 Expert Review |  | | | | |
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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. | | |  top | | | | Dining
Fleetwide, Carnival's food has become really quite good. Tables accommodate up to 10 diners and booths provide seating for four or six. A spa menu, listing calories and fat grams, offers lighter choices. The dining rooms are a little bit dated, but kept very clean. Service is excellent. During dinner hours, the dining rooms accommodate all passengers in two seatings (early at 6 p.m., late at 8:15) or on a flexible basis via Carnival's "Your Choice Dining" program. With the flexible option, passengers can have dinner in the main dining room anytime they like between 5:45 and 9:30 p.m. (times may vary). Dining assignments -- which you select before the cruise -- are made on a first come, first served basis, so if you have your heart set on one or the other, consider booking earlier rather than later. The Sea View Bar & Grill on Lido Deck has a great traffic flow, and even when crowded, tables seem to miraculously open up. There's a lot of purple up there, including molded purple plastic seats. The decor is Star Wars meets the high school cafeteria, but the food is excellent. The pizzeria is open 24 hours; ice cream and fat-free yogurt are also a round-the-clock thing. A station provides made-to-order eggs and omelets, and various breakfast offerings. Everything at the Sea View is cafeteria style. Lunch can be a full course meal if you like, a good solid salad with crisp greens, pizza or a piping hot deli sandwich. At dinner, the Lido becomes a grill with some of the dining menu options for casual dining. For an exclusive dining event for just 12 guests, book the Chef's Table through the ship's information desk. For $75, diners can attend a multi-course dinner hosted by one Carnival's master chefs. The evening begins with a private cocktail reception and a tour of the galley led by the chef, and concludes with a sumptuous dinner in a non-traditional dining venue, such as the galley or the library. The Patisserie, on Promenade Deck, offers great coffees and teas, milkshakes, and calorie-laden baked goods. It's called "Cafe on the Way," a great name given its central location. Coffee has its price, and the price is on par with your neighborhood coffee house -- the $2.50 to $4 per drink neighborhood. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Orders are delivered promptly, and although only a limited menu is offered at lunch and dinner, breakfast offers cereal, a toasted variety of breads, smoked salmon, really hot coffee and nicely toasted bagels. Die-hard late-night buffet buffs won't be disappointed on Sensation. There's food galore for this group of energetic passengers. Midnight buffets may be becoming a thing of the past on some lines, but many Carnival guests opt for a plate of pasta, some sandwiches, and a slice or two of pizza before calling it a night. A buffet of offerings tempts those still out and about late at night, and a Grand Gala Buffet -- offered each cruise -- is as orgiastic as it sounds. | | | | top | | | | Public Rooms
Not only are Carnival guests a high-energy group, but they also love staying up late. And on Sensation, there are no shortages of spots to do just that. They party hearty in the piano bar, Touch of Class (the seats at the bar are shaped like oversized hands, thus "touch"), a hot spot that can turn out to be standing room only. People enjoy the sing-alongs where they can take part in the music, but don't have to face the audience alone a la karaoke. Even though younger people make up much of the audience, some of the music appeals to Irving Berlin or George Gershwin fans. Sensation guests can disco in the Kaleidoscope Disco or rock out in Michelangelo's. Fantasy-class ships feature a long promenade (Deck 9), running from the atrium to the aft lounge. On Sensation, the aft lounge is the Plaza Lounge (where karaoke IS offered), but it is the smaller, charming Polo Lounge outside the Plaza Lounge where many gather for a before-dinner drink. An intricate croquet mallet design woven into the carpet in the Polo Lounge gives it a British-clubby feel. The Polo Lounge is also home to two poker tables, run by the Club Vegas Casino. And with the poker craze sweeping the world, this is a very popular spot each evening. On Promenade Deck, there's a video arcade, an evenings-only sushi bar, the photo gallery and the hot, hot, hot Club Vegas Casino -- a huge drawing card on any Carnival ship. At the forward end of the Promenade sits the Fantasia Lounge. It is a pretty room, but sightlines are poor. Poles obstruct vision all round the two-level room, but if you don't mind getting a stiff neck in order to see a terrific show, you will be entertained! Internet service is available on Deck 6. | | | | top | | | | Cabins
