Short and Sweet Sensation

[balcony bound]

This was an unexpected, quick trip. I had long admired my fellow Floridians for their ability to take last minute cruises - we don’t fall into that category, our cruises are mostly booked well over a year in advance, taking advantage of good pricing and cabin selection. Work is usually a factor since we don’t have unlimited vacation time and have other obligations with an elder parent, and the need for downtime in other ways, not to mention DHs ongoing cancer treatments. Although, for me, cruising is the true downtime – I love not having telephone or any other contact or obligations for those wonderful days at sea.

 

So, I was totally taken aback when DH asked me to book a 3 day trip to the Bahamas next week. Huh? Next week? I normally spend months dreaming of a cruise, are you serious? Strangely, I didn’t jump right on it. I waited to the next day to inquire of DH if he was truly serious. He had always stated that he would never take a 3-day cruise. It was too short, he wasn’t into the atmosphere of a quick trip, etc. Nonetheless, he said he was serious, and I got on the phone with my PVP. Now, I had already checked prices (even though I was in disbelief) and there was a rather decent last minute rate for Past Guests. Got to love my PVP, he found an even lower rate for military (lower than the military rate that was “published”) and the next thing I knew, we were booked for a few days to the Bahamas in 6 days.

 

The other oddity for us, this would be our first time ever in an interior cabin. See my user name?? We usually book balcony cabins, except for a couple OVs we have had before the fantasy class ships were retrofitted with balconies. I was trying to gauge what DH’s reaction was going to be once we actually boarded the ship, he’s is retired navy, and it took some doing to initially get him to cruise, and I wondered if the interior space was going to satisfy the distinction between a vacation and déjà vu to his navy bunk.

 

DH also announced that there would be no visits to the MDR – he was only taking short pants, a bathing suit, and his flip flops. Well, okay, for an opportunity to take a last minute cruise, I can go with the totally casual outlook… looks like we’ll be sharing a suitcase instead of our normal safari-type packing. I was hoping he would let me take my hair dryer without a fightJ

 

We woke to wonderful weather for a weekend getaway, and we were anxious to leave the house. Since it only takes us 15 minutes to get to the port, we needed some delay tactics! We decided to go over to Portside Galley for breakfast and then we went down to the Cocoa Beach pier for a bit. DH loves to go to the pier and reminisce about his younger days and surfing contests. I just never turn down an opportunity to go to the beach.

Today was gorgeous and we watched the guy broom surfing for a while and just enjoyed the sound of the ocean and the call of the gulls.

 

 

 

 

 

[balcony bound]

We had delayed as much as we could, and took off for the Port. I’m always excited to see the ships, and especially when I am about to embark on one of them – today was no different, I was ready. We had one suitcase to drop off, then on to park and walk down through the tunnel – emerging on the other side as a cruiser.

We’ve sailed on the Sensation before, so we knew the layout well but we wanted to check out her upgrades since our last visit, so we visited the Serenity area and the evolutions of fun. Both great additions – as well as the new television in the cabins. Last time we cruised our picture was totally green – the new flatscreen was great.

Our afternoon was spent with our beverages and reacquainting ourselves with the ship. Sometimes you forget the little details, and it’s fun to discover them all over again.

[balcony bound]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having such a nice time just wandering about, we missed lunch – but hey, the grilled rueben suited me fine.

[balcony bound]

 

We also checked out our cabin, neither of us really knowing what to expect for an inside cabin. This one, booked at the last minute, was a quad – I would caution everyone to watch their head getting in and out of bed – that bunk above (even closed) could give you quite a headache when you bump into it. Other than that, I think we both agreed that inside suited us fine for a short cruise and we would do it again. It was extremely quiet in our area, and we never heard a single sound from anywhere.

 

Since DH had put the moratorium on the MDR… it was off to the Lido for dinner. No problems whatsoever with lines, seating, or food. Food was great, hot and well prepared. One thing I noticed is that I ate a lot less when visiting the buffet rather than going to dinner. Overall, that was probably a good thing. Notables on the buffet over the three days was a wonderful mushroom soup, some crab cakes that I liked a lot, the prime rib was great, and the fruit was really, really good.

 

Our day/overnight in the Bahamas was really pleasant. It was a little overcast and breezy – perfect for wandering around. We had planned to swim, but the day just didn’t seem to invite us to do that. So, we explored some areas we hadn’t been before, then headed back to the ship for those always-tasty cheeseburgers and a nap!

 

The casino was one of our frequented areas this trip. DH came out ahead on the craps table (aha, now I know why he was so interested in a last minute cruise!) and I played around on the slots. The casino manager made note of my Players Club membership and bought me a drink – that was nice. He also offered me one the next evening, but I was about to turn in for the night and declined. I am probably the only person who’s ever turned down a free drink, and thinking back to that moment, I should have accepted and stayed up longer!

 

We headed off to the show, and lucky for me DH got his times wrong. We thought it was a pretty small crowd for the show (turns out the show was later in the evening). So we sat with our beverages and enjoyed a round of triva (movie themes) which netted me…. A SHIP ON A STICK!

