Cruises are replete with opportunities to bring out the glutton in all of us. There is tasty food available at every hour and at multiple venues. And who can resist the chance to gorge themselves? I have learned from experience that it is entirely possible to go up a dress size in only a week. There is much more to a cruise than the food so what I propose is to let you in on all the activities available on the Carnival Sensation that will help you to avoid that particular humiliation and help you to maximize your enjoyment of your cruise.



The Carnival Sensation has an outdoor 9 hole mini golf course located on the sports deck. There is no extra charge for the use of the clubs and golf balls. There is also a gold pro on board who can assist you with golf lessons and arranging tee times in various ports.

The gym and spa together are over 12,000 square feet. The gym is equipped with free weights and treadmills. There are also stationary bikes and elliptical machines. Classes are offered in aerobics, yoga, kick boxing cycling and Pilate's for a small fee. The spa is an oasis of relaxation offering the usual manicure or pedicure and hair salon. They also offer a dreamy hot stone massage. The lime and ginger massage is an exfoliating treatment with massage. The ultimate is the Swedish massage for two. Those under 16 aren't allowed in the gym or spa. Passengers between 16 and 18 years old can go in but only with an adult accompanying them.

There is an outdoor jogging track that loops around the sun deck. Eight laps around equals one mile.

There are three swimming pools, one just for children. The main pool has a 114 ft water slide. Pool games and scavenger hunts are held in the afternoons. Six whirlpools are available for your use, several do not allow children. The main pool area does get congested in the middle of the day so if you don't intend to dip in get a chair one deck up and enjoy the sun and peacefulness of no crowds.

Afternoon activities are concentrated around the main pool on Lido deck. There is usually a steel drum band or reggae singers performing island music to put you into the vacation mood. By the main pool is where many games take place like the ever popular hairy chest contest which is less about hair than how to work the crowd.

There are wine tasting and art auctions. If you go to the art auction and see something you like you don't have to bid, just wait until someone else wins and ask later if you can have the same picture for the same price.

If you find you have too much money on hand the Casablanca Casino can help you out in a matter of minutes. The casino has slots, blackjack, And Caribbean Stud Poker. There are Mega cash slots that are linked with all Carnival cruise ships where the jackpot has been as high as a million dollars. There are 2 cent slots where you can win a car. You can use old fashioned cash or your ship account card in the casino. If you need to you can also get a cash advance in the casino on your credit card.

On all Carnival ships a daily events newspaper is distributed to each cabin. This is called the Carnival Capers. The Capers lists all activities for the day. This will help you to schedule non food related events. The list of scheduled activities such as Bingo and slots tournaments is listed in the Capers. You will also see and perhaps be puzzled by other listings.

On every Carnival ship there is a meeting for friends of Bill W meeting. Now, you may wonder about this, as I did after several cruises. Who the heck is Bill W and how many friends does he have that he gets his own meeting place on board? This is a euphemism for an alcoholic's anonymous meeting. Bill W is the founder of alcoholic's anonymous. You will also see in the Capers a friend's of Dorothy meeting scheduled. This is a quiet way of announcing a meeting for those who are gay or lesbian or their friends.

In the Fantasia lounge that seats over 1300 people you can see a comedy show at night. An early kid friendly show is scheduled along with a late night R rated version. Austin Powers dance classes take place in the same lounge. Also in the Fantasia lounge is Game Show mania for passengers to play on stage.

In the Touch of Class disco there is an evening piano sing a long if that's your thing. If you really want to sing by yourself the dance club has a karaoke night. Popular dance music plays every night at Michelangelo's disco. You can dance any extra calories away.

The most enjoyable to avoid packing on the pounds on your Carnival cruise is to stroll the teak decks with your significant other taking in the ocean breeze and starry sky with all of your senses