C
Cruising Dad
Guest
We are taking a 3 day cruise on Sensation to the Bahamas on 12/20/06. What should we expect on the ship and in port?
S
sunrise
Guest
(Excerpt) We are taking a 3 day cruise on Sensation to the Bahamas on 12/20/06. What should we expect on the ship and in port?Sensation Cruise
Posted by: Cruising Dad
One heck of a good time and the regret that it isn't longer. I surmise the port of departure is Galveston? You can expect it to take a while, but remember to relax through it and consider it part of the adventure. When things finally get around to being easy, you will be one of the oldtimers bragging about how long it took. I made myself so nervous the first time that I forgot it was part of the trip and made sure the next time I looked around, reassured others, kept a sense of humor, and didn't worry about where I was in line or how long it was going to take.
In Galveston, it was the traffic around the terminal that was the most hectic. So many people unloading baggage and getting excited and rushed. Now I kinda like it. It's like running the bulls in Barcelona.
Tip $1 a bag. Once inside the terminal you can relax, it's all out of your control; it's all standing quietly in line, and they direct you everywhere. Be sure to smile and not say negative things to ruin anyone else's mood or vacation. No matter when you get there, it seems to take anywhere from one to two hours. There is a bathroom just before you enter the ropes that keep the people in lines. Use it, especially if you have kids. Don't worry if a few people will get ahead of you. Or, have someone hold your place and the rest of you go. Fill out all your information and fun card before you get there. Do not consider the room safe or your room absolutely secure from thieves, so do not take anything very valuable. Think "hotel room." Possibly wear a money belt.
We went on the Sensation before Katrina,her renovation and move to Galveston. She has a wonderful reputation for a party ship, but we don't party and still had a wonderful time. Think of it as a great hotel with free food and fun. It's a wonderful people-watching opportunity. If I had one bit of advice for anyone on a cruise it's don't drink to excess. Keep your wits about you. Contrary to popular belief a cruise is not the place to get plastered. It is OK to eat yourself stupid. Take advantage of the free weight room, steam room and sauna. Spend as little time in your room as possible. Even if you are on your honeymoon. Take all the shore excursions you can afford.
I'm still in love with the Sensation. She was my first cruise out of New Orleans and in spite of the trampy, purple Las Vegas patina, I always think of her fondly. Sniff.
Sunrise in Louisiana
Posted by: Cruising Dad
One heck of a good time and the regret that it isn't longer. I surmise the port of departure is Galveston? You can expect it to take a while, but remember to relax through it and consider it part of the adventure. When things finally get around to being easy, you will be one of the oldtimers bragging about how long it took. I made myself so nervous the first time that I forgot it was part of the trip and made sure the next time I looked around, reassured others, kept a sense of humor, and didn't worry about where I was in line or how long it was going to take.
In Galveston, it was the traffic around the terminal that was the most hectic. So many people unloading baggage and getting excited and rushed. Now I kinda like it. It's like running the bulls in Barcelona.
Tip $1 a bag. Once inside the terminal you can relax, it's all out of your control; it's all standing quietly in line, and they direct you everywhere. Be sure to smile and not say negative things to ruin anyone else's mood or vacation. No matter when you get there, it seems to take anywhere from one to two hours. There is a bathroom just before you enter the ropes that keep the people in lines. Use it, especially if you have kids. Don't worry if a few people will get ahead of you. Or, have someone hold your place and the rest of you go. Fill out all your information and fun card before you get there. Do not consider the room safe or your room absolutely secure from thieves, so do not take anything very valuable. Think "hotel room." Possibly wear a money belt.
We went on the Sensation before Katrina,her renovation and move to Galveston. She has a wonderful reputation for a party ship, but we don't party and still had a wonderful time. Think of it as a great hotel with free food and fun. It's a wonderful people-watching opportunity. If I had one bit of advice for anyone on a cruise it's don't drink to excess. Keep your wits about you. Contrary to popular belief a cruise is not the place to get plastered. It is OK to eat yourself stupid. Take advantage of the free weight room, steam room and sauna. Spend as little time in your room as possible. Even if you are on your honeymoon. Take all the shore excursions you can afford.
I'm still in love with the Sensation. She was my first cruise out of New Orleans and in spite of the trampy, purple Las Vegas patina, I always think of her fondly. Sniff.
Sunrise in Louisiana
C
Cruising Dad
Guest
The cruise is leaving from Port Canaveral. We are thinking of taking the 2 hour Segway tour in Nassau.
S
sunrise
Guest
excerpt): The cruise is leaving from Port Canaveral.
Ah, my mistake. She got away from me. I'm only familiar with the New Orleans and Galveston ports., but I'm sure many here can clue you in on what to expect. You might want to add that into your title to get more hits. Like: "Canaveral: any problems?" and another with the excursion you want to do and where. From what I have read in the posts, you can expect pretty much the same thing at all the ports as far as getting on and off, but I believe I read one that said parking was unusual at Port Canaveral if you are taking your car.
Sunrise in Louisiana
Ah, my mistake. She got away from me. I'm only familiar with the New Orleans and Galveston ports., but I'm sure many here can clue you in on what to expect. You might want to add that into your title to get more hits. Like: "Canaveral: any problems?" and another with the excursion you want to do and where. From what I have read in the posts, you can expect pretty much the same thing at all the ports as far as getting on and off, but I believe I read one that said parking was unusual at Port Canaveral if you are taking your car.
