Carnival Sensation Review

3.5 / 5.0
958 reviews

Would do it again with lower expectations

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Sensation
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rnm1007
2-5 Cruises • Age 30s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
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Entertainment
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Additional details

Sail Date: May 2018
Cabin: Balcony

My sister and I have started to do a cruise every year around may/beginning of June. We first started with Royal Caribbean and decided to choose carnival this year. The cruise left out of Miami (would definitely rather leave out of Miami, instead of Port Canaveral.) Since we had a suite we had the choice of getting on the boat between 11:30 to 3. Loved this because we could get on right away, unpack, and start vacation. We got onto the cruise ship around 11:30/12 and it was a pretty easy process getting through security, etc. But like I said we had priority/early boarding so that could be why. The ship wasn't as bad inside, being one of the oldest ships but it had a horrible smell throughout. Sometimes so bad at certain bars we couldn't even sit and enjoy our drinks. The smell was a mix between sewer and propane. The suite was huge for a cruise ship, plenty of storage, counter space, and enough room to comfortably fit two twin beds and a couch that turned into a full size bed (btw very comfortable beds.) Awesome view from our balcony and plenty of privacy from neighbors.

The bars and buffet were already open and ready to go. Make sure you get the drink package!! 15 drinks a day "free"- wine, beer, mixed drinks, soda, water, etc. are all included in this. There was a great bar called alchemy that made some of the best drinks I've ever had- and for free! These drinks would be upwards of 15$ anywhere else, and probably on the boat as well. The buffet was terrible. Worst buffet food I've ever had. Not many choices for breakfast/lunch. If you have the dining package for the Fantasy or Ecstasy Dining rooms be aware that the service is slow and the portions are small-but you can order however many items you'd like. Make sure you make friends with the bartenders- bar service can be very slow and they will remember you and take care of you! I wish i remember some of their names because of how awesome they were. Others not so much. It shows a lot when a person can remember you name after meeting 2,000 other people for months at a time.

Entertainment was eh, at best. Not the best performances so I stayed away from the shows. There is always great entertainment at the Fantasia Main Show Lounge (the closest bar to to the casino.) Casino was alright-nothing special.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin 8D

Huge! Plenty of room for 3 girls with a ton of stuff!!

Port Reviews

Key West

Wish we had more time in the Keys.

Miami

Try and get to the port early!

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