Sunshine 8 Day Southern Caribbean Review

[leedm]

We sail the Sunshine Nov 13, What is a good Carnival tour to do in Bonaire?

[volmoma]

We sail the Sunshine Nov 13, What is a good Carnival tour to do in Bonaire?

 

 

Wasn't one of our ports, never been. Sorry..

[volmoma]

This is my first review so let's agree to disagree now. This is only my opinion.

 

If anyone wants information for accommodations for Port Canaveral here it is. We've said at Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott in Titusville several times and have never been disappointed. It's clean, has complimentary breakfast, cheaper than most and just a few steps from a Cracker Barrel. And a very short drive, less than a mile, to Target for those last minute purchases. And Fairfield gives you a 40% discount on the cost of parking at the port, which in my opinion is a big plus. Don't forget to ask for your coupon!

 

We arrived at the port around 10:30, we always go early.

 

Dropped luggage off with the porters, easy peasy, and they are so nice. Pulled the car down about 50 yards and Mike, my DH, dropped me off at the boarding area with all the carry on bags. He left to park the car and was back to me in about 15 minutes! We absolutely LOVE sailing out of Port Canaveral!!! We went through so security, they pulled one of my carry on bags out, I had a bottle of peroxide. I guess it looked like a bottle of Jack Daniels, LOL. We were directed to VIP Check-In and let me tell you, if it's not one of your benefits of the VIFP Club status, I highly recommend FFTF package purchase. You can purchase this as a port excursion, you need only purchase one package per cabin. The cost is $49.95 per cabin, space is limited so book early! Checking in and getting our Sign & Sail took all of about 30 minutes. We're on our way to WALKING ON SUNSHINE!!!! Let the vacation begin!

 

As soon as we got to the lobby, Sunshine Atrium, we went to the table sat up and tried to purchase our Cheers card. We were told that the system wasn't up yet and it would be about 30 minutes.

 

No problem, we're off to drop our carry on bags in the cabin. OMG!!! 12:45 and our bags are already to our room! It's never gotten to us that early. We met our room steward, Dennis, who proves to be one of the best we've ever had!! We decided to book an inside this time to save a few bucks.

 

I just LOVE my over the door storage, purchased at Bed Bath and Beyond for $14.95 plus tax. LOVE IT !!!!

 

Also decorated our door! So much easier to find our cabin after a late night on the ship.

 

We decided to go to the Casino Bar and see if we could purchase our Cheers card, just a few more minutes and we would be good to go.....TICK TOCK TICK TOCK...the waitress took our drink order and as soon as the cards were available our sticker was placed on our Sign & Sail and we signed for our drink!!! No charge, got to love that Cheers Card!!

 

Now where to eat lunch????? Decisions, decisions, we decide on Captains Pasta Bar (Cucina Del Capitano) YUMMY!!

 

The Havana bar is so nice to eat in, especially the first couple of days, nobody knows it's there!

 

This is where you'll find Ji Ji Asian Kitchen. FYI it's always busy!!! It's open from 11am -2:30 pm, get there early!!

 

Now to the Serenity Adult area, it's really nice!

 

Check out the cushions on the lounge chairs!! They also gave hammocks and areas in the shade available.

 

Well that's about it for now, gotta get some house cleaning done. I so miss my room steward, Dennis!

Edited September 7, 2015 by volmoma

[NCteacherlovescruising]

How far from the port was the the Fairfield Inn?

[volmoma]

How far from the port was the the Fairfield Inn?

 

 

About 20 minutes.....not bad at all..

[NCteacherlovescruising]

About 20 minutes.....not bad at all..

 

Sounds like a good deal. I also just read that the Residence Inn, which is only 5 minutes from the port, will let you leave your car there for $6/day while cruising. Then take a taxi to pick it up after the cruise for $15. Hmmm...not sure which would be more convenient. Can anyone confirm this about the Residence Inn? I assume they would both be nice. We have always had good luck with Marriott properties.

[volmoma]

Sounds like a good deal. I also just read that the Residence Inn, which is only 5 minutes from the port, will let you leave your car there for $6/day while cruising. Then take a taxi to pick it up after the cruise for $15. Hmmm...not sure which would be more convenient. Can anyone confirm this about the Residence Inn? I assume they would both be nice. We have always had good luck with Marriott properties.

 

 

Our total price for a Thursday night was $132.69. So take 40% off parking at the port, no taxi after. We always like to leave straight from port. Total time after debarkation is about 25-30 minutes till we're on the road. Baggage claim, customs (with a porter quicker that way) and loading luggage back in the car,

not too bad. I have had a friend that has stayed at a hotel so close she can see her ship, and there was a nice seafood restaurant near by. You get off the exit for the terminal, she likes either one. Can't remember the name, sorry.