 

 

 

There was a great crowd on this ship, and probably the best dressed crowd I’ve seen on any of our trips – I was surprised at how dressy everyone was for a 3-day cruise. Hmmmm, maybe I was just noticing it more because we went the casual route? No, I really don’t think so. There were also very few children – maybe a few under 5 or so, always with their parents. On the last evening we ran into our first group of kids in the 12-15 age group or so, 7 of them just enjoying themselves.

 

Our day at sea after leaving Nassau was relaxing, couldn’t have asked for better. All positives from us for the Sensation – luckily, we’ll be sailing her again in September. Maybe I’ll even get to eat in the dining room! :)

 

All those embarking soon... enjoy!

[corkyanige]

I am ABSOLUTELY loving your review!! We cruise on the sensation in September and cannot wait!!

[balcony bound]

Corky, you'll have a wonderful time!

 

Staff was really great and always pleasant. Easy to get around, no lines or crowds.. umm, well, except the last morning breakfast as everyone was making plans to disembark - that was a little congested.

 

Happy cruising:)

[CCbaby817]

That's awesome! I wish we lived close enoguh to jump on a ship within 15 minutes. It was nice of your husband to decide to do that. Sounds like ya'll really needed the break. Glad ya'll enjoyed it!!!

[balcony bound]

Yup, my hubby is very nice! and cute and fun to be with, to boot:)

[dotshub]

We have been on the Sensation a few times already, and probably going again in August. Its a great short cruise getaway, always had great service, great food and fun times. And still not tired of the ship. :)

At least one of those cruises we also packed light and skipped the MDR.

[balcony bound]

I agree, hard to get tired of any ship:) Sensation has a lot to offer - but I did laugh at DH, he really, really wanted to see the show. About half way through, he says "have I seen this before?" LOL, I was surprised he remembered. But, we enjoyed it again.

[tntcardz]

Thanks so much for posting this review. I am going on my first cruise next week on the Sensation and I am so excited. I will be traveling with three girl friends from high school and we are all turning 40 this year so this is a gift to ourselves. Your review was great. Thanks again for sharing.

[rdalmeida]

Was on the Sensation this past weekend. I posted my own review and have no complaints. It was great and I'm in the process of booking another one. It sure is good to be close, not 15 min :) but close enough for me to make some last minute runaways.

[balcony bound]

Thanks so much for posting this review. I am going on my first cruise next week on the Sensation and I am so excited. I will be traveling with three girl friends from high school and we are all turning 40 this year so this is a gift to ourselves. Your review was great. Thanks again for sharing.

 

Nice:) Perfect cruise for the "girls" - you will surely have a wonderful time! Nice time to go, too - the weather is great.

 

Happy Cruising!

[balcony bound]

Was on the Sensation this past weekend. I posted my own review and have no complaints. It was great and I'm in the process of booking another one. It sure is good to be close, not 15 min :) but close enough for me to make some last minute runaways.

 

I'm glad you had a good time, too! You're right, there was absolutely nothing to complain about - they do a great job.

[rdalmeida]

You ladies will have a blast. On our crusie there was a 10 year high school reunion, bacholrette party, wedding. And thats a great way to bring in a new decade. Cheers to you ladies.

[Jimmylisa]

Balcony Bound,

Thanks for the review, it reminds me of our first cruise on the sensation last September. We are going back on her this October for 4days, and I can't wait. We always get a OV room, but 2012 we have a balcony on the Freedom. It will be our first one and looking forward to it.

[balcony bound]

Have a great time, Jimmylisa! And enjoy that balcony on the Freedom, you'll love it.

 

Happy Cruising.

[Knights on the Beach]

Great review! We've been on the Sensation twice, but not since the improvements -- it looks awesome.

[balcony bound]

Well book again:D!! The improvements really made a huge improvement, we're looking forward to our next trip. I've been promised at least one meal in the dining room...

[tbjl24]

Nice review. It reminds me of my last minute jaunt on the majesty last year. A countdown under 20 days is the way to go.

 

I keep saying I am going to sail the sensation for a quick getaway. Hopefully rates will drop in September like they normally do.

[tntcardz]

Nice:) Perfect cruise for the "girls" - you will surely have a wonderful time! Nice time to go, too - the weather is great.

 

Happy Cruising!

 

Thanks it sounds great. We are so excited :D

[Knights on the Beach]

Well book again:D!! The improvements really made a huge improvement, we're looking forward to our next trip. I've been promised at least one meal in the dining room...

We drove over to the port today and watched the ships sail out while we had a couple drinks at the Tiki Bar. I didn't realize they'd added balconies to so many cabins on Sensation until we saw it today. It was kind of funny listening to people around us voice their opinions about the ships. Most of them didn't have a clue. I got tired of hearing one man talk about how much better Royal Caribbean is and how he'd never go on Carnival, but it was pretty funny hearing another ill-informed man carry on about how Disney ships have no casinos (true), bars or alcohol (not true). :rolleyes:

[Noreno]

I love reading about the sensation. My first cruise will begin in 19days immm soo excited.

[balcony bound]

Noreno - No wonder you're excited :) You'll have a wonderful time! We're also on that sailing - looking forward to the Sensation again.

 

I hope you come back and tell us how you enjoyed your first cruise.

[okwriter]

That ship stole my cruise virginity! And I loved it! :D

Thanks for the pictures. They brought back some great memories!