Carnival Sunshine cruise ship assessment: What to anticipate on board

Overview of Carnival Sunshine

The 102,853-ton Carnival Sunshine is 12 decks excessive and carries 3,002 passengers at double occupancy in 1,501 cabins.

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Launched in 1996 as Carnival Future, the ship acquired an overhaul and a brand new identify in 2013. The glow-up introduced added points of interest and venues discovered on newer Carnival vessels. These upgrades included an entire renovation of Sunshine’s pool space and the addition of a full-blown water park, a SportSquare space on the highest deck, and an adults-only Serenity out of doors lounge space full with daybeds, padded loungers, a sizzling tub and a full bar.

Carnival Sunshine additionally acquired new meals and beverage venues like the road’s signature steakhouse, Fahrenheit 555; its signature Italian eatery, Cucina Del Capitano; and an categorical Bonsai Sushi. The road additionally added 182 cabins, bumping its capability at double occupancy from 2,642 to three,002 passengers, a 14% enhance.

At practically 103,000 tons, Sunshine Class ships are greater than 40% smaller than Carnival’s latest ships, comparable to Carnival Celebration. That stated, Carnival Sunshine nonetheless gives a strong record of onboard diversions, from a multi-slide water park to a theater exhibiting unique musical productions.

The ship’s age is beginning to present, with a couple of nicks and marks right here and there and visual rust spots on the outside. The necessity for a contemporary coat of paint was extra outstanding after we have been docked beside two newer Royal Caribbean ships in Nassau — a lot in order that the comic referenced it in his present that evening. It did not detract from our cruise, however these in search of a brand new shiny ship ought to look elsewhere.

Carnival Sunshine has been primarily based in Charleston, South Carolina, since 2019, however 2024 would be the final yr the ship will depart from the Holy Metropolis. It is transferring a bit farther up the East Coast to Norfolk, Virginia, starting in February 2025.

What I beloved about Carnival Sunshine

The festive ambiance

Carnival wears its “enjoyable ship” moniker properly. The road’s concentrate on having a good time is infused in each side of your cruise expertise, and visitors are an extension of that ethos. Each passenger I encountered was pleasant and able to take part in all of the actions the Enjoyable Squad had deliberate.

Karaoke was vastly widespread throughout our cruise. There was at all times a line of individuals able to carry out, and the Ocean Plaza space the place it occurred was teeming with crowds cheering them on. Viewers members would typically stand up and dance to the music or sing alongside.

A great deal of folks constantly got here out for music trivia on the Sunshine Bar within the Atrium, too. It is arduous to not have a very good time when your enthusiastic cruise director stands on high of the bar and encourages everybody to hitch in.

The employees

From Noel, our amenable room steward, to Nicole and Tatiana, our succesful Alchemy Bar mixologists, each employees member we interacted with was real, pleasant and cheerful. We weren’t their solely followers. One passenger even had a T-shirt made that includes a photograph of Nicole and Tatiana.

Though Carnival lowered cabin cleansing service to only as soon as a day from twice a day in 2022, our room steward was at all times shut by and checking in on us. Our cabin was well-kept and clear, and we had contemporary towels after we wanted them.

The crew’s flexibility and spectacular stage of service actually stood out on this crusing. For instance, we went by a storm throughout our cruise, and tough seas altered the Welcome Aboard manufacturing on the primary evening. As an alternative of a musical and dance present, the 2 onboard comedians carried out a brief little bit of their routine. No less than 200 folks got here out for the present, and the viewers was enthusiastic and supportive.

Equally, since tough seas canceled the tech rehearsal, the “Epic Rock” manufacturing on the second evening grew to become an “unplugged” model with performers singing from stools on stage. Whereas not ideally suited, it was one other instance of the flexibleness and upbeat angle of Carnival employees. Even with out a full-on efficiency, the standard of vocal expertise was simple.

Maybe probably the most transferring instance of employees personalizing an expertise for visitors was through the navy appreciation occasion, which is held each Carnival crusing and hosted by the cruise director. Historically, a recording of “Faucets” is performed throughout a second of silence. Our cruise director, James, can be a trumpet participant, so he performs “Faucets” stay for the ceremony.

