Just off Sunshine...

[teflonjeff]

Just off Sunshine 8 day Cruise. 30th anniversary vacation. Happy to answer any questions.

[Truluv]

I have a question about demographics. Our family had cruised with Carnival around 7-8 times about 15+ years ago, and then switched to RCL (although we also cruised with NCL 2X and Celebrity 1X -- didn't care for either). I'm now mid-60s, widow cruising solo. I have a cruise on RCL and will be trying HAL next month. Am I outside Carnival's demographics now? I probably wouldn't cruise mid-summer or during Spring break.

[djr88]

Are the crowds that bad on Lido and around pool area?

[escentialssoycandles]

Do you happen to have the Fun Times? Curious on the Chef's Table day and did you have any of the Specialty Restaurants? How was the MDR food?

[teflonjeff]

Are the crowds that bad on Lido and around pool area?

 

We stayed mostly on the Serenity Deck 11 (also where our cabin was). 1st sea day no problem - I was re 2nd or 3rd person out there at 6:45. Chairs available until 8:30 or later. 2nd day when others figured out you have to get there early it was much more crowded by 8:00 am. Pretty much same for the Lido pool deck. Of course, weather makes a big difference.

[teflonjeff]

I have a question about demographics. Our family had cruised with Carnival around 7-8 times about 15+ years ago, and then switched to RCL (although we also cruised with NCL 2X and Celebrity 1X -- didn't care for either). I'm now mid-60s, widow cruising solo. I have a cruise on RCL and will be trying HAL next month. Am I outside Carnival's demographics now? I probably wouldn't cruise mid-summer or during Spring break.

 

It was the last week of spring break, and I'm not a fan of vacationing with throngs of kids. Sunshine kids areas were on the aft decks (water park, ropes course, slides...). Other than walking by a few times, we parked on the Serenity decks (21 & older). Demographics were perfect. We lunched mostly at the lido deck buffet, breakfast and dinner in the dining rooms. We dined on the later side - 7:30 or later, and had no issues being seated or with unruly kids! I've been on Carnival, RCL, Princess and Norwegian.

[teflonjeff]

Do you happen to have the Fun Times? Curious on the Chef's Table day and did you have any of the Specialty Restaurants? How was the MDR food?

Didn't save the Fun Times, didn't do the Chef's Table (but heard it was fabulous), and didn't do any specialty dining rooms (mixed reviews, steakhouse received good reviews on board). I rank the MDR food and service 4 of 5, wife only 2 of 5. If food is a high priority, pre-book the Chef's Table and try the specialty restaurants.

[teflonjeff]

We stayed mostly on the Serenity Deck 11 (also where our cabin was). 1st sea day no problem - I was re 2nd or 3rd person out there at 6:45. Chairs available until 8:30 or later. 2nd day when others figured out you have to get there early it was much more crowded by 8:00 am. Pretty much same for the Lido pool deck. Of course, weather makes a big difference.

 

Aside from getting the perfect spot in the sun (or shade if you prefe), the Lido deck pool was quite full of mostly life vested children - I stayed 2 decks above in the Serenity pool on deck 11 and Serenity hot tub on deck 14.

[vivavegas]

Welcome home!

[BostonM&MS]

Hi it doesn't look like the cabin doors are metal but are the cabin walls? I like to bring magnets to post notes on the walls.

Thank you

[teflonjeff]

Hi it doesn't look like the cabin doors are metal but are the cabin walls? I like to bring magnets to post notes on the walls.

Thank you

Didn't notice if doors or walls are metal. However, I thought about bringing tape to put the itinerary on a wall - but forgot about it while packing!

 

Needs to go on the list for the next cruise, along with travel coffee mugs!

[Casino Player]

I have a question about demographics. Our family had cruised with Carnival around 7-8 times about 15+ years ago, and then switched to RCL (although we also cruised with NCL 2X and Celebrity 1X -- didn't care for either). I'm now mid-60s, widow cruising solo. I have a cruise on RCL and will be trying HAL next month. Am I outside Carnival's demographics now? I probably wouldn't cruise mid-summer or during Spring break.

 

HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOO Truluv: Have seen many seniors on Carnival cruises. You will not feel out of place.

