If you consider yourselves an average middle class family looking for a decent vacation getaway, I think you will find the Carnival Sunshine satisifies your family's needs. It may be a good substitute for an amusement park vacation if you're used to the budget hotels on site at Universal, Disney, etc. However, if you're a single adult looking for somewhat upscale spa amenities and a wide variety of onboard activities, this probably isn't the ideal ship for you.

SPA LEVEL STATE ROOM

We paid significantly more for a spa-level state room and anticipated somewhat more "upscale" features for the additional cost, but we didn't really get it. We did get nice yellow spa towels to use while onboard, plush white spa bathrobes & slippers in the room and upgraded (yet tiny!) Elemis spa bath products included in our room (but no refills during the entire cruise?). We also enjoyed the three-tiered spa level outdoor decks with aqua colored cushioned loungers, semi-private cabana "clamshells" for relaxing and a refreshing serenity pool with waterfall. However, we were surprised that the spa/serenity level bar closed nightly at 6pm. We were even more surprised by the other passengers who flocked to the spa level decks early in the morning, dropping their blue beach towels (indicating they were non-spa level passengers) and expecting their loungers to be reserved while they went elsewhere on the ship. Read more