Sensation or Sunrise

[JonesCruiser1978]

Looking at a short birthday trip next year and the 2 ships that fit the timeframe/price we want are the Sensation and the Sunrise.

I realize there isn't much difference in the ships, but which would stand out to you?

[Hadiez]

I cannot speak for the Sunrise but the Sensation was my first.. She will always be special for me. I also sail on her again next Thursday and i cannot wait. She is an old ship but i loved her. The smaller ships feel less crowded.

[JonesCruiser1978]

19 minutes ago, Hadiez said:

I cannot speak for the Sunrise but the Sensation was my first.. She will always be special for me. I also sail on her again next Thursday and i cannot wait. She is an old ship but i loved her. The smaller ships feel less crowded.

That's how I feel about the Elation.  She'll always be special.

[Mutumbojimbo]

I would think the ships will be pretty different. We love the Fantasy class ships, but the Sunrise will have some newer features. That said, we thought the Triumph was crowded, and they added more cabins during the refitting that made it the Sunrise. I would choose the Sensation.

[pacruise804]

We recently sailed the Sunrise but are not familiar with the Sensation.  There were some layout issues with the Sunrise that we didn't like so we would probably pick the Sensation.

 

• You couldn't access the dining room from forward or mid-ship on their decks (3&4).  You had to either walk through passenger cabin hallways on deck 2 or through the casino on deck 5.
• There were congestion points at Blue Iguana Cantina (and probably Guys Burger) to enter the Lido buffet area.  Also Deli and Lucky Bowl area could be congestion points.
• Many "automatic" doors required a button to be pressed to open the door - not necessarily a problem, but not always obvious so it could be awkward if hands were full.
• Very few shade options on the upper decks.

[Jamericannn]

This one is not even close to me. It is the Sunrise hands down. Someone mentioned the layout issue which is true but once you know the route then it’s easy. The Sunrise looks a lot different after the recent renovation. Very modern look. Lots of new things were added. 

[pacruise804]

The route isn't necessarily difficult, but very annoying.  Your choice is to walk through a smoke filled casino (bothersome to some) or passenger cabin hallway (weird to some).  If you have mobility issues the extra elevator trips could be a hassle.

 

OP - if ship layout matters then compare them.  Other features might matter to you more though, so again compare.  Have a great cruise whatever you decide.

[jmcathome]

Never been on the Sensation, but stay away from the Sunrise. Got back Sunday from 7day to New England and Canada. Ship is overcrowded. Not enough seating in Lido. I hada free upgrade to Suite from a interior and would not return on the Sunrise.

[antmaril]

1 hour ago, jmcathome said:

Never been on the Sensation, but stay away from the Sunrise. Got back Sunday from 7day to New England and Canada. Ship is overcrowded. Not enough seating in Lido. I hada free upgrade to Suite from a interior and would not return on the Sunrise.

I agree with you.   We were on the Sunrise 9/22-9/29 and it felt overcrowded.  The Lido is a disaster in my opinion.  The crew was great and we thought the food was good, but we will not sail the Sunrise again.  

 

I have not been on the Sensation.  

[TomCruise48]

Was on Sunrise 3 weeks ago and am on Sensation right now. Staff on Sensation is more friendly and Sensation is much less crowded. Sunrise has newer venues.