Carnival Sensation
Self Guided Ship Tour
Take a self-guided cruise ship tour of the Carnival Sensation! Print this webpage and bring along with you for your cruise. Once onboard and ready to tour, finding the starting point and follow the directions. This tour covers many of the ship's main public areas and spaces. Have fun touring and bon voyage!
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The Carnival Sensation is one of Carnival’s eight Fantasy Class cruise ships. Built in 1993, the Carnival Sensation has several dining options, activities, and Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades for guests to enjoy.
The Carnival Sensation is an easy ship to navigate, especially once cruisers get to know the ship. This self guided tour is meant to be a tool to help you familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout. Many of the ship’s public areas are included in this tour. Please keep in mind, especially on the cruise’s first day, some lounges or places may be closed for various reasons including events such as wedding receptions and other private functions. If something is closed and you wanted to look in that area, consider trying again at another time. I recommend moving to the next part of the tour. The tour works best if followed in order.
This tour is not affiliated with any cruise line, ship, travel agency, or travel group.
The Carnival Sensation is an easy ship to navigate, especially once cruisers get to know the ship. This self guided tour is meant to be a tool to help you familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout. Many of the ship’s public areas are included in this tour. Please keep in mind, especially on the cruise’s first day, some lounges or places may be closed for various reasons including events such as wedding receptions and other private functions. If something is closed and you wanted to look in that area, consider trying again at another time. I recommend moving to the next part of the tour. The tour works best if followed in order.
This tour is not affiliated with any cruise line, ship, travel agency, or travel group.
Starting Point:
To begin this self guided tour go to the Carnival Sensation's atrium lobby, which is on the Empress Deck (Deck 7).
1. Grand Atrium Lobby – Empress Deck 7 This tour begins in the Carnival Sensation's Grand Atrium Lobby by the atrium bar. Look up and you will see the many levels of the atrium as well as the glass dome located near the top. The Carnival Sensation's atrium has two glass elevators. In the center of the atrium is the atrium bar. Two important areas that you can see here are the Guest Services desk and the Shore Excursions desk. The guest services desk is open 24 hours and if nobody is at the counter there is usually a bell to ring. The shore excursion desk's hours are usually published in the Fun-Times daily activity newsletter. Also, located directly off the atrium is the Carnival Sensation's art gallery. The entrance to the art gallery is located in between the guest services and shore excursions desk.
To begin this self guided tour go to the Carnival Sensation's atrium lobby, which is on the Empress Deck (Deck 7).
1. Grand Atrium Lobby – Empress Deck 7 This tour begins in the Carnival Sensation's Grand Atrium Lobby by the atrium bar. Look up and you will see the many levels of the atrium as well as the glass dome located near the top. The Carnival Sensation's atrium has two glass elevators. In the center of the atrium is the atrium bar. Two important areas that you can see here are the Guest Services desk and the Shore Excursions desk. The guest services desk is open 24 hours and if nobody is at the counter there is usually a bell to ring. The shore excursion desk's hours are usually published in the Fun-Times daily activity newsletter. Also, located directly off the atrium is the Carnival Sensation's art gallery. The entrance to the art gallery is located in between the guest services and shore excursions desk.
Change Deck: Once you are done with this tour, you will need to walk one deck up to the Atlantic Deck. This tour recommends using the stairwells by the glass elevators or using one of the glass elevators. The front elevator area is also close nearby and you can use those too.
2. Atlantic Deck - Deck 8
Deck 8 Overview: The Atlantic Deck is directly above the Empress Deck (7) and below the Promenade Deck (8). The Atlantic Deck contains no guest staterooms and consists of many public areas and lounges for guests.
2. Atlantic Deck - Deck 8
Deck 8 Overview: The Atlantic Deck is directly above the Empress Deck (7) and below the Promenade Deck (8). The Atlantic Deck contains no guest staterooms and consists of many public areas and lounges for guests.
Touring This Deck: Once you are on the Atlantic Deck, begin by walking around the second level of the atrium. Since the atrium here is essentially a circle, feel free to start on the right or left side. While walking around the atrium here you should see:
a) Circle C - This is the youth program lounge for 12-14 year olds.
b) Touch of Class Piano Bar - This the Carnival Sensation's piano bar.
c) Fantasy Dining Room - This is one of the Carnival Sensation's two main dining rooms. This atrium entrance to the Fantasy Dining Room is in between the Oak Room Library and Touch of Class Piano Bar. The Fantasy Dining Room is named after the Carnival Fantasy, which was the first ship in Carnival's Fantasy class.
d) The Oak Room Library - This is the Carnival Sensation's library.
e) Entrance To One Of The Ship’s Shops
After walking around the ship’s atrium on this deck, walk towards the front of the ship and keep walking past the front elevators. You should come upon shops on both sides of the ship. One side sells logo merchandise and the other sells jewelry related products. The area you are walking in is directly outside the ship’s main show lounge, the Fantasia. The Fantasia Main Lounge has doors in this area. If the lounge is open, I recommend walking in taking a look.
