Imagination vs Inspiration

For those who have actually traveled on these 2 ships.....

Looking to do the 4 day in February and wondering which to choose. Itineraries are the same.

Ships look to be almost identical...so what I'm wondering is

crew....

cleanliness...

Upkeep of ship

Etc

I known these itinerary are often considered 'booze cruise' which is not our style thus the reason for Feb, as traditionally not the best weather in that area....just want the break and ports....plus...its a free gift....so just want advice on ships.

Thanks!

Been on both. VERY little difference.

I've been on both also. The only difference is Imagination built in1995 and Inspiration in1996. As far as "booze cruise" it really depends when you go. If its early February it may not be to bad.

Been on both recently and honestly can't tell the difference. Appearance, service and overall vibe is very similar.

Been on both more than once and I prefer the Inspiration because her Lido Buffet dining area is more light filled. The Imagination has a Captain Nemo 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea marine green glass ceiling artwork that makes the room too dark. Not a big deal at all but you asked and that's about all I could come up with :)

Decor, production shows, and days of the week sailed are the only differences.

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Biggest difference to me is which day of the week do you want to sail on?

Booze cruises, if there is such a thing, tend to be more over a long weekend than during the week. Long weekends also can attract young families. Less vacation time required for either.

For those who have actually traveled on these 2 ships.....

 

 

Looking to do the 4 day in February and wondering which to choose. Itineraries are the same.

 

Ships look to be almost identical...so what I'm wondering is

crew....

cleanliness...

Upkeep of ship

Etc

 

I known these itinerary are often considered 'booze cruise' which is not our style thus the reason for Feb, as traditionally not the best weather in that area....just want the break and ports....plus...its a free gift....so just want advice on ships.

 

Thanks!

Neither , 2 old clunkers.

Neither , 2 old clunkers.

I've sailed on both ships. Whilst they both may be "old" age-wise, they're both very well kept up and neither could be considered a "clunker."

the inspiration is suppose to go into a dry dock for a short period of time late this year, so maybe some improvements there?

I love the Imagination. I so wish she would come back to Florida.

We are 2 hrs from boarding the Imagination, waiting on the Queen Mary. Been on the Inspiration a couple of times. Will report back next week.

We are 2 hrs from boarding the Imagination, waiting on the Queen Mary. Been on the Inspiration a couple of times. Will report back next week.

Awesome. Ty

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Following....I booked the Imagination over the upcoming holidays.

That week it probably is going to be a booze cruise or family filled cruise, but thats ok. DH & I will make our own cruise...LOL

Massage in Ensenada, wont be a bad way to fill up our time...

You mentioned you were looking to go in February. What's the weather like in Catalina and Ensenada in February? Visited friends in LA last President's Day weekend and weather was 70s, but wondering about the ports and the sea?

You mentioned you were looking to go in February. What's the weather like in Catalina and Ensenada in February? Visited friends in LA last President's Day weekend and weather was 70s, but wondering about the ports and the sea?

Visited both ports aboard the Inspiration in February 2017. Beautiful weather all around.

Been on both and love them both. Not really any difference. Layouts are nearly identical. Decor will be different but otherwise I get them mixed up all the time because they’re so similar. I’ve done 3 short cruises and never felt like any were “booze cruises”. February should be a good time of year for a quieter crowd, especially if you want to avoid spring break college kids.

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Weather in February can be chilly.

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We are 2 hrs from boarding the Imagination, waiting on the Queen Mary. Been on the Inspiration a couple of times. Will report back next week.

Liked them both. Could not tell you the difference. If you like one, you will like the other. Imho

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Curious what work was done to the inspiration during the Nov '18 dry dock.  Following in case anyone knows.  My first cruise was in 2012 on the Inspiration, followed by a couple cruises on the Imagination (now I've been on 8 different Carnival ships).  Looking to book one of the two ships in April; not sure if I should book based on better price, day of the week, or if there's one that's nicer now since both have been refitted/updated a bit since I've been on them.  Ask me in April which I ended up sailing on but open to any thoughts.

I have been on both recently and there is very little difference. The inspiration was in dirt dock late last year and the pool was redone as well ad the addition of the Bonsai sushi near the Casino. Many of the restrooms look like they were recently refurbished as well. Like others have said it depends on what day you want to leave Thursday, Friday Sunday or Monday 

My husband and I did a 4-day on the Imagination over Labor Day weekend with a couple friends of ours last year and it was not a “booze cruise.” I absolutely hate it when I hear people use this term because it’s so unjustified. 

I’ve sailed on both multiple times. I found the service to be better on Inspiration, but they change the crew frequently. Other than that the ships are very much alike. I would go with which port is more convenient to sail out of and which ports of call I’d rather go to. 

51 minutes ago, bakersdozen12 said:

My husband and I did a 4-day on the Imagination over Labor Day weekend with a couple friends of ours last year and it was not a “booze cruise.” I absolutely hate it when I hear people use this term because it’s so unjustified. 

Couldn't agree more!! I have been on both ships and they are both great! My husband and I like the Imagination because it leaves on Sunday. We are renewing our vows for our 25th on her in August! 

9 hours ago, mom2girls said:

I’ve sailed on both multiple times. I found the service to be better on Inspiration, but they change the crew frequently. Other than that the ships are very much alike. I would go with which port is more convenient to sail out of and which ports of call I’d rather go to. 

  They both do the same Ports. The 3 Day Cruises only go to Ensenada. The 4 Day Cruises go to Ensenada & Catalina Island.  

  I like the Monday 4 day cruises myself, and for NO logical reason I prefer the Inspiration 😊😊.  

  Old Ships but local, low cost & still gets me excited when driving up to the Long Beach Harbor!!

  Oh, they BOTH do 3 & 4 Day Cruises.  I got my hubby to say yes to a 3 day on the Inspiration, we leave Friday. He really only likes the 7 day cruises. 

 I also have a 4 Day Inspiration in January 2020 just me. The 4 day is less than our 3 day, go figure. JAN/FEB both cooler months too.  🤔

  Anybody going soon??  We Southern Californians have actually had rain this past month!!  AND, it's cold ( Low to Mid 50's) during the day. I personally 💛💛☔️☔️☔️.  We had over 6 years of drought. Sigh .....

  🌸🌸 Bobbi