This was my second cruise, the first one also being with Carnival on the Fascination. I went with my brother on this cruise.

We drove to Tampa from Orlando, arrived at ChannelSide, found the terminal and parking garage by about 12:45, and were on the ship by 1:00. The process couldn't have been any easier or quicker. The Port of Tampa / Channel side is a really nice area with a shopping center, movie theater, and Florida Aquarium right there, and hotels just blocks away. My first time in that area and it all looks to be relatively new.

Our Cabin was on the Verandah deck. There are only a few interior cabins on the Verandah deck, and the rest were suites. This turned out to be perfect. On the Inspiration (as well as the other Fantasy class ships in Carnival's fleet) the verandah deck gives you close access to a deck above the bridge, as well as puts you on the same deck as all the deck chairs and rear pool. Other than sailing away, there was almost never anyone on the deck above the bridge which meant I kinda had my own private giant balcony when I went out there. Read more