BSQ

You're welcome KD! Have a wonderful vacation!!

Influenced by Martinis, read with caution

Hello, BSQ, enjoying your comment. Cruising on 6/14 with Sunshine, Western Caribbean bound, my first time to cruise with them, always went with Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. I'm reading your comments about this boat, so 'thought I'd ask if you think we'd be okay on Stateroom 8130, Category 4F(Interior). My friend and I are both women in our mid 70s. It's not her 1st time with Carnival, but said she hadn't been in Destiny/Sunshine so can't tell me what to expect. Can you please give me some info on elevators one deck below Lido, or any info you can give that will help me have a good time enjoying the amenities in this ship? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks very much...

Glad you enjoyed it! I'm not sure I'm the best source for enjoying the ship since I much prefer being in the ports to being on a ship and this vacation really was a do nothing but relax and recharge trip. I'll give it a go though.

On your room - I have no idea. I didn't check out other rooms. I imagine it's the standard inside room, I actually wanted an inside, I love them because I love completely dark rooms for sleeping. I did miss having a pitch dark room. My suggestion would be to google "carnival sunshine cabin 8130" and look for pictures.

About the elevators: you will not have the same issue I had. It is only deck 11, 12 & 14 that had the limited elevators. All lifts stop at deck 8.

Enjoying the ships amenities: this totally depends on what you like. Take a look at the ship's deck plans - I find they are easier to browse on travelocity. Once on board get a pocket copy of the plan (guest services). Each night spend a little time with the FunTimes and highlight things you think you might like to do.

Those few things usually serve me well. They would probably work better for me if I wore a watch.

Hope this helps you!

Influenced by Martinis, read with caution

I was in a Spa Balcony on Deck 11 and thought it was perfect. Just had to walk to the end of the hallway and I was out on the Serenity Deck.

If you don't like taking stairs, you probably don't want to go above deck 10. There were only 2 elevators that go up to 11 and above - while all of them go to 10. There's pictures of my cabin and my view at some of the ports in my review linked in my signature.

Thank you for this review. We will be going on this beautiful ship in July. This was very informative.

You're welcome, and glad you enjoyed it!

Hi BSQ,

 

I just read another review that says the balconies on deck 11 look straight down onto the deck 10 balconies that are not covered? We're in a deck 10 Spa balcony, and I'm concerned about no shade, so I called our PVP and he says they're "partially" covered.

 

Do you remember whether looking down you saw only a part of the deck 10 balconies or all of them? I asked him if we could change rooms (even to a non-Spa balcony) but other than a suite, there are no balconies left, and I'm not going to pay $700 more. We'll just deal with the lack of shade, if necessary.

 

Thanks - and I'll be sure to say "hi" to Miro from you :D

 

Karen

Hey KD - Looking down I could only see part of the balcony - Definitely could not see the whole thing. I was out on my balcony a lot and was usually fully shaded, or mostly shaded.

:D Awww, Miro will enjoy that I think, so thanks!!

I've been on both, though I was on the Freedom pre 2.0 but have sailed it's twin the Liberty post 2.0.

I loved the Sunshine, but at times it can feel crowded. Choosing between the two, unless there is something you absolutely want to try out not he sunshine that isn't not he Freedom, I'd go with the Freedom.

Was the slow service in a particular area in the MDR such around the sides, or rear? It seems from observation, it maybe its just me that on most ships, the front and middle of the house always get served first, and the sides and rear last. I also don't like long drawn out meals. I prefer to get the next menu category as soon as possible from when Im finished the last, but I know this takes some time with the waiters serving other tables, and must take notice of when you're finished, while also trying to serve the entire table their category at the same time (there's always slow or fast eaters).

I had your time dining and sat in two completely different areas of the dining room. First was towards the back starboard corner by a window, service was painfully slow at 8:30pm, but at least the team was nice about things and thorough. Next was port side middle and that was both slow and I swear I was seated at a table that had an invisibility shield around it. After I was served some water I couldn't get anyone's attention to at least bring me a napkin. Not that I didn't try, there simply was no one in sight. definitely the oddest experience I've had in the MDR. After that I switched to the Market Place selections.

