Valor vs Sunshine

[dfencecoach]

We are planing a summer cruise and these ships are a possibility. Give me your pros, cons and any other advice you might have.

[cruiser fanatic]

We are planing a summer cruise and these ships are a possibility. Give me your pros, cons and any other advice you might have.

 

I will be doing a B2B on the Valor in April and I have done the Sunshine. I can tell you that I loved the Sunshine. I loved the serenity deck, the shows, the food, the updated cabins, and 2.0 upgrades. There was a few cons on the Sunshine such as, the show lounge and comedy club were too small. There was not enough seating areas, not enough hot tubs or pools. I would have chosen the Sunshine for my April cruise but the Valor was $600 cheaper! If price isn't a big factor I would go with Sunshine.

[Miss Picante]

We took the Sunshine for the long transatlantic cruise when it returned from Barcelona to New Orleans. We were on the Valor just last week.

 

We are Platinum cruisers and we have been on at least nine Carnival ships over the years.

 

The only ship I would never book on again is the Sunshine. It's theater is cramped and uncomfortable with moveable seating, no drink tables, and big light boxes on the floor. The gym is small, possibly to make room for additional pay extra dining places such as the sushi restaurant, which did not appear to be used by anyone but the ship's officers. There is no comfortable seating along the promenade deck-that's all been taken out. The entire time we were on board, there was a sewage small near the stairwells on one side of the ship-hope they finally got that straightened out.

 

The Valor was freshly painted with a large, comfortable old-style theater where it was easy to find a good seat. It had a spacious two level serenity Deck and a large gym and saunas. The dance shows were unusually good and the steak house was excellent. We would definitely cruise on the Valor again.

[dfencecoach]

A little eye opening. I was leaning towards the Sunshine but this will make me reevaluate. Any other opinions would be welcomed.

[Cool_Tropical_Breeze]

A little eye opening. I was leaning towards the Sunshine but this will make me reevaluate. Any other opinions would be welcomed.

 

Agree with the above poster as we got off the Sunshine a month ago. The theater is WAY TOO SMALL to accommodate everyone. It is 1/2 the size of the valor's theater approx.

 

Serenity areas on the Sunshine are nice if you can stand the 10000 watt dance club type music being pumped out by the DJs. Also get there early especially on the SPa deck area around the tiny pool those seats will be taken very early.

 

Sunshine crew was excellent but I did not care for the ship, too crowded and not easy to navigate and I am a diamond CCL sailer!!

[dfencecoach]

Did the upgrades on the sunshine offset the other issues?

[Cruisegirl6]

I also prefer the Valor because deck 5 which is your main public/entertainment area covers the entire deck where on the Sunshine you will find staterooms in the aft part so your not getting that entire main deck space feel.

[TheNauticalTraveler]

I completed a B2B on the Sunshine back in October of 2014. I have been on a variety of Carnival ships, and I actually liked the Sunshine.

 

In my opinion, the Sunshine is a cheaper Breeze experience. Sure, there are some shortcomings, but you have to remember it is a smaller boat. I preferred the new decor compared to some of the other ships I have been on such as the Freedom or Liberty.

 

The theater / nightclub setup is a bit strange, but the theater is pretty unique (colors, size, arrangement), and we found several great seats that we always went too.

[Cruisegirl6]

Sunshine:

101,853 GT

893 ft. long

116 ft. wide

3006 passengers

1150 crew

 

Valor:

110,000 GT

952 ft. long

116 ft. wide

2974 passengers

1180 crew

[Cool_Tropical_Breeze]

Did the upgrades on the sunshine offset the other issues?

 

 

The 2 pubs were nice but they took up a lot of space on the lido deck. The waterworks and ropes course looked nice but were not open often I guess the winds had something to do with that.

 

Guys burgers were handy and never crowded either.

 

The one thing that I did like were the stations on the lido food area they were set up like RCCL ships which prevented long lines for the most part.

 

I still would not sail on the Sunshine again.

 

Just my 2 cents

[skyeman27]

Read the ship reviews here on Cruise Critic and make a comparison, you will see that the Sunshine is the lowest rated ship in the Carnival fleet and that the Valor is one of the highest rated. If the Sunshine has amenities that you like over the Valor then choose the Sunshine. I understand that reviews are subjective but I read the negative complaints about the Sunshine over and over again. Also noticed that many Carnival Platinum cruisers say they would not book the Sunshine again.

[Cruisegirl6]

Thats exactly what I been reading too!

[valleygirl.44]

Valor is going in for her 2.0 update drydock in 2015. She should be nicely refreshed.

Didn't check the drydock dates but it is something else to consider.

 

 

We are planing a summer cruise and these ships are a possibility. Give me your pros, cons and any other advice you might have.

[Cruisegirl6]

I was told it be 2016 do you have exact dates or know which month she be in dry dock for?

[cruiser fanatic]

Valor is going in for her 2.0 update drydock in 2015. She should be nicely refreshed.

Didn't check the drydock dates but it is something else to consider.

 

This has not been confirmed by Carnival. Per John Heald it will be next year.

