Carnival Inspiration Atmosphere

[dontpanik]

Hello All. This December we're taking our first Carnival Cruise (we were supposed to go on one last year but both my DH and I got laid off, economy, etc...) and we were wondering about the atmosphere on the ship. I know with a short cruise it may as well be a booze cruise, but I am curious about a 5 night from Tampa. My DH and I are NOT partiers and were curious if the atmosphere is a little more...grown up on the semi-longer cruise. We chose this one because of the ports of call (done the Bahamas to death). Please let me know about your experiences :p

[ragen]

From my experince when you sail from tampa the crowd always skews slightly older,......They like the Casino and Bingo and a few drinks, but overall a much more middle aged to older folks type of Cruise. There will be some younger folks on Honeymoon cruises and such, but thay will be the minority and not the majority.

 

It'll be a fun, yet more laid back relaxing type of cruise. and nothing at all like a Spring Break kinda short cruise thing at all.

 

You'll be just fine if it's early December.

However if you're cruise is over Christmas & New Years week, Then all this could change and be a bit younger and wilder.

[paper1122]

We took that cruise last year, a LOT of older people, the clubs never really got going. Overall all it was very relaxing. There was a group from the red Hat society, party animals they were not.

There was one guy who liked his bud light so much he had a formal night picture taken with one...

[SkyMaster]

"Inspiration" is a GREAT cruise, and I have no doubt that you'll truly enjoy it! The 5 day, out of Tampa, is especially nice, and as noted above, does not usually have a party crowd aboard. It's far more "laid back", and easy going. The passengers, out of Tampa, are usually a bit older than the folks who commonly sail out of Miami, or Ft. Lauderdale, but they still know how to have fun. If you're sailing over or near Christmas, then there will be lots more children, but once again, not enough to spoil your cruise.

 

"SKY"

 

P.S. "Inspiration" had the new "Serenity Deck" installed last year, and it it really, really nice! Adults only, and cushioned loungers, etc.!

[Lady_Jag]

Hi!

I just got back from the 5-day Inspiration cruise two days ago and had a great time. It was Easter break, so there were a lot of kids (mainly teens) on board, but I never noticed a "party" atmosphere.

 

We went with a large group (16 in all), and the majority of our group were anti-drinkers and anti-gamblers, yet everyone had a wonderful time. Don't sweat it - you won't be forced to party hardy, nor will you be in the minority if you choose to make it just a relaxing, booze-free vacation. Enjoy!

[dontpanik]

YAY!! Thank yopu for your responses. I don't think I could handle a 5 night frat party -<-. We're actually taking the December 4th cruise so those are usually devoid of school age children. I was more worried about the college age and "adults" who think a vacation is just one big long day at the bar.

[cjackso8]

We had a great time on this cruise (it was our first) That being said, we began refering to it as the geriatric ward of cruising as there were SO MANY old people on the ship. I think my fiance and I were the youngest by at least 10 years! (exaggeration, but yes lots of oldies)

[monkeyates]

Sailed on the Inspiration last fall. The DW and I noticed a far more relaxed atmosphere than our last cruise. Could be the fact that we left out of Tampa which would explain the older (pack and go) crowd. Also, we believe that the disposable income (party) crowd is gone due to current economic conditions. It did not matter one bit to us since we are off in our own little world when we are on ship. Enjoy!

[beach410]

I have been on 3/4 day cruises as well, even over spring break, but elementary/middle schools break and have never encountered the booz cruise atmosphere. Sure there are usually a group of younger partiers somewhere on the ship, but they werent running rampant.

[Bostonguy2010]

While this is technically going to be only my third cruise, I can't help but notice the condescending overtone used on these boards towards those who like to drink.

 

I realize I am only 25 and of the age that likes to indulge in several cocktails (sometimes too many) and probably get a bad rap due to those "bad apples" but come on. Is the Inspiration a ship that is more or less geared towards those who like to have a different, quieter fun? (A legit question, sorry if it seems like I'm being a jerk...stupid internet) or is it a mix?

[dontpanik]

Bostonguy2010, I can only speak for myself here, but the social drinkers aren't really the people I am referring to. For the same reason I avoid Daytona Beach at Spring Break times, I avoid cruises full of drunken partiers. To me, its not condescending, its just not the kind of atmosphere many of us enjoy. It's very difficult to relax by the pool when people are drunk, yelling and being overly vulgar. Again, to each their own, but that's why I try to do some research before boarding.

[paper1122]

There is a difference between drinking and sloppy, loud drunk. I am 27 and enjoy the mix on the Carnival ships, it is not a Frat party, but it is also not a bridge game.

[Bostonguy2010]

There is a difference between drinking and sloppy, loud drunk. I am 27 and enjoy the mix on the Carnival ships, it is not a Frat party, but it is also not a bridge game.

 

 

bahahahaha a bridge game...I love it.

 

Welp it's good to know that the Inspiration seems like a mix...? of people. Great for people watching I'd say