Carnival Sensation from Port Canaveral to Freeport and Nassau, Sunday, Jan 30, 2011. Party of 2. We are local Metro Orlando so drove over to ship. No problems with detour created on Bee Line expressway (SR 528) at intersection of SR 3 on Merrit Island due to overpass reconstruction. Got to parking lot by 11:45 AM. Rates now 15 per night, payable at return of cruise by cash, Visa, or Mastercard. Parked as close as possible and hand-wheeled our overnite bags so no porters required. I am Platinum Status ( 30 Carnival cruises) so expedited entry and no waiting at all for check-in. Skipped the welcome on board photo and went right up to Seaview Bistro until cabins were available at 1:30 PM. Decent welcome on board buffet. We choose Deli station corned beef and pastrami sandwiches along with potato salad from a separate station. Ship looked fresh and clean and I really noticed the excellent re-furbishing work since I had sailed on her twice previously when she was a 7 day cruiser out of Tampa.

Cabin M108 is midship port side and has overall tip-to-tip dimensions of 9 feet wide by 19.5 feet long. Clean and comfortable (especially Carnival's comfort beds). Bathroom was nicely remodeled with new color scheme, lighting, new shower curtain. No mold or mildew present. Only a cake of facial soap provided and some sample packs plus shampoo and liquid soap dispensers in the shower. I am allergic to the product they provide so bring my own. There is a swipe-card safe provided for valuables but no built-in hair dryer or fridge. Only 4 small drawers but two hanging closets and a closet of shelves so more than enough room for 2 persons clothing and possessions for a short casual cruise. The air conditioning system provided by a central ceiling vent provided copious amounts of cool air and the portable fans I always bring with me were not required. I also bring a LED nightlight with my power strip cord but we kept the bathroom lights on at night so no problems with this more than adequate inside stateroom.

After unpacking and meeting our charming room steward we skipped the lifeboat drill and sail-out and just rested. They put a safety folder under our door since we didnt go to the drill. We had permanent late sitting ( 8:15 PM) dinner in the Fantasy dining room at a table for 8 in the forward center section right near the entrance. The 4 couples all got along fine. Excellent service from our waiter and his 2 assistants as well as the bar/wine stewards. Food budget at Carnival has obviously been cut but the selections were numerous and although all food was plated in a lovely fashion, not all of it actually tasted as good as it looked and our tablemates also commented on this. However, the staff was more then happy to bring any substitution you desired so no major problems! Read more