Carnival Sensation March 13th, 2008 3day Bahamas from Port Canaveral

This was just a short, last minute cruise to celebrate DH's birthday on 3/13, (he was 22 again). Amazing that our kids are in their 30s! This was cruise #14, and #6 with Carnival but first time on Sensation. We drove from south Georgia to Port Canaveral arriving at 11am, parked ($15 per day) and walked right into the terminal. I had completed everything on line so there was no hold up (other than DH who is Scots chatting with the Scots lady doing check in). We were on board and eating lunch before noon. This was to be a quiet, relaxing long weekend break and it was. First impressions: Purple with a capital P, and glittering metallic. The entire dEcor seemed very retro. Not offensive but definitely gaudy. There were little or no lines when we arrived at the Sea View Grill buffet, and we had a relaxing lunch, chatted to a really nice couple, and then went to explore the ship until our cabin was ready. Although we usually have a balcony cabin as this was a last minute cruise, we ended up in an ocean view room (M10). This was the first time we have been in a cabin with two portholes, and it will be the last. As someone who is vertically challenged (o.k. short), it was more of a sky view room, with the portholes being inset. At least DH could climb up onto the inset shelf area and look out. We have sailed in Celebration and never had a problem when the twin beds where pushed together as the corner table is movable and can be put in another corner. Not so with the Sensation. The corner table is fixed. Originally the beds were pushed against the wall under the porthole shelf with the table blocking the other end. This would have resulted in one person having to climb over the other during the night to reach the bathroom. After pushing the beds away from the wall, DH could finally step over the corner of the fixed table and sidle along side the bed. Apart from this awkwardness, the room was fine and clean. Closet space was adequate. Plenty of hot water and good water pressure in the bathroom. The cabin steward was Anna. Very pleasant and made great towel animals, however there was a dirty glass on the vanity when we arrived (obviously had been used in the bathroom for holding toothbrush and tooth paste) and it was still there when we left the ship. Did muster drill in the theatre and then went on deck to watch sail away. Just time for a few photos before returning to get ready for dinner. Luggage was there so I unpacked quickly, changed and headed to dinner. We had early seating in the Ecstasy dining room (5.45pm) and had great table companions as usually. We were at a table for 10 but only 8 ever showed up. We really must be lucky because we have made some great friends over the years while cruising. Throughout the cruise we found the food to be good to great, and I introduced our companions to the joys of chocolate melting cake which became a regular favorite at the table. Our waiter Hugo, and his assistant, Pantipan were wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble. I had received a bottle of wine with my 45 day letter and had that the first night. [Thank you cruisecritic.com friends for the useful info resulting in the 45 day letter]. We had breakfast in the Fantasy dining room every day and also used the Sea View grill for lunch, but never took advantage of room service. Afternoon tea in the Touch of Class lounge was very enjoyable. As usual the shows were excellent. We always try to do as many shows as possible. I did find the metal trim on the top of the glass barrier to be at just the wrong height for me, so although I usually prefer sitting upstairs, we ended up downstairs after the first night. Arrived in Nassau about 10am the next morning to find Carnival Glory and Disney Wonder both already docked there. As we have visited Nassau many times in the past, we just walked ashore and wandered round the town, took some photos and wandered back to the ship. Definitely a nice relaxing day. That night was formal night, but didn't bother with the tux and formal gown this time. Got dressed up a little, went to the Captain's cocktail party, had our photos taken and chatted with our new friends. Left Nassau the next morning for a day at sea. Spent a wonderfully relaxing day at sea with great weather. I hate the packing the bag part, but it has to be done. After dinner we saw the last production show and headed back to the cabin, and put out the bags. Because we are currently resident aliens (citizenship interview next month!), we had to present ourselves at 6:15am the last morning and ending up standing in a long line of unhappy and sleepy people. Finally cleared immigration and headed for breakfast, then up on deck to wait for our debarkation number to be called. Off the ship and back to the car before 9am. All in all we wanted a few days of relaxation and got it. We always enjoy cruising and although we have nothing against the Sensation, we prefer the Spirit class (did Legend Christmas 2006 and will do Miracle Christmas 2008) for layout and size. The service was excellent, the food good, and the shows great. What more could you ask for? Happy cruising.