Sunshine Take 2 - March 28 - April 2

[ninjacat123]

Sunshine Take 2: March 28 – April 2

 

Embarkation:  This time I had my 83 year old mom who needs assistance at times so I was hoping Charleston would accommodate.  I was very happy with the porters who grabbed our bags, the pushers for the wheelchairs and the shuttle between building 324 and the terminal.  We were expedited through till we were on the ship.  Verifly made it very easy to negotiate the check in points.  All in all, a win-win!

 

Our stateroom: We had a spa interior on 12.  Not as small as our interior on Mardi Gras but it was chilly.  I mentioned this to our room attendant Merta and he said it would be okay when we were in hotter climates.  I have to say it was chilly the whole cruise.  Merta kept our room tidy and was personable and professional.  His assistant Daniel did great as well. Great location on 12, close to Serenity and the Spa.

 

Food:  Mom and I were so happy with our food choices!  Started off with burgers at Guys (fries were tasty) then Steakhouse. Steakhouse was elegant and yummy. We decided to buy 2 bottles of wine at 50% off instead of getting the free bottle of wine.  Worked great!  Our wine was kept for us and we could access it in any restaurant on the ship.  Dinner at JiJi’s was delish!  Wish I could have eaten more.  One lunch was Blue Iguana where we had tacos.  So good!  Dinner at Cucina del Capitano was probably my mom’s favorite.  Gaiza took great care of us and we had a window table with a picture perfect sunset.  Only two meals at MDR but they were great!  Our Team Lead Server Joseph with Team Server Ronnie and Asst Team Server I Wayan took wonderful care of us and the food was really good!  I was surprised because the last three cruises MDR was not up to snuff.  We were very happy!  Sea Day Brunch was tasty.

 

Alchemy:  I was pleasantly surprised to find Dusan (pronounced Dushan) and Evan at Alchemy again.  Zoltan was a great addition to the team. Mom and I split a Fiery Tropical Martini (Mezcal and spicy mango, Zoltan’s way) and enjoyed the showy bartender moves of this talented team.

 

Casino:  I had Drinks On Us while I played in the casino.  Mom would sit at the casino bar and people watched while I made my millions.  Ok, I came out $38 ahead which I think is a win.  Waiters would bring me drinks and I had a really fun time at the roulette table for 30 minutes then I would get mom and we would head to dinner.

 

Serenity:  Quite busy but since I worked out early in the morning I was able to score a clamshell for me and mom.  We were comfortable out of the direct sun and relaxing.

 

Spa:  I took advantage of the two free exercise classes that came with our spa room.  First morning I tried Mat Pilates and second  morning I tried yoga.  Our Instructor Barry was knowledgeable and ran a great class. On our last Sea Day it was raining like crazy so Mom and I settled into the heated tile chairs with a view of the ocean.  Very relaxing!

 

Bimini: We took the tram to 360 Beach and were able to grab a clamshell up near the restaurant.  I knew thatbein on the deck would be easier for Mom to hang out in.  We split a chicken quesadilla and it was sizable and yummy!

 

Nassau:  We got a cab to John Watling’s Distillery ($10) and Mom grabbed a table outside in the shade while I procured two Pina Coladas.  We enjoyed the breeze as it rustled through the palm trees overhead as we sipped our awesome drinks.  One of our favorite places to go!

 

Platinum party:  I had never attended this event although I have been Platinum for the past four cruises.  It was a lot of fun, had a great duo entertaining and drinks were liberally being handed out by the passing waiters.

 

Comedy:  We laughed our proverbial butts off when we attended the PG show of Kojo Prince.  He had audience participation and it was a gas.  Unfortunately we didn’t see the other comedian.

 

Main Shows:  Very well done!  The cast puts it all out there and it was a seamless show from start to finish.  Love and Marriage was fun as usual. Jake the CD was “Jake-tastic”!

 

Debarkation: Once again we were taken care of very well with wheelchair service, porters and shuttles.  The only glitch was trying to remember where I parked my car.  Mom found it!

