Sensation or not?

[radioguy54]

We are taking 6 first time cruisers ...one option is to the Bahamas on Sensation, good or bad idea? We have been on two to Cozumel

[Lace]

It really depends if you and they consider the ship the destination, or the mode to get somewhere.

 

Out first cruise found us spending most time in board exploring the ship, with little interest where we were going.

[carrieluvsgreg]

We are taking 6 first time cruisers ...one option is to the Bahamas on Sensation, good or bad idea? We have been on two to Cozumel

 

For me the deciding factor would be the destination. I'm not opposed to the Fantasy class ships, we were on the Paradise in December on the 4 day itinerary to Cozumel and it was a great little cruise. We just much prefer anything in the Caribbean over the Bahamas. Of the Bahamas ports, we preferred Freeport to Nassau just because it was quiet and serene. Out of 11 cruises, 7 stops in Cozumel, we've loved every trip! But since they are first time cruisers, you will be the only one with something to compare it to, so you'd most likely be the one disappointed, if anyone.

[Tapi]

Just my two cents, but the Sensation has been, to this day, the absolute worst cruise we've ever taken.

 

The ship is one of the most poorly decorated ships I've ever seen (purple overload). Fellow passengers left a lot to be desired (we witnessed several incidents that left us dumbfounded, including a fight in the atrium with racial slurs thrown back and forth). I've never seen such a large number of poorly behaved fellow cruisers all gathered in one ship.

 

For some reason, the cleaning staff didn't seem to be able to keep up with the passengers, and trash, dirty plates and cups kept accumulating throughout. Even vomit on one of the main stairs was literally left unattended for hours (they just placed a yellow cone next to it and left it to dry).

 

The crew seemed to be frustrated and overworked with the antics of fellow passengers. The whole cruise felt like they were doing the bare minimums to get things over with. Thank goodness this was only a 3 day cruise. It just didn't feel relaxing at all.

 

Nassau is not where I would prefer to spend my vacation dollars. It's an OK destination, and I understand that its a necessary evil on short cruises from Port Canaveral, but if I can choose another cruise with a different destination, I will. If I have a choice between Cozumel and Nassau, I'd pick Cozumel.

 

 

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Edited February 8, 2014 by Tapi

[Gtownmom]

We just got off the Sensation Thursday, Feb 6th. We picked the Sensation because it was a short cruise and very inexpensive and most of our first-time cruisers live in Florida. I didn't want to be responsible for everyone spending alot of money and then not liking cruising... altho I can't understand those folks! lol

 

Hard as it may be to believe, we has the BEST wait team ever in 6 cruises! They were excellent with refills, and the bread basket. So often, that is not the case. Our cabin steward was very good too, and the ship was clean and in great shape for it's age. The smaller fantasy class ships are easy to get around on too... I was pleasantly surprised by this ship! It seemed to be better than the Ecstasy to me.

 

This was my first experience from Port Canaveral, and they have their act together! I would highly recommend the Sensation for first time cruisers to see if it's the perfect vacation for them.

 

We had been to the Bahamas before and that wasn't a deciding factor in selection... we just wanted to get some newbies on a cruise.

[tattoos]

I agree with Gtownmom...our five cruises on the Sensation were great. The glow of purple neon in the atrium is pretty funky and adds to the fun atmosphere.

 

It's a quick ride to Port Canaveral from my home, the cruise rate is very reasonable, there is a great park and cruise off-site parking facility two minutes from the Port (1/2 the price of parking at the Port), check-in has always been quick and efficient, the ship was clean and well maintained, food in the MDR was great, wait staff friendly and efficient, shows in the main lounge were very good (and better than some I have seen on other Carnival ships), love the rotisserie chicken on the Lido deck, tea time, karaoke, bingo, etc.

 

As far as Nassau is concerned, if you've never been there, lots of fun things to see and do...beach within walking distance (Junkanoo), straw market, Pirate Museum, Senor Frogs, historical tours, water excursions, Starbucks, Atlantis (beautiful hotel with huge casino), Cabbage Beach, etc.

[Elustriah]

We will be going on the Sensation this coming Thursday and I can't wait! I'm glad there are a couple good postings, I was getting worried we made a mistake. This will be our 2nd cruise.

[cynthe66]

I love the Sensation! Out of six cruises I've been on the Sensation 3 times and each time it gets better.

