New to Carnival....questions

[canyoncam]

So I am looking into Carnival. I will admit I have maybe looked down on this cruise line. Sorry for that in advance. That is because I have been sailing Disney and Royal. Disney is getting way overpriced and past cruiser benefits decreasing (though this seems to be true across lines). I have also cruised Celebrity. But the biggest reason I am looking to sail Carnival is the itinerary. However I love to explore when on a new ship so would love a nice ship experience.

 

Onto my questions regarding Carnival.

 

I am looking at sailing the Sunshine in April 2017.

 

Question #1 Does this ship have a decent outside promenade? This is where I like to spend sea days.

 

Question #2 I am scared to book early saver booking this far in advance because of the non refundable deposit. Should I do a regular refundable fare and as time draws closer switch to EB? Any disadvantage to this other than the category I am looking into selling out?

 

Question #3 I know this is truly subjective but will I be disappointed after Disney and Royal? I know not to expect the same. I knew that going from Disney to Royal and was not disappointed, but really enjoyed Royal in its own way. In some respects more, other ways less.

 

That is really all I can think of right now but would appreciate any answers/thoughts.

 

TIA

 

ETA So that you know what I really look for in a cruise is to relax, enjoy good convenient food, comfortable stateroom. I do not need entertainment, casino, or bars to occupy me.

Edited December 4, 2015 by canyoncam

[realtrip]

Question #2 I am scared to book early saver booking this far in advance because of the non refundable deposit. Should I do a regular refundable fare and as time draws closer switch to EB? Any disadvantage to this other than the category I am looking into selling out? I usually book Early saver. I've gotten lucky sometimes and the price has gone down, sometimes it hasn't. My June 2016 cruise went down 30$, yeah me! ES is offered until up to 5 months out on a 7 day cruise. I had to cancel a cruise once on ES, they kept a 50$ per person fee and transferred the rest of my deposit onto another cruise I booked a few months later. I thought that was fair.

 

Question #3 I know this is truly subjective but will I be disappointed after Disney and Royal? I know not to expect the same. I knew that going from Disney to Royal and was not disappointed, but really enjoyed Royal in its own way. In some respects more, other ways less.

I worried about the same thing. I sailed Carnival many times; I even got to Platinum then decided to try NCL. It turns out the cruises were more similar than different and we quite enjoyed trying something new.

Disney, wow, that has got to be amazing. I just love the parks, but I can't justify the $$$$. I can take two cruises for the price of one. A friend of mine swears by RCCL, I am sure they are nice too. But again, Carnival wins for $.

The food and size of cabins are winners for Carnival.

Edited December 4, 2015 by realtrip

[rae.holmes]

On our New Years cruise we did early saver, and got a $500 difference from price drops!

[cb at sea]

Aside from the Disney themes....RCI and even Disney are more alike than different from Carnival...really!

[Jenhem31]

We cruise Carnival and Royal. Carnival more for the itineraries, and Royal more for the ships. Carnival has awesome itineraries and they're not always the same itinerary for the same ship. We love that. And the prices are great as well.

[Ms Jo UK]

I havn't cruised disney but do cruise on both carnival and Royal. I would say with regards Carnival it depends on the ship liked destiny but loved the breeze sorry havn't sailed sunshine so cant comment. Food is very subjective and although my favourite line is royal (mainly because of the entertainment) I do think the menus on Carnival are better than royal, I am not talking about the quality of food not competent enough to judge, but the menu choices suit my palate more.

[Princess Bette]

We have started sailing Carnival from Disney due to pricing as well. We have done 2 7 day cruises and enjoyed them both. We went with the mindset that it wasn't going to be what we were accustomed so we wouldn't be too disappointed . All in all, for the money we paid, they were good values. We missed the "Disney touches" that only Disney can do, the convenience of 24 hour self serve soda machines, and a few other things. However, we liked the pizza much better on Carnival and they have more activities for adults later at night. Our staterooms had plenty of room but weren't cool enough - bring a fan.

As much as I love DCL, I'm afraid they have lost us as clients until they drop their rates. And I don't see that ever happening. Sail with Carnival with an open mind and you won't be disappointed. You may even be surprised and enjoy it like we did! I'm going on another next month!

[okgirl]

The Sunshine does not have an exterior promenade like the Dream Class ships do, but it does have an awesome adults Serenity area.

 

I only sail with Carnival and have 36 cruises so far. I was on the Sunshine 2 years ago and unfortunately it's my least favorite ship. They screwed up the main theater by adding cabins on deck 3 forward, which in turn screwed up the vibe at the lobby bar.......it's a hardly used now.

 

With the exception of suites and the new cabins on deck 3 the other cabins don't have a mini fridge or hairdryers.

 

If you can find that same itinerary on another ship I would book the other ship.

