Back from The Sensation 10-1-09

[Drew's Wife]

I noticed that some people were asking about Sensation capers and wanting information. Since we just arrived home from our sixth cruise on The Sensation, I thought I would write some about out trip. I will try to do this in segments. I still detest this VISTA and having a hard time with it.

First, we love The Sensation. We have been on several Fantasy class ships, but we always return to The Sensation. The crew and staff are amazing and embarkation/debarkation is so nice at Port Canaveral.

This time, we decided to drive over a day early. It isn't that far for us to drive, but it always seems like we are tired and rushed. We spent the night at the Space Coast Inn at Patrick AFB (typical TML) but it was great, as it was clean, inexpensive, secure safe and very close to the port. I'll try to post some pictures for those that are eligible and might be interested in staying there.

We checked out at 1100 hours (for you Veterans) and arrived at the pier about 1 PM. We would have arrived much earlier, but I had forgotten my mirror and Drew drove to three stores so that I could find what I wanted. Poor guy...

[Drew's Wife]

We dropped our luggage off with the porters. We checked three and had two carry ons...Still can't travel light... Went to VIP check in and filled out the H1N1 form and had our sign and sail cards in about 10 minutes. We bypassed the embarkation photo and headed straight to our cabin to drop off our luggage and unpack.

We had our luggage delivered within the hour and met our room steward Ana and her assistant Putra. Both very nice and very effiecient. We alway pick the same cabin on the Verandah deck and as usual it was perfect for us. I know some people do not think the balconies are very private, but we have always found that once the sailaway is over, there are very few people that go to that area, especially at night, so it is very quiet and peaceful just to sit on the deck and watch the stars. Next some pictures of the cabin.

[Drew's Wife]

We decided to start getting ready for dinner as we wanted to take pictures and walk around the ship for awhile. We also decided to do something very unusual for us....we went to a show! We have never gone to any of the shows before, and we did enjoy the "Far From Over" very much. It was quite loud, but still I was impressed with the entertainers and it was a new experience for us.

We had requested traditional late seating...and the Maitre d' was so kind in making sure that we had a table for two by the window. He even made sure that we had the same table as our last cruise. They had made a mistake on our sign and sail card with our dining room, and about an hour after we arrived in our room, the telephone rang and it was The Maitre d' calling to wecome us back on board The Sensation and to let us know that he had a special table for us. He is such a charming man and so very gracious.

We met out waitstaff....Dudik from the Phillipines and David from (Indiana) that was his standing joke. Then he found out that Drew was from Indiana and so everynight it was a big joke about David being from Indiana.

The food was wonderful. Of course Drew tried different things but I played it safe and had the grilled chicken every night of the cruise. As soon as we were seated they offered us our choice of drink, and every night after the iced tea was there as soon as we sat down. Of course it did not take them long to realize that my dinner would be the same every night.

After dinner we walked the Promenade deck and went to Michaelangelo's lounge to listen to the orchestra, as they were playing in there for awhile. We danced to several slow big band songs, and then it was time for us to turn in.

Some pictures of our towel animals...

[Drew's Wife]

Sorry Duplicate post....VISTA

[Drew's Wife]

The next day we arrived in Nassua and even thought we have been there several times, we decided to get off the ship and say hello to the taxi cab driver that we had several years ago when we took a carrage ride. The we just walked around some of the shops and headed back to the ship to have lunch on the lido deck. Once again I had the chicken fingers and Drew had the Hot Pepper Soup. We each had two bowls of the frozen yogurt. Thankfully we didn't gain an ounce. I think it was because we walked everywhere on the ship and always used the stairs
Once again we were dressed early as this was formal/elegant night and we wanted to take as many pictures as we could before dinner. I of ourse had the chicken and Drew had the lobster. We didn't know it, but the Maitre d' knw that we were celebrating our eighth wedding anniversary and he sent over a bottle of wine and a heart shaped cake that said "Happy 8th Anniversary". Such a sweet thing for him to do...what a charming man he is. Well of course when I saw they were bringing this cake over, I knew the singing would follow.. David our waiter (from Indiana) told us that when they started to sing we would have to kiss, and if we stopped they would have to start singing all over again..." Yes here is a picture of "The Kiss".

