Going with a good attitude...but skeptical.

[OceanBound16]

Hi,

 

I am leaving on the Carnival Sunshine in 22 days. I am not a cruiser and don't know why I am trying this again.

 

I sailed Carnival last in 2008 (I got sick on the ship) and I didn't enjoy it only because I was with a big family group and it annoyed me. Too many cooks in the kitchen. I was overwhelmed. Didn't know how to have fun.

 

I decided to try Disney Dream in 2013 and it was nice but just ok. My young daughter loved it. The price was way over board but I loved Castaway Cay (but not enough to pay for it again).

 

I tried NCL for a "cruise to nowhere" and it was horrific (room was underneath the disco).

 

How can I enjoy the Sunshine? I am game! I will be traveling with my mother and my 9 year old daughter. I just fear I will be left with an experience of sitting around and eating. I am not a "foodie" so I don't really care about food except as an energy source. Am I forcing myself to like cruising?

 

I did buy FTTF and a balcony room so that helps! Any tips?

[evandbob]

Hi,

 

I am leaving on the Carnival Sunshine in 22 days. I am not a cruiser and don't know why I am trying this again.

 

I sailed Carnival last in 2008 (I got sick on the ship) and I didn't enjoy it only because I was with a big family group and it annoyed me. Too many cooks in the kitchen. I was overwhelmed. Didn't know how to have fun.

 

I decided to try Disney Dream in 2013 and it was nice but just ok. My young daughter loved it. The price was way over board but I loved Castaway Cay (but not enough to pay for it again).

 

I tried NCL for a "cruise to nowhere" and it was horrific (room was underneath the disco).

 

How can I enjoy the Sunshine? I am game! I will be traveling with my mother and my 9 year old daughter. I just fear I will be left with an experience of sitting around and eating. I am not a "foodie" so I don't really care about food except as an energy source. Am I forcing myself to like cruising?

 

I did buy FTTF and a balcony room so that helps! Any tips?

 

 

Have you tried land vacations? AI resorts? If you get sea sick, I hope you are taking meds this time. Otherwise, it sounds like cruising isn't your cuppa java.

 

Not everyone will like cruising. You evidently don't based on what you wrote, and that's okay. But since you're booked already, maybe see how your daughter enjoys it and then do whatever you can to keep her sense of wonderment going. You wouldn't want a negative attitude from you destroying her fun, right?

 

If you liked Castaway Cay, look for land vacations that will be similar to that experience.

Edited July 18, 2016 by evandbob

[youagain]

What room are you in .Do you like trivia, comedy club, laying out by pool? Do you like crowds ? What ports are you stopping at ? This is a factor in having FUN!

[OceanBound16]

What room are you in .Do you like trivia, comedy club, laying out by pool? Do you like crowds ? What ports are you stopping at ? This is a factor in having FUN!

 

Yes I love trivia. We are stopping at Grand Turk/Half Moon/ Nassau. I am looking forward to the Hasbro show.

 

I do not like crowds though but I can tolerate for an hour or two.

[siestakeys04]

It good to go with a good attitude but if you don't like cruising I would have chosen something else. Hope you have a good time.

[OceanBound16]

Have you tried land vacations? AI resorts? If you get sea sick, I hope you are taking meds this time. Otherwise, it sounds like cruising isn't your cuppa java.

 

Not everyone will like cruising. You evidently don't based on what you wrote, and that's okay. But since you're booked already, maybe see how your daughter enjoys it and then do whatever you can to keep her sense of wonderment going. You wouldn't want a negative attitude from you destroying her fun, right?

 

If you liked Castaway Cay, look for land vacations that will be similar to that experience.

 

I got sick on Carnival but it was because I developed some strep throat on the ship (or maybe it was in my system before I got on board). The ship doctor was awesome and he cured it.

 

I do get sea sick but not on cruiseliners. I crossed the Drake passage going to Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions and I got very ill. The sight of a leaf of lettuce made me puke!

 

Depending on how this trip goes I may stick with land based trips. I booked this trip because I could drive to port and the price was great so I figured why not!

Edited July 18, 2016 by OceanBound16

[evandbob]

Yes I love trivia. We are stopping at Grand Turk/Half Moon/ Nassau. I am looking forward to the Hasbro show.

 

I do not like crowds though but I can tolerate for an hour or two.

 

 

If you don't like crowds, you can walk off the pier in both HMC and GT and continue walking away from the pier for another 5 or 10 minutes so you get away from the congestion that forms close to the pier area.

 

They are both beautiful beaches.

