Just off sunshine. Bonaire. Aruba christmas cruise

[AmberTeka]

Many reviews have been written about the Sunshine. I wrote a long one when we sailed on the Sunshine over the Fourth of July this past summer. So this time, I will only cover the few things that are different.

I won't book the Sunshine again. I have an issue with mobility. I am not in a W.C., or use a cane, etc. But I don't do stairs very well. To Young people and healthy adults, this is a non issue. But it is huge to me.

Three times it was an issue.

The Sunshine theater is small. But it has ample seats in the balcony. Seats on the floor, which involve no stair climbing, are quickly taken and "Saving" Seats is rampant and apparently condoned by The Sunshine Staff. I never heard anyone say that Seats in the theater should not be Saved. and I am not talking about a rest room break, or a few minutes. I mean.......going to a row of seats. Three empty on the first row. Two empty on the second row. Four empty on the third row. ( the seats had been arranged on either side for the performance.) So I go in to take a seat. A young woman tells me they are saved. I say you are not supposed to save seats. she hops up and tells me that she is not even saving the seats, and I can have them if I want. Her husband, the people behind her...all glaring at me. I say no. After I leave, they high five. DURING THE PERFORMANCE FOUR OF THOSE SEATS WERE NEVER USED. NO ONE SAT IN THEM.

 

Second Time. the Platinum and Gold Party. We were packing. Got there about fifteen minutes late. Same thing. Went up and started to sit. Young woman told the seats were saved. Jamie, the C.D, was being hyper on the stage. NO one was showing anyone to seats. Many there were old and frail. I asked one of the waiters if we could sit on one of the seats at the bar. NO. OK. We stood for a while. then decided we would go up stairs and see if we could find a place in the Handicapped area there. DOORS locked. A wait staff member comes out and NO No. We can't enter. Go downstairs. We have our VIPF pins on ( they come on the cruise) and while we were riding the elevator, one passenger suggested we go knock on the captain's window and suggest that he get his super cute CD to get the party organized and help folks get seated. And NO. No one was mad. it was funny by then. And we were on a cruise. Missing that party was not going to make that much difference.

 

Third time. last Show. Epic Rock. Same thing. Seats all saved. Not all. but empty seats that had books on them, young girls holding them ( how could you be rude to them? Their parents made them do it.) so we Rode the Elevator. The Handicapped area on fifth deck. . FULL OF KIDS. The handicapped in scooters had their families up there filling all of the accessible sofas. We went out and a young woman we had played Trivia went came running off the elevator. she had seen one young woman be exceptionally rude to us and watched us leave. There were two seats in a corner that they saw because they were in the balcony and could see it. So we went back and did see the show. I was touched by her kindness. She said I reminded her of her Mother and I guess felt sorry for us. It was a very thoughtful, sweet thing to do. Seems as many young people have hearts of Gold and others don't. ( and I think their parents are responsible many times.)

I don't think I have ever written a negative review of Carnival. So I am not writing one. Other than..........For Real. I am not sailing Sunshine again. I am not lying. I am not a whiner. it was not a one time thing that happens and then does not again.

NO is doing any organization in the Theater. NO is concerned with saving, and again, I am not talking about short periods of time. I am talking about seats sitting empty......because they were "saved"". No watching to see what is happening. No one helping people. Just taking us around and helping us see seats not visible would have helped. Or reserving the handicapped sofas on the fifth floor for the handicapped. NO ONE was checking. organizing. Watching. First Carnival Ship I have seen like that, and we have ailed a lot of them.

 

I think that if the C.D. spent Less time on very loud parties each night in the lobby ( AND I LIKE PARTIES FINE) AND more ORGANIZATION and SUPERVISION of the Activities staff ( Trent comes to mind) and Functions where SOMEONE should be watching the Seat Savers, Finding empty seats and helping frail people to them.......and MONITORING who is sitting the Handicapped area upstairs. Making parties run right. Like most people do. I assume people at those parties have sailed Carnival a Lot. Why insult them?

