Llamabear

I had a balcony on Sensation on Deck 6 I believe, midship several years ago. It was great! Enough room for myself and my friend out there, if you have more than 2 ppl it would be super crowded though. Never noticed any noise or anything.  This was all before Sensation's last dry dock, but I doubt they made the balconies bigger, I think they just added Funship stuff.

I'm taking my Aunt with me and she's hoping to find some kind of skincare product called Retin-A, you have to have a prescription for it here in the states but can get it without one outside the US. I started a thread asking if anyone knew where to find it in Grand Turk or Amber Cove but got no replies, so I hope we can find it somewhere! Will check Amber Cove port map for that pharmacy for sure!

7 hours ago, serene56 said:

 

its on the menu on post #4 

 

The drink I "couldn't find" I was referring to was the side by side one that another poster mentioned the name of "Miami Vice", but thank you.

I always put my phone in a waterproof case (its water resistant, but why chance it!) And keep my wallet and passport in a zippered pocket on the inside of my zippered beach bag, which doesn't leave my side unless I choose an excursion that has a locker rental. 

On 2/11/2019 at 5:48 AM, cruisemom2 said:

Miami Vice

Thank you! Yes!!!! Absolutely loved that one. Probably gonna be the first drink I order on my next cruise, it pairs well with Guy's burger and fries😉

Mocha chocolate getaway is hands down my favorite!!!!! I didn't see it on there, but they had a drink that was a strawberry daiquiri and pina colada side by side in a glass...soooo good. I think it was either $8.95 or $9.95. Totally worth every cent!

Typically on a 5 day cruise it is the first sea day. Happy sailing!!

13 hours ago, supercanadian said:

As per John Heald's FB page, cakes will be coming to the Sunshine starting Feb 15th!

Yessssss!!!! I sail in April!

I usually tip porters $5 and tour guides $5, but if the porter took your luggage all the way to the car for you, I can see tipping them more.

3 hours ago, jennifur25 said:

I was just considering posting about this very thing. I did exactly what you said and the earliest time slot I was able to choose was 12-12:30.  At first I thought maybe a LOT of people had faster fingers then me when the time hit, but someone in the group for our sailing just checked in, weeks after me, and got the 11 time slot.  How the heck does that happen?

 

We ended up getting FTTF so it doesnt matter, but i'm still curious!

I have FTTF before checkin was available and when I did the check in, the earliest time available was also 12 - 12:30 also! Might be part of this new process? My last cruise was August 2017, and our check in time was earlier then (also booked FTTF prior to online check in)

Progresso you will HAVE to book an excursion to get to a beach, the pier is I think the 2nd longest in the world (I think I read that somewhere. It was crazy long...I believed it!) If I remember correctly there is a smaller beach open to the public in Cozumel not far from the port. All kinds of shopping to do in Cozumel too. If you like baking, you absolutely MUST get some Mexican vanilla! It's 150X better than the vanilla extract we buy at supermarkets.

Bummer. My room doesn't have it. Thanks for the link, five.😊

You will both fit out there, that's the one advantage to an aft balcony...lots of space! There isn't a lot of breeze though, so it will get hot while you're out there. My aft balcony on Triumph also would get debris from the funnel on it daily that needed to be wiped off.

Hmmm... I booked a balcony on deck 8. Guess I'll have to wait and see! Lol

Anyone know if Sunshine has refrigerators? I've sailed Triumph and Sensation and never had one. It'd be nice to not have to bug the steward for ice several times a day for my bottled waters!

4 hours ago, Cinnamon2 said:

Cabin 10122 on Deck 10.  The Sunshine does not have all the spa amenities like on the Dream.  I think the thermal suites you mentioned are what we experienced on the Dream but they do not have on the Sunshine.  The only free things are the gym, sauna, locker room and showers.  We did not use the spa.

I was gonna book thermal suites for my Aunt for our cruise in April! Are you sure they aren't on the Sunshine? When I click on the link to book spa treatments from Carnival's Manage My Cruise page its listed in there...hoping there isn't an error there. She has problems with her legs and back due to her sciatic nerve and I thought that would be perfect...

Also was wondering if you noticed a sewage smell I saw ppl in older reviews complaining about and the ship rocking more than usual. Sunshine was dry docked in October 2018 I believe, and I hope those issues were addressed. Thanks for all the info!

I buy cruise cash ahead of time because I like to have as much paid for beforehand as possible. It's just less stress for me and makes it easier to make a budget and stick to it. Not sure why all the debating is happening. Let's play nice ppl! Everyone's opinions are valid, and on something like this there's not really a wrong opinion. Different strokes for different folks! ✌️

I bought mine as pure vanilla extract in Cozumel at a gift shop in Chakanaab park. I'm sure they'd have it there at the port too, it's a popular item. Absolutely love mine, had it over a year and it's still good!

