Inspiration Spring Break Review with FTTF, Extra Kid, and Pot Issues

[Monker2001]

So...they can go into a cabin with minors in it, but they can't go into the cabin that the offensive smell is obviously coming from? Am I wrong in thinking that pot is something that not only gets you to the naughty room, but is cause for removing you from the cruise entirely? Yet they seem hesitant to remedy the situation? Pardon me for saying this, but I would be raising all kinds of heck with the powers that be!!!

[scuddles]

DH looked at me and said that he didn't feel that was fair to the girls or us and that we needed to talk to them. The other option was that each time the girls smelled anything they were to call security and housekeeping would come and "freshen up" their cabin. I was out voted, although I still disagree that DH should not have let the girls have a say. Their reasoning was that the smoking seemed to be only at night and with the exception of getting ready for dinner or grabbing warm clothes for outside they were not in the cabin much during that time. I felt out numbered but after the next incident the following night, yes this continued, and how my DD handled going to Guest Services on her own, I trusted that they would follow with this plan. Also we only had two more nights. Let's just say the girls cabin was "freshened up" a lot. We were assured that LB Customs had been notified and would handle it once we arrived back in port. I also filled out a paper form on the actions but really not sure how good it did.

 

I should stress at this point other cruisers were now coming to us saying that it was smelling up their cabins as well. We started to meet some of the posters on our board and it was funny or kind of not, that they all thought it was us.

 

DH took me back to our cabin and when we arrived there was an envelope on our bed. It was from Marin. He had sent us six drink coupons. Very sweet! At this point I was too tired for another drink and told DH that we just needed to hit the sack. I was excited for shopping in Ensenda and needed my rest.

[scuddles]

So...they can go into a cabin with minors in it, but they can't go into the cabin that the offensive smell is obviously coming from? Am I wrong in thinking that pot is something that not only gets you to the naughty room, but is cause for removing you from the cruise entirely? Yet they seem hesitant to remedy the situation? Pardon me for saying this, but I would be raising all kinds of heck with the powers that be!!!

 

Believe me this was my exact point!!! We went around and around, even as we headed to their cabin. I was hot and when I'm mad I don't yell or even raise my voice I just demand an explaination and they couldn't give me one. They kept telling me that none of their staff went into the cabin that late. Well they were wrong.

[scuddles]

Just as we were settling in I decided that I wanted to check in with the girls, so we headed up top near the Lido and Mini Golf based on their previous nights. We saw them immediately and I reinforced that they needed to make sure they notified security of any issues.

 

The next day was Ensenada. Now I know this port gets some slack but I have traveled to many different areas of Mexico and I was looking forward to a real margherita and shopping for all kinds of stuff we, our friends, didn't need. If you are healthy its an easy walk into town. I explained to the girls, my daughter knew this from previous travels, that if they wanted something they told me and I would help them for the best deal. We took our time and went to the fish market area first. The girls got some backpacks for $7 each, they started at $15 and bracelets ($2) for friends. DH had a friend at work who wanted a mug for his wife so we took care of that. We then headed to Husongs but to our surprise they carded and wouldn't let the girls in, so we went to Papa's and Beer. It was a nice place and the bathrooms were clean. I came back to the table and the girls each had a virgin pina colada. I tested them and the waiter told me that he would never disrespect parents. Nice! Not sure if that would stand if we were there but I took it. DH had watered down rum and cokes, he's no fun, and I had my margherita. Which was good. After two I was definately feeling the punch. We also ordered a plate of nachos, which was either really good or a bonus of the drinks. Overall Ensenda was good. I don't think I would plan a trip there again but it worked for this cruise. After a few hours we headed back to the ship to lay around in the sun.

[scuddles]

Back on board. Again no check of the girls documents. No pot smell either. We headed to the Serenity deck to relax. The boat was pretty empty and the weather was in the mid 70's so perfect to just enjoy the sun. After a few drinks and dips in the hot tub, DH decided that we needed to get ready for dinner. I wasn't really feeling the MDR tonight but everyone wanted WCMC so I complied. I just don't think the new menu is all that special. Of course I would never pass up chocolate. After dinner we played the slots a little and wandered around watching people take pictures. We then went to one show in the Paris Main Show Lounge. It was actually pretty good. I'm sorry I can't remember what it was called. This was the only time that DH started to feel sick. I think just being in the front of the ship is no good for him. Which if that is his only complaint to be able to sail with me then I will take it. We headed back to the cabin for refills and then off to check the sale in the shops and a stroll up above. On our way back to the cabin still no smell. We later learned that it showed up around 10pm. So they must have stayed in Ensenda until right before we left port? Who knows.