The meals

I’ve sailed with Carnival on a number of events, and the meals has at all times been nice. Carnival Sunshine was no exception. I used to be in a position to pattern most included and added-fee eating places — together with Asian favorites at JiJi’s and Bonsai Sushi, and the poolside Man’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina (extra beneath on every of those).

Carnival Sunshine gives a pleasant number of delicacies, so all palates will probably be glad. You can get pleasure from a spicy chickpea curry dish or jambalaya, freshly ready artisan deli sandwiches and wraps, or load up on salad fixings and contemporary fruit.

The principle eating room menu featured contemporary seafood, various pasta dishes (spaghetti carbonara, linguini with Italian sausage), steak and tempting desserts (the creme brulee and Carnival melting chocolate cake are a should).

The one draw back is it may be difficult to hit each eating venue you need throughout a four-night cruise!

What I did not love about Carnival Sunshine

Smoke within the on line casino

Smoking could be a divisive situation on cruise ships, and it is banned practically in every single place on board. Nonetheless, it is permitted within the on line casino, which might be superb if I did not need to go by the on line casino to get to sure components of the ship. However there was no approach to keep away from the smoky areas if I wanted to get to the Liquid Lounge theater from the Ocean Plaza. I can solely think about how problematic that may very well be for individuals who are allergic to smoke.

That stated, the on line casino was at all times buzzing and constantly teemed with passengers who both weren’t bothered by the smoke or have been keen to place up with it for a very good sport of blackjack.

Restricted electrical shops in cabins

Should you’ve sailed on a more recent Carnival ship with ample shops and USB ports in your cabin, you could be stunned by the shortage of them on Sunshine. Updating the variety of electrical shops and including USB ports to the cabins was not a part of the 2013 renovation.

Carnival Sunshine cabins and suites

Our cabin was an aft (again of the ship) balcony cabin on Deck 5. I might by no means stayed in an aft cabin, so I seemed ahead to having uninterrupted ocean views over the ship’s wake. I significantly loved our view as we plied by tough waters throughout a storm. It was a improbable reminder of the energy and endurance of cruise ships.

One other perk of an aft cabin was the dimensions of the balcony — a bit bigger than common balconies in different Carnival cabins I’ve stayed in. Conventional balconies have room for 2 chairs and a small desk. Our aft balcony match a further lounger. As talked about earlier, the ship reveals indicators of damage and tear, which was evident on our balcony. It desperately wanted a very good scrub to do away with the darkish spots and paint drippings.

I had heard that noise may very well be a problem for these staying in aft cabins. We have been above the primary eating room, and we might typically hear the music from the dinner leisure. Nonetheless, we by no means heard it after hours. Actually, I did not discover any extra ship noise than on earlier sailings in different cabins.

Additionally, apart from the evening of the storm, I did not encounter any in depth rocking or shifting that was out of the bizarre for a cruise ship.

General, I used to be happy with the cabin. It was primary, with impartial partitions and blue patterned carpeting. No cutting-edge designs right here, however I would not anticipate that from an older ship. The mattress was cozy, the pillows have been smooth, the room temperature remained snug, and I had ample storage for an extended weekend’s value of clothes.

The wear and tear and tear was additionally noticeable contained in the room, together with a couple of wall dings and a few nicks within the wooden furnishings. Additionally, one of many hangers appeared to have been repaired with duct tape.

My room had two twin beds pushed collectively right into a queen-size mattress that was flanked by bedside lamps and two one-drawer, one-shelf nightstands. The dwelling space had an extended couch that would remodel right into a mattress or the underside half of bunk beds. Instead of a standard shorter espresso desk, there was a taller wood desk that would double as a makeshift working desk.

A big desk/vainness with a lighted mirror and flat-screen TV was on the other wall. It housed 4 drawers (one containing a small hair dryer for in-cabin use), a minifridge, and a cupboard with a small protected. Three side-by-side closets have been positioned to the best of the desk.