 

The whole time Mom and I felt comfortable, taken care of and safe.  We didn’t wear masks onboard and no one required us to except for embarkation and debarkation.  Overall a wonderful time with my Mom and a great cruise!  If I can, I will answer questions and if I don't know the answer, I bet another CC member will chime in.  Thanks for reading!

[ninjacat123]

@Fang8494 let me know if you have questions about the shuttle, luggage, et al.

[ninjacat123]

I forgot to mention what capacity Sunshine was at....I don't know for sure but comparing it to my last 3 cruises which were at 65%, Sunshine seemed to be at 85%, at least.  Getting seats at the theatre, Alchemy, comedy, roulette, Serenity was doable but we always tried to add extra time so that it wasn't too much of a struggle.  

[pcvtmom]

Thanks for a great, concise review!  We've been on the Sunshine more than any other ship, and she remains a favorite.

[audcc77]

Thanks Ninjatcat. I’m doing my “Take 2” next week.  Glad you had a good time with your mom. 
 

I am surprised that the PandD party had drinks flowing.  DH and I didn’t go a few weeks ago because I figured they were just passing out 1 glass of wine and nothing else. I will go this time if things are back to normal now and they’re handing out snacks because I really like those.  🙂

 

I always wanted to try roulette but I want to see it work first for a bit, but I have always been afraid to peer over shoulders of playing customers as they may find that discourteous. 

Are they still giving photo albums for the gift? 

[volfan22701]

nice review, and sounds like you had fun. we have been on the Sunshine for six cruises and have 2 more booked on her. this October and next April. countdown is at 53 days for our next cruise from Baltimore on the Legend May 28th and sure we will have fun as we always do.

[ninjacat123]

1 hour ago, audcc77 said:

Thanks Ninjatcat. I’m doing my “Take 2” next week.  Glad you had a good time with your mom. 
 

I am surprised that the PandD party had drinks flowing.  DH and I didn’t go a few weeks ago because I figured they were just passing out 1 glass of wine and nothing else. I will go this time if things are back to normal now and they’re handing out snacks because I really like those.  🙂

 

I always wanted to try roulette but I want to see it work first for a bit, but I have always been afraid to peer over shoulders of playing customers as they may find that discourteous. 

Are they still giving photo albums for the gift? 

The drinks at PandD were premade but If you requested a certain one, like my mom wanted a chocolate drink, they would get it.  By the end of the party I had 3 Kiss On the Lips in front of me!  I didn't see any snacks.

I think roulette is one of the easiest casino games to play.  If I saw someone bet a certain way, like place their chip on an outside line, I'd ask what they were betting on.  You can start as simple as placing $5 of chips on black or red and if the ball in the wheel lands on the color you pick, you win!  Not a ton of money but it's 50/50 odds (unless it lands on green 0 or 00, which is evil😄).  I found the dealer and the other players helpful.

The platinum gift was a coozie.

Thanks for reading my review!

[ninjacat123]

2 hours ago, pcvtmom said:

Thanks for a great, concise review!  We've been on the Sunshine more than any other ship, and she remains a favorite.

Definitely a favorite of mine, being just a three hour drive from home👍.  Thanks for reading my review!

[ninjacat123]

7 hours ago, volfan22701 said:

nice review, and sounds like you had fun. we have been on the Sunshine for six cruises and have 2 more booked on her. this October and next April. countdown is at 53 days for our next cruise from Baltimore on the Legend May 28th and sure we will have fun as we always do.

Sounds like you love Sunshine as much as I do!  Have a great time on Legend.  Thanks for reading my review!

[wikoffclan]

9 hours ago, audcc77 said:

Are they still giving photo albums for the gift? 

 

My Platinum gift in January was the photo album. In March is was the "coozie". A bit odd looking. I had to ask what it was 🤣. But much easier to pack than the photo album 🤣🤣

[Low Country Sandlapper]

Ninjacat, thank you for posting.  In May I will be on the Sunshine with my 86 year old father.  He has limited mobility and benefits from a wheelchair for long distances.  Do you have any tips on what can be done to make his experience as good as possible?  Did you alert Carnival ahead of time of your mother’s needs?  How do I get express service / assistance getting on and off the ship?  Thank you for any help you can give me!

