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Why Go?
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 Offers year-round Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral
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Awesome new aqua park boasts 300-foot-long water slide
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Relax kid-free on the Serenity adults-only deck
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Don't miss the Grand Gala Midnight Buffet
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Editor's Picks: Best Beds at Sea
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Itineraries and Ports of Call: Bahamas
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Carnival Sensation Review
Editor's Note: All eight of Carnival's Fantasy-class ships will receive extensive upgrades as part of Carnival's $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" program. Expansive children's water parks, a new design style and features for the pool areas (such as a 300-ft. waterslide), and the creation of the Serenity adults-only deck area will be part of the changes to the open decks of Carnival Cruise Lines' eight Fantasy-class ships.
Carnival Sensation gained the expanded outdoor recreation areas during a 35-day January 2009 dry-dock. Further, nearly 1,000 staterooms were renovated, and cosmetic enhancements were made to a wide range of public rooms and areas. For complete information on the refurb, read the review of sister ship Carnival Imagination.
Launched in 1993, Carnival's Sensation is now one of cruising's "golden oldies." But the ship -- part of a trio chartered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for emergency housing following Hurricane Katrina -- underwent a significant refurbishment before re-entering service in spring 2006. The multi-million dollar effort included the addition of a nine-hole mini golf course on Sports Deck and a 1,600-square-ft. "Children's World" play area on Verandah Deck where Camp Carnival has been relocated. Major bucks were also spent on upgrading the suites and demi-suites, and the spa got a refresher too. Another major upgrade: New bedding has been added throughout the ship.
Back when Carnival's fleet was considerably smaller, Sensation was a Joe Farcus production complete with bells, whistles and plenty of neon. Purple dominated the decor and passengers' heads swiveled as they boarded the colorful vessel prepared for a boatful of fun. The glass elevators were a novelty 13 years ago, and a multi-storied kinetic sculpture dominated the atrium where a horseshoe-shaped lobby bar now does its thing. It was, well, a sensation! Sensation is Carnival's third Fantasy-class ship; while themes are different on each vessel, if you can find your way around one, you can find your way around Ecstasy, Fantasy, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation and Paradise.
But even with the refurbishment, the ship feels dated, and for the most part, looks it as well. Consider the "purple people eater" decor on Sensation. While it still has shock appeal -- not in a good sense -- the corrugated purple metal used extensively and specifically in elevators is scratched, tinny and completely disconcerting. (Yes, I agree, it is also disturbing that someone "keyed" a wall.) The Atrium sculpture was a signature on Fantasy-class ships, and without it, the Atrium looks a bit bare.
These ships offer a very small number of verandah cabins and do not have a dedicated alternative dining room/supper club. Both are major factors on newer vessels.
Having said all that, Sensation is a great value for first-time cruisers as well as families. It offers a variety of family-pleasing activities ranging from the wildly popular Camp Carnival with programs for youngsters between the ages of 2 and 17; a blue-noted very adult comic whose late-night shtick shocks even tough old uncle Artie; and exciting production revues with talented young singers and dancers, magnificent sound and light contributions, and Las Vegas-type costuming.
Read Complete Carnival Sensation Review
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Carnival Ships: Carnival Conquest • Carnival Destiny • Carnival Dream • Carnival Ecstasy • Carnival Elation • Carnival Fantasy • Carnival Fascination • Carnival Freedom • Carnival Glory • Carnival Imagination • Carnival Inspiration • Carnival Legend • Carnival Liberty • Carnival Magic • Carnival Miracle • Carnival Paradise • Carnival Pride • Carnival Sensation • Carnival Spirit • Carnival Splendor • Carnival Triumph • Carnival Valor • Carnival Victory • Holiday
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