[Cloud666]

We have been on the Sunshine twice. Not crazy about the theater ( unusual seating..we miss the traditional seats with tables) or comedy club ( too small). However, we really enjoyed the serenity decks ( three levels) and the adult pool. Also, it has a nice choice of restaurants .... We are Sushi junkies...

 

We are sailing on the Valor again in May. We chose it for the ports.( Aruba, Curaçao and the Turks ).

 

Each ship has its pros and cons. Choose your cruise for ports and price. You will enjoy either ship.

[Cruisegirl6]

We are on the same cruise as you are! What are your plans to do on those islands?

[Cloud666]

We are on the same cruise as you are! What are your plans to do on those islands?

 

We have been to Aruba many times. Vacationed on the island durning the 80's and 90's. Cruised there twice before. Seen about everything there is to see. When we dock, just going to visit some stores and go to a supermarket a few blocks off the Main Street. Pick up some chocolates and soda. Then go back to the ship for a late lunch. After, take an evening walk to some spots we know in town or take a cab to the new entertainment/ shopping area by the high rise hotels. If you want any advise on beaches or sightseeing, feel free to ask.

 

On Curaco, going to walk from the ship to the town via the floating bridge. Not that interested in the tours.

 

In the Turks, we are gong to hang out the beach by the cruise terminal. Also hang for awhile at Jimmy Buffetts.

Just want to chill on this cruise..... Do the adventure stuff next time.

[Cruisegirl6]

Hello, we have a land vacation 8 day trip planned for this July in Aruba, so I don't think we be doing anything other than walking around the ship area but I did make reservations for one of the top rated restaurants for dinner as we are docked till 10pm, Yemanji's its very close to the cruise ship dock and I am unsure whether I make that restaurant when I go in July because its a distance from Palm Beach and the fact I have a list of restaurants I must try for dinner there. I am staying at the Marriott Resort & Stellaris hotel it worries me because its not the Hyatt Regency but my brother and sister in law and their two adult girls will be at the Marriott Ocean Club they rented a two bedroom villa, i am not one for villas or vacation club this is why we chose the Marriott because its right next door from one another.

 

I just booked up horseback riding for my daughter and her bf, they are going on the cruise also, I booked with Gold Mine Ranch they picking them up at the cruise terminal at 4pm the ride is at 5 for hour and half then they bringing them back to the ship, its only $75 each thought it was a great price.

 

Our questions about Aruba:

I noticed that many restaurants are "open air" is it true even in July there are trade winds which make the heat bare able?

 

What is a nice place to go at night listen to maybe a live band playing music and having cocktails?

 

What is there to do at night besides playing in the casino anything?

 

What is a must see in Aruba (sightseeing) and best way to do that?

 

I want to go on a tour in Curaco my other half and my father in law never been there but they don't want to, I looked up restaurants to have a nice lunch in seems like all the places are typical american food such as burgers, sandwiches and such, this does't interest me at all, I rather eat on the ship. I guess we also will be walking around the town close to the pier.

I rented "the Man" of kayaking Ryan de Jongh he used to live in Aruba and travelled to Curacao on his kayak, he is famous on the island for his environmental contributions he makes with the mangroves...all the money he makes giving kayak tours goes to his environmental project he is totally highly recommended on the island so they will do that.

 

Grand Turk is a huge delimma...my daughter wanted to rent wave runners they don't have them there, or canoe's, she isn't into snorkeling and I don't understand why, they enjoy hiking but I don't think there is hiking on that island its so small nothing there but they can walk a few miles along the beach I guess? As for us we are just staying on the ship but knowing me I get off to take photos and leave my other half and father in law behind lol...again, no decent restaurant to have lunch on this island...margarhitaville doesn't excite us the menu is the same old...been to a few before.

[camper49]

We just got off the Sunshine on Saturday. We booked our next cruise (25th) while on board. This was our first Sunshine cruise and the plan was to book again but decided to try the Valor instead. Just did not fall in love with the Sunshine. No particular reason. Well may-be little things like very crowded shows and comedy club. Mia was the very best room steward ever! We will miss Guys Burgers for sure!

[Cloud666]

Hello, we have a land vacation 8 day trip planned for this July in Aruba, so I don't think we be doing anything other than walking around the ship area but I did make reservations for one of the top rated restaurants for dinner as we are docked till 10pm, Yemanji's its very close to the cruise ship dock and I am unsure whether I make that restaurant when I go in July because its a distance from Palm Beach and the fact I have a list of restaurants I must try for dinner there. I am staying at the Marriott Resort & Stellaris hotel it worries me because its not the Hyatt Regency but my brother and sister in law and their two adult girls will be at the Marriott Ocean Club they rented a two bedroom villa, i am not one for villas or vacation club this is why we chose the Marriott because its right next door from one another.

 

I just booked up horseback riding for my daughter and her bf, they are going on the cruise also, I booked with Gold Mine Ranch they picking them up at the cruise terminal at 4pm the ride is at 5 for hour and half then they bringing them back to the ship, its only $75 each thought it was a great price.

