Question about 4 day inspiration dining

Hello everyone-

Myself, husband and two children (6&14) are taking a four day cruise on the inspiration on April 6th. This is our second time cruising- our first was the 7 day mexican riviera on the splendor back in 2012.

I have a couple of questions: I made a reservation for myself and husband for the chefs table dinner. First I was wondering if anybody could direct me to a current menu for this meal? Secondly a guest service representative told me that the chefs table dinner is usually on the last night. We don't want to miss the elegant night in the MDR, because my understanding is that that's the night lobster is served. I can't find any information to confirm any of this so I was hoping somebody here could let me know- thanks!

Inspiration April 2015 Catalina and Ensenada

Splendor Seot 2012 Mexican Riviera

Cruise Elegant night will be your second night, after Catalina.

CE night is never the first or last night

correct, elegant night is the second night

Thank you! Do either of you know whixh night the chefs table event is?

Chefs table is on the last night. Cruise eligant is the 2nd night. Went on a 3 night & went to both of them.

Kobayashi did an amazing chefs table review with the current menu. Do a search of his name and chef and it will pop right up.

Kobayashi did an amazing chefs table review with the current menu. Do a search of his name and chef and it will pop right up.

Thanks JillySue! I saw the set-up for the Chef's Table on the Imagination for our cruise and took some pictures of the preparation work. Looks like you guys had a great time!

OP -

Here's a review of the Chef's Table that includes the new menu.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2130964

Thank you so much!!! Great review and looks like the chefs table is a wonderful experience. The reason I asked about the menu is that my husband is not that adventurous when it comes to food so I wanted an idea of what is served- not sure he's going to love it, but now that I've seen the photos, I have to go!!! Thanks again everyone!

Inspiration April 2015 Catalina & Ensenada

Splendor Sept 2012 Mexican Riviera

Hello everyone-

Myself, husband and two children (6&14) are taking a four day cruise on the inspiration on April 6th. This is our second time cruising- our first was the 7 day mexican riviera on the splendor back in 2012.

 

I have a couple of questions: I made a reservation for myself and husband for the chefs table dinner. First I was wondering if anybody could direct me to a current menu for this meal? Secondly a guest service representative told me that the chefs table dinner is usually on the last night. We don't want to miss the elegant night in the MDR, because my understanding is that that's the night lobster is served. I can't find any information to confirm any of this so I was hoping somebody here could let me know- thanks!

 

Inspiration April 2015 Catalina and Ensenada

Splendor Seot 2012 Mexican Riviera

Thanks for asking the question... My family and I will be traveling on a cruise for our first time... Felt like Spring Break would be a perfect opportunity for us to do so... I have 3 girls (12, 14, 16) and they are very excited... I was curious about which night the formal was so that question was answered here - so thanks for asking...

The only thing i've been trying to figure out is what my family will do on Ensanada... Seems like excursions is the way to go...

I am going on the Imagination on the 19th - would love to hear what you have to say about the cruise and ports, have NO idea what we are going to do yet - just me and one of my friends...

Lots of info on the California coastal (Catalina) and Mexican Riviera (Catalina and Ensenada) boards

Thanks for asking the question... My family and I will be traveling on a cruise for our first time... Felt like Spring Break would be a perfect opportunity for us to do so... I have 3 girls (12, 14, 16) and they are very excited... I was curious about which night the formal was so that question was answered here - so thanks for asking...

 

The only thing i've been trying to figure out is what my family will do on Ensanada... Seems like excursions is the way to go...

Should you decide not to take the ship's excursion there is a white bus outside the cruise terminal. The bus will take you into town but they also offer a variety of excursions. Everyone is very nice and the prices are good. After all of these years I still never remember the name of the company!

Should you decide not to take the ship's excursion there is a white bus outside the cruise terminal. The bus will take you into town but they also offer a variety of excursions. Everyone is very nice and the prices are good. After all of these years I still never remember the name of the company!

Thanks Linda for the heads up... I'll definitely look for the Bus if we don't get anything booked by then...

Thanks Linda for the heads up... I'll definitely look for the Bus if we don't get anything booked by then...

As you exit the ship and walk through the gates into Mexico you'll see the buses. $2 to take you into town. $1 to return you to the ship.

Should you decide not to take the ship's excursion there is a white bus outside the cruise terminal. The bus will take you into town but they also offer a variety of excursions. Everyone is very nice and the prices are good. After all of these years I still never remember the name of the company!

It's thru the tourist info people

$2 to town, $1 return

If you show your ticket you can get the Bufadora tour for $15. Otherwise its $20.

It's a 10 minute walk to town.

Due to construction on the highway the tourist info booth has moved. It's now on Ave Lopez, across the street and other side of the street from McD's

As you exit the ship and walk through the gates into Mexico you'll see the buses. $2 to take you into town. $1 to return you to the ship.

 

What would you recommend a family of 5 does in Ensanada being it their first time there... I have 3 daughters, 12, 14, 16... They want to find somewhere to give them a facial/massage but I want to do ziplines or rent some ATV's... LOL...