For Reference: Although the Carnival Sensation's aft dining room is not included in this self-guided tour, I want to mention the other dining room is also located on the Atlantic Deck. The Carnival Sensation's aft dining room is called the Ecstasy Dining Room. This dining room is named after the Carnival Ecstasy, which was built approximately two years prior to the Carnival Sensation.
a) Circle C - This is the youth program lounge for 12-14 year olds.
b) Touch of Class Piano Bar - This the Carnival Sensation's piano bar.
c) Fantasy Dining Room - This is one of the Carnival Sensation's two main dining rooms. This atrium entrance to the Fantasy Dining Room is in between the Oak Room Library and Touch of Class Piano Bar. The Fantasy Dining Room is named after the Carnival Fantasy, which was the first ship in Carnival's Fantasy class.
d) The Oak Room Library - This is the Carnival Sensation's library.
e) Entrance To One Of The Ship’s Shops
After walking around the ship’s atrium on this deck, walk towards the front of the ship and keep walking past the front elevators. You should come upon shops on both sides of the ship. One side sells logo merchandise and the other sells jewelry related products. The area you are walking in is directly outside the ship’s main show lounge, the Fantasia. The Fantasia Main Lounge has doors in this area. If the lounge is open, I recommend walking in taking a look.
For Reference: Although the Carnival Sensation's aft dining room is not included in this self-guided tour, I want to mention the other dining room is also located on the Atlantic Deck. The Carnival Sensation's aft dining room is called the Ecstasy Dining Room. This dining room is named after the Carnival Ecstasy, which was built approximately two years prior to the Carnival Sensation.
Change Deck: Once you are done looking in or around the area directly outside the Fantasia Main Lounge , take the front elevators or stairwells directly by the elevators to the area directly up one deck to the Promenade Deck (Deck 9).
3. Promenade Deck - Deck 9
Deck 9 Deck Overview: The Promenade Deck is directly above the Atlantic Deck (8) and below the Lido Deck (9). The Promenade Deck contains no guest staterooms and consists mainly of onboard lounges, bars, the photo gallery, and the upper level of the Fantasia Main Lounge. The promenade of the ship is called Sensation Boulevard which connects many of the lounges and bars on this deck together. Sensation Boulevard is like a "main-street" or long hallway.
Deck 9 Deck Overview: The Promenade Deck is directly above the Atlantic Deck (8) and below the Lido Deck (9). The Promenade Deck contains no guest staterooms and consists mainly of onboard lounges, bars, the photo gallery, and the upper level of the Fantasia Main Lounge. The promenade of the ship is called Sensation Boulevard which connects many of the lounges and bars on this deck together. Sensation Boulevard is like a "main-street" or long hallway.
Touring This Deck: At the front of the Promenade Deck is the 2nd level of the Fantasia Main Lounge. You should see an entrance from the elevator/stairwell area. You can look in there if you wish.
To continue with this tour, walk into the atrium area of the Promenade Deck. While you are in the atrium, you are in the photo gallery. The Carnival Sensation's photo gallery uses the entire atrium space on this deck. On one side of the atrium, you will see the ship’s Club 02 lounge, which is for teens 15-17 years old. On the same side as Club 02, there is a tucked away area that has the ship’s arcade.
Look for an area called Sensation Boulevard.
To continue with this tour, walk into the atrium area of the Promenade Deck. While you are in the atrium, you are in the photo gallery. The Carnival Sensation's photo gallery uses the entire atrium space on this deck. On one side of the atrium, you will see the ship’s Club 02 lounge, which is for teens 15-17 years old. On the same side as Club 02, there is a tucked away area that has the ship’s arcade.
Look for an area called Sensation Boulevard.
Once you have entered Sensation Boulevard, one of the first things you should see is the ship’s casino. The ship’s casino is called the Club Vegas Casino. The typical age to use the slot machines and tables in the casino is 18.
