Sensation Information ~ Newbie

[niffer03878]

My DH and I are going on our very 1st cruise September 9th on board the Sensation for a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. I have seen very little about this ship. We are both very nervous/aprehensive about this whole trip. I know that the first mistake that we have made was not flying in the day before, but the cost to change this is quite high so it's not really reasonable. We land in Orlando at 11:30am and the ship leaves at 4:30 so as long as there are no issues with the flight we will get there in plenty of time (I hope I hope I hope). The other mistake I think we made is taking Carnival's shuttle (at least from what I am reading having to sit for an hour+ while waiting for the shuttle to fill up is not my idea of fun but what can your do right ).

 

We booked right through Carnival as we had no idea about TA's and their usefulness . Our cabin is on the Rivera Deck room 109, I believe it's a 6A.. good room/bad room????

 

To make a long story short, I would love to hear ideas, suggestions etc from people that have been on the Sensation. I would also love suggestions on the best excursions to do while in the Bahamas. This will be our very first vacation without our son and all I am looking forward to doing is lounging by the pool/beach with a drink in my hand during the day, going to the dinners and hitting the casino and Midnight comedy showing .

 

Thanks to all the seasoned cruisers in advanced for your information.

[bmccarthy]

My mom and I are doing this cruise for Thanksgiving. This is her 1st cruise and my 2nd, but first on Carnival so I can't give any recommendations for this cruise yet. I only found 1 person on here going on my cruise.

 

I had a few questions myself.

1) What is the food like in the dining room/buffet?

2) Where is the best place in the evening to get a drink?

3) Are the cabins by the elevators noisy?

4) What is the entertainment like?

5) What are the prices like for spa services?

[ManyMore]

Stop bring nervous everything will work out just fine. You didn't do anything "wrong" just different from what some others prefer. I have sailed the Sensation a couple of times and I love the ship and that class of ships. Once on her all your worries will disappear and just have fun. No need to worry yourself silly for nothing in the mean time. :D

[PINEVIEW01]

R109 is in the bottom of the ship and this would be a fairly quite location. Yes, it is a OV.

I did the Sensation when she was doing a seven day route. So, can't help you with that. It is a Fantasy class ship and they are a nice size ship (I don't like all the people on the big ones)

 

I had a few questions myself.

1) What is the food like in the dining room/buffet?

wounderful in the dinning room, pretty good in the buffet. Some of the same food from the dining room can be found on the buffet. Just not the presentation.

2) Where is the best place in the evening to get a drink?

My memory isn't good enough for this.(I was chasing an 16 year old on this one:D )

3) Are the cabins by the elevators noisy?

Not bad at all on the decks with all cabins

4) What is the entertainment like?

Pretty good to very good. Las Vegas type productions, Comady, and such

5) What are the prices like for spa services?

Higher than home. I do my fix ups before I go

 

Hope this helps a little

[ckcb4u2]

DW and I took our first cruise in June 06' aboard the Sensation. We also booked the 4-day Bahamas cruise for our 25th anniversary. The Sensation is a great ship from the Fantasy class of superliners. It was built in 1993, and it's most recent refurbishment was in March of 2006. The decor is "bright", with purple being the dominant theme color. We also flew in the same day as embarkation, and arrived in Orlando at 1:00 pm. We were onboard by 2:30 pm, in plenty of time for the 4:00 pm departure. We were on the Empress deck (E70), so I don't know much about the Riviera deck. The ship was very clean, the food was wonderful, and the entertainment was top notch. You will really enjoy this cruise.

 

We did the Dolphin Encounter in Freeport and enjoyed it very much. We were in the water with some dolphins, and got to pet them in an enclosed area. They are amazing creatures. In Nassau, we did the Pearl Island Snorkel and Stingray Encounter. We also enjoyed this excursion very much, including the 30 minute ride aboard the Tiki Island party boat. We enjoyed our time on the ship as well, and the "day at sea" was very relaxing.

 

The dining room food was superb, and we met some great people at our table. You can also choose from several buffets and grills on the Lido deck, and the food is quite good there also. There are bars all over the place, so it is convenient almost anywhere on the ship. DW and I had a couples massage, which was expensive but wonderful.

 

We cruised again this past April on the Carnival Glory 7-day Western Caribbean cruise. It was very nice, but we will always remember our first cruise aboard the Sensation.

[cruzn buckeye]

We have done the Carnival shuttles. It is not really that bad. Just a little crowded. The best thing we ever did was book with Tiffany Town Car. They pick you up at the luggage area. The driver helps with your luggage. It is a very nice and relaxing private ride to the port. On debark day, they will be waiting for you at whatever time you specify. It was a great choice for us and only cost around $160 round trip. The carnival shuttle costs about $100 total. So it is just a little more and well worth it! http://www.tiffanytowncars.com to see rates.

