This is an older ship, just be prepared for some quirks and make the best of your trip. We had a fun time. There is lots of good things the Sensation can offer. Some helpful tips below.
BUY A FASTER TO THE FUN PASS for your cabin. We went from luggage dropped with a porter to sitting on the sun deck by the pool in only 30-minutes. The fastest we have ever embarked a cruise. We enjoyed a long, sunny afternoon on the ship as many others were still boarding.
GO EARLY TO THE SHOWS to get a decent seat. The sight lines in the the Fantasia Theater are entirely awful. Go 15-mins early and get a seat in front 2-3 rows on Deck 8 or front row (only) on Deck 9. Any further back and you can't see the show. Our favorite shows where 88 Keys (piano show) and Club VIP (70's funk). The cast are fantastic performers! Go see these shows!
Interior cabin, floor 7, just down the hall a short walk from mid-ship elevators and stairs. Easy access to EVERYTHING on the ship but still quiet and away from the noise and bustle. We had 2 adults and 1 teenager in our room. A little cozy if all three were in the room but it was fine. Lots of storage for everyone. Bathroom was spacious, hot showers with good water pressure. We had a king bed configuration with a rollaway. Our big bed was incredibly comfortable. Our son slept well on his rollaway too. All good!
We just went straight from airport to cruise port.
Get off the boat early to get a good spot on the beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are FREE if you get there early. Be sure to choose the GREEN UMBRELLAS (they are the free ones). If you choose colored umbrellas they are put out by squatters and they will charge you to use them. The beach is wonderful, just be careful walking out into the water, it can be a little rocky. Pretty decent swimming and snorkeling in the protected swim area. If you get tired of the beach it is a very short walk up to Margaritaville for a drink and a bite to eat.