A Review, The Sensation Revisited

[Eliot Ness]

The Carnival Sensation Revisited

 

Because of various factors we missed our normal summer cruise this year so when the wife proposed a short 4 day cruise to coincide with the end of her business conference I had to give it some serious thought. At first I was reluctant to try and schedule in another week of vacation and I usually think 4 day cruises are too short. When the vacation slot finally fell into place I decided to give it a shot, after all it would be one more cruise toward platinum.

 

We had sailed on the Sensation back in 2000 when it was doing 7 day cruises out of Tampa. We had a wonderful time back then, but that was in 2000 and this is 20008, and a lot has transpired in that time with both the ship and ourselves.

 

On a personal note we had went on three other larger class ships since then and I wasn’t sure how I’d like a step back to a fantasy class ship. A lot has also happened to the Sensation. She gallantly served as a relief ship following Hurricane Katrina and then went in for a refurbishment before re-entering service. If I recall correctly the first reviews when she came back into service were not very good, but that isn’t too unusual for a ship fresh out of dry dock. I also knew she was scheduled for another dry dock in early 2009 for the Evolutions of Fun retrofit. With all things considered and the fact it was a short 4 day cruise with an itinerary (Freeport and Nassau) I wasn’t too crazy about I really didn’t have very high expectations for this cruise. I knew I’d have a good time, but I wasn’t expecting the level of food/service I’ve come to expect from the larger ships.

 

I’ll cover some pre-cruise stuff briefly in case there is info that will help someone planning this same cruise. The wife was already at an Orlando hotel from a business conference so I’m traveling with our 18 yr old DD and my MIL (almost 70 and using a walker). We arrived in Orlando on Saturday with the cruise scheduled to depart on Sunday. We always travel in a day early since back in 2000 due to late flights, lost luggage, etc. we boarded the Sensation at 3:58 for a 4:00 cruise! [/font]

 

I had reserved a car from Avis and after finding their counter at the airport I was informed their computers were down and I’d have to sign in across the street in the garage. I kid you not, the line in that garage counter did not move for 45 minutes. I’ve seen people get home mortgages quicker than some of these people were getting a rental car! I never figured out what was taking so long since it went very quickly once I finally got to a clerk. I rented a full size car but it was tight getting all the luggage in because of my MIL’s walker. This is a fancy one with a seat, hand brakes, basket, etc.. Even though it folds down it takes up a lot more room than I expected. The rental car price of $60 was well worth the cost since we took it ~ 30 miles to the Disney Hilton and the next day ~ 60 miles to Port Canaveral.

 

We left the hotel at about 9:00 but with a longer than expected breakfast stop we didn’t get to the port until about 11:00 and there was really no crowd at all. I dropped off our luggage, DW, and MIL and then DD and I took the car back to Avis in Cape Canaveral and caught their shuttle back to the ship. Embarkation really impressed me at this port. A Carnival worker already had my MIL in a wheelchair and was waiting for us to check us in, essentially taking us through the whole check-in process and onto the ship. [/font]

 

OK, before I start talking about the ship I need to mention that I don’t really care what the colors are and I most likely won’t notice a carpet stain unless I just happen to look at it. So yeah, I guess the ship has a lot of purple in it but it wasn’t anything that bothered any of us. Anyway it’s about 12:30 and there is already a big crowd up on the Lido. I went through one buffet line just for the beef they were carving and then went out to the grill by the pool and got a cheeseburger and fries. At this point I was pleasantly surprised at the ship, the level of service, and food quality……. But the real test of that would come at 6:00 in the dining room.

 

Around 2:00 I headed down to our cabin to drop off my carry-on. The DW and I were in R77, an OV on the Rivera deck. The cabin was as expected and since I didn’t see the steward I headed up to the Promenade deck to scope out the casino, get my S&S card punched, and find a good bartender. I really like the location of our cabin, it’s just an elevator ride away from most of the areas I go to; Lido, casino, Fantasy dining room, Fantasy Lounge, and to get off the ship at ports it’s just one flight of stairs down. It couldn’t have been located near a better set of stairs or elevators. Just an FYI a magnetic sign will stick to the cabin doors, my laminated CC door sign stuck just fine.