Sunrise in Louisiana
S
Schmitt012
Guest
Hi, I am replying as I am also taking my first cruise on the carnival sensation- in April 2008. Mine is 4 day out of Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. I am new to cruise addicts and I would love any opinions about Carnival Sensation and/or the ports (I have heard more bad than good so far) and also any first time cruiser tips that "Cruising Dad" or I could use. Also if anyone has cruised with teens (I have two teen boys that will be going) and if they have any tips for teens that would great as well. Thanks in Advance
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Whimsy
Guest
I cruised on the Fantasy out of Cape Canaveral, it was my first cruise. Seems the Fantasy and Sensation have now traded places but the ships I have heard are about the same.
It was a great way to get our feet wet, so to speak, with cruising. It is the only vacation my DH has every been on that he was already making plans to do it again before our trip was done.
To make your trip less stressful plan arriving the day before whether you are flying or driving. We stayed at the Radisson near the port and since then they have also built a Comfort Inn and Suites and both have free parking and shuttle if you drive. Very nice to kick off the vacation a day early and arrive relaxed to the port instead of fighting traffic, having a delay or worse yet, missing your cruise altogether. They won't hold the ship for you!
We arrived at the port early and were one of the first ones on. Your vacation begins the moment you step on that ship. We had lunch in the buffet before it got crowded with everyone else since we were on early. Then we set out to explore our rooms and the ship. We were in love right away!
We had dinner everynight in the dining room, enjoyed dressing up for formal night and having our photos taken. We did a party boat excursion in Nassau. You can investigate your ports of call and book your excursions in advance on line. No need to wait in lines on the ship.
You can eat all day and night if you would like. On a 3 or 4 day cruise there just isn't enough time to sample it all! There will be room service available as well. You will never find another vacation so food oriented as a cruise! WE had a midnight buffet as well one night, don't know if they are still doing it but it was very pretty.
Here is a copy of my review of our first cruise. You will find some tips in there.
http://www.cruise-addicts.com/reviews/readreview.php?id=68
Everyone here is very helpful. What questions you have just post away and somewill will help!
Happy sailing!
It was a great way to get our feet wet, so to speak, with cruising. It is the only vacation my DH has every been on that he was already making plans to do it again before our trip was done.
To make your trip less stressful plan arriving the day before whether you are flying or driving. We stayed at the Radisson near the port and since then they have also built a Comfort Inn and Suites and both have free parking and shuttle if you drive. Very nice to kick off the vacation a day early and arrive relaxed to the port instead of fighting traffic, having a delay or worse yet, missing your cruise altogether. They won't hold the ship for you!
We arrived at the port early and were one of the first ones on. Your vacation begins the moment you step on that ship. We had lunch in the buffet before it got crowded with everyone else since we were on early. Then we set out to explore our rooms and the ship. We were in love right away!
We had dinner everynight in the dining room, enjoyed dressing up for formal night and having our photos taken. We did a party boat excursion in Nassau. You can investigate your ports of call and book your excursions in advance on line. No need to wait in lines on the ship.
You can eat all day and night if you would like. On a 3 or 4 day cruise there just isn't enough time to sample it all! There will be room service available as well. You will never find another vacation so food oriented as a cruise! WE had a midnight buffet as well one night, don't know if they are still doing it but it was very pretty.
Here is a copy of my review of our first cruise. You will find some tips in there.
http://www.cruise-addicts.com/reviews/readreview.php?id=68
Everyone here is very helpful. What questions you have just post away and somewill will help!
Happy sailing!
S
Schmitt012
Guest
Thanks Whimsy!
Thanks Whimsy for all the info. I also checked out your review on your first cruise. Very helpful tips that I will use. Happy sailing to you too! I am looking forward to my first cruise even more now after reading your review! Thanks again
Thanks Whimsy for all the info. I also checked out your review on your first cruise. Very helpful tips that I will use. Happy sailing to you too! I am looking forward to my first cruise even more now after reading your review! Thanks again
W
Whimsy
Guest
Re: Thanks Whimsy!
[quote Schmitt012]Thanks Whimsy for all the info. I also checked out your review on your first cruise. Very helpful tips that I will use. Happy sailing to you too! I am looking forward to my first cruise even more now after reading your review! Thanks again[/quote]
Glad it helped. Let us know how it goes.
[quote Schmitt012]Thanks Whimsy for all the info. I also checked out your review on your first cruise. Very helpful tips that I will use. Happy sailing to you too! I am looking forward to my first cruise even more now after reading your review! Thanks again
[/quote]Glad it helped. Let us know how it goes.
E
Ebbtide
Guest
We are cruising for 4 days on the Sensation 12/09/07. Anyone else on this sailing?
E
Ebbtide
Guest
A cruise is a cruise is a cruise to teens, so I would go on a short trip and it certainly doesn't have to be 5 star. They will enjoy it just the same. I think the Sensation will be fine. My dau. did it w/ her kids and loved it. They don't care if the ship is older, they will have a blast. If it is a special event and you are a cruise snob, then go on a newer ship. Money is a big factor for families, so do what you can w/i your budget. I have never been on one I didn't like, new ship or old.
My favorite C. ship so far is the MIRACLE.
My favorite C. ship so far is the MIRACLE.
