LisaT91403 Posted November 9, 2017 #1 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I just found out today that my friend is taking a whole bunch of us on a quick cruise for his 50th birthday. We will be on the 1/5/18 sailing. I have been on more than a dozen cruises...but all on Royal Caribbean (and just one on Disney). So...I don't even know where to begin with Carnival! I'm not worried too much about activities, as we are just going to go with the flow and have fun hanging out with our group. But there are a few things I'm hoping to get some advice on. First and foremost, I could use some help picking cabins. We will have connecting Ocean Views...with DH and I in one, and my 9 year old in the other (yes, I realize we can't book it this way). The only options for connecting that I see are Riviera Deck (R76/80, R96/100, and basically the same locations on the other side of the ship) or Upper Deck (U46/50). The Upper is more expensive, and is forward rather than midship. I'm leaning towards Riviera. Any thoughts? I plan to read up on the kid's club, restaurants, etc. But if you have any "Don't Miss" activities, food/restaurants, or tips & tricks, please let me know. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markmom18 Posted November 9, 2017 #2 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Hi, My Mom & I were on Inspiration 4 day cruise last week. We were in Cabin E77, an Ocean View and Connecting Cabin as it turned out. To be clear that is Deck 7, Empress Cabin 77. I chose that location with my 81 year old Mom in mind. This Cabin is literally behind the Guest Services Desk in the Atrium Lobby. A fantastic central location. Our MDR was one Deck up, the Casino up two. We had this cabin location on the Elation in February. She navigated the ship pretty easily,so that's why I did it again on the Inspiration! Since they are both Fantasy Class Ships. Have a great time! Bobbi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaT91403 Posted November 9, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Hi, My Mom & I were on Inspiration 4 day cruise last week. We were in Cabin E77, an Ocean View and Connecting Cabin as it turned out. To be clear that is Deck 7, Empress Cabin 77. Thanks for all of the great info! Unfortunately, since we are booking so late, that deck is not available. Darn! I appreciate the help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaT91403 Posted November 9, 2017 Author #4 Share Posted November 9, 2017 With the R76/80 you're a little closer to the elevator/stairs, which is something my husband always prefers. Riviera deck means you're a bit farther away from the action on decks 7,8 and 9 and it also means you'll be disembarked later than others as, if I remember correctly, you're disembarked by deck, upper decks before lower decks. I'm not worried about the action, so to speak -- we can walk just fine, and I'm used to GIGANTIC ships. I'm more worried about things like cabin vibration (it was HORRIBLE on Disney because of our cabin location), or noise from clubs, pool decks, restaurants, etc. I love Guy's burgers, on the Lido deck by the pool, so I'd recommend that. Go on the first day because it becomes popular and the line gets longer as the days go by. Blue Iguana, the Mexican place opposite Guy's, is loved by many, but I'm not a fan of the Mexican food there. I'm spoiled by the Mexican food in my town. The pizza isn't bad, either, and can be found all the way aft on the Lido deck. You can get a slice or the whole pie. Just ask. The Serenity area is an adults only area on Deck 9 aft. There are a couple of hot tubs and you can get towels from the towel bar on the starboard side of the Serenity area. Just give the attendant your Sign and Sail card to check out the towel and make sure he crosses off your name when you return the towel. https://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships/carnival-inspiration.aspx Above is a link (if it works) to the deck plans of the Inspiration. I love that little ship. I've been on her a few times and have my favorite places to sit and watch the world go by. Please come back and let us know how the cruise was and what thoughts you have about it. We just got off the Anthem of the Seas and had a lovely time, but the Inspiration is, for us, like a Las Vegas weekend getaway. Thanks for the great info! We are going in with completely open minds. We are not going to compare this little weekend getaway to the megaships that we normally sail on. That would be apples to oranges. This is just for a bunch of us to get together and hang out...an easy way to be together, have food and entertainment provided. I'm sure we will have a great time :-) Thanks again for the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted November 9, 2017 #5 Share Posted November 9, 2017 You’ll be forward, so you might feel some swells, especially going north against the current. We prefer aft but always avoid the center stairwell because of smoke from the casino. Read this thread. It has very good info about the cabins etc Carnival Inspiration Questions https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2561991https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2561991 Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaT91403 Posted November 9, 2017 Author #6 Share Posted November 9, 2017 You’ll be forward, so you might feel some swells, especially going north against the current. We prefer aft but always avoid the center stairwell because of smoke from the casino. Read this thread. It has very good info about the cabins etc Carnival Inspiration Questions https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2561991https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2561991 Thanks for the info. I think we'd be midship if we are on the Riviera deck, but would be forward on the Upper deck. That's why I'm leaning towards Riviera. Any idea what time self-disembarkation might be? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted November 9, 2017 #7 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Self assist debark can start as early as 7:30a for Priority. All off is 10am. Most pax do Self Assist for these short cruises. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaT91403 Posted November 14, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Are there any big differences between the Riviera Deck and the Upper Deck? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted November 14, 2017 #9 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Are there any big differences between the Riviera Deck and the Upper Deck? No differences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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