Trying Carnival for a change of pace

[chefchick]

I consider myself a fairly experienced cruiser and have sailed on most of the mainline companies. My last few sailing have been on more upscale, smaller cruiselines (Windstar and Seabourn). A dear friend recently has been dealing with her Mother passing away and I suggested we do a short, cheap and cheerful girl's trip to take her mind somewhere else.

 

We have booked The Inspiration 4 day on April 11. I booked a few things I think we will both enjoy (chefs table and a private wine tasting excursion in Ensenada) Since I have never sailed on a Carnival cruise I am looking for some suggestions for fun things to do. Since most of my recent cruises have been on much smaller vessels that don't have a lot of activities onboard, which activities do you most enjoy? Are some shows better than others? Is bingo fun or a rip off? How about trivia? (Trust me, those Seabourn cruisers take their trivia games VERY seriously). Is the casino fun or just smoky? I see there are Texas holdem tournaments, are the players very serious or is it mostly for fun? How hard is it to get a quiet spot on deck? (serenity in particular) chair hogs are something you never have to worry about on a smal cruise line.

 

I'll admit I am a cruise snob and never thought I would be taking a Carnival cruise, but I am embracing the FUN and am hoping to go in with the right expectations (and a nightly seat at The Alchemy Bar) so any suggestions you veterans can suggest would be appreciated.

[rkacruiser]

If you approach your new experience with an open mind, you will enjoy it. At least, for me, I did. (And, my first one was a Spring Break cruise on Carnival Freedom out of FLL. My friends thought I had lost my mind.) I enjoyed it enough that I returned for some additional Carnival cruises. None of the programed activities stick in my mind as wonderful; trivia on all of Carnival ships on which I have sailed was poorly done, I thought.

 

Entertainment in the Showrooms, the Piano Bars, and the individual performers at various venues is what I best remember. Excellent to very good, without exception, in my experience. MDR cuisine met my expectations, but the Lido-type restaurants selections varied little. Service was also friendly, pleasant. Drinks were well made and generous.

 

I hope your friend and you will enjoy your cruise experience!

[loxley]

You have already made it clear you are scraping the bottom of the barrel with carnival and then you are going to top it off with a for day booze cruise to just seal that in.

 

Entertainment sucks on carnival. I no long go or even plan to go. Since I am not a drinker, it is usually a movie in my room for me.

 

Frankly, you are going to get tons of people telling you about it is their favorite ship, the staffs is the greatest, etc, etc, but from what we all ready know about you. I would cancel.

 

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[joeyancho]

That is very nice of you. The short cruises are a nice getaway. However do not expect the luxury or gourmet experience you are used to. It will be more like going to Circus Circus as opposed to going to the Palazzo or Wynn hotel.

[UsedtoBeKati]

Try the Steakhouse/Steakhouse supper club and the rest of the "premium" restaurants. You might like the food and ambience better than in the main dining room. Do you have a balcony? Nothing beats drinking wine and grabbing snacks/cheese from the lido deck, and hanging out on the balcony to avoid crowds. I don't think smoking is allowed anywhere on board including the casino.

Hope this helps.

[chefchick]

You have already made it clear you are scraping the bottom of the barrel with carnival and then you are going to top it off with a for day booze cruise to just seal that in.

 

Entertainment sucks on carnival. I no long go or even plan to go. Since I am not a drinker, it is usually a movie in my room for me.

 

Frankly, you are going to get tons of people telling you about it is their favorite ship, the staffs is the greatest, etc, etc, but from what we all ready know about you. I would cancel.

 

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The only thing I was trying to "make clear" was I hoping for opinions regarding everyone's favorite onboard activities. What I don't understand from your comment is why you would go on a cruise at all if you are just going to squirrel yourself away in your cabin every night, but it's your vacation.

 

And trust me, you know nothing about me...but thank you for your quick stereotype of me just the same :rolleyes:

[evandbob]

Try the Steakhouse/Steakhouse supper club and the rest of the "premium" restaurants. You might like the food and ambience better than in the main dining room. Do you have a balcony? Nothing beats drinking wine and grabbing snacks/cheese from the lido deck, and hanging out on the balcony to avoid crowds. I don't think smoking is allowed anywhere on board including the casino.

Hope this helps.

 

Does the Inspiration have a steakhouse? What "premium" restaurants are you referencing? What balcony?

Edited March 7, 2016 by evandbob

[loxley]

The only thing I was trying to "make clear" was I hoping for opinions regarding everyone's favorite onboard activities. What I don't understand from your comment is why you would go on a cruise at all if you are just going to squirrel yourself away in your cabin every night, but it's your vacation.

 

And trust me, you know nothing about me...but thank you for your quick stereotype of me just the same :rolleyes:

Just going by what you not only posted once, but made it crystal clear at the end.

