Inspiration Review - Dec 11-15th

[heathercruisin]

We just returned from our great cruise on the Inspiration. We sailed Dec 11th and returned Dec 15th. We were a group of 7 - me and DH and DD (age 2), my parents, my sister, and my mother's friend.

 

We stayed at the Residence Inn, just minutes from the port. We got a 2 bedroom suite that we all squeezed in. The room and hotel were great (very comfortable beds and great breakfast). We kept one car there at the hotel, and all squeezed into our large truck for the short ride to the port.

 

Embarkation: It was a tad bit confusing trying to figure out where to stop and drop off our luggage. I had read on their website that no one was allowed in the circle, and when we drove past it, it did look like only taxi's and security was in the circle, but after circling around for a few minutes, we saw that you could drive up through the circle to unload. It would have been nice if they could have put a sign out directing traffic there. The rest was fine. We did use the valet to park. We then got checked in and had a short wait. We got on board and headed up to the Lido for lunch and drinks. The weather was not the greatest - it had rained that morning and was windy.

 

1st Day: I headed to the Mardi Gras room to get our dining changed. We requested early seating, but got late. I met George the Greek, and I told him "I'm so happy to finally meet you - you are very famous on the internet". He was very charming. I told him that we would like early seating, and I wanted to be in his dining room (which was Mardi Gras). He tried, but didn't have an opening there, but got me in the other room for early. I thanked him, and asked if I could come back later to see if anything opened up. So I come back later, and Wilson said "Oh, he already got you switched to the Mardi Gras" - so sweet of him to remember!! And we got a private table too. George is awesome!

 

We then got settled into our rooms, no problems. I was in room R55, and my family was just a few rooms down the hall. Jia was our room steward and was great too.

 

We at dinner every night in the dining room. James was our waiter, and Yoga was the assistant. Both were wonderful. I had the Warm melting chocolate cake for the first time (I had it 3 times out of the 4 nights!) and it was awesome! Yoga made little napkin animals for my DD which she absolutely loved. They were both great, very friendly.

 

During dinner though, the weather took a bad turn and the boat started rocking bad. We went to the Camp Carnival orientation, and to the kid's

dance party for a little bit. But the rocking was so bad that everyone went back to their rooms and were not feeling good. I've been on 2 other cruises and never had a problem with sea sicknesses, but it got me this time. I started taking meds, and our room steward Jia recommended eating an apple, and between the both of them, I started feeling better. But we stayed in the rest of the night, so we missed the first show.

 

2nd Day: Day at sea....a rocky sea! I kept taking the meds and apples, and did a few things around the ship, but because it was rocking so bad and it was so cloudy, the pool and the slides were closed. They still had the hairy chest contest and ice carving on deck, but it was a bummer cause of the weather. Tonight was formal night and we ate again in the dining room. What I love about Carnival is the waiters sing and dance, and just make the dining experience special. We didn't get any of this on NCL. My DH had the lobster and I had the prime rib. The show, SHOUT, was great too.

 

3rd Day: Cozumel... another crappy weather day. I'm glad we didn't book any beach excursions. Cloudy, windy and rained a little. We just shopped at the stores at the pier (the Puerto Maya pier) and ate at Pancho's Backyard. The margarita was great and the food was okay (I did like the salsa). I was hoping there would be a beach area within walking distance, but there was not. However, at the pier is a little area with some sand and beach chairs. You just can't walk from the sand into the ocean. But if your kids want to play on the 'beach' then this could work (it did for my DD). Some others in my party went on the shopping excursion and they had a good time.

 

We hung out on the lido some that afternoon, but the pool and slides were still closed. They were also supposed to have some trivia games on the lido stage, but no one showed up. I don't know if they loved it inside, but they didn't announce it. I guess this would be my only complaint about the entire trip... I understand that they couldn't open the pool/slides because of the weather, but I wish they would have tried to organize some other activities because of this. Also, my sister tried a few times to go to the library to get a book, but they had such limited hours, and then they wouldn't show up on time to open the cabinets. One time they were late, so I went down to information twice, she finally called someone and then they showed up about 10 mins later. The next time, they were supposed to be open from 3-4, but no one showed up until 3:45. I know the libarary is probably the least used feature on the ship, but they should have tried a little better in being on time since they don't have it open a lot.