Our cabin’s TV was put in on the wall to the left of the desk mirror. Sadly, the wall got here out a bit to the left of the TV, which made it unimaginable to swivel the TV to the left and examine it from the mattress. The TV wasn’t interactive like most are on newer ships. It had about 10 channels of stories, motion pictures and youngsters’s programming, and several other Carnival-sponsored channels.

The lavatory was small however enough. There have been two cabinets on each side of the mirror for toiletry storage and an honest quantity of counter area for such a small space. The bathe included pump dispensers for shampoo and physique wash, in addition to a retractable clothesline for drying swimwear.

There have been ample towel racks and three hooks on the again of the door. The lavatory was stocked with tub and hand towels, washcloths and a bar of cleaning soap.

Many of the lodging on Carnival Sunshine fall into one in every of three classes: windowless inside cabins, ocean-view cabins with a window that does not open and balcony cabins. Carnival Sunshine gives greater than 200 connecting rooms, ideally suited for giant households or teams touring collectively who like to remain shut.

Spa lovers can keep in one of many 92 Cloud 9 Spa cabins and three spa suites with direct entry to the spa. Additionally they rating unique spa packages and reductions, limitless use of the Thermal Suite, a free physique composition evaluation and upgraded Elemis toiletries of their cabin.

If you wish to splurge and ebook a set on Carnival Sunshine, you’ve 58 choices throughout 4 classes — Ocean Suites (45), Grand Suites (8), Captain’s Suites (2) and the aforementioned Cloud 9 Spa Suites (3). Ocean Suites are akin to junior suites, expanded variations of balcony cabins.

The suites include various perks, which might embrace precedence check-in and boarding, in addition to precedence disembarkation on the ultimate morning of your journey.

Carnival Sunshine eating places and bars

Carnival Sunshine gives a bevy of restaurant and bar decisions. It gives a very good mixture of included-in-your-fare and extra-fee choices, and total, I loved all my meals on board. If you wish to attempt one of many ship’s specialty eating places, make reservations as quickly as potential, as they have an inclination to ebook up shortly.

Eating places

Carnival Sunshine has two fundamental eating rooms — Dawn Eating Room (decks 3 and 4) and Sundown Eating Room (Deck 3). You may select fixed-time, assigned desk seating at 5:30 p.m. (early eating) or 7:45 p.m. (late eating). If you understand you need to eat at both of these designated instances, it is best to reserve whenever you ebook, as they refill quick.

We opted for Your Time Eating, so we might dine any time between 5:15 and 9 p.m. Once we have been prepared for dinner, we checked in by Carnival’s cellular app and acquired an alert when our desk was prepared. From check-in to being seated, we solely had a couple of 10-minute wait on each evenings. All Your Time Eating people dine within the Dawn Eating Room.

We loved each fundamental eating room meals, which included prime rib, lobster tail, New York strip and pan-seared barramundi. I particularly loved the beet and petite greens salad with a citrus dressing. In fact, when on a Carnival ship, it’s essential to attempt the road’s signature melting chocolate cake, which I did, and it was perfection.

Do not miss the Seaday Brunch, with top-notch eggs Benedict, French toast, made-to-order omelets, brunch burgers and bloody marys. I splurged on a contemporary pressed juice ($5) with pineapple, ginger, lime, dates and turmeric. It was improbable. The principle eating room can be open for breakfast on port days.

Man’s Burger Joint is a walk-up counter restaurant behind the pool space on the Lido Deck. My husband is a big Man’s Burger fan, so that’s at all times our first meal on embarkation day. Judging from the traces, the vast majority of Sunshine cruisers had the identical concept. Strains moved fairly shortly, although. Even my special-order veggie burger took beneath 5 minutes to make (although it was my least favourite dish on the ship).

My husband ordered the “Straight Up” burger with all of the fixings, and it was virtually on par with others he is eaten on earlier cruises.

His take: “This was the ‘least good’ Man’s burger I’ve had, and it was nonetheless scrumptious.” His second Man’s burger on our third day of the cruise was even tastier.

Additionally on the Lido Deck, BlueIguana Cantina serves freshly made burritos, tacos and bowls. It is one in every of my favourite informal eating spots, and I might put the veggie burrito up towards Chipotle any day of the week.

