Carnival Sensation Review

Pleasantly Surprised

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Sensation
User Avatar
RobinKY
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2014
Cabin: Interior
Traveled with children

This was my 3rd cruise with the previous two being on another commonly considered more upscale cruise line (RC). I read reviews on the Sensation that was a smaller and older ship so I knew that going in. The check in process was very smooth and even with a glitch on my part with the on-line registration they made it seem very seamless. Yes the ship is older and does not have much of the modern amenities and does have a very dated 90's bright purple color theme but not a big deal. We signed up for the cheers drink package and I would say got our money's worth as we didn't do any lengthy shore visits. We got a basic interior stateroom. It was fine although cramped at times with 2 adults 2 kids but we knew what we were getting into.

My wife and I used this cruise just to relax with some drinks and not be on the go a lot. The pool bar service was great and the staff work very hard and it was annoying seeing people get pissed at them when the bar was crowded and they had to wait. They do a good job with the poolside waiter service too. I never went too long without a cold drink in my hand. Even though this was a smaller ship, I thought there was much more pool side seating than our previous cruise on RC. Our kids, ages 12 and 10, enjoyed the water slides and occasionally the putt putt. Other than that there wasn't much for them. They didn't get involved in the cruise teen or kids club activities. Only issue with the pool area was there is only one small restroom by the pool and it was constantly closed for cleaning so I had to walk down a deck to the next closest restroom.

I was very impressed with the dining service and food with only a couple exceptions. Keep in mind this is not a higher end ship but the food is really good. We went to the dining room (vs the buffet) every morning for breakfast - it was excellent. We had lunch as well as other grazing at the Lido dining complex and always found very good options. Our kids loved it as they are more frequent grazers and would pop in for a burger, chicken tenders, ice cream multiple times a day. Dinners in the dining room were fantastic as well. Only a couple issues the first night as it was crowded and the hostess put up with my complaining with a nice smile. My wife ordered a flat iron steak which was very rubbery. I got the same steak a couple nights later and it was delicious. The food for all the other dinners was just excellent. I was so impressed with the food overall and the service was great. I will say I have simple tastes (think $15-$30 per meal when we dine locally) so if you're a food snob your opinion might be different. Also the "taste bar" that was advertised was a joke. I never once saw food there. We ordered room service a couple times and the quality is avg at best with small portions.

Cabin Review

Interior

Decent room, was impressed with the size of the shower and it actually had a rim on the floor to help with drainage - something our last cruise's shower didn't have so water was always leaking out into the cabin. Service was good.

2 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a cruise

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.