[teflonjeff]

Welcome home!

 

Thank you. Made it through day 1 post vacation!

[Cushing985]

Do you happen to have the Fun Times? Curious on the Chef's Table day and did you have any of the Specialty Restaurants? How was the MDR food?

 

I was also on this cruise...got back on Sunday. I thought the MDR food was very good/excellent throughout the cruise. We did Anytime Dining and on the first two nights our waiters were very slow. We easily spent over 2 hours eating. On the third night we requested a table toward the front of the dining room and the service was like night and day. Very attentive and quick. We stayed with them for the rest of the cruise. For those who are doing Anytime Dining...on most nights we waited less than 10 minutes for a requested team and area. On two nights we were able to just walk right in without the wait. I'm also happy to report there were not any reports of drowning from the condensation produced by the water glasses nor did any plates or glasses crash onto the floor when the ship took a roll.

 

Our cabin steward greeted us by letting us know he was now servicing 34 cabins and did we want morning or evening servicing. I told him his workload wasn't my problem and to take it up with management. I wanted both and he took good care of things. We're not slobs so it shouldn't have taken more than five minutes in the evening to swap out towels and empty the trash.

[NurseMary]

We just got off the Sunshine on the 15th. Just a few thoughts. It was the last week of Spring Break so full cruise, but I really didn't notice any difference in crowds vs other ships. Dining room was ok, not a huge fan of the American Table menu. We did do all 3 specialty restaurants for dinner. If you enjoy Asian cuisine, I highly recommend JiJis Kitchen, I really wish this was on all ships. I may go back on the Sunshine for this Restaurant alone lol. The Italian was awesome as well. I was slightly disappointed with the steakhouse on the Sunshine. We always enjoy the steakhouse every cruise but on the Sunshine the location, service and food was just bad. Very disappointing. The cabin doors look like wood, but are metal. There is always a variety of ages on Carnival, another reason to cruise! While the Sunshine wAsnt my favorite ship in the fleet we would absolutely cruise her again. I do miss the couches along Promenade, the seating in the Liquid Lounge was uncomfortable and weird, cabins seemed a tad smaller, miss the live music by the casino bar, not enough bar servers on Lido. but what the Sunshine does have... All the fabulous food options, Havana Bar, Red Frog Rum bar, awesome crew and staff, great itineraries. IM READY TO GO BACk!! [emoji4][emoji924][emoji274]

 

 

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[GAHart]

I was also on this cruise...got back on Sunday. I thought the MDR food was very good/excellent throughout the cruise. We did Anytime Dining and on the first two nights our waiters were very slow. We easily spent over 2 hours eating. On the third night we requested a table toward the front of the dining room and the service was like night and day. Very attentive and quick. We stayed with them for the rest of the cruise. For those who are doing Anytime Dining...on most nights we waited less than 10 minutes for a requested team and area. On two nights we were able to just walk right in without the wait. I'm also happy to report there were not any reports of drowning from the condensation produced by the water glasses nor did any plates or glasses crash onto the floor when the ship took a roll.

 

Our cabin steward greeted us by letting us know he was now servicing 34 cabins and did we want morning or evening servicing. I told him his workload wasn't my problem and to take it up with management. I wanted both and he took good care of things. We're not slobs so it shouldn't have taken more than five minutes in the evening to swap out towels and empty the trash.

 

Who was the wait team leader, we head out in a couple of weeks and are looking for a team in YTD to ask for ?

[Cushing985]

Who was the wait team leader, we head out in a couple of weeks and are looking for a team in YTD to ask for ?

 

His name is I Made pronounced like "Eyemaddie." You won't go wrong with him and his team. On our cruise he was in the front section of the MDR on the left side as your looking into the room but he did tell us they shift areas at times. The gal you see on Deck 5 for check-in seemed to know him so if they do move him to another area she'll track him down.

[teflonjeff]

His name is I Made pronounced like "Eyemaddie." You won't go wrong with him and his team. On our cruise he was in the front section of the MDR on the left side as your looking into the room but he did tell us they shift areas at times. The gal you see on Deck 5 for check-in seemed to know him so if they do move him to another area she'll track him down.

