Inspiration in 5 days -- embarkation advice

[smaxwell]

Hi everyone.

My family is trying out the Inspiration for our first Carnival cruise, departing this Monday, Oct. 18th out of Tampa.

We're familiar with board procedures on RCCL and Celebrity -- but were hoping for some advice for the best time to embark on this ship.

We don't necessarily need the earliest time. (We're Floridians and not far away.) We're mainly looking for the quickest, most hassle-free time, since we have two children.

All thoughts welcome ... about this or other tips from Inspiration veterans. :)

Thanks!

[jennmaybe]

When we went out on the Inspiration in 07, we arrived at the port at 11am and we were on the Lido deck at 11:30am waiting in the buffet line.

 

There were no lines at the port when we got there, so it took us all of 10 minutes to get checked in. Other than that, I don't know of any other hassle-free ways to get checked in any smoother.

 

Have a great cruise!!

[Soleil09]

We've gotten to the port of tampa around 11 and usually by 12 we were on board.

[copper6606]

Hi everyone.

My family is trying out the Inspiration for our first Carnival cruise, departing this Monday, Oct. 18th out of Tampa.

We're familiar with board procedures on RCCL and Celebrity -- but were hoping for some advice for the best time to embark on this ship.

We don't necessarily need the earliest time. (We're Floridians and not far away.) We're mainly looking for the quickest, most hassle-free time, since we have two children.

All thoughts welcome ... about this or other tips from Inspiration veterans. :)

Thanks!

 

We'll be on that sailing as well! I am taking my Mother - who has never cruised before!

I was wondering how the weather is/will be because of the Hurricane coming your way???

[desertskies]

I think when we went we were at the terminal by 11 and was on the lido deck eating lunch and ordering funship drinks by no later then 11:45.

[birdy]

DH and I went on Inspiration 5 years ago. We liked her so much we took the kids last Thanksgiving. Embarking was easy. Lots of people but the lines moved quickly. We did run into having to fill out H1N1 questionaires. Luckily I had a pen. You'll love the trip.

[smaxwell]

I was wondering how the weather is/will be because of the Hurricane coming your way???

 

Yes, there is a storm a'brewin. Early indications have Hurricane Paula around cuba - which could affect Grand Cayman. Probably not Cozumel for now though. It looks small(ish) ... for a hurricane anyway.

Suppose we'll know a lot more four days from now.

As long as the ship can find some sun - and the kids can use the waterslides - I'm sure we'll have a blast!

Looking forward to trying something new.

[copper6606]

We'll be there either way!LOL;)

Thanks for your response:D

[yogimax]

We'll be on Inspiration late next month. We usually arrive around 11-11:30

[smaxwell]

Hi everyone. We're going to leave for the port shortly, but wanted to say thanks before we do.

I think we'll shoot to do like several of you suggested - get there between 11 and 11:30.

The hurricane remnants have disappeared. Mostly sunny skies ahead.

Have a great week.