[Drew's Wife]

After dinner we went back to the Michaelango's lounge and danced to the band "Music Power". They were very good, and although most of their music was 80's they asked if there was something that we wanted to hear. Drew requested a slow song for us to dance to and they played three back to back for us to dance. Then during their break they talked with us for awhile and ask Drew to sit in on their next set. He declined, but I would love for him to have played with them for awhile. It was very nice of them to ask. After a couple more dances, we left and then had our special dance. Drew took his Ipod and speakers and we slipped out the Verandha deck stairs to the observation deck. We were the only ones there and we danced under the stars. This made the cruise PERFECT!

The next day was sea day and we just walked around the ship, did some shopping at the shops and of course ate!

We were ready early as usual for dinner so that we could get photos made and we went to the early show "Curves" It was OK, but not as good as "Far From Over" Just not as much energy. Still because we had never seen it, we enjoyed it. Back to the Michaelango lounge for a few last dances, and then I went to the room to get our suitcases packed while Drew went to pick out the photos. He came back to the room grinning....He was as bad as me...he had purchased 24 8x10's!

the only thing that bothered us were the people at the table behind us...Very loud, obnoxious and over intoxicated. They had a small girl with with them, and the language was just awfull...every curse word you could think of, including the "F' word. We could only do our best to overlook it, because these people did not have any manners whatsoever. They didn't care how they appeared to others in the dining room, but the sad part is they didn't even realize that they were being such boors. Oh, well, we had a wonderful cruise, probably our best yet, and already looking forward to our Valentine cruise...where else but on THE SENSATION.

[Jimmylisa]

Drew's Wife,
The review was enlighting, we sailed on the Sensation on 9-13-09 for my husband's birthday. We were surrounded by the best server German in the Fantasy Diningroom (142) at the late sitting also. German is fron Honduras and his assistant Hector treated my husband to the best b-day celebration yet. Our room porter was the best also, his name is Ranaldo, he just enjoys his job and is very good at it. This was our first cruise and my hubby is ready to take another one for my b-day in January. I am so glad that someone other than myself enjoys the Sensation. Thanks for the review and bringing back memories of our trip. Lisa

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Glad you guys had another GREAT cruise on the Sensation - it's certainly our "go to" ship as well!

Originally Posted by Drew's Wife

After dinner we went back to the Michaelango's lounge and danced to the band "Music Power". They were very good, and although most of their music was 80's they asked if there was something that we wanted to hear.

. . .

They are pretty good - but the don't know (so they told me) any Led Zeppelin...

Originally Posted by Drew's Wife

...
the only thing that bothered us were the people at the table behind us...Very loud, obnoxious and over intoxicated. They had a small girl with with them, and the language was just awfull...every curse word you could think of, including the "F' word. We could only do our best to overlook it, because these people did not have any manners whatsoever. They didn't care how they appeared to others in the dining room, but the sad part is they didn't even realize that they were being such boors. . .

Don't you love that kind of situation? I have wanted so much to bring it to the attention of such people - but with their displayed lack of class, no doubt it would end up with a "physical solution" if they had anything to say about it. The last time we encountered such was at a place in Cozumel where we purchased a day pass. What appeared to be 3 generations of a family were set up next to us (we got the last place to sit under shade) and playing in the water. We sat there in amazement as a few of the teens and their parents were throwing every word in the book back and forth. Talk about limited vocabulary. Then the elders of the group (perhaps 65 years of age) came around and were doing the same - without abash. The only ones we did not hear it from were the youngest (6-10 years perhaps). Either they had not yet picked it up yet, or were not "authorized" to use such words (also YET)! The whole sloppy family (complete w/Carnival towels -- people like that give Carnival a bad name... I almost want to apologize for the rest of us!) were the reason we left early - and I would assume others as well.

OK.. sorry -- back to the ship: Did they have EITHER of the two (Glass) atrium elevators working yet? For our cruise last month BOTH were out (previously ONE had been out for several months)!

Tom

[Drew's Wife]

In total agreement with you Tom & Cheryl. It"s the "riff raff" that gives the human race a bad name in general.

As far as the atrium elevators, both were still non-functional during the entire cruise. It looks like they may be replacing them completely. How about we have a little contest, and the first person that returns from The Sensation with the news that the elevators are up and running....well they win...a let's see....a "picture" of a coveted "Ship on a stick"?

[MNmomof4]

I will be on the Sensation next week. Thanks for the review. I will be sailing from port canaveral in january and I was curious on the AFB accomodations. Can you tell me what the prices would be for retired, they dont have prices listed on the website. Would my kids (2 and 4) be bored there overnight. How far a drive is it from the port?

