Karen Self

Number of Cruises: First Cruise
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Inspiration
Sailing Date: February 24th, 2002
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

This was our first cruise. We arrived at the port of New Orleans about 1:00 and the line was already very long, however it does move very well and is organized. There are people waiting at the curb to help you with your luggage, in the rush to make sure that we got all of our luggage, I forgot to tip the man, and he quickly reminded of it. It was really funny the way he went about it, but they do expect a tip so don't forget. Also, parking is limited at the port, we got there fairly early and there were only two parking spaces left, so be prepared for that too. We got on board and immediately were presented with a drink, not complementary, they do charge you. We went with our aunt and uncle. My husband and I booked one of the penthouse suites for us and an outside room with a picture window for them. Our room was really nice. Came with a VCR but no movies and we didn't know it would have one, so we didn't bring any movies for our son, wish we had. Also had a bar with glasses, but no drinks. The refrigerator was not stocked as I thought it would be, I asked and they said it was for me to put things in if I wanted too. Okay. We had a great walk in closet with ample hanging space and several shelves to put clothes in. There was also a dressing table across from the bed with more drawers and storage space. The bathroom came with a jacuzzi tub, but get the picture here. The tub is at its width 2/3 the size of a standard bathtub and about 2/3 the length of a standard tub. I jacuzzied once for about 2 minutes before giving it up, so much for the romantic ideas I had brewing. Our cabin was U115. By about three days into our cruise, our bathroom smelled like a port-a-potty, and there seemed to be no explanation or anything anyone could do about it. Also there are two vents in the bathroom that run all the time. The first night they kept me up, but I got use to them after a while, however bothersome they were. My advice would be to save the extra 2 thousand that the penthouse cost and get a outside cabin with a picture window. Our pre-cruise cost 4600.00 including two adults, and one child, prepaid tips, and insurance. No air or hotel. Our uncles cost 2100.00 including two adults, insurance, pre paid tips. No air or hotel. Anyway, the cruise was wonderful, we had great weather and the sea was smooth until the last two days. There were not very many children on board in my sons age group, he is eight, this was due to the time of year. There are usually several hundred on board during the summer and holidays. Therefore he stayed with us the whole time. I think he would have had a better time if he would have gone to the camp carnival. We spend a fortune in the game room, the games cost about 50 cents apiece. Make sure to read the caper every night to find out what is going on the next day, it is the only way you will find out. We missed out on a lot because we didn't keep track like we should have. They have three wonderful late night buffets and we missed all three of them. Nothing really starts until about 10:30 at night, so if your an early bird, drink lots of coffee! In Montego Bay we went on Sharkey's snorkeling adventure. It was great. You get to snorkel and then go to the beach for awhile. You have to rent the umbrellas on the beach. they cost 13.00 for the day, make sure you have exact amount for everything, as they will try to keep you change. Our umbrella boy was about 20 and we gave him a 20. He went to get change, and came back with 2 dollars, and said that he had to find more change (very obvious attitude about wanting to keep the change), I let him keep it. Remember, that Jamaica is very poor, they aren't really trying to rip you off, they just figure that your from America and can afford it. Everyone there was so very nice, I can't express that enough. My son almost cried when we had to leave. Grand Cayman is very expensive, so I don't recommend shopping there. We went to the Turtle farm, Hell and to Stingray City. All was great. My son was the only child on this tour and he got a lot of attention from out tour guide. The water was very rough, they actually cancelled the tour after ours because of it. Stingray City was hard to enjoy because of the rough waters. They tell you not to step on the stingrays, but I think I stepped on all of them because of the waves lifting you up and slamming you back down. In Cozumel, we went to Passion Island. Go here if you can. It was by far our favorite tour. The beach is the same one that they filmed the Corona commercials on. They feed you a wonderful lunch and there is an open bar. The drinks are included in your tour fee. Yeah! Everyone drank up before returning to the calculators aboard the ship! You can do some shopping at the island, do it here. You are the only chance they get to make a sale that day, so they will really barter with you. I got a lot of silver. They started the price at 270.00 and I got it for 150.00. When we went back to the city on the way to the boat, they would not barter at all, because there are so many people they can sell to. Passion Island is open only to cruise people so it is not crowded and is very relaxing. As far a attire is concerned aboard the ship: I was very concerned about this. Everything goes. Blue jeans to slacks, cut offs to dockers. In the dining room, there is no shorts allowed or tank tops or tee shirts. Many wore jeans, dockers, capri pants were plentiful. On the formal nights, everything from church dress to women’s business suite to full length formal. Men mostly wore dark suits. Mine wore slacks with a jacket and this was also the selection for many. Don't sweat it. You can also rent formal attire on board for both men and women. I'm not sure of the price. Getting off the boat went smooth also. You have to be at your designated spot by 8:45 in the morning on Sunday. We sat on the floor with everyone else and waited for about and hour and fifteen minutes to be called. The go according to the color of you luggage tags, so don't think that the better rooms go first, this just isn't so. When you color is called you leave the ship and walk to the port building, there are dogs there to sniff everyone passing. You go to an large empty room that has everyone’s luggage piled up. You pick your luggage, making sure to leave nothing behind, flag down a luggage carrier, and head out. Again, the luggage carriers expect a tip and they will remind you if you forget. We had a great time, hope you do too.