sunshine..cut backs..nope

I have read many threads about all the areas carnival is cutting back on. I would like to address a few. I am currently aboard the Carnival Sunshine.

First I have been reading that Carnival has cut back on room service to once a day. We are getting room service twice a day. As always a great steward and no problems.

Staff cut backs....the only divergence we noticed on this trip so far was it did take a long time to get our luggage. However I will say our steward came by and told us there was a delay and not to worry and if we would like he would put it in the room. And we did get it in our room sometime between 6 and 7.

That dining room service is slow...nope still good as previous cruises.

Anyway the Sunshine is great and so far despite some lousy weather Carnival is still providing great service....well except maybe I wish I could win in the casino. Anyway rest assured Carnival is still doing a great job.

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Yeah (waving pompoms) !

I watched your sailaway on the port cam. The weather was sure not the best at sailaway! Bring her back safe and sound! We'll be waiting to board on Saturday!

Good to know! Thanks for taking the time to share with us!

Thanks for the info. Sailing on Saturday!!! What are the Dining room menus like? I've only experienced the American table menus.

Carnival is NOT cutting room service down to once per day. They are only testing a new service where you can request to only have the room serviced once per day.

To the OP: my frustration is not with you. It's towards the people that spread silly, unnecessary rumors.

...my frustration is not with you. It's towards the people that spread silly, unnecessary rumors.

IMHO, Carnival is responsible for these "silly" rumors, so get frustrated at them. Here on Cruise Critic (and for those who frequent John Heald's page), we know that wit the test program people can choose either one or both. But the way that those cards are written will mislead A LOT of people to believe that it's one or the other. Carnival knew EXACTY what they they were doing when they came up with this test program. I can assure you that once the test phase is over, it will be rolled over to the rest of the fleet.

Tapi, I made the same conclusion when I first saw the card posted on this site.

But I'm glad I check this site out regularly and know the scoop.

For the OP, we sailed SunShine in Feb and had a blast.

OP, there were no cutbacks? Wow, I want to sail on the Sunshine.

The steward twice a day in your cabin is a test on 3 ships and the Sunshine is not one of them maybe so that is why you did not see that?

But I must ask:

You received chocolates on your pillow every night?

You had a live orchestra with the shows?

You had a live band that played instead of just a guitar player or a duo?

You had Professional Fly on Entertainers instead of live interactive entertainment provided by the customers on board (Hasbro, trivia, karaoke, etc)

I am assuming you were not on a 5 night cruise and you had lobster but if you were on a 5 night cruise...no lobster

You had steel drums or a band that played by the lido deck instead of a DJ playing piped in music?

There was a production show in the Main Theater every night?

There was a farewell party with free drinks?

You received a free drink voucher?

There was a captains cocktail party with free drinks?

You had the room service menu where every thing was included and you did not have to pay for certain items on the menu?

You had lamb chops, not lamb shank in the mdr?

There was no mark up of $20 for items on the menu in the mdr that use to be included?

You had free expresso and cappucino's in the mdr after dinner?

You had breakfast in the mdr every day? (I do not consider brunch as breakfast when it is not served until 8:30)

You had 16 dancers and 2 to 4 main singers with the live production shows?

The past guest party was for "all" past guests?

WOW, wish I was on your cruise. That must be awesome that Carnival is doing all of these things again!!!

Seriously though, OP, how can you state there are no cutbacks?

OP, there were no cutbacks? Wow, I want to sail on the Sunshine.

 

The steward twice a day in your cabin is a test on 3 ships and the Sunshine is not one of them maybe so that is why you did not see that?

 

But I must ask:

 

You received chocolates on your pillow every night?

You had a live orchestra with the shows?

You had a live band that played instead of just a guitar player or a duo?

You had Professional Fly on Entertainers instead of live interactive entertainment provided by the customers on board (Hasbro, trivia, karaoke, etc)

I am assuming you were not on a 5 night cruise and you had lobster but if you were on a 5 night cruise...no lobster

You had steel drums or a band that played by the lido deck instead of a DJ playing piped in music?

There was a production show in the Main Theater every night?

There was a farewell party with free drinks?

You received a free drink voucher?

There was a captains cocktail party with free drinks?

You had the room service menu where every thing was included and you did not have to pay for certain items on the menu?

You had lamb chops, not lamb shank in the mdr?

There was no mark up of $20 for items on the menu in the mdr that use to be included?

You had free expresso and cappucino's in the mdr after dinner?

You had breakfast in the mdr every day? (I do not consider brunch as breakfast when it is not served until 8:30)

You had 16 dancers and 2 to 4 main singers with the live production shows?

The past guest party was for "all" past guests?

 

WOW, wish I was on your cruise. That must be awesome that Carnival is doing all of these things again!!!

 

Seriously though, OP, how can you state there are no cutbacks?

So what? Not earth shattering things that destroy a cruise.

So what? Not earth shattering things that destroy a cruise.

