Drydock Update to Owner's Suite on Sensation.. FANTASTIC!

[aggieastrosfan]

The post 10/17 deck plans show Serenity and the waterpark - but no new balcony cabins. :(

 

Look again - they do show balconies on the aft cabins on Upper and Empress, and the 8 cat 12s getting the extended balcony. But no side balconies. Not sure why those 12s get getting extended balconies when the deck plans don't show the ones above or below getting balconies?? :confused:

[nealstuber]

Look again - they do show balconies on the aft cabins on Upper and Empress, and the 8 cat 12s getting the extended balcony. But no side balconies. Not sure why those 12s get getting extended balconies when the deck plans don't show the ones above or below getting balconies?? :confused:

 

 

Now that I look carefully - I see balcony cabins color coded but no visual depiction of the balcony. Thanks!

 

I think you're right about them having these on hold - I've checked a couple of off-peak sailings and nothing shows available.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Beautiful. One day we'll try to book one of these. You say it's just a few hundred more per person than a Cat 12?

 

That's about right... and if you get lucky in the casino, then it's a bit less. Though if you are unlucky, perhaps a (bit) more !

 

What a hidden gem! How big is the balcony?

 

OK.. I am adding something else to my packing list: measuring tape! (really, I am) :D -- but I would guess it's about 8X12.

 

One more thing that's going on my list is a thermometer - as I was very curious as to what the temp was in that room the first afternoon. I had to have maintenance come and check the A/C. Since the cabin had not been used previously, I suppose nobody ever thought to turn the (main) system on somewhere. It took them a couple of hours, but they finally got it COLD in there.

 

THAT REMINDS ME... the best air coming out of the vents was in the bathroom - and I mean BLASTING (to where you could hear it in the bedroom). When you took a shower, your shoulders stayed pretty chilled as one of the two bathroom vents is directly overhead. Kind of like being in a hot tub in the winter! :eek: I did manage to close the vent somewhat, but it would not completely shut. Minor, but strange, details!!

 

Tom

[TITISSA]

Tom, thank you for your patience in answering all my questions. I never new about these cabins before. It's exciting:). If you don't mind being bothered a little more... Where is the entrance to these suites? Is it on the Sports Deck or Verandah Deck? You said the balcony is about 96 square feet, any idea how big the cabin is? Did you get any perks with the suite besides priority embarkation and debarkation? Thanks.

[Nezmo]

Very nice Tom.

 

I'm in a new SS on the Liberty in a few and they have hookups for DVD and MP3 players on the flat screens in the room. They may not be the same as you had of course but what type of connection did that MP3 player need? Was it a 1/4" jack both ends, ie, headphone to headphone type?

 

I'll take my portable MP3 speakers anyway but I'm hoping to use that TV/sound system in the suite.

 

Thanks

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom, thank you for your patience in answering all my questions. I never new about these cabins before. It's exciting:). If you don't mind being bothered a little more... Where is the entrance to these suites? Is it on the Sports Deck or Verandah Deck? You said the balcony is about 96 square feet, any idea how big the cabin is? Did you get any perks with the suite besides priority embarkation and debarkation? Thanks.

 

Priority embarkation is an understatement. When you book in one of these two suites, they escort you straight to your cabin after check-in, show you in - and make sure everything is to your liking. They are on Sports deck (hence the S1 and S2 cabin designations). You take the atrium elevators to the top. When you get off there, going straight out of the elevators the spa/gym is directly ahead. A sharp turn (right or left) and around once off the elevators will lead you to a black door which says "PRIVATE". You have arrived. There is a doorbell, as well as a "Do Not Disturb" light.

 

The cabin is easily several hundred square feet, but I don't know the actual number.

 

 

Leading to S1 on the Sensation:

 

 

"Layout"/Deck Plan of S1 and S2 - though it shows the old configuration of furniture:

 

 

Speaks for itself:

 

 

This is inside of the front door - I believe it also inactivates the doorbell :

 

 

The two suites are connected by a door in the closet. Though we have never utilized BOTH sides!!

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Very nice Tom.

 

I'm in a new SS on the Liberty in a few and they have hookups for DVD and MP3 players on the flat screens in the room. They may not be the same as you had of course but what type of connection did that MP3 player need? Was it a 1/4" jack both ends, ie, headphone to headphone type?

 

I'll take my portable MP3 speakers anyway but I'm hoping to use that TV/sound system in the suite.

 

Thanks

 

I carry an AUX cable with me -- it's the same on both ends - so the same size as the headphone/ear plug jack on (virtually all?) mp3 players.

