Sensation 3-night cruise; help!

[sns101]

Hi,

 

I've been searching/reading both the first-timer board and this board since we booked three weeks ago. I'll be cruising for only the second time (Carnival Pride, several years ago) but DH and kids are first-time cruisers.

 

I also read all the recent Sensation reviews, but most of them were for the 4-day itinerary and didn't address these things. Some of these questions are specific to the Sensation 3-day, PC-Nassau cruise and some may be for Carnival in general.

 

1) What are the pool hours the first day? Since it's such a short cruise, how soon can my kids enjoy the pool and water slide? I read that some people bring suits in their carry-on or wear them under their clothes and go straight to the pool on some ships. Is that possible, and/or a good plan on the Sensation?

 

2) On a three-day cruise, is there a formal night? If so, is it on Friday (port day) or Saturday (at-sea)? I've heard both, but the posters were unclear which applied to the 3-day cruise.

 

3) For the video arcade: do the machines take money or your S&S card? How much do they cost on average per game? How many games the kids play will depend on if the games are the normal $1-1.50 or if we pay at-sea prices. :D

 

4) The 15yo wants to know, so I'll ask: does the TV in the room have connection ports for video game consoles if he brings one with him? (Ducking here) He's not as into video games as that and the above sounds - honest! - but he's never cruised before, and he's afraid he won't meet anyone and he'll be bored silly. I'm not worried about it, so I think I'll ban the idea anyway, but at least I can tell him it's not even possible, right?

 

5) On the Sensation, do they give out free lanyards in the casino that you can use for your S&S cards? I seem to remember getting that on the Pride several years ago. Or should I plan on bringing our own?

 

6) Any Camp Carnival/teen club hints, tips or surprises that haven't been discussed lately, or that we should be aware of? Will they let my 11.5yo into the 12-14 group, since their activities look more like her tastes and the 9-11 group activities look skewed more toward the 9yo crowd?

 

7) Finally, on the disembark day: we only have a couple hours drive home from port, so we're in no hurry. What is open and available to do during disembarkation besides breakfast?

 

Lots of questions, I know, but I figured it was more reader-friendly to do one post rather than 7 separate ones. Many thanks to everyone who gives freely of their time on Cruisecritic; I've read so much already that answered questions I never thought to ask. Any answers/tips/info on any of the above are very much appreciated!

[cruisinonup]

I can answer a couple of your questions. There is a formal night which I don't remember the night it was on. I also got a lanyard in the casino. This isn't much help but maybe it helps a little. Have fun!

[lucigo]

3) For the video arcade: do the machines take money or your S&S card? How much do they cost on average per game? How many games the kids play will depend on if the games are the normal $1-1.50 or if we pay at-sea prices. :D

 

They take tokens which you can buy using your sign and sail card.

 

 

4) The 15yo wants to know, so I'll ask: does the TV in the room have connection ports for video game consoles if he brings one with him? (Ducking here) He's not as into video games as that and the above sounds - honest! - but he's never cruised before, and he's afraid he won't meet anyone and he'll be bored silly. I'm not worried about it, so I think I'll ban the idea anyway, but at least I can tell him it's not even possible, right?

 

We have hooked a V-smile to the tv in the room.

 

 

7) Finally, on the disembark day: we only have a couple hours drive home from port, so we're in no hurry. What is open and available to do during disembarkation besides breakfast?

 

Not much, the gift shops will be closed. You can look at and buy pictures.

[wvanative]

I went on the 3 day in January....formal night was on the second nite..Saturday while in port...you can see pictures and the capers I have posted using the link in my sig below

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

3) For the video arcade: do the machines take money or your S&S card? How much do they cost on average per game? How many games the kids play will depend on if the games are the normal $1-1.50 or if we pay at-sea prices. :D

 

 

 

I recall my son saying that most of the games are FOUR tokens...

 

Tom

[DGP1111]

7) Finally, on the disembark day: we only have a couple hours drive home from port, so we're in no hurry. What is open and available to do during disembarkation besides breakfast?

 

In the "to do" category, enjoy the fact that you'll be among the happiest 10% of the ship passengers onboard that final morning.:D There will be such effort by those who are in an extreme rush to get off the ship, and who may not have planned properly with the timing of their vacation schedule. You can just step aside and let it all happen without a personal worry at all. Please take time to savor that wonderful experience of not being in "the pack".

Stay in bed a little later, or until the noise of "the pack" in the hallway makes sleeping no longer an option. Have a nice leisure breakfast, take some more pictures of your last day on this floating home, then find some other lucky passengers who, like you, are waiting for an easy and safe departure, and compare notes on all the fun things from your weekend get-away.

Have a wonderful cruise vacation, and a safe trip back to Pensacola. ~Bon Voyage!!

[sns101]

Thanks so much everyone! The info really helps. :)

[bcb241]

I can only comment on #2 ( formal night ) On the three day cruise, formal night is the second night of your cruise which is also the night that is spent docked in Nassau. Here is one suggestion for you. Depending on how many cruises you have under your belt and how strongly you feel, or don't feel, about dressing for formal night, you might consider going into town for your evening dinner. As often as not, our ships leave port before sunset and we don't get to enjoy the nightlife of the area we're visiting so here is a good opportunity for you. On the other hand, if you want to really dress up for dinner, get back on the ship and go for it!

Concerning Debark; We live in north central Florida so if I'm LAST off the ship that's fine with me. Take your time and enjoy the ship as it empties out. It's a good time for photo ops and even checking out some of the staterooms that you might want to travel in some day! Just keep in mind that nothing will be open ( shops ect.) so eat a slow breakfast and enjoy that last morning!:)