The Lido Market is the ship’s widespread buffet restaurant, providing a wide range of culinary choices from early morning by late evening. Breakfast choices included scrambled or boiled eggs, beans, potatoes, various pastries, contemporary fruit, and sizzling or chilly cereal. There have been additionally two omelet stations within the Havana Bar space, positioned simply off the Lido Market. (The Havana Bar serves craft Cuban-style daiquiris, mojitos and Cuban espresso drinks.)

Lunch consisted of made-to-order deli sandwiches and pizza, in addition to worldwide dishes, sizzling sides and a salad station.

Carnival Sunshine options 5 added-fee eating places — JiJi Asian Kitchen, Bonsai Sushi, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano and the Chef’s Desk — for cruisers searching for a particular meal. Scorching tip: Should you pre-book your specialty dinner for the primary evening of your cruise, you will rating a free bottle of wine. You may select between a chardonnay and merlot, and may both drink it along with your meal or get pleasure from it in your cabin later. It is a good approach to kick off the cruise.

We booked a desk at Jiji’s for our first night on board. The pan-Asian menu options dishes from Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, China and Mongolia served household type. I ordered the shrimp dumplings, candy and bitter shrimp, and the Chinese language broccoli. My husband had the hen rolls and the peppered beef. We closed out our dinner with the rose creme brulee with ginger cream and caramelized crepes served with citrus ice cream.

Each dish was scrumptious. The pacing of our meal was good, and we did not really feel rushed by the programs. Service was attentive with out being intrusive. The fee is $24 (per particular person) for adults and $6 (per particular person) for youths aged 11 and beneath — an amazing worth for a improbable meal.

Open for lunch and dinner, the Bonsai Sushi outpost on Sunshine is smaller than these on newer ships. With fairly priced gadgets like $5 and $7 rolls, and $2 for soup or salad, it is simple to curb your sushi craving on a budget.

Carnival Sunshine actions

When the climate cooperated, most passengers gravitated to the higher decks for enjoyable within the solar and water. Along with the one fundamental pool and two sizzling tubs on Deck 9, Sunshine is residence to Carnival’s WaterWorks water park with waterslides and a kiddie splash zone. A bevy of diversions on the close by SportSquare included a ropes course, minigolf, ping-pong and foosball.

The ship’s quieter adults-only Serenity Deck space was midship on decks 11 and 12 and missed the primary pool space. Passengers 21-plus might make the most of a plunge pool with a waterfall, a sizzling tub, a bar, and loungers and cabanas.

Energetic cruisers who cannot veg within the solar all day can discover limitless actions indoors to occupy their sea days. Free occasions included trivia video games, Bingo, spa pampering events, karaoke, and ice carving or towel animal folding demonstrations. For-fee actions like Construct-A-Bear Workshop and $5,000 Jackpot Bingo additionally drew a crowd.

Buying alternatives have been respectable. You could have the Enjoyable Outlets for Carnival-branded gadgets, souvenirs, jewellery, liquor and fragrances. For a sugary splurge, Cherry On Prime sells an in depth choice of candy treats.

The Sunshine On line casino on Deck 5 midship was widespread with passengers on my crusing. Each time I walked by, it was buzzing with exercise (though, as beforehand talked about, I did not spend loads of time there). The venue is a maze of slot machines, with a set of poker tables, a craps desk, two roulette tables and several other blackjack tables. All through our cruise, the on line casino hosted organized poker tournaments, raffles and different methods to check Woman Luck.

Karaoke occasions have been held within the Ocean Plaza space in between the Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Pub. The openness of the area supplied optimum participation from passengers and performers, so a vigorous crowd was at all times available to sing alongside.

Households can make the most of included-in-your-fare childcare in Carnival’s Camp Ocean services on 10. The youngest cruisers can take part in supervised actions, divided into age-based teams: Penguins (2 to five years), Stingrays (6 to eight years) and Sharks (9 to 11 years).

The designated areas for every age group have been spacious and supplied loads of seating. Although that they had separate entrances, the areas have been shut sufficient that pick-up and drop-off can be straightforward for households with youngsters checked into totally different areas.