 

The first thing I notice in the casino are some no smoking slots and tables. Later I discover there are more no-smoking areas than before (2000) on the ship. Since I no longer smoke but smoking doesn’t really bother me I wasn’t effected one way or the other. The casino was void of all employees so I went on my quest to find a good bartender. That hunt ended at a bar in the aft of the ship right outside the Plaza Lounge. This might be considered a cigar bar since they had cigar menus on the bar. Anyway I get my first DOD and then switch to Miami Vices. I also call the DW and let her know that I found a smoke friendly bar and the rest of the crew met me there.

 

The muster drill gets announced so we head to the cabin, get our life jackets, and go to our muster station which happens to be in the Fantasy Lounge. After a brief talk we’re instructed to head to our life boat stations. Since my MIL has a walker a Carnival employee took us up to the deck in an elevator where we finish the drill. Then it’s back to the cabin to rest up before dinner at 6:00.

 

Later we met our room steward Iputu who did a wonderful job cleaning our cabin and making great towel animals.

 

Dinner finds us in the Fantasy Dining Room at a table for eight, #117. We finally have a table beside a window, but by 6:00 it is already dark and you can’t really see anything. Our four other tablemates are a nice family from Cleveland that we had a nice time chatting with.

 

Our wait staff was Danilo and Kapek who did a wonderful job each evening. Tonight I had the shrimp cocktail as an appetizer and I ordered two entrees; the flat iron steak and the baby back ribs. I’m thinking I’ll get about 4 to 6 ribs, but there was like two half slabs on my plate! The steak was actually cooked rare the way I ordered it too. Now came the deserts which almost killed me. I ordered the strawberry cheesecake and key lime pie. By mistake Danilo brings me the cheesecake and chocolate melting cake, which is OK, that cake is hard to beat, but he later notices his mistake and brings me the key lime pie too! Those three deserts sure put a strain on my belt! The next night (formal or elegant) was prime rib and lobster. That might have been the best piece or prime rib I have ever had, and believe me I’ve had quite a few. This cruise the lamb and some of my other favorites were not on the menu but that could be because it was a 4 day cruise. So in a nutshell I thought the food was as good if not better than on any of our 7 day cruises. Here are a couple of personal observations about Carnival’s dining room food. It seems like they have increased the portion size of the main entrées over the years. The flat iron steak also seems a step down in quality from the New York Sirloin but at least now they seem to be cooked to order, and actually come out that way.

 

The Lido buffet could get crowded at peak times, but that is to be expected, just go a little earlier or later. I still love the made to order omelets at the grill outside.

 

I only went to one show, It Isn’t Over Yet, and pretty much enjoyed it and I’m not usually into the shows. The CD was Jen who I thought did a great job without being too pushy, I enjoyed her style.

 

Monday was Freeport and my MIL stayed on the ship while we grabbed a taxi to Lucaya where most everything is located. I think the taxi was $5 each and they fill up the little vans before they leave. The DW and DD went to the beach and I went to the casino for a little while before heading back to the ship. The DW did say the drinks they bought near the beach were very strong and the cracked conch they tried was very tasty.

 

Let me mention this about vendors at both Nassau and Freeport. When you get off the ship at Freeport there will be a small vendor area you walk through to get to the taxis. Those folks were very friendly and not one of them tried to sell us anything. In Nassau at the Straw Market everyone tried to sell me something, and the isles are very narrow making it, if not difficult, at least uncomfortable walking through there. I would rather pay twice as much from the vendors by the ship in Freeport than those pushy vendors in the Straw Market. I don’t mind someone with hats or wood carvings trying to sell me something, but even women selling purses and dresses were trying to stop me. Walking back to the ship I did see a couple of folks by the water selling conch shells and one of them had some large star fish, so I bought one for $10.

