My First Cruise Experience on Carnival Sunshine Cruise Monday 25 January, 2016
When I say I had the time of my life, I really did on my very first cruise. This was still a Travel Divas press trip for the 8-day Girlfriend’s Getaway annual trip and we went on the Carnival Sunshine Cruise. Look at all the fun I had!
I was glowing the minute I stepped foot on the boat! I felt so carefree and excited! I couldn’t stop smiling…this was so magical for me and we haven’t even taken off sea yet!
You guys I am ashamed of how many photos I actually took of myself on the Carnival cruise, it was my first one so I made everyday a photo shoot lol!
This is the room Nikka + roomed in for the trip. Now I know it looks small from this picture but its the angle. There is way more walkroom out of the shot with the TV and the closet and the vanity area…and of course our own bathroom. It was not as spacious as this boat has to fit thousands of people but I promise you I slept real well in here. We were barely in the room anyways, only to change clothes, shower and go to sleep! Our days were jammed pack full of things to do so literally we didnt need a bunch of space.
Welcome Bubbly from Carnival!
This was uber sweet of them. Not only did they bring champagne, but chocolate covered strawberries and red velvet macaroons. What a way to welcome us on the cruise. Set the tone very nicely!
I will admit I did get seasick real bad the first day, but what helped was my wristbands…it was my first cruise so my sickness was probably enhanced because of it. The pressure point bands helped a lot, and for the remainder of the trip I barely felt it move.
Breakfast from the daily buffet
On the cruise all you do is eat I swear! Breakfast was always buffet style for the most part…all you can eat delicousness! Love it and I felt so spoiled with how much food was available from breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner pictures will be towards the end of this post.
More on the ship photos. This time on the very top of the deck and in the adult area. This area was pretty sweet with a private adult only pool area, hot tubs, hammocks, a bar and even a massage area. The views up here were amazing as you can see…I felt on top of the world (yes like Jack from Titanic).
This is a shot of the actual boat…I think this stop was in Curacao where I did these photo opps. This was my home away from home for the 8 days. I will do a seperate blog post on the three countries we sailed to which was Aruba, Curacao and Grand Turks. Those deserve there own post and lots of beautiful photos from each place!
Man dinner was always a great time. Not only was it great food but the service was 100% the best service I ever had in my life. I made friends with our servers Nicolas and Alexander! These pictures you are looking at was a surprise dance party with the waitstaff and they gave us party costumes to dance to ‘Gangdam Style’. This was so much fun…Myself, the divas and the staff got down!
There was also interactive nights and comedy…this particular night was like an adult game show. It was crazy I cant even explain it…it was like a scavenger hunt but you had to bring the items to the stage. In this photo the men had find women’s clothes to put on within a minute and run to the stage. LOL it was crazy…really crazy and FUN (funny)!
This doll is Ruth! She gave me life…I met her at the 70s show (in which we were apart of). She has been on 82 cruises in her 85 year young life! I mean it when I say young because she was so full of life…she was even twerking during her dance party lol! She became the star of the show!
Nikka + I were selected for the 70s variety show! We actually tried to run away from it…do you know we went all the way to another level of the boat to not sign up for the show and they found us! They said with our big hair it was no way we should just be in the audience…we had to be IN the show. Yup we were hand selected as VIP for this show and we disco danced a soul train line and did the hustle on stage. Never did the hustle in my life but my partner guided me! This was so FUN!!!
This was a cute day! The towel animals were on our bed every day of the trip made in a different animal all the time…this day. All the animals were out…like a little towel animal jungle on the pool deck! So stinking cute…they even had them hanging!
There was a green eggs and ham brunch for the last day at sail! I was super impressed…it wasn’t free though, only $5 if you wanted this special experience. Yup big kid no kids was excited to have a Dr.Seuss brunch. The decor was so fun and I met Dr.Seuss and Thing 1 + Thing 2. I didnt even have to go to Universal Studios. My brunch was delish as I got Steak, eggs and potatoes. Yes Green Eggs and Ham was an option too.
