Inspiration 8/1: UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! Multi-generational family trip report

[PattiPB]

I am writing this abbreviated trip report for everyone planning an Inspiration vacation. This thread will make you feel very excited, because our experience was FABULOUS!!!!! Get ready for a great vacation!!!!!

 

We were on the 8/1 5-night Inspiration, and it was absolutely INCREDIBLE! I'll give the cast of characters, for a reference point:

 

My parents: 75-years old, excellent health. Very experienced cruisers (2-3 per year, and they've done every US route). Fave cruise lines are HAL and NCL.

 

My fam: DH & I (almost 40!), DD 11, DSs 9 & 7. Cruised on RCCL and Disney. Scheduled for DCL again in December.

 

My sis and her husband: Mid-50's, left the teenagers home. Never cruised before.

 

Embarkation: What a breeze! We had done the advance paperwork on the computer, and had no problem embarking. Sis and Hubby embarked at noon. We had trouble returning car at airport and taking a cab, so the other 7 of us embarked around 1:15. No lines to speak of. Friendly security and Carnival employees. Nice lunch at Brasserie---all meals were good!

 

Cabins: On the Empress Deck. HIGHLY recommend this deck! Very convenient to everything. Not thrilled with having a rollaway bed (4 in our room), but it was okay. We NEVER saw our room steward the entire cruise! This was surprising, but we still overtipped, as the rooms were well tended to every day, with towel animals and little stuffed animal menageries with my kids bed friends.

 

Kid's Clubs: Disney crushed the competition with kid's clubs availability. No clubs after 10 pm, which was okay for us, since grandparents were willing to keep the kids late if we wanted to go out. If we hadn't had them, we would have had to spend the extra cash for after hours. Family activities on the "at sea" days were really fun. We won the family scavenger hunt! Kids got a cute trophy (ship on a stick). Decorate a t-shirt was GREAT for the kids activity. Good souvie, and the boys are anxious to wear them for first day of school.

 

Food: AWESOME!! Dining room way exceeded our expectations! Too many fabulous choices every night. We ordered lots of food to taste and pass around. Wait staff was SUPERB!!! Brasserie was good---not great, but definitely fine for us. I really enjoyed the 24-hour pizza station. I didn't actually eat pizza. I ordered chicken caeser salads and calzones for lunch each day. YUMMY!

 

Shows: My relatives really enjoyed them. I live in Vegas---"Vegas-style" doesn't really cut it for me.

 

Bingo: I work in Bingo in a casino here. 1 game for $20? They are nuts! Only play twice: the half-price session, and the 7 game session, IMO!!!

 

The "smell" in the cabins: Upon embarkation, I noticed a sewer smell in our cabin, and thought "uh-oh---this is gonna stink!" I remembered the advice to keep the toilet lid down, and we had little or no smell at all once we left port. Boy, was I glad!

 

Grand Cayman: We did a Stingray and Snorkel with NativeWays, and ALMOST MISSED THE BOAT. The tour was awesome, and I highly recommend it, but my obsessive fears about missing the boat almost came true. I need to email them to let them know how upsetting it was. In the future, I would bite the financial bullet and book that one through the cruise line.

 

Cozumel: Look for my (upcoming) post about Paradise Beach. What a WONDERFUL location for a relaxing day at the beach. Can't say enough fabulous things about that day. My sis and hubby did Tulum (through Carnival) and loved it. However, they were glad my parents and my family didn't go---waaaaayyyyyy too hot, and too much rough terrain walking.

 

Pool and slide: Surprisingly not crowded most of the time! Always found lounger chairs, and a table to sit at with no trouble.

 

Gym: Sis's hubby loved it! Used it every day.

 

Spa: Sis had a manicure, and didn't get any sales pitch at all.

 

Ship: In GREAT condition. Not at all dirty or worn down. Had to really look to find scratches or nicks in things.

 

Tipping: We generously overtipped our wait staff, "regular" cocktail server, androom steward. I work for tips, and felt the service far, very far, exceeded my expectations. I hope you will feel the same, and tip accordingly. Honestly, I didn't feel we overtipped, until our assistant server hunted us down the last morning in the Brasserie to thank us again!

 

Overall: Obviously, if you've read this far, you know we were all thrilled with this experience. Let me explain myself just a little----I am a complete and total Disney freak. We have annual passes to Disneyland AND Disney World. We travel to DL monthly, and twice a year to WDW. Am I making myself clear? Nothing compares to anything Disney does, ever, no matter what, in life. And then we cruised Carnival, and I kid you not, we are already looking at itineraries for Spring Break on Carnival, and Carnival only. It was, fair reader, THAT GOOD.