 

The only time I got sick was that night. Not that I ever get sick but I woke in the middle of the night with a horrible stomach ache, got sick once and went right back to bed. I don't blame anyone or food that could have made me sick. It could have been anything. We never got drunk but we definately drank enough that I complained of being "liquid full". I will watch that in the future.

[<3 2 Cruise]

I would have been camped out at Guest Services over the pot. No smoking in the room... guess that means pot is ok?

[scuddles]

I would have been camped out at Guest Services over the pot. No smoking in the room... guess that means pot is ok?

 

The night they went into the girls cabin I almost did,but DH has a way of making me see that the staff was not going to budge and we needed to make the best of this and just stay on top of it.

The "pot" smoker did get his day though. :D

[scuddles]

Our last day was Seaday. This is the part that DD and I felt made the cruise too short. We both like Seadays so it was hard to only have one. It was also a little chilly so the decks weren't really full. DH and I ordered room service so we could have a little something, sleep longer and then go to brunch in the Mardi Gras Dining room. This worked perfectly. I should say we ordered "breakfast snacks" from room service each day and always gave them little packs of candy and a few dollars. It seemed as if it was really appreciated. One girl who we had twice even mentioned that she liked getting the candy.

We headed to the MGDR around 10:45 am, with our free drink coupons in hand. I was looking forward to a cooked to order breakfast. I just had eggs and the chicken sausage. I was ok. What I really like were the popovers that they brought in the bread basket. Those were very yummy!!! What I didn't like was that the service was really slow. The waiter brought the table next to us popovers and we waited another 15 mins. before we got ours. All of us were seated at the same time. We received our drinks, which I know is a different staff member, and they didn't get theirs for 10 to 12 mins. This was all very strange because there were very few people in the dining room. We were in no hurry so I didn't stress about it.

 

After brunch DH decided he had "one" more strategy for the Cash Cube. If they do away with those things I would be really happy!!! I guess if I can play slots then to each his own. We walked around the ship and decided a drink, book and the Serenity Deck was in order. Because it was chilly the Serenity Deck was pretty empty even though it was well blocked from the wind. One thing I noticed each time I met people in the hot tubs was how many "new" cruisers there were. I told each of them of this site and asked how they were liking things. All of them were pretty happy with the cruise. We did check out

Jase the Cruise Directors trivia show. He seemed to be good. Not too over the top, which I have heard some CD's can be. It was a fun game although we just watched because we showed up late. He had some great 80's music with it so of course I was singing the rest of the afternoon. We then headed to the cabin for showers before dinner. I told DH that I was determined to see the Adult Comedy show that night.

 

During dinner we reviewed the past day with the girls to see how "The Hot Boxin Cabin", that is what we nick named this fiasco, was doing. Of course we checked in more than that but we wanted to make sure they were letting Security know and Housekeeping was showing up as promised. They were and there had been two more incidents. The girls decided that they really didn't want dinner and wanted to spend one more evening with their new friends. Later we found out that the GS Supervisor sent the girls chocolate covered strawberries. Ok why don't you just talk to the people next door? The girls were thrilled and shared them with friends.

 

So this is where it gets kind of weird. All of us were almost certain that the smell was coming from the cabin next door. After dinner the last night DH and I were headed to the cabin to get our drinks and this small Asian woman roughly in her mid to late fifties comes out of that cabin. Disclaimer here, I am a property manager for a very large low income house development and roughly 25% of my clients are elderly and of Asian decent. I understand a lot of their culture so this did not make sense to me. I mean she could be using but the chances were pretty slim. DH and I just looked at each other. I think we were both so stunned that we didn't even think to talk to her. We got our drinks, did our packing to put our luggage out and went on our way. Housekeeping had to come twice that night.