Begin walking down the Sensation Boulevard. Here are some of the areas you will come across in order as you begin walking towards the back of the ship:
Hint: As you walk towards the back, all of these areas should be on your right. On your left should be windows that look outside.
The Alchemy Bar is a Fun Ship 2.0 feature. Essentially, the Alchemy Bar allows cruisers to purchase mixed drinks in a pharmacy themed bar setting. Cruisers are able to tell bartenders to mix ingredients to make a drink a certain way.
If you walk past the Alchemy Bar, you should see an entrance to the Plaza Aft Lounge. The Plaza Aft Lounge is the Carnival Sensation's aft lounge. The lounge has a bar, stage, and areas to sit. Different events are housed in this lounge. If possible, walk into the Plaza Aft Lounge and take a look. From the Plaza Aft Lounge there is an entrance to the Serenity Adults Only Retreat. This is for adults ages 21 and older. This tour does not include going to the Serenity.
Change Deck: When you are done in the Plaza Aft Lounge and Alchemy Bar, go to the nearest elevators which are located right by the Alchemy Bar. You are at the back elevator and stairwell area. Take the elevator or walk the stairs up one deck. This will take you to the Lido Deck, which is Deck 10.
Begin walking down the Sensation Boulevard. Here are some of the areas you will come across in order as you begin walking towards the back of the ship:
Hint: As you walk towards the back, all of these areas should be on your right. On your left should be windows that look outside.
- Cherry on Top - This is a shop at sells sweets and treats.
- Mirage Bar
- Michelangelo Lounge – This area is a lounge that has seating, a bar, and dance floor. Different events could take place in this lounge.
- Joe's Cafe– Joe's Cafe is the ship's coffee and pastry shop. There is a charge for the items you can get here. The café is located in the ship's promenade (about mid-ship).
- Kaleidoscope Dance Club (Disco) – This is the Carnival Sensation's disco.
- Jewelry Shop - There is a small shop area that usually sells jewelry and other things.
The Alchemy Bar is a Fun Ship 2.0 feature. Essentially, the Alchemy Bar allows cruisers to purchase mixed drinks in a pharmacy themed bar setting. Cruisers are able to tell bartenders to mix ingredients to make a drink a certain way.
If you walk past the Alchemy Bar, you should see an entrance to the Plaza Aft Lounge. The Plaza Aft Lounge is the Carnival Sensation's aft lounge. The lounge has a bar, stage, and areas to sit. Different events are housed in this lounge. If possible, walk into the Plaza Aft Lounge and take a look. From the Plaza Aft Lounge there is an entrance to the Serenity Adults Only Retreat. This is for adults ages 21 and older. This tour does not include going to the Serenity.
Change Deck: When you are done in the Plaza Aft Lounge and Alchemy Bar, go to the nearest elevators which are located right by the Alchemy Bar. You are at the back elevator and stairwell area. Take the elevator or walk the stairs up one deck. This will take you to the Lido Deck, which is Deck 10.
4. Lido Deck - Deck 10
Deck Overview: The Lido Deck is directly above the Promenade Deck (9) and below the Verandah Deck (11). The Carnival Sensation's Lido Deck consists of the main pool area, outside pool bars, and the Seaview Bar & Grill (ship's buffet). This deck does not have any staterooms.
Touring This Deck: Once you have arrived on the Lido Deck using the back stairwell / elevator area, you should be in an area that gives you no choice, but to walk into the Seaview Bar & Grill. Walk into the Seaview Bar & Grill.
The Seaview Bar & Grill is the Carnival Sensation's lido buffet. When you first walk in, you should see a main buffet line on each side and some drink stations somewhat in the middle. If you start walking towards the back, you will see dessert stations and the salad bar. Keep in mind, depending on when you are doing this tour, could determine what lines are open and what each line is serving. At the very back of the buffet, by some big windows, you should see the ship’s Pizzeria, Deli, and a bar.
After walking around and looking at the Seaview Bar & Grill, walk towards the front of the buffet. Both sides of the ship have a hallway that may say something like “Patio Pool”. Take one of these sides and you will find yourself outside on the Lido Deck.
Once you are outside of the Seaview Bar & Grill, you should immediately see food lines for the ship’s Guy’s Burger Joint eatery or the Blue Iguana Cantina. The one you see first will depend on which side of the ship you took to walk outside. Guy's Burger Joint serves burgers & fries for lunch. Outside of Guy's Burger Joint is a toppings bar for cruisers to add hamburger toppings and sauces to their burgers. The Blue Iguana Cantina serves tacos and burritos during both breakfast and lunch. Outside of the Blue Iguana Cantina there is a salsa bar that has a variety of different flavored salsas.
