Sensation Review: 4/9/05 - 4/14/05

[cawhite]

4/9 – 4/14: Carnival Sensation – Port Itinerary: Costa Maya and Cozumel

 

 

Pre-Cruise:

 

 

We flew into New Orleans from California on 4/8 and landed just before midnight. We stayed at the Sheraton on Canal Street. Since we were only there from about 1 a.m. until 9 a.m. we didn’t get to see much more of the hotel than the lobby and our room on the 30th floor. The hotel was a nice location for visiting the French Quarter. Our room had a large window that looked out over the Mississippi River in the distance… perfect for viewing the ships as they come into port. Unfortunately, by the time we woke up on 4/9, both ships, the Sensation and RCCL’s Grandeur of the Seas, were already in port. We got up and I suggested we go to Mother’s Restaurant for breakfast so we checked out of our room, and left our bags with the bellhop. When we got to Mother’s there was a line out the door. We waited 10 or 15 minutes and the kids really didn’t want to wait in line any longer, so we went back to the hotel, collected our bags, had a coffee and roll at the hotel Starbucks, then took a taxi to the port, arriving at 11:50. We drove right up to the berth area, got out, and a porter took our checked bags. We went into the check-in area, stood in a not too terribly long line to be processed (sign and sail cards, room keys, photos, etc.) and were on the ship in about 45 minutes. We didn’t initially read the information sheets that were handed out as we boarded, asking us not to go to our rooms until 1:30, so we went to our room. Luckily, our cabin was ready anyway. We had a mid-ship ocean view room. There was plenty of room for 3 people. We put down our carry-on luggage down, and proceeded to the Lido deck to take a look around and get some lunch.

 

 

The Ship:

 

 

Yes, all the things you’ve read on cruisecritic.com are true. It is purple, purple, purple. It is quite glitzy and glittery, rather than glamorous… yet it’s a nice ship. This was our first cruise so it was the perfect size for my 2 kids (13 and 10) and me to navigate. It didn’t take long to have a handle on where everything was.

 

 

Now, I had been really nervous about motion sickness, especially after reading all of the reviews regarding the rocking on the Sensation. My kids have gotten sick on small, snorkeling boats in the past as well as car trips on winding roads. In addition, I even get nauseous from 3-D movies at the IMAX Theater! So we had each taken Bonine just before we went to bed the previous night, as well as first thing in the morning, prior to boarding. I had also packed Sea-Bands, patches, and ginger pills… just in case. Well, after being on the ship for just a first few hours, we realized that the rocking was actually just a gentle swaying motion. Yes, we definitely felt it… but it was nothing that led to seasickness. So we stopped taking the Bonine all together, with the exception of the morning of our dive / snorkel boat trip in Cozumel. No seasickness whatsoever! So unless weather is bad for some reason, I wouldn’t worry about the rocking.

 

 

We went to 4 of the 5 evening entertainment shows (2 Las Vegas style shows with the Sensation Dancers, a combination Magician show / Ventriloquist act, and a Comedy show). The shows with the Sensation Dancers were the best. The dancing and singing were great, and the costumes were spectacular. On the other night, there was an audience participation game, “Liar’s Club”, and we did not attend.

 

 

As far as Camp Carnival goes, my 13-year-old daughter went the first night and met several friends with whom she spent most of the cruise. They went to the CC activities some of the time, and hung out together around the ship the rest of the time. She had a blast with her new friends. She felt very grown up as she got to choose her own things to do. On the other hand, my 10-year-old son did not go to CC. I signed him up initially, but he seemed to want to spend his time cruising around the ship, going back to the cabin to watch cartoons, hanging out with me, and going up to the Lido Deck MANY times per day for soft serve ice cream cones. Both of my kids thought the pool was small and fairly crowded (same with the hot tubs), and they thought the slide was a slow one.

 

 

We ate in the dining room every night for dinner, and it was excellent. The service was excellent as well. I had heard they serve pretty much the same food for breakfast and lunch on the Lido Deck so we ate all of those meals there. On the Lido Deck, we either ate food from the buffet, pizza from the 24-hour pizzeria, or burgers and fries from the grill. The Lido Deck food was fine, but nothing like the dining room food in the evening. We did enjoy the pizza and burgers. Formal night was fun, and we have great photos to remember our evening.

 

 

The service was fabulous everywhere! We did have one problem with our cabin. We had a leak from a pipe above our ceiling that came into our room. I called the Purser’s Desk and within minutes we had 4-5 people in our room, working to solve the problem. The plumber mentioned that this kind of thing does happen from time to time, as it is an older ship. Because it occurred at night around 11:00 p.m., and we had an early morning excursion in Cozumel, I requested we be placed in a different room. I explained that we couldn’t wait up while they shampooed and dried out the carpet, changed the mattresses and sheets that had gotten wet, etc. They said the ship was completely full, but would see what they could do. They ended up giving us a ship worker’s cabin for the night, which they quickly cleaned up for us (an ocean view cabin on the floor below). The next morning we returned to our original cabin for the rest of the cruise. There was a very nice letter from the 2nd Purser in our room stating they were extremely sorry for the inconvenience and that a $100 credit had been placed on our shipboard account. I felt that was gracious gesture and it definitely made up for any inconvenience.

