Inspired Disappointment

[dk1]

Inspiration Oct 30 through Nov 03, Halloween sailing

 

Let me start out by saying that this was my third CCL cruise in 12 months, first on the Inspiration. Also I did have a great time, I always do. That being said, it appears that CCL is saving and/or cutting back on the Inspiration with limiting help and food.

I was with a group of 17. Most of us dressed up in our finest H'ween attire and decorated the halls near our cabins. I didn't see too many other cabin areas decorated, saw very little H'ween decos on the ship. We had a blast but found the bartenders overwhelmed during key hours. Not the bartenders fault, but CCL should have provided help to these folks. The Serenity area was not tended to until several requests were made. The rear Lido bar that also tended to the Serenity area was always overwhelmed due to lack of help.

The menu seemed to be lacking in favorite choices, portions smaller.

In general the employees were wonderful and seemed to be used to the added work loads. I know the ship was filled to the brim for both H'ween and several LARGE groups. I believe that CCL has made their jobs harder and the cause of the situation was from the top.

 

dk

[DqALEX]

I think you will now find that on all cruise lines. There are more ships out there now and ship that are much larger than ever. I don't think the cruise lines can find the help now to crew the ships. I have also seen over the years Carnival is cutting back. I cruise Carnival for the price. I still feel for what they give the price is still right

[ahoys]

I agree with DqAlex. We were also on this sailing. I didn't have any trouble with getting service in the lounges, but I did notice that the Lido deck tables in the Brasserie had dirty dishes on them for a longer time than normal. It's not that people weren't bussing the tables, just fewer people were working.

I was on the Freedom during Spring Break, when the new menus were introduced, so I expected the new menu with smaller portions. I actually like the smaller portions, because I don't overeat as much as I used to.

I have also sailed during Halloween twice before, and I didn't feel that the decorations were lacking. As a matter of fact, I really enjoyed the inflatable decorations along the Promenade deck all day. The only difference this time is that on previous Halloween cruises all of the staff wore costumes, including the casino dealers. This time they didn't. I also kind of expected a deck party on Halloween, but since it was "Elegant" night, I guess they had more of a toned-down Halloween celebration. Maybe they should have changed Elegant night to Saturday..?