Carnival Imagination Questions

[agc291]

We are looking to book the 4 day Imagination April 30 that goes to Key West and Cozumel. We just did this itinerary over Thanksgiving on the Destiny so I do not have any questions regarding that or the POM. However we have only been on the Victory & Destiny so this lay out is much different.

 

We love the "secret deck" area but I do not see any access to that type of area on deck plans... is there no such area on this class of ship?

 

Also, I notice on the deck plans that the decks start at deck 4? Why is this? Are decks 1-3 for crew only or something? Do you like the layout of all the rooms being on middle decks and then all the activities/ dining/ shops being higher?

 

As for as docking in Key West, the schedule has us listed at the Outer Mole, although there are no other ships listed in port for this day. Is it possible for the schedule to change and for the ship to dock at Mallory Square? I really hope so because docking at the Naval Pier was a pain in the tushy for a million different reasons- mostly the line back to get a trolley to the ship was horrendous.

 

Is the Sushi area built in to this class of ship or is it a cart like on the Destiny and Victory?

 

I have seen very little reviews regarding this ship so I am hoping someone or a couple of someones can help me with my search before we decide to book the cruise. Any other tips or reviews on this ship would be greatly appreciated.

[laumicmah]

I have been on the Fascination and Sensation...also Fantasy class...and they are my fave ships so far. I love the layout. The buffet layout is the best...just one big open room with 2 buffet lines and a seperate salad bar as well as 2 seperate dessert bars. The pizza and deli counter is in the back of the room with a bar attached. The Wok and grill are outside the buffet (near the pool). This class ship is easy to navigate and it doesn't get as crowded as the Conquest class (and probably Triumph class). I do not know where or if there is a secret deck. Sushi is a counter, not a cart, near the casino...or it was on the Fasc and Sens.

[elcuchio24]

Sushi was a cart near the prom and photo area. It was open every night except for formal night. We docked at Mallory, but not sure if that is what always happens on this itin or not. We liked the layout of the ship. Waterworks was a blast. Serenity was nice. Have fun!:)

[spacepotatoes]

Answers are in red...

 

We love the "secret deck" area but I do not see any access to that type of area on deck plans... is there no such area on this class of ship?

 

I'm not sure, we didn't find one but I'm not sure what to have looked for.

 

Also, I notice on the deck plans that the decks start at deck 4? Why is this? Are decks 1-3 for crew only or something? Do you like the layout of all the rooms being on middle decks and then all the activities/ dining/ shops being higher?

 

Yes, 1-3 are crew decks. The gangway and medical centre are on deck 3. We really liked the layout.

 

As for as docking in Key West, the schedule has us listed at the Outer Mole, although there are no other ships listed in port for this day. Is it possible for the schedule to change and for the ship to dock at Mallory Square? I really hope so because docking at the Naval Pier was a pain in the tushy for a million different reasons- mostly the line back to get a trolley to the ship was horrendous.

 

We docked at the Navy Yard at the beginning of the month. The trolley lines really weren't that bad, they moved quickly.

 

Is the Sushi area built in to this class of ship or is it a cart like on the Destiny and Victory?

 

It's on a cart on the Promenade.

 

I have seen very little reviews regarding this ship so I am hoping someone or a couple of someones can help me with my search before we decide to book the cruise. Any other tips or reviews on this ship would be greatly appreciated.

 

My review is linked in my signature. Tweetylori also did this cruise very recently a posted a fun review with photos here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1557659

 

 

Hope that helps!

[mmpassionflies]

Answers are in red...

 

 

 

Hope that helps!

 

spacepotatoes - Did you, by chance, save your fun times? If you did, could you send them to my email address? mmpassionflies@gmail.com

 

Thanks!

[agc291]

All very helpful. Thank you very much! This cruise works best for the price and the time ( we happen to be in Florida looking for places. I cant wait to live near a cruise port!!!) So this cruise it will be. Thanks again!

[elcuchio24]

Don't forget the farewell party on the last night at sea:)

[csunshine860]

We are looking to book the 4 day Imagination April 30 that goes to Key West and Cozumel. We just did this itinerary over Thanksgiving on the Destiny so I do not have any questions regarding that or the POM. However we have only been on the Victory & Destiny so this lay out is much different.

