Sensation Review from 9/30-10/4 Bahamas Trip

[Florida_Native]

As promised in an earlier post, here is my review of our experience on the Sensation. I had to type it in again since it got lost in HTML world the first time I submitted it. Locals, get ready to oil up in popcorn butter:

 

Background Information - It had been 14 years since my wife and I took a cruise for our honeymoon. I had taken two cruises prior to that. Our 13 year old daughter had never been on one, so we jumped on the internet to book a cruise. We live 30 minutes from Port Canaveral, so our options were Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. A little research on the internet said Carnival was typically a livelier, late night crowd which made them the obvious choice for us. I am a professional now, but I was a bartender for over a decade and my wife and I met at a bar/restaurant where we worked together. Now that our daughter is older, we like to go out and have a good time. We were all three really looking forward to this vacation.

 

Embarkation - This went mostly smooth and fast. We packed pretty light and carried on our luggage. The way they get your luggage to your room isn't very secure, and their lost luggage responsibility policy is weak. Read it and make up your own mind. One person's luggage was lost on our cruise. They put out a flyer asking someone to give it back. Keep all of your documents out until you are on the ship. They will be checked often.

 

The Ship - The décor of the ship is out-dated. It feels like you are in an 80's Prince music video. Although the ship is outdated, they do keep everything very clean. In fact, I doubt you will spend a minute in any common area without seeing someone cleaning something. This is good and bad. The good is that the ship does not look worn or aged, just kind of funky. The bad is the staff gets in the way to clean. You have to constantly walk around them on the pool deck, and balance your tray and move out of their way while they sweep and bus tables in the cafeteria (that's the Sea View Bar & Grill, and trust me, it's a cafeteria). The layout of the ship isn't great. Most elevators don't go to all floors. You have to get off, go down the halls, and get another elevator to get where you are going. This is not terrible, just an inconvenience. For the first several hours on board, they use half the elevators for luggage, so the other elevators are busy. And on our cruise, many of the other passengers would not wait for the next elevator or use the stairs, They piled in beyond belief. My family and I actually got off an elevator twice during this time because so many people pushed in that it did not seem safe. This was the general nature of many of the other passengers on the ship, but more on that later. We took the stairs until the other elevators opened back up.

Much More Later....

FN

[caribbean dreams]

Thanks for the parcial review, can't wait until "more later" I think "funky" is carnivals theme, although there are a few ships, new & old that are more classier looking.

[*Mach*]

Thanks for page one!

 

Personally, I'd rather have the crew in my way a bit than to deal with a mess every where I go, or even worse, Noro. But, that's just me...

 

You call the ship's theme 'funky' I call it eclectic. I like what Joe Farcus has done with these ships and it's those eclectic touches that are the common thread among the 22 vessels of the Fun Ship fleet.

 

I agree with you about the passengers, the lazy ones, who can't be bothered to walk up a flight of stairs. These folks will cram into elevators to the point there's not room for air. Typically, those most intent on packing their butts into the elevators are the ones who could use the exercise the most!

 

Bring on page 2!!!

 

:D

[Florida_Native]

These folks will cram into elevators to the point there's not room for air. Typically, those most intent on packing their butts into the elevators are the ones who could use the exercise the most!

 

:D

That's the ones I'm talking about!!

 

Round Two:

 

Stateroom - We got an ocean view room on the lower deck, cabin R144. We wanted our daughter to be able to see the ocean from our room, but did not care to spend extra money on the cabin. We didn’t plan to spend much more time than sleeping and getting ready in there anyway. We were on vacation to have fun, not lay around in the cabin. The amount of space was sufficient, a little crowded with the bunk down, but they put it back up during the day until fold down service. Our cabin steward introduced himself, and said hi in the hall a time or two, but other than that we did not see him. He seemed to keep our cabin in tip top shape without us ever seeing him in there. Excellent cabin service. The bad part of being on the lower deck, and the worst part of our cruise, happened at night in our cabin. The first night we got back to our cabin around 12:30 and went to sleep. At around 4AM, my wife and I both woke up to mechanical metal clanking and banging noise directly below our bed. Startled, she asked what it was. I listened a while. The period was about 1-2 seconds, not long enough to be from the sway of the boat. I told her nothing, and she was able to get back to sleep. It was another hour before I could do the same. I was tired the next day, but had mostly forgotten about it when we went to bed the next night. Same thing, around 3:30AM. This time there was grinding and vibration associated with it, and it did not sound safe. I assumed there was ship machinery below me with problems. I called the admin desk. Around 20 minutes later, someone came to the cabin, listened, looked concerned, and then said they needed someone else to hear it. Over 15 minutes later, the other person came, listened, and then went away. The desk called back and said all they could do was offer earplugs. I knew this would not help because of the vibration, but I figured I would try anyway, Unfortunately, I was right. The next day I stood in the standard 20 minute line at the Purser’s desk to find out what the status was. She looked it up and told me they had dismissed it as boat sway. I assured her it was not, described the noise period, and suggested there may be a mechanical issue that they should be concerned with. I assured her this was not about upgrading cabins. I did not want to pack and move for anything. I really wanted the problem taken care of. She said she would contact ship engineering and see what they could do. She was very professional and courteous. Believe it or not, we are not to the worst part yet. Later that day, half way through our cruise, there is a letter left in our cabin. It is from ship administration saying that if we wish to pack and move our stuff, they are “pleased” to offer us another cabin, lowest category interior on the lower deck, with two twin beds on opposite sides of the cabin, at NO ADDITION COST TO US. The next two nights my daughter let me sleep on the pull down bunk and she slept on the bed with my wife. I don’t know if they fixed the problem or if the extra drinks helped, but I slept through the last nights.

