DH and I just returned home last night from our 5 night trip aboard the newly refurbished Carnival Inspiration. I will try to give a balanced and thorough review of our trip including our pre cruise stay in Tampa. As for our background, I am 40 and this was my 7th Carnival cruise. DH is 31 and this was his 5th Carnival cruise. We are probably a little too loyal to Carnival and have therefore not traveled on another line yet. After we reach Platinum, we will begin to branch out to other lines just to broaden our horizons.

We left Tennessee last Friday at noon drove to Tampa, arriving around 11:00 pm. We had reservations at the Chase Suites due to the reviews we had read on the Gulf Coast Departure board. We were not disappointed. Check in was smooth and we were given keys to our room. We had requested a water front room, preferably on the second floor but were given a first floor room. Once we arrived we realized that it was a blessing since there were only 2 floors so no elevators. To reach our room we walked along a walkway that was right on the water. It reminded me of the movie Sleepless in Seattle. The room was room 801 and cost us $119.00 per night. It was a one bedroom studio with a kitchenette and was quite comfortable. The views were breathtaking and set the mood for a great vacation. The staff was friendly and helpful and the upgraded continental breakfast was perfect for us. We used the pool and hot tub and both were nice.

We spent Saturday driving to Clearwater beach, St Pete, Ybor City, and Channelside. There was plenty to do and see to keep us entertained. We took pictures of the Skyway Bridge that we would be sailing under and it added to our excitement. On Sunday, we returned to Channelside and enjoyed lunch at Bennigan's right at the port. The Carnival Legend was boarding and we had a great view of the Pumpkin Dance, also known as the Muster Drill! It was so exciting to sit and watch the passengers get ready for their sailaway and again increased our excitement to almost unbearable levels! We had the pleasure of talking to a couple of the embarkation employees that were eating once their shifts had ended. They may as well have been rock stars once we saw their Carnival badges. Just as the Legend pulled from the dock, a streak of lightening broke through the clouds and it began to pour. I somehow doubt that it dampened the spirits of the Legend cruisers. We began making our way to the car and drove back out to the Skyway Bridge and settled in to wait for the Legend. It was a great site to see her make her way under the bridge and to know that it would soon be our turn. Back to the room to pack for the next morning's festivities! Read more