[Drazil65]

We have done RCCL and Carnival but not Disney (I will not spend the money), we love both lines for different reasons. We love the layout of the bigger ships at RCCL and the food as well BUT we do like a lot of the Carnival food and the balcony cabins (and probably the OS after we get back from our cruise in January :eek:). One other thing, we personally would not choose the Sunshine as a first cruise with Carnival since it is one of the oldest, smallest ships that has been renovated, maybe pick something newer and a little bigger for a better comparison to RCCL.

 

All said and done it pretty much evens out everywhere between the lines except for price. Carnival much better deal for us (3 of us) and therefore allows us to cruise a couple times of year at least. We will probably almost always choose the option that allows us to cruise 2 or 3 times a year (note: we can drive to most east coast port so makes it easy).

 

It is all in what is important to you and how you want to spend your money, good luck!

Edited December 4, 2015 by Drazil65

[pcvtmom]

I've actually sailed the Sunshine...and LOVED it! So much so that I'm booked again for a Sunshine cruise in March. I'm sure Carnival cannot compare with Disney, but the price difference is not worth it for me. As mentioned above, the Serenity area on the Sunshine is amazing! Go with an open mind, looking for pluses instead of minuses, and you'll be fine.

[MarcelLucSell]

We've only cruised 3 times. Destiny in 97, and then read about her refurb to become SunShine, we went in 14. We had a blast and went again this year.

 

We don't have another Carnival ship experience to compare her too, but we'd book again.

 

We will do Vista at some point for cruise 4.

Edited December 4, 2015 by MarcelLucSell

[Tapi]

About Early Saver: With the cruise being so far out, I would shy away from it. Keep in mind that you don't need this fare to get fare protection until the final payment date (it's after final payment when ES becomes useful). If prices drop between now and then, you can get an adjustment. More importantly, if you change your mind, not only about this specific ship and sailing, but also about stateroom category or names on the reservation, you're not stuck with a non refundable deposit and a $50 penalty per person. A LOT can happen between now and April 2017, specially when you're still not sure about the Sunshine, and when not all itineraries for all cruise lines for that time frame are out yet.

 

About sailing on Carnival: Best piece of advice is to go with REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. Don't expect Disney. Don't expect Royal. Expect Carnival. Know that there will be differences. Avoid spending the entire cruise making comparisons. Focus on the main reasons why you booked the cruise. And plan on having a fun time.

[canyoncam]

Thanks all!!!

 

I will continue to think it over as I do have lots of time. I plan on this being a solo trip to check it out before my family. They are true Disney/RCCL snobs who really disliked Princess (I did not get to go that cruise). I will go in with an open mind. The Conquest also sails the reverse itinerary the same week out of Ft. Lauderdale (which actually is easier than Port Canaveral) so may look into that. The Serenity area and blue theme of the staterooms lean me toward Sunshine, and I do like smaller ships. But the lack of a nice open promenade deck leans me to the Conquest.

[gh1088]

The Sunshine does not have an exterior promenade like the Dream Class ships do, but it does have an awesome adults Serenity area.

 

I only sail with Carnival and have 36 cruises so far. I was on the Sunshine 2 years ago and unfortunately it's my least favorite ship. They screwed up the main theater by adding cabins on deck 3 forward, which in turn screwed up the vibe at the lobby bar.......it's a hardly used now.

 

With the exception of suites and the new cabins on deck 3 the other cabins don't have a mini fridge or hairdryers.

 

If you can find that same itinerary on another ship I would book the other ship.

 

 

We had a hair dryer on the Sunshine (deck 2). But you are correct, no fridge.

[MarcelLucSell]

What made our most recent cruise one of the best was the very active FB roll call pages for our cruise. By the time we stepped on the ship, we felt we already "knew" 100+ fellow passengers. They had raved about Jaime D as CD, so we felt we were in good hands. They were right.

[cruisinsly]

Take what everyone is telling you, including mine, and form your own opinion. I always book early saver about a year in advance. Through that year, I might get a price drop or two. Usually after final is due, I hit the big drops. We sail with two rooms. One for me and hubby another room for my mom and son. The last Carnival Cruise I was on, I hit so many drops after final that I had a tad bit over $800 in on-board-credit between the two rooms. I am not sure if they can or will switch it to early saver after it has been booked.

[sfaaa]

How can you be disappointed when you save yourself a bunch of money going with Carnival.

[Mary Ellen1]

The Sunshine does not have an exterior promenade like the Dream Class ships do, but it does have an awesome adults Serenity area.

 

 

For the record, the Sunshine does indeed have an outdoor promenade. It's on the Lobby Deck, Deck 3. It's different from the promenade on the Dream Class ships in that it's completely shaded, with lots of lounge chairs, and quieter because it lacks the public venues that are on the Dream Class promenades.

 

For the record, I haven't been on the Sunshine since they revamped & refurbed & renamed it. I was on it when it was the Carnival Destiny. And I loved the exterior Lobby deck! Favorite place to hang out. :)

[KatieCharlotte]

For the record, the Sunshine does indeed have an outdoor promenade. It's on the Lobby Deck, Deck 3. It's different from the promenade on the Dream Class ships in that it's completely shaded, with lots of lounge chairs, and quieter because it lacks the public venues that are on the Dream Class promenades.