Still more to come...

FN

[*Mach*]

Ya' know... someone else mentioned exactly the same noise on the Rivera deck but I don't believe it was the same ship...

 

There's a very good possibility that it's exactly as you describe... some machinery that runs periodically.

 

It's a shame that it interrupted your sleep as the beds are so comfortable.

 

So, tell us more!

[shargurl]

I am waiting to hear more too! I am planning to take this cruise next year, which cabin were you in??

[Florida_Native]

Ya' know... someone else mentioned exactly the same noise on the Rivera deck but I don't believe it was the same ship...

 

We were in cabin R144. I did a search on keyword 'R144' and found the other post. It was a different Carnival ship, but it was described very similar to this.

Hmmmm...

FN

[BirthdayGirl30]

We were on the Disney Wonder the same days you sailed. We saw your ship in port! Weren't those seas the first night INSANE?! I thought I was going to be ill.

 

I've done 2 3-day carnivals, and one 4-day Disney - I have to tell you there is NO comparison between the two. It was like a completely different vacation, but also a totally different price point. We probably would take a very, very cheap 3-day Carnival cruise without the kids again; but we would NOT ever be able to take the kids on the Carnival ships instead of the Disney. We'd rather NOT go than to sail Carnival with the kids after our Disney experience.

[SunnieD]

I was in R61 on the Sensation Oct.11th-14th. We heard the noise about 5:30 am when we were departing Nassau. I thought it was them cranking in the lines or something. Enough to wake me up and send me to the window to see if we were in port or out to sea.

 

I liked the look of the Sensation. Very well kept and maybe because I was in school for all of the 80s, I felt younger on this ship.;) The food was not my favorite. The staff was everywhere, but I was OK with that too. Elevators were a little slow, but not a problem for us.

 

Keep up the great review. I like to compare experiences.

[*Mach*]

We were in cabin R144. I did a search on keyword 'R144' and found the other post. It was a different Carnival ship, but it was described very similar to this.

Hmmmm...

FN

 

Was it also a Fantasy Class ship???

 

:confused:

[abitaturbodog]

Hey, what happend to the OP? I'm just starting to get into this review!

[Florida_Native]

We were on the Disney Wonder the same days you sailed. We saw your ship in port! Weren't those seas the first night INSANE?! I thought I was going to be ill.

 

Yea, that first night was crazy. Lots of people getting sick in the common areas of the ship around dinner time. It was kind of fun later on with a buzz!! Walking the halls between band sets and staggering way more than the alcohol could have caused.

 

I've done 2 3-day carnivals, and one 4-day Disney - I have to tell you there is NO comparison between the two. It was like a completely different vacation, but also a totally different price point. We probably would take a very, very cheap 3-day Carnival cruise without the kids again; but we would NOT ever be able to take the kids on the Carnival ships instead of the Disney. We'd rather NOT go than to sail Carnival with the kids after our Disney experience.

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. We will be looking at other lines for our next cruise. Carnival is obviously perfect for some people, you can see that from most of the reviews here. It's just not for us.

 

From the guy with great taste in beer(abitaturbodog):Hey, what happend to the OP? I'm just starting to get into this review!

 

I'm still here, and will probably post more details tonight.

