-year-olds to Justin Bieber. Sheesh, people. :o

 

FunHub - it worked really well, imo. Friend signed up for the intermediate internet plan and had so many problems they refunded her money. I think it was her phone (Samsung Galaxy S4). She'd connect to Carnival wi-fi, but when she tried to open anything, the phone would automatically disconnect from. I have an S5 and had no problems at all. So, basically, I had free internet the entire cruise. Not that I needed it. I don't check work email from home at night or on weekends. I'm certainly not going to check it while on my cruises. I uploaded a scenery photo from each port onto FB, but that was it.

 

But the FunHub was useful. I carry my phone with me anyway just to use it as a camera. It was great to be able to check the "what's happening" section to see where trivia was, or what the movies were going to be (not that I watched any), what times the dining venues were open, or what the show was going to be that night. You could check your S&S balance, too. The one thing I wish they'd make available is the menus. But I'm not going to whine about that too much.

[crusinpsychRN]

I was on the Westerdam the day you were in Grand Turk. Long walk to Jack's, only made it half way.

 

Going on Sunshine in April and look forward to all the dining venues.

[NoName]

Do you remember what the charge for internet was? I was on a 12 day repo cruise on the Freedom and they still charged the flat $99 for the cruise. I am hoping this is still the case as I have a repo booked for March...

 

Thanks. Kim

[NCTribeFan]

I've only been to St Thomas a couple of times, but friend used to have a timeshare there. I was attempting to "pre-load" all my non-active days at the beginning of the cruise since I knew all the consecutive port days was going to get tiring quickly.

 

Had breakfast and again waited for some of the crowds to clear out a bit but saw that another HAL ship was entering the port and things would get crowded again soon. We weren't cleared as early as planned (they stuck us at the end of the pier instead of where we were originally intended to dock, so they had to rearrange the disembarkation stuff).

 

We went in search of drugs (OTC only, folks!) and found a drugstore in the Havensight shopping area. Nothing like paying >$12 for a bottle of pills I shouldn't have needed to buy.

 

Since we had no plans to do anything, I decided I wanted to take the Skylift up and take some photos. I'm not a fan of heights, but it wasn't too bad. $21 per person and the views really are nice.

 

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Freedom of the Seas headed into port to dock between Sunshine and Eurodam.

 

Sunshine looks tiny!

 

Time for some adult beverages! Friend had a Painkiller (I think) and I had some sort of Dreamsicle concoction with an order of chicken wings. They were delicious and rather strong!

 

We rode back down (much more unnerving to me than the ride up) and walked toward town to a grocery store so friend could get an 8 pack of mini-diet cokes. Then we walked through the upscale shopping area at the marina, then back to the ship. It was hot out there in the sun on the pavement!

 

Back on board for a quick shower then to Lido for a chicken and shrimp burrito washed down with a Dos Equis draft. Then up to Serenity to do a little more reading.

[NCTribeFan]

Marcus Anthony was supposed to have been the entertainment a day or two earlier but neither he nor one of the comedians (or magician or juggler - someone) had made it to the ship, so they rearranged the entertainment schedule.

 

He lives on St Thomas, so no issues boarding today. We saw him on Splendor to Bermuda. In this instance, not having a live band and backup singers really did make a difference. He does have a really nice voice, though.

 

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After the show, we were headed to the MDR and I saw him standing near the Ocean Plaza where the band was performing. I went over and told him we'd just seen him a few weeks earlier on the way to Bermuda and he commented on how different it was not having a band behind him. I then told him how I'd been a huge fan of Al Green from the first time I ever heard his voice (1970 or so) and how I thought he could do a fantastic version of "Take Me To The River."

 

No idea what dinner was like or what I had, then off to the casino for my nightly contribution.

[NCTribeFan]

Do you remember what the charge for internet was? I was on a 12 day repo cruise on the Freedom and they still charged the flat $99 for the cruise. I am hoping this is still the case as I have a repo booked for March...

 

Thanks. Kim

 

Kim, I'm afraid I don't know. I didn't pay much attention because she signed up for it this time (I did on Splendor). I'm pretty sure that it was more than the usual price, but I'm not sure. I didn't pick up the info card that they had displayed at the service desk. I believe someone posted the prices recently. Sorry!

[Froufie]

Do you remember what the charge for internet was? I was on a 12 day repo cruise on the Freedom and they still charged the flat $99 for the cruise. I am hoping this is still the case as I have a repo booked for March...

 

Thanks. Kim

 

Found this which might help and I believe this is still correct: http://www.zydecocruiser.net/CarnivalFreedomRepo/scan1/wifi2.jpg

 

Also in regard to muster and 'assistance' - you don't necessarily have to advise them in advance and can 'self identify' as I did having suffered an encounter with some fire ants - feet were blistered and covered in bandages - so I 'decided' to sit with the special needs cruisers - this was not a problem.

 

Welcome back Joan - enjoying the review :)