 

After another great dinner, we went to the late show - the magician. He was okay, then they there was a comedian - John Wesley Austin who was

really funny. Then they had the midnight mexican buffet, which I liked a lot. They had a deck party, but the music was a bit too loud for me.

We ate and went to bed.

 

4th day: Finally some nice weather, and the pools and slides were open!! We were the first ones in the kid's splash area. We didn't do the slides (too chicken). My daughter did fall down in the splash area, and skinned her knees. After walking barefoot on the flooring it was really rough - kind of surprised. You might want to get your kids to keep on their pool shoes in this area. We played in the pool some, and I got a few minutes in the hot tub.

 

My father fell on the pool deck (he tripped himself). Right when it happened, several other guys (just guests, not employees) came over to help. I saw two employees watching, but neither rushed in to help... then a few minutes later an employee (security, I think) came over to help. He kept asking my father what happened, but my dad was so out of it, I just had my sister to talk to him. They had a wheelchair brought up and they took him back to his room. They did offer to take him to the infirmary, but it wasn't necessary.

 

We went to the Latin show that night, and the costumes were great. I thought their choice of music could have been better, but it was a good show. Then we went to pack... boo hoo.

 

Debarkation: we choose to do the Self-assist. Wrong choice, I think. We headed down around 7:45, the elevator doors opened but we couldn't go any further, the crowd was so large. We had done self-assist twice before, but I guess we had gone down earlier, cause I've never seen such a mess. We were packed in like sardines, and very little A/C. We were still in our cars by 8:30, so it was before we would have even been called if we had done the normal debarkation, but just wanted to give everyone a head's up.

 

Overall, I had a great time. I thought the food was good/great, but my DH rated it OK. The photo area was a little nerve-racking... they lost a few photo sessions, and it just takes forever to look for and find your photos. There has to be a better, and more economical way to do it. We did buy a few pictures, but we spent a lot of time just looking for the pics. And there is no where to sit and look through them.

 

The real only bummer was the weather, but Carnival can't control that. I would sail with them again without hesitation.

[Hurricane Girl]

Thank you for your review. I would love to see some pics.??? I am sorry you had bad weather but I am happy you had a good time. :)

[BooBooMonkey]

Thanks for the review Heather! I was just on Inspiration and had a great time, but our weather was great (sorry about your weather). The last three cruises I have been on before that had terrible weather like you're describing. I truly know how you feel :rolleyes:.

 

I really think they should have a set "plan B" for bad weather days...like offer more activities inside the ship. More trivia games, bingo, longer library hours, etc. Just something to DO. I've resorted to doing laundry on cruises just because the weather was so bad and there wasn't much else to do besides drink and gamble (or sleep/watch movies on TV).

 

Not that I'm complaining! I would much rather be on a cruise with bad weather than at home/work any day!!!

[heathercruisin]

Here's some pics of our trip...

 

My daughter in the splash area having a blast.

 

 

My daughter in Cozumel, playing on the 'beach'

 

 

Playing with the large chess set on the Lido deck

 

 

Carnivale Dining Room (just seen during the galley tour)

 

 

Opa! Towel waving in the Mardi Gras room with George the Greek.

[tess18]

My family and I are sailing on the Inspiration on April 11th. Sorry you had bad weather. I have a question about your cabin. We have two rooms - R50 and R52. I have read the front on the ship gets more movement. Did you think that was true? The seas should not be so rough in April, but you never know. I know you said it was rocky, but was in real bad in the cabin. Also did the ship look good since the upgrade? Are the cabins any different.

Thanks Tess

[carm225]

Thank you so much for the review! Counting down the days until I board the Inspiration!!!!

[heathercruisin]

My family and I are sailing on the Inspiration on April 11th. Sorry you had bad weather. I have a question about your cabin. We have two rooms - R50 and R52. I have read the front on the ship gets more movement. Did you think that was true? The seas should not be so rough in April, but you never know. I know you said it was rocky, but was in real bad in the cabin. Also did the ship look good since the upgrade? Are the cabins any different.

Thanks Tess

 

Pretty much everyone was complaining about the rocking, so I don't think our cabin location made it worse. Of course being in the middle, lowest level would be best.

 

Yes the ship looked nice. No complaints about it.

[tennis837]

heathercruisin, you got on as we got off the 11th. The weather that day was ugly. We got off in the rain and it rained all the way home. My heart went out to all of you who were boarding. There was a cold front that came in and moved on with you, lots of wind, clouds/rain.