FN

[Lulachick]

A nurse that I work with here was on that cruise for her b-day and she very hoity-toity told me that her mother is a TA and her trip was free and my nurse and I told her that the cruises are better when you actually work and pay for them. She did not have a whole lot to say after that. My nurse and I have both been on Carnival and both enjoy the line. Hope you hade fun on the cruise.

[MOYSHA]

Let me preface my reply by stating that we (my wife & I) are n ot overly in love with Carnival. That being said.........We booked a cruise 2 weeks before sailing time on the Sensation in September of this year.

Due to the time element we had to settle for cabin R7 or R9, I forget which one. This cabin is forward on the lowest level(Riviera). The only noises we heard were the anchor chain noises. They lasted about 20 minutes and that was it. Regarding the elevators for luggage. We have been on well over a dozen cruizes on different lines (RCCL, X, Princess, etc) and to the best I can recall every one used the elevators(both passenger and if available freight) for luggage so as to get it delivered ASAP. I never expected them to carry it up 10 or 11 flights.

JUST MY 2 CENTS WORTH

[ata1976]

We were on this sailing and the rocking was crazy the first night. We also got the note in our room about missing luggage, but it wasn't until about the 3rd day I don't think.

It must have been the forward elevators that were closed on the first day because we never encountered it. I will say that lots of times the elevators were packed and I would have to wait and wait for enough space for me and my 1-year-olds stroller to get on.

[Florida_Native]

Was it also a Fantasy Class ship???

 

:confused:

Here's a cut and paste from the other post (sections deleted):

Fantasy Report 4/24/2006 - Longer than intended

We thoroughly enjoyed our Fantasy Cruise. There were many wonderful things, with a few minor annoyances sprinkled in. ..............

 

STATEROOM We had a triple on the Riviera Deck - R144. Cabins were supposed to be ready at 1:30, so at 1:30 we went to check it out. It was immaculate and had been decorated for us by the Casino Host which made it really festive. Overall, we were pleased but the setup for a triple made it too awkward to keep the beds together. ............Unfortunately, there was a lot of intermittent loud banging and other odd noises from under our room both day & night. I have no idea what was under us, but I would not book a guarantee again and would recommend a higher deck. I am a light sleeper, but it bothered DH as well, and he sleeps through anything.

FN

[Florida_Native]

Let me preface my reply by stating that we (my wife & I) are n ot overly in love with Carnival. That being said.........We booked a cruise 2 weeks before sailing time on the Sensation in September of this year.

Due to the time element we had to settle for cabin R7 or R9, I forget which one. This cabin is forward on the lowest level(Riviera). The only noises we heard were the anchor chain noises. They lasted about 20 minutes and that was it. Regarding the elevators for luggage. We have been on well over a dozen cruizes on different lines (RCCL, X, Princess, etc) and to the best I can recall every one used the elevators(both passenger and if available freight) for luggage so as to get it delivered ASAP. I never expected them to carry it up 10 or 11 flights.

JUST MY 2 CENTS WORTH

 

I understand them using the elevators for luggage, and there was A LOT of luggage for those guys to haul around. My comment had more to do with the people who couldn't wait for another elevator.

FN

[SunnieD]

Oh yeah, we also got the lost luggage letter on our cruise, which was a week or so after you. I had never gotten one of those before.

[Florida_Native]

Oh yeah, we also got the lost luggage letter on our cruise, which was a week or so after you. I had never gotten one of those before.

 

Unfortunately, this is going to happen more often as more people think it is okay to steal if you can get away with it. But one suitcase for around 2,000 passengers is still pretty good odds.

You know, for some stupid reason I didn't put it together that you were the awesome wife that put together the surprise cruise for your hubby's B-Day and actually pulled it off. I read your posts and some of the responses, great job!! Our course, he must be pretty cool since his B-Day is in October (mine was the 17th :) ).

 

On to Round 3:

 

Dining - Our service in the main dining room was superb. Our wait team, Ivanka and a guy whose name I unfortunately can’t remember because he was terrific, were timely and friendly. We even had the opportunity to converse with this waiter about his job, his contract, and his personal life. It turns out he and his wife worked cruise service together and she was off for this contract period raising their young son (which he spoke of proudly with a father's grin on his face). My wife is also a certified etiquette consultant, so trust me when I tell you they had been schooled in fine dining service. The highlight for the dinners we ate on board were the appetizers. Any gourmet focus was placed here. Seafood entrées were decidedly industrial food source. This is, of course, understandable considering they are now serving the masses, but not what we expected. Honestly, if you have the chance try Grills at the port (Canaveral) and you will understand what fresh seafood is all about. The beef entrées, especially the Chateaubriand for the last night, were pretty good. Note: Sirloin steak is a decent alternate selection all nights if nothing strikes your fancy; not Morton’s or Peter Luger quality, but good. One Greek chicken dish our daughter ordered looked appetizing and well appointed with herbs but tasted exactly and only like chicken. Dining elsewhere on ship was a disappointment. Long lines (20 minutes not uncommon) and self service is the name of the game. Intent of most dishes sounded intriguing , but lacked the advertised flavors when put to the taste test.