Tweens and youths have their very own hangouts and exercise schedules. Circle C is for cruisers ages 12 to 14, with occasions like dance events, out of doors motion pictures and group video games. The Circle C area had a futuristic vibe with metallic partitions and a minimalist design.

Membership O2 is for the 15-to-17 set and gives an opportunity for older teenagers to hang around collectively, play sports activities and video games, and work together throughout group actions. The fashionable ambiance prolonged to Membership 02 with a daring pink and black sample on the ground, modern pink chairs and metallic accents.

Throughout this crusing, many households appeared to hang around collectively through the day — spending time on the pool, watching karaoke and taking part in different actions.

Carnival’s Cloud 9 Spa on Deck 10 is the place to go for trip pampering. Numerous therapies and therapies can be found — from deep tissue and stone massages to acupuncture and different conventional Chinese language methods. Moreover, the spa gives hair and nail providers, facials and medispa therapies.

You may also purchase Thermal Suite passes for a day or your complete size of your cruise. You will have entry to the heated tile loungers, rain showers, an aroma steam room and a sauna.

The health middle was properly stocked with nearly each piece of kit you could hold your exercise routine when you cruise. It is free to make use of, however you possibly can pay further for instructor-led courses like Pilates, yoga or indoor biking. Should you like contemporary air along with your morning stroll or run, head to the highest deck and hit the jogging observe.

Not like newer Carnival ships with a full promenade that gives entry to eating places and bars, Sunshine has the extra conventional promenade with shuffleboard and a few out of doors seating. Come for a stroll or take within the sundown.

Carnival Sunshine reveals

We sailed by a storm for a few days, and each the “Welcome Aboard Present” and the Playlist Productions “Epic Rock” present have been altered due to it. As an alternative of a full-on manufacturing, we obtained two brief units from every comic (for the welcome present) and performers singing from stools on stage (“Epic Rock”).

It was a bummer to overlook a “true” Carnival manufacturing. I’ve cruised with Carnival a number of instances, and I am at all times impressed with the caliber of expertise. The reveals are one in every of my favourite components of cruising with Carnival. I’ve loved Latin-themed performances (“Amor Cubano”), British music tributes (“The Brits”) and an art-infused journey by music and dance (“Coloration My World”).

We took in a comedy present on the Punchliner Comedy Membership (within the Limelight Lounge on Deck 4) and loved it. I am a tough nut to crack, and the comic obtained me laughing out loud greater than as soon as. My husband guffawed all through the set. Every crusing sometimes features a family-friendly “PG” present at 3 p.m. and seven:30 p.m. The 18-plus reveals happen at 8:45 p.m. and 10 p.m. Most cruises have one or two comedians on board.

Carnival Sunshine itineraries and pricing

All through 2024, Carnival Sunshine will sail year-round four-, five-, six- and eight-night Bahamas and Jap Caribbean voyages from Charleston. Relying on the itinerary, stops may embrace Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan and the cruise line’s personal island, Half Moon Cay.

On the time of publication, costs began from $374 per particular person for a four-night Bahamas crusing in an inside cabin (excluding taxes and costs).

As beforehand talked about, starting in 2025, the vessel will transfer to its new residence port of Norfolk, Virginia. From there, it would supply six-night Bahamas and Bermuda sailings, in addition to eight-night Jap Caribbean itineraries.

At press time, costs began at $519 per particular person for an inside cabin on a six-night Bahamas cruise (excluding taxes and costs).

What to know earlier than you go

Required paperwork

Should you’re a U.S. citizen on a cruise that begins and ends in a U.S. port, it’s essential to have a present passport or an official copy of your delivery certificates and a driver’s license or different government-issued photograph identification to sail. A passport card can be acceptable.

Your passport have to be legitimate for at the least six extra months.

Essential be aware: The identify in your reservation have to be precisely as it’s acknowledged in your passport or different official proof of nationality. We suggest you examine Carnival’s web site earlier than you sail for the latest updates on necessities.

Gratuities

Carnival provides an computerized service gratuity of $14.50 to $16.50 per particular person, per day to closing payments, relying on the cabin class. Youngsters beneath the age of two are exempt.

