Sensation first time!

[murph]

I am a first time cruiser! Can anyone explain how the beverage situation works? We drink a ton of soda and ice tea. Do I have to pay for all this?

[Karen Knowlton]

Ice tea is included in the price of your cruise, as are water, milk, coffee and various juices (lemonade comes to mind). Soft drinks are extra cost. If you really do drink a lot of it, you may be able to buy a "soda card", actually a sticker that goes on your cruise ID card, which you will be issued when you board.

[miki76]

We just got back from the Sensation and took 2 12 packs of soda on with us in our carry ons, there was no problem doing that.

[murph]

Thanks for the help with the drink situation. miki76- how was your time on the Sensation? Did you or anyone else do any excursions?

[Dwayne]

Went on Sensation a while back and by far one of my best cruises. To my understanding the Ship has been re-furbished and is in great condition. When and Where are you going?

[miki76]

The trip was great, all of the staff was wonderful, the food was really good. The only disappointment we had was missing the chocolate buffet, it was never announced or put in the daily Capers.
We did the Tranquility shores beach break in Freeport and Atlantis tour in Nassau. Beach break was very relaxing but you could rent jet skis or paddle boats, lunch was adequate, nothing special. Hubby stayed at the bar the entire time and they cooked him conch to try for free, he enjoyed that.
Atlantis tour was more walking than we expected, didn't help that it was hot and humid and a lot of the walk was outside. It was nice to see as I had been there 4 times before and never made it to Atlantis. I had more fun shopping in Nassau for jewelry, had a ring picked out my stone mounted, and sized in 2 hours.

[rusty/matt]

The drink card can be purchased at any bar on the ship. Last Dec on the Victory for my kids it was $4 per day $28 + tip for the week. The ship issues a special card just for soda. It is called the Fountain Card.

[murph]

Thanks for all of the helpful info. We are going 8-27-06. First time cruise, first time Bahama's. We are doing the snorkeling excursions in both Freeport and Nassau.

[murph]

question for Miki76- how is the chair situation on the pool deck? Are there enough to go around? Any other tips about the shop would be great.

[Marty Clowers]

Finding a deck chair can be a chore. Too many people seat saving, even though it's against the rules. I've seen a group of young college age hotties claim a group of chairs by draping their beach towels, a piece of fruit and a pair of flip-flops or something on them (the chairs that is). But they were young college age hotties, so I wasn't complaining...

The Fantasy class ships have this elevated stage area that separates the lido deck pool area from the restaraunt. Typically the pool area is ultra-crowded, while the aft section is crowded, but quieter. Go through the reastaraunt (the Seaview?) to the aft pool, and it's usually be less crowded, quieter with chairs all around. The walking track was pretty deserted, whisper quiet, with chairs all around.
I took the Sensation when she was still out of New Orleans, had a total blast. And am willing to try her out with the new itenerary. Give us a de-brief (or better yet, write a review!), have lots of fun...