Maybe it doesn't matter to you but they are definitely cutbacks and yes most do effect my cruise experience, (not the chocolates lol).

It is when people say, that doesn't effect me (forget the other people that enjoyed it), go ahead and get rid of it, that a company will continue to chip away at a great product and diminish it down to an inferior, pay as you go, experience.

Maybe it doesn't matter to you but they are definitely cutbacks and yes most do effect my cruise experience, (not the chocolates lol).

 

It is when people say, that doesn't effect me (forget the other people that enjoyed it), go ahead and get rid of it, that a company will continue to chip away at a great product and diminish it down to an inferior, pay as you go, experience.

But people want upgrades like bars, hamburger joints, new cabin upgrades etc. and expect them. Those upgrades don't come cheap. So you really come out ahead. Do we miss things, yes, but in turn got something else.

I watched your sailaway on the port cam. The weather was sure not the best at sailaway! Bring her back safe and sound! We'll be waiting to board on Saturday!

Lots of waves and rough weather but she is holding up welll.....nice day in san juan but we did get caught in a rainstorm for about an hour...current winds 37 mph heading towards turk

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Carnival is NOT cutting room service down to once per day. They are only testing a new service where you can request to only have the room serviced once per day.

 

To the OP: my frustration is not with you. It's towards the people that spread silly, unnecessary rumors.

we brought our suits and dresses for elegant nights but so far we skipped and have not done the mdr.. sorry

Thanks for the info. Sailing on Saturday!!! What are the Dining room menus like? I've only experienced the American table menus.

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OP, there were no cutbacks? Wow, I want to sail on the Sunshine.

 

The steward twice a day in your cabin is a test on 3 ships and the Sunshine is not one of them maybe so that is why you did not see that?

 

But I must ask:

 

You received chocolates on your pillow every night?

You had a live orchestra with the shows?

You had a live band that played instead of just a guitar player or a duo?

You had Professional Fly on Entertainers instead of live interactive entertainment provided by the customers on board (Hasbro, trivia, karaoke, etc)

I am assuming you were not on a 5 night cruise and you had lobster but if you were on a 5 night cruise...no lobster

You had steel drums or a band that played by the lido deck instead of a DJ playing piped in music?

There was a production show in the Main Theater every night?

There was a farewell party with free drinks?

You received a free drink voucher?

There was a captains cocktail party with free drinks?

You had the room service menu where every thing was included and you did not have to pay for certain items on the menu?

You had lamb chops, not lamb shank in the mdr?

There was no mark up of $20 for items on the menu in the mdr that use to be included?

You had free expresso and cappucino's in the mdr after dinner?

You had breakfast in the mdr every day? (I do not consider brunch as breakfast when it is not served until 8:30)

You had 16 dancers and 2 to 4 main singers with the live production shows?

The past guest party was for "all" past guests?

 

WOW, wish I was on your cruise. That must be awesome that Carnival is doing all of these things again!!!

 

Seriously though, OP, how can you state there are no cutbacks?

wow ..1st I'm about ship not sitting here analyzing everything. 2nd te internet service is ok I post from San juan where the service was better.

everyone enjoys somethings and not others... I usually don't care about the music and as I said in a previous post so far we have not made it to the mdr.

yea chocolate disappeared a while ago didnt.personally affect me...I guess to each their own

So rather than hit on ur long list I am heading for a omelet since my DH is out of the shower. Have a great day..as I will.

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wow ..1st I'm about ship not sitting here analyzing everything. 2nd te internet service is ok I post from San juan where the service was better.

 

everyone enjoys somethings and not others... I usually don't care about the music and as I said in a previous post so far we have not made it to the mdr.

 

yea chocolate disappeared a while ago didnt.personally affect me...I guess to each their own

 

So rather than hit on ur long list I am heading for a omelet since my DH is out of the shower. Have a great day..as I will.

 

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You stated that there were No cutbacks on the Sunshine and I felt as though that couldn't be right and noted that there are several cutbacks.

OP, there were no cutbacks? Wow, I want to sail on the Sunshine.

 

The steward twice a day in your cabin is a test on 3 ships and the Sunshine is not one of them maybe so that is why you did not see that?

 

But I must ask:

 

You received chocolates on your pillow every night?

You had a live orchestra with the shows?

You had a live band that played instead of just a guitar player or a duo?

You had Professional Fly on Entertainers instead of live interactive entertainment provided by the customers on board (Hasbro, trivia, karaoke, etc)

I am assuming you were not on a 5 night cruise and you had lobster but if you were on a 5 night cruise...no lobster

You had steel drums or a band that played by the lido deck instead of a DJ playing piped in music?

There was a production show in the Main Theater every night?

There was a farewell party with free drinks?

You received a free drink voucher?

There was a captains cocktail party with free drinks?

You had the room service menu where every thing was included and you did not have to pay for certain items on the menu?

You had lamb chops, not lamb shank in the mdr?

There was no mark up of $20 for items on the menu in the mdr that use to be included?

