Sunshine Dec 6 Premier Ultra Casino

[wdazew]

This is a bit delayed. There will no food porn or ship pictures. Just a basic recap of the Sunshine since the reviews prior to our leaving were more negative than positive.

This was the Premier Ultra Casino cruise. While I understand that they wanted to keep track of who was attending, I do wish we could use our normal PVP but I’m not going to argue with a free inside room which we were able to upgrade to a balcony.

This is the first time we used Carnival transfer service and frankly I wasn’t impressed. Normally I would book separate arrangements but neither of us could get off early enough on Friday the 5th to go down a day early like we prefer. Since we were flying in the morning of the cruise (do not recommend but what are going to do if you have to. . .) we decided to use Carnival service so at least if we got to MCO timely we knew the boat wouldn’t leave without us. The flight from RIC to MCO was very easy and arrived early (10:30), YEAH! Went to the bottom of the baggage pick up area, saw the Carnival rep, and thought OK this won’t be so bad. We got our bags walked to the end of the terminal saw a bus leaving but knew more would be coming. Check in again at the desk and was told it would be about 40 minutes. This was 11 am. We then waited and waited until 1 pm for the bus. We figured out that the bus we saw left drove over and came back. In my opinion this is a fail for Carnival, they should have buses running every hour but that is my opinion. The bus finally arrives; we have a wheel chair assist and a very limited walking passenger. Totally agree they need to get on first and was very glad to see staff insist on them getting first. In an effort to help move things, ground staff loaded ALL baggage; the driver did not touch any piece of luggage at MCO. Everyone boards, everyone happy only 45 minutes from the boat. Not so fast my friends, we again waited for the wheelchair (again TOTALLY agree) but where I have an issue is the driver locks us in the bus until he unloads all baggage which we are not to touch because the porters are going to take to the dock. The driver then proceeds to hold his hand out for a tip. I didn’t see much of anyone giving a tip after the delay in waiting 2 hours at MCO, and waiting while he unloaded the luggage. If it is a safety issue, then at least have the terminal staff hand out the health forms so we can fill those out while stuck on the bus.

[wdazew]

The final sign and sail card issue occurred Sunday when I decided to donate to our PVP 401K plan via the slot machines (LOL). The machine said hello Beth, yup you are on board but no don’t want to take your money. Found a slot attendant, she tried, said to go down get a new card. Down to guest services, 3 new cards later finally I was able to make that donation.

The Ship Itself.

After 2 weeks I really can’t state if I am a fan or hater of Sunshine. If I had a choice between 2 ships for the same price and itinerary, I probably would go with the other ship. Yes it has all the 2.0 features but they are so cramped together that I can see why Sunshine has her haters. I definitely wouldn’t want a high season full passenger load with the limited public space on the premium decks (lido, Deck 5, theatre etc).

I’m not really a fan of the anytime dining check in on the 5th floor then walking down 2 flights of stairs for the table, but they really can’t handle the flow any other way. There wasn’t a line but we also weren’t going right as it opened or what would be a premium time. In fact we never had to wait with a beeper but I did see others on formal night waiting.

Room Service was used every morning for coffee and Danish and was always on time if not early.

Lido buffet was fairly easy to get around. The tip to go all the way in the back is a good one until others figure out that is only at night that you the up charge.

Theatre – Play List Productions. This is another area that seems to draw very strong emotions. We did attend two shows and we enjoyed them. However with taking part of the theatre for guest rooms, the seats fill very fast. If you want to attend an event in the theatre or the comedy club GO EARLY. Yes you will sit there for 30 minutes but at least you will be seated and hopefully somewhere that you can see.

[wdazew]

Comedy Club – This is the first club that you couldn’t see the stage from every seat. There are TVs all around the room showing the performer but it just seemed odd. Hats off to the one comedian we did see (sorry don’t remember his name) who tried so hard to include everyone. He made a point to walk ALL AROUND the room to get to everyone. Also if you get used to using the Club as a deck 4 short cut, don’t try during shows, walk up to the 5th floor.

Balcony. This is the first time that while using the balcony I never heard another soul. I think this is a direct result of no smoking on the balcony. I’m not going to get into if it is right, wrong, no issue for smoking but sound wise it is much quieter out there.

Smoking areas: My DH does smoke cigars so the only place he could go under the new rules was outside on Deck 10. The Smoking area is very nice, comfortable chairs, sofas, etc. However it is not 100% covered so if there is weather, you will get wet. The only inside area I went to that allowed smoking was the casino. No it did not have a blue cloud hanging over the area, yes you could smell the smoke as you entered, it was passable, you wouldn’t have an any type of attack if you were walking thru.

We didn’t use the spa, gym or go on excursions since we had just been to all 3 ports in March. We were just interested in relaxing and walked around the ports a bit.

So how was our week? It was a very nice relaxing trip with just a few glitches at the beginning. If I was to give grades out:

Embark ground staff C-

Guest Services A

Main Dining Room Staff A

Room Service Staff A

Food B (I’m not a foodie but I am picky I didn’t have any issues)

Steward A

Casino area staff A (LOL they better have had an A)

Casino package communication D

Entertainment B

Debark A

[wdazew]

It looks like part of the review was missed.

 

Here is the rest of check in process which is why embark staff got a low rating

So it is now sometime after 2, get thru scanner super fact, get the health form, go to get our key. The agent has our package but while double checking gives all our paperwork to another agent for a different couple – go stop them, get the paperwork back, check in again, our picture for the sign and sale don’t take, took 3 tries (trying not to be annoyed but a) hungry, still a little upset about the bus issues now this??) But she says it is OK go upstairs – nope our pictures don’t match the cards AGAIN.

OK finally on the boat immediate stop at bar for Miami Vice. Ah, vacation truly has begun.

So remember at the beginning we were on the Premier Ultra Casino cruise, usually we have a welcome letter either at check in or in the room. No letter. We know there is an event after sail away but no idea where or when. So down to the Casino we go. Find one of the host explain the issue and while I’m telling my tale, two other ladies come up to state the same thing. This is the start of a theme all week. Casino players would watch out for each other and ask if they had received the update, handout etc for the day. We were never given a reason why things were off, everyone was on the list but things just never got to the rooms. Breakdown by casino, room service for delivery, or steward no clue but did seem odd behavior for a “thank you dropping a bundle in our casino” cruise.