 

Tuesday was Nasau and we had booked a neat independent sailing excursion with Barefoot Sailing but it was canceled because of high winds and choppy water. So we took a taxi tour with “Freddy” of the island for about 2 - 3 hours and $25 each. Freddy was a pretty funny guy and we really enjoyed his tour. After that we took the #10 local bus (or jitney) at $1.25 pp to the Fish Fry area for some more cracked conch. For those wondering, some rave about conch, but it didn’t do too much for me. Then it was back to the ship for dinner and then I ventured over to the Atlantis casino for about three hours and came back about ~ $100 better than when I left.

 

A couple of nights we ventured into Michelangelo’s Bar where the band

was playing. These guys are very good! They play a wide range of music but I love their classic rock songs. They did Pink Floyds "Another Brick in the Wall" better than I have heard anywhere; if you get a chance to see them don’t miss it.

 

Wednesday was a lazy sea day spent between the Lido, casino, and our cabin napping.

 

Debark on Thursday was a breeze too. My MIL went down to the Internet Café about 8:30 and a guy put her in a wheelchair and whisked us off the ship. We had booked Coco Beach Shuttles to get back to Orlando and it was a smooth trip with a very nice driver.

 

Here are some impressions this cruise left on me, some of which surprised me:

 

The Sensation is still a great ship with a fantastic crew. The ship isn’t new but is still well kept as far as I’m concerned and the crew, captain, and CD make it a great ship to cruise on.

 

Fantasy Class sure wasn’t a step back like I was afraid of; in fact it might now be my favorite class of ship. Big enough to offer almost all that I want but still easy to get around. OK, maybe I did miss Fish n’ Chips, a Supper Club, and a balcony, but I was impressed enough to seriously consider booking a B2B on her next summer.

 

Freeport and Nassau aren’t the junk ports I once thought they were from my visit back in ’91. Do your research and you can have a good time in almost any port. Next time in Freeport I’ll seriously consider checking out Gold Rock Beach.

 

Port Canaveral: I thought Tampa was an easy port to embark/debark from, but the Port beats them all hands down. I’m not sure I could ever endure Miami again.

 

Sorry this review rambled on, but if anyone has a question I’ll try to answer it.

 

 

John

[xntric1]

Very happy to read your review. We were on the Sensation in 2004 and will be leaving on her again Christmas day. We booked this cruise because it worked for all 8 of us that are going. It was a unplanned vacation that came up in the fall.

Knowing that she is about to go into drydock did make me wonder. Plus we will have some newbie cruisers with us - do not want their experience to be a bad one. Also, like you, the Bahamas do not excite me much.

Your review has relieved my concerns. Thanks for taking the time to post.

[VacationsRme]

We were on Sensation last month. It was a quick birthday cruise. It was also my first Carnival cruise. I was a little worried and also did not expect much. My sister and her husband came with us and it was their first cruise. We all were pleasantly suprised and we had a great time. It was the best birthday I have ever had.

[cruisinsly]

Hi John. We were on the ship with you. I feel like we were on a totally different cruise. We had issues with the pursers desk, issues with the maitre d, and our waiter messed our order up every time. After a while it became comical. The best part of the cruise was camp carnival with our little one. I have always been a big carnival fan. But this one was not my favorite. I guess one out of many isnt bad odds. Glad it was a good cruise for you and your gang.

[direfun2000]

Awesome review! Thanks for sharing!:D

[beach410]

Had the same awesome experience this past spring break, hoping for a repeat performance in June, thanks for sharing!

[rock59]

I've got to agree with "Cruisinsly". My daughter (19) and I went on the Sensation Thanksgiving Day. We had been on it in 2005, out of New Orleans, before Katrina. Although that turned out to be a 5 day cruise to nowhere (we missed both ports), it was still one of my favorite cruises out of the 7 Carnival Cruises I've been on.

 

We still had fun this time, but the dining room service was horrendous. The waiter even forgot to take my daughters order the first night...she was still sitting with the menu in front of her when the rest of our appetizers came out! They also seated my daughter and I (49 & 19) with 3 couples in their mid to late twenties...not the best match I think they could have made.