Yes it's like restaurant dining. I always get YTD, and I love it! I usually just have one other person traveling with me so I enjoy when we get sat with other cruisers at a big table so we can meet new friends, but we've also been sat at just a two seater table too. It just depends on how full they are when you arrive.

2 hours ago, memoak said:

You need to play often to get deals - we almost always play for a minimum of 2-3 hours every night (sometimes afternoon time on sea days as well) and get pretty good cruise deals (discounts on room and "free play" money for slots on Princess ( a Carnival sister line)

Thanks for the clarification. I usually just hit the casino once and try to keep my loss under $30. Not a big gambler but it's a fun time waster if there's nothing going on. 

6 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

Simply putting your S&S in the machine opts you into the Player's Club

I thought the player's club was a separate thing since you get emails and special benefits. Maybe I just haven't qualified since I usually just hit the casino once a cruise and just play the slot machines? Oh well.

6 hours ago, fred549 said:

Llamabear,

 

Thats what I needed. Thank you.

No problem! Hope Lady Luck is with you!

Found it! This is directly from the Carnival site! 

"CASINO AND CARNIVAL PLAYERS CLUB®

Put your skills and a little luck to the test in Carnival's casinos! Guests must be 18 years of age or older to play the tables and the slot machines; guests under 18 years of age are not permitted in the casino at any time.

Tables and Slot Machines

Our ships feature a variety of table games and slot machines including your favorite slots such as 'Wheel of Fortune®' and 'Wolf Run™'. . Please note - the number of table games and slot machines varies by ship. BlackjackDice/CrapsRouletteTexas Hold 'EmThree Card PokerLet it RideSlot Machines in denominations of $0.01 to $10.00, with higher denominations on select cruises.

Casino Hours

Due to itineraries, casino hours may vary among the fleet. Guests can check the 'Fun Times' newsletter once on board for casino operating hours. Please note the casino hours for the following ports in which Carnival overnights:  Havana, Cuba: The casino will not be open when overnighting in this port.  Bermuda: The casino will be open when overnighting in Bermuda. Guests can check the ‘Fun Times’ once on board for confirmed casinooperating hours. 

Tournaments

We offer a variety of tournaments on nearly all itineraries. Tournament schedules vary from ship to ship and guests can check the 'Fun Times' newsletter once on board.

Money

Cash is accepted at all tables and slot machines on cruises departing from North America and Europe.Players will set up a Player Bank account in order to upload and download credits. Winnings must be cashed out from your Player Bank account at the Casino Cashier’s Desk by the last night of your cruise. You may also access these funds for continued gaming action at another slot machine.Table players can exchange cash for chips directly at the table or at the Casino Cashier’s Desk.There is no charge at the slot machines to access funds, but any transactions done at a table game or the Casino Cashier’s Desk will incur a nominal service fee of 3% each transaction. You can charge up to $5,000 USD per day on your Sail & Sign card to play iin the casino, or $7,500 USD per day for Invite-only cruises (Premier / Ultra / Premier Plus / Getaway / Tournaments) or $10,000 USD per day for Elite cruises. Please consult the casino staff once on board for further details.Travelers Checks can be used to purchase chips at the tables and credit for the slot machines.

Table Limits

Table limits vary and are modified to best suit the guests on board. Please consult the casino staff once on board for further details.

Carnival Players Club®

Carnival Players Club is a unique casino program that offers something for every level of player. All members are eligible to receive benefits and special offers. The Carnival Players Club sends out various offers and invitations – with a variety of benefits – based upon frequency of cruising and point levels. Additional information can be found at www.carnivalplayersclub.com.  

You can do cash or your sign and sail card. I've admittedly only played the slot machines, but in order to cash out on those you have to put it on your sign and sail card, then take your card to the cashier. They do have a special club thing, but since I just stick to the slots I really never opted in to it. I'll see if I can find info on it though! Happy sailing!

Ooh! I sail Sunshine in April, so I hope you heard right! I've always found the Lido desserts to be pretty blah. Literally none of them standout in my memory. MDR desserts are always much better.

Only been to the Carribbean, but I've had a balcony midship, and an extended aft balcony and I personally preferred the non-aft balcony because in the hot climate I WANT a nice steady breeze. So for an Alaskan cruise aft would probably be nice.

Unpopular opinion, but I hated having the aft.  The extra room was nice, but no breeze and the funnel would leave debris that needed cleaning off. Trying a forward balcony this go-round, we'll see if I notice a difference. The wrap around balconies look awesome, I'll probably try one of those in the future.