Sensation Review

[mrs.tate]

Just off the Sensation! What a wonderful time we had. It was my husbands and my third cruise, but the first for our 2 DDs. We arrived in Port Canaveral a day early to visit with friends and also spent a little time on the beach at Jetty Park. This is close, very close, to where the ships depart port and you can watch them from the shore. This is a great photo opportunity, as when the ships depart, it looks as if they are "beached." Will post photos later.

 

Our hotel was only a few minutes from the port, and due to the time change, we were able to sleep late and enjoy the morning! We arrived at the port around 10:30, and were checked in and enjoying lunch and Fun Ship Specials on the Lido deck by 11:45. The first bar server we met, Ikomang from Indonesia, was fantastic. He knew my name immediately, because DH and DDs got us a seat while I went immediately to the purser's desk to pick up free playing cards (they gave me 2 decks, didn't see any lanyards in the casino). I walked out on the Lido deck and he asked if I wanted a Fun Ship Special. After affirming that I did, I was glancing around to find my family. He asked if he could be of further assistance and I told him I was looking for my family. "Ah, Sandy, you must be looking for David. He is waiting for you over there." He had served DH and DDs and knew they were waiting for me! He was our preferred bar waiter for the rest of the cruise.

 

The Muster Drill went fast, and luckily, we were inside the lounge for this one. No standing outside in the hot sun this time. Unfortunately, sail-away occurred during the muster drill. Would have been nice to be standing at the deck waving at the unfortunates who weren't lucky enough to be joining us. We did notice, however, that a Royal Caribbean ship docked next to us was having their Muster drill at the same time. We noticed a few passengers standing on their balcony during the drill. So did the Coast Guard! They brought their intimidating boats armed with guns around and must have notified the crew on the RC ship, because those passengers quickly left the balcony! These guys do take this seriously, and it's good to know.

 

Next we went and met the Camp Carnival staff and introduced our daughters. They are very friendly and knowledgable and do all in their power to provide fun and entertainment for the children onboard. As it happened, our DDs didn't spend much time in CC, due to shore excursions and pool & waterslide activities, but the CC counselors were just great. Left cookies on their pillows at night!

 

We were in the Ecstasy Dining room, and the food there was fantastic! There seemed to be a new menu, and when I asked about it, I was told that it was only a week or two old. Some favorites were on there, but some new items as well. The new menu is fantastic. I don't have the details to post it, hopefully someone else does. Our headwaiter, Adrian, really took good care of us. He noticed me cutting food into small bites for my children, and immediately informed me that I was on vacation and he would take care of this for me. I was just to enjoy my meal. He enlisted the aid of his assistant and the dining room host to make quick work of doing the same for the other children who were traveling in our party. The maitre d' even gave his aid as well, saying that he missed doing it for his children now that they were grown, and was pleased to be able to serve us! As a mom, that may have been the most pleasant surprise on the trip! Once, one of my dd's accidentally spilled her beverage, and in less than 2 minutes the mess was cleared, food was replaced and she was once again enjoying her supper.

 

In Freeport, we did the Dolphin Encounter shore excursion. This was the highlight of the trip for the children. I recommend it highly. The entire event was filmed and shown on the television during the cruise and our children got a big kick out of being recognized and teased about being famous. We did purchase the DVD of this excursion so they can show their friends and classmates at home.

 

Nassau was great. There is a welcome center that has been built since we were there last. Inside were some shops and cool air! Took a taxi bus tour to Fort Fincastle, the Water Tower, Queen's Staircase, Atlantis, and residential areas. Very educational. When that was over we shopped along Bay Street and at the Straw Market. The only drawback to this day was the constant bombardment of asking if we wanted to have our hair braided. Finished our activities early enough to enjoy the ship for a little while before everyone else got aboard.

 

We were aboard on Halloween and Camp Carnival did a great job of providing fun Halloween activites for the children. They got a treasure map and went trick or treating to various places listed on the map. Costumes abounded for both children and adults alike, and there was a costume contest, apple bobbing, contest, pumpkin carving contest, etc. Lots of Halloween fun!

 

Lido Deck Restaurant provided great food. We ate here each day for breakfast and lunch, and the dining room at night. Everything was great, desserts, pizza, ice cream. The only complaint (a small one) is that the meat from the deli sandwiches was fatty and tough. There were enough choices, though, that this wasn't a problem.

 

Enjoyed the Fun Day at Sea activities: hairy chest contest, synchronized swimming, ice carving contest, and the Halloween trivia contest.

 

Only one formal night, and it was the second night, the night of Freeport. Attire ran the gamut from tuxedos and formal gowns to less appropriate attire.

 

Disembarkment went swiftly and efficiently. Only one drawback was that someome inadvertantly took my bag by mistake. They have since contacted me and are sending it soon!

 

Sensation itself was in great shape, no odors or smells anywhere. Everything clean and pristine.

 

The show "Far From Over" , an 80's revival was awesome, and being a child of the 70's and 80's, I really enjoyed it. The entertainment was top notch.

 

Sorry this is so long. We had a great time and are already looking at booking a future cruise. If there are any questions I haven't answered, I'll try to help you out.

[mississauga]

Great review and no, it was not too lengthy! Kudos to your wait staff in the dining room. What service! Sounds like you enjoyed your cruise and that is always good to hear.:D

[cathyoo]

I so enjoy reading reviews. Thanks for taking the time to post yours. It sounds as if you had a great family vacation. How old are your DDs? I'm trying very hard to talk my sons into a family cruise vacation with my grandchildren.

[mrs.tate]

The oldest is eleven, and the youngest is almost 8. Just the perfect age to still have fun at the pool and enjoy seeing things for the first time before the dreaded "teenage doldrums" set in!

[mississauga]

The oldest is eleven, and the youngest is almost 8. Just the perfect age to still have fun at the pool and enjoy seeing things for the first time before the dreaded "teenage doldrums" set in!

 

My two DS's were 11 and 8 when we took them on their 1st cruise. Of course, back in 1992, the children's programs were not up to the standards of today but they really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun.

[Caitlyn]

Thank you for posting your review. It was great. Was the dining room "chilly" on formal night? I am wearing a dress on our cruise that is sleeveless and I was just wondering. Do you go to dinner at the same time every night and do you sit at the same table on formal night? Should you get there early that night? Sorry for all the questions, first cruise here. LOL (lots of laughs).:)

[mrs.tate]

Yes, I did find the dining room a bit chilly on formal night. My DH didn't, but he was in a suit jacket. Both DD's and I thought it was cool. If you have a sweater that will match, I'd recommend that you take it along.

 

You do go to the same dining room each night, and sit at the same table. It doesn't do any good to go early, because they don't open the doors until the appropriate time. You'll just be standing out in the hall with the masses. If you try to time your arrival about 2 or 3 minutes after, you will not have to wait.

 

They will lead you to your table on the first night, so you don't have to wander around looking for it, and any night after that, if you need them to.

[Caitlyn]

Thank you Mrs. Tate. Your info has been so helpful:) :) I can not wait for our cruise. We have not even gone on this cruise yet and my DH has already decided next time we need to plan on going on a 7 night cruise. ;) He is so wonderful.:)

[PlanningToCruise]

Just off the Sensation! What a wonderful time we had. .

Great review, thanks for sharing, we leave on the sensation the end of this month