 

I Ann just trying to be honest with you. Why do I cruiser carnival when I don't like a lot of it. They have anytime dinning now. They are in my home port twenty minutes from my house year round with several lengths of cruises. They take me relatively cheaply to the places I like to dive. Prices used to be unbelievable. I like the food.

 

Now tell Me again why you are lowering yourself to a product you clearly think in inferior?

 

 

Because, I am going to be straight up with you, it is.

 

 

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[ryano]

The only thing I was trying to "make clear" was I hoping for opinions regarding everyone's favorite onboard activities. What I don't understand from your comment is why you would go on a cruise at all if you are just going to squirrel yourself away in your cabin every night, but it's your vacation.

 

And trust me, you know nothing about me...but thank you for your quick stereotype of me just the same :rolleyes:

 

Another poster best suited for your ignore list in order to keep your BP down. Dont take the bait! This poster is one of the most obnoxious, rude jerks on this forum!

 

My suggestion is try and keep your expectations in check and dont compare to Seabourn etc. You may be pleasantly surprised. :)

Edited March 7, 2016 by ryano

[ShakyBeef]

Try the Steakhouse/Steakhouse supper club and the rest of the "premium" restaurants. You might like the food and ambience better than in the main dining room. Do you have a balcony? Nothing beats drinking wine and grabbing snacks/cheese from the lido deck, and hanging out on the balcony to avoid crowds. I don't think smoking is allowed anywhere on board including the casino.

Hope this helps.

 

No. Smoking is allowed in the casino, and several other places onboard, but not on balconies.

[loxley]

Another poster best suited for your ignore list in order to keep your BP down. Dont take the bait! This poster is one of the most obnoxious, rude jerks on this forum!

 

My suggestion is try and keep your expectations in check and dont compare to Seabourn etc. You may be pleasantly surprised. :)

Ride as in tells the truth which is definitely a dying trait.

 

What do you want op, a bunch of fluffy lies, or the truth?

 

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[loxley]

I will tell you something else op, when every post starts out with go in with a possible attitude, get your mind set in a good frame of mind to enjoy your cruise, there is a problem.

 

Have you ever been advised anything like that on your other cruises?

 

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[OCruisers]

To the OP (chefchick) .... Sounds like you are in a positive frame of mind to not expect your short Carnival to be like what you've experienced in the past ... but are willing to accept it for what it is.

Just "people watching" on Carnival ships can be an experience in itself! :D

LuLu

[ShakyBeef]

How adventurous of you, Chefchick. And what a thoughtful thing to do for your friend. I can't imagine you could find a cruise more different from what you are used to than a short Carnival cruise. But it seems you've got the right attitude, and your eyes wide open. And you also are doing your due diligence by coming here to conduct reconnaissance.

 

DH & I enjoy the Piano Bar in the evening on our Carnival cruises, as long as there is a good, lively, engaging Piano Bar Entertainer playing. The PBE for your sailing will be Barry Meijer. I don't have any experience with him, but if you think you might be interested and want to research him before sailing, this is the thread in which to do so:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=49325454#post49325454

 

We also enjoy the Comedy Club.

 

Happy cruise research and happy sailing!:)

Edited March 7, 2016 by ShakyBeef

[chefchick]

My Mother always told me to not feed the trolls, so I am going to back away slowly from Loxley.

 

I had to go back and reread my post because I'm afraid I have given some the wrong impression. I booked this cruise because it is easy to fly to from Seattle. It is short and inexpensive and given it was a "last minute" decision that was important to both of us. One of my favorite things about a cruise vacation is that once you are onboard you can unpack your clothes and your brain...no decisions have to be made regarding travel, or parking, or reservations, or anything other than, what would you like to do next?

 

Since "the truth" is so important to some, I am trying to go in armed with some knowledge of things to do (and since the itinerary is short, perhaps some things to skip). I know this won't be like a Seabourn cruise, I don't expect it to be, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy it.

 

I have been going through the board posts, but I was hoping for some first hand recommendations of what you think is the best Carnival has to offer.

[SadieN]

I have sailed the Inspiration many times and this itin on 6 different ships, on three different lines.

 

The Inspiration does not have a steakhouse or balcony cabins. She does have smaller suites (no perks beside priority embark and debark), a Chef's Table and Steakhouse selections ($20 upcharge) in the MDR.

Food- The MDR usually has good food. The scallop app on CE night is very good. Can only get a baked apple at on the breakfast menu. FWIW we prefer Carnival's MDR and Princess's buffet (Comparison if you've sailed Princess) But we like Carnival's Pizza and Deli. Don't miss the Hot Chocolate in the buffet.

 

The decor is a bit Vegas, look past the purple tubes in the buffet.

