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Carnival Cruise Line

MS Sensation

Your Rating:
Reviewed by:Val Berens
# previous cruises: 5
Date of Trip: July 15, 2001
Itinerary: Caribbean - Western

If you are looking for a tropical paradise you should go to the eastern caribbean.

The public areas were very comfortable. Even though the ship was full there still seemed to be enough lounge chairs around the pools except for the first day at sea. Hint to the wise. Let everyone go out and get burnt the first day and you will find plenty of chairs in the pool area for the next few days. The casino was fun as always. Good way to spend lots of money.

I found the main courses on this ship to be incredible. I was able to try quail, rabbit and a few other things that I had never had and must say that everything I ordered was fantastic. I did find that the desert selection at dinner could be improved on. I am not a chocolate person and was hoping as on other ships I would be able to have a fruit torte or something similar and lite but was offered mostly chocolate deserts. Also, there could have been more selections of fruits, pastry and cheeses. This is something all of the other cruises I have been on had plenty of but not on Carnival.

I had decided to book the category 12 suite. Well, I should have stayed with the demi suite. The regular cabins I have had on the other cruise lines I have been on were fairly close in size. The rugs had a slight stain on them, the decor was dark, the only thing the mini bar had was half stocked glasses. The fridgerator was not that cold and the only day they had stocked a water bottle in our room was the first day. We drank it, and never saw another one after. The closet (one fairly small walk-in) was big enough for three but there was not enough drawer space for three people. I did enjoy the private deck however. I ended up sleeping there three times because the Air Conditioner in our room didn't seem to cool it off to well. I was fortunate enough to spot 2 dolphins and wake up to two small killer whales right below my room.

The entertainment on this ship was fantastic. We must say we haven't seen better. The cruise staff was pleasant but not that friendly. I was very disappointed in the Captains ball. (formal night). All the other ships I have been on you are able to have your picture taken with the captain, and meet the officers. I had someone on the ship which had never cruised and was telling him of all the great things that happen on cruises and needless to say on the Carnival Sensation this did not happen.

The spa area is great. I was able to have a facial, my haircut and a little pampering. We spent time in the Piano bar with the sing-alongs, had a great time in the Karaoke Lounge, danced in the disco and learned some new gambling games. The ports we stopped at were Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and New Orleans. I must say I like the eastern Caribbean much better. I was disappointed in the Western. It was very hot and the ports were giant tourist spots with very pushy vendors. If I ever go again I think I'll stick to the local tour guides. I spoke to a few people at our table and they said they had not been able to book some of the tours for they filled up quickly so they went into town and was able to pick up a couple of tours for 1/4 the price.

As always, we have all the e-mail addresses of the people that were at our table and will be keeping in touch.