 

At one Trivia match.......Super Trivia. The Challenge was to get down on the floor and writhe like worms. The average age in there had to be over 60. I thought that was tasteless. made me know why they call Carnival the Walmart of Cruise lines. People paid a lot of money to go on that cruise.....to have a young Activity director tell them to get down on the floor and writhe like worms to get points in a trivia. AM I JUST NO FUN? Anyone else think that is juvenile and tasteless? Then Trent picked a team leader for one team who was a kid who was not over 14. ( and to give him credit, for a kid, he did a pretty good job.) But the winning team..........had 3 bottles of campaign. Supposedly to go to those who had been there all four days and participated. ( I don't drink. ) But I was there four days. So Trent, the guy hosting it, said Our team leader could not give the Champagne out and handed it to some man. He took the box. People rushed him. One person I

am pretty sure might have been there one day walked off with a bottle. Ha Ha. so cute. Again Small thing. But insulting. People had come for four days. That Activities person could not have handed out that champagne and said a little something nice? How hard is that? And then just threw out the medals and such. And No. We don't need another Stick on a ship. Or a medal. And we don't drink. It is just fun to us to play and we meet people we remember for the rest of our lives

 

And when you write it, it seems so trivial and whiney. I think what I am trying to say is that no one seemed to be in charge. Nothing was organized......not with shows. AND the SHOWS WERE GREAT. I saw them ALL. Dancers and Singers...GREAT)

So. Am I the grump who was on the Sunshine or all those valid points? What say you? Did I see insult and no management when it was not a problem. Again. I am a huge Carnival Cheerleader. I was surprised. Maybe............it happens a lot I just don't see it.

 

Our Cabin Steward was the best ever. We tipped him extra twice. I plan to write a lot about how excellent he was in the survey they send around. We loved that man

Ship was decorated pretty

Breakfast on Lido was always good.NO bacon police. I think my husband ate an entire pig. Lunch...did not eat it much after being pigs at breakfast. Ate in all of the Special Restaurants. All were excellent. We were in a 4F Cabin and loved it.

 

We did shore trips in Bonaire and Aruba. We had great tour guides on both and great groups to tour with............people playing trivia were funny and great sports......Staff at shore desk. Ship Desk. Friendly and efficient. MOVIES shown up on the Lido LOOKED Great. Never did get up there. Our TV was off the last two days of the cruise. That was a bummer

It rained until we got to Aruba. It had even rained there. So No sunning outside. Still...it did not seem all that crowded. Except when the sun came out. At the pool. We just passed through.

I bought some gifts in the shops. Liked them and the price.

 

anything else I can answer?

Edited December 27, 2015 by AmberTeka

[2Shoes2Go]

Hi, AmberTeka!

Thank you for taking time to post your experiences. We met in that same show lounge on the 4th of July cruise; you might remember us. It has a seriously flawed design. There certainly is enough staff on entertainment to handle assisting in seating. I would, as you, voice my disappointment. Seat saving has always been unacceptable on every ship we have sailed.

It sounds like your negative encounters were somewhat related to the holiday passengers. Unfortunately, traveling with children and groups brings out the worst in some. Expectations are high and tensions mount.

I am very disappointed in your VIFP party experience. We are booked for a trip on Sunshine in April; seeing some old friends and staff. Hopefully, the party, which we usually enjoy, won't be like what you have reported. We always receive at least two surveys after each cruise. The comments are shared and do go back to the ships.

Thank you again. Sorry you had these experiences. Hope your next cruise is wonderful! :) Jerry and Cindy

[AmberTeka]

Hi, AmberTeka!

Thank you for taking time to post your experiences. We met in that same show lounge on the 4th of July cruise; you might remember us. It has a seriously flawed design. There certainly is enough staff on entertainment to handle assisting in seating. I would, as you, voice my disappointment. Seat saving has always been unacceptable on every ship we have sailed.

It sounds like your negative encounters were somewhat related to the holiday passengers. Unfortunately, traveling with children and groups brings out the worst in some. Expectations are high and tensions mount.

I am very disappointed in your VIFP party experience. We are booked for a trip on Sunshine in April; seeing some old friends and staff. Hopefully, the party, which we usually enjoy, won't be like what you have reported. We always receive at least two surveys after each cruise. The comments are shared and do go back to the ships.

Thank you again. Sorry you had these experiences. Hope your next cruise is wonderful! :) Jerry and Cindy

 

I do remember you. and like almost of the guests and staff we meet on Carnival, We remember you always.

