Inspiration - what to expect??

[grosk063]

Hi all,

Thanks again for a great forum, you guys are awesome!

 

My girlfriend and I are only 16 days away from joining a big group of friends for our first cruise ever, and are getting very excited about it. We leave on the Inspiration out of Tampa, going to Cayman Islands and Calica, and were just talking about some of the things to expect come the first day. We've gotten some awesome tips through this website so far.

 

Below are some general questions we haven't been able to find for this particular ship. But please share anything else we could expect on our first day on this particular cruise. Maybe also some inside tips that will get us started with a bang. :)

 

What time should we get to the port to avoid lines on the first day?

 

Do we just drop off the bags with the handlers in this port, and then move on to check-in?

 

How much should you tip the luggage handlers?

 

When does the luggage usually make it to the cabin?

 

What do most people do while they wait for their cabin to get ready?

 

Follow up question: Will the bars be open this early? :)

 

I've seen some talk about a certain bridge other ships go under when leaving Tampa. If so, does anyone know when this will happen on this particular journey?

 

When are the Captain's party(ies) on this particular ship?

 

When is formal night on this cruise?

 

My girlfriend is also wondering: Do ladies wear high heels (with this being a ship and all)?

 

Are there usually enough sun chairs for everyone on sea days?

 

What drinks are really included in the soda cards? Is bottled water included as well? How much do these cards cost on this cruise?

 

What drinks are available through room service? What about food?

 

These are just some general questions that popped up. I'm sure we'll have more. Just hoping to get some more ideas on what to expect on our first day or two. Thanks in advance for your feedback!!

[CruiseHealing]

I will try to help you as much as I can (My responses are in green)

 

What time should we get to the port to avoid lines on the first day?

We usually get to the port around 11:30 to noon. The crowds are not that bad yet and we can grab lunch before the cabins are ready.

 

Do we just drop off the bags with the handlers in this port, and then move on to check-in? Yes. If you are driving to the port you will need to park your car after you drop off your bags. Remember some ports, i.e.Miami, parking is cash only. So check before you go and bring enough cash to cover parking.

 

How much should you tip the luggage handlers? Tyipcally $2.50 per bag, but I tip $5 per bag because they are usually very heavy.

 

When does the luggage usually make it to the cabin? Usually between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. My last cruise on NCL the bags got to the room around 2:30 pm.

 

What do most people do while they wait for their cabin to get ready?

Grab lunch, reserve spa treatments, buy soda cards, change dining times, select different table. sit by the pool or on the sun deck and relax. Oh yeah, buy a couple of tropical beverages and forget about the main land.

 

Follow up question: Will the bars be open this early? :)

Yes they are. I do not recommend getting to drunk because you will have the muster drill around 4:00 pm.

 

I've seen some talk about a certain bridge other ships go under when leaving Tampa. If so, does anyone know when this will happen on this particular journey? Can't help you on this one. I have yet to cruise out of Tampa. One of these days.

 

When are the Captain's party(ies) on this particular ship? Typically in the theater or one of the night clubs.

 

When is formal night on this cruise? Can't help you on this one.

 

My girlfriend is also wondering: Do ladies wear high heels (with this being a ship and all)? Yes, but not all. If she is comfortable in high heels and/or she looks good in them, then yes she should wear them!

 

Are there usually enough sun chairs for everyone on sea days? Depends where you want to sit. If it is next to the pool, forget it. People start holding chairs by 8 am. Other areas fill up at a slower pace. But if you do not have chairs by 11:00 am you will spend a lot of time walking around looking for chairs. I typically grab a book and get chairs for the family around 9 am. While they are doing their things I hold the chairs listening to my Ipod and reading a book. Of course I may be enjoying a drink as well. This is one of my favorite times on the ship because most of the chairs are still empty (but probably being help by towels or old Tshirts) and it is good me time.

 

What drinks are really included in the soda cards?I believe just soda.

Is bottled water included as well? No

How much do these cards cost on this cruise? About $5 per day. I may get corrected here because I do not remember. It is a good deal.

 

What drinks are available through room service? What about food? I will leave this for someone else to address.

 

I hope this helps. These were all very good questions. A good step to . . . CruiseHealing

[david08]

Alright...hopefully I can help answer the rest. The previous answers were good! I just got off the Inspiration on 1/10/08 and it was amazing...the refurbishments were awesome! Here is what I can help with:

 

What do most people do while they wait for their cabin to get ready?

