Just Back From Inspiration

[travellady]

Overall, we enjoyed the cruise. Food was good to great, stateroom attendent very accomodating, weather mostly OK except for last sea day, Grand Cayman and Cozumel were good ports, etc.

 

But, I don't believe we'll sail a Fantasy class ship again. I did go in with an open mind after sailing the Voyager of the Seas in August and the Disney Wonder the week previous. I wasn't impressed with the decor - way too Vegasy for us but didn't let that get in our way. However, decor or not, the ship seemed run down, even after a refurb in October.

 

We stayed in a Cat 12 suite and had several issues. Once closed, we couldn't get the closet door opened. Maintenance came up to "fix" it but when the stateroom attendent closed it that night, couldn't open it once again. The shower head was one of those you could remove and hold and the thing would not stay up by itself - very irritating. Though we asked, it was never fixed. The lavendar (yech) ceiling had a major dent in it - not sure how it got there ?? The furniture and built ins were dinged up in a major way - my husband commented that he felt like he was in a Motel 6.

 

And, it was very noisy - we could here word for word what our next door neighbors were saying. I will say they weren't quiet talkers but felt the insulation was less than previous ships I've been on. Kids above us were continually jumping off the bed, even very early in the morning, and the ceiling would shake. I don't blame this on the ship but more the parents not being considerate of others.

 

External of the stateroom, the elevators were very banged up inside and one was broken the entire trip. OK, so taking the stairs didn't hurt us and helped burn off some of the great food calories. The ice cream machine was broken a good part of the time too. Some of the slot machines were broken. Hmm, there seemed to be a "broken" theme running through this cruise.

 

As I said before, food was good to great. We ate in both the dining room and up in the buffet and really no complaints though buffet food was a tad cool though not unexpected for a buffet. Pizza was really good as well - sure beat the cardboard pizza we had a week earlier on the Disney Wonder.

 

Entertainment was pretty lame. Mostly it consisted of guests performing for the rest of the passengers (Xmas show, Love and Marriage game, Knobby Knees, etc.). I did try to sit through a performance of what I call the Argentinian Cowboys trying to be funny (this was hired entertainment). It was bad so we got up and left. Bingo was not fun - one game at a time?? Come on...

 

We did go on two good excursions - my sons and husbands did the beginning scuba diving in Cozumel while I went to the Mexican Cooking School on the beach (a new excursion and if you like learning to cool new cuisines, I recommend it). In Grand Cayman we went to 7 mile beach via taxi and thoroughly enjoyed it. But, we had to leave this port at 2PM and would have liked to have spent more time.

 

Will I sail Carnival again? Honestly, I'm not sure. I met several people on the cruise who felt exactly as we did - having an enjoyable time but have had more fun on other ships. And, one couple mentioned they had sailed the Pride and had a wonderful time and stated "we now know we will never saild another Fantasy Class Carnival ship". So, I will remain open minded and at some point will give Carnival one more chance but will try a brand new if not close to brand new ship.

[sheilb4]

I am going on the Inspiration in 4 days time, for the 4 day cruise, just going to Cozumel....I thought it would be a good trip to take, as I will be alone and did not relish the thought of sitting at home with noone to talk to!..

What was the average age group on board? I am 40 and single and hoping to meet some new friends to enjoy New Years Eve with....

I know its too late anyway, but I really would be interested to get your input. Thanks.

[cruisingator2]

Unfortunately Carnival does not do a very good job at providing on going maintenance to their ships. You are usually safe on taking one of their newer ships or one that has just finished a major refurbishment.

 

I am scheduled to take the Inspiration in May but I know to keep my expectations in check for this cruise. Glad that you had a good time.

[travellady]

sheilb4 - I'd say the average age skewed towards late 30's into the 40's. There were very few people over 60 on our cruise - mostly grandparents accompanying families. And, though there were singles, it was mostly a family cruise with kids roughly between the ages of 8 to late teens. Do realize this was a Christmas week cruise so many families were expected. I suspect a New Year's Eve cruise might have more singles onboard.

 

Also, we did enjoy it despite the few issues I highlighted and even if I were alone, I suspect I might have enjoyed it as well. I did take an excursion alone and met a few nice people, you can shop, listen to the music in one of the lounges etc. My single 25 year old son had fun but was dissapointed few people showed up on singles night for the mixer. Again, we suspect this was the case due to it being a very family centric holiday cruise.

 

We certainly came home rested and relaxed and ready to plan our next cruise.

[sheilb4]

Thanks for the info...yes I suspect that there will be many families, but at least adults in my age group hopefully, from your experience...

I shall also go to the singles thing, I guess its late on the first night? like other ships....Did yuor son enjoy himself tho..I am told that the lounges, disco areas are a good place to have fun and talk to people...

I already arranged my tour online a few weeks ago.....and shall be doing the Dolphin interaction swim in Cozumel...can't wait! My dream....what a great way to start the New Year! I'll let you know how it all goes...

Any other tips/advise for me? I am a little anxious being alone....

