In 2005, Enchantment of the Seas was cut in two and a new 73 foot midsection was inserted. This raised her gross tonnage from approximately 70,000 tons to over 80,000 gross tons. As a result, Enchantment is one of, if not the largest cruise ship to be expanded.
While the fact that such a large ship was expanded this was is interesting in itself, what is more important is what the expansion did for the ship. For one thing, it allowed Royal Caribbean to re-design the main pool area. Not only were the pools re-done but an interactive computer-controlled splash fountain was added, whirlpools were added including one cantilevered over the ship’s starboard side, a new bar area was built and two spectacular suspension bridges were created on each side. In addition, the interior public spaces were revitalized and new features added including a specialty restaurant and an art gallery.
Enchantment’s public spaces have a tasteful contemporary look. Except in the casino, there is no neon or bright lights, nothing of the theme-park. In many respects it resembles a good quality modern hotel.
My profile of Enchantment of the Seas is at http://www.beyondships.com/ENOS-Profile.html and the photo tour and commentary begins at: http://www.beyondships.com/ENOS-tour.html
Photo Tour of Carnival Sensation
Posted in Carnival Cruise ship, Cruise, cruise ship dining, Cruise Ships, Ships, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacations with tags Carnival Sensation, Carnival Sensation commentary, Carnival Sensation photo tour on January 5, 2009 by beyondshipsCarnival Sensation
Carnival Sensation is one of eight 70,000 gross ton large cruise ships built for Carnival Cruise Lines in the 1990s known as the Fantasy class. While Carnival had had ships before the Fantasy class, including a few that were built for the line, these eight were what really cemented Carnival’s position as the world’s leading cruise line. They enabled Carnival to bring the features of a large ship to mass market cruising.
Since then Carnival has gone on to build even larger and more luxurious cruise ships. However, it has not forgotten the Fantasy class ships. Through a multi-million dollar program called “Evolutions of Fun,” Carnival is making over these ships so that they have the type of features that today’s passenger has come to expect.
For Carnival Sensation, this has been a two part process. Following Hurricane Katrina, Carnival Sensation was leased to the government for use as emergency housing. The ship then went through a major refit in 2007 during which all of the staterooms were redone with things like flat panel televisions being added. In addition, several of the public rooms were refurbished and enhanced. As a result, the ship remains a vibrant, gleaming venue for having a fun time.
This month, Carnival Sensation will go in for a second refit during which balconies will be added to 98 staterooms. In addition, all of the ship’s swimming pools will be changed. A resort style pool will replace the main swimming pool. An extensive water park will replace the aft pool on Verandah Deck and the children’s pool will be replaced with an adults-only spa pool.
My profile of Carnival Sensation is at http://beyondships.com/CarnivalSensation-Profile.html. The photo tour and commentary, including discussion of what is about to be changed on the ship begins at http://beyondships.com/CarnivalSensation-Tour-1.html
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