I cruised on the Fantasy out of Cape Canaveral, it was my first cruise. Seems the Fantasy and Sensation have now traded places but the ships I have heard are about the same.
It was a great way to get our feet wet, so to speak, with cruising. It is the only vacation my DH has every been on that he was already making plans to do it again before our trip was done.
To make your trip less stressful plan arriving the day before whether you are flying or driving. We stayed at the Radisson near the port and since then they have also built a Comfort Inn and Suites and both have free parking and shuttle if you drive. Very nice to kick off the vacation a day early and arrive relaxed to the port instead of fighting traffic, having a delay or worse yet, missing your cruise altogether. They won't hold the ship for you!
We arrived at the port early and were one of the first ones on. Your vacation begins the moment you step on that ship. We had lunch in the buffet before it got crowded with everyone else since we were on early. Then we set out to explore our rooms and the ship. We were in love right away!
We had dinner everynight in the dining room, enjoyed dressing up for formal night and having our photos taken. We did a party boat excursion in Nassau. You can investigate your ports of call and book your excursions in advance on line. No need to wait in lines on the ship.
You can eat all day and night if you would like. On a 3 or 4 day cruise there just isn't enough time to sample it all! There will be room service available as well. You will never find another vacation so food oriented as a cruise! WE had a midnight buffet as well one night, don't know if they are still doing it but it was very pretty.
Here is a copy of my review of our first cruise. You will find some tips in there.
http://www.cruise-addicts.com/reviews/readreview.php?id=68
Everyone here is very helpful. What questions you have just post away and somewill will help!
Happy sailing!