After the brunch, Nikka + I VIP experience wasn’t over. For being apart of the show, we had an exclusive event with the entertaining crew as we got a chance to talk to them outside of their performance for a mingling session. It was so cool because it was them in their regular form and they just chatted with us like we were new friends. Loved the entertainment crew as we saw them for Motown, 70s, 80s, Rock and Roll Nights!
This is the best Cruise Director ever. Her name is Jamie Lee, and basically her job is to make sure all the show and entertainment are running smoothly and she host most of them. She is the boss who knows how to have fun! This literally has to be the best job ever and she made sure everyone felt welcomed! She was actually the one who made Nikka + I do the 70s show…she is just so much fun. Would love to have her as a cruise director again!
Halloween was on the boat as well and so many fun costumes. This was my family…the SHEET family. Now if you are into pun humor you know sheet is also code word for sh*t. So this innovative costume made me literally LOL. They didn’t win but loved their creativity!
Me with the best server in the world! Nicolas!
Now dinner was always special for me. Not just for the food (we will get to that) but when I tell you the customer service was the best I am not exaggerating. I know you saw me dancing with the staff, but we didn’t do that every night. Each night Nikola was my server and everyday he gave the most sincere service I ever had. He was always smiling, he was quick and he literally kept insisting to get whatever I want (even when I felt like I was being extra greedy). I felt I had a special friendship bond with him and I really wanted to cry when I left. Nikola is from Montegnro (Europe) as were many of the staff…so although his English wasn’t perfect we communicated perfectly every day. If you ever board Carnival Sunshine I would highly recommend you have him as your server!
Food was always 5 stars meals every day. You could literally get whatever you want, as much as you want. They switched the menu every day, and what I loved the most was that they would have unique dishes that you probably wouldn’t eat on a normal basis to have as well (like cow tongue, frog legs, and more). Just to have all of these options were really the spoiling aspect of this trip (I am still trying to lose the weight from all this food).
My first cruise was the best vacation I probably had in a long time. 8 days of relaxing and exploring and seeing the world, while meeting new friends at the same time. There was not a time I was bored, as every hour there was always something to do! Carnival Sunshine I heard was the fun ship and it really was. I was beyond entertained and want to definitely cruise with them again soon! I would recommend cruise life to anyone who hasn’t done it yet…you have paradise at sea! I only covered a portion of the 8 days of fun…trust me so much entertainment, but I will be here all day! You just had to be there!
I really can’t wait until my next Carnival Cruise. I am about that cruise life now…hopefully I can go again soon. Carnival I am highly impressed!
This trip on Carnival Sunshine Cruise was sponsored by The Travel Divas as I am the official blogger brand ambassador for the agency. All opinions and statements are my own.
Have You Ever Cruised with Carnival Before?
About the Blogger - Kiwi the Beauty
Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching.
Follow her on her blog and social media at kiwithebeauty.com + @kiwithebeauty
You really need to be a spokesmodel for Carnival Cruise Lines! What a fun trip with so many activities and new friends it looks like. Thanks for such a detailed recounting of your trip!
My first cruise experience was also with Carnival. It was absolutely beyond my expectation! From the accommodations, food, entertainment, and activities…it was an absolute blast that my family and I try to cruise every 3 or 4 years. Definitely a worthwhile vacation!
I can’t believe it, but I’ve never even been on a cruise. Everyone I know has a time or two. We always fly to our destination. I’m so afraid I’ll get sick. I know crusises have good food, and that’s it’s available when ever you want it which is something else I’m scared about. You look like you enjoyed it so so much!!!
It looks like you had a FABULOUS time! That food also looks amazing. I’ve done two cruises and they were both incredible experiences. I look forward to going on another one someday … hopefully soon!