 

On a positive note, the band "Blood Power" was one of the best we've ever seen on a cruise ship...we went there every night!

[Eliot Ness]

Hi John. We were on the ship with you. I feel like we were on a totally different cruise. We had issues with the pursers desk, issues with the maitre d, and our waiter messed our order up every time. After a while it became comical. The best part of the cruise was camp carnival with our little one. I have always been a big carnival fan. But this one was not my favorite. I guess one out of many isnt bad odds. Glad it was a good cruise for you and your gang.

Hey Stacy, sorry it wasn't as good of an experience for you as it was for us. Our wait staff was as good as any we've had to date. On the one cruise I didn't have the best experience with many years ago it was also Camp Carnival that helped make up for it. Hopefully your next cruise will make up for your experiences on this one.

..........On a positive note, the band "Blood Power" was one of the best we've ever seen on a cruise ship...we went there every night!

They are a very talented band!

[dotshub]

After the drydock early in 2009, the Sensation will have balconies. yippee!

[krystalkruzer]

Last August I was on the 4 day one and the previous 2 years the 3 day one on Thanksgiving weekend. It too has become my favorite class of ship. Bigger is not always better.

[DarthGrady]

I can really relate to your review, thanks for posting it! We also took a 7 day on her back in 1999 out of Tampa. We then sailed her last year for a three day, and like you my expectations weren't real high, but we had a great cruise none the less!

 

Once her cabins and hallways get the EOF upgrades that will do wonders as those were the areas I noticed to be the most worn. She holds a special place with me as being my first Carnival ship, so I would like to cruise her more. Its only her itineraries that keep me away, I just prefer going western. If they threw in a day at HMC or Grand Turk instead of Nassau or Freeport I would jump right on it!

[Eliot Ness]

I can really relate to your review, thanks for posting it! We also took a 7 day on her back in 1999 out of Tampa. We then sailed her last year for a three day, and like you my expectations weren't real high, but we had a great cruise none the less!

 

Once her cabins and hallways get the EOF upgrades that will do wonders as those were the areas I noticed to be the most worn. She holds a special place with me as being my first Carnival ship, so I would like to cruise her more. Its only her itineraries that keep me away, I just prefer going western. If they threw in a day at HMC or Grand Turk instead of Nassau or Freeport I would jump right on it!

Hey Darth, it looks like we share some cruisin' history since we have both been on the PCL Majestic prior to the Sensation.

 

It was originally a PCL cruise my wife and I were scheduled on back in 2000. We arrived in Houston on a Saturday to find out they broke the rudder coming into port and the cruise was canceled. Standing in line at the airport I decided to call 1-800-carnival and see if we could salvage our vacation. The gal who answered booked us on the Sensation out of Tampa for the next day (Sunday). So although she wasn't our first Carnival ship, she was the one that brought us back to Carnival.

 

I agree about her itineraries, but I want to do that all day sail with Barefoot Sailing that got canceled in Nassau so I'm good for at least one more cruise on her. I'm thinking of doing a B2B on her or one of the other Fantasy class ships this summer instead of a 7 day cruise.

 

John

[roswellmom]

We're sailing this Sunday and I really enjoyed your review. Our Roll Call barely has enough people for a meet & greet but we hope to meet any way. I wasn't quite sure if the ship wasn't booking much or if cruisecritic isn't as wide spread as I thought. Anyways, any cruise is better than no cruise. What can be so bad with 4 days in the Caribbean?;)

[Eliot Ness]

We're sailing this Sunday and I really enjoyed your review. Our Roll Call barely has enough people for a meet & greet but we hope to meet any way. I wasn't quite sure if the ship wasn't booking much or if cruisecritic isn't as wide spread as I thought. Anyways, any cruise is better than no cruise. What can be so bad with 4 days in the Caribbean?;)

Our cruise didn't have too many in the roll call either and we didn't try for a meet n greet. But you're sure right about 4 days in the Bahamas being better than no cruise at all. If we lived within easy driving distance of the ports we'd be on a lot more of the shorter cruises.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Joihn

[DarthGrady]

Hey Darth, it looks like we share some cruisin' history since we have both been on the PCL Majestic prior to the Sensation.