You had free expresso and cappucino's in the mdr after dinner?

You had breakfast in the mdr every day? (I do not consider brunch as breakfast when it is not served until 8:30)

You had 16 dancers and 2 to 4 main singers with the live production shows?

The past guest party was for "all" past guests?

 

WOW, wish I was on your cruise. That must be awesome that Carnival is doing all of these things again!!!

 

Seriously though, OP, how can you state there are no cutbacks?

I guess because the OP had a gray time and does not sweat small things that most all would consider at all. But you are right if there is not 16 dancers or crappy chocolates on the pillow, the cruise is trash. Also, thanks for the advice on whether and when to consider brunch as breakfast.....really???

lol you just got to love the internet! There are lots of things to do on a cruise and lots of fun to be had. maybe I don't count the dancers or shows, I just sit back and enjoy what's there.

Tonight we went to the Mdr first time this trip. had a wonderful time, there were 5 performers dancing on top of the tables. Should there have been6? Don't remember don't care it was great. Had the traditional turkey dinner not lobster. BTW I don't particular care for lobster anyway.

taking a quick break and heading back out. just want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

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I guess because the OP had a gray time and does not sweat small things that most all would consider at all. But you are right if there is not 16 dancers or crappy chocolates on the pillow, the cruise is trash. Also, thanks for the advice on whether and when to consider brunch as breakfast.....really???

I never said the cruise was trash. OP stated there are no cutbacks and I just stated that there are.

The $20 charge for steakhouse steaks were NEVER free. This is an additional menu item. Usually served in the steakhouse for $35

Also on our last Sunshine cruise they did have 8 live dancers in the showroom. Also a great live band in the lounge. Also a solo artist in the red frog pub.

I think the OP was trying to hit on the most recent rumors of cost saving measures, not things that have already been put into place a while back. I guess if it's an issue, don't cruise with them??? :confused: Each line has their pros and cons.

I will be on the Sunshine in May and appreciate the OP passing along their observations. :)

OP, there were no cutbacks? Wow, I want to sail on the Sunshine.

 

The steward twice a day in your cabin is a test on 3 ships and the Sunshine is not one of them maybe so that is why you did not see that?

 

But I must ask:

 

You received chocolates on your pillow every night?

You had a live orchestra with the shows?

You had a live band that played instead of just a guitar player or a duo?

You had Professional Fly on Entertainers instead of live interactive entertainment provided by the customers on board (Hasbro, trivia, karaoke, etc)

I am assuming you were not on a 5 night cruise and you had lobster but if you were on a 5 night cruise...no lobster

You had steel drums or a band that played by the lido deck instead of a DJ playing piped in music?

There was a production show in the Main Theater every night?

There was a farewell party with free drinks?

You received a free drink voucher?

There was a captains cocktail party with free drinks?

You had the room service menu where every thing was included and you did not have to pay for certain items on the menu?

You had lamb chops, not lamb shank in the mdr?

There was no mark up of $20 for items on the menu in the mdr that use to be included?

You had free expresso and cappucino's in the mdr after dinner?

You had breakfast in the mdr every day? (I do not consider brunch as breakfast when it is not served until 8:30)

You had 16 dancers and 2 to 4 main singers with the live production shows?

The past guest party was for "all" past guests?

 

WOW, wish I was on your cruise. That must be awesome that Carnival is doing all of these things again!!!

 

Seriously though, OP, how can you state there are no cutbacks?

Bazinga.

I never said the cruise was trash. OP stated there are no cutbacks and I just stated that there are.

I agree with you. I kind of wanted to give a list like the one you gave, but I decided not to, knowing that I would get flamed for it, as you did. It's one thing if a person says that their cruise is still great, or if they are trying to address some of the latest rumors. It's quite another thing to say that there are no cutbacks, when there clearly are. The cutbacks might not matter to some people, and that's great for them. But for others, the cutbacks have diminished the product enough that we have cut back on our cruising with Carnival. We could & would still enjoy the cruise, just not as much as before, so we start looking to other options. The money that used to go to Carnival, I now am spending on land-based trips.

I agree with you. I kind of wanted to give a list like the one you gave, but I decided not to, knowing that I would get flamed for it, as you did. It's one thing if a person says that their cruise is still great, or if they are trying to address some of the latest rumors. It's quite another thing to say that there are no cutbacks, when there clearly are. The cutbacks might not matter to some people, and that's great for them. But for others, the cutbacks have diminished the product enough that we have cut back on our cruising with Carnival. We could & would still enjoy the cruise, just not as much as before, so we start looking to other options. The money that used to go to Carnival, I now am spending on land-based trips.

Thank you! I knew I would get flamed but it is quite misleading to title a thread stating there are no cutbacks when we all know there are, and I thought I would name a few.

I am glad the OP is having a great cruise.

Since the cutbacks I have ventured out to other lines. I am sure we will have fun on our Journeys cruises coming up but I will miss a lot of things that use to be on Carnival.