This looks awesome! I would have loved to see the adult game night. Looks like it was a lot of fun. I love to go on cruises. This makes me want to book one today!
Girl, that looks SO FUN! My husband and I went on our first cruise together about a year ago on Norwegian and it was a blast. The ship looked a whole lot like your photos and though we only went for a few nights to Bahamas, it was full of memories. Kudos to Carnival for those complementary snacks and bubbly. I’d have totally loved that!
I am impressed with your article – it looks like you had so much fun and met nice people (I loved the 85 yr old woman’s spunk!).
Also, I think it is great that you got yourself in so many pictures – you are very pretty – you go girl!!
All of these photos…AMAZING! I can see all your happiness all the way over here! I plan to do a lot more traveling. I have been looking at travel groups and different types of traveling. Right now I am saving up for a big move because that has to come first. I do have a few road trips planned. My life seems like such an adventure waiting to happen now.
It sounds like you had an amazing cruise experience. I tried Carnival a few years back and was less than impressed. I guess I should give it another shot!
You seriously look so cute in your pics! Especially the first ones, where your excitement is so evident on your face!
I’ve never been on a cruise, partly because I’ve suffered from seasickness on several boats, and I worried that a cruise would be miserable. But after your comments about using the pressure bands on your wrists, and seeing how much fun you had, I may have to rethink that!
Looks like you had an awesome time! I’ve yet to go on a cruise (but I’m thinking of maybe going on a Disney cruise soon) but they seem like so much fun <3
Doing things for the first time is really fun and memorable. I haven’t experience being on a cruise before. It’s amazing to experience what it’s like being like in Titanic (but surely I don’t want the same ending to happen) haha. Nice!
I never been on a cruise before, but even though the food looks fantastic and everyone looks like they’re having a great time I just cannot bring myself to get on one of these cruisers since Titanic. Guess it just stuck in my mind. Oh well…
Oh how fun! I’ve never gone on a cruise. My husband and I always go back and forth on whether or not we’d enjoy one, but pictures like this make it look so fun!
I have never been on a cruise before and reading this and looking at your photos is making me want to go on one even more!I am so excited that you had such a great time on the cruise!
It looks like you had an amazing time! So relaxing and fun. I’m not sure that I would want to leave…or if I could decide to go alone or with the family! lol Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip!
Wow!! I haven’t had my first cruise experience yet but we definitely want to make it happen sooner rather than later. I love how when you take a cruise everything you could want to do is in one place. So much fun!! Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your fun with me…
Cat in the Hat though! That would be super cool. I looked into the Cat in the Hat cruise when the ex and I were together because we wanted to take kiddo with us.
Beautiful photos! I love your dress it’s making me miss summer time. I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise with the family, hoping we could do it this year.
That looks like a whole load of fun! The picture of you at the top is awesome! I have been on 2 cruises, but not on Carnival. I loved them though and would definitely go again.
It looks like you DID have an amazing time, wow you have me pumped up to book my own cruise. I have been wanting to go forever, and now I want to go even more!
first, you look like you had so much fun! LOL. I couldn’t help but smile. I haven’t been on a cruise, let alone a Carnival cruise in YEARS! But I think I am going to fix this this year and maybe take my mom on one!
Looks like you had a great time. I’ve cruised Carnival for the southern Caribbean itinerary that leaves from Puerto Rico. I chose it for the route more than the ship itself. Disney will still always be the top of the line for me.
Glad you had fun. I Haven’t been on a cruise in ages – I would love to go on another one.
You really need to be a spokesmodel for Carnival Cruise Lines! What a fun trip with so many activities and new friends it looks like. Thanks for such a detailed recounting of your trip!
It sounds like you had a great time. Cruises are the best. We go on them whenever we can.
Have been on a handful of cruises but not Carnival – yet! Love your colorful outfits!
I am a cruising virgin I have never done an Ocean Cruise before, I am going to have to try it out someday!
I have always wanted to go on a cruise! You make it look like so much fun!