........

I'm thinking of doing a B2B on her or one of the other Fantasy class ships this summer instead of a 7 day cruise.

 

John

 

Small world huh? I wish Premier hadn't gotten 86'd, I liked the Majestic. There is something to be said for those smaller ships, they had a certain charm to them.

 

We have also been looking at possibly doing another B2B on Imagination either next year, or the year after. I like that it goes to Key West and Cozumel.

[cruisinsly]

Hey Stacy, sorry it wasn't as good of an experience for you as it was for us. Our wait staff was as good as any we've had to date. On the one cruise I didn't have the best experience with many years ago it was also Camp Carnival that helped make up for it. Hopefully your next cruise will make up for your experiences on this one.They are a very talented band!

 

I am sure our next will be better. We had some really good experiences and some really bad ones. It happens. It didnt turn me off to cruising and didnt turn me off to Carnival.

[balcony bound]

Thanks so much for your review! The Fantasy class ship is my DH's favorite, and we're looking forward to stepping aboard the Sensation next week. We really enjoyed the Fantasy when she was here doing 5-day cruises to HMC and the Turks. Yes, we'll miss our balcony, too:eek:

[Eliot Ness]

Small world huh? I wish Premier hadn't gotten 86'd, I liked the Majestic. There is something to be said for those smaller ships, they had a certain charm to them.

 

We have also been looking at possibly doing another B2B on Imagination either next year, or the year after. I like that it goes to Key West and Cozumel.

Yeah, I really liked the Majestic too. I remember the first time we cruised on it she had a small movie theater that ran all night; the next time we sailed they had refurbed the ship and did away with the theater. I believe she is still sailing somewhere overseas.

 

I saw you had a B2B on the Imagination and because of the ports we started looking at that as a possible B2B also.

 

John

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

The Carnival Sensation Revisited

 

...

We had sailed on the Sensation back in 2000 when it was doing 7 day cruises out of Tampa. ...

 

A couple of nights we ventured into Michelangelo’s Bar where the band

was playing. These guys are very good! They play a wide range of music but I love their classic rock songs. They did Pink Floyds "Another Brick in the Wall" better than I have heard anywhere; if you get a chance to see them don’t miss it....

 

Fantasy Class sure wasn’t a step back like I was afraid of; in fact it might now be my favorite class of ship. Big enough to offer almost all that I want but still easy to get around. OK, maybe I did miss Fish n’ Chips, a Supper Club, and a balcony, but I was impressed enough to seriously consider booking a B2B on her next summer.

...

Port Canaveral: I thought Tampa was an easy port to embark/debark from, but the Port beats them all hands down. I’m not sure I could ever endure Miami again.

...

 

John

 

HELLO John!!! It's been 18 months since we braved that HOLE IN THE FENCE in Costa Maya!

 

Cheryl and I also enjoyed the Sensation in 2000, when she was making the 7 night runs out of Tampa. That was our first cruise together (she went on a couple prior sailings with girlfriends). We have sailed TWELVE times on the Sensation, it holds a special place in our heart (and I LIKE purple)!!!

 

Blood Power was a great group. They are interesting individuals too! Any idea how long they will be on the Sensation?

 

I agree with your opinion of Fantasy Class ships... they are "just about right" - though I too miss the supper club and fish-n-chips!!!

 

Pt. Canaveral is a GREAT port to sail from --- happy to live 20 minute away! Tampa is a close 2nd - with Miami and Ft. Lauderdale at the BOTTOM of my list.... we will have the pleasure of sailing from Miami this Saturday.. WOO HOO (lol)

 

 

I can really relate to your review, thanks for posting it! We also took a 7 day on her back in 1999 out of Tampa. We then sailed her last year for a three day, and like you my expectations weren't real high, but we had a great cruise none the less!