Grab lunch, reserve spa treatments, buy soda cards, change dining times, select different table. sit by the pool or on the sun deck and relax. Oh yeah, buy a couple of tropical beverages and forget about the main land. Also....check out the ship...hit all the floors, it will help you learn the ship quicker and figure out how to get around a lot quicker.

 

Follow up question: Will the bars be open this early? :)

Bars are open this early!! YEAH!! On Embarkment day, the drink special is called "Fun Ship"...its amazing!! Have a couple of these before the Muster Drill and it will go by quicker...or more fun! LOL

I've seen some talk about a certain bridge other ships go under when leaving Tampa. If so, does anyone know when this will happen on this particular journey? Family lives in Tampa and the bridge is called the Sunshine Skyway...its beautiful!! You usually go under an 1 1/2 - 2 hours after leaving port. I have heard the make an announcement...but let me tell you, that DID NOT happen this time. If you are an insomniac...trying watching for it as you come back into port between 3:00-4:00am....it is all light up!! go to images.google.com and search for Sunshine Skyway....its awesome!

When are the Captain's party(ies) on this particular ship? If I remember correctly, the Captain's Cocktail Party was held in the Paris Lounge on the second night...first sea day. Only one party and you will know about it, just look on the Capers that are delivered to your room

When is formal night on this cruise? Formal Night on this cruise was the night of Grand Caymen...I remember because I was really sunburned!

[david08]

If you have any more specific questions....let me know!!

[jpmaximus]

You picked a great ship! The Inspiration looks terrific and has the feel of a new ship. The interior styling is elegant and the atrium lit up at night is a sight to behold. Enjoy the cruise!!

[prttygirlmss]

I was wondering the hours of the water works area. When is it closed? Was it ever closed due to winds? I read in another thread that slides on other ships have been closed almost the whole time due to wind.

Thanks!

[david08]

The hours of the Waterworks area varies....I remember sitting there at about 9:45am and they were setting up the slides, after about 45 minutes they were ready and they turned the rest of the stuff on.

 

I have NEVER experienced shut down of high winds...however, on our last Sea Day it was really windy...so bad the back of the lawn chairs wouldnt stay down unless you laid on them! Anyways, during this wind the entire Waterworks park was still going....so not sure if they will shut it down.

[CruizCuz]

I thought I'd ask a couple of questions to keep this thread going....I thought that 5 days cruises had 2 formal nights...is there only one now? Also, does anyone know when the "past guest" party might be? Thank you and these previous answers are great!

[goofycruiser]

Just off the Imagination last week. She is identical to the Inspiration so I have information for you. The adults only serenity area at the back of the ship is not to be missed. It has two hot tubs and really nice cushioned lounge chairs with umbrellas and little tables. Very quiet and peaceful looking out at the wake of the ship. Wish I was there right now because I live in Buffalo where the temp. is only 20 degrees! Once you get on the ship and have had lunch try to walk around a little to get an idea of the layout. You will be given a map of the ship as you board. Have a great trip!

[grosk063]

Hi again,

Thanks for taking the time to respond this thoroughly. I was amazed to see this many responses already. It will definitely give us more of an idea what to expect on this particular cruise. Sounds like the ship is almost like new, the crew is fantastic, and that this will be a great time for all. I will definitely post a review of our cruise when we get back home.

 

I am sure we'll have more questions later when I've had a chance to speak to some of my friends about this. In the meantime, keep the Inspiration hints & tips coming! :)

[prttygirlmss]

Since the Imagination is identical to the Inspiration, visit the Imagination thread that has been up lately. Post# 50 has a link to some GREAT pictures!:)

[sledhead]

Can you tell me if there is an arcade as well as what are the kids programs like ?

 

We will be bringing 4 kids with us ranging in ages from 6-13.

 

How was the entertainment as well ? Was there live music on decks and a sailaway party ? We are doing the 5 day Cozumel/GC itinerary.

 

How were the gym and spa facilities ?

 

Thanks...Rob and Eva

[Snorkel2Much]

When are the Captain's party(ies) on this particular ship? If I remember correctly, the Captain's Cocktail Party was held in the Paris Lounge on the second night...first sea day. Only one party and you will know about it, just look on the Capers that are delivered to your room

When is formal night on this cruise? Formal Night on this cruise was the night of Grand Caymen...I remember because I was really sunburned!

Everything else I've read says that Formal night on this sailing is the 2nd night, the night before Grand Cayman. The Captains Cocktail party is usually the same night as formal night. Perhaps the "Past-guest" party was the 3rd night (leaving Grand Cayman)?