I don't think you or your husband have any mobility issues. But if you are traveling with family, or someone who does........MAKE sure they get to that Theater early. And it seemed to me the shows were different from last summer. For the first time, I liked the electronics behind the singers and dancers. Usually, I like the larger groups of singers and such. but this group.........really good. I hope they are on in April.

I also did not mention how impressed I was with the Taste Bar. We ate breakfast there one morning and it was very pleasant except.. DECK FIVE. was Freezing. I wore a sweater every day.

AND Any time Dining was Great. That was a surprise. We went early each night. Around Five forty five. We had short line. Immediately got our little slip. Went down to third deck by back elevators............and had tables for two every night we ate there. It was Flawless. Or at least to us, it was flawless.

 

I have to mention the party they did have for the children on board. I did not go, but one woman who did told me about it. They read Frosty the Snowman. Had Snow. The children sang. The Grinch came out and swiped something. Snow fell. It was apparently a big hit.

They did have a religious gathering on Christmas Day and it sounded like a lot of people went.......we could hear the carols.

I do feel whiney. So much was good about that cruise. But THREE times in a row. And already I remember the good times, not the bad ones. You were going on the Fascination for your Daughter's wedding and then to Hawaii, if I remember Correctly. I bet you had a ball.

We are sailing RCI, for the first time ever, in September. We will be, God Willing, on the FOS. We are so Carnival and Princess..........I keep wondering how we are going to like it. It goes to Haiti..Labadee. My husband wants to go back and we did get a great rate. September is the month for great rates, I think! So Sweet of you to reply.

[wendyp247]

We,recently cruised on the Sunshine and loved it and the cd .Since this was your 3 time on the Sunshine you should have known about the seating situation We got to the theater about 30 minutes prior to show time and had no problem getting a seat anywhere in the theater We also loved the evening parties in the atrium every night ,we looked forward to it everyday and thought Jamie did an outstanding job I don't think it's her responsibility

to monitor the seat savers either in the theater or by the pool

 

 

We had very low expectations of Carnival prior to then trip. Most of our 40+ cruises have been on RCCL and Disney We took the cruise because of the Itinerary. We were pleasantly surprised that Carnival exceeded our expectations and just booked a 15 day cruise to Hawaii on Carnival

[nol4am]

Loves the sunshine and knowing ahead of time by reading reviews like this I would have gone little earlier. But not all ships are for everyone. We all have our lil requirements that make us happy. Glad you got to cruise!

[cruizinisthebest]

Sounds like you had more of an issue with obnoxious and rude passengers than anything. They could have booked any ship.

 

The showroom on the Sunshine is rather a mess. And I loved the ship. But at the top, the view isn't a clear shot from many seats because of the overhead lighting. On the floor I saw no neatly organized rows. Because those seats are removable, they tend to be all over the place. I don't know how anyone was saving rows of seats. But no I don't recall anyone ever announcing no saving seats either. Folks should know that. I also don't know why you couldn't sit at the bar for the past guest party. We sat at the bar during one show.

 

We sailed with Christopher "Donkey" Salazar. He had plenty of energy but I thought he was great. Can't speak on Jamie other than most people love her.

 

Having sailed the Sunshine before, the theater set up couldn't have been a surprise. You must get to any show venue early. Handicap or not. And if it was more about the rude guests, then I'm not sure why you've x'd Sunshine off your list.

[AmberTeka]

Sounds like you had more of an issue with obnoxious and rude passengers than anything. They could have booked any ship.

 

The showroom on the Sunshine is rather a mess. And I loved the ship. But at the top, the view isn't a clear shot from many seats because of the overhead lighting. On the floor I saw no neatly organized rows. Because those seats are removable, they tend to be all over the place. I don't know how anyone was saving rows of seats. But no I don't recall anyone ever announcing no saving seats either. Folks should know that. I also don't know why you couldn't sit at the bar for the past guest party. We sat at the bar during one show.

 

We sailed with Christopher "Donkey" Salazar. He had plenty of energy but I thought he was great. Can't speak on Jamie other than most people love her.

 

Having sailed the Sunshine before, the theater set up couldn't have been a surprise. You must get to any show venue early. Handicap or not. And if it was more about the rude guests, then I'm not sure why you've x'd Sunshine off your list.

