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What should we not miss on Inspiration?

rosestar2013

By rosestar2013,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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rosestar2013

rosestar2013

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We are going on the Inspiration in February. We have been on a cruise before (RCCL Mariner) I had an account on here when we were building up to that one but I couldn't remember the log in info so I am on a new account. I remember getting lots of tips on here before that trip. What the best things on the room service menu were and the best activities stuff like that.

 

So what should we not miss on Inspiration? What venues have a surcharge? For some reason I keep getting confused as to which venues and services are on which ships. Any help would be appreciated.

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afrayedknot

afrayedknot

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We are going on the Inspiration in February. We have been on a cruise before (RCCL Mariner) I had an account on here when we were building up to that one but I couldn't remember the log in info so I am on a new account. I remember getting lots of tips on here before that trip. What the best things on the room service menu were and the best activities stuff like that.

 

So what should we not miss on Inspiration? What venues have a surcharge? For some reason I keep getting confused as to which venues and services are on which ships. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Yes, on the Carnival site if you look at Inspiration dining options you get photos of venues not on the Inspiration. Confusing, indeed. :confused:

TG for CC reviews..

 

Pam

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Spaniel Lover

Spaniel Lover

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This web page may be helpful to the original poster:

http://www.zimfamilycockers.com/CarnivalInspiration.html

It's a review I wrote about my cruise on the Carnival Inspiration. There are a lot of pictures, and I also spent some time talking about the advantages that these Fantasy-class ships have over some of the larger ships in Carnival's fleet. Here's one of the pictures I share on that page, just to give you a little taste...

 

CarnivalInspiration-Ensenada.jpg

 

To specifically answer the question about what not to miss... I would say two things: the Serenity Retreat at the back of the ship, and the comedy club. Since the OP's only previous cruise was on RCCL, I think they will find these two features of the Carnival Inspiration to be especially nice.

 

The Serenity Retreat is an especially nice feature. On a lot of Carnival ships, this is located up on top of the ship, at the front. That can be a very windy location. On the Carnival Inspiration, it's at the back of the ship, and set down a deck or two. Very wind protected. There are two Jacuzzis back there. It's a great place to relax.

 

Regarding venues that have an upcharge... I can't think of a single one on the Carnival Inspiration. As it is one of the oldest ships in Carnival's fleet, there are no specialty restaurants onboard. There's a spa and beauty salon... so you'd be charged if you wanted a massage, for example. The main things you'll pay extra for would be shore excursions, Internet access, purchases from the gift shop, and your bar tab. Things like pizza, hamburgers, and even room service are all included in your cruise fare.

 

Have fun!

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AQW

AQW

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Regarding venues that have an upcharge... I can't think of a single one on the Carnival Inspiration.

 

Is there no steakhouse on Inspiration? I've sailed her many times but I'm not a steakhouse person, so I never noticed one way or the other. Other than that, the only food I can think of that you pay extra for is treats from the specialty cafe/coffee shop, or candy you buy from the candy store.

 

Definitely don't miss the Mongolian Wok - best food on the ship, IMO. It's outside near the Lido pool and will be open for lunch only, generally around noon-2:30pm. Made-to-order omelettes every morning are also very tasty.

 

Lots of fun activities on board; the Fun Times newsletter they leave in your cabin each night will have a complete list so be sure to look through it and find things that interest you! We love all the various trivia during the day, and karaoke at night (especially "Superstar Live" which is essentially karaoke backed by a live band).

 

Not sure if Jeff Bronson will still be your CD by then; we sailed Inspiration a couple of weeks ago and had him. He's okay - not bad, but nothing special.

 

Check in if there are any specific questions you have; there are tons of us on this forum who have sailed Inspiration. :)

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AQW

AQW

Posted
Posted (edited)
The poster had just said, in the post you quoted, that there are no upcharge venues.

 

Yes, and I was surprised by that, which I why I posted the follow-up to specifically ask about the steakhouse. :rolleyes:

 

ETA: A quick forum search indicates there is no steakhouse on the Inspiration... guess that explains why I never saw one!

Edited by AQW
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arush5268d

arush5268d

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Yes, and I was surprised by that, which I why I posted the follow-up to specifically ask about the steakhouse. :rolleyes:

 

ETA: A quick forum search indicates there is no steakhouse on the Inspiration... guess that explains why I never saw one!

 

Were you surprised by that or something? A quick search would have confirmed that the poster was correct.

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rosestar2013

rosestar2013

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I'm sorry, didn't mean to be opaque.

Looks like you got some nice responses...

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Pam

You were fine I can be kinda dense :)

This web page may be helpful to the original poster:

http://www.zimfamilycockers.com/CarnivalInspiration.html

It's a review I wrote about my cruise on the Carnival Inspiration.

