The 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation was the third in Carnival Cruise Line’s series of eight Fantasy-class ships. Launched in 1993, she underwent major refurbishments in 2008 to keep relevant. The 91-meter corkscrew water slide, Waterworks, is just one of the upgrades Sensation received. An additional 98 balconies were added along with the adults-only pool area, Serenity. Dress code is very casual and Carnival suggests a gratuity of $12.95 ($13.95 for those staying in suites) per person per night.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

Carnival Sensation’s cabin configuration is very simple. Most rooms are about 17 square metres, while the balcony cabins have an additional five square metres of verandah space. Standard amenities include twin beds that can be combined into kings, featuring Carnival’s Comfort Bed System, with high quality pillows and duvets, plus bathrobes, flat-screen TV and a safe. Closet and drawer space is enough for a short trip. Bathrooms have in-wall soap and shampoo dispensers and a grab-bag of sample sized products from well-known brands such as Bic and Crest. The Junior Suite offers a bigger living space, 20 square metres with a three-square-metre balcony, while Grand Suites are 31 square metres with 11-square-metre balconies and whirlpool tubs. All suite passengers get VIP check in.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

Sensation has two main dining rooms – Fantasy and Ecstasy, which can accommodate passengers in two seatings, the fixed 6pm and 8:15pm, or the flexible Your Choice Dining program from 5.45pm to 9:30pm. For buffet dining, the Sea View Bar & Grill on Lido offers various dishes from breakfast until dinner. Midnight buffet is also popular on Sensation. Other dining options include the Patisserie, which serves coffee and pastries, and for an exclusive dining event, cruisers can book a Chef’s Table for a unique dining experience for only 12 passengers a night.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

Carnival Spa provides a relaxing experience for guests, with a wide variety of services from massages to facials. The men’s and women’s locker rooms are both equipped with steam and sauna rooms. The fitness centre houses state-of-the-art equipments and offers a variety of classes like yoga, Pilates and spinning (some carry a fee of $12 per session). The adults-only Serenity deck, an addition from the 2009 refurbishment, has two hot tubs and loungers for relaxation.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Kids have so many activities on board. Waterworks is a zone decked with sprinklers, sprayers and waterslides. Camp Carnival sorts children in age groups and offers them age-appropriate programs. After 10pm, Camp Carnival Night Owls opens and kids can continue playing and hanging out in a supervised environment until 3am. Twelve- to 14-year-olds have their own zone called Circle C where they can chill out and play video games. Club 02, for older teenagers, is where pool parties are held.