 

I wish you and your families the same.

 

PLEASE ask me any questions you may have. I learned so much on these boards I'm anxious to give back!

 

Patti

[momsoftwins]

we (myself 30 and my mom 55) are going to be on that ship on sept 12th. i am so glad your family had a great time. i think a cruise is what you make it. and i know i will be happy with just sun fun and foo foo drinks and great review too.

[momsoftwins]

one more question..we are to on the empress deck , may i ask what room or rooms you had just to get any idea of sound and stuff on the ship?

[burnsie]

Thanks for your review! It was great to hear such wonderful things. We are booked on the Empress deck for Oct 1st. I'm emailing it to all who are going. Can't wait to hear about Paradise Beach since we are planning on going. My DS (20) and friends are planning on going to Tulum I'm glad to hear it was worth it.

 

Thanks again,

burnise

[chyrose]

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. This is just what I needed to night. We leave in 5 days (Aug.29) on the Inspiration and our rooms also are on the empress deck.

 

We are trying something new this time in Cozumel. We are doing a private land tour, our guide will meet us at the pier and then off and around the island we will go. We extended the tour from 4 hours to 6 and he is going to take us shopping. We were able to choose where we wanted to go and also leave it up to him to take us to some of his favorite places. There is 4 of us an the cost was 55.00 each. I can't do a lot of walking and what better way to enjoy the island by letting someone else do the driving with out all the crowds in the group. I'll post when we get back and let everyone know how it goes.

 

Now if the weather will just corporate....:confused: They just declared a state of emergency for our county by the gov. tonight. And we are not even in the path of the storm...but way to much rain all ready..and flooding here is really bad.

 

Thanks again....can't wait till Monday.:D Vickie

[PattiPB]

Thanks for reading my ramblings!!!

 

We had Empress deck 54, 58 & 60. These rooms are oceanview next door to each other about 5 rooms from the embarkation area. The Empress deck is the bottom of the grand staircase in the photos, and there is a bar at the bottom of the stairs (great for refillable drinks). The photo gallery, and lots of the formal backgrounds were right there. It was a quick walk up to eat, shop, or go to shows. It was an elevator ride (for my parents) to deck 10 for the Brasserie and the pool.

 

Our room WAS directly across from the crew passageway, and I was a bit concerned that it would be noisy with that door opening and closing all night. Not noticeable at all! In fact, it was kind of nice, because there was a lot of crew traffic, and they always said hi to the kids, and commented on their outfits or the weather. They were VERY friendly, and considerate about the noise level.

 

I need to do my reviews on GC and Cozumel. The day I returned home, I found out my computer had gotten fried in an electrical storm, so I had to get a new computer, etc., etc., so I'm just catching up on my posts. Just what I needed right after a two-week vacation---buying a new 'puter!!!

 

Patti

[seashell36]

Thank you for the wonderful review! DH & I will be on the Inspiration 10-10 for our first cruise. I can't wait. A cruise is really what you make of it and I plan to make it my best vacation (without the kids)! If it is all I believe it will be, we plan to cruise w/extended family next spring.

[tbag124]

Hi, Nice review, Thanks!! How close were you in "almost missing the ship"? We are probably going to book the NativeWay Rays Reef and Rum Point and I've been trying to find out as much as I can about the timing!! Also, looking forward to your reveiw of Paradise Beach, as that's where we hope to spend our day. Thanks!! :)

[pungo3]

Thanks for the review! I was on the Inspiration back in May and I totally agree with you. What a lovely ship and the staff is exceptional. I'm so glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[gjules]

I was so happy to read your review! My mom (78), dd (21) and I are on the Inspiration in January. I thought I was excited before, now I really can't wait!!! Which dinner time did you have and which dining room were you in? Also, what other kind of activites were there... Late night parties on the Lido deck, hairy chest contest...things like that? Do you have copies of the capers you can email? Thanks in advance for your answers!! Glad you had a great trip!:D

[PattiPB]

Hello all!

 

GC: We were on the last tender that went back to the Inspiration. It was a very nervewracking end to an awesome excursion. The bus driver drove down the center lane (which is supposed to be a turn lane) the entire way back to the port at top speed. He illegally parked just to let us off to RUN (remember my parents are 75!!!) to the line. As soon as I rounded the corner and saw there WAS still a line, I relaxed a bit. I need to contact Native Ways, just to let them know, but I'm still hooking up my spare computer parts!