[tonit964]

Make sure you do go in with a good attitude.

 

Hopefully you booked your cabin in between decks of other cabins.

 

You don't have to sit around eating all day. What types of activities do you like?

 

Look at the Fun Times each evening and plan what you want to do with your mom & daughter on sea days.

There are so many things to do. If you enroll your daughter in Camp Carnival, you'll have some time on the ship to read or hang out with your mom or just by yourself if you want.

 

Have a great cruise! :)

[OceanBound16]

Hopefully you booked your cabin in between decks of other cabins.

 

 

That was the first thing I did upon booking ! :D

[cruzeluver]

A positive attitude is half the battle won. But my thought is that you may not be a "cruise person". Nothing wrong with that. I know plenty of people who are not. My reason for saying so is that you have now been on three lines and have not appeared thrilled with any of them.

 

We were on Sunshine last month for a ten night cruise and had a wonderful time, but in 20 cruises I have never been disappointed. Put me on a ship and I am happy!

[youagain]

Something to do on Ship most of the time.Consult fun times as someone stated.Bring a book and read on balcony. Did you know there are small decks at the front of the ship not many use these. So people also use lower decks and find a less crowded area. On sea days all decks will be crowded. Come back early from port and use the decks then much less crowded. We were on Sunshine New years eve last year was crowded but still found areas with less people to enjoy.

[Hoosierpop]

I'm not a foodie either. But I enjoy getting to try things I don't normally eat because I'm so boring at home.

 

Have fun on the ports, even if it's not a formal excursion.

 

If you like comedy, go to the shows. Get there early on the Sunshine.

 

Lots of kids activities on the ship your daughter may enjoy.

 

And lastly, enjoy lying around. I don't know about you but being "bored" is a luxury I don't get in normal life. Hanging out on a ship, enjoying the sites, and doing nothing.....that's a nice feeling.

Edited July 18, 2016 by Hoosierpop

[dacsmom]

Enjoy your balcony with a good book to avoid the crowds. Cruising is not for everyone and don't feel bad if you do not enjoy it. I commend you for giving it another try.

[Sitzmark]

Hi,

 

I am leaving on the Carnival Sunshine in 22 days. I am not a cruiser and don't know why I am trying this again.

 

I'm not a cruiser but I know why I'm going again, it's because my wife likes it.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Hi,

 

I am leaving on the Carnival Sunshine in 22 days. I am not a cruiser and don't know why I am trying this again.

 

Went to a movie last night and expected to hate it...I did.

Bought a new shirt and was iffy about it...it still hangs unworn in my closet.

Ordered a new dish at my favorite restaurant because I thought I needed a change...wish I'd stuck to my original thoughts and ordered my usual.

 

Sometimes it is best to go with your gut feeling...that way you don't make life a bit miserable for those around. If you have experienced cruising and it didn't come up to snuff then it might not be the best choice for you. I can't relay my experiences, have you copy them, and expect a different vibe from you. What person one loves may be what person two thinks inevitably ruined their experience...I refuse to take the blame after the fact for someone who has horrible expectations to begin with.

[Viesczy]

I think this will be the cruise that determines if the OP likes to cruise.

 

1st cruise w the extended family would've ended up w me having less extended family... "honestly they all fell overboard officer". :D

 

Disney is great for kids and adults on Ketamine (to counteract all the kids level Disney).

 

NCL to nowhere below the disco is a brief tour of He!!.

 

Anywho OP, others have laid out the best "plan" to have fun so I won't bore you by repeating all, but check out the comedy as Carnival's comedians are better than most other lines (IMO).

 

If you're not a foodie, maybe avoid the MDR and just hit other areas for a faster meal. MDR is often the "event" of the night for some so your time there could be over 2 hours. If you're not one to listen to others yammer about themselves with rapt attention, hit the lido as that is far better than suffering the tales of those whom you couldn't care less about IMO

 

Don't go in with confirmation bias, just check all out and then form your opinion.

[MistyRo76]

HMC is Carnival's Private Island and is beautiful! I've never been to Castaway Cay...but I've heard many compare the two and it seems like HMC has the better reviews. And Grand Turk is wonderful - just don't stop at the Margaritaville right there where the ship docks...keep walking on past it and you'll find less crowds and better prices for food/drinks/beach amenities. Jack's Shack is a great little place to plant yourselves for the day!

 

As far as on the ship - there are places you can go to get away from the crowds. And the FunTimes will be loaded with info about the day's activities. As most others have said, keep an open mind and stay flexible!