[wspatton]

Thanks for the post! I will post my thoughts soon... I was on the same cruise.

 

Bill

[jwachs]

Just curious-what was your room number? We are leaving on the Inspiration on 1/17. We also have a suite. It would be interesting to see if we were in the same room whether the closet, ceiling, and shower head were fixed!

[travellady]

We were in U94. We did enjoy the spaciousness of the Cat 12 suite and I loved the balcony. I spent the last morning out there reading for about 2 hours until the rains really hit hard.

[jwachs]

Well, it will be interesting to see if our room has problems!

[angeldaisy03]

Single 25yr old son?? HMM... nice. Too bad I wasn't on that cruise too. Going on Inspiration in April.

[Dr. Hooper]

First: I hope that this isn’t out of order but I promised my son that I would post this:

My eleven year old son made a friend in the 9-12 year old CampCarnival that he would like to contact. He made a necklace for her with her name on it but she did not attend the camp farewell party and he was not able to get her email address. So if you know a Victoria who participated in CampCarnival on that cruise who would like to contact Casey please send me a message at gwhite41@msn.com.

Second:

I have written my review of Inspiration 12/20/04 (I loved it) and would like to file it under reviews of Inspriation with all those ratings but I cannot determine how to do it.

Thanks

[wspatton]

Second: I have written my review of Inspiration 12/20/04 (I loved it) and would like to file it under reviews of Inspriation with all those ratings but I cannot determine how to do it.

 

Try Starting at this link:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/index.cfm

 

Also post it here so we can see it.

 

We liked the 12/20 Inspiration cruise too, and I intend to post some thoughts soon.

 

Bill

[sheilb4]

Hurry up an post your review, comments......!! I leave on the Inspiration in 2 days!! So am anxious to hear how it was.

[wspatton]

First, Here are my pictures:

 

My Inspiration Pictures: Dec. 20-25, 2004

 

We were very pleasantly surprised with our Christmas Cruise. It was my wife, our Daughter (22) and Son (20), and me. Mary and I are both late 40's.

 

Mary & I had done a 7-day on the Golden Princess 6-months earlier, so our expectations were high. While we still prefer that cruise, I would not hesitate to recommend Carnival Inspiration to anyone except, perhaps, the most overly-discriminating people. Nice, Clean Ship, Nice Helpful Crew, met several very fun and friendly families.

 

We drove to Tampa on Monday and parked in the decks. That process was seamless. Getting on Board took no more than 30 minutes total. We boarded around 12:30.

 

High Points:

Cozumel: Paradise Beach, Chakanaab State Park, Carlos & Charlies, Margaritas at bar at pier.; Para-Sailing at Paradise Beach

 

Grand Cayman: Liquour Prices at Tortugas, English breakfast at English Bakery.

 

Ship Activities: Deck Party after Cozumel, Newlywed Game,

 

Ship: Staterooms (cat. 6B) were fine - Plenty of Storage and comfortable;

 

Food: Deli Sandwiches at Lido;

 

Crew: Pras from Indonesia (Drink Seller on Lido - THE Best - Find him if you can); Filipino Band in Avant Garde lounge (full drum solo from "Ina Gadda Da Vida" (sp.???)); Husband & Wife Team @ Piano Bar; CD Lenny; Maitre 'd George from Greece.

 

Not so High Points:

Cozumel: Persistent Vendors;

 

Grand Cayman: Capn Bryan's crew the day we were there; Short Duration of stay;

 

Ship Activities: Hairy Chest contest; smoky Casino;

 

Ship: No complaints, other than the oft-noted Purple worms decor of the Lido Buffet area; Generally the decor is Las Vegas over-stated as opposed to something a little more toned down. HOWEVER, I certainly would not let that get my panties all bunched up :) .

 

Food: No complaints... enjoyed it all. I never did feel, though, that the drinks were full strength. Again, don't let that worry you. There are plenty more where they came from. :D

 

Crew: Julia @ Lobby Bar (seemed distracted, distant)

 

Summary: A great cruise to introduce my kids to cruising and why Mary & I like it so much. I didn't overhear much conversation of people not enjoying themselves.

 

Hope this helps. PS: Most of the people on our cruise seemed to be dressed pretty casually, although I am pleased to say that the response to formal night was good! Formal night is the night after your first "Fun Day at Sea."

 

Bill

[racegrrl]

Thanks for taking the time to offer your comments! We are setting sail on the Inspiration NEXT WEEK!!! Can't wait! :)

[HockeyMom44]

We were on her in May. Had a wonderful time. I must admit I did like the Triumph a bit more. Just because it was larger.

Trudy

[Beth]

What is the Mexican cooking school excursion you di in Cozumel? Sounds interesting.

[fordslovetocruise]

I agree...stick to the newer ships. I did sail on the Imagination in March of 2003 and thought it was great and the customer service is the best then on any other ship I've sailed on. Besides that ship I would definitely sail on only the newer ships. Sailing on the Valor 3/13 and can't wait.