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From time to time, my family has traveled with another family (the two moms work together). We took Carnival Imagination, which is near by and for 3 nights with an early saver program, was very inexpensive treat for family travel (under $1,000 per family including tax and tips).
To save on parking, we left one car with a local family member and the 9 of us huddled Keystone Cop like to the Port of Miami in my minivan. Parking is $20 a day, but the lot is in a garage, and it is the full day (so a three night cruise is $30). It was close to the terminal, and with rolling luggage, very easy to bring right up.
Our ocean view stateroom was small, but with 3 closets, plenty of drawers and under bed space. We had more than enough room for 4 in the stateroom, with the natural light of a window making it feel more open. There were two pull out beds that my boys (ages 12 and 15) enjoyed. Showers were larger than I remembered on other ships. The other family, a group of 5, had the same layout, but they put a cot below one bunk (the other bunk is above the headboard - - reminds me of college dorms).
Carnival Imagination is not an old ship, and since it was recently refurbished, I thought it looked pretty good, but would have been just a little better if it had a small basketball court (there was some empty space devoted to sunning). Given that is was Halloween week-end, it was truly a party ship, and I wish they gave info for what costumes to bring (there were some really raucous ones - it was great) or special activities for that cruise. The cruisers were varied, with a few folks informing us they won it through a contest or timeshare presentation. Lots of large groups.
My kids thought they did not cater to teens as well, since they do not drink and feel to old to do the kid clubs. They found the bartender (they called him Serbia - his point of origin) entertaining, as they watched the World Series together. What is amazing is that with so many people, if you did not follow the 20 somethings partying, the ship was fairly quiet and uncrowded. Once near the party-ers, it became a mob scene.
Dining was limited compared to other ships, but service was excellent (except bar service in the dining room - - given how many servers were poolside, they should move a few into the dining room).
We registered the kids in the kids clubs, but they hardly went. What a pleasant surprise was that with registration, they gave a good packet of information tailored for each age group, and a registration gift for each age (two types of back packs -- we used them for our day in Nassau and will use them for a long time). With kids you learn about other services, such as security and maintenance (both long stories, but very professional, helpful and efficient).
Entertainment - Aside from some very amusing passengers, the organized talent was fairly good. It ranged from a comedian telling clean jokes (later version was adults only) to a new show, and an oldie but goodie (Coming to America - which I saw on a previous cruise). The Coming to America show came with a warning that there would be showgirl outfits. They were fairly benign, but ironic since the Lido interior deck is full of Sphinx statutes with full blown naked chests and nipples. Most of the dancers had eastern European names, and some (the males) were vigorously dancing country and western (enough to make me start a fit of giggling a few times), thinking that the country musicians would be startled at their version of their songs.
We had fun in Nassau, just doing the day (the ship did not leave until the next morning, but we were wiped). We started off at the Pirates Museum. There was absolutely no information about it when we got a map on land. Have the guide take you to explain the exhibits - - its amazing what they tell you. We had a real ham, dressed as a pirate, that made my reluctant teens get really into it. The price ($12 for adults and $6 for under age 18) makes it worthwhile, and we spent longer than I thought we would. In the afternoon, Pauline from the wharf's front desk helped us get a snorkeling tour for $40 pp - - it turned out we went out just as our family on a private charter (the friend decided to book a catamaran trip at about $60 pp because the cruise makes you think you will run out of space). Basil our captain was very kind, and I enjoyed talking to him when I was pruned out but the boys stayed at the reef. I have been snorkeling in a few countries, and i would say that this was the most colorful and diverse. I don't know if it is the Bahamas or that we are in La Nina and the weather has been so dry there is no turbidity to the water.
Disembarkation - All I can say is to pack lightly and leave during the "self assist" portion. It went very smooth, which was a surprise with 9 people. The cruise lines do not talk about "self assist" which means you carry your luggage yourself instead of waiting for your departure time. Probably it would be a mob scene.
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