Inspiration Review 10-10-05

[SUNNY D]

Just returned from our first cruise experience. DH is 30 and I'm 28 and we went with another couple, same ages. We had a really nice time. Embarkation went smoothly. We did the valet parking for $70. Pulled up, porter took the bags and it was a done deal. We arrived between 1:30-2pm. It took about 20 minutes to get on the ship and in our cabin. After unpacking, we had lunch on the lido deck. Fries here were yummy. About 2 1/2 hours after the ship left port, go up and watch as you pass under the bridge. It was a sight to see.

 

Grand Cayman: We booked a private tour with Capt Bryans Catamaran. We went down to catch a tender around 9am ship time (GC was 1 hr behind). We walked right on the tender boat and thought we were doing good for time but it took at least 15 minutes to load the boat. Then, getting off the tender was at slow snails pace. We did make the tour but didn't anticipate it taking as long as it did for the whole tendering process. We should have gone down to catch the tender earlier than we did. Lesson for us next time Aside from tendering, GC seemed like a nice port but have to say that you are not there long enough to enjoy much of anything. We did the stingray tour this time, so next time we won't book a tour, and do our own thing. There just wasn't time to do anything but the tour and get right back on the boat to leave. The tour was okay but we weren't happy with the snorkling. There wasn't much to see where we went and the water wasn't too clear. I ended up getting sick while snorkling so that made the ride back horrible on me.

 

Cozumel: We walked right off the boat and caught a taxi to Paradise Beach. The beach was really nice. My friend and I had a pina colada in a pineapple. They were really good, and so cute with the little faces they put on them. My dh got a massage in the little hut on the beach. He said it was wonderful. Unfortunately I got sick AGAIN while snorkling and wasn't up to doing anything after that. Snorkling isn't worthwhile here but I knew that from reading posts before we left. Still, we did it with low expectations so can't say I was disappointed. They had super clean bathrooms here and showers to clean off. Our friends ordered some food and they said it was good. Afterwards, we took a taxi back to port to catch our tour. We did the Hideaway Power Boats thru the ship and it was the highlight of our cruise. Our dh's had a blast driving these things, and although us girls had a few bruises to show for it, it was fun for us to. The guys that do this tour are super nice. The private beach you go to is great and the food they have waiting for you is yum! When we got back to port, we went on the ship and cleaned up. Then we caught a cab to carlos n charlies. Had to go here and see what was up :) I had a tinge of a headache before we left though so party time was out for me. There were people having a real good time that's for sure. We ordered dinner here and it was pretty good. My friend had the ribs and raved about them. I had the steak which was okay. By the time we finished dinner it was time to head back to the ship. We picked up a few things at Hard Rock and Ron Jons before getting back on the ship. Cozumel is fun. We could spend alot of time here.

 

We only went to a couple shows on the ship. The firing gaunchos were great. They opened for the blue brothers show which personally we thought was horrible and left half way through. We caught the tale end of the 1st comedian's 1st night and he was funny. We made sure to see his second show which was the adult show. He was hilarious. After Cozumel, another comedian came onboard and we watched both of his shows. He was funny but not like the first guy.

 

We had an oceanview cabin U64 on Upper deck by the elevators. I loved this location, not so much for the elevators because you could fall asleep waiting for those. The stairs are also right there, so everything was just a floor or two up the stairs. This also works out as exercise while pigging out the whole cruise. :) Dh and I thought the beds were pretty firm and the pillows were the kind your head sinks in to until it's flat. Some people like this, we don't,so we asked for extra pillows to give more support. I also asked for a foam pad or egg crate for the mattress but was told they had none. Our room steward kept our room clean and brought us ice for our soft side cooler regularly. I ordered the cookies for my dh and they were there when we walked in our cabin the first day as I had instructed. He loved them.

 

Now for the food, I have to say that I was actually pretty disappointed in this area. My husband put it well, it tasted like hospital cafeteria food. The premade, frozen stuff, with not much flavor. I realize to serve that many people that it probably is, but I hoped for the "good food" that you always here about on cruises. My favorite thing was the soft serve ice cream. The food was okay but nothing that "wowed" me. None the less, I didn't have to cook it and I didn't go hungry. :) We ate dinner in the Mardi Gras room with Maitre D George the Greek. He was lots of fun. I ordered a heart shaped chocolate cake to be delivered on the 2nd night for our anniversary. It was delivered but it said Happy Honeymoon and it was a round cake. I quickly told our waitress it was not right and she asked if I was sure. I thought that was a funny question. I was pretty sure I got married 10 years ago and not just recently. LOL She took it away and got it right the second time. The cake was really good.

 

As for the ship itself, we all thought it was in great condition. I've read some reviews about cleanliness or run down areas but everywhere we went it was spotless and in wonderful condition for an older ship we thought. The decor was different and fun.

 

Our dh's loved the casino because I think they spent more on it than they did on us girls but hey, they had fun My dh got a little return on his money but he did not walk out ahead by no means. LOL He bought me an anniversary ring in the jewelry shop so I was happy. ;)

 

We had our own laptop and used it to keep in touch with our kids back home. It worked out very nicely. Our friends used the phone to call home once. It was cheaper than what they have printed in our documents. Only $6.99 a min to US and Canada. Still pricey, but better than $9.50 as stated in our papers.