 

Our questions about Aruba:

I noticed that many restaurants are "open air" is it true even in July there are trade winds which make the heat bare able?

 

What is a nice place to go at night listen to maybe a live band playing music and having cocktails?

 

What is there to do at night besides playing in the casino anything?

 

What is a must see in Aruba (sightseeing) and best way to do that?

 

I want to go on a tour in Curaco my other half and my father in law never been there but they don't want to, I looked up restaurants to have a nice lunch in seems like all the places are typical american food such as burgers, sandwiches and such, this does't interest me at all, I rather eat on the ship. I guess we also will be walking around the town close to the pier.

I rented "the Man" of kayaking Ryan de Jongh he used to live in Aruba and travelled to Curacao on his kayak, he is famous on the island for his environmental contributions he makes with the mangroves...all the money he makes giving kayak tours goes to his environmental project he is totally highly recommended on the island so they will do that.

 

Grand Turk is a huge delimma...my daughter wanted to rent wave runners they don't have them there, or canoe's, she isn't into snorkeling and I don't understand why, they enjoy hiking but I don't think there is hiking on that island its so small nothing there but they can walk a few miles along the beach I guess? As for us we are just staying on the ship but knowing me I get off to take photos and leave my other half and father in law behind lol...again, no decent restaurant to have lunch on this island...margarhitaville doesn't excite us the menu is the same old...been to a few before.

 

The Marriott is a fine hotel. We have stayed there at least 10 times since it opened in the mid 90's. In the late 2000's, it was completely remodeled. ( lobby, rooms, pool, etc) You are a short 3 min cab ride to the Hyatt and the new mall/entertainment/ restaurant area that opened across from it and the other high rise hotels. In all honesty, when we took the Sunshine to Aruba last April, it was our first time back since 2006. Much has changed and many of the night spots we knew were gone. I would suggest you join this bulletin board http://aruba-bb.com and ask the members. They are very helpful and current as to restaurants and live music. As far a tours, the Marriotts concierge Is very helpful as well as the bulletin board members. Generally a island tour by De Palm Tours will give you a good overview of the island.

Being a retired teacher, we did all our traveling in the summer. The trade winds blow all year, so eating outdoors at night should not be a problem. Sometime we did that and other times we wanted some A/C. The only times we experienced the trade winds not blowing, was when a hurricane or tropical storm was passing several hundred miles north of the island. Then, there was almost no wind and a lot of flies.

In Grand Turk, there is a nice free beach at the pier and a small shopping center. If Buffetts is not your thing, there might be a few smaller places that opened on the pier .... Not sure

 

In Curaco, follow the others and take a walk to the town . You will pass a lot of stalls and then cross the pontoon bridge. Interesting experience and some good photo opportunities.

Edited January 27, 2015 by Cloud666

[JMHAM1]

We are trying to decide between these two ships as well. The Sunshine followed us on our last cruise with NCL and the kids were really excited about the Sunshine's slides.

 

When we take all the kids, we don't really get to see any shows plus we have been cruising NCL and their theater seating is NOT good at all except for maybe their new super ships which we have not sailed yet.

 

I would like to try Guy's burgers for sure. Kids activities and the slides are a big thing for us.

[Cloud666]

We are trying to decide between these two ships as well. The Sunshine followed us on our last cruise with NCL and the kids were really excited about the Sunshine's slides.

 

When we take all the kids, we don't really get to see any shows plus we have been cruising NCL and their theater seating is NOT good at all except for maybe their new super ships which we have not sailed yet.

 

I would like to try Guy's burgers for sure. Kids activities and the slides are a big thing for us.

 

The kids will love the Sunshine and the water activities. If you can get away from them for a few hours, you will definitely enjoy the Serenity Deck and the no - kids pool and hot tub :)

Edited January 27, 2015 by Cloud666

[imluvncruzn]

I've been on the Valor 3x and just got off the Sunshine last week. IMHO, the Sunshine lived up to her bad reputation. More people + smaller lounges and less public space = very crowded. The roof was leaking on decks 7 and 8. Anytime dining was a complete nightmare. We waited 45 minutes night one for a table. The next day i received an apology note along with some fudge and goodies for making us wait. So we tried again the next night. Got in line at 6:00pm and got a pager. They told us it would be 20 minutes. It took 70 minutes to get a table! Again received apology note and goodies in room next day. The service in the dining room was the slowest we've ever experienced on any ship. To be fair, there were some positives too. The serenity deck was beautiful and best in the fleet in IMO, there were plenty of food options (Guys, Cucina, JiJi, Mongolian Wok for lunch, burrito bar, pizza, deli) and all were good. Our favorite was Cucina. The ropes course and slides were closed more than they were open. Anyway, I would take the Valor anyday over the Sunshine!

[primadonut]

Do the Valor. Sunshine feels like a glorified ferry. The outdoor stuff is fine if it's open (so, it's great when you are in port).I won't say the staff were globally terrible because there were a few really nice staff members that we felt sorry for having to work on the ship.