A Sensational Experience

Carnival Sensation Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

LoriR99158211

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 32

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 22, 2006

Ship: Carnival Sensation

Cabin type: Suite

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

We arrived at Port Canaveral around 12:00 and were eligible for VIP check-in which was smooth and efficient. We were on board by 12:15PM! We already knew we were not supposed to access our cabin until 1:30 but since we were in a Catagory 12 suite for the first time, we were anxious for a peek and to drop off our bags. Upon arrival in the suite, we met a cabin steward and introduced ourselves. We let her know we were very laid back and our only priorities were plenty of ice and towels. We gave her a small tip and dropped off our baggage. We never saw this young lady again and I can't say who our cabin steward was. We had a nice brunch at the buffet which was fresh and hot. After brunch we returned to our cabin which was everything we expected - newly refurbished, roomy and comfortable. However, the drapes and sheers were incredibly ugly (pink and brown!!!). We managed this by keeping them all the way open as much as possible. Our luggage arrived by 2:00pm and we were ready to set sail. We relaxed in the cabin until the lifeboat drill which seemed smooth and organized. Next thing we knew, we were on our way. We spent the first day relaxing by the pool until our late seating dinner (8:30 - Fantasy Dining Room). Our head waiter was wonderful but the assistant was so-so. He never refilled tea glasses and was slow to remove plates. However, he was friendly and appeared earnest. The food was very good but I have had better on our previous sailing in May, 2006 (same menu). After dinner, we went to the PG comedy show and it was so funny we followed the comedian to the late night show, which was even better! My husband found a game of Texas Hold-um and I hit the clubs for the evening - fun was had by all. The next morning was Freeport, which was a poor choice for a port. We simply took a taxi into Lucaya and spent the day by the pool at the Westin. The town was small and offered few options for tourists. Shopping was not exciting and the prices were not competitive with Nassau. Upon return to the ship, we prepared for formal night. There was almost no ice in our room and certainly not enough to chill the bottle of wine we had brought for dinner. We did not attend the Captain's cocktail party. When we arrived at dinner, we asked the the wine be put on ice and brough out during the entre' but the assistant waiter immediately brought it out in a basic bucket with no ice. We drank a very nice Chardonney warm. The lobsters were large and they offered as many as guests wanted. The desserts were wonderful. The next day was Nassau and we had already decided to buy a day pass for the Breezes all inclusive resort. We had a wonderful time in spite of high winds which meant no sailing or water-skiing. The drinks were top shelf and flowed freely from friendly staff who refuses even subtile offers for tips. Upon return to the ship, we again found our ice bucket half-full and the one in the cooler completely empty. My husband went straight to bed and I hit the casino. I won $350.00 after playing .25 slots for only a few minutes. I took my winnings and went to bed! The next day was our day at sea. My husband slept all day and I stayed poolside for the majority of the day. I took a 4:00pm spin class at the spa and was pleasently surprised at the fun and intense workout I received by the energetic staff. I showered at the spa and returned to the cabin at 5:30pm. My husband was finally up and was a bit annoyed. No one had checked on the cabin all day and we had no clean towels or ice. He had called housekeeping and room service three times and waited over an hour to receive either item. We prepared for our final dinner which was again very good although the waiters seemed very embarassed to have to sing to us (as were we). We returned to the cabin and packed for disembarkation. The next morning was a bit of a mess. We finally exited and looked back on a wonderful cruise!