 

I look forward to your review of the new SS suite! I took a picture in Cozumel (our Freedom sailing) when the Liberty was also docked there - focusing in on the new spot right up front and over the bridge! You can really see the difference (not the zoomed pick I am talking about) in this photo of both ships:

 

 

Perhaps they should have installed wipers on those front windows like they have on the bridge! :D

 

Tom

[gtalum]

Hey Tom, since you've sailed these a bunch of times, how far in advance would you guess the S1 and S2 suites need to be booked for an off-season cruise?

[Nezmo]

I carry an AUX cable with me -- it's the same on both ends - so the same size as the headphone/ear plug jack on (virtually all?) mp3 players.

 

I look forward to your review of the new SS suite! I took a picture in Cozumel (our Freedom sailing) when the Liberty was also docked there - focusing in on the new spot right up front and over the bridge! You can really see the difference (not the zoomed pick I am talking about) in this photo of both ships:

 

 

Perhaps they should have installed wipers on those front windows like they have on the bridge! :D

 

Tom

Thank you sir. I did see on your SmugMug album the Yamaha had the iPod dock too but I'm not sure the SS's have the Yamaha systems (can't tell from the few photos I have).

 

I am excited about that forward facing view and yes, I wonder how much crud will accumulate on those windows.

 

I'll be sure to post a review when we return. I'll take plenty of photos.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hey Tom, since you've sailed these a bunch of times, how far in advance would you guess the S1 and S2 suites need to be booked for an off-season cruise?

 

The good new is.... they often sail empty - occasionally they will bump someone up to one of those from a CAT 11 or 12 (so they can then sell another 11 or 12 I suppose). I asked the last time we were in a CAT 12 (when we did not book S1 or S2) if we could be upgraded once onboard, and the reply was that they can only put someone in those cabins via the Miami (headquarters) office.

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thank you sir. I did see on your SmugMug album the Yamaha had the iPod dock too but I'm not sure the SS's have the Yamaha systems (can't tell from the few photos I have).

 

I am excited about that forward facing view and yes, I wonder how much crud will accumulate on those windows.

 

I'll be sure to post a review when we return. I'll take plenty of photos.

 

That is ALMOST enough to convince me to buy an iPod... but no dice! (Any idea if there is a converter for one of those docks - to mini-usb and audio?)

 

Tom

[Stircrzy]

Priority embarkation is an understatement. When you book in one of these two suites, they escort you straight to your cabin after check-in, show you in - and make sure everything is to your liking. They are on Sports deck (hence the S1 and S2 cabin designations). You take the atrium elevators to the top. When you get off there, going straight out of the elevators the spa/gym is directly ahead. A sharp turn (right or left) and around once off the elevators will lead you to a black door which says "PRIVATE". You have arrived. There is a doorbell, as well as a "Do Not Disturb" light.

 

The cabin is easily several hundred square feet, but I don't know the actual number.

 

 

Leading to S1 on the Sensation:

 

 

 

"Layout"/Deck Plan of S1 and S2 - though it shows the old configuration of furniture:

 

 

 

Speaks for itself:

 

 

 

This is inside of the front door - I believe it also inactivates the doorbell :

 

 

 

The two suites are connected by a door in the closet. Though we have never utilized BOTH sides!!

 

Tom

 

I've used both several times on the Ecstasy. I put my brother and his wife in the other side. We leave the door open between the closets and run back and forth between the balconies.

With two of those suites and 4-5 other cabins, it gives us plenty of space when everybody wants to come up there to hang out. My 80 yr old Papa loves to take a little snooze on the balcony...even though he has his own Cat 12.

[Nunu]

Tom after being spoiled in suites like that would you find it hard to go into a regular balcony cabin or do you enjoy cruising enough that that's not a concern?

[gtalum]

The good new is.... they often sail empty - occasionally they will bump someone up to one of those from a CAT 11 or 12 (so they can then sell another 11 or 12 I suppose). I asked the last time we were in a CAT 12 (when we did not book S1 or S2) if we could be upgraded once onboard, and the reply was that they can only put someone in those cabins via the Miami (headquarters) office.

 

Tom

 

Cool, thanks for the info. I'm considering a 3-day on Sensation or a 4-day on Inspiration Next January or February. Might try an owner's suite if it's available.

[Nezmo]

That is ALMOST enough to convince me to buy an iPod... but no dice! (Any idea if there is a converter for one of those docks - to mini-usb and audio?)

 

Tom

Not sure. I have one at home plugged in to a Yamaha receiver. The plug at the receiver end is proprietary. Basically, using the dock provides for control of the iPod via the receiver and gives an on-TV screen display. The user interface is a little basic still (Yamaha has work to do there) but it's still pretty neat.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I've used both several times on the Ecstasy. I put my brother and his wife in the other side. We leave the door open between the closets and run back and forth between the balconies.

