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MV Sunbird

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Reviewed by:  Gail Izlakar
# previous cruises: 4
Date of Trip: September 7, 2002
Itinerary: Mediterranean

This cruise was very eventfull and the ship was especially well run. Two disappointments in the tours (one our own fault). Initially, the room was shockingly small. Overall, the Sunbird is a gem and I would recommend her to anyone save the Americans, as I believe they would require a little more in the dining quality, creature comforts in the cabins and amenities of the ship. The many British and few Canadians we met surely believe they get their monies worth.

The public areas were plentiful for us, although if you didn't find deck chairs on sea days by 10:00AM, you were out of luck for the day. We liked the Compass deck, forward and usually found chairs after being ashore in the morning. In the afternoon we loved to listen to Patrick Logan, live on deck. We dined in the Ambassador Room, Table 76 the first week with four fellow Canadians as table mates. They were only with us for one week and we noticed there were tables for two "Honeymoon Tables" and requested one for our next week. Although we were far from our honeymoon, we were given table 82. We had lunch in the Seven Seas dining room several times and found it noisier than our regular dining room. Did not use the Oklahoma Lounge as there were several participation and quiz game types going on. Did see several shows in the CanCan Lounge and loved them although the smoke in the room bothered me. Our favorite spot was the dimly lit Chart Room in the crow's nest as I call it, especially in the middle of an electrical storm with lightening all around you. Although they do need a cappuccino machine up there. To get cappucino, you go to the Clipper Bar and listen to the piano music of Steve Hayes. We also used the services of the Casino and donated nightly. Only went through the Neptune's lounge (Disco)to get to the elevator to the Chart Room. Strolled through the Gift Shops, but didn't buy anything (that British pound you know)

The food was plentiful, well presented and the service was great. You had a choice of three starters, two soup, one salad, one vegetable entree, three meat/fish entrees and one regional dish entree, three desserts plus ice cream or sherbet. What more could you want? If you fancied another entree, just ask and you have two. We have never had such attentive service, including the Head Waiter every night speaking to every table, and even serving wine if it was busy for the wine steward. The Lido Cafe was used for most breakfasts and some lunches and we had never gone there for any dinners. The buffet was plentiful and the fries were good. Loved four o clock tea and cookies! The cabin steward, Norman, kept the room very clean and tidy. The service by the bar staff on deck was excellent.

As I said to start, the cabin was a bit of a shock to its' size. Especially as the last cabin we were in was a balcony cabin on the Carnival Victory. On the Sunbird we had cabin 5015 on the Cabaret Deck. I was a little worried as to my husband's choice as it was the first cabin forward. Not to worry, it was the best. No one on one side of you- the walls are paper thin, but the piped in music(must change it more often!!)and/or the TV drowns out all. It was extremely quit in the night as well and not too much motion. After in it for a couple of days, it was the perfect size. Lots of cupboard space, large suitcases under the beds, lots of shelves everywhere and four small drawers for the unmentionables. For the type of trip this was for us (not a restful vacation), this room was perfect; although I'd hate to be under the weather and confined to it.

We saw a few show and enjoyed what we saw.

We were on the ship for two weeks and joined five tours. Did not get off the ship in Bizerte. Stopped in Civitavecchia for Rome and joined a tour with lunch. As first timers to Europe, I wouldn't do it any other way. The tour and tour guide were excellent; the lunch was a four course lunch at a very good hotel. Although some of the people on other buses on the same tour were not impressed with their lunch. In Lovorno joined a tour for Florence. The tour guide was a disappointment, but the city was not. Went on a tour to Monte Carlo and Monaco, loved both. Went to Barcelona on our own, what a city, love to come back. Second week; Naples, went to Capri and was disappointed with such a well known landmark: also lunch was not as good as in Rome. Should have gone to Sorento and Amalfi coast. Went into Messina on our own and wandered around. Went into Valletta, Malta on our own too. I'd suggest a tour or if not a tour, hire a cab to get you to town. The center of town is 1.5 Kilometers uphill all the way. Amazing city though. La Goulettte for Tunis; I wouldn't have missed this. We were not going to go into Tunis, but joined a tour at the last minute. DO NOT miss the Bardo museum on the historical tour. The tour and tour guide were outstanding. The last stop was Mahon on Minorca. Went on our own and loved this place.

Many, many Brits, some Scandinavians and some Canadians. Met many wonderful people we would invite into our home.