 

Have fun!

Wow nice review. Helped alot.

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Steamboat Holly

Steamboat Holly

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I disagree...and in 5 days when I board her for the 5th time, I'm gonna see 2.0 and more after she gets out of dry dock. Excited!

 

What will 2.0 add? We sailed her in May, and we may take the kids in February. It was our first cruise and we thought everything was so fun and amazing. It was the most stress free vacation we have ever had! It'll be neat to be on the same ship and have some new things to discover.

 

OP, After dinner every night we would walk as far forward as we could and watch the ocean. Also, the comedy shows were really fun but you might want to get there early. It fills up really fast. Have a great time!

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Spaniel Lover

Spaniel Lover

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SoCalKJ... what kind of 2.0 stuff are you expecting to see?

 

As far as I know, there are no plans to add things like Guy's Burger Joint, The Red Frog Rum Bar, The BlueIguana Cantina, EA Sports Bar, etc. to any of the Fantasy-class ships any time soon.

 

It's possible that you may see Hasbro The Game Show and a DJ trained by DJ IRIE... but I would not hold your breath for much more than that.

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afrayedknot

afrayedknot

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I disagree...and in 5 days when I board her for the 5th time, I'm gonna see 2.0 and more after she gets out of dry dock. Excited!

 

I was on her in October, before she went to DD and will sail on her next month.

 

Am glad she's been cared for.

 

I prefer the smaller ships.

 

No complaints on my part!!

 

Pam

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afrayedknot

afrayedknot

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Try the Breeze and you wont even think of that old ship.

 

Really?

 

The OP asked what to not miss on the INSPIRATION, which she's booked a cruise on.

 

FYI- have been on quite a number of ships on other lines, as well and do prefer the smaller ones.

I like to cruise. Period.

 

Pam

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SoCalKJ

SoCalKJ

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Try the Breeze and you wont even think of that old ship.

 

I'm sure it's lovely. However, being an hour away from Long Beach with limited time and options, this wonderful vessel serves me well.

 

I'm fairly loyal...my dog is old, too, but I would never think to abandon him for that reason...because he's still amazing.

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wrigley80

wrigley80

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We are going on the Inspiration in February. We have been on a cruise before (RCCL Mariner) I had an account on here when we were building up to that one but I couldn't remember the log in info so I am on a new account. I remember getting lots of tips on here before that trip. What the best things on the room service menu were and the best activities stuff like that.

 

So what should we not miss on Inspiration? What venues have a surcharge? For some reason I keep getting confused as to which venues and services are on which ships. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Don't miss the Ship....:p ;) :) Definitely be sure to spend an evening out on the Serenity Deck....it is so peaceful

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afrayedknot

afrayedknot

Posted
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We are going on the Inspiration in February. We have been on a cruise before (RCCL Mariner) I had an account on here when we were building up to that one but I couldn't remember the log in info so I am on a new account. I remember getting lots of tips on here before that trip. What the best things on the room service menu were and the best activities stuff like that.

 

So what should we not miss on Inspiration? What venues have a surcharge? For some reason I keep getting confused as to which venues and services are on which ships. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I booked the Chef's Table in October- $75 but such a great experience, for me.

 

If you have done the Chef's Table or read about it from other posters, please skip my comments.

 

I signed up for it in the atrium, when I boarded.

 

I was asked if I had food allergies, dislikes, what hand I used to eat with, right or left...

 

At my table in the MDR, the Chef

(large and imposing, with his tall chef's toque)

came by and greeted, chatted with me, asked again if I had food dislikes, allergies.

(My dining companions were impressed.)

 

On the night, met up in the Atrium, was greeted by Chef and attended by our special servers.

Given champagne, introduced to the rest of the table, we chatted then were escorted through the ship, (really felt like VIPS) shown the library where we would eat, then to the kitchen for hor deurves and more champagne as we listened to the Chef talk about his role as overseer of all the fantasy class ships cuisine.

Then we saw a cook making melting chocolate cake from scratch. More tour through the kitchen and back to the Library where we were seated at a long wooden table with candelabras.

 

Had our choice of chardonnay and cabernet (merlot?) and sparkling water, etc.

Exquisite garlic brioche, I am sure someone else has written about all the unbelievable dishes to come.

 

Chef stood at the head of the table, told us about the dishes, what was in them, why they were created, entertained us- he was so interesting and forthcoming about his background and experiences which were many.

Never TMI or boring, in the least.

 

We also had a bit of entertainment while Chef was away.

 

The food was incredible. Service excellent.

I really love my food and wine and good service and was blown away by it all.

A picture of all of us was taken and given to us as we left- a wonderful memory...

 

Just an option, like the steakhouse...

but so personal and informative and enjoyable and, did I say the food was outstanding?

 

Pam

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