Inspiration Dec 12 - 16 a quick review!

[lesters]

We chose this cruise because the dates worked for us after 5 days at Disneyland.

 

Our cruise family included myself, DH in one OV cabin and my DD and her BFF (both 13) in the OV cabin beside us. This was our 5th Carnival cruise, second out of Long Beach and first not having a balcony. We decided to go with 2 OV cabins instead of one suite to give the girls and us more space and two bathrooms! It worked out very well.

 

We had FTTF and arrived at port around 11:00 - it took way less time to get from Disney to the port than we anticipated. However we were able to check in right away and were among the first on board an hour later! We were in our rooms with drinks in hand by noon!!! Our bags arrived within the hour - love love love FTTF. We all had lunch, a quick tour and nap well before the muster drill. It was great getting on board so early! This is our third cruise with FTTF - it is a MUST buy for us each time.

 

We were in U170 & U174. They were pretty spacious and the layout for the girls was great. Tons of storage space and the L-shape layout for the twin beds gave them lots of space in the room for getting ready!

 

We had anytime dining - only had one night that we had to wait a bit with a buzzer and that was on Elegant night. No biggie, grabbed a drink toured the shops and were called within a half hour. The food was really good - surprisingly good. We all enjoyed the service and food very much - DD's BFF ordered from the Steakhouse menu the Surf & Turf and LOVED it.

 

We also enjoyed having the Cheers Program. We didnt max our our limit any of the days but I felt really free to try different drinks - chocolate martinis, fun ones at Alchemy, different wines etc. We for sure came out ahead compared to what we would have paid on a per drink basis and I love not worrying about how big my bar bill will be at the end. I really enjoyed the ability to get bottles of water, Vitamin water AND energy drinks as part of the plan as well!

 

Staff were great - Dee the Cruise Director has tons of energy and I have never witnessed a party in the lobby bar on the last night like I did on this cruise!!! Our room steward Gemma was amazing our room was always taken care of twice a day. The entertainment staff were awesome - everyone seemed to know our names and always said hello! The casino was a lot of fun too - even won the slot tourny!!

 

The ports of call for this cruise were meh.... but I expected that. We went on this cruise for a quick cruise fix and the price couldnt be beat. Although I won't cruise out of LA in December again, it was sunny and nice but not hot enough to really hang out by the pool. This was a bummer and the kids missed being able to do that.

 

So if you are looking for a quick trip at a great price this is a great option! I would go on the Inspiration again, just during a warmer month!

 

Let me know if you have any questions!

[Buckett]

Thanks for your review! I will be on her in less than 3 weeks and can't wait! :D

[funat55]

Thanks for your review. Glad your family had a good time.

My daughter and I did the three day cruise in October. I love these little getaways. The port is close to home, the cost is very reasonable and once the ship leaves Long Beach, its like being in another world.

[riclop]

Thanks for the quickie.

[louanne93]

Thanks for the review! We love the Inspiration! It is a very personal ship. Everyone knows your name and the staff are wonderful!

[easyboy]

Glad you had a good time. Thanks for the feedback.