 

Capers: Whenever I get the scanner up and running, I'll try to email the Capers! We came home on Tuesday, and left for Disneyland the following Friday! I'm still doing laundry from both trips!

 

Activities: Deck parties were fun and not "packed". DON'T MISS CAPTAIN'S COCKTAIL PARTY!!!!! My parents have cruised with everybody, and felt this was the most generous party in terms of drinks and snacks. We danced on the stage of the theatre with the band---my kids loved it. The large scale activities I remember include the hairy chest, Cruise Survivor, Match your Mate, Karaoke (every night).

 

Cozumel: I plan to do a longer review on the Cozumel board, but suffice to say this day was AMAZING! Free for my parents, and only $8 for the five of us---BARGAIN CITY!!! We used all of the facilities, and were there from near when they opened, to near when they closed! Great, authentic lunch for the 7 of us ran only $56 (plus tip!). Chips and guacamole were as good as everybody raves, and soooo plentiful with the guac!!! Taxi was $26 (as expected) for the 7 of us in a van. When my parents returned to the ship (before us), a couple at PB offered to split a cab, so their return trip was half of a regular cab fare (normally $14 I believe), so it was even more of a bargain. No pressure to spend, but waiters available if you looked. PLENTY of employees patrolling the beaches, and cleaning up seaweed and debris that washed ashore all day long. VERY IMPRESSIVE PLACE!!!

 

Keep the questions coming---you are reminding me of all the details of our vacation!

 

Patti

[PattiPB]

Forgot to answer this one:

 

 

We had early (6 pm) seating in the Mardi Gras room. It was lovely, however I almost wish we were in the Carnivale room, only because the Mardi Gras room is the formal breakfast and lunch facility, and it would have been nice to see both rooms.

 

BTW--- for the Tulum tour family. My sis and her husband DID NOT make it back in time for dinner that night. They could have pushed it, but they wandered around the pier and were too exhausted to get dressed in time. Just a planning FYI. My sis did say it was totally worth the $79, as it was a once in a lifetime for them. Another FYI---lunch is not included, but in the area they stop for a break there are several quickie places. My sis ate at Subway. Funny---all the way to Cozumel, and you have to eat lunch at Subway!!! LOL!!!!

 

Patti

[tbag124]

Hello all!

GC: We were on the last tender that went back to the Inspiration. It was a very nervewracking end to an awesome excursion. The bus driver drove down the center lane (which is supposed to be a turn lane) the entire way back to the port at top speed. He illegally parked just to let us off to RUN (remember my parents are 75!!!) to the line. As soon as I rounded the corner and saw there WAS still a line, I relaxed a bit. I need to contact Native Ways, just to let them know, but I'm still hooking up my spare computer parts!

Patti

 

Thanks for the details! :) I can only imagine how nervewracking that was!! I'm someone that always worries about time (usually b/c we always used to be late everywhere we went!) :o ...You know though, I've read many reviews that have said they ALMOST missed the ship, but never one that says that they actually DID miss the ship w/ Nativeway...so they must know what they're doing!! :) Thanks for sharing all the details about your trip! It sounds wonderful and much like what we envision for our trip! It definitely helped me and I hope I can do the same when we get back!! :)

[fritter]

for the review of your trip. I plan to take my three grown children,spouses and three young grandchildren in December. Now I can barely wait. Would be very interested in the Capers when things slow down for you and you have a chance.

Thanks again.

[GrannyJ]

We were on the Inspiration for the July 28 4-night sailing with a large multi-generational family-and-friends group (4 generations - ages 8 to 84) and had a wonderful time. This is a ship with a lot of "bang for the buck".

[pinkcup]

I have read some not so good things about the Inspiration and I'm so glad to hear that you had a good time. We're looking forward to our cruise on the Inspiration, but for awhile I was getting kinda worried that it was going to be horrible. I know it'll be what we make it.

I'm mostly excited about the food. Were the burgers good? I'm a little worried that everything will be too gourmet for me. What about dessert...what is there? Thanks for the great review!

[SUNNY D]

Great review! We will be on Inspiration Oct 10th. I did have some questions about tendering in GC..do you know how long it took to start tendering off the ship when it docked? Was the ship on time (7am)? Also, did you find that they let passengers that booked carnival excursions off the ship before others that didn't? I want to book an independant tour that starts at 8:30am, with a 7:45am meeting time (Cayman time). The tour company said Grand Cayman is an hour behind Inspirations ship time. I want to be assured we can make the 7:45am GC time before I book. I'd appreciate your experience with the morning tenders. Thanks! :)

 

Dawn

[PattiPB]

I'm so glad people are asking me questions! I rarely get to "give back" on these boards.