 

The last night out we had rough seas but not as bad as you mentioned. Guess we just started getting the front edge of it. There were 6 couples starting with R200 so didn't find it too bad back there.

 

As we stepped off the ship in Cozumel the bottom fell out and we all got trenched. Everyone was trying to get back on the ship using both sides and of course they ran us out and made us go to the left side making for a lot of soaked people and so cold in that A/C getting to our cabins for a change of clothes.

 

Overall this was a fantastic cruise. Staff was much better than most we have had plus they did a beautiful job of refurbishing it.

[jennlee]

Yes the seas were very rough on the 11-15 cruise...our flights had been rough and so the rough seas put us in bad shape that first night. We both took 2 of the meds they gave us at the front desk and slept off the worst of it. We took the pills from the pursers desk for th rest of the trip and we were fine though. I do agree that I wish there were more things to do on bad weather days. On Friday we enjoys the couple hours of sunshine, went to the casino and explored the ship, but quickly ran out of things to do. we still had a blast though!

[suezducruz]

I was on this cruise as well..I remember you guys...your little girl was adorable and quite the little dancer! Many people were bothered by the rocking...everywhere you turned people were talking about it. Fortunately my family was not bothered by it at all. In fact, I LOVE being rocked to sleep! I felt bad for the elders especially and was glad that my 80 yo mother didnt' go...I'm sure it was very difficult for them to get around. Needless to say, the first night the ship was pretty quiet.

[heathercruisin]

I was on this cruise as well..I remember you guys...your little girl was adorable and quite the little dancer! Many people were bothered by the rocking...everywhere you turned people were talking about it. Fortunately my family was not bothered by it at all. In fact, I LOVE being rocked to sleep! I felt bad for the elders especially and was glad that my 80 yo mother didnt' go...I'm sure it was very difficult for them to get around. Needless to say, the first night the ship was pretty quiet.

 

Thanks Sue, yes my daughter loves to dance. My parents came with us and they are in their upper 70's, and my mom said that this was going to be her last cruise. She walks with a cane and it was just too much for her.

 

Heather

[crusinpsychRN]

My family and I are sailing on the Inspiration on April 11th. Sorry you had bad weather. I have a question about your cabin. We have two rooms - R50 and R52. I have read the front on the ship gets more movement. Did you think that was true? The seas should not be so rough in April, but you never know. I know you said it was rocky, but was in real bad in the cabin. Also did the ship look good since the upgrade? Are the cabins any different.

Thanks Tess

 

I didn't notice much difference in the rooms other than flat screen TV.

 

OP, did they close up Lido deck at 5:30pm on your last sea day? I couldn't believe they did that in August!

[heathercruisin]

I didn't notice much difference in the rooms other than flat screen TV.

 

OP, did they close up Lido deck at 5:30pm on your last sea day? I couldn't believe they did that in August!

 

I'm not sure - we left the Lido around 3pm, did a tour of the galley, got ready for dinner at 6, then the show at 8:30, then back to the room to pack.

 

Heather

[chrisw23]

Hello all! And a special hello to you, heathercruisin, because I was on the Inspiration the same time you were. The first night was indeed like riding an oversized mechanical bull! The Lido deck was pretty much abandoned that evening due to the epidemic of seasickness. I had taken Walgreen's version of Bonine and wore the Seabands because I wanted to take precaution against that helpless nausea feeling. Either the precaution worked, or I am a true "sea dog!" The ocean started to calm some on Friday, although there was still noticeable rocking. The formal dinner was delightful, and it was really neat seeing everyone dressed to the nines! That night around one in the morning, I was awakened by what sounded like someone's TV volume turned up all the way. It wasn't my neighbors, but it was LOUD! I summoned Security and they came immediately and heard the racket. Within 10 minutes the problem was solved and the next afternoon I received a letter in my cabin from Carnival apologizing for the incident! Saturday, I went to Chankanaab Park and did the Dolphin Royal Swim, which I did not book through Carnival. Although it was cloudy and misty and REALLY windy, the water temperature was tolerable, although it took a minute to get used to. The cab ride there and back was painless, and we hung out and shopped and ate by the pier afterwards. We FINALLY saw the sun on Sunday and it was nice lounging at the Serenity. There was no wind back there, but it was windy everywhere else outside. The Lido deck was still alive and kicking when we left it at around 11:00 pm on the last sea day. Later that night, no make that about 3:00 Monday (debarkation )morning, there was some awful banging and knocking below my cabin (R160). The only thing I can figure was that this was where all the luggage for all the non self-debarkers was being moved to. Self-debarkation was truly a cattle-herd, and they really need to find some way to organize it! Everyone was trying to pile onto the Empress deck via the stairs and elevators before the doors opened and it was HOT in the packed Empress lobby. Once they opened the doors, it was a smooth departure. All in all though, I had a BLAST! It was my first cruise, and we are planning on going the same time next year!