 

 

The Ports:

 

 

Costa Maya: Only the Sensation was in port that day! We were originally scheduled to be in port from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. I’m not sure when the schedule changed, but the day prior to arriving (on our day at sea) the Purser’s desk told me we’d be there 12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. The people at the Purser’s Desk acted like it had always been that time, so I figured it must have changed prior to sailing. We had a scheduled trip (not through the ship) to go on Ivan and David’s Chacchoben Ruins Tour at 11:00, so we figured they’d find out about the time change and would be there for us on arrival… they were. David was our tour guide, and we had a total of 5 people (the 3 of us, plus a couple celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary). The tour was great. David is extremely knowledgeable and quite the historian. In Majahual, my daughter bought a pretty silver bracelet from a local vendor (bargaining is definitely appropriate there). We didn’t have enough time to stop and eat anywhere so we headed back to the ship.

 

 

Cozumel: 2 ships in port that day: the Sensation and the Victory. We were scheduled to go on a 2 reef dive / snorkel trip. Based on comments on cruisecritic.com, we had made reservations (again, not through the ship) with Eagle Ray Divers. There were a total of 5 passengers for this trip on the boat “Miguelito”. My daughter, who had just finished her PADI scuba certification a couple of weeks prior to the cruise, had her own dive master to dive with. My son and I, and the other 2 ladies (also from the Sensation) had another person (also a dive master) to take us snorkeling. We had a great time. The guys at Eagle Ray were wonderful… especially with my daughter, who was a little apprehensive since she was newly certified (and her Dad, who she was certified with, was not there), but the dive master she dove with put her at ease and she had a great time. We dove / snorkeled at Chankanaab Reef (outside of the park), and at Paradise Reef. We saw barracuda, trumpet fish, large parrotfish, blue tang, sergeant major, jaw fish, angelfish, scorpion fish, grouper, flounder, etc. My daughter saw crabs and lobsters as well. The other snorkelers also saw a stingray when we arrived at the first reef, but it came and went before my son and I got into the water. While the marine life we saw on Cozumel was great, I still think it does not beat the Big Island of Hawaii (particularly the Kealakekua Bay / Captain Cook Monument area), but we did not go down to the southern end of the island where I hear it is the best (we would have gone there with a 3 reef dive / snorkel trip).

 

 

After the boat trip, we went to the downtown area of San Miguel de Cozumel. We ate at La Chosa, which had been recommended. It was very good and reasonably priced. After that, I found a place for my son and daughter to use the Internet. It was 50 cents per half-hour. Then we walked to U Nahi Pax to purchase a (surprise) guitar for my husband, who was not on the trip. I had them re-string the guitar, as my hubby is a lefty. Then we caught a taxi from right in front of the instrument store and headed back to the port. I bought a strawberry margarita at Fat Tuesday’s and we returned to the ship.

 

 

Post-Cruise:

 

 

Disembarkation was a breeze. I believe the self-assist people got off around 8:15 a.m., and the people who had checked luggage started getting off the ship around 8:45. We took our time, since we did not have a flight to catch. We left the ship around 9:30, easily retrieved our bags, and called for our shuttle to the rental car company. We are now visiting my husband’s family in Louisiana for a few days prior to flying back to California. Can you believe my husband didn’t go on this great trip? Well, there’s always next time!

 

 

All in all, we had a great time. I didn’t buy any alcohol on the ship (although I did have a whiskey sour at the Captain’s Party), and I didn’t use the Casino. Other than that… any questions?

[leeleent]

We were on the same cruise. Only we drove to NO since it was only a 4 hr drive but only to find out we couldn't park at the cruise terminal due to the parking lot was no longer there because they are building the new terminal. We were turned around and directed back a few blocks to park in a parking garage. There were 17 of us in our group and after we finally got there we had a blast. One couple with us in room E9 also had a leaky room from their ceiling. They were moved to a huge room with a balcony and got $100 back. WOW, what a deal. We have to agree with you, the dining room food was the best. We always had breakfast at the seaview bar and grill. the omlets were great. For lunch, we would have pizza, deli sandwiches, or hamburgers. It was all good. We always enjoyed going to kareoke (sp?) and to the kelidescope dance club. We went to the casino atleast once a day. I won $225 on quarter slots (only 1 quarter, too bad It wasn't 2) yippee..... anyway, I won more than I lost all week. In costa maya, we really enjoyed the pool with the swim up bar. It was my 40th birthday and everyone really helped me celebrate, even people we didn't know. In cozumel, we went to paradise beach and downtown shopping. Had another good day. The last day at sea, my brother entered the hairy chest contest. Guess what....he won the famous ship on a stick. We had a wonderful time on the sensation. It is our favorite carnival ship and cruise.

