Carnival Imagination 4-night Mexico for first timer

[Califor6]

what is the onboard entertainment and how good? stage productions, comedy clubs, any dancing clubs??

 

food! :) is it true that there is food available 24/7 - buffets?

what are the 'not to be missed' eatting locations on this ship?

 

what's the costs of alcoholic beverages on ship?

I read somewhere that soda is extra and not included in buffet or sit-down meals? (for my teens)

[Mutumbojimbo]

what is the onboard entertainment and how good? stage productions, comedy clubs, any dancing clubs??You should have production shows at least 2 nights, I have enjoyed most of the ones I've seen, but tastes vary. I'd try them at least. There is a nightclub, there will probably be karaoke, and you should have 2 comedians, so there will be at least one comedy show most nights.

 

food! :) is it true that there is food available 24/7 - buffets?

what are the 'not to be missed' eatting locations on this ship?There will be pizza and room service available 24/7. The buffet will be open most of the day. Fantasy class ships don't have specialty restaurants like some of the bigger ships, but, if you like Asian food, the Mongolian wok station on the Lido deck is good. I like the taste bar in the evening too, it serves little appetizers from some of Carnival's specialty restaurants that you can find on other ships

 

what's the costs of alcoholic beverages on ship?

I read somewhere that soda is extra and not included in buffet or sit-down meals? (for my teens)

Soda is not included, but each person can carry-on a 12-pack which is more than enough for us. I think it's about $2 a can to buy it on board. My boys will bring a can to the dining room, but you could put it in a glass in your cabin and carry it in that way too. Alcoholic beverages are priced similar to bars on land.

 

Enjoy your cruise!!

Edited February 26, 2014 by Mutumbojimbo
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[xbatt8]

what is the onboard entertainment and how good? stage productions, comedy clubs, any dancing clubs??)

 

Depends on your tastes. There are 2 stage productions. Divas and Epic Rock. I didn't see Divas, but have heard mixed reviews. I did, however, see Epic Rock twice. It is filled with Rock Anthems from the late 70's to the late 80's. Queen, Journey, Aerosmith, etc. It was the best show I have seen on a cruise (but then again I love the classic rock anthems...).

 

There are comedy shows with both family and adult shows. Some of the adult material can get very raw, so beware if you are easily offended. Sometimes the comedians are very good, and sometimes they are so-so.

 

There is a nightclub (18 and over) with a DJ playing Top 40 hits, Latin sets, and hip hop sets. There will also be an early hour where they might play just Michael Jackson, or 70's, or other thematic music.

 

There are also several other singers, bands, etc scattered around the ship. The band playing next to the casino bar was very good. Each set was a bit different. The lead singer was a very talented womyn who could sing oldies, Top 40, and Motown equally well. There were a number of people dancing around them (even tho they were basically in a hallway).

 

There will also be a deck party on Ensenada night. There will be music, dancing, glow sticks, beads, and a lot of fun.

 

There is a piano bar with sing-a-long music. The piano player is Marty Gast, and he is very good. Towards the end of the evening his songs can get a bit bawdy, but still enjoyable.

 

There are other shows, like the welcome aboard show, the love and marriage show, and the like. Most of these are fun the first time... :)

 

During the day time, there is ALWAYS something going on. Shows, dance lessons, trivia of all types, and the list goes on and on. You will NOT want for something to do.

 

There is a trifold newsletter, called the Funtimes, that will be in your cabin each night outlining all the activities aboard ship the next day. Be sure to peruse it. The condensed strip on the far right is perforated and can be torn off to carry around with you more easily.

 

 

food! :) is it true that there is food available 24/7 - buffets?

what are the 'not to be missed' eatting locations on this ship?

 

Yes. The pizza is 24 hours. Room service is 24 hours. The soft serve ice cream is 24 hours. The buffets have certain hours, with the grill (hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, nachos, chicken strips) usually being open the most. There will also be a late night Mexican buffet after the deck party on Ensenada night. Again, make a note of when each buffet is open to maximize your eating pleasure.

 

I don't know about "not to be missed", but you should eat in the MDR (main dining room) on elegant night. That's when they have lobster and/or prime rib.

 

Remember, you are NOT limited to 1 of each category on the menu. If you want 4 lobster tails, keeping ordering them. You want to have the WCMC AND the crème Brule, order them both. Knock yourself out.

 

If you do use room service, it is nice to tip the person who brings you your food a dollar or two.

 

what's the costs of alcoholic beverages on ship?

I read somewhere that soda is extra and not included in buffet or sit-down meals? (for my teens)

 

Drinks vary. While you are still in Long Beach they will be more because you will pay sales tax on top of the automatic 15% tip (the auto tip continues throughout the cruise). But a regular rum and coke, for example, is about $7 with tip. The Drinks of the Day (DOD) are about $9, but you get to keep the plastic hurricane glass with the Carnival logo that they come in. Upper shelf alcohol is more. Beers vary in price (around $5), with Fosters being the most expensive. You can get a SMALL break if you buy a bucket of beers.

 

Coffee is free in the MDR or on Lido. But Cappuccinos are specialty type coffees cost extra. Ice tea is free. Some juices in the morning are free.

 

Sodas cost about $2 per can, or if the kids drink a LOT, you can get a soda card which is unlimited sodas and juices. With the soda card they give you a glass of soda, not the can. You can also bring a 12 pack of water or soda (any combination - not to exceed 20 oz per bottle/can) per person. They MUST be carried on, and not put in your checked luggage.

 

One last thing. I would highly recommend that you go to your roll call and chat with those folks. You might find some people who have the same concerns you do. It is a great way to "meet" people on your cruise, and you may find yourself hanging out with them on the ship and in port.

 

Any other questions??? :D

 

Bob

[Califor6]

thanks for the replies....xbatt8 - thanks for all the detail info! :)

[AQW]

I would consider the Mongolian Wok to be a "can't miss" eating experience - the lines can be long, but the food is fresh and delicious and it's totally worth it to me. I had it for lunch all four days on my Inspiration cruise last week... yummy!