This is my tenth cruise and 5th with Carnival. My 3rd time on the Sensation. Last time however was 2004. I booked 10 days out inside guarantee and with gratuities paid less than $500. I was on the 4 night September 23-27. It was my birthday weekend and I checked beach hotels and for 4 nights was well over $600. So the cruise won, I look at it as room, board and 2 ports in the Bahamas vs St. Pete beach room only.

Now I must say the boat hasn't changed much in the last 8 years. And compared to the Freedom of the Seas and Disney Dream it was tiny and old looking. We got to the port at 10:45 dropped off the luggage, parked, checked in, photos taken and were seated in the holding area upstairs as our zone was already called all by 11:15. As soon as we were seated VIP were called to board. Within 10 minutes I was walking on. We went upstairs to the Lido and Mongolian Wok. It was ok better than most food but not something I would get at home. We then wandered over to the roast beef, burgers etc it was ok. Now the people watching begins. With the low rate you see everything imaginable. To my delight I saw less than 10 kids the entire trip... yeah school!

1:15 room was ready Our room was on the empress deck and 3 doors from main elevators and atrium lobby. Couldn't have asked for better location. Room steward greeted us, called us by name and kept room perfect. He was the best and immediately met every request. Room was super dark and perfect for my nap time. Hey it's my vacation and that includes a 2 hour nap daily. Typical inside room newer tv everything else was as pictured on website. Read more