 

 

Don't get me wrong. I liked Jamie. I think she is bubbly, cheerful.....but she needs a staff member to help with organization. and The Activities Crew needs some help. Mocking guests..and telling seniors to get down on the floor and writhe like worms........coarse. Unfunny. and mocking to a degree. What if someone had been hurt? LAW SUIT!!!!

 

The last Show...........I did see Jamie.......HERSELF...........going around and hauling chairs out of hidden corners in the Sunshine Theater. this while the show was going on. I think photographers were sitting where the line of chairs was going? they had cameras.

HOW DO THEY SAVE SEATS?

Put a book in two or three and then say SAVED if anyone comes near. Put a young child, usually a girl, about ten, in the middle of a row and she says SAVED when you come near. You would argue with a child doing what her parents told her to do? No. Sit there and if anyone looks like they might sit down say...........Sorry. My Sister in law and Brother in Law are coming later. ( I finally got a chair in the corner and watched that couple. THOSE SEATS SAT EMPTY ALL THROUGH THE SHOW) SOMEONE could have been escorting late comers to those seats....

And the Handicapped Area on the Fifth DecK. Healthy adults and children should not be allowed to go there. there are MANY people much worse than me who need those places.

 

And Time passes. Apparently other people are irked too with all of the seat saving. When enough people are irked.....then they announce no seat saving. and take it seriously. and it stops. So.................I was not rude to anyone. I didn't do it. I would not do it. I will pass on the Sunshine which is going to NYC anyway I think. The Magic is larger. That theater is very large. We are booked on FOS and on Princess and could not afford to book another Cruise now anyway.

Everyone gave good points.

Thanks for the responses

 

We don't use the pool on cruises. We live in Florida and worry about getting too much sun................So for years, I have read about people getting mad at Chair hogs. People who hang their towels at eight in the morning and then come in about noon, while the chair near the pools sits empty.

I never understood how irritating that could be

I do now. Not the exact same situation, but the same issue. It is irritating and it is embarrassing as you walk from seat to seat...............at least I felt that way. Usually we do get to the theater early. I usually line up as a matter of fact. This time, dinner was over...just in time to get to the early seating. I thought it was less full than the late sitting, but I went to the late one night and had seats in the second row. Walked right in. No saved. Other than the VIPF Party, I was never late to a show. AND there were Plenty of seats in the Balcony. If you could climb that long line of steeps.......Lots of them. So it is not an issue to people who can do that. There are plenty of seats....there.

Edited December 27, 2015 by AmberTeka

[bingo3]

Sounds like you had more of an issue with obnoxious and rude passengers than anything. They could have booked any ship.

 

The showroom on the Sunshine is rather a mess. And I loved the ship. But at the top, the view isn't a clear shot from many seats because of the overhead lighting. On the floor I saw no neatly organized rows. Because those seats are removable, they tend to be all over the place. I don't know how anyone was saving rows of seats. But no I don't recall anyone ever announcing no saving seats either. Folks should know that. I also don't know why you couldn't sit at the bar for the past guest party. We sat at the bar during one show.

 

We sailed with Christopher "Donkey" Salazar. He had plenty of energy but I thought he was great. Can't speak on Jamie other than most people love her.

 

Having sailed the Sunshine before, the theater set up couldn't have been a surprise. You must get to any show venue early. Handicap or not. And if it was more about the rude guests, then I'm not sure why you've x'd Sunshine off your list.

 

Sounds like some do go early...and save blocks of seats for their family or friends who come in late. I go early myself to get the seats I want, without saving. Seat saving should not be allowed. If you want the seats, get there early enough to actually sit in it. This is an easy fix and would keep people from being annoyed. Things can add up to make a cruise experience a less than stellar one. This one is fixable, staff should be watching and not allow it, period. And post signs to the affect as well as in the fun times, then people can't complain legitimately when told they can't save them.

[cruizinisthebest]

Sounds like some do go early...and save blocks of seats for their family or friends who come in late. I go early myself to get the seats I want, without saving. Seat saving should not be allowed. If you want the seats, get there early enough to actually sit in it. This is an easy fix and would keep people from being annoyed. Things can add up to make a cruise experience a less than stellar one. This one is fixable, staff should be watching and not allow it, period. And post signs to the affect as well as in the fun times, then people can't complain legitimately when told they can't save them.