At Nassau, we finally discovered Breezes. It is an all inclusive( drinks, food, beach,pool,hot tub) resort. You can get a day pass for $60pp. Very well worth it ! You can get a $5 pp off coupon in the visitors center. You just take a bus for $1 per person and they will let you off at the resort. You don't have to book this in advance.

[Cotton]

We booked right through Carnival as we had no idea about TA's and their usefulness.

Hi there, and welcome to the boards. I'm curious as to why you think that was a mistake? Carnival PVPs are just as helpful (sometimes more so) than a local TA. My DIL owns a local agency, but I always book thru a PVP because DIL can't seem to get the little perks for me.:D

Our cabin is on the Rivera Deck room 109, I believe it's a 6A.. good room/bad room????

I'm sure your cabin will be just fine. Riveria Deck isn't the lowest on the ship...crew quarters and much more are below that deck. The lower you are on the ship, the less motion. So this will be just fine for your first cruise...or any other.

 

To make a long story short, I would love to hear ideas, suggestions etc from people that have been on the Sensation.

I've only been on the Sensation once, when she was doing the five night MX cruises out of N.O.

Enjoy!:)

[Cotton]

 

1) What is the food like in the dining room/buffet?

 

It's been awhile since I was on the Sensation, but I can't imagine anything has changed foodwise. I have all three meals each day in the dining room, so can't say much about that buffet. I just prefer the personal service in the DR. I've never ordered anything that was inedible...mostly really, really good food.:)

 

2) Where is the best place in the evening to get a drink?

 

I absolutely LOVED the "Touch of Class" lounge in the evenings. The decor is very different from anything I've ever seen. The bar stools are huge hands, and the lounge is all black and white. Just great, and there's a piano in there...enjoyed the singalongs.

 

3) Are the cabins by the elevators noisy?

 

No. I've never heard anyone say they were bothered by any elevator noise. Now folks getting on and off the elevator may be talking, laughing, whatever. (The only inside cabin I ever had backed up to an elevator...still no problem.)

 

4) What is the entertainment like?

 

As on all Carnival ships, I thoroughly enjoy the big production shows, but I'm not much on comedians, magicians, etc., so I can't comment on those. Just to to all the shows, and if you don't like 'em, you can leave.LOL Have a great cruise!

[lcantwait]

I took my first cruise on Sensation April '06!! I feel in love with cruising on this ship, so I am partial to her. I have booked this same 4 day adventure for Sept this year! I don't think you made mistakes, just not the way other recommend! Since you have booked the Carnival shuttle, they will be expecting you- so even with minor delays you should be fine!! Stop worrying- it's time to get excited and anticipate all the fun!! Last year we did the 6:00 seating for dinner and missed all the sunsets:( so this cruise we are doing the late seating- loved the food!

 

In Freeport we did the Jeep excursion through Carnival and absolutely enjoyed it (food included was just sandwiches and fruit but that wasn't why we booked this one) We are planning this same excurssion in Freeport.

 

In Nassau we did Pearl Island Snorkling and loved this as well!! After snorkling we went back to the ship cleaned up then took a water taxi to Atlantis and explored the free areas- I got lots of good pictures and save the money for the slot machines!! On our Sept cruise we are planning a walking tour on our own that Frommer's recommends!! I didn't care for the straw market (people too pushy!) But will probably try it again- but I will be prepared for it!!

 

We were on the Riviera deck last cruise and had no problems; You aren't in the cabin long any cabin on a cruise ship is fine if I'm on a cruise!!

 

I say stop think what you did wrong based on other opinion and start thinking what you did right! You booked a cruise- that's what's most important and once you step on board nothing else will matter!!

 

Happy sailing!!!:p

[hollaatya35]

We were on the sensation in march, we also stayed on the rivera deck cabin 221 oceanview, the cruise was nice, the food was great, and from my own personal experience the staff was very nice. We did the dolphin encounter in freeport, that was nice too. I was nervous about everything too, but it turned out to be a great cruise.

[niffer03878]

Thank you all for the information. I just booked an excursion on the Speedboat (sounded like a lot of fun). I always get super nervous doing something for the 1st time, always worrying that something is going to go wrong.

 

I just wish the next 105 days will hurry up and get here :D. I am in dire need of this vacation!!

[moncrystal]

My wife and I cruised the Sensation twice last year. The rooms were fine (did Celebrity Century next, so that changed out POV of rooms=) ). The food and show were great, as well (Loved the 80's show, if they have it still, SEE IT!!!). The best thing about the ship was the crew! They are truely the friendliest crew at sea! Have fun (oh, I hope you like metallic purple, 'cause you'll see it everywhere!).

