summercruisin' Posted July 29, 2018 #1 Share Posted July 29, 2018 Hi all! Cruising in a little over a week on the Carnival Sunshine. I've been on numerous ships and cruise. I cruised the Destiny twice but not the Sunshine yet. I've also been to all of the ports on this cruise (and already have those plans finalized). One thing I have learned is there are often tips, must-do things, places to miss, etc. that are ship specific, so I am asking the pros......any last minute Sunshine tips?? TIA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruizCuz Posted July 29, 2018 #2 Share Posted July 29, 2018 Following this thread, as we leave on the Sunshine next month as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb4ever Posted July 29, 2018 #3 Share Posted July 29, 2018 It's been a few years since I sailed on her, but the one thing I do remember was that it took a while to get used to the deck plan. There was a lot of up and down to get places on decks just because of the retro-fitting. I would sail her again though. It was a lovely ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibbysnow Posted July 29, 2018 #4 Share Posted July 29, 2018 It's been a few years since I sailed on her, but the one thing I do remember was that it took a while to get used to the deck plan. There was a lot of up and down to get places on decks just because of the retro-fitting. I would sail her again though. It was a lovely ship. I agree. Study the deck plans and you will be fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hipockets Posted July 29, 2018 #5 Share Posted July 29, 2018 I just got off an 8 day on the Sunshine yesterday to Aruba, Curacao and Santa Domingo. Been on 25 or 30 cruises and this is about the best one we have had on Carnival. The Alchemy Bar with Kateryna was outstanding, we ate at the speciality restaurants 5 of the 8 nights 2 in the dining room and 1 on Lido. The Steakhouse and Ji Ji's were incredible and Cucina was good after they found our order but didn't get a second chance. If you drink wine or cocktails after 3 in a day cheers pays for itself. We didn't find it hard to find our way around the ship as long as you go from the Lido or Promenade deck. In Aruba and Curacao we walked around and preferred Curacao, on Santa Domingo we went on a tour with Iguana Mama, found on TripAdvisor, with Alexander and Daniel and it was great as we were the only ones for that day. We played trivia with Abby and even won a Plastic Ship and the Clue game was a lot of fun that lasted 4 days but we figured out who killed "Mr Body" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea Raven Posted July 29, 2018 #6 Share Posted July 29, 2018 The small breakfast set up in the Ocean Plaza area on Deck 5 is very nice and not crowded at all. Not all the bells and whistles of the full Lido buffet, but very relaxing. Also, the check in for Your Time Dining is on Deck 5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea Raven Posted July 29, 2018 #7 Share Posted July 29, 2018 Also, the front facing chairs on the Serenity Deck are great for the Dive in Movies if you can snag them early. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port of Tampa Posted July 29, 2018 #8 Share Posted July 29, 2018 If you like comedy go at least 30 minutes early to get a good seat. The venue is tight and some seats are behind the stage and you watch a tv screen. Overall love the Sunshine and have cruised her several times. Cheers and happy cruising. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fergus Posted July 29, 2018 #9 Share Posted July 29, 2018 Following! Will be on the Sunshine in December! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PNVA28210 Posted July 30, 2018 #10 Share Posted July 30, 2018 On the Lido deck at the Havana bar there are just a few Cuban inspired food items available for breakfast and lunch. Also tends to less crowded until the end of the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xkritter Posted July 30, 2018 #11 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Just got off yesterday and here's a few things: - You can usually find a seat to eat at in the Havana bar - the buffet dining area gets really crowded - The omelette stations are in the Havana area (one on JiJi's side and one on Cucina's side) - For lunch JiJi's does stir fry for free and Cucina does make your own pasta for free - The steakhouse was the best Carnival steakhouse we have dined at - JiJi's for dinner was amazing - do not miss it - Cucina Capitano (imo) was not worth it. For one, they also lost our order and it took 45 minutes for our appetizers. The entire meal was a 2 hour process - which is fine for really good food - this should not have been a 2 hour dining experience - Definitely get in line early for the comedy shows - Trivia - on sea days - seemed limited to us. There seemed to be more held on port days - but we were not aboard at that time. - Sea Day brunch was very good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmberTeka Posted July 30, 2018 #12 Share Posted July 30, 2018 On the Sunshine...Remember.. The FIFTH DECK is always your friend. Yo can go from aft to bow, and vice versa. That was the best tip I received. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruiseman38 Posted July 30, 2018 #13 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Yes, as stated above, if going to the comedy show, get there 30 to 45 minutes early if you want a seat. Venue is way to small for the amount of people that show up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A&Jfamily Posted July 30, 2018 #14 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Eat at Jiji's - it is a must as another poster said. We also love the steakhouse and Bonsai - not really fans of Cucina. Love Havana bar in the morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Sparty Posted July 30, 2018 #15 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Best Serenity deck in the Carnival fleet....features it's own pool and a waterfall. Definitely agree with the others about the crowded comedy club. Enjoy your cruise! We will be on the Sunshine again in February. