Overall great experience, wasn't real sure what to do expect after reading so many bad reviews. Plus we hadn't cruised with Carnival in about 10 years but had cruised with Disney twice since then. Carnival is definitely the party ship but we like that and kids are of that age as well. Staff works hard to please the guests. The only problem with Carnival is the clientele, which can be obnoxious and rude, and it only take a few of those guest to make it unpleasant. Carnival just needs enforce some of their dress codes and smoking rules but I realize that would be tough to do. Overall had great trip, met a lot of great people on board and at Ports. Carnival Sensation is what you make it out to be but we enjoyed facilities, food, entertainment, and staff. We would sail with Carnival again without hesitation if we decide to cruise again.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
No problems, we were late arriving about 2:15 so not much of line
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Dining room and Guy's Burger joint were outstanding. Didn't care for buffets but Guy's, Pizza Parlor, Deli, and Blue Iguana made up for below avg buffet
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools small and crowded. Sensation is older ship so lacking in some modern activities. Small lines if any on the slides and Putt-putt always available. We are more lay out type people and there were always plenty of chairs available, never needed to get up and out early to get chair
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We thought entertainment was outstanding, really liked ship band, musicians and DJs. Didn't get to experience comedy shows.
Children's Programs
N/A, traveled with 19 and 16 year olds
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship staff was outstanding, cruise director Kabir full of energy. Bar hops were easily accessible. Waiters worked hard to serve.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
It's an older ship but felt crew does best it can to maintain.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Stayed in Owners Suite. Very nice and comfortable. Shower and bed really nice. Sometimes wasn't sure if AC was working and balcony does have obstructed view but we were aware of this going into.
Ship tip
Realize it's older ship and lacking some of the newer amenities but still able to have great experience.
Did the horseback riding and Dunn River Falls and loved both. Didn't get harassed by locals as bad as everyone claims, just kept walking and said no thank you. Had an outstanding bus driver named Cowboy who took great care of us
Beautiful area, did the Segway tour and 7 Mile beach excursion, both were great. Segway people met us at port and took great care of us. Would of liked little more time at beach and didn't care that you must rent chairs.
Smooth as can be when you have few thousand people ready too get off ship, granted we were platinum members so first group off ship. Seems if guest just followed instructions of when to come to gangway wouldn't be as many upset people standing around stairways.
I have taken most of my cruises on Carnival. I have found that if you take the 3 & 4 day cruises, you get a lot of riff raff. Take a 7 or 8 day cruise & you don't get that.
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