The cabin will have enough storage but the bathroom only has a small shelf. (Lousy redesign)

 

Crew is very good. Once or twice have we had any surly crew, one time we realized it was our 'odd' table mate that he was avoiding. If you're dong Anytime Dining ask for Kostadinka.

 

An April cruise is still in the middle of Spring Break. Might get lots of kids or college kids. The four days are usually calmer than the three day cruises.

 

ETA-- just read your above post. The Inspiration is fun for a weekend or shorter cruise (like Vegas) But to see what Carnival really has to offer then I'd suggest going on the Miracle 7 day, also out of Long Beach. Sailed on her October, November and January.

Edited March 7, 2016 by SadieN

[It's a Ship!!!]

I consider myself a fairly experienced cruiser and have sailed on most of the mainline companies. My last few sailing have been on more upscale, smaller cruiselines (Windstar and Seabourn). A dear friend recently has been dealing with her Mother passing away and I suggested we do a short, cheap and cheerful girl's trip to take her mind somewhere else.

 

We have booked The Inspiration 4 day on April 11. I booked a few things I think we will both enjoy (chefs table and a private wine tasting excursion in Ensenada) Since I have never sailed on a Carnival cruise I am looking for some suggestions for fun things to do. Since most of my recent cruises have been on much smaller vessels that don't have a lot of activities onboard, which activities do you most enjoy? Are some shows better than others? Is bingo fun or a rip off? How about trivia? (Trust me, those Seabourn cruisers take their trivia games VERY seriously). Is the casino fun or just smoky? I see there are Texas holdem tournaments, are the players very serious or is it mostly for fun? How hard is it to get a quiet spot on deck? (serenity in particular) chair hogs are something you never have to worry about on a smal cruise line.

 

I'll admit I am a cruise snob and never thought I would be taking a Carnival cruise, but I am embracing the FUN and am hoping to go in with the right expectations (and a nightly seat at The Alchemy Bar) so any suggestions you veterans can suggest would be appreciated.

First of all, please ignore the rude people who are judging you and telling you how much you will hate it.

 

I think you'll have a great time with your friend, and it is a very nice thing for you to do with her. Carnival's ships are the Fun Ships for a reason. It will definitely be different than your other cruises, but different in not always bad.

 

There may be some chair hogging during sea days, but finding 2 chairs together shouldn't be too hard as long as you don't expect to be right by the pool.

 

I enjoy the Trivia on Carnival even though I'm bad at almost all of the themes they do. They have a lot of variety like different decades of music trivia, Harry Potter trivia, General trivia, and plenty of others. The Piano Bar is a fun thing to do at night if you like that kind of thing. The comedy club is also fun, and might help your friend take her mind off of things.

 

The Chef's table is great, and is really a good deal for the price. There are also steakhouse selection in the main dining room, so if you decide you want something a little nicer like lobster or filet mignon, then you can get that for a $20 up charge. You might also like tea time, which is at 3:00 PM on sea days. Obviously it won't be as fancy as something you would see on Seabourn, but I like that you can get something like that on Carnival.

 

Carnival cruises are all about fun, so while it may not be what you're used to, I'm sure the 2 of you will have a great time. I always find that every cruise is different depending on who you are with, so I'm betting you and your friend will have a nice, fun little getaway to help keep her mind off of things.

[ShakyBeef]

Chefchick,

 

Jimmanknows posted a picture-heavy post-drydock review of the Inspiration a few weeks ago:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2315481

 

It even includes pictures of some of the new (American Table) menus.

[LMaxwell]

I consider myself a fairly experienced cruiser and have sailed on most of the mainline companies. My last few sailing have been on more upscale, smaller cruiselines (Windstar and Seabourn). A dear friend recently has been dealing with her Mother passing away and I suggested we do a short, cheap and cheerful girl's trip to take her mind somewhere else.

 

We have booked The Inspiration 4 day on April 11. I booked a few things I think we will both enjoy (chefs table and a private wine tasting excursion in Ensenada) Since I have never sailed on a Carnival cruise I am looking for some suggestions for fun things to do. Since most of my recent cruises have been on much smaller vessels that don't have a lot of activities onboard, which activities do you most enjoy? Are some shows better than others? Is bingo fun or a rip off? How about trivia? (Trust me, those Seabourn cruisers take their trivia games VERY seriously). Is the casino fun or just smoky? I see there are Texas holdem tournaments, are the players very serious or is it mostly for fun? How hard is it to get a quiet spot on deck? (serenity in particular) chair hogs are something you never have to worry about on a smal cruise line.

 

I'll admit I am a cruise snob and never thought I would be taking a Carnival cruise, but I am embracing the FUN and am hoping to go in with the right expectations (and a nightly seat at The Alchemy Bar) so any suggestions you veterans can suggest would be appreciated.