Forget the sushi on this ship unless you get there early. The one chef on board is awesome, but overwhelmed trying to wait on 20 minute lines by himself with only four items to offer. This turned out to be a sore subject when I brought it up on another thread, and is a major point of contention with me on this board. I think my posting of my experience on the Sensation points out the good and the bad aspects as I see them. Based on a recommendation from an experienced member of this board, I called Carnival customer service and documented the sushi service issue and my experience with the noise in my cabin. I was told to expect a written response in the mail, and will certainly post that information when I receive it.

Yes, there is more, and the best is yet to come.....

FN

[Florida_Native]

Double post and I can't find the delete button on the edit/delete screen...

FN

[abitaturbodog]

Thanks for the continued posts... I've been considering this cruise for a while now as a get-away for hubby and I.

 

Fell in love with Abita Turbo Dog beer while in LA. Decided to name the chocolate lab in my avatar after the beer. (Also have another dog named "Cosmo.") Notice a trend here?:p

[Florida_Native]

Something weird is going on with posts on this thread. I could not see abita's post at all until I hit 'post reply'. :confused:

I fell in love with Central Grocery's olive salad for Mufaletta's (sp) and, of course, Cafe' du Monde beignets when we did the French Quarter.

It's a good thing you don't drink Russian qualudes, mind erasers, or Alabama slammers. Your dogs could suffer from a serious identity crisis.

 

Here's the bottom line on my experience with this particular cruise. It's a bargain cruise, with mostly bargain cruisers. This was the major disappointment for us. You don’t stay in the profession we were in for so long without being a people person. I love social interaction with interesting strangers, and I am a pretty good judge of people. We met and hung out with several wonderful people on our cruise, but the majority of passengers honestly looked, dressed and acted like the people you see in Wal-Mart on a Saturday morning. We shop at Wal-Mart often, but we really were not expecting the average level of passenger on an international cruise to be the average level of person dressed and acting like you see on a Saturday morning grocery run. The impression that we took away from this cruise is that it is a bargain cruise, with bargain status passengers. If this is your thing for a planned vacation, you will love it. As for us, we will not go on this ship again.

Overall, we had an awesome vacation. We braved the rain in Freeport, and shopped and dined in Nassau. If anyone on the 'Carnival' board is interested, I will post details on our shore adventures, including names of people to ask for and places to go if you want good fun and good service. Unfortunately, Carnival Sensation was not a highlight for us. If you are extremely cost conscience, it may be your only option, and as such will probably provide you with a great experience. For us, there have to be better options, and I intend to use reviews on this website to find them.

FN

[CARIBBEANBLUESKY]

 

Here's the bottom line on my experience with this particular cruise. It's a bargain cruise, with mostly bargain cruisers. This was the major disappointment for us. We met and hung out with several wonderful people on our cruise, but the majority of passengers honestly looked, dressed and acted like the people you see in Wal-Mart on a Saturday morning. We shop at Wal-Mart often, but we really were not expecting the average level of passenger on an international cruise to be the average level of person dressed and acting like you see on a Saturday morning grocery run.FN

 

 

This is toooooo funny. You really made my day with this one. YOU are a Wal-Mart shopper and you went on a cheap cruise. Yet you were "disappointed" and surprised that there were other Wal-Mart shoppers on this cheap cruise??

[umpalumpa14588]

I too found this post interesting. I was curious, FN, what you really meant by your generalization. Are you implying that the majority of the people on the cruise resembled "rednecks" or lacked class? Could you please be more specific?

 

I ask this because I shop at Walmart, as do you. Just because I am young and cannot afford a fancy shmancy hoity toity uptight cruise doesn't mean I am a bargain cruiser. By the way, could you please explain what that phrase means? Thank you.

[LHP]

Cabin 2440 on the Victory had an odd (loud) sound every morning about 4AM as well. I got to thinking it might have been the pumps to pump the water into the pools??

 

It definately did not have anything to do with docking...as we were still way out.

 

Again, not bad enough to complain about because it did not last long...but it was there. This is on MAIN not the lowest deck.