sharse

We were tossing up Liberty and Sunshine. But, I just saw so many bad reviews of Sunshine, that I did not even give it much thought. Then, after I booked Liberty, I was looking at Sunshine in more detail, and almost regret booking Liberty!!

I just got off Liberty yesterday, and sailed Sunshine last year. I enjoyed the Sunshine, but if I had to pick one or the other, I'd pick Liberty in a heart beat. Loved our cruise this past week. The MDR food was EXCELLENT! The layout of Liberty is better than Sunshine in my opinion. I didn't notice any yucky smells on Liberty, and there were a few on Sunshine.

Yes. Blue Iguana cantina (my favorite venue) is open as well. I believe the pizza joint is also open, but I made a bee-line for the burrito.

Interesting. I got off Liberty yesterday and we had no maintenance issues while I was on board, and debarkation was as smooth as silk! Love that ship!

Update. I was there on Tuesday. There was no damage to the island from the recent hurricanes. It was beautiful! Sadly the weather (thunderstorms off shore) prohibited any snorkeling so I'm not sure how that may have been impacted, but the infrastructure on the island itself is in perfect condition.

Have you asked on the Princess board?

 

People who were there this week, may not be home yet to report.

I'm going on Carnival Liberty, so no... hadn't thought to do that.

They didn't take a direct hit, but I'm wondering if there was any damage? I've also heard that storms can impact the snorkeling for a while as well. I'll be there Tuesday and will report back, but wondering if anyone here has been in the past week?

I've done it in St. Kitts and enjoyed it greatly, but not in Nassau. I'd probably do it in Nassau since there isn't much else I'd care to do there, but that's just me. Others will certainly have a different opinion.

Interesting where some people jump to. ...hmmm?

Have the kids report on this board...would love to read about the trip from their point of view.

RB

What a wonderful suggestion. Thank you!

How well do your kids behave when you aren't around? There will be other people next to them and across the hall. Will they be disturbing others?

If I thought they'd be disrespectful or disruptive I wouldn't have ever considered this arrangement in the first place.

I've been reading these boards and doing some research, but haven't yet decided on a cruise line or itinerary. Leaning towards a Rhine itinerary in the summer, however. Maybe with Tauck. My question is about the cabins, as I realize we will have to purchase two. (In our past experiences in the Caribbean we've always had only one cabin for all 4 of us.)

These ships are so much smaller, of course, so I'm wondering if it would be perfectly fine to have one cabin for my teens (13 and 15) on a lower level (cheaper!) and my husband and I upstairs in one with a balcony. I would feel a bit nervous doing that on a large ocean going vessel, but would it be fine on a river cruise?

Any other tips or suggestions about a European river cruise with two teen boys would be most welcomed. Thanks!

I wonder too. Supposed to be there in two weeks.

I too would love to hear how the snorkeling is. Another post I read said there is virtually none, but I'm hoping that poster just didn't happen to see any. Really want to snorkel!

Last cruise out of Canaveral we did have FTTF. It was very nice to walk right on at approximately 11:30, bypassing LOTS of people waiting. If you can get an 11:00 am slot, I'm not sure FTTF would be worth it. One nice thing about Canaveral is that the waiting area is indoors. I don't think you'll have to worry about standing outside in the hot sun, at least after you've checked in. I didn't see anyone waiting outside to check in, but maybe others have had that experience.

Considering one of those two ships to Cuba in October. Has anyone here been on both and could comment on how they stack up? I've been on Carnival (Sunshine) and Royal (Grandeur and Brilliance). Never been on NCL.

Would love your thoughts as to why you chose one vs. the other as well. Thanks!

Yes they do. We were there in March.

Thanks for the info all!

 

I've tried running on the track before and the wind, walkers and short track make it difficult. I've almost fallen down the stairs a couple times.

 

I have planned a cut back week, only planning on doing a 4 and a 7 miler on the ship. I do strength training twice a week (which I will skip) and will do my long runs before and after the trip. I can't imagine going further than 10 on a treadmill and I want to enjoy my vacation with my family :)

On a note unrelated to cruising but related to the topic, we had a nasty snow and ice storm when I was training for my first marathon. I had to do my 20 miler on the treadmill. It was too unsafe to run outside. At least on the cruise you'll have a lovely view of the ocean from the treadmill! Enjoy!

On Sunshine, we had FTTF. We were told we could do self-assist, we could have luggage tag number 2 because of the FTTF, or we could have our regular luggage tag which was maybe 23 or so. We chose to use luggage tag 2 as we weren't in a huge hurry.

All self-assist passengers got off first, then they called luggage tag 1... then 2... etc.

Our friends did not have FTTF but needed to self-assist and get off quickly. They just went down when everyone else did and got off with all the other self-assist passengers. It was a bit chaotic they said, but there was no differentiation between Platinum, FTTF, or anyone else who chose to self assist. They all went at the same time.

Perhaps it varies by ship.

I think you'll be fine. We sailed in March and I recall the same thing. I actually did a screen shot of my purchase and printed it, just in case. I didn't need it. I walked up to the bar (you can go to any bar) once on ship, they swiped my card and I saw that I had the package, put my sticker on the card and I was good to go!

Lido cabins are awesome! But 9154 MIGHT be under the gym. If you can get one closer to mid-ship I'd say grab it. I've been in 9126 and we didn't hear the gym at all. A friend in 9134 said they could hear the treadmills above them. Not horrendous, but they could hear it.

You can cross the library bar off your list. You cannot use your cheers package in there. But add to your list the bar in the Steakhouse! Well kept secret with the best wine on the ship.

Not to be a pest, but I'm still betting on Ezgi. She typically wears her hair in a bun. I remembered that she's actually from Turkey, and she's dating another crew member. A black fellow from Jamaica. Can't recall where on the ship he works. She's awesome. I got sunburned and she brought me some olive oil, which was very soothing. Never knew to put it on sunburn before!

Deck 9 for sure... as long as you're not underneath the gym. You will hear the gym periodically if you're too far forward. So double check the floor plan and try to get closer to mid-ship.

We were on the Sunshine in March and got to know Ezgi, a female bartender who was then working at the Steakhouse bar. She mentioned that she would be moving to Alchemy soon... perhaps that's the name you're looking for? She's from Ukraine, maybe? Super friendly. Long dark hair.

Not exactly the best ship to try out Carnival the first time. A crowded 20 year old ship.

I've been on RCCL Grandeur of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas. My third cruise, we tried Sunshine this year for spring break. Had a wonderful time!

That said, I chose the ship for the itinerary, price, kids activities and the many food options. Was not disappointed. Had it been just hubby and me, this ship wouldn't have been our first choice.

we had the anytime dining for our 4/8 cruise and were in the lower level of the aft dining room (deck 3). deck 4 aft was for assigned seating

We were deck 4 Aft for the 6:00 seating.