Did you notice if the waterworks area was open prior to sailaway?

[ragen]

Sensation 3 day Capers:

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p...en09%20Capers/

[Drew's Wife]

Originally Posted by MNmomof4

I will be on the Sensation next week. Thanks for the review. I will be sailing from port canaveral in january and I was curious on the AFB accomodations. Can you tell me what the prices would be for retired, they dont have prices listed on the website. Would my kids (2 and 4) be bored there overnight. How far a drive is it from the port?

Did you notice if the waterworks area was open prior to sailaway?

As you know it is space A. Usually Patrick AFB only makes reservations 24 hours in advance, but during October they are slow. I don't know how it will be in January. We had hoped to go back in Feb, but I'm sure it will be hard to get in then. The rates are based on your rank, so I wouldn't know what they would charge you. Beieve me, we couldn't go out to eat for what they charged us for the night! $39.00 dollars! How great is that? As far as whether your children would be bored there overnight, it is an AFB..just about everything shuts down at 5 pm. But I would think if you just plan on going for the night...two children that age could easily be entertained with some puzzles and books. I think it's about 25 miles from the port. Hope this helps.

As far as the waterworks, never looked to see, as we don't use the pools, or any of those things...so it never crossed my mind to check.

[MNmomof4]

Thank you Sherrie. I did call and they said to call back about a month before. They dont have a room with 2 beds so we would have to pay $39x2. 3 days before they might have available a bigger room with 2 beds, washer/dryer for $41.

Thank you for all the information. I have a reservation that I can cancel in case something opens on the base.

My kids loved the waterworks on the Inspiration and cant wait for the sensation.

[Drew's Wife]

Originally Posted by MNmomof4

Thank you Sherrie. I did call and they said to call back about a month before. They dont have a room with 2 beds so we would have to pay $39x2. 3 days before they might have available a bigger room with 2 beds, washer/dryer for $41.

Thank you for all the information. I have a reservation that I can cancel in case something opens on the base.

My kids loved the waterworks on the Inspiration and cant wait for the sensation.

You are more than welcome...You can't beat it for the price. We love staying on the bases, mainly because we feel so safe and secure there! Hope it works out for you. I'm sure the kids will love The Sensation also.

[beachbum6264]

posted in wrong place, brain dead today! sorry,
was enjoying your review when I thought of something

[Drew's Wife]

Originally Posted by beachbum6264

I was looking through a photo album my mother brought me, and found this. It was taken in port in Nassau (we were living there at the time), heading to Miami. That is my uncle and a friend waving. I was 3 at the time (you can do the math!) I remember the streamers being thrown as we sailed away and dressing up for dinner. This was either the Bahama Star or the Yarmouth Castle (we sailed on both, used to go back and forth by ship rather than plane, easier for shopping).

How nice! Don't you love being able to look back on the wonderful memories? It was really special for your mother to bring you the album. I know you will treasure the pictures.
I noticed that you are in Tenn...may I ask what part? Or have I asked you that before and I can't remember? That seems to be happenning more and more lately!
I was born and raised in Nashville, and all my family is still there. Planning a trip hope right before Christmas to see my Son, DIL, Grandbabies and my parents. I can hardly wait!

[njmomof2]

Sherrie Lynn, thanks so much for such a lovely review of Sensation. We are sailing her for a 3 nighter on November 5th with my mom and my 2 boys. While my sons have only sailed Voyager and Freedom class Royal Caribbean ships, I'm hoping that a smaller ship will hold their interest (they are looking forward to the Waterworks).

You and Drew make such a lovely couple. May I ask...do you stick with the grilled chicken for any special reason? I'm not really familiar with Carnival food (have seen the reviews and pictures but haven't been on a Carnival ship in 14 years) so I'm hoping it's not because you don't like the cuisine.

Did you happen to bring home or have any pictures of the menus from your cruise? My older son (11.5) is somewhat of a "foodie" and loves looking at the menu selections. Of course, he's thrilled at the idea of 24 hour pizza and the deli station.

Thanks again.

[Drew's Wife]

Originally Posted by njmomof2

Sherrie Lynn, thanks so much for such a lovely review of Sensation. We are sailing her for a 3 nighter on November 5th with my mom and my 2 boys. While my sons have only sailed Voyager and Freedom class Royal Caribbean ships, I'm hoping that a smaller ship will hold their interest (they are looking forward to the Waterworks).

