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We sailed on the Sensation out of port canaveral on 10/22 for our 3 day cruise to the bahamas. We have sailed Carnival in the past on similar ships so we felt like we knew pretty much what to expect. This was however our first time staying in a suite and therefore our first time experiencing some of the extra perks.
Embarkation was a BREEZE with the VIP check-in. We never stood in a single line while the regular line was very very long. I do think that there should be just a few more "perks" which I will explain later.
When we got on the ship we went to check out our room. It is in an ideal location. The Verandah deck is close to everything and easy to get to. In past cruises we always hated having to go back to the room if we needed something. It always took forever. This time it was so easy and quick. The room itself was very nice. Looks like they were completly re-done with the refurbish. The balconies on the Cat 11's are VERY small. Just enough room for 2 chairs and a little table. I mean JUST BARELY ENOUGH..You can't even walk in between the chair and the rail, you kind of have to step over the chair. But all in all still worth it IMO. Never heard any noise at all in the room.
We went to dinner in the dinning the first and last night. The night we were in port was the formal night. We love the formal nights but in order to particapate you had to come back early from port. We were busy and by the time we got back (at dark) we had missed our dinner time and the captins gala so felt like it would have been a waste of time to get ready at that point. I really wish Carnival would do the formal night on the last night. I know they probably do it on the 2nd night since everyone has to pack on the 3rd night but I think that would be better and easier to deal with then on a port day. We ate at the buffett the 2nd night and late night we would eat at the pizzeria or the sandwich place. All the food was as expected. Just like all the other carnival cruises we've taken. The food in the dinning room is better than the buffett but overall it all could have used improvement.
My biggest issue with this cruise was the cost of everything. Like I mentioned before we have sailed with Carnival (and other lines) in the past. Well, the prices have increased quite a bit. $5 for a beer...$8-10 for a drink...really? Now with the drink prices - $8-10 would be reasonable if the drinks were half good. They were usually awful! The special of the day was usually pretty strong so I give them credit there but they tasted horrible. We are 2 light to moderate drinkers and spent about $500 on drinks for a 3 day cruise. Insane.
It seems like Carnival is pulling money out of your pocket at every opportunity. Gone are the days where a crusie feels like an all-inclusive (without drinks of course).
We were also told by a Carnaval rep before we left that there was free internet access if you brought your own laptop. Not the case. You pay the standard 75 cent per minute rate.
The Lido deck seemed like it had been somewhat refurbished as well. Very clean and well set up.
The serentity deck was a lot smaller than I thought it would be but it was nice if you wanted to get away from all the noise and kids. It has 2 hot-tubs and cushioned lounge chairs. There are also call buttons you can push for drink service.
The waterpark was pretty neat. I thought the slides would be just for the kiddies but was pleastly suprised. The big twisty slide is very fun and just like one you would ride at a real water park. The 2 slides that go straigt down are ok. They are fun but too short of a ride for me. They seem to still have lots of room that they could expand the water park and I think they should. I think it would be unique and a big hit.
Now while disembarking at port and on the last day of the cruise there is not VIP line. I really think Carnival needs to rethink this. Why would you give your VIP guests priority embarkation but not debarkation?
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