 

Food: It was upscale, but not too gourmet for us "regular folks"! I could identify and understand everything on the menus. There is a pasta dish on the menu every night that is (relatively) "plain food". Lobster tails: we ordered two! It was a good opportunity for us to try duck, one night my dad had pork chops, I had filet mignon one night, my sis had lamb. We had more trouble narrowing the menu down than finding something that sounded good. None of us (that I remember!) had a burger all week, but the deli station in the Brasserie was AWESOME! Hot or cold deli sandwiches, with enough meat on them for two sandwiches. DH had tuna melts a few days, and my mom enjoyed the corned beef sandwich on good rye. Desserts at lunch were okay---always something but nothing to brag about. Kids had ice cream (several times) every day. Evening desserts were great. Baked Alaska, of course, and hot apple crisp, chocolate on chocolate on chocolate type cakes. Butter pecan ice cream was great with every dessert.

 

GC tendering: We were on time at GC. I believe we were the first ship in, we watched them dock 3 other ships. They never gave out "tender tickets" or prescribed times that we noticed, and we got off the boat fairly early. There were plenty of tenders---I think it helped that we docked first so all the GC tender ships were waiting to disembark our passengers (KWIM??). If our experience is anything like "normal", the excursion company will wait for you if you are running a touch late. Frankly, that's what I think our problem was---they waited for a (VERY) late group, so the entire excursion was running late. BTW---we also used only dedicated tender boats. We never dropped the lifeboats to use as tenders. We noticed another ship only used their lifeboats.

 

Patti

[SUNNY D]

Thanks alot Patti. When you say you got off fairly early, do you think it is feasible for us to get off the boat within an hour and 45 minutes? Is it true that GC time is an hour behind Inspiration ship time? If not, that will only give us 45 minutes to get off the boat after it docks! How do you go about getting off the boat, do you just go stand in line or is there a process to it? Sorry for all the questions. I appreciate your help understanding the time differences and tendering process.

 

Dawn

[dabeers1]

Patti,

 

Which night was formal night for you? We're going the last week of October and Halloween is on night 3 (GC). Wondering how they'd feel about kids being dressed up in the dining room...

 

Mike

[PattiPB]

Hi Mike:

 

The first full cruise day was a day at sea, and that was our formal night. Plenty of different backdrops for photos, so look around.

 

One thing I've now learned about Carnival, the cruise really is all for you and what your family wants and needs. In other words, our servers were so good with our kids, I'm sure the staff would make a huge, POSITIVE, fuss over your kids in costumes.

 

Have an awesome time! We'll be at Disneyland for Halloween.

 

Patti

[fritter]

I read somewhere about booths. The formal dining room has tables, I hope? Is the cappuccino free with dinner? Also heard soda for kids free at dinner. True?Thanks for the information.

[Joanportia]

Great review and good for you!!! You should send this off to Carnival!!! And I mean this sincerely. I too have sailed this Inspiration and enjoyed it but your review is just the stuff they would love to hear!!! Got any good pictures to send in with this review?? Maybe you could really wow them!!

 

Any way I'll be looking forward to see your words in the next "Currents"!!!

 

 

Joan

 

Sail on......

[hightownCO]

Patti, enjoyed reading your posts!

 

What I really enjoyed is the fact that you are Disney people! DD (12) and I have made 14 trips to WDW in 7 years, one trip to DL and in May did our first ever cruise--the three night Wonder. So now we have Carnival booked for spring break (Victory 4/9-16) and had thoughts about missing Disney and somewhat sad about no spring break WDW trip. So am very glad to see that a Disney Freak can have a great time with Carnival!

 

In fact, we're doing this cruise with WDW travel buddies that we 'met' on disboards. So if you'd like to cruise over spring break with fellow Disney nuts consider the Victory!

 

Sharon

[shungirl]

I will have to agree with you... I have been on the Inspiration twice (both 7 night cruises) and we are going again in December on the 4 night. I know it is an older boat, but it was always so clean. The service both times by far surpassed any other cruise I have been on. (tons of others and all lines) By the second day out, 90% of the staff knew our names, and would go out of their way to speak to us. I CANT WAIT TILL DECEMBER 1 !!!!!!!!