Best Cruise for a First Time Cruiser

Item: Carnival Sensation
Rating: 4.7
Author: QueenAllen06

Carnival Sensation Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

QueenAllen06

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 52

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5

4 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 18, 2018

Ship: Carnival Sensation

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: M40

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

First time cruiser. This was very nice. I will go again...Also, 3-4 days is long enough to be on a ship. At day 3.5 I was over and ready to get home..(smile)

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Was quick, they have photographers everywhere as you board.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Touch Of Class Piano Bar

5 out of 5

Nice soft music plays all the time, quiet and calming

Fantasy Dining Room

5 out of 5

The waiters and waitress put on a great dance routine before dinner is served..They get you involved (optional)

Grand Buffet

5 out of 5

Plenty of food. You will never be hungry

Pizzeria

4 out of 5

Good flatbread pizza. Two options are pepperoni or veggie.

Restaurants

5 out of 5

Again, you will never go hungry. There are plenty of restaurants. You can even do the fine dining. You only have to dress up for the Captain's Dinner any other time you can go in and eat as much as you want,,

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

There are plenty of activities daily. A person would never be board on the Carnival Sensations Cruise.

Spa Carnival

2 out of 5

Whatever you do, do not schedule an appointment unless you are sure you are going for a spa b/c if you fail to go they will charge you half the cost of the $180.00 spa you missed. IThe charge will appear on your Ship and Sale Card real quick.

Sensation Boulevard Promenade

5 out of 5

The ultimate place to be, this is where all the goodness happens. (Casinos, bars, Fun Shops - 10.00 store, candy store..Photo props, games

The Fun Shops

4 out of 5

Good fun,

Guest Services / Shore Excursions

4 out of 5

Guest services you can go and ask questions. Add to your account and do quick check out.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

A variety of stage shows all throughout the day and evening. Shows were awesome.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

We loved our Stewart. He was the best. He knew our names, would knock on the door and ask if we needed anything. He left us very nice, pretty shaped towels. We love Freddie, he was the best.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The staff was always scrubbing floors, walls, doors, you never smelled the cleaning supplies, but you could definitely see the staff cleaning. They getting all the corners and grooves.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Don't be in a rush because the crowds are not as bad as you would think. They have it so spaced out and so many things to do until your wait time in line is very short...There is plenty of food and buffets that they would never run out of food.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5

For this being my first cruise and not knowing what to expect. This was the smoothest, fastest boarding process I have seen. The ride to the port was quick and short. The boarding was quick and short. No long lines

Thumbs Up 26

Key West, Florida

3 out of 5

We were there a very short time. Very hot. Plenty of shops close by ship.

Thumbs Up 9

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Great, totally awesome. Don't be in a hurry to buy first tokens (souvenirs) you see because there are plenty of shops that will work deals with you to purchase their items.

Thumbs Up 27

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Went just as fast and well as the boarding. You are released by decks and a short wait time to get through. There are plenty of taxis and shuttles to take you to and from the hotels to the airports both in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

6 Comments

MAW70 6 years ago

This will be my cabin in June2019!

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cruiseanista 6 years ago

Way too short for us...minimum would be a 7 day, if it's a local cruise. 15 day minimum if we have to fly. We will be heading to Miami in November, boarding 3 different ships. A total of 19 days. Can't wait! 😁

Thumbs Up 1

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cruisegem96 6 years ago

Lol I’m the opposite, 3-4 days is not enough time for me to get a full cruise experience. 7 days are perfect for me and not as rushed. And more port destinations 😄. I think the type of ship makes a difference too. Still glad you enjoyed!

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cruisent 6 years ago

I'm the same way as OP. 4 day cruises are just the right amount of time on the ship before I begin to miss my own bed. I like 7 days too, but 4 day is my sweet spot. 😄

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donf407 6 years ago

3-4 days I’m just getting warmed up would do a month or two if I could

Thumbs Up 1

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chadley77 6 years ago

I like longer cruises. We do 7 days or 8 days. I would do up to 15 days😊

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