You may alter the quantity on the Visitor Companies desk earlier than disembarking if you’re not glad with the service you acquired. Moreover, an 18% gratuity is added to bar payments and the duvet cost of the Chef’s Desk.

Wi-Fi

Over the past couple of years, Carnival has rolled out sooner Wi-Fi programs throughout its fleet, so now you can stream video on some ships. Pricing adjustments over time, however the quickest “premium” service on Carnival Sunshine was just lately priced at $18.70 per particular person, per day.

Different packages accessible for a Sunshine crusing embrace the inexpensive “social” plan that solely permits entry to key social networking websites (Fb, Twitter, Instagram, and so forth.) and messaging providers comparable to WhatsApp for $12.75 a day. A barely costlier “worth” plan, at $17 per day, provides entry to electronic mail and most web sites. Should you pay for a plan previous to crusing, you will obtain a reduction.

Carry-on drinks coverage

You may deliver one bottle of wine or Champagne (per particular person) onto the ship at boarding, in addition to as much as a dozen normal cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks comparable to sodas.

Nonalcoholic drinks in glass or plastic bottles will not be allowed. If you wish to deliver the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink, you will incur a $15 corkage payment. Drinks introduced on board have to be carried in your carry-on baggage.

Smoking coverage

On Carnival Sunshine, smoking (together with digital cigarettes) is just allowed in designated out of doors areas and within the on line casino. Smoking is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Whereas cigarette smoking is allowed within the on line casino, in response to Carnival’s web site, you have to be seated and taking part in to smoke within the on line casino. Smoking is permitted in designated areas on Deck 3 (port aspect, ahead) and Deck 10 (starboard aspect, midship).

Laundry

Self-service launderettes are on decks 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (midship) on Carnival Sunshine. Every launderette has washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There is a $3.25-per-load cost to make use of a washer or dryer. The laundrettes even have merchandising machines stocked with small packing containers of detergent and cloth softener at $1.50 per field.

You may also go for extra-charge valet laundry and dry-cleaning service, which your cabin steward will deal with for you. Anticipate to pay per piece, with costs operating from $2 (for an undergarment or pair of socks) to $15 (for a two-piece swimsuit).

Electrical shops

As talked about beforehand, Carnival Sunshine cabins have each normal North American-style 110-volt shops and European-style 220-volt shops. Carry an influence strip should you want greater than that.

Foreign money

The forex used on Carnival Sunshine is the U.S. greenback. Nonetheless, the ship operates on a “cashless system,” so any onboard purchases you make will robotically publish to your onboard account. You will obtain a Sail & Signal card that you should utilize to make prices. This identical card additionally will get you into your cabin.

Consuming age

Passengers have to be 21 to drink alcohol on Carnival Sunshine.

Costume code

There isn’t a particular gown code through the day on Sunshine, so folks gown casually. Seaside apparel is the norm for sea days, and should you plan to spend your day on the highest deck, plan to decorate in T-shirts, shorts and bathing fits (with a cover-up to go inside).

Though there’s an official gown code for the evenings, it is fairly laid-back. Most nights are designated “cruise informal,” which incorporates khakis or denims, polo shirts and sundresses. Tremendous informal clothes like cutoff denims, males’s sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and fitness center shorts aren’t permitted.

Relying on the size of your cruise, one or two nights of the itinerary will embrace a “cruise elegant” evening the place the steered apparel for males is gown slacks and a gown shirt; sports activities coats and fits are non-compulsory. The steered apparel for ladies on such nights is cocktail clothes, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. Should you do not need to gown up, you possibly can select a extra informal dinner venue, however gown code enforcement in Carnival eating rooms tends to be lax.

Backside line

Whether or not you are searching for an reasonably priced Caribbean cruise for the entire household or need to escape along with your besties, Carnival Sunshine is a strong wager if having a enjoyable time is a precedence.

It isn’t a shiny, new vessel, so do not anticipate flawless cabins and the most recent points of interest. What you can anticipate, although, is to have nonstop enjoyable due to a wide range of diversions and an enthusiastic group of like-minded shipmates.

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