Picture Review of SUNSHINE and Western Caribbean Ports of Call

[LPGA Golfer Gal]

Thank you so much for a very good review. Great photos, nice balanced review. We are headed on her in June on the Southern route but we enjoyed the Sunshine! Appreciate your notes.

[oneboysmom]

Thanks for the Kids program line-up. Gave my son an idea of what he should expect on our cruise.

Again, wonderful job of the review and loving the pictures!!

[mpcaruth]

We are doing the same excursion in Belize next week. Did you have any concerns walking Caye Caulkier that the tour might leave without you? Or any concerns about making it back to the ship in time with the need to tender?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

I had no concerns, but I am a risk taker. I don't think the tour would leave you at Caye Caulker unless you were really late. It's probably only a 10 minute walk to the dock from the end of the island at the Split - so you are in control of when you get back to the dock (no traffic, per se).

 

I have read before where late tours have actually taken the tour passengers directly to the Ship and bypassed the main dock and tender ride. I cannot confirm this, but I would think that a Belize Tourism Board licensed tour guide would be able to communicate directly with the Carnival ship. Coral Breeze is licensed.

 

Maybe there is a reader out there who has had experience with a late tour in Belize?

[mpcaruth]

Thank you so much for a very good review. Great photos, nice balanced review. We are headed on her in June on the Southern route but we enjoyed the Sunshine! Appreciate your notes.

 

If your Southern route includes Aruba, Curacao, La Romana, or Grand Turk, you can read my Freedom review regarding our port days there. The Seavis tour in La Romana was awesome - highly recommend! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1781515

[mpcaruth]

SHIP PHOTOS:

 

I do not have a comprehensive collection of shots from the whole ship. I am not as on top of things as I have been in previous cruises, but I will share what I have.

 

The main pool is the only pool where kids are allowed. The other super small pool is located in the Serenity area. If you cruise to spend a significant time in the pool during the peak sun time hours, then this ship is not for you. It is beyond crowded! If you want to relax in the pool, you may find a little tranquility around 5:00. Later in the evening after dinner there are typically kids playing in the pool. When my kids were younger, we used to hit the pool and hot tub after dinning. The crowds are gone for the day.

 

 

Toddler/pre-k play area is a nice space for letting your littles ones run, climb, and play. This is a nice added feature that most carnival ships to not have.

 

 

 

 

 

Most morning I got up early to walk a few laps on the jogging track. OMG! I love walking on top of the ocean looking out at the endless sea. I crank up my music on my phone and literally raise my hands up in the air. Maroon 5 has been my traditional ship music since 2009. I may look crazy, but I really don't care. After a mile or more of walking, I get my coffee and park it in a lounge to watch the morning news on the big theater screen. I do all of this while the family is still sleeping. (This reminds me of when we took our Dream cruise, and the morning news was dominated by images of the Costa Concordia sinking - NOT what I wanted to sea while in the middle of the sea!)

 

Looking across the ship to the 3 Serenity decks from the jogging track:

 

 

[mpcaruth]

Limelight Lounge - The main theater is what I would call a hybrid room. It is set up as the main theater during the day, but at night, the chairs on the floor are removed and wall partitions/curtains block the stadium seats. And voila: it's the dancing night club. Very practical, to maximize the use of the space on the renovated ship. I have always thought Carnival has the best main theaters because the seating is comfortable and small tables and drink holders are provided for the floor seating area. The Limelight Lounge just felt cheap and uncomfortable. Not a big deal, but just noted.

 

Recording of the Morning Show with Jaime:

 

 

(see what I mean about cheap looking seating?)

 

 

Bar at the back of the Limelight Lounge:

 

Intriguing and inviting entrance:

 

[mpcaruth]

I thought the Lobby atrium was extremely cool looking. (Sorry, I could not come up with adjectives that suited better than "extremely cool").

 

 

 

 

 

The Library had a wine dispenser. While I was tempted use the machine, I didn't as I had brought my own wine on board. For those of you unfamiliar, each adult is allowed to bring one bottle of wine in their carry-on bags.

 

 

[mpcaruth]

The Red Frog Pub was a huge bar and "play" area. The four of us went one early evening to play some of the games in the back area of the bar. There was a wonderful solo singing act singing live near the bar. Since it was early, it relatively empty and it was not a bar scene - so it was extremely family friendly. We played numerous rounds of the table top shuffle board game. And also played dominoes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[HDC80]

We will be in Roatan in April. We would like to take school supplies to one of the schools. I have emailed the Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministry, but am not receiving a return email.

 

Do you know of any contacts for any of the schools? I would like to take the supplies to the schools who are in the most need.

[mpcaruth]

The Ocean Plaza, located on the Promenade deck, seemed to be the heart of the social nightlife on the ship. There always seemed to be live music (or karaoke) playing before dinner and late in to the night.

 

 

 

Beside the Ocean Plaza is the famous Alchemy Bar, where you can order unique fresh cocktails. Menu: http://www.carnival.com/onboard/bars-lounges/~/media/CCLUS/Images/pdf/Alchemymenupdf.ashx

 

Please note, the photo below was taken during the morning hours, when the area is used for breakfast seating for the "Taste Bar".