 

We're doing the same sailing as the OP 2 weeks after they do, so I've been reading up.

[nacruznmood]

Hello to all and thanks so much for all the wonderful information on this board. We are selling on the Inspiration in 10 days and this will be our second cruise, was wondering what the dress code is for the past guest party. Thanks again for all the great info.:D

[grosk063]

Hi all,

Four tipping questions:

 

1) What is customary to give in tips for room service orders? How fast is room service normally?

 

2) Do you tip the bartenders and waitresses in the bars? Even with a soda card?

 

3) I plan on winning big at the BJ tables in the casino. Is it customary to tip the dealers like in Las Vegas? (I've been to several places overseas where they do not accept tips, so just curious what international waters are like).

 

4) And how much do you tip the folks that keep your room clean, before, during, and after the cruise? (Assuming they've done an excellent job).

 

Thanks again everyone!!

[hunnshine]

:D

Just off the Imagination last week. She is identical to the Inspiration so I have information for you. The adults only serenity area at the back of the ship is not to be missed. It has two hot tubs and really nice cushioned lounge chairs with umbrellas and little tables. Very quiet and peaceful looking out at the wake of the ship. Wish I was there right now because I live in Buffalo where the temp. is only 20 degrees! Once you get on the ship and have had lunch try to walk around a little to get an idea of the layout. You will be given a map of the ship as you board. Have a great trip!

 

Hi there, I too am from the buffalo ny area, North Tonawanda to be exact :p I am going on the Inspiration in the beginning of April and am so excited. I was hoping it had an "adult only area" lol I just wondered as I was typing this, did you mean Buffalo NY? I know there is another buffalo but can't remember what state. :confused:

Sue,

Hunnshine@aol.com

[david08]

Hey everyone....just looked at this board again and lots more questions!! It is late tonight, so tomorrow (I have the day off) I will go through all my pictures and rack my brain and answer all those questions tomorrow (thursday)!!

 

P.S. The Adult Serenidy (sp?) is definitly something you CAN NOT miss....it is amazing!!

[GJClay]

This may have been addressed already, but what is the Tampa port like? I have only cruised out of Miami? Where is it in relation to the airport?

 

I am assuming the sailing is smooth from this port to the Western Caribbean. Is this correct?

 

I possibly should have started a new thread with this, so I apologize in advance. It's late in the wee hours of the a.m. and am not thinking clearly.

[Le Cruiser]

GJClay;

 

Tampa has a nice shopping area/mall with plenty of stores and places to eat literally across the street from the Port of Tampa. Also, the aquarium is great - if you have the time, don't miss it. When we sail out of Tampa, we have CCL book us into Tampa a day early so we're relaxed for the day we sail. While there, we hit the aquarium or Busch Gardens, then dinner out. It takes about 15 minutes to get from the airport to the port, as it's all highway and traffic has always moved smoothly when we've left. As to "smooth sailing", we've not had a problem EVER, no matter which cruise. Maybe we've been lucky, I don't know, but knock on wood no problems! Enjoy your cruise!

[alwaysmomof1]

Thanks for all the info. We sail on her in 8 months!:D

[zipper1]

:D

 

Hi there, I too am from the buffalo ny area, North Tonawanda to be exact :p I am going on the Inspiration in the beginning of April and am so excited. I was hoping it had an "adult only area" lol I just wondered as I was typing this, did you mean Buffalo NY? I know there is another buffalo but can't remember what state. :confused:

Sue,

Hunnshine@aol.com

 

Hey fellow western new yorker. I moved to Columbia, SC area about 10 years ago from North Tonawanda. All my family and friends are still there.

Went on the Inspiration in December. You'll love it!!! Serenity area for adults is wonderful.

[david08]

Alright....hopefully I am getting the bulk of the questions:

 

*SLED HEAD*

1. Arcade: Yes, there is an arcade on the ship....it is on the Promenade Deck just around the corner from Club O2...dont know to much about the kids groups. We had a 1 year old on the ship and he was to young

 

2. Entertainment was good...the male and female lead singers weren't bad at all and the shows were good. Live music on decks, including during sail away was good. Usually happened on Sea Days and the deck party.

 

3. Checked out the Gym/Spa during my first Inspiration cruise in 2006...was good!

 

*Snorkeltomuch*

1. Formal night was actually the night of Grand Caymen...along with the Captain's Cocktail party...I remember this because our formal shots had everyone sunburned. Past Guest Party was the day of Calica/Cozumel.