 

For the record, I haven't been on the Sunshine since they revamped & refurbed & renamed it. I was on it when it was the Carnival Destiny. And I loved the exterior Lobby deck! Favorite place to hang out. :)

 

It sounds like the perfect place when an escape from noise and bright sun is needed. I assume that it's on both sides off of the lobby/atrium area but does not go all around the ship?

[MarcelLucSell]

Nope, you can't make a full loop like on some ships, but it is quiet.

 

When I want to smoke a clove cig with a drink or two at night I'll head out there.

 

Very peaceful.

[Havingfun2010]

So I am looking into Carnival. I will admit I have maybe looked down on this cruise line. Sorry for that in advance. That is because I have been sailing Disney and Royal. Disney is getting way overpriced and past cruiser benefits decreasing (though this seems to be true across lines). I have also cruised Celebrity. But the biggest reason I am looking to sail Carnival is the itinerary. However I love to explore when on a new ship so would love a nice ship experience.

 

Onto my questions regarding Carnival.

 

I am looking at sailing the Sunshine in April 2017.

 

Question #1 Does this ship have a decent outside promenade? This is where I like to spend sea days.

 

Question #2 I am scared to book early saver booking this far in advance because of the non refundable deposit. Should I do a regular refundable fare and as time draws closer switch to EB? Any disadvantage to this other than the category I am looking into selling out?

 

Question #3 I know this is truly subjective but will I be disappointed after Disney and Royal? I know not to expect the same. I knew that going from Disney to Royal and was not disappointed, but really enjoyed Royal in its own way. In some respects more, other ways less.

 

Although there are many items that are the same, such as a bed and food, I found the way Carnival has downgraded their food, service, and entertainment that has greatly diminished the value of Carnival. Looking at dollar for dollar, (except Disney), you will find that you get what you pay for, and that's a ship that moves, and lacks excitement. Others will diaagree, but in order to find out for yourself, try it. But remember, you were warned.

 

That is really all I can think of right now but would appreciate any answers/thoughts.

 

TIA

 

ETA So that you know what I really look for in a cruise is to relax, enjoy good convenient food, comfortable stateroom. I do not need entertainment, casino, or bars to occupy me.

 

...

[Mary Ellen1]

It sounds like the perfect place when an escape from noise and bright sun is needed. I assume that it's on both sides off of the lobby/atrium area but does not go all around the ship?

 

No, it doesn't go all the way around. All of the Conquest-class ships have it. It's lovely!

[aztekpm]

Let me just say I've never sailed Royal or Disney, just Carnival & NCL. Like others have said, I prefer to vacation a few times a year and their prices allow me too, tho 90% it's Carnival for itinerary and price. I find the experience very similar, the only differences being NCL does shows better and Carnival food ... but was never bored on Carnival and didn't starve on NCL!

 

I only found cruise critic last January, but, have to say I would have been afraid to sail Carnival by some of the dire warnings and biases against it. I'm so glad I sailed before I started reading! I have never had a bad cruise on Carnival nor NCL and have sailed 4 - 7 day cruises.

 

I haven't sailed the Sunshine, but hope to one day. I do read reviews tho and recommend this one by Seany527 that's pretty recent, very comprehensive and contains excellent pictures.

Edited December 5, 2015 by aztekpm

[bumama]

I've taken 10 cruises, 4 or Carnival, two each on RCCL and Princess and honestly don't see a major difference between the lines - although there appear to be many cruise snobs that look down on Carnival. I think that's due to the 3 and 4 day party cruises on the older ships where drinking seems to be the main form of entertainment. But I've never been on one of those - just heard from others that they would never cruise Carnival again. When I've talked some friends into trying out a 7 day Carnival cruise they admit it was much better and would do it again.

 

The formal entertainment may be a bit better on RCCL and Princess, but other than that I've enjoyed all my Carnival cruises. And the prices are far better than the other lines. Since I'm a bit claustrophobic I've found that I can get a balcony or suite cabin on Carnival at the same price as an inside or ocean view suite on the other lines.

[Club Disney Chandler]

Thanks all!!!

 

I will continue to think it over as I do have lots of time. I plan on this being a solo trip to check it out before my family. They are true Disney/RCCL snobs who really disliked Princess (I did not get to go that cruise). I will go in with an open mind. The Conquest also sails the reverse itinerary the same week out of Ft. Lauderdale (which actually is easier than Port Canaveral) so may look into that. The Serenity area and blue theme of the staterooms lean me toward Sunshine, and I do like smaller ships. But the lack of a nice open promenade deck leans me to the Conquest.

 

 

Have you considered the new Vista? We are DCL people too, just finished our 4th. I was really able to sell them on trying something other than Disney because of the awesomeness of the Vista. She starts in Europe but will be going to FL in the fall of 2016. Just my $.02.

 

I will be posting my experience between CCL and DCL when we return in June 2016. I'm actually a little bummed our cruise is so port intensive that we won't be able to experience everything the Vista has to offer.