 

We had Imade and his team a few times and he was terrific. I agree that at times the service was slow. We sat most nights near the rear windows and service seemed a little slower there compared to the center / front of the room.

[teflonjeff]

We just got off the Sunshine on the 15th. Just a few thoughts. It was the last week of Spring Break so full cruise, but I really didn't notice any difference in crowds vs other ships. Dining room was ok, not a huge fan of the American Table menu. We did do all 3 specialty restaurants for dinner. If you enjoy Asian cuisine, I highly recommend JiJis Kitchen, I really wish this was on all ships. I may go back on the Sunshine for this Restaurant alone lol. The Italian was awesome as well. I was slightly disappointed with the steakhouse on the Sunshine. We always enjoy the steakhouse every cruise but on the Sunshine the location, service and food was just bad. Very disappointing. The cabin doors look like wood, but are metal. There is always a variety of ages on Carnival, another reason to cruise! While the Sunshine wAsnt my favorite ship in the fleet we would absolutely cruise her again. I do miss the couches along Promenade, the seating in the Liquid Lounge was uncomfortable and weird, cabins seemed a tad smaller, miss the live music by the casino bar, not enough bar servers on Lido. but what the Sunshine does have... All the fabulous food options, Havana Bar, Red Frog Rum bar, awesome crew and staff, great itineraries. IM READY TO GO BACk!! [emoji4][emoji924][emoji274]

 

 

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JiJi's was open for lunch too and was excellent - probably a different / limited selection compared to the $$ dinner menu.

Our fav place for refreshments was the Alchamy Bar. All 3 bartenders were great. Ask Parvik to make you a taquila (to-kill-ya) - tini, and if your interested, there's a last sea day drink making and tasting class. Limited to 9 participants. $15 per person includes 3 mini-martinis during the class and a full size later when the bar is open.

[mississauga]

I have a question about demographics. Our family had cruised with Carnival around 7-8 times about 15+ years ago, and then switched to RCL (although we also cruised with NCL 2X and Celebrity 1X -- didn't care for either). I'm now mid-60s, widow cruising solo. I have a cruise on RCL and will be trying HAL next month. Am I outside Carnival's demographics now? I probably wouldn't cruise mid-summer or during Spring break.

 

You are most definitely not outside Carnival's demographics. We are in our mid 60's and + and enjoy all of our cruises on Carnival. Many are older also.

 

If you go on the longer cruises, you will find that the average age is about 60. There are many cruising solo also.

[mississauga]

Hi it doesn't look like the cabin doors are metal but are the cabin walls? I like to bring magnets to post notes on the walls.

Thank you

 

 

Hi MaryAnn,

The walls are definitely metal. We use magnets to post notes and for hanging lanyards and caps etc. Never thought to check if the doors are or not so cannot confirm.

MaryAnn, are you thinking about booking on the Sunshine? We are booked Dec 31-Jan 28.

[salleeweidman]

Hi it doesn't look like the cabin doors are metal but are the cabin walls? I like to bring magnets to post notes on the walls.

Thank you

 

 

We sailed on the Sunshine the week of April 15 in cabin 5335. The door was not metal, but the walls were. We brought magnetic hooks. They were great for storing wet bathing suits, hats, and other things that could be hung.

[woodman]

;p My wife and I are in our 70's and love Carnival (44 crises and counting). We have tried RCI NCL Princess and have always come back to Carnival for the fun and atmosphere. We have sailed the Sunshine 3 times and love the ship and the crew. Happy cruising.

[Raxter54]

His name is I Made pronounced like "Eyemaddie." You won't go wrong with him and his team. On our cruise he was in the front section of the MDR on the left side as your looking into the room but he did tell us they shift areas at times. The gal you see on Deck 5 for check-in seemed to know him so if they do move him to another area she'll track him down.

 

He was our head waiter on the Dream last year. Excellent service.

 

We are doing the Aruba/Curacao/Grand Turk route next February and wondered what your itinerary was?

[MooNGaTe27]

we also just got back & as far as the walls in the cabin,we couldn't us magnets It was an aft cabin on the 6th flr.However you will be able to hang notes on the outside of your cabin.There is a metal strip that goes around the out side of your cabin door.You will see a small light above the outside cabin door.I used that metal strip to hang notes using magnets