Inspiration/Imagination Suite

[mindymariexxo]

I'm getting married on the Carnival Inspiration on 9/22/17. We take this weekend cruise every year since we've been together and it seemed like a great idea to us to do something we love with everyone we love for our wedding. We usually grab an interior or ocean view room and believe both have their benefits and we're not very picky for such a short cruise.

 

We are thinking about upgrading to a Suite since it's our wedding day (currently booked in an Upper OV). Since I will be changing in our room the extra space would be nice, and we would love to have some privacy outdoors on our own balcony since we are expecting 75+ people we know sailing with us.

 

Anyone stay in the suites on either the Inspiration or Imagination? I've looked at pictures and the Grand Suite is gorgeous with the bar, but it's SO much more than our Upper OV. But I'm worried that being on Veranda by the kids camp will mean a lot of kids running around if we do a Junior Suite (which is still 2x the cost of our current room).

 

Normally we would never consider paying this much for the upgrade because we spend very little time in the cabin. But I suspect we will want more time to ourselves this cruise (we still plan on scheduling events for our group to meet up). But I don't want to spend 2x our cruise fair (or more) and regret the decision.

 

Any and all input is welcome. Thank you!

[paper1122]

The upgrade to the Jr suite isn't worth it. The grand suite, however, is really nice.

[mindymariexxo]

The upgrade to the Jr suite isn't worth it. The grand suite, however, is really nice.

 

 

That's what I was afraid of :( it's hard enough for me to swallow a $600 for the junior suite upgrade when we are paying for the wedding ourselves. I guess it's only $200 more than the Jr. Suite to do a Grand Suite, but I can think of a lot better ways to spend $800. Especially when we anticipate the rates going down for our OV.

 

Do you know if the suite prices usually go down closers to the cruise like an OV or IS? We are booked in the Early Saver so I can watch prices for price match. We also usually get Casino Offers that the Early Saver will match closers to the cruise if those discount suites...

[jdemps]

Jr suites don't have much more space and the balcony is barely big enough to fit the furniture they put out there. Definitely not worth it with so many other expenses you are paying for.

 

We always sail in suites and I have never received a lower price after booking 18 months in advance. No price drops have ever come through. :(

[paper1122]

There are so few suites on those ships so the prices don't typically change much. The best hope for a discount would be the up sell fairy but there isn't a big chance of that.

[mindymariexxo]

Well these definitely aren't the responses I was hoping for LOL. But I am glad I asked so we don't waste the money on a Junior Suite, and if we decide to take the leap on a Grand Suite we do so without the hope of any savings later.

 

I've never gotten a call from the upgrade fairy, so I'm not holding my breath for that to happen HAHA. Although I'm super jealous of people who do get calls!

[john91498]

We splurged on a jr suite back in 2014 and was a little disappointed. Granted, we still had a great time, but we didn't feel the extra cost was worth it.

 

Have a great wedding!!!!

[QTPieRye]

We are thinking about booking the GS on the Imagination for a mini girls reunion cruise for 5 of us....... Do you know if the GS has 2 toilets?

[SadieN]

Only has one toilet

[downtowncheri]

Does the Junior suite have a tub or just a shower? The website makes it look like just shower, but some pictures seem to show a tub.

Thanks!

[louanne93]

I wouldn't do either. Put that $800 down on another cruise like the Miracle or Splender (for a longer honeymoon) and then get a balcony. Longer cruise plus a balcony. Win-win! Plus, you will have something else to look forward to!

 

Or you can book the GS and hopefully your wedding guests will kick in a little cash for a wedding gift! It will help re-coup some of the costs. But really, on those cruises you are NEVER in your room. The CD for the Imagination has told us that they cram 7 days of activities into 3. We usually need a vacation after our 3 day cruises!

[SadieN]

If you just want a bigger cabin, look at the aft facing cabins on Main, Upper and Empress. They're about 2'-3' longer than the standard OV. On our December Inspiration cruise we had one on Empress. Never heard anything from above. Have an aft facing on Main for our upcoming Imagination cruise.

[krehberg]

Does the Junior suite have a tub or just a shower? The website makes it look like just shower, but some pictures seem to show a tub.

Thanks!

 

 

Only done the JS on the Paradise but should be the same. There is only a shower, no tub. It's basically the same cabin size as any normal OV or Inside cabin but has a nicer finish on the closets and drawers etc + the small balcony that overlooks a deck below (I.e. Not private)

 

I was glad we did it as it was nice to stand out on balcony right before bed and at embarkation....but like others said, really wasn't worth it...and especially if the intent is having additional room....only the GS will give you that.

[TiferyJL]

Stayed in a Grand Suite when my brother and sister-in-law go married on the Imagination 2 years ago. It was a ton of fun to be there for the wedding, but having cruised many times since then on several other ships I would say the suite on those ships is not worth it. I always book balcony, except on the Inspiration/Imagination we just do an ocean view.

 

I would save the money and hope for some wedding gift cash and book yourself a balcony on another ship for a honeymoon. Don't get me wrong - we love the Inspiration, sailing on her for a B2B spring break trip in 37 days (but who's counting!) - but to really enjoy the price of a balcony or suite you need a 7+ day cruise on a bigger ship. IMHO.

 

Have an amazing time with your wedding! I thought Carnival did a fantastic job with that, and they got great pictures and video!

[louanne93]

stayed in a grand suite when my brother and sister-in-law go married on the imagination 2 years ago. It was a ton of fun to be there for the wedding, but having cruised many times since then on several other ships i would say the suite on those ships is not worth it. I always book balcony, except on the inspiration/imagination we just do an ocean view.

 

i would save the money and hope for some wedding gift cash and book yourself a balcony on another ship for a honeymoon. Don't get me wrong - we love the inspiration, sailing on her for a b2b spring break trip in 37 days (but who's counting!) - but to really enjoy the price of a balcony or suite you need a 7+ day cruise on a bigger ship. Imho.

 

have an amazing time with your wedding! I thought carnival did a fantastic job with that, and they got great pictures and video!

 

 

100% agree!!