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This was my adult son's first cruise and my 5th - all on Carnival ships. Chose this 5 day cruise for the destinations - been to Playa del Carman and visited Xcaret on previous trip with husband, but wanted to see the Tulum ruins this time and still get some snorkeling in - so picked this itinerary. We really lucked out as the Inspiration, while a little smaller and older than the Spirit class ships, the cruise director, Skip Lyons (from Australia) & his staff really made life on board a blast compared to the other cruises that I have been on!
Room - I always pick a low, mid-ship room with a view for less movement and cost. Unfortunately, this cabin was beside a storage area so it was noisy most of the night. Finally left TV on easy going music to drown out noise. Other than that, room & bathroom were large as usual, plenty of storage, and had an excellent room steward named Alex who always left fun towel animals.
Dining - I chose "Your Time" dining and always had dinner in Mardi Gras dining room every night for the gourmet meals and to enjoy meeting other guests. Liked to eat there for breakfast, too for the better choices in juices and eggs, then took lunch at the buffet. Lobster & Tiger shrimp are served on Formal night - so don't miss it, but every night was good and their standard babyback ribs were large, tender and tasty. Service was fine at all tables and Matre'D from Greece was very friendly to all and even gave out the famus melting chocolate cake recipe on the last night! Lots of nice places in and around buffet to eat, also and don't forget the Serenity deck and eating area - just past and outside the Pizzeria - great view and nice & quiet.
Entertainment - Love & Marriage was funny as usual and since my son got picked for the talent show - it was very memorable, too. He actually participated in almost every contest he could fit in, i.e. ping-pong, bean bag toss, trivia, Karaoke, Black Jack, drink mixology, etc. Not hard to do - just get there early, sign up and have fun! The musicals, comedian and juggling shows were all top quality, great entertainment and always packed - so go early, but don't save more than one extra seat please!
Embarkation was a bit long as we got there right at 1:00, but Debarkation, and visiting ports of call were all very quick and easy. Got off ship by 9:30 after sleeping in late and eating in dining room (our number was 22) and got back to Tampa airport in plenty of time for 12:30 flight. October was great time to go - heard there were 400 kids on board, but didn't see many. Weather and water were both warm and not too hot. Really enjoyed cruise and if Skip is still there next fall - will definitely go back to see more sights in Western Caribbean on the Inspiration!
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