I've been in a 4J twice on the Liberty (1003 & 1004). I really liked the location and the size of the room. Though other than one chair, there was no seating area. It was nice having the ocean view and the secret deck which was little used, in front of us.

We never were told to keep our curtains drawn at night, but honestly, you want to simply because if a cabin light is on, everyone can see inside at night.

I hope all ships. I did it on Legend in April and hoping it is offered on fascination in August

 

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Not to fear, definitely on the Fascination. Best bartender (IMHO) are always found at the Aft Bar - Puttin On the Ritz.

Xaccac🐯

Influenced by Martinis, read with caution

Dry Martini ... Very near perfection

A Martini or a Kamikaze

Main pool wasn't open on embarkation a Day when I sailed on her a couple weeks ago. Hope it was a fluke. I honestly don't remember if the Serenity pool was open.

Hours are 7am to 2:30pm

I was you three weeks ago :) I kind of just winged it.

In Key West I used a trolley tour map to find places that interested me, and all bought a trolley ticket to get around time more quickly.

Nassau I bought a day pass for the British Colonial Hilton to enjoy the beach. There's a public beach not too far beyond it as well. I've yet to go over to Atlantis.

Freeport, this last trip I used as a "beach day" on the ship ... minus the sand. But last trip I took a shuttle over to the Marketplace and there's a beach across the street.

My review of my latest trip there is linked in my signature.

I've booked under resident rates living in NC, GA and CA.

Do they have the martini tasting every day? I'm assuming they are 4 oz. each, correct? It looked like it said 40 oz. WOW that would be something! LOL Also, they placemat said $17 - did the price go up to $20?

No, not everyday. Usually the first night and at least one other night. Yes to 4 oz each. They are minis. Once you add the gratuity to the $17, it's $19 n change.

Avoid the Radical Cure. You can thank me for this little tip later. :D

Agree! Other than when the Liberty first received 2.0, Sunshine was the first ship I found myself wanting to sail on again.

I also thank you for posting the review. We are loyal NCL cruisers but our friends talked us into the Sunshine. We are a little apprehensive (well, my DH especially) but I can't imagine how we won't have a great time other than missing some of the perks we have acquired with our platinum status on NCL. I am looking forward to trying something new. Love reading the positive reviews. You didn't by any chance go to the spa did you? We have booked a spa interior on deck 11. Looking forward the Serenity area.

If the OP didn't there's a few Spa pics in my review linked in my signature.

Hmmm, they must be in transition?. 4/27 sailing, I received the beach bag.

Two weeks ago, Spa balcony deck 11 forward, no odors. For that matter nothing on the ship ... Except the occasional guest wearing WAY too much perfume.

This was the third ship I've been on where I'd read complaints of sewage smells and did not experience it at all. I would not stress out about it.

Loved the ship and would sail on her again in a heartbeat.

On the Carnival website it states that it comes with cocktails to start... Is that the champagne you were referring to, or are there actual cocktails to sample?

It's champagne, though I participated in one chef's table where they were running late and picked up the fab at the lobby bar fir those who were waiting.

Sq

Influenced by Martinis, read with caution

I booked my Sunshine Cruise a week before we sailed on a pack n go. I booked as an inside guarantee on line and was placed in a Spa Balcony.

Another PnG experience I called carnival to see if they had space days before a sailing. The agent put me as a 1A gty, and I received a 4A (or something like that)

I've been pleased with the outcome of my last minute get always.

Influenced by Martinis, read with caution

I don't like Gin so. martini was never my first choice of drinks. I made some friends on my first cruise that got me hooked. It's as if the Alchemy bar was made for us (LOL) :o

As soon as I have my travel plans finalized I'll let Ann know when I'll be in your area (Mid July)

Well hey KD! Small world! And yes, I do remember you. :)

I agree with the regular doors, they are heavy and you have to move the chairs around to navigate to the door. Ugh! Deck 10 should be nice for you - if for nothing else, all the elevators go to that deck.

If you like a nice Martini, stop by and say hi to my "therapist" (LOL) Miro. (I think he's on the ship for a couple more months) - Lorraine says hello.

Actually all the Mixologists are really good. I've enjoyed all the cocktails they have made me (which totally makes me sound like a lush, but oh well!)

Hope you have a great time on your cruise!!