New to Carnival. Lots of questions.

[Sitmar Lady]

Hi Everyone, I am looking at a quick 4 day cruise in August for my 50th Birthday and I have lots of questions and I want to hear answers from real people rather then what the website tells me.

 

1) How much is the Alcohol package and does it include a Pino Grigio? If so, does anyone know which brand?

2) Do they have a reserved lounge chair area where you can pay to reserve deck chairs in an adult area?

3) Do they have specialty restaurants on the Inspiration and if so, which ones are your favorites if any.

4) Do they have blow dryers, shampoo and soap in ocean view rooms?

5) My husband smokes an occasional cigar. Can you smoke in your cabin or do you go to designated areas?

 

I am a long time Princess cruiser and I'm looking forward to a fun, casual cruise filled with a lot of dancing with my Husband!

[Swimware27]

Hi Everyone, I am looking at a quick 4 day cruise in August for my 50th Birthday and I have lots of questions and I want to hear answers from real people rather then what the website tells me.

 

1) How much is the Alcohol package and does it include a Pino Grigio? If so, does anyone know which brand?

 

I don't drink, so I couldn't tell you. Others will have better info.

 

2) Do they have a reserved lounge chair area where you can pay to reserve deck chairs in an adult area?

 

No

 

3) Do they have specialty restaurants on the Inspiration and if so, which ones are your favorites if any.

 

Not really. No steakhouse, and no 2.0 upgrades yet.

 

4) Do they have blow dryers, shampoo and soap in ocean view rooms?

 

Yes

 

5) My husband smokes an occasional cigar. Can you smoke in your cabin or do you go to designated areas?

 

Designated areas on deck, or cigar bar (I don't know if there is a cigar bar on Inspiration)

 

I am a long time Princess cruiser and I'm looking forward to a fun, casual cruise filled with a lot of dancing with my Husband!

[mamajules]

Hi Everyone, I am looking at a quick 4 day cruise in August for my 50th Birthday and I have lots of questions and I want to hear answers from real people rather then what the website tells me.

 

1) How much is the Alcohol package and does it include a Pino Grigio? If so, does anyone know which brand?

The package is $49.95 per person per day plus gratuity added in. I believe they carry an Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio and should be under $10/glass.

2) Do they have a reserved lounge chair area where you can pay to reserve deck chairs in an adult area?

No paid reserved chairs.

3) Do they have specialty restaurants on the Inspiration and if so, which ones are your favorites if any.

No specialty restaurant. They do, however, have the Chef's Table. A limited number (I believe 12) in a private dining area hosted by the head chef, with wine and 6 courses. $75 per person and can be reserved in advance

4) Do they have blow dryers, shampoo and soap in ocean view rooms? Yes

5) My husband smokes an occasional cigar. Can you smoke in your cabin or do you go to designated areas? No smoking in the cabins. Designated areas on deck and of course smoking is allowed in the casino

Edited June 23, 2015 by mamajules

[Sitmar Lady]

Thank you both!

[skittl1321]

Just for realistic expectations- the Inspiration is an older ship without many of the things cruisers now expect. Make sure you fully understand the ship you are booking on before you do!

 

1) How much is the Alcohol package and does it include a Pino Grigio? If so, does anyone know which brand?

The Cheers program is an "unlimited" (it has a 15 drink limit) alcohol program that is $49.95 per person per day. All over 21s in your cabin must book. There are also wine packages, "Cruise the Vineyards". There is a Pinot Grigio. Prices and brands can be found here. http://www.***********/info/carnival-cruise-lines/wine-packages.php (Oh, I can't do a link...just google Cruise the Vineyards) I do not know if they are current. Ecco Domani is a "premium" brand (that's kinda scary). The basic is Zonin. There was not one in the middle package.

 

2) Do they have a reserved lounge chair area where you can pay to reserve deck chairs in an adult area?

Nope.

 

3) Do they have specialty restaurants on the Inspiration and if so, which ones are your favorites if any.

They don't. They probably do Chef's Table ($75) but I am not totally sure.

 

4) Do they have blow dryers, shampoo and soap in ocean view rooms?

Yes

 

5) My husband smokes an occasional cigar. Can you smoke in your cabin or do you go to designated areas?

Designated areas only. I don't think cigar areas are more restrictive than standard smoking areas.

Edited June 23, 2015 by skittl1321

[bkerber]

"at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring on board one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage"

 

You could bring 2 bottles onboard anyway

[Sitmar Lady]

Just for realistic expectations- the Inspiration is an older ship without many of the things cruisers now expect. Make sure you fully understand the ship you are booking on before you do!

 

1) How much is the Alcohol package and does it include a Pino Grigio? If so, does anyone know which brand?

The Cheers program is an "unlimited" (it has a 15 drink limit) alcohol program that is $49.95 per person per day. All over 21s in your cabin must book. There are also wine packages, "Cruise the Vineyards". There is a Pinot Grigio. Prices and brands can be found here. http://www.***********/info/carnival-cruise-lines/wine-packages.php (Oh, I can't do a link...just google Cruise the Vineyards) I do not know if they are current. Ecco Domani is a "premium" brand (that's kinda scary). The basic is Zonin. There was not one in the middle package.

 

2) Do they have a reserved lounge chair area where you can pay to reserve deck chairs in an adult area?

Nope.

 

3) Do they have specialty restaurants on the Inspiration and if so, which ones are your favorites if any.

They don't. They probably do Chef's Table ($75) but I am not totally sure.

 

4) Do they have blow dryers, shampoo and soap in ocean view rooms?

Yes

 

5) My husband smokes an occasional cigar. Can you smoke in your cabin or do you go to designated areas?

Designated areas only. I don't think cigar areas are more restrictive than standard smoking areas.

 

Very imformative, thank you! I didn't realize unlimited meant a limit not that I'll get there but my Husband might. So do you know the brand of pino included in the cheers package? Ecco Domini is hardly premium but I do like it.