 

 

The JavaBlue Cafe offers specialty coffee, lattes, and shakes. My daughter loved the lattes.

 

 

[mpcaruth]

We will be in Roatan in April. We would like to take school supplies to one of the schools. I have emailed the Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministry, but am not receiving a return email.

 

Do you know of any contacts for any of the schools? I would like to take the supplies to the schools who are in the most need.

 

I am surprised you are not receiving a return email. You may want to check you spam folder.

 

I found a bookmarked page from my research before we chose Sandy Bay.

Since CC will not allow links to web pages, google: roatan children's fund wish list

 

The Elfrida Brooks School is located very close to the cruise port

[HDC80]

I would like to find a school that is in need. I don't want to take supplies to a school that has an overabundance of supplies... but unfortunately, I am not getting anywhere in my research. I did find Sandy Bay's wish list was mostly shoes and clothing.

 

I am trying to figure out how to private message you, but for the life of me cannot figure out how.

[mpcaruth]

My kids each receive $30 to spend anyway they wanted on the ship. Anything above that, they were to use their own allowance money (which they didn't need to do). They each spent about $10 in the Warehouse Arcade; not as much as they have in years past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next to the arcade along the Atrium is the Cherry on Top candy store. My daughter likes to treat herself to a few goodies here. This is also the place where you order special occasion cakes. I ordered a birthday cake to be delivered to our table at dinner for my son's 14th birthday. The cake was good, and in my opinion, much better than the cakes on the menu.

 

 

 

I have no idea why this is sold in the candy store, but it was so funny that I had to take a photo.

 

[mpcaruth]

I would like to find a school that is in need. I don't want to take supplies to a school that has an overabundance of supplies... but unfortunately, I am not getting anywhere in my research. I did find Sandy Bay's wish list was mostly shoes and clothing.

 

I am trying to figure out how to private message you, but for the life of me cannot figure out how.

 

Did you google this (roatan children's fund wish list) and then go to the first website? There are 5 different Roatan schools on the page and a detailed, specific list of needed supplies for each school.

Edited February 28, 2015 by mpcaruth

[mpcaruth]

COSTA MAYA:

 

We had been to Costa Maya the previous year and went all out with a private fishing/snorkeling for my son’s birthday. This year, I decided to just wing-it. And this is a port made for winging-it.

 

You can stay at the port area where there is a party-like atmosphere and a large free pool. There is no beach here. The water adjacent to the area is very rocking and you are not aloud to swim or snorkel here.

 

 

 

 

This is part of the port area as seen from walking along the dock from the ship:

 

 

 

Since we had just completed three full activity intensive port days, I decided to let the family choose what the wanted to do. The ship was only in port from 7-2, and we did not make it off the ship until around 10:00 (again, I let them go at their speed and not mine for a change). After walking though the port area they decided they want to go back to Mahahaul and have a completely relaxing beach day. So we headed out the port area to the taxi stand. It is $3 per person to take the "taxi" to any of the 4 stops along the Mahahaul.

 

The taxi last year was a tour bus, while the taxi this year was an covered passenger cart:

 

 

 

To return to the port, you had to take a private taxi (very easy to find) at $2 per person.

[mpcaruth]

COSTA MAYA CONTINUED:

 

 

Blue Kay Resort:

So off we headed to the first taxi stop near the lighthouse and Senior Frogs. We were headed to the Blue Kay resort. Mitsugirly on the Norwegian Board gave a review on this place, and it was of on my radar.

 

We were one of the first guests here and were greeted warmly and offered lounge chairs. There is no charge to use the facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is free wifi at Blue Kay. Here is the picture I took on my phone and sent to my friends back home. Yes, I was truly relaxing on the beach under a palapa!

 

Edited February 28, 2015 by mpcaruth

[mpcaruth]

COSTA MAYA CONTINUED:

 

Blue Kay

 

The kids and hubby stayed in the water quite a bit, but I never ventured in. I didn't even snorkel or take many pictures. I just relaxed.

 

View of the Mahahaul walk looking and the beginning of the northern end:

 

 

Last year, we walked the entire walk from the Pez Quadros resort.

 

See how close we are to the ship?

 

 

 

 

Looking down the beach toward the south:

 

[mpcaruth]

COSTA MAYA CONTINUED:

 

Blue Kay

 

We shared a large piled. high plate of loaded nachos. They were soooo good, and not like the nachos you get back in the States. After eating I browsed the Blue Kay resort. It is very lovely with little trails, artwork, and neat little hotel cabins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mpcaruth]

COSTA MAYA CONTINUED:

 

Our final view of the Mahahaul:

 

 

And now time to head back to our resort of the the sea one last time. Costa Maya was our fourth and final port of call for the week.

 

 

Costa Maya is a laid back port. It's easy to just take a taxi to the Mahahaul, get off at any stop, walk around, and pick a beach spot that appeals to you. Enjoy the sun, the sea, and a nice fruity concoction!