Edited September 7, 2015 by volmoma

[teacher32]

We've never paid for parking at the Residence Inn.

We're staying 2 nights pre cruise in Feb. and leaving the car for the 13 night cruise. Parking the duration is free we are told.

[nemesees]

On two previous cruises on the Pride, there were shows almost every night, and there was always a buffet on the Lido. A recent cruise on RCCL had less shows (that we were aware of) and the buffet area was closed for cleaning at 11pm. (Weird)... Wondering if it's changed on the Carnival - the Sunshine in particular.

[volmoma]

On two previous cruises on the Pride, there were shows almost every night, and there was always a buffet on the Lido. A recent cruise on RCCL had less shows (that we were aware of) and the buffet area was closed for cleaning at 11pm. (Weird)... Wondering if it's changed on the Carnival - the Sunshine in particular.

 

 

There was a Welcome Aboard Show the first night. There was a Hasbro Show on Thursday night. On Monday and Tuesday night was Viva Variety. The rest of the nights were Showtime shows, Motor City, Latin Nights, Studio Vip and Epic Rock. All of these were in the Liquid Lounge. The restaurant hours were, Bonsai Sushi 5-12am. The deli 11am to 11pm. Comfort food 5:30pm -8:30 pm. Late Night Snacks 11pm -1am. Lido Marketplace (pizza) and room service 24 hrs. All other eateries 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. I don't really remember the Ludo Buffets being open till 11pm. Hope this helps.

Edited September 8, 2015 by volmoma

[volmoma]

Review continued.

 

Now we're on to the Lido deck.

Plenty of lounge chairs here!

But you know what? It's too hot!!!!

 

It's on to the lobby bar to people watch! Oh the sites you see!

Oh wait that's my DH!!

 

Guest services, guess no one has any problems yet. My DH and I get well acquainted with them, but that comes a little later.

 

The excursion desk not busy at all but it is the first day.

 

The Spa,

 

Fitness Center (not sure what goes on in there, but it looks PAINFUL), Liberty Bar, Sports Bar, and the Casino were not on our list this cruise. I did snap a few pictures though.

[volmoma]

Review continued.

 

The shops on the ship were your average run of the mill shops, like on any other Carnival ship. We walked through them one afternoon and really didn't find anything we couldn't live without, oh, except for the can of Sour Onion Pringles. I won't even tell you how much I paid for those bad boys, ($5 plus) but when you have to have something salty, YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOMETHING SALTY!!!! You could however purchase 5 tee's for $50, I think that was on the next to the last day of cruise. Always a sale near the end.

 

We did, however, visit the Ocean Plaza every night after dinner. "The In Crowd" was the name of the band and truly enjoyed listening to them. They played 60's through to current music. The lead singers were always joking and interacting with the audience. The Red Frog Pub, right next door, had Dustin with his guitar. He was very good. He performed in the lobby a few nights before dinner.

 

The Dive-in movies were a hit! Every night the Lido deck was full of people all cuddled up in blankets. Popcorn was provided to all that wanted it.

 

 

On problem we had with the entertainment (Comedy Club) in the Limelight lounge was it was VERY crowded. Same goes for the Liquid Night Club. We saw "Epic Rock" the last night, plenty of seating in the balcony. But they only had limited seats with tables for your drinks. They GO fast. So I guess that's really two problems.

 

The Platinum/Diamond party was definitely smaller, the finger food was better than years before. The seating was sat up odd. We sat on the isle seats and still couldn't get the attention of the waiters for drinks. The waiters, in my opinion, we're not sufficient for the amount of people. Not a problem, we were't there for the free drinks anyway. Just curious about the way the party was being handled. We hadn't attended for several years. Yes they did take our invitation at the door, but didn't check the S&S cards.

 

 

Now as I said before, we got well acquainted with Guest Services. We sailed out on Friday, and on Sunday morning our toilet decided it's not going to flush EVER again on command. We call, Dennis, our room steward, he calls maintenance. Within minutes we hear someone in the hall working. It honestly sounds like he's sucking our toilet, shower and sink through the wall!!! Now those of you that have cruised before, know the awful sound when a toilet works correctly. This was no where near that sweet sound. Great, maintenance just told us the toilet has been repaired!!