[Ellanora]

My parents, myself, and my son (age 9 at the time) were on the Sensation this past September for a 4 night as well. It was fantastic!

 

The food: The dining room food was wonderful - I ordered multiple appetizers and skipped the salads. Everything I had tasted great, except the duck, but that's not Carnival's fault, as I have come to find that I just don't care for duck anywhere. The soups (Roasted Pumpkin, Sundried Tomato, Lobster Bisque) were stand-outs. Beef Wellington and Lobster were my favorite entrees. The buffet was always ok, the pizza was great, sandwiches were great, grill was great. My son adored the room service. The Midnight Gala Buffet was fantastic - I wish I could have eaten more.

 

The service: Exceptional, without fail. I had previously been on the Fantasy, and had a great time with great service, but something extra seemed to be in it on Sensation.

 

The entertainment: The 80's show, Far From Over, is a MUST SEE. It got a standing ovation from the entire theater when we saw it. The comedians were funny enough, although I didn't make it to the adults only show. My son and I both liked watching the trivia games and the dancing classes, and we did the towel creation class. Pool was nice enough, if small, especially while we were in Nassau. My son and I came back on board the ship at noon to swim, and only one other person was in the pool.

 

Nassau: Lots of people love Nassau, but after twice there, I prefer to stay on board. I've seen lots of recommendations for the Atlantis excursion though.

 

Freeport: Many others find Freeport boring, but I loved it. On the Fantasy, we did a beach break excursion which was enjoyable if a little long. However, on the Sensation, we just found a taxi to take us to Our Lucaya. We arranged with the taxi driver to pick us up at a certain time so that we would be back to port with plenty of time to spare. It was $10 per person round trip. We shopped the market, ate at one of the harbour restaurants, and walked across the street to the beach, which was gorgeous. Next time, we plan to wear our bathing suits and swim there before returning to the ship. Everyone was nice, and it wasn't as crazy as Nassau.

 

Drinks: We liked the casino bar - the bartenders were very friendly, especially towards my son, who they made special nonalcoholic drinks for and waved at him every time we walked by. The Touch of Class piano bar was pretty cool too. Be sure to attend the Captain's Gala - lots of free cocktails.

 

Spa: I didn't use the Spa on Sensation, but I did have a stone massage on Fantasy. I believe it cost $145.

 

I hope you have as great a time as we did!

[georgiadawglover]

We did the Sensation in March of this year and had a truly remarkable time. The crew is magnificent, and are always ready to take care of your every need. We were in the Fantasy dining room, and our wait staff, as well as the food, was superb....our waitstaff were Roy and Oliver, and we will always remember the service and entertainment that they provided. You will have a geat time. We were in OV on Main deck and the steward kept our stateroom remarkably clean. The food on Lido deck was also good, and we enjoyed that late night pizza before we went to bed each night. Have fun! Relax! The crew on Sensation will spoil you rotten, and once you come home, you will still be searching for Lido deck and waiting on the entertainment and service from the dining room staff:p.

[jpmaximus]

My DH and I are going on our very 1st cruise September 9th on board the Sensation for a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. I have seen very little about this ship. We are both very nervous/aprehensive about this whole trip. I know that the first mistake that we have made was not flying in the day before, but the cost to change this is quite high so it's not really reasonable. We land in Orlando at 11:30am and the ship leaves at 4:30 so as long as there are no issues with the flight we will get there in plenty of time (I hope I hope I hope). The other mistake I think we made is taking Carnival's shuttle (at least from what I am reading having to sit for an hour+ while waiting for the shuttle to fill up is not my idea of fun but what can your do right ).

 

We booked right through Carnival as we had no idea about TA's and their usefulness . Our cabin is on the Rivera Deck room 109, I believe it's a 6A.. good room/bad room????

 

To make a long story short, I would love to hear ideas, suggestions etc from people that have been on the Sensation. I would also love suggestions on the best excursions to do while in the Bahamas. This will be our very first vacation without our son and all I am looking forward to doing is lounging by the pool/beach with a drink in my hand during the day, going to the dinners and hitting the casino and Midnight comedy showing .

 

Thanks to all the seasoned cruisers in advanced for your information.

 

Dont worry.. i always fly in a few hours before boarding and i have never had a problem(Knock on wood). If it isnt winter then planes are usually running on schedule. You have plenty of time even if there is a small delay and you booked with Carnival so if you did have an issue they could contact the ship. Just kick back and relax. You will be arriving at a time when the shuttles will fill up quickly so you should get underway quicker. Enjoy the Sensation!