With two of those suites and 4-5 other cabins, it gives us plenty of space when everybody wants to come up there to hang out. My 80 yr old Papa loves to take a little snooze on the balcony...even though he has his own Cat 12.

 

Somehow... I can picture your group doing the cabin shuffle, and it puts a smile on my face!

 

Tom after being spoiled in suites like that would you find it hard to go into a regular balcony cabin or do you enjoy cruising enough that that's not a concern?

 

On Fantasy class ships, we would consider a Cat 12 - especially on the Sensation since they have extended a few of those balconies. On Conquest and Dream class we prefer the corner wrap balconies - which are Cat 9A. On Spirit class ships you will only find us in the corner aft-wraps 4228 or 4237. Spoiled?... it would appear so... kinda sorta... :o

 

Tom

[iluvdoxies]

Great pics, Tom---thanks for sharing.

[Vanessa L]

Always love your pics, Tom. Thanks for sharing them with us :) I like being able to live vicariously through you and Cheryl ;)

[Stircrzy]

Somehow... I can picture your group doing the cabin shuffle, and it puts a smile on my face!

 

 

 

On Fantasy class ships, we would consider a Cat 12 - especially on the Sensation since they have extended a few of those balconies. On Conquest and Dream class we prefer the corner wrap balconies - which are Cat 9A. On Spirit class ships you will only find us in the corner aft-wraps 4228 or 4237. Spoiled?... it would appear so... kinda sorta... :o

 

Tom

 

Anyone who has served our country as you have deserves a little "spoiling"...and Cheryl, too, for having to suffer through your deployments.

 

Lots of people have seen your cruise photos, but they should also take a peek at your other photos...glad you're not in Afghanistan NOW!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Anyone who has served our country as you have deserves a little "spoiling"...and Cheryl, too, for having to suffer through your deployments.

 

Lots of people have seen your cruise photos, but they should also take a peek at your other photos...glad you're not in Afghanistan NOW!

 

Thanks STIR --- you must mean photos like "this one" where I was hard at work!! ;)

 

 

 

 

Tom

[dlbaqua]

now THAT is an owner's suite!

thanks for sharing the pics

[DGP1111]

Not sure. I have one at home plugged in to a Yamaha receiver. The plug at the receiver end is proprietary. Basically, using the dock provides for control of the iPod via the receiver and gives an on-TV screen display. The user interface is a little basic still (Yamaha has work to do there) but it's still pretty neat.

 

Nezmo: I do the same at home, as well, but w/ Harman Kardon receiver. They partnered with Apple from the get-go, and I think they did a really good job with the HK 'Bridge'.

The Classic is permanently tethered to the Bridge, and the Touch goes on my hip. :)

Sorry, Tom, for the hijack. :o

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Nezmo: I do the same at home, as well, but w/ Harman Kardon receiver. They partnered with Apple from the get-go, and I think they did a really good job with the HK 'Bridge'.

The Classic is permanently tethered to the Bridge, and the Touch goes on my hip. :)

Sorry, Tom, for the hijack. :o

 

Not a problem Don - you will just have to switch from your current cabin on the 10/22 Sensation sailing over to S1 so that you can take advantage of the iPod dock... simple!! :D

 

Tom

[TITISSA]

Tom,

 

Did you have to sign a waiver letter from Carnival to book the Owner's Suite? I switched yesterday from a SS to S1 and Carnival wants a notorized letter saying that the Owners Suite is not for regular guests. Carnival is not responsible is something is not working in the cabin, and of course I cannot sue Carnival for anything. My question to you is, since the cabin is not for regular folks, does it come with toiletries and a hair dryer? I saw flowers on the dinning tab? Did you order them, did they come with the cabin, or are they fake? Were you treated like a regular paying guest? Thanks.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom,

 

Did you have to sign a waiver letter from Carnival to book the Owner's Suite? I switched yesterday from a SS to S1 and Carnival wants a notorized letter saying that the Owners Suite is not for regular guests. Carnival is not responsible is something is not working in the cabin, and of course I cannot sue Carnival for anything. My question to you is, since the cabin is not for regular folks, does it come with toiletries and a hair dryer? I saw flowers on the dinning tab? Did you order them, did they come with the cabin, or are they fake? Were you treated like a regular paying guest? Thanks.

 

Yes - the waiver is part of the booking... at least the first few times we stayed in one.

 

The flowers, as well as the "plants" are all artificial.

 

For most of our sailings in S1 or S2 we did receive a fruit basket (with or without wine) - sometimes more, sometimes nothing. That depends on the ship, the hotel director - and in our case - the casino too.

 

Yes - you are treated like a regular guest... sometimes even a bit better (but nothing major).

 

Are you going to be in S1 or S2 ??

 

ENJOY!!

 

Tom