 

We love the "secret deck" area but I do not see any access to that type of area on deck plans... is there no such area on this class of ship?

 

Also, I notice on the deck plans that the decks start at deck 4? Why is this? Are decks 1-3 for crew only or something? Do you like the layout of all the rooms being on middle decks and then all the activities/ dining/ shops being higher?

 

As for as docking in Key West, the schedule has us listed at the Outer Mole, although there are no other ships listed in port for this day. Is it possible for the schedule to change and for the ship to dock at Mallory Square? I really hope so because docking at the Naval Pier was a pain in the tushy for a million different reasons- mostly the line back to get a trolley to the ship was horrendous.

 

Is the Sushi area built in to this class of ship or is it a cart like on the Destiny and Victory?

 

I have seen very little reviews regarding this ship so I am hoping someone or a couple of someones can help me with my search before we decide to book the cruise. Any other tips or reviews on this ship would be greatly appreciated.

 

If your secret deck is the serenity deck all one has to do go through the buffet area, passed the pizza station (at the back on right hand side) There are some stairs. Take those down one flight. Word for the wise.....Just be careful during embarkation day, some of the birds may love you as there are tables above that some people just seem to leave food on them and disappear before they are picked up by crew.

[spacepotatoes]

spacepotatoes - Did you, by chance, save your fun times? If you did, could you send them to my email address? mmpassionflies@gmail.com

 

Thanks!

 

I do still have the Fun Times, though I hadn't originally planned to scan or photograph them. Not sure if time will permit but I can see if I get a chance over the weekend. Is there anything specific you wanted to see?

[agc291]

If your secret deck is the serenity deck all one has to do go through the buffet area, passed the pizza station (at the back on right hand side) There are some stairs. Take those down one flight. Word for the wise.....Just be careful during embarkation day, some of the birds may love you as there are tables above that some people just seem to leave food on them and disappear before they are picked up by crew.

 

 

The "secret deck" I am refering to is at the front of the ship not the serenity area. Although we are looking forward to the serenity area on the Imagination ( Victory had it, Destiny did not) so thank you for the bird tip!!

[mmpassionflies]

I do still have the Fun Times, though I hadn't originally planned to scan or photograph them. Not sure if time will permit but I can see if I get a chance over the weekend. Is there anything specific you wanted to see?

 

 

No, nothing too specific. We just have 3 teenagers and 2 pre-teens going on a cruise for the first time and we would like to try to coordinate things ahead of time. Don't go to any trouble, but if you have a chance, I would appreciate it!

 

Thanks!

[LandlockedCruiser01]

We are looking to book the 4 day Imagination April 30 that goes to Key West and Cozumel.

...

Also, I notice on the deck plans that the decks start at deck 4? Why is this? Are decks 1-3 for crew only or something? Do you like the layout of all the rooms being on middle decks and then all the activities/ dining/ shops being higher?

..

Is the Sushi area built in to this class of ship or is it a cart like on the Destiny and Victory?

...

I have seen very little reviews regarding this ship so I am hoping someone or a couple of someones can help me with my search before we decide to book the cruise. Any other tips or reviews on this ship would be greatly appreciated.

I'm actually going on the same sailing, and it'll be my first cruise ever. Definitely looking forward to it, and possibly want to organize a group for shore excusions. On that note, Imagination appears to be a very nice ship, altough its reviews a bit polarized. Most people say it's great or good, but a sizeable number of people find things wrong with it.

 

Passenger decks only go as low as 4 (Riviera). Decks 3 and lower are crew quarters, at or below the waterline. In fact, you might like this site: www,cruisedeckplans,com (change commas to dots; this site blocks web addresses). It shows detailed maps of everything. I use it to study the ship, so I don't waste time looking for places when I sail.

 

The sushi bar resembles a vendor booth found in shopping malls. You can see a photo here: www,beyondships,com/CarnivalImagination-Tour-5,html. (notice the commas)

[ATL2LAS]

We are looking to book the 4 day Imagination April 30 that goes to Key West and Cozumel. We just did this itinerary over Thanksgiving on the Destiny so I do not have any questions regarding that or the POM. However we have only been on the Victory & Destiny so this lay out is much different.