 

The Adult Comedy show was really good. I really liked the first guy. I'm sorry still really bad with names. The second guy was some southern guy with a Texas accent. DH is from Texas so he could relate a little more but I didn't find him as funny. After the show we hit the sack because we knew we had to get up early to disembark the next morning. :(

 

The next morning I had a lot of trouble getting up. DH hit the shower first around 6:15 and was heading out to pick up our liquor. He opened the cabin door and what does he see? A large group of Customs Officers. He counted seven. He watched them for a minute but as they headed down toward our cabin, he closed the door a little but listened in. He overheard one of the officers saying that it didn't make sense because most of the families in the middle hallway were of Asian decent and that was unlike them but that the one cabin with the "teen boy" definitely smelled. Ok, we never saw a teen boy, except the girls friends, in that hallway. Believe me if there was a teen boy in that cabin these girls would have already checked him out. I jumped to get my shower and DH headed out. Once we were ready we went to make sure the girls were ready. They said that the CO's never came to their door but they had heard them in the hallway. We thanked our room stewards and wished them luck on their future travels home. DH gave more tips and treats, and we went up to the Lido deck. Note to self, 4 Day cruises out of LB, most people self assist. Although we were priority we did not get called until almost 9:30 am. I could have slept longer. :)

Edited April 23, 2014 by scuddles

[<3 2 Cruise]

My hat's off to you. You took a bad situation and had a great vacation anyway! Thanks for sharing and showing how taking the high road can be the best road.

[scuddles]

Ok lets finish this.

Once priority one was called we headed down to disembark. At this point there was hardly anyone left. Just as we passed the staircase near Guest Services DH grabbed my arm to show me that a family was pulled off to the side and three Custom's Officers were talking to them. There was a couple, young girl and a teen boy. The boy had a big grin on his face and the parents looked very concern. The woman was indeed the woman we had seen coming out of the cabin. DH noticed that only the parents had luggage. We passed our S&S card through just as one of the officers moved in front of us and asked us to hold the line. The family was then escorted through to the front of the line and off the ship. They were right in front of us. They had two officers in front and one following behind. I commented to DH and he said I needed to keep quiet. I so wanted to let them know how this affected our trip but of course I let it go. It was nice to see that this was taken seriously. Once we found our luggage, we had five pieces so it took a minute though there wasn't a lot left, we headed to customs with our forms and our documents ready. While waiting we noticed that the family was off to the side with five officers around them and one next to a piece of luggage. The boy was no longer smiling. DH thought maybe he checked his bag thinking they would never find pot. Who knows? Of course we had to pass through customs and they were not going to comfirm to us if we had asked anyway but it was nice to see that something was being done. We still find it strange that we never saw this kid during our stops at the cabin.

 

Overall we would probably not do this cruise again but not because of the "Hot Boxin Cabin". We just like longer cruises. The Inspiration is a nice ship and I think it is perfect for a weekend getaway or a first cruise.

[scuddles]

My hat's off to you. You took a bad situation and had a great vacation anyway! Thanks for sharing and showing how taking the high road can be the best road.

 

Thank you!!!:)

[labsnabys]

I'm not sure what I would have done in your situation -- it's hard to say until you are actually in it. But I think you handled it just about as gracefully as anyone could, and I'm glad your family enjoyed the trip regardless. Thanks for the review!

[Tammycm]

Thank you for the review. We are going on the Inspiration in July for our 30th anniversary. It is our first cruise so it should be fun. Our kids gave us this cruise and set it up for early set dining. Do you think this will be ok? We don't have any excursions in Ensenada and we don't drink, how much cash do you think we should bring? Thanks again for such a great review.

 

 

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[SoCalKJ]

Actually, I was on the Inspiration this past weekend and while hanging out on the Serenity Deck before Muster, two separate, but equally annoying things happened from 2 decks up (in non-smoking areas): first thing, dude was smoking a joint right there...smell just saturated the entire area...until a Serenity deck monitor caught him. The second...not 20 minutes later...another regular cigarette smoker flicked his ash from same deck up and it landed right in my lap as I laid there on a lounger.

 

This time I was fuming. I turned around and notified someone wearing an orange life-vest-y-thingie and all he told me was to start heading towards my muster station. :mad:

 

Pot and cigarette smoking isn't the world's worst things, but they really ruin the overall decorum of the cruising experience. I like fresh air. Period. I sure wish the ship would've done a little more for you guys to make the experience a little less traumatic!