Continue walking towards the front of the ship. The pool area can be crowded on sea days, especially when the weather is nice! You will pass a stage area and the ship’s main pool. As you continue walking towards the front, you should see the Blue Iguana Cantina Bar and Red Frog Rum Bar. Both of these bars are considered Fun Ship 2.0 features. In between both of these bars, you should see restrooms, but glass sliding doors that take you into the atrium. Walk in the atrium, and go to the front elevators.
Change Deck: When you are done on the Lido Deck, walk or take the elevator up one deck to the Verandah Deck. The Verandah Deck is Deck 11.
Deck Overview: The Lido Deck is directly above the Promenade Deck (9) and below the Verandah Deck (11). The Carnival Sensation's Lido Deck consists of the main pool area, outside pool bars, and the Seaview Bar & Grill (ship's buffet). This deck does not have any staterooms.
Touring This Deck: Once you have arrived on the Lido Deck using the back stairwell / elevator area, you should be in an area that gives you no choice, but to walk into the Seaview Bar & Grill. Walk into the Seaview Bar & Grill.
The Seaview Bar & Grill is the Carnival Sensation's lido buffet. When you first walk in, you should see a main buffet line on each side and some drink stations somewhat in the middle. If you start walking towards the back, you will see dessert stations and the salad bar. Keep in mind, depending on when you are doing this tour, could determine what lines are open and what each line is serving. At the very back of the buffet, by some big windows, you should see the ship’s Pizzeria, Deli, and a bar.
After walking around and looking at the Seaview Bar & Grill, walk towards the front of the buffet. Both sides of the ship have a hallway that may say something like “Patio Pool”. Take one of these sides and you will find yourself outside on the Lido Deck.
Once you are outside of the Seaview Bar & Grill, you should immediately see food lines for the ship’s Guy’s Burger Joint eatery or the Blue Iguana Cantina. The one you see first will depend on which side of the ship you took to walk outside. Guy's Burger Joint serves burgers & fries for lunch. Outside of Guy's Burger Joint is a toppings bar for cruisers to add hamburger toppings and sauces to their burgers. The Blue Iguana Cantina serves tacos and burritos during both breakfast and lunch. Outside of the Blue Iguana Cantina there is a salsa bar that has a variety of different flavored salsas.
Continue walking towards the front of the ship. The pool area can be crowded on sea days, especially when the weather is nice! You will pass a stage area and the ship’s main pool. As you continue walking towards the front, you should see the Blue Iguana Cantina Bar and Red Frog Rum Bar. Both of these bars are considered Fun Ship 2.0 features. In between both of these bars, you should see restrooms, but glass sliding doors that take you into the atrium. Walk in the atrium, and go to the front elevators.
Change Deck: When you are done on the Lido Deck, walk or take the elevator up one deck to the Verandah Deck. The Verandah Deck is Deck 11.
5. Verandah Deck - Deck 11
Deck Overview: The Verandah Deck is directly above the Lido Deck (10) and below the Sports Deck (12). The Verandah Deck has some guest staterooms in the front of the ship. The Verandah includes some Camp Ocean children's facilities and the ship's main waterslide area (Waterworks).
Touring This Deck: Once you are on the Verandah Deck, walk into the atrium area and look for doors to exit outside. Each side should have doors to exit outside, unless one side is closed for maintenance or some other reason. As you walk outside, you should notice the Camp Ocean youth program lounges. Camp Ocean divides kids into three age groups: 2-5, 6-8, and 9-11. Each age group has their own schedule and can meet in different lounges, depending on the scheduled activity.
Deck Overview: The Verandah Deck is directly above the Lido Deck (10) and below the Sports Deck (12). The Verandah Deck has some guest staterooms in the front of the ship. The Verandah includes some Camp Ocean children's facilities and the ship's main waterslide area (Waterworks).
Touring This Deck: Once you are on the Verandah Deck, walk into the atrium area and look for doors to exit outside. Each side should have doors to exit outside, unless one side is closed for maintenance or some other reason. As you walk outside, you should notice the Camp Ocean youth program lounges. Camp Ocean divides kids into three age groups: 2-5, 6-8, and 9-11. Each age group has their own schedule and can meet in different lounges, depending on the scheduled activity.
After you have walked outside, continue walking towards the back of the ship. As you walk towards the back, you can look down at the ship’s main Lido deck pool below. Also, you should be walking by the ship’s lifeboats.
