Help a Carnival / Sensation First-Timer, please!

[tamtot]

Hey All,

We are going to try the Carnival Sensation in April for a quick weekend cruise. Having mainly cruised on RCCL, I feel so ignorant about the whole Carnival cruising experience! How does Carnival compare to RCCL?

My main question is about the cabins, for starters! We don't want to go Balcony this time, can you tell me what are the best Oceanview cabins?

Are there any other secrets I need to know about the Sensation?

Also, does Carnival do drink cards for soft drinks?

Thanks so much--I'm going to do some research on these boards now, but I was hoping you all would save me some time so I can go ahead and book.

Thanks so much!

Tammy

[Cotton]

How does Carnival compare to RCCL?

 

Hi Tammy. I've cruised on both lines this year, as well as other times. I can give you my thoughts.

 

My main question is about the cabins, for starters!

 

You'll be surprised how much larger Carnival cabins are as compared to RCCL. I think any of the OV cabins would be fine; you just need to decide which deck you want. I had cabin E1 on the Sensation - Empress Deck - two porthole windows.

 

Are there any other secrets I need to know about the Sensation?

 

Even though you won't know your dining assignment until just prior to boarding, hopefully you'll get the forward dining room. The aft dining room isn't so easy to get to, as the elevators don't go all the way from passenger decks to there, and there are a few stairs to climb. Odd planning, I thought.

 

Also, does Carnival do drink cards for soft drinks?

 

Yes, Carnival has a "soda card". I don't remember the cost per person, because I take my own Cokes on board with me.

 

Anything else more specific...?...I'll try to answer for you. I'm sure you'll enjoy Carnival. I enjoyed my RCCL cruises (two), but I do prefer Carnival for the little things. I particular like the complimentary espresso and cappuccino in the dining room, which I had to pay for on RCCL. I was also surprised that RCCL didn't offer "tea time" on sea day afternoons like Carnival does. Little things, but amenities that I've come to enjoy on Carnival.:)

[polly57]

Even though you won't know your dining assignment until just prior to boarding, hopefully you'll get the forward dining room. The aft dining room isn't so easy to get to, as the elevators don't go all the way from passenger decks to there, and there are a few stairs to climb. Odd planning, I thought.

 

 

So does that mean the aft dining room is not wheelchair or scooter accessible?