Inside cabins are 185 square ft.; oceanview cabins come in at 190 square ft. Most have twin beds, combinable into an extremely comfortable king-size bed. The Carnival Comfort Bed, a new sleep system with delightful pillows and a duvet, has made sleeping aboard the ship a treat. Lighting is good -- each bed has its own light -- and triples and quads nicely accommodate the needs of three or four people traveling together. These cabins go quickly -- especially over school holiday periods -- so book early. Oceanview cabins and higher supply bathrobes. There are no hairdryers, and only suites have verandahs. Each cabin has a safe; Carnival recommends it be programmed with a credit card. Closet and drawer space is standard and adequate -- especially when casual wear is the order of the day. Television sets -- again, in standard cabins -- are old and reception is poor. Cabin color schemes feature that Carnival rusty red and gray combo with furniture accents, drapes and spreads in the same tones. Bathrooms in standard cabins are old. Towels, though, are lush and comfy, and the addition of bathrobes in oceanview and up cabins is a great touch. Amenities are sample-size products. Shampoo and body wash can be found in bottles affixed to the shower wall. Some cabins include a bar of soap, some do not -- guests have to ask. If the shower curtain isn't placed correctly, water will likely end up on the floor. Recently redone suites feature new pillows, mattresses and duvets, while redone bathrooms in suites have been brought up to par with suites aboard newer vessels. The suites also have new furniture. Sensation has 20 cabins for physically challenged guests. | | | | top | | | | Entertainment
Carnival guests are participants. Whether it's taking a spinning class, running the track on Sun Deck, grabbing the mic at karaoke or playing pool games, these guests enjoy all the ship offers. They play hard and party harder, and stay up later than guests do on many other lines. At 1 a.m., you will still find Carnival guests throughout the ship. Given guest evaluations, passengers on Sensation do find it to be a "Fun Ship." The piano bar -- Touch of Class -- is a hot spot, and the Club Vegas Casino with its slots, blackjack tables, roulette, craps and poker offerings is another big draw. Fantasia Lounge offers always-popular Vegas-style shows. Productions are high energy and intense, with great lighting, sound and special effects. Carnival performers know their way around a stage. In addition to the song-and-dance revues in the Fantasia, a late night comic often entertains adults in the Plaza Lounge, while a pianist entertains around the ship. Classical music is scheduled often in the atrium. Live music and dance venues are available daily. Check your Carnival Capers newspaper. | | | | top | | | | Fitness and Recreation
Carnival pumped big bucks into the Carnival Spa, forward on Sports Deck. Tastefully done to provide a serene backdrop to some delightful services, including a variety of massages and facials, the deck is home to a gym with state-of-the-art equipment and classes. Some classes carry a $10 fee. Carnival Spa was redone to look more modern and in line with other spas on other Carnival ships. Light wood-toned walls, better lighting, additional men's and women's locker areas, more treatment rooms and a room for classes -- in addition to the large fitness area -- make up the spa. Golf is available via an onboard pro who can set up tee times at Cable Beach Golf Course in Nassau and Lucayan Country Club in Freeport. Golf lessons are available, and putting contests are scheduled on sea days. The nine-hole mini course is a popular site. In nice weather, the Lido Deck is the ship's most popular public area. The pool and pool games, a band, bar service and the conveniently located Seaview Grill make it a good fit for a relaxing day. | | | | top | | | | Family
I saw three generations of families enjoying the ship. Sensation offers something for everyone. Consider chicken fingers for the fussy 3-year-old; a sugar-free diet for grandma, line dancing or rock 'n' roll for the partying-type, gambling or a hairy chest contest, horseracing, or TV trivia. These very casual cruises make for a comfortable introduction to cruising. Port Canaveral is a drive-to port that guests from the Southeast can get to in a day's drive. Or, after a visit to the Cape or theme parks in nearby Orlando, families can plan a three- or four-day cruise to round out a nice vacation. | | | | top | | | | Fellow Passengers
Sensation is a hit with families. It's size, itinerary and activities make it a natural for a family cruises. It is quite common to see three -- or even four -- generations traveling together to celebrate great aunt Jane's 75th birthday or Jeffrey's 21st! | | | | top | | | | Dress Code
Sensation is as casual as it gets, but shorts and muscle shirts are still not acceptable dinner wear. One formal night is scheduled per cruise, and a nice shirt with a sport jacket works most often for male passengers, while women tend to dress a bit glitzier. Casual night dress might be a sports shirt and slacks for men, and pants or skirt and blouse for women. Swimsuits are not allowed in the dining room, but are perfectly acceptable -- with a cover-up -- for the Seaview Bar & Grill. | | | | top | | | | Gratuity
A $10 per-person fee covers gratuities to cabin steward, table waiter and team waiter. Additional tips are at the passenger's discretion. Maitre d' and headwaiters are not automatically tipped. Gratuities can be adjusted at the front desk at the end of the cruise. Bar bills include a 15 percent tip. --by Marcia Levin, a regular contributor to The Washington Times, Porthole Magazine, southerntravelnews.com, TravelAgeWest, and several guidebooks. Levin is also a past president of the Society of American Travel Writers. | | | | top | | | | | Expert reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community. This objective information can help you choose just the right ship for your next cruise vacation. | |  | |
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