You and Drew make such a lovely couple. May I ask...do you stick with the grilled chicken for any special reason? I'm not really familiar with Carnival food (have seen the reviews and pictures but haven't been on a Carnival ship in 14 years) so I'm hoping it's not because you don't like the cuisine.

Did you happen to bring home or have any pictures of the menus from your cruise? My older son (11.5) is somewhat of a "foodie" and loves looking at the menu selections. Of course, he's thrilled at the idea of 24 hour pizza and the deli station.

Thanks again.

Thank you so much for the kind words. I didn't happen to make any pictures of the menus or food. I guess it never occurred to me as we have been on The Sensation several times. I don't even have the capers from this trip to scan as our neighbors are interested in taking a cruise and I told Drew to give the capers to them, so that they could look them over.

As far as the chicken. It's the only thing I have ordered at dinner for the last couple of cruises. It has nothing to do with Carnival's food. It has to do with me...! I'm not one to try new things...and I don't eat any kind of seafood, except fried fish... It's all I can do to watch Drew eat the shrimp and lobster...If I can't tell what it is by looking at it, then I don't eat it.

I'm not into sauces, spicy or anything out of the ordinary. Of course Drew always has to make a big deal out of eating the escargot soup...and I just get green at the thought!

I know I am probably missing out on some wonderful dishes.. At lunch I would get the chicken tenders or a burger.....at dinner the grilled chicken and a baked potato. Always have the melting chocolate cake. I wouldn't even try things like Baked Alaska or the creme' brule...Just give me some good old chocolate. Every night for the last several cruises, I'll call room service at about 2 am and have some tuna without the bread, some chips and a slice of the wonderful chocolate cake.
I noticed a thread on another area of the CC boards about fast food restaurants on a ship.... I'd take Taco Bell any day!

Drew is talking about taking me to Paris wthin the next couple of years, and he has already told me that I can't go to a burger joint or have any fast food while we are there. I figure I might be able to lose some weight on that trip!

[remharri]

Originally Posted by Drew's Wife

I noticed that some people were asking about Sensation capers and wanting information. Since we just arrived home from our sixth cruise on The Sensation, I thought I would write some about out trip. I will try to do this in segments. I still detest this VISTA and having a hard time with it.

First, we love The Sensation. We have been on several Fantasy class ships, but we always return to The Sensation. The crew and staff are amazing and embarkation/debarkation is so nice at Port Canaveral.

This time, we decided to drive over a day early. It isn't that far for us to drive, but it always seems like we are tired and rushed. We spent the night at the Space Coast Inn at Patrick AFB (typical TML) but it was great, as it was clean, inexpensive, secure safe and very close to the port. I'll try to post some pictures for those that are eligible and might be interested in staying there.

We checked out at 1100 hours (for you Veterans) and arrived at the pier about 1 PM. We would have arrived much earlier, but I had forgotten my mirror and Drew drove to three stores so that I could find what I wanted. Poor guy...

This is good to know. My dad is retired CG and my brother is AF so we will probably try staying their Nov. 2010 for our cruise. Have you stayed there in the past? Is it hard to get rooms? I know some bases are harder then others...and how far is it from the port and airport if you know. Thanks!

[Drew's Wife]

Originally Posted by remharri

This is good to know. My dad is retired CG and my brother is AF so we will probably try staying their Nov. 2010 for our cruise. Have you stayed there in the past? Is it hard to get rooms? I know some bases are harder then others...and how far is it from the port and airport if you know. Thanks!

This was the first time that we have stayed at Patrick AFB, although we have stayed at other Air Force, Army and Naval bases over the years. We always enjoy it, and of course Drew just loves being around
anything to do with Military. I understand it can be hard to get in at certain times of the year and this base is Space A., which is active duty first, as it should be. It usually can only be reserved 24 hours in advance, but they were not busy so we were lucky to get our room booked several days in advance.

It is about 25 miles south of the port. Not sure what airport you are talking about, but it would be about 60 miles from the Orlando Airport.

Another option in Orlando, is The Shades of Green at WDW. We just came back from there a couple weeks ago. It is a beauitful resort and very reasonable for being inside WDW. Part of the Shades of Green is closed for renovation, so I don't know how difficult it would be to get in there. They are usually booked way in advance. We have rooms there again during Christmas, so I'm really looking forward to going back over there and see WDW at Christmas time.