 

We love the "secret deck" area but I do not see any access to that type of area on deck plans... is there no such area on this class of ship? There is, but its in a crew area that is restricted. All the way forward on Deck 5

Also, I notice on the deck plans that the decks start at deck 4? Why is this? Are decks 1-3 for crew only or something? Do you like the layout of all the rooms being on middle decks and then all the activities/ dining/ shops being higher? Its actually a great setup. Its easy to walk the legnth of the ship on the passenger decks. When you get off the ship in KW and Coz, you go to deck 1 forward to get off the ship.

 

As for as docking in Key West, the schedule has us listed at the Outer Mole, although there are no other ships listed in port for this day. Is it possible for the schedule to change and for the ship to dock at Mallory Square? I really hope so because docking at the Naval Pier was a pain in the tushy for a million different reasons- mostly the line back to get a trolley to the ship was horrendous. For some reason, the Imagination gets stuck out there on this run. Once every few cruises you will get to dock at Mallory Square. If that is important to you, go to the Key West cvb website and it will tell you what ships are berthed where.

 

Is the Sushi area built in to this class of ship or is it a cart like on the Destiny and Victory? Its on a cart outside the casino on the Promenade deck.

 

I have seen very little reviews regarding this ship so I am hoping someone or a couple of someones can help me with my search before we decide to book the cruise. Any other tips or reviews on this ship would be greatly appreciated.

I love this ship as it was my first. I have been on her 6 times and did it before and after the Evolutions of Fun upgrades. You will have a great time. The ship is well maintained, the crew is great and friendly. Just big enough to find quiet nooks but large enough to get a great workout. Best location for your cabin is Empress Deck aft. 2 decks below the Lido up the back stairs:D

[spacepotatoes]

Ah, I think get what the secret deck is that you're all talking about! If it's that space at the hull of the ship, then yes, the Imagination has one. It's the area where the crew hang out. There is a way for passengers to get there - book the Behind the Fun tour and it's one of the places you visit ;):)

[agc291]

This is a picture of me on the "secret deck" up on the front.

 

 

Thanks for all the replies and links, all are very helpful. I am running the show for my group so I am trying to make sure I know everything I can.

[Colorado Kat]

I did this same cruise in Oct.

 

Yes, there is a small deck in front, under the bridge area. Quiet. Very windy at night, but best place for star-gazing.

 

We also docked at the Navy Pier. I came back just a bit earlier than most, and had absolutely no wait for a trolley.

[LandlockedCruiser01]

Is that deck open to the public (at least just those who know the secret), or are you absolutely required to book the Behind the Fun tour to get there? Standing right the bow of the ship would be incredible, even though open ocean looks the same no matter which side of the ship you look from.

[Colorado Kat]

Anyone can go up there, you just have to find the right door.

 

Often, it is a pair of airlock doors, to the sides, right at the front of the ship.

 

I love to explore the ships I travel on, and look at the ship diagrams near the elevators, looking for "blank" areas to explore.

[agc291]

Colorado Kat has it right... if you take a peek at the deck plans you can look for an area at the front of the ship usually on either end of the hallway of last rooms. You go through two doors and they usually have a sign about high winds.

[Colorado Kat]

We went to the front area on our last cruise. Very windy. Coming back in, I was coming thru the outside airlock door when the inside one was opened. That outside door was ripped from my hands, and I was so worried that it caught the feet of the woman in front of me. Luckily, nobody hurt, but there was no way I could have held onto that door. Just differences in air pressure.

[agc291]

We went to the front area on our last cruise. Very windy. Coming back in, I was coming thru the outside airlock door when the inside one was opened. That outside door was ripped from my hands, and I was so worried that it caught the feet of the woman in front of me. Luckily, nobody hurt, but there was no way I could have held onto that door. Just differences in air pressure.

 

 

YES!! They are sometime very difficult to open, it is pretty dangerous. I just love how quiet it is up there, especially a sea day, it is gorgeous!

[anjoliza]

There are NO Secret Decks on Fantasy Class Ships-the only deck you can go to that will get you to the front of the ship is the Verandah Deck (11) on top of the Bridge.

I love those decks on the Conquest Class and the Dream - I would always hang out there.

[AmandaKaye79]

I'm looking for the Imagination funtimes for 4 night key west, cozumel. Does anyone have them that would post them? Or email them to me?