[sjn911]

Actually, I was on the Inspiration this past weekend and while hanging out on the Serenity Deck before Muster, two separate, but equally annoying things happened from 2 decks up (in non-smoking areas): first thing, dude was smoking a joint right there...smell just saturated the entire area...until a Serenity deck monitor caught him. The second...not 20 minutes later...another regular cigarette smoker flicked his ash from same deck up and it landed right in my lap as I laid there on a lounger.

 

This time I was fuming. I turned around and notified someone wearing an orange life-vest-y-thingie and all he told me was to start heading towards my muster station. :mad:

 

Pot and cigarette smoking isn't the world's worst things, but they really ruin the overall decorum of the cruising experience. I like fresh air. Period. I sure wish the ship would've done a little more for you guys to make the experience a little less traumatic!

Well said and agree, this comes from a true fun loving gal...you are no party pooper and more fun than moi..and I sooo agree...and this cruise is often a good mix of rule following folks I think, getting a taste of cruising or those who love it and keep up the getaway there...OP..sorry you had these issues...

 

My dad loves music and it has saved him in loosing mom...he watches Letterman and buys anything he likes and it is always going in the house now LOL...a concert is a rare once a year thing now...I got to join him in Tuscon this year for Joe Bonamassa ..he was really good..but when that smell hit I had to tell him what it was...he did not believe me...God bless him..the 50's were another era...Sarah

Edited April 24, 2014 by sjn911

[erewhon]

Thank you for your review, what a difficult situation, but you handled it very well.

[sjn911]

Thank you for the review. We are going on the Inspiration in July for our 30th anniversary. It is our first cruise so it should be fun. Our kids gave us this cruise and set it up for early set dining. Do you think this will be ok? We don't have any excursions in Ensenada and we don't drink, how much cash do you think we should bring? Thanks again for such a great review.

 

 

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Perhaps several people will answer here..I just want to say that i loved set early dining, did not bother on this cruise and that it did not bother too much with getting off at these ports and getting back.... and finally gave me plenty of time to to enjoy evening things before I crashed...Sarah

 

I think it would be a great trip for your purposes. In Ensenada there is a blow hole tour and bus to town..and others love walking around the town. Then others do not like it at all...depends on your likes...many love that it is authentic little town...Sarah

 

With no drinking, maybe a doing spa thing, maybe renting a golf cart in Catalina, I hear they have nice water/sea tours there but colder, I prefer the town there...soft drinks...depending on tours you take and what you do on gambling...you can get away with very little extra money or spend alot...I personally would budget 100 a day and then come home with alot, I have wine and a drink or two..but not alot and do not gamble..i spent my money on 2 spa specials on this cruise and walked around myself at the ports...Sarah

Edited April 24, 2014 by sjn911

[sjn911]

My hat's off to you. You took a bad situation and had a great vacation anyway! Thanks for sharing and showing how taking the high road can be the best road.

 

 

My sentiments exactly. OP you guys are fabulous and truly..i need a friend with a cool head like your hubby...what a deal..you really made it work. I love also that your girls had freedom but roots and rules and got to decide some on what to do..cool group powow learning lessons...Sarah

[scuddles]

Thank you for the review. We are going on the Inspiration in July for our 30th anniversary. It is our first cruise so it should be fun. Our kids gave us this cruise and set it up for early set dining. Do you think this will be ok? We don't have any excursions in Ensenada and we don't drink, how much cash do you think we should bring? Thanks again for such a great review.

 

 

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Congratulations on your Anniversary! :)

We usually eat early so we picked early dining but to be honest there are so many choices we found, which we have in the past cruises, that we really aren't hungry at 6pm. I kept reminding everyone that we had dinner. You really would be the one to decide if that time would work for you. If you are unsure you could always do Anytime.

We took $300 for four of us and most of that was spent in the Casino. The girls each had an allowance of $40 and they each spent $11. We took $60 to Ensenada and spent $40 of that on two virgin drinks, two rum and cokes, two margaritas and nachos. Not bad. The other $20 we spent on trinkets.

You don't need an excursion but if you have never been there or have never been to Mexico you might think twice. There are some ideas on the Ports of Call under Mexico Riviera. It is a bit of a walk and we didn't see too many people doing it. We never felt unsafe. I hope this helps.