Quick Review Carnival Inspiration 3 day Ensenada!

[EL Capitan Z]

Just got off. I have always loved the value of Carnival cruises and the service/food on board. In my opinion, there is no other better quick vacation than this particular itinerary. I just did this exact cruise in MAY and I did give a great review. This time, the cruise was average at best. I am a little disappointed and hope this is a fluke. Again, I still recommend this cruise for a quick and cheap get away.

 

-I stayed in the Forward portion of the (U)pper deck. Room was large, cool and comfortable. The bed although very comfortable, had the crack in the middle (two twins pushed together) and during the night they came apart. Also, on the first morning, Carnival thought it was ok to start DRILLING incessantly from 730-930 AM. Not a good time to start performing maintenance.

 

-I bought the Cheers package. In May, I had bought it and it was AWESOME. This time, almost all my drinks were watered down. Very cheap and dishonorable of the bartenders and Carnival to do this. Cheers includes the tip when you buy it. I have a feeling some guests tip the bartenders extra for a strong pour and the other guests who do not tip extra get a weak pour. This way inventory is balanced for the bar keep. Next time, I am doing beers. This way I am guaranteed what I pay for.

 

-Alchemy bar still was great. Drinks were strong. On the first night I had asked for blue cheese stuffed olives and nuts. The Bartender told me he was out of them, lol, and did not give me. This is the first night!!! I am thinking, this dude was burnt out, so I let it at that. Regardless, I was a bit disappointed but I did "feel for him".

 

-Entertainment was good. Casino (Didn't pay out this time :(), Karaoke and Dancing were top notch.

 

-The ship was nice as always. Her age is showing but she still looks good.

 

-Food was ok this time. Temperatures were a little cool when we received the food. However the SERVICE WAS TOP NOTCH and The DESSERTS were to DIE FOR!!!! The Coffee bar has the best coffee in the world, with awesome service!!!

 

I have taken this route a few times. I like that it is fun, affordable and quick. All the past cruises were an 8! This one was not firing on all cylinders so I have to give it a 6. Regardless, I will try her out again in a couple months.

 

 

ENSENADA!!! Visit ELOYI at "Los Amigos Barras and Beers". I have known him for a couple decades. He will take care of you.

[Luckiestmanonearth]

I’ve never done a 3 day (always 7 day). Do you feel like you get a nice break or does it feel very short and rushed ?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[EL Capitan Z]

I’ve never done a 3 day (always 7 day). Do you feel like you get a nice break or does it feel very short and rushed ?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

 

It’s nice. Quick and easy. Included 1 sea day. Good little weekend getaway.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[coevan]

" This time, almost all my drinks were watered down. Very cheap and dishonorable of the bartenders and Carnival to do this."

This is not rue, the staff has no stake in the liquor costs, i doubt if they have any idea of what their costs are. cheap bartenders?

[SadieN]

Been on several cruises where Alchemy runs out of stuff. Did you ask another night for the olives? Takes a day to get supplies to the right place, they’re loaded on the first day of the three day itin, Thursday or Friday.

 

Really like the short cruises. It’s our getaway. Some people have a boat on the river. We have a ship on the sea.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[EL Capitan Z]

"This time, almost all my drinks were watered down. Very cheap and dishonorable of the bartenders and Carnival to do this."

This is not rue, the staff has no stake in the liquor costs, i doubt if they have any idea of what their costs are. cheap bartenders?

 

Well unfortunately it was true for me. Watered down drinks were a fact on this voyage. I love Carnival and if you look at all my reviews, they are all favorable. There was something off on this particular trip. Many people also were complaining about the watered down drinks. Whatever the reason, it is not right.

[EL Capitan Z]

Been on several cruises where Alchemy runs out of stuff. Did you ask another night for the olives? Takes a day to get supplies to the right place, they’re loaded on the first day of the three day itin, Thursday or Friday.

 

Really like the short cruises. It’s our getaway. Some people have a boat on the river. We have a ship on the sea.

 

 

I love these short voyages. Alchemy did not have the "stuff" the first night, which is odd. I really do like their pours. Added bonus is the nuts they serve. To tell you the truth, I never made it back after the first night.

 

I still highly rec this cruise.

[greatestvalue]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

I'm going on the 4 night in December.

 

Not doing the cheers package, figured even with ilus drinking we would be way under price of package.

 

I'll report back on the drinks.

 

But like you, for me it will be mostly beers so I know what I'm getting.

 

What kind of drinks did you order?

[EL Capitan Z]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

 

 

I'm going on the 4 night in December.

 

 

 

Not doing the cheers package, figured even with ilus drinking we would be way under price of package.

 

 

 

I'll report back on the drinks.

 

 

 

But like you, for me it will be mostly beers so I know what I'm getting.

 

 

 

What kind of drinks did you order?

 

 

 

That’s the key!! Beers are the way to go. I was ordering rum/cokes and vodka/club soda.

 

Look at cheers for beers. It might be worth it. Cheers also includes unlimited non alcoholic drinks. I really enjoy Carnivals Lavazza coffee at the coffee house and the Vitamin waters.

 

Enjoy!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[greatestvalue]

That’s the key!! Beers are the way to go. I was ordering rum/cokes and vodka/club soda.

 

Look at cheers for beers. It might be worth it. Cheers also includes unlimited non alcoholic drinks. I really enjoy Carnivals Lavazza coffee at the coffee house and the Vitamin waters.

 

Enjoy!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Hi,

 

What dining room were you in? Originally I booked early dining due to reading lots of reviews that Spirit dining room had better meals & service, than Pride dining room.

 

Then saw a great recommendation if you had anytime dining and wanted the best of both worlds Fresh cut meat & the experience of sitting down for dinner each night and what that brings to the table (no pun intended...LOL)

 

The recommendation is: If you like meats (Im a meat & potatoe girl as I grew up in Boston) that you can go to Lido deck at 6, get the fresh carved meat from the stations.

 

Then choose anytime dining for your typical dining, which is served in Pride Dining Room.

If still hungry & you also want a taste of the non meat menu items served in the MDR,

join the anytime dining (anytime) and enjoy those specialities served in the MDR.

 

So curious if you were in the Spirit or Pride, as you share the food was just OK.

 

Thank you for your insight -

Edited September 15, 2018 by greatestvalue
Added information