Sutee

3 hours ago, mizLORInj said:

Hi all.  Here is our experience on the Carnival Sunrise's first 4 nighter to Bermuda.  

 

Arrived at the port around 11 and only weddings and media were being checked in.  So we waited maybe 15 minutes and then we were able to get to the check-in scanner-holding people who scanned your passport and check marked your boarding pass.  On through Security and then a short wait in the lounge with the other platinum guests; boarding started around 11:45.  Went to our 9C aft wrap cabin to drop off our carry-ons.   Cabin decor is nice with blue and beige.  Closet space could be larger, or have drawers somewhere.  There just one shelf high above where hangers go in both closets.  Nightstand has a little storage; prior occupant left some lotion in the cabinet.  Bathroom decor updated but not the toilet as it had a black ring in it that would not come off.  Shampoo and body wash were good.  Mattress was very comfy.  Empty fridge which promptly received our bottle of wine we brought onboard.   The balcony itself has not been re-done.  The flooring had holes in it and whoever mopped it got wads of mop rope in it.   Also the black rubber rings around the windows were in bad shape and missing on the inside in some places.   This is where Carnival lacks attention to detail.  And the tvs are blaring when you enter the cabin.   This is an issue with their tvs---every time you turn it on the volume is blasting.   Also, I noticed there was only one lounger on our huge balcony and asked the cabin steward to get another.  He had some excuse like "this is how they're doing it now" however, once I was able to reach Guest Services on the phone, (on hold way too long hearing how important my call is) that person called the floor manager and shortly after that, another lounge chair showed up.  So to those who get our cabin next:  you're welcome!  😊  The prior occupants also left behind magnetic door hook thingies inside the bathroom door.  They are there for the next guests too.  

 

Headed to Guy's Pig and Anchor and enjoyed an outdoor lunch there.  Wandered forward to Serenity area which was very nice.  Huge hot tub; its own bar area.   We liked this area a lot (and it helped that we were the only ones there at that time) but since our balcony had loungers, we spent most of our lounging time there.  

 

Wandering around we came across brand ambassador John Heald and reminisced about our 2 day Carnival Dream cruise years ago--in a nor'easter.   It was an adventure on a brand new ship.  He was there for the ship-naming ceremony and was soon off to catch Legend in Alaska.   

 

It's odd on this class of ship to see cabins on deck 5 aft where the piano bar, comedy club and one other club used to be.  The Comedy club is now in Limelight lounge which worked out just fine although people had difficulty finding the mid-ship entrance to Limelight.  The night club that used to be across from Alchemy is gone and the piano bar is now there along with Red Frog which was host to many events.   Nice, open space.  Didn't like walking through the casino to get mid-ship.  The shops are the shops, and the Java Coffee bar that also used to be on deck 5 is now in the atrium area of deck 4.  Had very interesting and delicious-looking donuts and muffins there.    Game room (with board games) is gone and a few games are in the corner of the coffee bar.  There is also a coffee bar in the buffet and we got cappuccinos there. 

 

The ropes course looked cool.  There is a pool table up there too that we tried to use on a sea day.   Can't do it when there is any ship movement.  There is outdoor exercise equipment there, as well as the basketball court, and up one deck is mini golf.   Waterslides looked fun but we didn't get to them this cruise.  

 

Spa pass in a non-spa cabin was $69 for the 4 days.  

 

Like the outdoor movie screen and we caught the end of the newer Mamma Mia movie.    2 movies showed every evening.   

 

Muster still takes too long.   Carnival must be the only line that still makes you line up outside vs. sitting in a theater or restaurant.

 

Got a reservation at Fahrenheit 555 on board.  Food and service was very good.   It's a smaller restaurant since it is part of what used to be the upper area of the mid-ship dining room.  Tried a few times but we were not able to get a reservation at the Italian restaurant.  We were waitlisted and they did call us the last night for an 8:30 reservation which we declined.   Ate in the buffet for dinner one night, and also the dining room on formal night where I was happy to get a lobster tail.   Food and service was good.   Also tried out Bonsai, and the appetizer and roll we had were both very good.   Guy's burgers are consistently good.   I did miss the Mongolian Grill as that was my favorite restaurant on Carnival ships.   

 

Buffet is a madhouse at breakfast time so we went to Blue Iguana where hardly anyone else was.   Check the Fun Times to see where omelet stations are--there are several at various locations, as well as other breakfast options.   Sea Day brunch was very nice and there is a new menu.  I missed chicken diavolo and the froot loop crusted french toast, yet there were other good things to have.   Pastas, burgers, breakfast items, etc.   Everything we had was good at the brunch and I used my platinum drink coupon here for a mojito.   I took a pic of the menu but I have to try to remember how to post it!   Chocolate Extravaganza is now just a few cakes and a fondue station.   The dark chocolate cake was very good.   

 

The new map channel is useless.  Bring back the old one!   I still do like the bridge cam to see what's ahead of us since our view was side and behind the ship.  

