Which cruise ship is nicer?

["P"]

In your opinion, Which cruise ship is nicer and have more activities? Carnival Sensation or Carnival Inspiration? I am trying to decide whch cruise ship to take.

[Frase]

Both the Inspiration and Sensation are sister ships so, except for the superficial differences in internal decorating, they are basically the same inside. The Sensation is three years older than the Inspiration, not that it makes much difference.

I was on the Inspiration in 2005. I have never sailed on the Sensation, so I can't tell you much about it (except that it is probably very similar to the Inspiration).

I had a great time on the Inspiration. The food was very good. Not that it would hold up to 5-star cuisine, but it was more than good enough for me.

The entertainment on the Inspiration was very good (in my Opinion, which may differ from the opinion of other(s)here). I was amazed by a Russian dance couple "Demtri and Svetlana" who might even impress their fellow country-man Barishnikov. The cruise director (a big burly man) impressed me with his role as Belushi's charactor in their rendition of the Blues Brothers.

What I liked best about the Inspiration was the ports of call (destinations). I liked Grand Cayman (although we were there for just a short time). I really liked Cozumel, Mexico. The shopping was great. I always felt safe. The street vendors were never pushy. I heard the diving and beaches are really great (but I didn't have time to see them).

The Sensation goes to the Freeport and Nassau, both in the Bahamas. I never been to Freeport, but I have been to Nassau twice on other cruises. Unfortunately, the street vendors were pushy. The shopping in Nassau was OK (Cozumel was better). I guess I was safe in Nassau (but sometimes I did not feel that way). Although, I did have a good time at the Atlantis Resort across the channel of water from Nassau. The aquarium in the Atlantis Resort was amazing.

So, if I were to choose either the Sensation or Inspiration, I would (IMHO) choose the Inspiration. Primarily, since I really enjoyed Cozumel.

I hope this was some help. Have a good time on your cruise.

[Frase]

"P":

You did ask about the activities onboard. Well, as for the Inspiration, there was plenty to do and see. They had the old traditional games and contests: The Casino, Bingo, Trivia, Karaoke, Piano-Bar, silly games like Hairiest Chest Contest(MALE CONTESTANTS ONLY !) and others. They had a nice spa onboard. They had dance lessons and excercise classes. And they had other activities I can't remember.

I am pretty sure (in terms of activites) it would be about the same on the Sensation.

[PA Steve Rocky Mount]

Frase I couldn't agree more. They are IDENTICAL boats. Same menus, same shows, both very nice...not the nicest, but very nice. You get what you pay for!!

[Melody]

Sailing on the Inspiration in June have sailed on the Fantasy enjoyed it Is there anyone traveling around that time?

[thomas stanton]

Carnival moves its older ships to the short cruises.They are not quite as nice as the newer ships but still are quite nice. I think Carnival keeps its ships cleaner and in better shape than as some of the premium lines .I think you will be happy, my son was on this ship
a few months ago and he was happy with it.Tom

[Cruisehappy]

I've been on both in the last year and I found that the Sensation has more to do than the Inspiration. Also, I like the set up of the Sensation better than the Inspiration.

[Dwayne]

Have not been on either for a long while. They are the same as far as layout and size. They do have different themes etc. The Sensation is older than Inspiration, but it was refurbished after the FEMA contract. While the Inspiration is scheduled next year. I have to credit f-mattox with re-minding me of that.

The one cool thing I liked about the Sensation was it had a map type thing near the atrium. It would light up the ship's position on it. That was many moons ago.

[Cruisehappy]

Hi Islandcruz,

The Inspiration had the sandwich station in the middle of the dining room on the Lido Deck and the Sensation has it in the back with the pizzeria. The Sensation's updates bring the ship up a level.

[Dwayne]

Hi Cruisehappy,

Thanks for that info. It is interesting to hear what things they are changing.