[GOLSUTIGERS]

Thanks for ya'lls review.... I hadn't seen many reviews for the 5 day cruise of the Sensation. Do either of you have pics or capers that you can send?

I will be cruising with a group on Memorial Day and I'm trying to find out all of the info I can.

 

Leelent, What did you do while in port?

[mpreuss]

Thanks for posting such a comprehensive review - it was very helpful! We just booked a cruise on the Sensation tonight - we're set to sail on May 7 (last minute vacation). It will be the first cruise for me, my husband and our 2 1/2 year-old daughter.

 

Can you suggest any shore excursions that would be appropriate with a toddler?

 

Also, any must-haves that I should pack for the trip?

 

I've also stayed at the Sheraton on Canal Street when I was in NO with my company for a conference. Lovely rooms with great views, but pricey! We're also planning on staying a few nights in NO as well, since my husband has never been.

 

Can't wait!:)

[cawhite]

leeleent - Wow! I wish we got such a cabin upgrade. We were hoping for such, but they said they just didn't have anything else. Our leaking occurred on Mon. p.m. and we were in E171. What day was the leak in E9?

 

golsutigers - I think there are copies of Capers somewhere on the Carnival section of this website... did you try searching? Or maybe that was that just the Camp Carnival activity schedule... I can't recall. I do have some pics I can post, but I won't be home to download them until early next week. I tried to download them at my MIL's house yesterday, but she has a dial-up connection and it was just too slow.

 

mpreuss - Yes, the Sheraton was nice. We got it from a well known "hotel bidding website" (apparently we're not supposed to name companies on this site?)... anyway we got the room for $82 for the 1 night. I'm sure we could have gotten it for less on other weekends, but the French Quarter Fest was going on that weekend.

[basketlover]

Thank you sooo much for the review. I will be sailing on this exact same trip in September and haven't found alot of reviews. Especially good ones. Thank you for the info anything we must see in New Orleans? Any pics would be great if you care to share them.

[cawhite]

mpreuss - Oh, also... The Jazz Fest will be going on around the time you're in N.O.. It always seems to be the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May. My husband is originally from Louisiana and he often goes back for that. You should try to go see that if you are in town at that same time.

[SallyMay]

Thanks for the great review. We will be on her in 6 days and can hardly wait. Have only been on the Holiday and we loved her and know we will have just as good a time on the Sensation. We have never been to Costa Maya and it sound like a lot of fun. Thanks again for the review.

[selucrey]

Thanks for ya'lls review.... I hadn't seen many reviews for the 5 day cruise of the Sensation. Do either of you have pics or capers that you can send?

?

 

This is Zonemasconi's site for capers.. http://community.webshots.com/user/zonemasconi9

 

This is GoinCrusin's site with a few pics of the Sensation.. http://community.webshots.com/user/chrisbeverly

 

We all loved the ship and are planning another trip on her soon.

[SS Strider]

We sail next Saturday, and your wonderful review has lifted our excitement level!

 

I can hardly wait!!

[leeleent]

cawhite: I'm not sure where the leak was coming from. It was in my brothers room and all I know it was from the ceiling and I think it started sun or mon.

 

golsutigers: we didn't buy any shore excursions, we went on our own. In costa maya, we loaded up on a bus $3 pp and went to majahual (fishing village) there they had dirt roads, little shops (cheaper here than at the port), little bars by the beach, we hung out for a while then caught a cab ($2 pp) back to pier area where there is shopping and a pool with swim up bar. We had a blast. In cozumel, since there was 17 of us we got 2 vans $26 per van to paradise beach. You can purchase $5 arm bands and use any water toys except motorize, all day. This includes snorkling, water trampoline, Inflatable iceburg, Kyaks. Or you don't have to get the armbands and still use there chairs w/umbrellas on the beach or sit at the bar. This was a nice place.

We used our digital camera on our trip so hopefully soon I can get my DH to help me download pictures and send them. Hope this helps.

[Kitty34]

Thank you sooo much for the review. I will be sailing on this exact same trip in September and haven't found alot of reviews. Especially good ones. Thank you for the info anything we must see in New Orleans? Any pics would be great if you care to share them.

 

Basketlover...I answered your questions on my thread if you haven't seen that yet.:)

 

Cawhite....we were on the ship the week before. In fact on Sat morning (the 9th) we were sipping our last coffee out on the deck watching them unload and then load up the ship again in NOLA. We had a late flight so we didn't get off the ship until 10:00. Debarkment was a breeze!!

 

That was very nice of them to give you a $100 credit for you inconvenience!!Like you I found the crew very nice and accommadating!

 

Leeleent....the casino was very good to me, too!! I definetly went home with lots more $$ than I gambled with. Nice plus to the cruise!!! Carmen, our casino cashier was very friendly!:)

[sandsand]

How nice it was to read your review. I'm going to share it with my "galfriends". We'll be on the Sensation next week! Can you remember what kind of games/contests they had besides hairy chest?