This is my favorite ship in the Carnival fleet. I have been sailing on the Carnival Imagination since the early 2000's and the ship never ceases to amaze me. I booked this cruise shortly after I returned from another cruise on the Destiny. I usually like cruising in mid to late October or November to avoid large family reunions and lots of kids. This is my solo time and really enjoy the quiet. I flew into Miami on the day of departure on a Monday from Atlanta and took the Carnival transfers. I was at the pier by 12:30. The check in process is one of the fastest in the cruising industry. I was onboard and in the buffet by a little after 1PM. For this cruise I carried on everything I needed. I did not have a problem with having my luggage with me while at the buffet. They opened the ship up about 3PM so you could get to your cabins. I chose the lowest catagory cabin 4A inside. I could not get the one I had last year, but this cabin was great. Empress deck aft. The best location for access to the Promenade and Lido Buffet area only a few decks up.

This cruise left on a Monday. I had never taken a cruise that left on a Monday and I really enjoyed that. Just knowing that everyone else was headed to work was a plus. The ship left a little behind schedule at about 4:30PM. The muster drill lasted a bit longer than normal. It was smooth sailing all the way to Key West.

The only bad thing about visits to Key West on a cruise is the short time that you have there. It would be nice if Carnival would extend the stay or get there the night before. You arrive by 7-8AM but the stores don't open until 10AM. I did enjoy just walking in the early morning around Key West before it got too crowded or hot. Mid October and it was over 80 before 10AM. I would suggest renting one of the beach cruiser bikes and just get out and explore. Being a very flat place, its easy to peddle around and just have fun. Read more