[bguppies]

My DH and I are going on our very 1st cruise September 9th on board the Sensation for a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. I have seen very little about this ship. We are both very nervous/aprehensive about this whole trip. I know that the first mistake that we have made was not flying in the day before, but the cost to change this is quite high so it's not really reasonable. We land in Orlando at 11:30am and the ship leaves at 4:30 so as long as there are no issues with the flight we will get there in plenty of time (I hope I hope I hope). The other mistake I think we made is taking Carnival's shuttle (at least from what I am reading having to sit for an hour+ while waiting for the shuttle to fill up is not my idea of fun but what can your do right ).

 

We booked right through Carnival as we had no idea about TA's and their usefulness . Our cabin is on the Rivera Deck room 109, I believe it's a 6A.. good room/bad room????

 

To make a long story short, I would love to hear ideas, suggestions etc from people that have been on the Sensation. I would also love suggestions on the best excursions to do while in the Bahamas. This will be our very first vacation without our son and all I am looking forward to doing is lounging by the pool/beach with a drink in my hand during the day, going to the dinners and hitting the casino and Midnight comedy showing .

 

Thanks to all the seasoned cruisers in advanced for your information.

The main danger of flying into Orlando on the day of is of inclimate weather delays from your departure point or at a connecting airport.

(snow during winter up north, severe thunderstorms in summer)

 

If you are flying in during the heart of hurricane season (mid-August-September) you might run into problems in arriving at Orlando.

 

If your flight is on time, it is only 45 minutes to Port Canaveral.

 

We did the 4 day Sensation, twice in the last year.

 

Not much to do in Freeport, so you can either take a cab to Our Lucaya for the beach or definitely do an excursion.

 

We LOVE Nassau and the people.

We have had a great time on both trips.

We started with a walking tour of the sites each morning when the Sensation would arrive, before most things opened.

Then we would go enjoy the peace and quiet of the British Colonial Hilton's $15 daypass, to use their pool and beach facilities. (and we loved being a 10 minute walk back to the ship)

 

If you want many drinks, the Breezes daypass would be a good choice.

 

If you want a $15 daypass, but away from the pier, the Cable Beach hotels offer the same deal as the BCH now.

 

In the evenings, after dinner on the Sensation, we would take a cab over to Atlantis, and enjoyed the Dig Aquarium for free after 6PM (ish) instead of the $29 per person during the day.

Then stopped in the casino and strolled the indoor and outdoor Gallerias.

 

I would advise checking out the Bahamas board in here.

It was a HUGE help for ideas and information before both of our cruises.

 

With a minor amount of research, you can have a GREAT 24 hours in Nassau.

 

Bill

[bguppies]

My mom and I are doing this cruise for Thanksgiving. This is her 1st cruise and my 2nd, but first on Carnival so I can't give any recommendations for this cruise yet. I only found 1 person on here going on my cruise.

 

I had a few questions myself.

1) What is the food like in the dining room/buffet?

2) Where is the best place in the evening to get a drink?

3) Are the cabins by the elevators noisy?

4) What is the entertainment like?

5) What are the prices like for spa services?

 

1)Our first cruise on the Sensation we ate dinner in the Dining Room every night and it was good.

Our second cruise we completely avoided the dining room and it's time constraints and enjoyed the food as well. (all but one meal was as good as the dining room)

Definitely try the reubens at the deli at the rear of the Seaview Buffet, between the pizzeria and the bar. (the pizza was good also)

 

2)mostly depends on what you enjoy while drinking.

My wife smokes and I enjoy a cigar from time to time, so we frequented the Polo Lounge each night and got great service on both cruises.

 

Many enjoyed the bar at the center of the Atrium on the Empress deck.

 

The Plaza Lounge had Karaoke each night. (which we would watch from the next door Polo Lounge)

 

Go where your intrests lie and the drinks will follow.

 

4) The first show was a Vegas style show, which we liked neither cruise.

(starnge music choices which did not work in the show)

 

"Far From Over" the 80's show, on the last night at sea, was great both trips. (with completely different casts)

 

Make sure to hit the Newlywed game on the sea day. (although it gets repetative after multiple cruises. Funny as all the first time though)

 

5)the Spa is quite pricey (unless you are used to NYC/LA metroplis type pricing.)

 

Hope that helps.

Bill

[bguppies]

Here is the link to the Bahamas board.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

 

And the walking tour thread that has helped so many people on that board.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=332656

[Cruisedogs]

Just got off the Sensation yesterday for the 3-day to the Bahamas. We have been on over 30 cruises and this was our 3rd on the Sensation and it was great as always! The food and service this time was some of the best we have experienced. We're booking the Glory next year with friends for the 5th time. Enjoy your cruise and have a drink for us in the bar by the casino. Best bartenders are Simona (she has long dark hair) and Tess. If you slip them a couple of $ with your first drink, you'll be taken care of the entire cruise.

 

Have fun!

 

Cruisedogs