[pirate4me2]

I hope you enjoy your trip. I've been on Sunshine twice and never been bored, she has a lot to offer! Do you like ropes courses? She has one of those, as well as water slides (they are AWESOME!!) and mini golf. If you enjoy shuffleboard and bean bag toss, check out the Red Frog Pub, they offer those. There is always some kind of trivia going on. In the evening, there are comedy shows (both PG and 18+) and the production shows are good (I LOVE EPIC ROCK!!!!). of the ships I've sailed, Sunshine has the best entertainment and food of them all. I went in thinking I wouldn't like this ship, but I actually think she's my favorite in the fleet now!

Only downside...sea days lead to crowded upper decks. You said you don't like crowds, so I would count on spending any lounging time on your balcony.

Hope you enjoy your cruise!

[OceanBound16]

HMC is Carnival's Private Island and is beautiful! I've never been to Castaway Cay...but I've heard many compare the two and it seems like HMC has the better reviews.

 

That is good to know! Castaway is like paradise and I have seen pictures HMC and it does look similar. I am very much looking forward to HMC even though we don't have a cabana. I didn't have a cabana at Castaway and I had a blast without it.

[sgttami]

Hi..

 

I just got off the July 4th Sunshine and my only complaint was that it was crowded. I did expect it would be since it was summer in NY and schools are out. It was a FREE cruise for me so no big deal.

 

We went to San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk, ports I'd been to a dozen or more times so I stayed on the ship this trip. It was nice to have the ship to myself when everyone got off. Having a balcony is great too since you can chill out there any time.

 

There's lots to do: trivia, Piano Bar, casino, Seuss at Sea. The Fun Times will list activities from early morning to late night.

 

The Steakhouse is a nice alternative to MDR for quiet dining. I'm not a foodie either and don't go to buffets but the Deli has good sandwiches..

 

Overall, I liked the ship and am going again for the Canada cruise. I am hoping to see a bit more outdoors (Decks 9 and 10) since I don't think those areas will be as crowded in October.

 

Have fun!

 

(I see you did an Antarctic cruise.....that is my dream cruise!)

[OceanBound16]

Do you like ropes courses? She has one of those, as well as water slides (they are AWESOME!!) and mini golf.

 

Yes waterslides! I am looking forward to that. Ropes course...I have a fear of heights so no.

[GreytRacer]

You've picked a great itinerary if you loved Disney's private island!

 

Half Moon Cay is beautiful. You can plant yourself in the middle of the action or walk down the beach and feel like you're the only people on the island. Just walk past the cabanas and you'll have the beach all to yourself.

 

Grand Turk is gorgeous as well! Walk down the beach past Margaritaville to Jack's Shack. Beautiful beach, laid back atmosphere and the cutest dog on the planet, Topher! Drinks are reasonably priced and strong and the food (jerk chicken and conch) is to die for. I know you're not a foodie, but you gotta eat, right? So it might as well be good. [emoji6]

 

I find Nassau a bit overwhelming with all the vendors. You can walk around the shops, do a self guided walking tour or else book a catamaran or boat excursion.

 

Hope you have a great time! Let us know how it goes. [emoji4]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Cuervosar]

Hi,

 

I am leaving on the Carnival Sunshine in 22 days. I am not a cruiser and don't know why I am trying this again.

 

I sailed Carnival last in 2008 (I got sick on the ship) and I didn't enjoy it only because I was with a big family group and it annoyed me. Too many cooks in the kitchen. I was overwhelmed. Didn't know how to have fun.

 

I decided to try Disney Dream in 2013 and it was nice but just ok. My young daughter loved it. The price was way over board but I loved Castaway Cay (but not enough to pay for it again).

 

I tried NCL for a "cruise to nowhere" and it was horrific (room was underneath the disco).

 

How can I enjoy the Sunshine? I am game! I will be traveling with my mother and my 9 year old daughter. I just fear I will be left with an experience of sitting around and eating. I am not a "foodie" so I don't really care about food except as an energy source. Am I forcing myself to like cruising?

 

I did buy FTTF and a balcony room so that helps! Any tips?

 

Try room service breakfast on the balcony one day. Preferably a day you are in port, keeps the wind down.

[OceanBound16]

 

(I see you did an Antarctic cruise.....that is my dream cruise!)

 

If I had the money I would go every year. But it is only for true explorers. The ship will get tossed around and you pretty much have to eat whenever everyone else eats.

[ohiokate]

Just wanted to add an activity idea! I'm planning on doing a Photo Scavenger Hunt with my 11 year old. I've made a list based on another CC thread as well as pictures from reviews.