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garth2 Posted July 30, 2018 #16 Share Posted July 30, 2018 I agree. Study the deck plans and you will be fine I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garth2 Posted July 30, 2018 #17 Share Posted July 30, 2018 On the Sunshine...Remember.. The FIFTH DECK is always your friend. Yo can go from aft to bow, and vice versa.That was the best tip I received. Stern to bow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summercruisin' Posted July 31, 2018 Author #18 Share Posted July 31, 2018 It's been a few years since I sailed on her, but the one thing I do remember was that it took a while to get used to the deck plan. There was a lot of up and down to get places on decks just because of the retro-fitting. I would sail her again though. It was a lovely ship. Thanks! That is a helpful reminder to check out the deck plans carefully over the next few days :):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summercruisin' Posted July 31, 2018 Author #19 Share Posted July 31, 2018 I just got off an 8 day on the Sunshine yesterday to Aruba, Curacao and Santa Domingo. Been on 25 or 30 cruises and this is about the best one we have had on Carnival. The Alchemy Bar with Kateryna was outstanding, we ate at the speciality restaurants 5 of the 8 nights 2 in the dining room and 1 on Lido. The Steakhouse and Ji Ji's were incredible and Cucina was good after they found our order but didn't get a second chance. If you drink wine or cocktails after 3 in a day cheers pays for itself. We didn't find it hard to find our way around the ship as long as you go from the Lido or Promenade deck. In Aruba and Curacao we walked around and preferred Curacao, on Santa Domingo we went on a tour with Iguana Mama, found on TripAdvisor, with Alexander and Daniel and it was great as we were the only ones for that day. We played trivia with Abby and even won a Plastic Ship and the Clue game was a lot of fun that lasted 4 days but we figured out who killed "Mr Body" Fantastic info! Thank you so much! And I'm happy to hear your trip was so good.....makes me even more excited :):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summercruisin' Posted July 31, 2018 Author #20 Share Posted July 31, 2018 The small breakfast set up in the Ocean Plaza area on Deck 5 is very nice and not crowded at all. Not all the bells and whistles of the full Lido buffet, but very relaxing. Also, the check in for Your Time Dining is on Deck 5. Also, the front facing chairs on the Serenity Deck are great for the Dive in Movies if you can snag them early. Thanks, Sea Raven! Good tips! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summercruisin' Posted July 31, 2018 Author #21 Share Posted July 31, 2018 If you like comedy go at least 30 minutes early to get a good seat. The venue is tight and some seats are behind the stage and you watch a tv screen. Overall love the Sunshine and have cruised her several times. Cheers and happy cruising. Yes, as stated above, if going to the comedy show, get there 30 to 45 minutes early if you want a seat. Venue is way to small for the amount of people that show up. Good to know! I have learned that comedy of Carnival is really hit and miss, but I do usually give it a try at least once each trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summercruisin' Posted July 31, 2018 Author #22 Share Posted July 31, 2018 On the Lido deck at the Havana bar there are just a few Cuban inspired food items available for breakfast and lunch. Also tends to less crowded until the end of the cruise. Sounds good! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summercruisin' Posted July 31, 2018 Author #23 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Best Serenity deck in the Carnival fleet....features it's own pool and a waterfall. Definitely agree with the others about the crowded comedy club. Enjoy your cruise! We will be on the Sunshine again in February. I am definitely looking forward to enjoying the Serenity deck! Thanks for the info and the well wishes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summercruisin' Posted July 31, 2018 Author #24 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Just got off yesterday and here's a few things: - You can usually find a seat to eat at in the Havana bar - the buffet dining area gets really crowded - The omelette stations are in the Havana area (one on JiJi's side and one on Cucina's side) - For lunch JiJi's does stir fry for free and Cucina does make your own pasta for free - The steakhouse was the best Carnival steakhouse we have dined at - JiJi's for dinner was amazing - do not miss it - Cucina Capitano (imo) was not worth it. For one, they also lost our order and it took 45 minutes for our appetizers. The entire meal was a 2 hour process - which is fine for really good food - this should not have been a 2 hour dining experience - Definitely get in line early for the comedy shows - Trivia - on sea days - seemed limited to us. There seemed to be more held on port days - but we were not aboard at that time. - Sea Day brunch was very good Thank you for the great info! DH always has an omelette each morning, so it is good to know where to send him for those! Sad to hear some of the less favorable reviews of the Italian restaurant......it is usually one of my favorites on other ships! Looks like JiJis may take over this time ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summercruisin' Posted July 31, 2018 Author #25 Share Posted July 31, 2018 On the Sunshine...Remember.. The FIFTH DECK is always your friend. Yo can go from aft to bow, and vice versa.That was the best tip I received. Thanks so much! Got it.....number 5 is good :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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