Carnival Sensation Review

3.5 / 5.0
958 reviews

Carnaval has won me back!

Review for the Bahamas Cruise on Carnival Sensation
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cheerfuldougg
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Dec 2008

It has been over 8 years since I have been on a Carnival Ship. I has been reading some negative reviews, especially of the Sensation, one of the oldest Carnival ships. Maybe my expectations were low - but Carnival impressed me in every way! I would gladly sail with them again! Embarkation at Port Canaveral was well organized and quick, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Our Cabins, on Main deck, were roomy and clean. The shower was roomy with good pressure and lots of hot water. What they say about the new beds is true - felt like I was sleeping in a five star hotel. Slept like a baby every night. Our cabins were in the bow of the ship - no engine noise, but a bit noisy when they put out the gangplank. The food in the formal dining room was very good and pleasing, with a good variety along with regular offerings. The service was excellent. I only ate one breakfast at the buffet on Lido - was nothing great, but service was quick and food was hot. The pizza bar was excellent. I especially enjoyed the Deli- the sandwiches are made to order and each was delicious! I was especially impressed with the quality of the live shows. We enjoyed each one! We had a late dinner seating, after which we attended the show and then to Michelangelo's Lounge for dancing to "party tunes" by the excellent band. The lounge was never packed and was very friendly and interactive - the band members and other staff often joined us on the dance floor! When they call it the "Fun Ship" they mean it! In Freeport we rented a car and drove the length of Grand Bahamas Island. The Island has taken some hard hits from hurricanes, so not much out side of the Freeport/Lucaya - but this is exactly what we were looking for. We visited the National Trust (Park) and found a beach all our own (Gold Rock Beach). There is practically no traffic (and few services!) outside of the city. The Island is only 90 miles long. NOTE: Driving is on the LEFT, also, the Carnival ship docks at Freeport (Industrial) Harbor, NOT in Freeport. There are few tourist services in the Harbor (only one rental at the Harbor). It is about a $20.00 cab ride to Freeport-Lucaya. We were in Nassau all day and overnight, so no pressure about getting back to the ship in time. We strolled around downtown Nassau in the morning, then took a ferry ($6.00 return) to Paradise Island and visited a public beach on the Atlantis property. No services at the beach! Had a great time. My wife went Parasailing. Everyone was friendly - not pushy. This was the first cruise for my daughter and her friend. They can't wait to go again. A few "negatives" (had to think about it for awhile) From my wife: No hair dyers in the rooms (at least in Main Deck). Me: Food at Buffet "average". Daughter: Need more outlets in the room. Great time all around!

Cabin Review

Main Deck in bow. Roomy, clean, great shower, fabulous bed, quiet, except when gangplank was lowered. Good storage. No hair dyers. Not enough outlets. Terrible TV - but who watches TV on a cruise?

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