 

Debarkation went pretty good. We arrived in port sooner than 8am. We did self disembark. We went down one level and although we waited in line for what seemed like forever it was only 10 minutes or so. Once off the ship, it was smooth sailing. We gave the valet girl our ticket and they brought our car down. We were in the car heading for home in 20 minutes flat from the time we left out cabin.

 

All in all, we all had a nice time getting away. I worried about getting sea sick but I barely felt a thing on the ship. It was really smooth. I did take bonine and ginger pills daily. Apparently I don't get sea sick I get snorkle sick. LOL Each time I snorkled in the ports, I got sick. I never got sick on the ship or on the little 2 seater power boats. Go figure. :o Wish we had more time in GC and I wish the food was better than it was but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

 

Oh, and as a first timer, here are some things I learned...I took way too much soda and water. I took 2 cases of coke and 1 case of water. I wasn't in my cabin long enough to consume that much. I did bring it with me to the pool or on port days but next time I will only bring 1 case of coke, and 1/2 the water. The over the door shoe thingy, it really did come in handy. My friends wished they brought one. It does help keep everything organized. There are plenty of drawers but it makes it easier to find things. Also, I thought our suitcases would fit under the bed like I read on here. We couldn't even fit our smallest suitcase under the bed. I put one inside the other and did manage to fit it in the closet. Another reminder, when taking a shower, put the cold on first then a teeny tiny bit of hot. Don't touch the pipe either or it will burn you. The hot is scoulding hot. There are so many opportunities to get your picture done but unless you have strong will power, I would limit getting my picture done. Dh and I don't have alot of pic together, so we did alot of them and then it was hard to choose. And ofcourse, all the really nice ones are 8x10 for $19.99 each. I spent way too much money on pictures. We spent way more money than we anticipated period. That sail and sigh card is too easy to whip out! LOL It's all good though

 

Sorry I'm rambling. I'm just writing when things come to mind. LOL Let me know if I can answer any questions.

 

Dawn

[cathyoo]

I'm glad you had a good time. Sorry you were disappointed in the food. I also found it nothing to write home about but I didn't have to cook it and more importantly I did not have to clean up after it.

 

I loved the Inspiration, found it very easy to get around, didn't get lost. Enjoyed the entertainment. Did you ask for an egg crate because the matteress was too soft or too hard?

 

thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

[SUNNY D]

I'm glad you had a good time. Sorry you were disappointed in the food. I also found it nothing to write home about but I didn't have to cook it and more importantly I did not have to clean up after it.

 

I loved the Inspiration, found it very easy to get around, didn't get lost. Enjoyed the entertainment. Did you ask for an egg crate because the matteress was too soft or too hard?

 

thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

 

Yes, I asked for the egg crate but our steward said they didn't have any. We managed. We never woke up with sore backs or anything. :) I think we were always so tired by the time we went to bed, we were just glad to have a bed. LOL It did make that first night at home in our nice soft bed extra wonderful though!

[heymom32000]

Thanks for taking the time to write about your trip. We're heading out on the inspiration the end of this month and looking forward to it. Was bummed to hear the blues brothers show wasn't very good. My dh loves blues music and was looking forward to this one.

[starfish3]

Thanks for your review of the Inspiration. DH and I along with DS, DD1 and DD2 are setting sail December 24. It will be our first cruise, too.:) How much was the taxi ride to Paradise Beach - will we all fiit in one cab? I am looking forward to the pinapple pina colada. And what is the over the door thing? I know space will be at premium in the kid's room. Did you take a suitcase with just water and soda?

[SUNNY D]

STARFISH, The taxi ride to PB was $12 one way. You probably need to take a taxi van. The cars only seat 3 in the back, 1 up front. We took a van on the way back from Carlos n Charlies and it was the same price as the car on the way there, so I don't think they charge more.

 

The over the door thingy is an over the door shoe holder. It hangs over a door and has clear pockets for shoes, but on a cruise you can use it to keep anything like sunglasses, post its, camera, batteries ect. It is alot easier to find instead of throwing it on the counter or in a drawer.

 

I took a duffle bag that had a pull out handle with wheels for the soda and water. Worked great and if I had bought a bunch of souveneirs, I would have put them in the empty bag on the way back home. I didn't buy too much though. I left all of my left over soda/water in the room and packed the empty bag in one of my suitcases. It made for one less bag getting off the ship.

 

I forgot to mention earlier that I had a facial in the spa. I have never had one before. It was soo nice! I can't say for sure what all that stuff did for my skin but the massage alone was worth the money. It was a real treat for this mom of 4. :)

[Honeybear]

Sorry I'm rambling. I'm just writing when things come to mind. LOL Let me know if I can answer any questions. Dawn

 

First, I enjoyed your review and I sure appreciate you taking the time to write it. What was the temp in Oct? We are planning on going the end of Oct.