 

Sunday night after dinner, the show and listening to the "In Crowd" we return to our cabin about 12:30am. We got ready for bed, and you guessed it, it's a no flush!! I got this, I told my DH, I get dressed, go to GS, and tell them the problem. They assure me that maintenance will be right up. I thank them, and return to the room, it's 1am by this time. We hear the toilet being pulled through the wall again, then a knock at the door. My DH lets him in and he goes into the bathroom to work. We hear this loud, I mean LOUD crash, I set straight up in the bed, my DH peeks around the corner and tells me toilet has literally been ripped from the floor, lying on its side. We both look at each other, now mind you we have had a few drinks, BURST out laughing. About 10 minutes later he tells us, once again, the toilet is fixed. We finally get to sleep around 2:30 am.

 

We slept late the next morning to be woken by the toilet flushing!!!! We're still in bed !! Great it flushes by it self now! We get up get ready for the day and

 

To be continued......

Edited September 8, 2015 by volmoma

[volmoma]

Sunshine review continued.....

 

Try to flush again and it decides that was the flush of the day. Another trip to GS, this continued for not 1, not 2 but 3 days more days!! As I said before we got much acquainted with GS.

 

It worked out in the end, no pun intended, we got an OBC for our trouble and a % off a future cruise....YEAH!!!!

 

I just realized I haven't gotten any pictures of the water works...

 

Sky course

 

Or the warehouse..

 

These places are great!!!!!

 

If I was a kid I would NEVER want to leave.

 

My DH tells me on our next cruise we're going down the water slide!!! Is he out of his freaking mind??? Gravity works in a wondrous way, what go up comes down really fast. No way would that little wall at the end of the slide stop, or slow down, my big butt! I would probably shoot out the bottom and beat the ship back to Port Canaveral!! Haha

 

With all this being said and done, we would definitely recommend the Sunshine to anyone looking to book a cruise. This ship was clean, employees very friendly and willing to go above and beyond to make it a great experience, especially GS's.

 

I guess this about sums it up. Hope this review helps someone feel great about their choice to WALK ON SUNSHINE!!!

 

If anyone has any questions, I would be happy to answer to the best of my ability. Oh, I've not included any reviews of the ports on this itinerary. The fact is we didn't get of the ship this time around. Nothing like having the WHOLE ship to yourself!!! God Bless and Happy Cruising!!!

Edited September 9, 2015 by volmoma

[mbrownferrier]

Thanks for the great review and pictures. Leaving on the Sunshine on Oct 23rd and looking forward to it. Would you be able to post the Fun Times or email them??

[volmoma]

Thanks for the great review and pictures. Leaving on the Sunshine on Oct 23rd and looking forward to it. Would you be able to post the Fun Times or email them??

 

 

I have them for everyday. Do you want them all, specifically what part...each Fun Times is 4 pictures...front, middle, middle and back..let me know and I'll do what I can. I'm still learning how to do the picture thing. LOL If you don't care give me your email and I can send them all as an attachment. [emoji41]

Edited September 10, 2015 by volmoma

[mbrownferrier]

Email would be fine with me! Mbrownferrier@tampabay.rr.com

 

Thank you!!

[mcadkins]

I would love to see them as well, we have our honeymoon trip on the Sunshine in January.

 

-sent from my LG G4 using Tapatalk

[AmberTeka]

nice review

 

been on the Sunshine once. Going again at Christmas. did not know what to expect. Like you..........I loved it. totally.

[rainbowbride12]

Can't wait for your review. Thinking about this ship for one of my 2016 cruises.

[volmoma]

Email would be fine with me! Mbrownferrier@tampabay.rr.com

 

Thank you!!

 

 

I'll get them to you as soon as I can. Not sure how to get the pictures loaded as attachment but my DH will show me in the morning. May be to big to send as one, so it may be in several emails. Nite

[volmoma]

I would love to see them as well, we have our honeymoon trip on the Sunshine in January.

 

-sent from my LG G4 using Tapatalk

 

 

Need an email address....[emoji4] Thanks

[scm200]

I'll get them to you as soon as I can. Not sure how to get the pictures loaded as attachment but my DH will show me in the morning. May be to big to send as one, so it may be in several emails. Nite

 

I am also on the 10/23 sailing - could you send me the fun times also - scmacomber@gmail.com -- - thanks in advance

[joyce&bob]

please send the Fun Times. Sailing the Sunshine October 23rd.

 

robertzega@yahoo.com

 

Thanks,

[Jeafl]

I would love them as well if you get a chance. Jeafl@sbcglobal.net

 

Thanks!

[mcadkins]

Need an email address....[emoji4] Thanks

Sure, email is mcadkins0@gmail.com

 

-sent from my LG G4 using Tapatalk