My first cruise experience was also with Carnival. It was absolutely beyond my expectation! From the accommodations, food, entertainment, and activities…it was an absolute blast that my family and I try to cruise every 3 or 4 years. Definitely a worthwhile vacation!
I can’t believe it, but I’ve never even been on a cruise. Everyone I know has a time or two. We always fly to our destination. I’m so afraid I’ll get sick. I know crusises have good food, and that’s it’s available when ever you want it which is something else I’m scared about. You look like you enjoyed it so so much!!!
This seriously sounded like the best time. They do an awesome job of keeping people entertained on those cruises.
I haven’t been to a cruise before but judging by your photos and your blog post, I can say a cruise is worth saving for!
Cruising Carnival is one of my favorite ways to travel. It looks like you had so much fun! I love the entertainment photos.
You are just so gosh darn beautiful and happy looking! I am glad you had a great time, the photos make me wish I could go sometime!
Wow, it looks like you guys had an amazing time. I really need to go on a cruise. I’ve never been on one but it looks cool.
Wow, having a trip in cruise was really fun and enjoyable. I know the feeling of excitement and happiness. I’m just glad that you had fu adventure.
It looks like you had a FABULOUS time! That food also looks amazing. I’ve done two cruises and they were both incredible experiences. I look forward to going on another one someday … hopefully soon!
It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I’ve never been on a Carnival cruise ship, and I’ve been wanting to go on a cruise for years.
I have always wanted to take a cruise. It looks like you had a ton of fun. The food looks amazing.
This looks awesome! I would have loved to see the adult game night. Looks like it was a lot of fun. I love to go on cruises. This makes me want to book one today!
Wow what a trip you’ve had! This looks amazing, Definitely want to go on this cruise!
Girl, that looks SO FUN! My husband and I went on our first cruise together about a year ago on Norwegian and it was a blast. The ship looked a whole lot like your photos and though we only went for a few nights to Bahamas, it was full of memories. Kudos to Carnival for those complementary snacks and bubbly. I’d have totally loved that!
I am impressed with your article – it looks like you had so much fun and met nice people (I loved the 85 yr old woman’s spunk!).
Also, I think it is great that you got yourself in so many pictures – you are very pretty – you go girl!!
Looks like am amazing first cruise experience for you! I haven’t been on Carnival in years
All of these photos…AMAZING! I can see all your happiness all the way over here! I plan to do a lot more traveling. I have been looking at travel groups and different types of traveling. Right now I am saving up for a big move because that has to come first. I do have a few road trips planned. My life seems like such an adventure waiting to happen now.
I have never been on a cruise before and I would certainly love to. I am so jealous of your cruising
I love to cruise. I’ve been a Carnival cruise and loved it. Such a nice vacation to relax and unwind.
Looks like you had a blast! I hope to go on a cruise sometime soon!
It sounds like you had an amazing cruise experience. I tried Carnival a few years back and was less than impressed. I guess I should give it another shot!
You seriously look so cute in your pics! Especially the first ones, where your excitement is so evident on your face!
I’ve never been on a cruise, partly because I’ve suffered from seasickness on several boats, and I worried that a cruise would be miserable. But after your comments about using the pressure bands on your wrists, and seeing how much fun you had, I may have to rethink that!
Looks like you had an awesome time! I’ve yet to go on a cruise (but I’m thinking of maybe going on a Disney cruise soon) but they seem like so much fun <3
Doing things for the first time is really fun and memorable. I haven’t experience being on a cruise before. It’s amazing to experience what it’s like being like in Titanic (but surely I don’t want the same ending to happen) haha. Nice!
I have never been on a cruise before but I don’t know how I would feel on a boat for that long. It looks like you had an absolute blast!
I am so ready to go on a cruise as soon as possible! It looks like you had such a wonderful time and the ship looks beautiful – so jealous!
