Carnival Sunshine Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our 5th Carnival cruise in the past 6 years and our first from the Port of Charleston.
Parking in Charleston was very troubling - mostly from a process perspective. Long lines to check our boarding passes twice before we finally paid for the parking (third stop), checked our luggage (fourth stop) and parked the car.
The luggage check (fourth stop) was very good. Retrieving our luggage at the end of the cruise was problematic - we were offloaded and had to wait more than 45 minutes outside in a cold, diesel fumed environment before being admitted to the indoor luggage retrieval area. (We've watched previous ships in Miami, Galveston and Port of Houston, coordinate the loading of supplies for the upcoming cruise and offloading luggage from the prior cruise with much greater efficiency.
Cabin Review
Ocean View
We had two windowed cabins (traveled with our parents), on Deck 2. The cabins were pleasantly upgraded although the mattresses were very worn and need to be replaced.
The large showers were a nice surprise.
A very strong sewer smell in the Deck 2 hallway near the forward elevators on most days.
Housekeeping did a nice job.
Port Reviews
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
Not much to see. Mostly shops.
Grand Turk
Nice beach and water for swimming.
Half Moon Cay
Nice beach and catered lunch on shore by ship's crew.
Charleston
Nice to walk around town and have lunch.