 

100% honest here, if you avoid the loud and rambunctious main pool deck area and stick to the aft pool during the day you should have a pretty relaxing time. Carnival food, for a mainstream line, in my opinion is very good and I wouldn't worry about that.

 

Just go with your friend. If the price / schedule works you don't have much to lose. Chances are it will be pretty good. And if it's not, well, it's short and cheap.

[StolidCruiser]

OP, I know where you're coming from. Unlike the lone crank, I inferred nothing disingenuous from your post.

 

I too have been on most mass market lines as well as a few of the "upscale" ones.

 

I frequent Carnival for a low-key budget friendly trip. I find it equally enjoyable as those premium lines but for different reasons.

 

Going in with the right frame of mind is actually good advice (not bad).

 

Here are my viewpoints: Bingo is ripoff anywhere but still entertaining. Any casino allowing smoky will be so; if you're sensitive to it, opt not to gamble (or understand it will be bothersome). Trivia is as cutthroat on Carnival as it is elsewhere.

 

Main stage entertainment is a disappointment to me (think High School Musical rather than Broadway). I still go occasionally for some entertainment value. Smaller venues are much more enjoyable (comedy club, karaoke, bar bands, etc).

 

You'll certainly enjoy Alchemy if you appreciate a wide variety of non-traditional cocktails.

 

Dining is quite acceptable considering it is (gasp!) a budget cruiseline. The Steakhouse is top notch as is Chef's Table.

 

You and your friend will enjoy your experience together because, well, you're friends.

 

Relax, hang out, go with the flow and have a blast chasing away the blues.

[volmoma]

So sorry for your friends loss. Bingo is fun, but it's gambling. A lot of people play. Trivia's held several places on the ship, but mainly in the lobby. My husband and I like to people watch, listen to trivia ( it is pretty competitive and pretty much the same people play every day) and sit in the lobby to read. Most of the newer shows are computerized, which I find ok but nothing great. I miss the live music. You'll see a lot of people playing cards in the public areas on the ship. It's a good way to pass time. And yes if you want some form of quite, stay away from the Lido pool area. The music is really loud and that's where the games between the cruisers are played. The wine tasting is very informative about the different wines. The piano bar is more often hit or miss. I've had great ones and not so great. Hope this helps. Wishing you and your friend happy cruising.

Edited March 8, 2016 by volmoma

[SadieN]

100% honest here, if you avoid the loud and rambunctious main pool deck area and stick to the aft pool during the day you should have a pretty relaxing time.....................

 

 

9aft has the Serenity deck with two hot tubs

11 aft has the water slides. (Pool was taken out for the water slides.).

 

 

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[Lil2Angelic]

Inspiration's casino staff was awesome when we cruised this itinerary in 12/2015. Extremely friendly, lots of fun and very helpful. If you spend a quite a bit of time in the casino and acquire enough points they will give you the "drinks on us" card. Just ask to speak with the casino host for details and make yourself known. They will most likely comp you some drinks and send a special gift to your cabin. The casino did not seem too smokey when we were there. I believe the tables are non-smoking and there are some machines on that same side that are non-smoking.

 

Here's what my Husband said about the Texas Hold Em players.. "There is a pretty good mix of players, with most of them being pretty decent casual players. The table atmosphere is very friendly and occasional mistakes are forgiveable."

 

Other stuff to do on the ship..karaoke and miniature golf

 

We enjoy the Main Dining Room. Breakfast and Dinner daily. On your Sea Day they will also be serving a "Sea Day Brunch".

 

Catalina is beautiful! Lots of stuff to do. Shopping, cafes/restaurants, many different tours. You can rent a golf cart and cruise around the island. It's $40/hr. Very laid back there.

 

Carnival crews are a lot of fun and very high energy! I think you both will have a blast!

[mawvkysc]

Inspiration was my first cruise, but out of Tampa. I think it will be even better with the new upgrades (Guy's Burgers etc.). It is a small ship, which you seem to not have a problem with. It is very easy to find your way around.

 

I loved the Serenity area. It was very relaxing watching the aft wake. It is a smaller area so there may be a little problem waiting for a lounger there. It has an area with seating under cover back against the wall. This is shaded and is also nice if it is a windier day as it blocks the wind.

 

If the buffet line seems crowded the first day walk aft and the pizza and deli are there. You may not notice this at first. Also, there are some tables outside aft of the lido area. This is a nice place to eat or enjoy a drink. This is right near the lido restaurant bar.

 

Carnival is known for its Warm Chocolate Melting Cake. You need to try it. Lots love it, some don't but it is part of the Carnival Experience.

 

I am more into relaxing so I didn't participate in a lot of the daytime activities. I can't help with the shows as that has all changed since I cruised with Carnval last

 

Have a great time!

Edited March 8, 2016 by mawvkysc
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[chefchick]

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. I hope to have a wonderful time.