Carnival Inspiration Review

Funtime in Cayman Islands X 2

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Inspiration
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lottakidz3
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Jun 2009
Traveled with children

This is our third cruise with Carnival Cruise Line.First on the Inspiration.We sailed out of Tampa on June 15,2009.We got on boat quite smoothly.We went straight to our cabin to check it out.We knew it was going to be small and it was.Then off the Lido deck for burgers.Then we had our safety drill.The drill lasted quite awhile(I don't even want think about it being a real crisi).We had an inside cabin with 5 people.In the past we have all had only one cabin.It had 2 beds together and 2 bunk beds.A rollerway was offered but refused due to we wouldn't have had any  floor space at all.(Thank goodness we aren't big people).The cabin was tiny for all of us.Of course that is our fault we didn't book two cabins.We wanted 2 cabins but were late booking and there was no 2 cabins near or on same deck.The bathroom smelled even after cleaning.I swore if I went by a store I was going to buy a can of Lysol.Never did.I used perfume to cover smell.Our cabin was quiet except when porting it made the vibration noise.We were in E247 AFT.We had easy access to dining area which was right above us.I was more comfortable for the kids to run up stairs to eat instead of all the way across the ship.The faucets in shower got too hot and was hard to control temp.So my youngest daughter used cold water,which was luke warm.There were 2 dispensers in shower stall one for shampoo and other for bodywash.Neither was labeled.I used my own.The temperature of our cabin was comfortable. Monday - We hung out in our cabin and the kids were attached to the dining room.They took adavntage of all the ice cream and pizza!Tuesday we laid out in sun and the kids played on water slide.We had formal dining night.Cruise passengers were very casual.I have seen others on formal nights on other ships all elegant.I didn't mind casual though.We were im Madi Gras dining room table 179.Our table was for a party of 10.We chose this table to meet other people.Our dinner was nice we had lobster and for dessert we had the chocolate melting cake which was to die for! Our waiter was quiet and seemed tired.That was okay though.I can't imagine doing his job over and over for months without a break.His assisant whom was from Haiti was pleasant and smiling.Very friendly! Then off to the Welcome Aboard show.Very crowded.There was no seats.Passengers were saving seats while there remaining party was out having a good time.I really think Carnival should at least put an effort to announce that there should be no saving seats.There is only one pool and was always crowded.The water slide lines seemed to move along nicely.They have I think 3 hot tubs.There is a Serenity Deck in back of ship where kids are not allowed.It played soothing music.People seemed to enjoy it.It just wasn't for us.I enjoyed hearing the reggae band on the Lido deck.First day in Cayman Islands we went to Beachswain Beach Turlte Farm.We went on our own via taxi instead of booking through Carnival.They charge a fortune to book a excursion. We caught the public taxi for $2 a person(Taxis are higher).Of course on the bus the driver picks up and lets passengers off along the way.Which didn't take that long.The admission was expensive $45 adult and $30 for children.You had an option to buy whole park or pay a smaller fee to just feed the turtles.We bought the whole park.I figured we probably won't ever go there again and what the heck! I am so glad we paid for whole park.They have snorkeling and with gear provided.They have shark feeding, a bird santuary where you can feed the birds, a nature trail and an awesome lagoon style pool with a waterfall.They have plenty of lifeguards surrounding the pool and snorkleing area.This is a must if you like turtles.They had tanks everywhere and you could pick them up.They ranged from small to medium ones to hold.We bought some food and fed the turtles.They love to eat.This place most of all is CLEAN! There was no smells or litter anywhere.They have a bar and grill that has the best conch fritters.Quite pricey for 5 though.It was worth it.This place had a nice gift shop too!I highly recommend this excursion.Second day back to Cayman islands we went to beach via public bus.We got out at Calico Jacks.They have a bar, showers and restrooms right there.They also have food and hair braiding. Also rentals were available for water sports.We played in water and headed back to Georgetown to shop.We went to theTortuga shop and sampled all of the cakes.We could not decide which one was our favorite so we got the variety pack.They have the best meat pies there too! We were too late to purchase rum.It had to be bought 1 hour before ship sails(The ship didn't have any Tortuga rum onboard.There selection wasn't great.I think maybe because the Mexico stop was suspended due to the Swine Flu.There was no Cruzan rum either).We went to Margaritaville and let the kids go down there water slide a few times.I felt bad not eating there and letting the kids do the slide.The Carnival Inspiration music is from disco times.The shows are good! Just remember grab a seat before there is none.Overall this cruise was better than expected to be after reading the reviews there weren't many +'s about the inspiration.The passengers appeared to be with other family members.Didn't see alot of drunk people as noted in other reviews.It's June and school's out and the kids I saw seemed well behaved or either at a Carnival activity.I guess if you go during March you run the risk of being with a bunch of Spring Breakers.Of Course that's there time to party.Hope this helps.

Cabin Review

We had an inside cabin with 5 people.In the past we have all had only one cabin.It had 2 beds together and 2 bunk beds.A rollerway was offered but refused due to we wouldn't have had any  floor space at all.(Thank goodness we aren't big people).The cabin was tiny for all of us.Of course that is our fault we didn't book two cabins.We wanted 2 cabins but were late booking and there was no 2 cabins near or on same deck.The bathroom smelled even after cleaning.I swore if I went by a store I was going to buy a can of Lysol.Never did.I used perfume to cover smell.Our cabin was quiet except when porting it made the vibration noise.We were in E247 AFT.We had easy access to dining area which was right above us.I was more comfortable for the kids to run up stairs to eat instead of all the way across the ship.The faucets in shower got too hot and was hard to control temp.So my youngest daughter used cold water,which was luke warm.There were 2 dispensers in shower stall one for shampoo and other for bodywash.Neither was labeled.I used my own.The temperature of our cabin was comfortable.

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