Our recent cruise on the Sensation was our my 4th cruise and my wife's 5th cruise. I have spent much time reading reviews online and I have been bothered by the negative reviews of Carnival's older ships. I have noticed that many of the negative reviews are from those who traveled on Carnival's newer ships before sailing on an older ship. There is a difference but in no way should this keep you traveling on one of Carnival's older ships.
The Sensation was one of the ships used in New Orleans following Katrina. The ship has been spruced up. The ship has new lighting and decorations in the lobby. The Lido dining room "Seaview" is fresh and beautiful. New carpets and other touch ups are obvious throughout the ship.
Embarkation Our embarkation was slower than some of our other cruises. We have had always had a slower embarkation in Port Canaveral than Miami. Still, within an hour we were on the ship.