Off for our third Carnival cruise and second on the Sensation. Carnival remains our favorite for the money; right there in the middle of quality, but if you can get a last minute deal their prices can't be beat.

We embarked on Sunday about 12, thinking we'd be early, and the ship was already teeming with folks. Breezed through check in, this time the Fun Pass really did count for something, and it was easy to find a table in the Sea View topside restaurant. Their standard cafeteria fare, reasonably fresh and tasty. We got into our room at 1:30 as advertised, finding a room with an extra 4 feet because it was near the stern where the ship curves in. What a difference! This was the roomiest standard room we have ever had. I'll be asking for this room from now on.

The first evening show was a musical review. Plenty of female dancers, only 4 males, which was a burden on them constantly changing for new numbers. They all seemed to enjoy it, and we liked the mini Vegas-style review. Read more