Once you have reached the back area of this deck, you should see the ship’s WaterWorks. The Waterworks area consists of the ship's waterslides. The entrances to the big waterslides is located on the deck above (Sports). The only slide entrance that is located on the Verandah Deck is the small kid slide.
Change Deck: After looking at the WaterWorks, turn around and walk back to atrium area of the Verandah Deck. You will be walking back towards the front of the ship. Once you have reached the front elevator area of the ship again, walk or use the elevator to go one more deck up. The next deck is the Sports Deck, which is Deck 12.
Once you have reached the back area of this deck, you should see the ship’s WaterWorks. The Waterworks area consists of the ship's waterslides. The entrances to the big waterslides is located on the deck above (Sports). The only slide entrance that is located on the Verandah Deck is the small kid slide.
Change Deck: After looking at the WaterWorks, turn around and walk back to atrium area of the Verandah Deck. You will be walking back towards the front of the ship. Once you have reached the front elevator area of the ship again, walk or use the elevator to go one more deck up. The next deck is the Sports Deck, which is Deck 12.
6. Sports Deck - Deck 12
Deck Overview: The Sports Deck does not really consist of many attractions and is above the Verandah Deck (11) and below the Sun Deck (14). This deck is divided into two parts. The FWD part and the AFT part. The FWD part has the ship's Spa and Gym and the AFT part has the ship's funnel and the entrance to the big Waterworks' waterslides.
Touring This Deck: Once you are on the Sports Deck, you should see the highest level of the ship’s atrium on one side of the elevator area and on the other side the SPA / Gym area. For this tour walk into the atrium area and look for a door to the side that takes you outside. This tour does include the SPA or gym facilities, but many SPA staff members are usually willing to give tours of the facilities on the first day of the cruise.
Change Deck: Once you step outside you should be on the mid-level of a stairwell. Take the stairwell up to the Sun Deck, Deck 14. Unless something has changed, I do not think an elevator goes up to the Sun Deck (Deck 14).
Deck Overview: The Sports Deck does not really consist of many attractions and is above the Verandah Deck (11) and below the Sun Deck (14). This deck is divided into two parts. The FWD part and the AFT part. The FWD part has the ship's Spa and Gym and the AFT part has the ship's funnel and the entrance to the big Waterworks' waterslides.
Touring This Deck: Once you are on the Sports Deck, you should see the highest level of the ship’s atrium on one side of the elevator area and on the other side the SPA / Gym area. For this tour walk into the atrium area and look for a door to the side that takes you outside. This tour does include the SPA or gym facilities, but many SPA staff members are usually willing to give tours of the facilities on the first day of the cruise.
Change Deck: Once you step outside you should be on the mid-level of a stairwell. Take the stairwell up to the Sun Deck, Deck 14. Unless something has changed, I do not think an elevator goes up to the Sun Deck (Deck 14).
7. Sun Deck - Deck 14
Deck Overview: The Sun Deck is above the Sports Desk (12) and is the highest deck on the ship. The sun deck contains the ship's mini golf course and jogging track. This deck is not able to be reached by an elevator. Please note, there is no Deck 13 on the ship!
Touring This Deck: Once you are on the Sun Deck, you should immediately notice the jogging track. Walk on or by the jogging track towards the front of the ship. You should see the ship’s mini golf course. Also, at the front of the ship there is an area that you can view the front from. From my experience, when the ship is moving, this deck can be windy!
END OF THIS TOUR!
This is the official end of the tour.
Have a great cruise on the Carnival Sensation! Enjoy the ship, food, activities, amenities, and ports of call your cruise will experience.
Deck Overview: The Sun Deck is above the Sports Desk (12) and is the highest deck on the ship. The sun deck contains the ship's mini golf course and jogging track. This deck is not able to be reached by an elevator. Please note, there is no Deck 13 on the ship!
Touring This Deck: Once you are on the Sun Deck, you should immediately notice the jogging track. Walk on or by the jogging track towards the front of the ship. You should see the ship’s mini golf course. Also, at the front of the ship there is an area that you can view the front from. From my experience, when the ship is moving, this deck can be windy!
END OF THIS TOUR!
This is the official end of the tour.
Have a great cruise on the Carnival Sensation! Enjoy the ship, food, activities, amenities, and ports of call your cruise will experience.
Things onboard the ship could change or vary in appearance. Please let me know of any changes that need to be made to this tour.
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