 

*Nacrunnmood*

1. Dress Code for Past Guest Party was "Smart Casual"...whatever that is! We had the 5:45 dinner and party was before....so I just dressed for dinner

 

*Grosk063*

You have the hardest questions becuase it varies and based on you. The only set tip I have heard is $2 per bag to the people who load them up....usually dont tip the bartenders and waitstaff because the tip is included in the price...I did tip my favorite bartender at the end. It is customary to tip the BJ dealers....I won big there...good luck!

 

*GJClay*

1. Have sailed out of both Orlando and Tampa. Both very nice....we sailed out of Tampa in January with some family that has sailed out of the old Miami port before (heard they just remodeled)...they said Tampa was MUCH nicer!

 

Hope this helps and if anyone has anymore questions....please post. I will check this board more!:)

[sledhead]

Alright....hopefully I am getting the bulk of the questions:

 

*SLED HEAD*

1. Arcade: Yes, there is an arcade on the ship....it is on the Promenade Deck just around the corner from Club O2...dont know to much about the kids groups. We had a 1 year old on the ship and he was to young

 

Thanks....hows the main buffet...heard its really weird looking...hows the food and set up ?

[david08]

hmm....the Brasserie Lounge (sp?) is kind of weird looking, but just the roof. It is very unique....looks like purple tenticles with orange tips. The ship is decorated really well, but could never figure out how that area fit in, lol. The food is set up well in there....there is a deli, bar, pizzeria/salad bar and lots of juices. To be honest, we always used the Lido Deck grille, outside the pool for food and took it onto the deck on the back of the ship behind the Brasserie Lounge....good spot to hang out!

[Payd]

I will try to help you as much as I can (My responses are in green)

 

What time should we get to the port to avoid lines on the first day?

We usually get to the port around 11:30 to noon. The crowds are not that bad yet and we can grab lunch before the cabins are ready.

 

Do we just drop off the bags with the handlers in this port, and then move on to check-in? Yes. If you are driving to the port you will need to park your car after you drop off your bags. Remember some ports, i.e.Miami, parking is cash only. So check before you go and bring enough cash to cover parking.

 

How much should you tip the luggage handlers? Tyipcally $2.50 per bag, but I tip $5 per bag because they are usually very heavy.

 

When does the luggage usually make it to the cabin? Usually between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. My last cruise on NCL the bags got to the room around 2:30 pm.

 

What do most people do while they wait for their cabin to get ready?

Grab lunch, reserve spa treatments, buy soda cards, change dining times, select different table. sit by the pool or on the sun deck and relax. Oh yeah, buy a couple of tropical beverages and forget about the main land.

 

Follow up question: Will the bars be open this early? :)

Yes they are. I do not recommend getting to drunk because you will have the muster drill around 4:00 pm.

 

I've seen some talk about a certain bridge other ships go under when leaving Tampa. If so, does anyone know when this will happen on this particular journey? Can't help you on this one. I have yet to cruise out of Tampa. One of these days.

 

When are the Captain's party(ies) on this particular ship? Typically in the theater or one of the night clubs.

 

When is formal night on this cruise? Can't help you on this one.

 

My girlfriend is also wondering: Do ladies wear high heels (with this being a ship and all)? Yes, but not all. If she is comfortable in high heels and/or she looks good in them, then yes she should wear them!

 

Are there usually enough sun chairs for everyone on sea days? Depends where you want to sit. If it is next to the pool, forget it. People start holding chairs by 8 am. Other areas fill up at a slower pace. But if you do not have chairs by 11:00 am you will spend a lot of time walking around looking for chairs. I typically grab a book and get chairs for the family around 9 am. While they are doing their things I hold the chairs listening to my Ipod and reading a book. Of course I may be enjoying a drink as well. This is one of my favorite times on the ship because most of the chairs are still empty (but probably being help by towels or old Tshirts) and it is good me time.

 

What drinks are really included in the soda cards?I believe just soda.

Is bottled water included as well? No

How much do these cards cost on this cruise? About $5 per day. I may get corrected here because I do not remember. It is a good deal.

 

What drinks are available through room service? What about food? I will leave this for someone else to address.

 

I hope this helps. These were all very good questions. A good step to . . . CruiseHealing

 

WOW great answers.

 

I can add:

 

The Skyway Bridge out of Tampa is awesome. We had the "quick duck" feeling when we went under. About 5:30 on a 4pm sailaway.

 

We only tipped $1 per bag and rounded up to the $5 or $10.

 

Got to port shortly after 11 and "sailed" through the lines.

 

Have fun!

 

Payd:)