[nealthedeal]

I love george the greek!!! OPA :)

[heathercruisin]

NealtheDeal - do you need an extra set of 'adopted' kids - You've been on a ton of cruises! I'm jealous!

Heather

[cruise crazy64]

Hey,

Sorry to hear you had a bad trip! Tennis, I was also getting off the 11th when they were getting on! I couldn't believe the weather in Cozumel either! My Mom and I were trying to get to a prepaid excusion at 11 when everyone else was trying to get back on. Lots of confusion that could have been cleared up I think, or at least helped, if the captain or someone had made an anouncement about the rain. Most people do not look outside before trying to get off the ship and just assume the weather is nice. We even could have been better prepared ourselves as we had to get on a bus with A/C after being drenched which was not too good! But all in all I guess I picked a pretty good time to go. You never can tell with the weather though! Can't wait til the next cruise!!

 

Karen, FL:cool:

[SRQfireman]

Hello all! And a special hello to you, heathercruisin, because I was on the Inspiration the same time you were. The first night was indeed like riding an oversized mechanical bull! The Lido deck was pretty much abandoned that evening due to the epidemic of seasickness. I had taken Walgreen's version of Bonine and wore the Seabands because I wanted to take precaution against that helpless nausea feeling. Either the precaution worked, or I am a true "sea dog!" The ocean started to calm some on Friday, although there was still noticeable rocking. The formal dinner was delightful, and it was really neat seeing everyone dressed to the nines! That night around one in the morning, I was awakened by what sounded like someone's TV volume turned up all the way. It wasn't my neighbors, but it was LOUD! I summoned Security and they came immediately and heard the racket. Within 10 minutes the problem was solved and the next afternoon I received a letter in my cabin from Carnival apologizing for the incident! Saturday, I went to Chankanaab Park and did the Dolphin Royal Swim, which I did not book through Carnival. Although it was cloudy and misty and REALLY windy, the water temperature was tolerable, although it took a minute to get used to. The cab ride there and back was painless, and we hung out and shopped and ate by the pier afterwards. We FINALLY saw the sun on Sunday and it was nice lounging at the Serenity. There was no wind back there, but it was windy everywhere else outside. The Lido deck was still alive and kicking when we left it at around 11:00 pm on the last sea day. Later that night, no make that about 3:00 Monday (debarkation )morning, there was some awful banging and knocking below my cabin (R160). The only thing I can figure was that this was where all the luggage for all the non self-debarkers was being moved to. Self-debarkation was truly a cattle-herd, and they really need to find some way to organize it! Everyone was trying to pile onto the Empress deck via the stairs and elevators before the doors opened and it was HOT in the packed Empress lobby. Once they opened the doors, it was a smooth departure. All in all though, I had a BLAST! It was my first cruise, and we are planning on going the same time next year!

 

O.K....Ya left us hanging.....what was the cause of the noise that they apologized for???

[chrisw23]

O.K....Ya left us hanging.....what was the cause of the noise that they apologized for???

 

Funny you should ask--they never said what the noise was. My guess is possibly some afterhours crew activity going on in the hold beneath my cabin. The noise sounded like extremely loud TV volume from a show going on in one of the lounges, lots of crowd laughing and applauding a speaker. I already confirmed for myself that it wasn't a neighbor above or beside me. My neighbor on the the other side was a storage room, and it wasn't coming from in there. I don't know what all is in a cruise ship's hold besides luggage and other cargo . . .

 

:confused: :rolleyes:

[SRQfireman]

O.K....I'm guessing the crew was getting alittle rambunkous (like you mentioned).....you were on the lowest passenger deck and below that are the crews quarters.....and yes they do sleep onboard.....lol (one of those lines the cruise directors use when doing the "Top 10") My guess that was the crew's below you partying or whatever they do down there