[PSRCPA]

Love the Sensation, have been on several times, and even did a B2B to make it 7 days ;)

 

We aren't interested in getting off the ship so our time is all onboard and relaxing, especially on Serenity :D

 

We are booked on the Sensation May 8th for a "live" cruise with Foreigner, can't wait!

[radioguy54]

Hope you have a great time and maybe you can post when you return!

[GOLDIEDA1]

I have been on the Sensation seven times and I have loved it every time. I have always found lots of things to do in Nassau also. Until a couple of years ago, the ship used to dock overnight. I hate that it doesn't spend the night there anymore. I will be on her in a couple of months for a "live" cruise with Foreigner. Can't wait.

[riclop]

We are taking 6 first time cruisers ...one option is to the Bahamas on Sensation, good or bad idea? We have been on two to Cozumel

Give them something newer.

[Quirkxofxart]

If it makes you feel better, I have a group of 6, all frist time cruisers, going on the Sensation in November. The price, the port, and the dates were perfect; and even if its not as good as other cruises, might as well do it before we have something to compare it to. That way any other cruises we go on in the future will just be that much more awesome!

[cruizinisthebest]

My past two cruises have been on the Sensation (4 day). Both times we took a newbie cruiser with us and they loved it. If it wasn't for expanding my horizons, I would book her again. Very nice, spotless ship both times I sailed her. Wonderful crew. And the partiers/kids weren't an issue at all. It's a good choice for a first time cruiser. Port Canaveral is not hectic and the ship is big enough to be wowed while small enough to figure out. To each his or her own regarding the décor. I love Purple so it was fine with me. Nassau is a decent port for a first or second visit. It kind of loses it steam once you've been there a few times.

Edited February 11, 2014 by cruizinisthebest
correct typo

[xitappers2bx]

We are taking 6 first time cruisers ...one option is to the Bahamas on Sensation, good or bad idea? We have been on two to Cozumel

 

My first cruise was on the Sensation so maybe I am biased... but it was perfect for a first timer... The ship isn't too big, but it's not teeny tiny (I guess though, on today's standards it is). It has the typical Carnival "glitz." When I was on her (2009) she was well maintained and had a fantastic crew and a captain that got me through my first storm at sea with all his calm updates regarding the storm we had to go through. Since then I've tried to cruise at least once a year, so I'd say it was a great way to start... we did the 4 day Bahama's with the overnight in Nassau and that was awesome, I would totally love another overnight there.

[Freedom2014]

I strongly hate the way the ship looks it's scary outdated and old...but in the end a vacation is a vacation but personally I will never be stepping foot on that ship again

[steph7021]

We had a good experience on the Sensation. Great price! We really had a good day in Freeport. We only regret not getting a balcony....

 

 

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[seashell64]

We've been on this ship 3 times; the last time was Valentine's Day last year (oh how I'm wishing it was last year). We were with my sister and niece who had never cruised. The weather was bad (raining then 30 degrees when we got back to port) but we had the best time!! In my opinion this ship is a great ship for first time cruisers, not too big, not too small. Service was great and even though we were on the main deck, it wasn't a huge trek to anything. I would recommend you try it!

[near the beach]

We have sailed on the Sensation five times and had a great cruise each time. It is a good first cruise ship. Easy to get around and an excellent staff.

We will sail on the Sensation again.

Have a fun cruise. :)

[BigAlexC]

Just crusied the Sensation myself, Feb 6th - 9th. It wasm y 2nd cruise and my GF's 1st. We LOVED it! Great ship, although a little older and smaller compared to todays mega ships. However the staff, especially dining staff, were tremendous. CD was a great guy, food was very good, comedy shows were great, room steward was spot on. Absolute blast, but like all things it is what you make it! My GF enjoyed her experience so much we are alreay planning our next cruise!

 

Go and ENJOY!

[deetrayn]

I would not tell anyone to stay away from the Sensation, but I would not go again. It was my least favorite cruise experience. That was due to poor service from room steward, and behavior of passengers. Staff and passengers change so I'm sure if I were to go again, it would be different. I am so glad that was not my first cruise. I probably would have said no to future sailings if that had been my first empression of cruising.

 

I also was not crazy about the overall appearance of the ship, but that was minor compared to the annoyance of unruly passengers and rude room steward.