I never been on a cruise before, but even though the food looks fantastic and everyone looks like they’re having a great time I just cannot bring myself to get on one of these cruisers since Titanic. Guess it just stuck in my mind. Oh well…
We cruised with Carnival to Mexico. It was so much fun for kids and adults. The delicious food and wonderful staff made it a great adventure.
See, now that’s the life. I’d love to experience a cruise!
I have never been on a cruise, but every time I see people’s photos, I know I’m missing out. Looks like you had a blast!
Oh how fun! I’ve never gone on a cruise. My husband and I always go back and forth on whether or not we’d enjoy one, but pictures like this make it look so fun!
WOW You had a looooot of fun!! I love cruises too! I need to start doing some booking because I cant wit to get on one again!
I have been in a few Carnival ships and have LOVED all of them! I looks like you have discovered the world of crusing! You will never go back!
I have never been on a cruise before and reading this and looking at your photos is making me want to go on one even more!I am so excited that you had such a great time on the cruise!
What a fantastic looking cruise! I have always wanted to take a cruise. It looks like so much fun.
With so many great photos, you can tell you had an amazing time on your cruise! Some day I’d like to go on one too!
I was never interested in cruises but as the years go by they are getting more and more enticing! This looks like an amazing time!
Wow! Looks like you had a great time! I’ve never been on a cruise.. :-/
The room you stayed looks bigger than I imagined!
What a very nice experience. Hope we can experience it too! Awesome!
It looks like you had an amazing time! So relaxing and fun. I’m not sure that I would want to leave…or if I could decide to go alone or with the family! lol Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip!
Wow!! I haven’t had my first cruise experience yet but we definitely want to make it happen sooner rather than later. I love how when you take a cruise everything you could want to do is in one place. So much fun!! Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your fun with me…
I second this!
Cat in the Hat though! That would be super cool. I looked into the Cat in the Hat cruise when the ex and I were together because we wanted to take kiddo with us.
Looks like an amazing time.
Looks like you had a wonderful time. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a Carnival Cruise. They are always so much fun.
I have never been on a cruise but this looks FABULOUS!! My little ones would love the Seuss brunch!
Isn’t cruising just a blast?! I went on my first one last summer and I’ve already booked the next one. Gotta love Carnival!
Beautiful photos! I love your dress it’s making me miss summer time. I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise with the family, hoping we could do it this year.
Look how much fun you all were having! I have not been on a cruise in like a decade. I always forget about cruises when planning vacations.
Looks like you had so much fun! Never been on a cruise, maybe next year!
That looks like a whole load of fun! The picture of you at the top is awesome! I have been on 2 cruises, but not on Carnival. I loved them though and would definitely go again.
Aww, this looks absolutely stunning!! Oh that’s ok girl, take allllll the photos of yourself and keep on posting/sharing LOL.
I’m not a huge cruise fan but it looks like you had a fabulous time! I may have to give cruises another go.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Looks like you had a blast and the food looks sooo good. I’ve been on a cruise once and I can’t wait to go on another one!
Aw, that looks fun! I haven’t done the cruise thing yet, but I hear the food is amazing!
I have cruised Carnival before and always enjoyed it. The food is definitely one of the best parts!
Cute dress! and you had a person dressed up as Sailor Moon! That is awesome.
It looks like you DID have an amazing time, wow you have me pumped up to book my own cruise. I have been wanting to go forever, and now I want to go even more!
Your pics are wonderful! Looks like a blast!
first, you look like you had so much fun! LOL. I couldn’t help but smile. I haven’t been on a cruise, let alone a Carnival cruise in YEARS! But I think I am going to fix this this year and maybe take my mom on one!
I’ve never been on a cruise but I definitely want to plan to go on one very soon! I might be a little nervous though surrounded by water! Haha
Looks like you had a great time. I’ve cruised Carnival for the southern Caribbean itinerary that leaves from Puerto Rico. I chose it for the route more than the ship itself. Disney will still always be the top of the line for me.