A four day cruise from a backpackers perspective
Recently, Double Trouble Travel decided to splash out on a
four day cruise to the Bahamas, from our nearest port - port canaveral. We
found a sweet deal ($200 each - tax and all, food and soft drinks included) on
www.lastminutecruises.com) with the enforced 'gratuities' that is so inherent
in the USA, it came to around $250 each at the end of the trip (I managed to
quell little Js gratuities on account of her being seven, bringing the total to
$450 for us both for the four days).
We took the 'Carnival Sensation' - this review is simply of that ship and company, on a four day Bahamas trip.
We took the 'Carnival Sensation' - this review is simply of that ship and company, on a four day Bahamas trip.
Below I outline and review the trip - from
a budget perspective.
Ching ching ;)
Firstly information was somewhat lacking. It would have been
nice to have a good sized welcome pack - but we seemed to get things in dribs
and drabs. Prices were also quite concealed. I witnessed a fair few people go
for the 'welcome' cocktails on embarking, then look quite surprised at being
billed almost $10 each for them.
The first positive was that as soon as we boarded the ship,
there was a delicious and varied buffet waiting for us; with salad and fruit
options, and an appetising desert cart. Although we had to wait a little for
rooms to be ready, the pool, canteen and bars were up and running immediately.
Buffet food on 'Caribbean day'
There was a long and seemingly pointless safety briefing;
taking a good hour to tell people that when the alarm goes we must go to our
'muster station' and from there, where the boats were, but I guess thats the
law, so....
I didn't realise that we would also have the option of
dining (instead of the canteen buffet). Dining was amazing the service was
great; a 3 course meal with a different menu each day- again lack of
information regarding drinks being offered as if free then charged for (don't
accept the bottle of m ineral water they offer you - wait and they will pour
some standard water for free, and any alcohol will be around $10 each).
Brunch, in the dining room on 'Sea day'
The rooms were small, but good - turned out twice daily -
but again, don't touch any bottled water in your room - it's around $5 a
bottle! and laundry is expensive too - so pack what you need for the whole
trip. I am still unsure about the room service and breakfast in bed options. I
assume that as there were no prices on the menu that a gratuity is added to
your bill, but as I found with the water bottles in our room - no price tag does not mean no cost.
One of room services finishing touches
There was a children's club which had the children up to
3pm, then 6pm until 10pm for free. Depending on age, 'Camp Carnival' will have
children up to 3am, for around $7 an hour, plus gratuity. I would say keep
reminding staff if your child has allergies / dietary requirements - J doesn't
eat meat or drink coke, and despite this being on her name badge, she was given
both on the first day. Also, as with any childcare; exercise caution if your
child cannot communicate anything which has happened to them during the day.
Our first stop was Freeport, Nassau - I thought that it was good that activities
were offered for people staying on the ship and that kids club would take the
kids while you were off (we didn't do this ourselves, but a few parents did). The
excursions which were offered by the ship were extremely high - for example,
you could pay $60 (adult) or $50 (child) to go to a beach resort then the
market and have a non-alcoholic drink... or you could get off the ship, walk a
few feet and get a taxi for $5 each way and do it yourself. We took a taxi (shared
mini van, not USA cab style) to Taino beach because it was known as the
quietest tourist beach for $7 each way, each - just under $30 in total for me
and J. The taxis are great at getting you there and back in time for your ship,
and even called us off the beach because they were worried we would be late! The
market here is Lucaya but according to other cruisers, the things sold in the
market could be bought right at the port for the same prices. I really wish we
had taken a boat trip (glass bottom boat), .or done some snorkelling, as I
think Freeport is better than Nassau for this (around $40 when bought on the
ship - around 2.5hrs)
Part of Taino beach
Back on the ship, you can indulge in plenty of free entertainment
- unfortunately there seemed little explanation for a lot of the entertainment,
which left a lot of people I spoke with wondering what was actually available. The
entertainment was good however; with dance shows, comedians, live music, karaoke, a singles meet and a GLBT gathering.
Our second and final destination was Nassau. A short walk
brings you (through a crowd of tour operators jostling for your business; some
with very good tours at ok prices) to the town; where you can buy a wealth of
things tax free, and where the jewellery shops may sweeten you with a shot (or
two) of rum. We were not in purchase / shopping mode, so we walked past
Junkanoo beach (signposted), to the next beach - which we had all to ourselves,
on account of there being no hotels or bars there. After this we walked back to
Junkanoo beach and sat at the bar with matching cocktails (a non-alcoholic
version for J of course). I plugged my phone into the bars sound system and we
all rocked along to my soca carnival mix - after I introduced the bar man to
the sounds of German reggae artist Patrice.
Beach on Nassau
The last day we spent the whole day at sea; there was so
much to do that I frantically tried to get it all in - after a delicious brunch
in the dining room, J went to 'Camp
Carnival', I hopped into the steam and sauna, spent time relaxing in the over
21 area, had some buffet food, spend time with J by the pool and had dinner
with two lovely ladies I had met, before hitting a comedy show and falling into
bed.
The pool at night
So guys, don't feel you couldn't go it alone on a cruise -
you meet so many weird and wonderful people from different backgrounds, its
amazing. I was a little uncomfortable with the wining and dining as I'm not
used to it and kept wanted to help, but for a lot of people this makes the
cruise. Bring your own beach towels, as if you lose the ones provided the
charge is around $20. Bring some smart clothes for dinner - some people go all
out, some people go 'smart-casual', and on the 'elegant evening' you can fully
go all out. I loved admiring the beautiful gowns (plus every evening there are
photographers swarming the decks to take glamorous pictures). Personally, I
would saqy bring your own music and headphones - the poolside music is not for
everyone! You are allowed to bring a bottle of champagne or wine on board, plus
any waters, soda but NO liquor and no beers - they want you to pay $10 a drink!
Our last view of the Bahamas
If you have any questions or comments, or want further
advice, please comment below.