[mz-s]

35 minutes ago, Low Country Sandlapper said:

Ninjacat, thank you for posting.  In May I will be on the Sunshine with my 86 year old father.  He has limited mobility and benefits from a wheelchair for long distances.  Do you have any tips on what can be done to make his experience as good as possible?  Did you alert Carnival ahead of time of your mother’s needs?  How do I get express service / assistance getting on and off the ship?  Thank you for any help you can give me!

 

https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/~/media/Images/Ships/SH/DeckPlans/carnival-sunshine-accessible-cruising-deck-plan-pdf.pdf

 

This highlights the accessible paths, accessible bathrooms, and staterooms, on Sunshine.

[ninjacat123]

38 minutes ago, Low Country Sandlapper said:

Ninjacat, thank you for posting.  In May I will be on the Sunshine with my 86 year old father.  He has limited mobility and benefits from a wheelchair for long distances.  Do you have any tips on what can be done to make his experience as good as possible?  Did you alert Carnival ahead of time of your mother’s needs?  How do I get express service / assistance getting on and off the ship?  Thank you for any help you can give me!

This is what we did:  we arrived at the port parking and dropped our luggage off with the porters.  I tipped the porter $5 for two suitcases.  Then we were directed to a parking spot.  I think it would be better if there was a designated "shuttle pick up parking area" but there isn't.  I saw that the car next to us was waiting with their trunk open (for the shuttle?) but I was dealing with a business issue and we missed that.  When we were able to exit the car, no shuttle or parking attendant was visible.  Mom and I slowly made our way to Building 324.  This was the only hiccup in the whole embarkation process.  I would suggest dropping your dad off at the blue picnic tables by building 324 before you park so he can sit and wait for you.  He could sign up for wheelchair assistance there while he is waiting for you to join him.  The walk from parking to the blue picnic tables is about 5 minutes for someone who is not mobility challenged.

From there it was smooth sailing.  My mom was seated in a wheelchair and our pusher got mom and me through the lines in building 324 quickly then to the shuttle.  I tipped our pusher $5.  Took the shuttle to the terminal and another wheelchair was there for my mom.  Our pusher took us through the x ray area then all the way till we were onboard at the level zero elevators, which was as far as he could go.  I tipped him $5.  We took the elevator to our floor and accessed our room.  I didn't notify Carnival about my mom's needs but that didn't make a difference with getting a wheelchair and a pusher.

Please let me know if you have any questions.  I hope your cruise with your dad is as much fun as mine was with my mom!

Edited April 6, 2022 by ninjacat123

[Low Country Sandlapper]

Thank you, Ninjacat!

[bguppies]

14 hours ago, wikoffclan said:

 

My Platinum gift in January was the photo album. In March is was the "coozie". A bit odd looking. I had to ask what it was 🤣. But much easier to pack than the photo album 🤣🤣

DW got a photo album two weeks ago on the Sunshine. Definitely better than a foam coozie.

[ninjacat123]

4 hours ago, bguppies said:

DW got a photo album two weeks ago on the Sunshine. Definitely better than a foam coozie.

I agree!  I didn't even know what it was.  The Pixel attendant had to tell me🤣

[audcc77]

5 hours ago, ninjacat123 said:

I agree!  I didn't even know what it was.  The Pixel attendant had to tell me🤣

Really. I was planning on taking home that coozie. 
 

In fact, I left the photo album on a table in the atrium with a note saying “Free to good home. Take it!”

 

[wikoffclan]

1 hour ago, audcc77 said:

Really. I was planning on taking home that coozie. 
 

In fact, I left the photo album on a table in the atrium with a note saying “Free to good home. Take it!”

 

I honestly considered leaving the "photo album" behind. Not really an album. Just a photo holder. Big, bulky and useless. Wish I'd thought of the "Free to good home idea"!

 

 

[pinniped71]

22 hours ago, Low Country Sandlapper said:

Ninjacat, thank you for posting.  In May I will be on the Sunshine with my 86 year old father.  He has limited mobility and benefits from a wheelchair for long distances.  Do you have any tips on what can be done to make his experience as good as possible?  Did you alert Carnival ahead of time of your mother’s needs?  How do I get express service / assistance getting on and off the ship?  Thank you for any help you can give me!

f you need general information about accessibility before you cruise, or have an ADA complaint, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext.70025, or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You can also email us at access@carnival.com. Carnival's designated ADA Responsibility Officer is Vicky Rey, Vice President, Guest Care & Communications.