 

I totally agree, which is why I said people should know better. I just wondered how people were continually able to save rows of seats in that theater when the seats are all over the place. And putting your kid up to do it is so wrong. But believe it or not, we have the same problem when we have events at my church, which is often. People saving seats with programs, pocket books, etc. It's ridiculous.

[crusinpsychRN]

Hi, AmberTeka!

We are booked for a trip on Sunshine in April; seeing some old friends and staff. Hopefully, the party, which we usually enjoy, won't be like what you have reported. We always receive at least two surveys after each cruise. The comments are shared and do go back to the ships.

Thank you again. Sorry you had these experiences. Hope your next cruise is wonderful! :) Jerry and Cindy

 

Join us on the roll call!

[AmberTeka]

I totally agree, which is why I said people should know better. I just wondered how people were continually able to save rows of seats in that theater when the seats are all over the place. And putting your kid up to do it is so wrong. But believe it or not, we have the same problem when we have events at my church, which is often. People saving seats with programs, pocket books, etc. It's ridiculous.

 

One Cheerful note about the Sunshine that I did not mention. The casino was not very full. If you play slots like I do.......take the money you would spend on dinner and a movie and then leave when that is gone............you almost never win. BUT on this cruise, while I did not win,,,,,,, I won enough to play on their money a good bit and thus brought money home.

 

I just paid our dog out of the Vet With the money I did not spend. The nightly amount I had set aside to play. I am not a lucky person. I don't win lotto tickets. I don't win door prizes. So I was thrilled.

 

I sat next to a lady who won $1,400.00 First time I have ever sat by a big winner. She was very nice. said she had cruised a good bit and never won much.. SO...I don't know if it was just that cruise, or if the Sunshine has friendlier machines..........

AND I thought the Christmas Dinner was good and festive. My husband had the grilled shrimp. they had Oysters Rockefeller. I had two of the cold soups.............Peach and mango and both were delicious. The Mango was served on Christmas Night. They had ham, but instead of being thin sliced, it was served in chunks. Ugh. But overall......I was impressed.

The DELI........hot ham and cheese sandwich. Delicious.

If they had a chocolate buffet.............I missed it

Happy New Year to all of our fellow cruisers out there and many more cruises to you!

[meatloafsfan]

I'm sad to hear of the issues you experienced on the Sunshine. That ship is on my 'must do' list (one of the big reasons is that there are 2 accessible aft balconies for 3 on the ship - which is a rare thing for Carnival).

[AmberTeka]

I'm sad to hear of the issues you experienced on the Sunshine. That ship is on my 'must do' list (one of the big reasons is that there are 2 accessible aft balconies for 3 on the ship - which is a rare thing for Carnival).

 

Just be forewarned. It is hard to line up for a long time when you have mobility issues, but they did open the doors fifteen minutes early. Try to match your dining times to the show where you will have plenty of time to get there. I promise you...The Front rows will be "'saved" but there will be seats on the sides. OR the handicapped area on Deck Five. Get there before the kiddies do.................They have sofas and you have a good view.

ALL of the shows are Excellent. I saw them all. Latin Nights. Epic Rock. Even one comedian.

 

VIPF party. It is in the Liquid lounge at 4:30pm on the last day. GET there Early. TAKE a book to read. I hope they let you in the doors. Lots of children there too. I guess they were all Platinum Two were called to the stage in the brief time we were there. Standing. or trying to get seat.

NO ONE will help you look for empty seats. Be forewarned. Then enjoy the shows and the party. And honestly. I don't know how the party went. We never got a seat. And the handicapped area upstairs is locked.

 

The Sunshine is difficult to navigate. Few floors go straight through from the front to the back. Some Wise person posted this before me

 

THE FIFTH DECK IS ALWAYS YOUR FRIEND. it is easy to go from one end to the other......just go to the Fifth deck First.

READ the Reviews on the Sunshine. FIND the uncrowded spots. Havana Bar For Breakfast. We did not go to the Serenity area but it is lovely. We heard....GET there quick. The Chair hogs who save seats in the Theater apparently are up there too.

 

The New Cabins on Deck three and Deck Five..............lovely cabins.