Hello everyone-

Myself, husband and two children (6&14) are taking a four day cruise on the inspiration on April 6th. This is our second time cruising- our first was the 7 day mexican riviera on the splendor back in 2012.

 

I have a couple of questions: I made a reservation for myself and husband for the chefs table dinner. First I was wondering if anybody could direct me to a current menu for this meal? Secondly a guest service representative told me that the chefs table dinner is usually on the last night. We don't want to miss the elegant night in the MDR, because my understanding is that that's the night lobster is served. I can't find any information to confirm any of this so I was hoping somebody here could let me know- thanks!

 

Inspiration April 2015 Catalina and Ensenada

Splendor Seot 2012 Mexican Riviera

Be sure to say Hi to Chef Russel Pereira, from us. (See sig). One of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Have done CT with him 4 times and looking forward to October when we'll see him again. Just remember, pace yourselves. It's a big meal.

What would you recommend a family of 5 does in Ensanada being it their first time there... I have 3 daughters, 12, 14, 16... They want to find somewhere to give them a facial/massage but I want to do ziplines or rent some ATV's... LOL...

You can read my complete review of the Imagination sailing from last month here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2186027

This is essentially the same cruise as the Inspiration. A copy of the Fun Ashore is posted. La Boufadora and the Wine Tour are the most popular. I'm not sure where to go for massages, the sub forum for Mexico may be a place to start to ask for others input. The cruise will offer specials while docked in Ensenada but I think it's still too expensive compared to what you can get at home. There are zip lines in Catalina that are pretty popular.

As you exit the ship and walk through the gates into Mexico you'll see the buses. $2 to take you into town. $1 to return you to the ship.

 

Ahh our favorite transportation in Ensenada. Thanks for including this picture. :)

@danjessica - there are ziplines in Ensenada that are FANTASTIC! I think they are the best things to do there, but it's not a ship excursion, you have to take a taxi. I've done them twice, it's ziplining plus an adventure ropes course and it costs around $20 per person - an amazing deal. Google Las Canadas to check it out.

You can read my complete review of the Imagination sailing from last month here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2186027

 

This is essentially the same cruise as the Inspiration. A copy of the Fun Ashore is posted. La Boufadora and the Wine Tour are the most popular. I'm not sure where to go for massages, the sub forum for Mexico may be a place to start to ask for others input. The cruise will offer specials while docked in Ensenada but I think it's still too expensive compared to what you can get at home. There are zip lines in Catalina that are pretty popular.

Thanks... Great info... 2 more questions come to mind after reading your review...

1. I prepaid for the gratuities... Am I expected to still tip on the ship? How does that work?
   
2. My family wants to attend the comedy shows... How to I make my reservations? Do they book up quickly? Are there multiple shows?
   

Thanks,

@danjessica - there are ziplines in Ensenada that are FANTASTIC! I think they are the best things to do there, but it's not a ship excursion, you have to take a taxi. I've done them twice, it's ziplining plus an adventure ropes course and it costs around $20 per person - an amazing deal. Google Las Canadas to check it out.

OK... I saw that... The Las Canadas Canopy Tour? I was eyeing that for the kids... Great to hear positive feedback for that because that's one thing I was going to look into...

Yep, the Las Canadas Canopy Tour. Really really fun - a little scary but they make sure you're roped in and safe! My whole family loved it! There are other things you can do there, to - the 2nd time I went I was with 3 women friends and we rented ATV's and scooted all over their grounds - also really fun!

Yep, the Las Canadas Canopy Tour. Really really fun - a little scary but they make sure you're roped in and safe! My whole family loved it! There are other things you can do there, to - the 2nd time I went I was with 3 women friends and we rented ATV's and scooted all over their grounds - also really fun!

ATV's sound fun too... Maybe we'll do that as well...

Any ideas for Catalina Islands? We're looking at the Dolphin excursion or a snorkel excursion... My girls really want to snorkel since they've never been able to in the ocean... My wife and I haven't taken our kids the last 10xs we've been to Hawaii so they haven't had the opportunity... :p

I am going on the Imagination on the 19th - would love to hear what you have to say about the cruise and ports, have NO idea what we are going to do yet - just me and one of my friends...

Having been to Ensenada many times I recommend taking one of the Ship's excursions the first time there. The main town area is in walking distance but it is a very "touristy" area with lots of people trying to peddle their wares. The "La Bufadora" tours will have much of the same but it's worth making your way through the pushy vendors for a glimpse of this phenomena. Also, the taco stand at the entrance of La Bufadora area has the best tacos I've ever had.

I have taken the Horse Riding adventure and the Wine Country tour and both were amazing. With these tours, there are items for purchase, but not the street long parade of pushy men, women and (yes) children. If you think the circus of venders is part of the attraction, all tours give the option of dropping you off downtown. I plan on taking the Cheese Cellar tour in three weeks on my next cruise. :D

Catalina is a perfect port to do a walk-about on your own. It's a quaint little town, perfect for a seaside lunch or strolling the boardwalk and window-shopping. Since it's a U.S. port there is not the usual fear of being on foreign soil, worrying about language, money or cultural barriers. Be sure to visit the "Casino" (also within walking distance) where, for a small fee, you can tour a small area describing the fantastical history of the island.