Edited February 28, 2015 by mpcaruth

[mpcaruth]

Money saving tips:

 

 

Cruise Fare and OBC

Future Cruise: $100 OBC. We booked this cruise while on board our summer cruise on the Fascination.

 

Carnival MasterCard: $100 discount. I used this card to pay the $1000 deposit and had enough points to deduct $100 from the charge. So, I actually paid $900. I signed up for this card years ago to get the bonus points. I had very few points remaining on my card, but received an email last spring about a promo of 5% points (as opposed to the typical 1%) for travel charges. I jumped on it, as I was about to book hotel and train tickets to New York City.

 

Carnival MasterCard: $40 photo credit. Because I had redeemed my points from above, they gave me bonus points. I always buy a photo, so I chose to wipe out the rest of my points on a photo credit.

 

Carnival MasterCard: $200 OBC. My husband has his own card, and he uses this daily. He had enough points to get $200 OBC.

 

Verizon Smart Rewards: $95 discount. I used my reward points to purchase Carnival eGift cards at a 10% discount. I bought $950 of eGift cards to make final payment on the cruise at a cost of $855.

 

Early Saver Rate: $120 discount. We original booked on the ship at the Past Guest rate, and later switched to the Early Saver Rate for a $120 price savings. I highly recommend this, and so do other on CC. This way, if you change your mind about a cabin, sailing, or anything, there will be no ES penalty.

 

Early Saver price reduction: $76 OBC. I faithfully watched for price reductions for our ship and came across only one.

 

Switching to Travel Agent: $75 OBC. We had booked our cruise while on another cruise. We typically use an online TA. So, we decided to switch our booking to our TA and receive a $50 OBC through the TA. We also had a Loyalty gift card from the TA for another $25 OBC.

 

Summary: When we originally booked our cruise, the total was $2080 for all four of us. We ended only paying only $1765, and had a total of $491 OBC. The OBC paid for all the gratuities, photos, and some fun money too!

 

 

 

Casino Match Play: They do not advertise this well, but for every Classic Cocktail you buy, you can use your receipt to get a free $5 match play token in the casino. We bought a few of these drinks and I used my matches unsuccessfully this time at roulette. Classic Cocktail menu: http://www.zydecocruiser.net/Carnival-Bar-Menu/CarnivalCruiseBarMenu.htm

 

Pre-cruise hotel and parking: We stayed this year at the Radisson by the Port, which includes free parking while you cruise. Parking at the port runs $105 for a 7-night cruise. Our Hotel rate was $145 plus taxes. We also had to pay an extra $20 for shuttling our 3rd and 4th guests (only two free shuttles). We have actually done this cheaper in years past using Hotwire for the hotel ($60 with free breakfast) and paying around $70 offsite parking and shuttle.

 

Drinks: We brought onto the ship a 12-pack of soda and two bottles of wine. We used our Gold Past Guest drink coupons on the first sea at brunch to get two unopened 24 ounce cans of Fosters. We put them in our cabin fridge for later, more convenient than 10 AM consumption. We also attended the past guest party, which offers free drinks. Upon leaving they were handing out pre-maid drinks from the bar. So, I took 1 and my husband took 2 for later consumption at the Comedy Club. Again, the fridge came in very handy. And those drinks that we actually purchased, were done so with our free OBC.

 

Shore Excursions: We booked privately rather than through the cruise line. By doing so, we comparatively saved over the cruiseline price $130 in Belize and $120 in Cozumel, not including the savings of free lunch and drinks.

 

Time Year Sailing: We sail during January, and it it typically 40-50% cheaper than cruising during the summer or holidays.

 

Cabin type: We booked the 4J Interior with Obstructed View Picture Window. The rate for this cabin is that of an interior, but the cabins are much larger and really are an Ocean View cabin. (See my photos from earlier in the review). This is the biggest bang for your buck.

Edited February 28, 2015 by mpcaruth

[mpcaruth]

As I look at the title of my thread, a question comes up: Is it Ports of Call or Port of Calls?

[Toobar]

As I look at the title of my thread, a question comes up: Is it Ports of Call or Port of Calls?

 

I would say you are right with your original title. You went to multiple Ports (plural) and called on each one of them....but I'm not an English teacher.

[keelyhealthnut]

What a fantastic review. I hope that you know how much it is appreciated!! I very much enjoyed it, am now even MORE excited about our cruise on the Sunshine, and feel like I also got some valuable information. Thanks!

[jolyroger]

Absolutly awesome review!! Makes me even more excited for our Sunshine Cruise in 49 days!!!!

[mpcaruth]

Absolutly awesome review!! Makes me even more excited for our Sunshine Cruise in 49 days!!!!

Thanks! Have a wonderful cruise.

What a fantastic review. I hope that you know how much it is appreciated!! I very much enjoyed it, am now even MORE excited about our cruise on the Sunshine, and feel like I also got some valuable information. Thanks!

Thanks. Glad there was some useful info for you. I have a few more posts to go, but they will have to wait until tomorrow. I am taking my daughter and her friends to a theater show this evening.