Carnival Inspiration or Imagination?

[ajneedhams]

Can't decide between the 5 nt out of Tampa on Inspiration and the 5 nt out of Miami on Imagination. Inspiration goes to Cozumel and Cayman, Imagination goes to Ocho Rios and Cayman. My hubby and I are both 35, kind of quiet people, not huge drinkers, but are anxious for the livlieness of Carnival. Plus, we are excited to try the topless sun-deck. Anybody have a preference to either trip, boat or intinerary? Thank you

[zonemasconi]

I have some info on the sensation out of tampa when she was there but it is a four day just to cozumel.

but in my links I have port info on both grand caymen and Jamaica(montego bay) they are under the conquest in 2004

I am also planning a quick 4 day out of tampa in may on the Inspiration.

[jordanaire]

My wife and I have sailed on both of these ships and enjoyed both! The itenerary should be your deciding factor. We didn't care too much for Ocho Rios due to the heat (in July) and the constant rain we endured while there. While there, we did the island tour and climbed Dunns River Falls, which felt good to get cooled off.

Sailing out of Tampa is quite unique too, as it takes over an hour just to reach the Gulf after sailing. The channel is 25+ miles long. And the cruise terminal can be quite hectic. The parking garage is right there at the terminal, and with the ship unloading passengers and loading passengers, the traffic can be unbelievable! Trying to get a cab to the airport after your cruise will be very stressful.

Our personal preference is to sail out of Miami. We've done this 5 times in the past and have had no problems whatsoever.

So pick which intenerary fits you best and go with that. The ships are great and you will enjoy either one. We are in our late 40s and love sailing with Carnival.

Good Luck!

Bill

[judyf]

I loved the Inspiration but they are sister ships Fantasy class so they sjould be about the same.

As for itinerary it really depends on what you want to do. Lots of shopping in Cozumel, great beaches and snorkeling too. In Ocho Rios I would suggestion climbing the falls it was the highlight of our cruise. In G.C. swim with the string rays. We used Sotos for I think $24.00 pp and it was great.

Either one is great. I would read the tours and things available to do in Ocho Rios and Cozumel and then decide on what to do and go there!

[rburns44]

I have been on both ships twice and prefer the Imingination. Not sure why- maybe because it was my first ship. But sailing out of Tampa is very cool. About 2 1/2 hrs out you go underneath the Skyway bridge. It looks so close you would swear you won't make it under.

Becky

[travellady]

We were just on the Inspiration Dec 20 - 25 and really enjoyed the ports - Grand Cayman and Cozumel. The food was great, we enjoyed our waitstaff, and spent too much time (and money) in the Casino. The entertainment wasn't very good so I wouldn't pick this ship based on that.

The other issue I had with the Inspiration was the run-downess of the ship. Broken closet door in our suite, broken shower head, really dinged up elevators and one didn't work the entire time, broken iron all week so the line to iron was long, broken ice cream machine. And parts of the ship had a sewage smell. My son called the purser the first night because he gagged when he went into his stateroom due to the odor. They sprayed it and it was OK for the rest of the trip but seemed to be coming from the shower.

Overall we had a relaxed enjoyable time for a decent price. But, I won't sail a Carnival Inspiration class again. Maybe we're spoiled because our other two cruises we've taken were on the Disney Wonder and Voyager of the Seas. I will sail an equitable RCCL ship at some point so I'll have a better basis for comparison.

[Rescue156]

For me, it's a two way road.


I prefer the Inspiration's intinerary b/c I love Cozumel.

But.....I MUCH MUCH MUCH prefer the Imagination. It is in tip top shape, and is very lively yet not too much so.

The Inspiration is, as travellady said, pretty run-down...the weird part is that the Inspiration is newer than the Imagination!

I found the Inspiration to be dark. Even in broad daylight, it was dark. In the atrium at night w/ all the lights on it was dark, whereas all the other ships I've been on have been light. The Inspiration was not a good choice for me personally.

I would, however, book either one in a HEARTBEAT!

[pasto5]

[quote=Rescue156]For me, it's a two way road.


I prefer the Inspiration's intinerary b/c I love Cozumel.

But.....I MUCH MUCH MUCH prefer the Imagination. It is in tip top shape, and is very lively yet not too much so.

But Imagination goes to Cozumel as well! We will be there in less than two weeks on the Imagination.

[Rescue156]

Pasto - Yes, the Imagination does go to Cozumel, but only on the 4 day Itinerary. The original poster is looking at the 5 day.

[cantwait2cruise]

I prefered Inspiration but it was also a 7 day then and my Honeymoon. We encountered some rude crew on Imagination. I've been to Cozumel several times so I would want to go to Ocho Rios instead. Grand Cayman is awesome. But I would go with Inspiration if you like the itineraries equally. I also like going out of Tampa better than Miami.

[pasto5]

Originally Posted by Rescue156

Pasto - Yes, the Imagination does go to Cozumel, but only on the 4 day Itinerary. The original poster is looking at the 5 day.

OOPS! How stupid can I be. I guess I can't read!