 

Once her cabins and hallways get the EOF upgrades that will do wonders as those were the areas I noticed to be the most worn. She holds a special place with me as being my first Carnival ship, so I would like to cruise her more. Its only her itineraries that keep me away, I just prefer going western. If they threw in a day at HMC or Grand Turk instead of Nassau or Freeport I would jump right on it!

 

I WISH WISH WISH that Carnival would bring back a 4/5 night ship to Pt. Canaveral. With Freeport and Nassau as the only (short sailing) destinations, it gets kind of old!

 

So - you have a cruise THIS Friday!!! Are you driving down that morning? ENJOY the cruise (BTW - don't expect to see Prime Rib or Lobster on that ship - lol) ;)

 

Tom

[DarthGrady]

Yeah, I really liked the Majestic too. I remember the first time we cruised on it she had a small movie theater that ran all night; the next time we sailed they had refurbed the ship and did away with the theater. I believe she is still sailing somewhere overseas.

 

I saw you had a B2B on the Imagination and because of the ports we started looking at that as a possible B2B also.

 

John

 

I remember that! Shame they got rid of it, I thought it was so cool at the time that they had a movie theater on a ship.

 

The Inspiration is a great B2B if you like sea days, as both legs have two each. We missed our stop in Grand Cayman on the 5 day due to Hurricane Gustav, but we just took it in stride. It was still 9 days on a cruise, can't complain about that!

[spikester]

I love the Sensation. I think it is my favorite ship. I had so much fun on her in Jun that I went right back on in Aug.

Was the bartender in the polo lounge a tall guy from Romania? He was so nice and friendly and chatty. I really liked him a lot.

 

I also saw Blood Power the 2x I was on there and they were great. They had such a great sense of humor and performance.

I am bummed that the ship is going to be in drydock at the end of Jan, because I would love to do a 3 dayer.

 

I do hope they put the stir fry buffet on her like they have on the imagination. That was the best part of that trip!

[DarthGrady]

 

........

 

So - you have a cruise THIS Friday!!! Are you driving down that morning? ENJOY the cruise (BTW - don't expect to see Prime Rib or Lobster on that ship - lol) ;)

 

Tom

 

Yup just two days to go! We will be driving down that morning, probably leaving Ocala at about 9 AM. That should put us at PC somewhere near 11:30. I've been trying to wrap my mind around a cruise with no lobster :(. No matter, I'll be back on Inspiration in three weeks. They will give me some Lobster, and those tasty grilled shrimp too!

[Eliot Ness]

..........We have sailed TWELVE times on the Sensation, it holds a special place in our heart (and I LIKE purple)!!!

 

Blood Power was a great group. They are interesting individuals too! Any idea how long they will be on the Sensation?..........

Hi Tom, it breaks my heart that hurricane Dean did so much damage but left that wall still standing. I just hope the folks at Chac-Chi's are able to rebuild soon.

 

Twelve times! Well I guess you guys are pretty much the authority when it comes to the Sensation. Come to think about it there was a chair in the casino with "Tom" embroidered on the back ;)

 

Not sure how much longer Blood Power will be on the Sensation; I talked with one of the members about other bands in the Philippines, but I think the bands I remember were way before their time.

 

Yep, I'll agree that Port Canaveral is the easiest port we've used to date, unfortunately we live a little farther away than 20 minutes!

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

John

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hi Tom, it breaks my heart that hurricane Dean did so much damage but left that wall still standing. I just hope the folks at Chac-Chi's are able to rebuild soon.

...

 

It looks like they are open - with the exception of getting the restaurant up and running again! http://www.costamaya-chacchi.com/

 

 

...

Twelve times! Well I guess you guys are pretty much the authority when it comes to the Sensation. Come to think about it there was a chair in the casino with "Tom" embroidered on the back ;)

...

 

Is THAT where I left my chair cover??? :eek:

 

...

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

John

 

Thanks - will do... and Merry Christmas!

 

Tom

[MinnieGi]

I'm glad to hear of the good reviews for the Sensation! I will be taking my first cruise on her along with my DD (8yo) and DS (4yo) in June! :)

 

Gi