The Inspiration is a medium-size ship providing a medium-nice experience. Wonderful exceptions were the high-energy shows in the Paris lounge and a variety of activities at all times of the day. DH and I are 50+, taking our fifth Carnival cruise, no kids this time (it's before college Spring Breaks). We snuck away on this four-day just for a break. Driving from Orlando, we went from home to ship in just a couple of hours.

Embarkation was a breeze, with staff at every turn to direct us on toward the next staff member as lines were forming. DH dropped me and parked the car. I went through the line and had to let other people go ahead of me, because the line was shorter than the car-parking process! Very smooth.

Our room was ready when we arrived, ocean-view on Empress deck. After some people-watching we went to the lifejacket drill and then stayed in the Candlelight Lounge to watch the sailaway. It took almost two hours to navigate the channels and reach the open water just after a beautiful sunset. Read more