Wow, there was a cold snap in Tampa over Christmas and couldn't wait to be headed south! We boarded the Inspiration at 11:30 on Monday, Dec. 27 and lunch was already being served on the Lido Deck. We were in Tampa the previous night, so arrived at the dock earlier that if we had purchased airline tickets through Carnival.

Our stateroom was ready at 1:30 as promised. We were greeted immediately by our steward, Arnold, and were made to feel that if there was anything we needed, he was there to assist us. Dinners in the dining room were wonderful, we ate in the Mardi Gras dining room with "Your Time" option. That was far better than an assigned seating, at least for us. We were traveling with our son and daughter-in-law and "your time" accommodated our daily schedules. Our maitre'd was Yusef, and the best waiter in the world: Bonijan!!

One night we skipped the dining room in favor of the Brasserie on Lido Deck, which I regret. I preferred the dining room and the service we received there. Also, although it was stated that no beach flip-flops were allowed in the dining room, I was surprised to see that this was not enforced. Oh well.....The dining room was especially busy on New Year's Eve, but the waitstaff supplied us with horns and hats, which added to the festivities. The comedy show on New Year's Eve was good, albeit too short (30 minutes). Read more