Carnival Sensation’s Multi-Million Dollar Facelift
Some serious and exciting refurbishment that will cost a small fortune will be happening to cruise ship Carnival Sensation come January 2009. Beyond cosmetic enhancements, however, things to be installed will be a huge water park, a quiet retreat exclusive to adults, and a mid-ship pool area done in tropical motif. Of course it goes without saying that the more than one thousand state rooms and other public areas will be renovated, as well.
This is in conjunction with the line’s “Evolutions of Fun” aimed for the eight Fantasy-class vessels. The extreme makeover is scheduled for when the ship dry docks for thirty-five days in January 2009. Carnival Sensation of Port Canaveral, Fla. is behind the famous three- and four-day Bahamas cruises, and is the fourth Fantasy-class ship to receive a makeover within the program. The first three were Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Imagination, and Carnival Fantasy, with the first two’s refurbishment completed last year. Carnival Fantasy is currently undergoing its own facelift.
The Carnival Sensation already ranks high on people’s vacation checklists due to its short cruise program and its closeness to all the attractions of Central Florida, but the “Evolutions of Fun” makeover is expected to “…offer even more fun and exciting experience of our guests,” says Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing Ruben Rodriguez. For instance, the aforementioned Carnival WaterWorks aqua park is aimed for all ages. It will be placed on Verandah Deck and will feature a three hundred-foot long spiral water slide, arguably one of the longest slip-and-slides at sea, in an open-air atmosphere. There will also be eighty-two-foot long racing slides and all sorts of water spray amenities.
As for the mid-ship pool on Carnival Sensation’s Lido Deck, it is promised to hold a tropical ambience through and through. Thatched roofs, umbrellas, and imitation palm trees will adorn a resort-style pool, while deck chairs scattered strategically on the colourfully-tiled pool area aims to reinforce a beach feel to the whole place.
And then there’s “Serenity”, aptly named for adults who want a bit of private time on the Promenade Deck. It’s a dry dock feature that’s going to take advantage of spectacular ocean views via plush chaise lounges and large umbrellas that will keep the sun out of reclining guests as they sip ice-cold cocktails and smoothies. There will be two big whirlpools for them to enjoy, as well.
As for Carnival Sensation’s nearly one thousand state rooms, guests can look forward to enjoying wide, flat-screen televisions and better interiors including new carpets, wall coverings, lighting fixtures, and better bathrooms in each one. The same holds true for all of Carnival Sensation’s public rooms and areas, such as the Fantasy and Ecstasy dining rooms, Touch of Class piano bar, Oak Room library, Seaview Bar and Grille, and the Kaleidoscope dance club. Most of the live music and dancing venues aboard the ship have already been equipped with cutting-edge technology sound and lighting systems.
All these changes serve to enhance the previous upgrades done on-board, which include a nine-hole miniature golf course, an atrium lobby bar, new art and picture galleries, a one thousand-square foot conference hall, and a twelve thousand-square foot Spa Carnival facility.