 

This is from their Guests With Disabilities page at Carnival.com.  

I highly recommend you call this department pre cruise to discuss any needs you may have.  They are extremely helpful and are there to be sure you have your needs met. Simply provide your booking number so they can add any and all notes to the booking!  Have a great time!!!

 

 

 

[ninjacat123]

7 hours ago, pinniped71 said:

f you need general information about accessibility before you cruise, or have an ADA complaint, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext.70025, or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You can also email us at access@carnival.com. Carnival's designated ADA Responsibility Officer is Vicky Rey, Vice President, Guest Care & Communications.

 

This is from their Guests With Disabilities page at Carnival.com.  

I highly recommend you call this department pre cruise to discuss any needs you may have.  They are extremely helpful and are there to be sure you have your needs met. Simply provide your booking number so they can add any and all notes to the booking!  Have a great time!!!

 

 

 

Good to know!  Thanks for the info👍

[Fang8494]

Great review!  Can you tell me if you were allowed to take small wheeled carry on suitcases on the shuttle from the building to the terminal upon check in and if so where did they put the suitcases?  Thanks!

[ninjacat123]

1 hour ago, Fang8494 said:

Great review!  Can you tell me if you were allowed to take small wheeled carry on suitcases on the shuttle from the building to the terminal upon check in and if so where did they put the suitcases?  Thanks!

Yes I was able to bring my wheeled carry on suitcase on the shuttle.  I kept the carryon next to me all the time. We checked the big bags with the porters before parking. If someone wanted to bring their big suitcase on the shuttle, I think there was a cart pulled behind the shuttle but I'm not positive.  I think the easiest scenario is to check your big bags with the porters (we had our bags in our room by 3pm) and bring a carryon with essential medicine, swim suit if you want to get sun right away upon boarding and maybe an outfit for dinner, just in case your big bags arrive late to your room.  I also brought our bottle of champagne each in my carryon, which security briefly looked at.  Please let me know if you have other questions😎Thanks for reading my review!

[ninjacat123]

On 4/6/2022 at 10:34 PM, wikoffclan said:

I honestly considered leaving the "photo album" behind. Not really an album. Just a photo holder. Big, bulky and useless. Wish I'd thought of the "Free to good home idea"!

 

 

Yeah I got one on my January cruise and thought "what the.."  kinda lame for 2 photos.

[MizMoon]

Thank you so much for the wheel chair info - I am cruising solo in three weeks, have used airport wheel chairs for distances before and am encouraged that I can still do this on my own.  Standing a long time and those dang distances do a number on me.  Good to know a $5.00 tip still means something!  And, I love that you did that with your Mom - I have introduced a lot of friends and family to cruising - Sitmar Fairsea in 1974 - yes, by myself.  Thank you, again.  

[ninjacat123]

3 hours ago, MizMoon said:

Thank you so much for the wheel chair info - I am cruising solo in three weeks, have used airport wheel chairs for distances before and am encouraged that I can still do this on my own.  Standing a long time and those dang distances do a number on me.  Good to know a $5.00 tip still means something!  And, I love that you did that with your Mom - I have introduced a lot of friends and family to cruising - Sitmar Fairsea in 1974 - yes, by myself.  Thank you, again.  

I'm glad this info will help!  Mom and I cruised on Mardi Gras in October and it was much easier to exit the hotel shuttle in the parking structure at Port Canaveral and walk the 100 feet to the wheelchair assistance sign up than embarkation at the Port of Charleston.  That's why I went into detail about all the ins and outs for this last cruise.  If traveling by yourself and you are parking at the port, I would drop luggage off with the porter then proceed to the next parking attendant.  I was told the attendants have communication to the shuttles.  I would ask them where you can park so you can get a shuttle to building 324.  Being a bit of a squeaky wheel should get you the help you need to get from your parking spot to building 324 then you should be set from there.  Have a great cruise!

Edited April 11, 2022 by ninjacat123