Carnival Sensation review: is Sensation sensational?!

I recently returned from my cruise on the Carnival Sensation to Jamaica and Grand Cayman out of Miami, and wanted to share my experience. I want to put it out there at the start that I am fairly easy-going and low maintenance about cruises in that I can roll with the punches and have a great time on virtually any cruise regardless of any problems I encounter because I tend to have a "glass half full" attitude about things.

That was challenging on this cruise. It began at embarkation, when we waited over 2 hours to board even with "Faster to the Fun." I was so thankful that we had priority boarding - I can't imagine how frustrating it was for all of those people having to wait even longer and way past their boarding time. Apparently they had trouble getting the walkway from the terminal to the ship working. The next issue I faced was an injury due to defective furniture. A glass tabletop that was not attached to the legs slid off and shattered. My foot was covered in broken glass and I was bleeding profusely. I reported this to Guest Services, who immediately got defensive, saying "It's not Carnival's fault!!!" I felt a more appropriate response would have been, "So sorry this happened to you - are you okay?" (which wouldn't imply fault on the part of anyone), "I'll get you a manager." That didn't happen but I got directed to the medical bay, where the doctor was extremely nice and courteous and charged me nothing.

That was a rough night, but things definitely improved after that. I was still disappointed with some aspects of the cruise. Service was slow in the dining room, and the food usually arrived lukewarm. There were also lines at peak times. I was disappointed with the "Serenity" deck, which wasn't serene at all - very crowded and people who appeared to be under 18 were allowed to stay and one Jacuzzi was roped off. Most of the entertainment was not my cup of tea - lots of game shows, expensive bingo, hairy chest contest... This ship also has very dated decor - think 70s-80s, which was jarring when I first boarded but I got used to it over the course of the week. There's also some rust here and there.

There were 2 comedians and one of them was excellent (man from Austin, TX., can't remember name) - and I am very hard to please when it comes to comedy so kudos to Sensation on snagging him. Mark Preston performed in the showroom - former Lettermen member, and we really enjoyed it - he did a great job with both older and newer hits. The main production show, a "Studio 54" inspired disco extravaganza, was ok but not as good as other production shows I've seen, including on other Carnival ships. As usual, Blue Iguana and Guy's Burgers were excellent - just wish they stayed open later! Really enjoyed the table games in the casino even though a couple of the dealers appeared to be learning.

We had an indoor cabin. There was no refrigerator, and a curtain in front of a wall rather than artwork which seemed tacky to us (who were they trying to fool?) Even though there were 2 of us, they gave us a 2-bunkbed room. The closed upper bunk stuck out over our bed half a foot and we kept bumping our heads on it! The shower water temperature and pressure were excellent. Our steward was the best one we've had yet on any cruise; anticipated our needs and did an outstanding job.

The Grand Cayman stop was cancelled due to weather conditions, which was disappointing although not the fault of the ship. Ocho Rios was wonderful. I took an excursion that included a bobsled ride and chair lift - which were a thrill that I would do again in a heartbeat, followed by the Dunn's River Falls. The Falls I found to be extremely strenuous - I don't think there is enough warning on how difficult it is. It does say that it is difficult but has the same difficulty level as other excursions I've had no problem with so I went ahead and tried it. I would not do this one again - but I think I would have liked it if I was younger or very athletic. Also be advised - you get completely soaked from the shoulders down. I figured I'd get a splashed - but you are actually immersed in the water.

All in all, I had a good time because I always cruise with a positive attitude and make the best of my trip despite any disappointing elements. I would always rather be on any ship than back home, and I'm baffled when I see so many people complain on cruise ships and say things like they can't wait to get off the ship! I filmed a full tour of the Sensation, so others can see for themselves what it looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUbNeu7JVBk.

Thanks for the review.

Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed it even though it's an old and less than perfect boat ride. I hope you got a great price? That's why we chose this ship recently. Unfortunately there are not a lot of really positive reviews of Carnival Fantasy class ships, the oldest in the fleet and including Sensation.