 

I liked CD Chris from Scotland and his never-ending selection of kilts.   I loved when his announcement ended with something like "whatever you do, put FUN in it."  Thought that was great.

 

Welcome Aboard show in the Liquid Lounge.   I expected to see previews of cruise entertainment, but it was Chris the CD talking to the audience and having a contest which would determine VIPs for the cruise.   Just took longer than I expected.  Then there was a 10 minute performance of the singers/dancers which was just ok.  We didn't go to any of the shows except both comedians.  The guy was very funny.   Musicians around the ship were quite good.   

 

A sore spot with me and Carnival is onboard credit from our travel agent, specifically, the difficulty splitting it among those in the cabin with whom I am traveling.  Why can't they just split it between the people sharing the cabin.   I sign something taking it from me and give it to them.  Simple to do on other cruise lines.   Becomes a pain to have to figure out who gets what or what to pay for on my account to cover their OBC.   Also, on the tv (and Carnival Hub app) your account seems to get higher and higher $ but they don't show the OBC being deducted.   You have to go to Guest Services to get that (or a kiosk to print out your statement).   All things I wish worked simpler on Carnival.

 

Platinum gift was the lanyard with the cheapest, junkiest plastic to hold your cruise card.   Nothing else onboard to trade it for I was told.  Believe me, I asked.  

 

First sea day was quite rough but not our first rough seas to Bermuda.  During the cruise we had wind, rain, sun, more rain, more sun.   Quite a variety.   We arrived in Bermuda just after the beautiful Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas.   It was windy in Bermuda, so we got to Horseshoe via the $7 shuttle, and no umbrellas were being rented due to wind.  We did see one go flying, so we understood.  Nothing here is cheap--the 2 lounge chairs we got were $44.   It really is a beautiful beach and it does, in the right light, look pink.  

 

In summary, I was overdue for a cruise and it hit the spot.  I love being at sea on the balcony; it's my bliss.   However, I do wish Carnival had done a real overhaul everywhere bow to stern since there was rust all over the stern, the window rubber I mentioned already, etc.   There was also a foul smell mid-ship on the lower decks near the lobby occasionally.  I was glad we were staying at the stern.

 

A short cruise is better than no cruise!  

 

Happy to answer any questions.   Go and try out the Sunrise for yourself!   

 

 

 

 

THANK YOU!!!!   This is a big help to us newbies on Carnival.....we usually always do Princess!  You're the Best!

19 hours ago, mizLORInj said:

Just back today.  We were on deck 6 of Sunrise and yes there was a launderette on the inside cabin area around mid-ship.   I believe it was across from cabin 6378.  It was coin-operated washers and dryers, and an ironing board. 

 

I didn't check other decks; but usually most decks up through 9 with cabins have a launderette.  

Thanks for the advice!   Did you enjoy the ship?!!!!  I hope you had a great vacation!  Two weeks from yesterday we will be on the ship!  Can't come soon enough!

Looking forward to meeting you......  Are you flying into New York or driving?   We are flying with our family of 7 - 3 kids 10 and under.  We booked a super shuttle from the airport since the transfers are so expensive.  We plan on doing beach time at all the islands with the kids.  🙂   

35 minutes ago, mizLORInj said:

Now that's a good question.  All the Carnival ships I've cruised have self-service laundry facilities.   I'm on Sunrise May 23 and will let you know when I return!  I'd be surprised if it didn't.  I understand about wanting to do laundry--I prefer to pack less and wash stuff once or twice.

 

 

thank you so much for the response..... I will be anxious to hear about your cruise and how the new refurbished ship is!   Please keep us posted!   Have a great time!  Happy Sailing!

Quick question for anyone on our Carnival Sunrise - June 10, 2019....   Do you know if this ship....or all Carnival ships.....have coin fed laundry facilities?  We are traveling with

young grandkids and will need to do laundry sometime on this cruise!  🙂  

Thanks again to all that have written and given me advice. I appreciate it!

The reason I thought this price may be doable.....is that my husband and I did a 10 days Mexican Riviera Princess Cruise in late Jan....early Feb. (this year) out of SFO and only paid $799 (Costco Travel) for a balcony each. I waited until 3 months before to book. They must have been trying to fill the ship. :D I still am hoping that maybe something will pop up over the winter that will be at a better price. I know it will be difficult with the amount of cabins we need. Has anyone booked with CruCon Cruises? They seem to offer some good prices....especially around Black Friday. Thanks again!

SuTee

Thank you for your reply..... I appreciate your advice. :)

Good Morning..... I am a new member and hoping to get advice on how and when to get the best price to cruise Burmuda or the Caribbean out of Baltimore. I am planning a extended family cruise for July 2016. Our budget is approx. $600. per person. When is the best time to look for any deals that may be available for this time of year. I would be booking probably 8-9 cabins.

We plan on driving from Cleveland to Baltimore to save on airfare. NJ ports would also be an option. Checking now.....it seems like fares are much higher out of these areas than traveling from Florida. :-(

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

Sutee