Trish Henderson

Age: 26
Occupation: retail
Number of Cruises: 1
Cruise Line: Carnival
Ship: Inspiration
Sailing Date: March 25th, 2001
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

WELCOME ABOARD!

This was my first Caribbean cruise. I traveled with my mom, my aunt and uncle, and a group of about 20 other people. (My aunt and uncle's friends) We all live only an hour drive southwest of New Orleans. So, we got up very early and drove the short drive to Raceland, LA. We all parked our vechicles there and took a Calco travel bus to the cruise terminal in New Orleans. With the massive crowd, I did not think we would ever get on the ship. But, we did and a lot faster than I thought. They take a picture of you as you are entering the ship. A late season cold front had came through, so I was wearing a long sleeved shirt and a jacket. Pretty funny scene for leaving on a Caribbean cruise.

What a beauty Inspiration was! I was so amazed! I felt like clinging to the rest of the group because I was so scared to get lost. It was around lunch time, so we grabbed a quick lunch in casual dining area. Then, my mom and I went check out our room. We had an inside room and it was on the small side. It was not necessary to get a room with a window since we did not plan to be in it much. It was now time for the lifeboat drill. I sure felt like I was on the Titanic. We all looked so funny in our orange bulky vests. It did not last long due to the chilly weather.

DINNER

The dining room was so beautiful. We left at 6 p.m. and headed down the mighty Mississippi River. Since I lived in southeastern Louisiana all my life, I seen the Mississippi a thousand times. But, it was nothing like it to travel down it in this great ship. It was such a pretty sight to see all the oil rigs lit up.

Our waiter was very nice and he was from India. He also kept flirting. He even asked my mom and I to meet him at his cabin for a private drink. Of course, I thought he was just joking. Anyway, the food was very good. I am very picky eater and thought that I would never find something on the menu that I liked. But, I did each night. Tne desserts were the best!

THE NIGHT LIFE

After dinner, we all hit all the discos and danced all night! I love to dance and party! But, I could only drink 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks a day. Because my mom was paying my way for this trip and it was kind of pricey. I still had tons of fun anyway. We also tried our luck at the casino. I did not win anything, but my mom won $250. This lady in our group won $1500.

FUN DAY AT SEA

The feeling of being out on the open water is incredible! It is so peaceful and relaxing. My mom and I got up early and went eat breakfast at the lido deck. Very good. Then, we went walk the track. It was very windy, but I loved it. We also went try out the gym. The machines were harder than at the gym back home. So, after a few tries, I gave up. I spent most of the rest of the day lounging by the pool. Even though it felt like 90 degrees that day, the water was still freezing. It was also filled with salt water. It was filled with a lot of kids and they kept splashing salt water in my eyes. Ouch! I layed out a lot to try to work on my tan. I fell asleep in the sun and forgot to put sunscreen on. I got the worst sunburn I ever got in my life!

PORTS OF CALL

Our first port of call was Montego Bay, Jamaica. The scene from the ship docking in Jamaica was breathtaking. I really wanted to go to Dunns River Falls. But, everyone in my group already seen it. So, we settled for a Wet N Wild party tour. We went on a boat and they took us snorkeling. I chickened out at the last minute. I never snorkeled before. Then, we stopped at Margaritaville. I wish we would of had more time to spend there. It looked like the ultimate party spot. I got a real rush going down the 110 ft waterslide. Then, I got one of their famous margaritas. Boy, were they good! When we got back on the boat, we drank several glasses of rum punch. We got crazy and danced to reggae music the whole way back to the ship.

GRAND CAYMAN

Our Next stop was Grand Cayman. My mom and I were the only ones who went on a tour here. She chose the most boring one in my eyes. We got on a bus and it was filled with senior citizens. I was only 24 and far the youngest one on the bus. The bus driver was a native and he took us on a tour of Georgetown. We stopped at a litte shop and sampled rum cake. My mom sampled every flavor and was acting like she was drunk. Then, we went to a turtle farm. I got to hold on of the huge turtles. At first, I was so scared that they would bite me. We also went to a town called Hell. Some pretty neat rock formations but not much else. Next time, I want to just relax on 7-mile beach. The beach was the most beautiful one I ever seen!

COZUMEL

Our next stop was Cozumel and it was definitly the highlight of my whole trip. We all chose the Fiesta Party boat. We went on a triple decker boat with non-stop partying. All the margaritas you can drink. I drank about 6 or 7 of them. Then, you stop off at a really neat beach. Complete with a pool and hot tub and everything. One guy convinced me to enter the beer drinking contest. I was up against some of the most hottest guys I ever seen. Why don't they have guys like that back at home? There was only one other girl. I lost by a landslide. Back on the party boat, we partied some more. My mom broke the pinata and my uncle was crowned king of the limbo contest. Then, they started pouring strawberry tequilla shots in people's mouths. I did about 4 of them. I spent the rest of the night sleeping it off in my cabin. It was the first time I missed dinner in the dining room that night. But, I had a blast!

LAST DAY OF SEA

It was depressing to know that our trip was almost over. Spent almost the whole day tanning, swimming, and going in the hot tubs. We had our last supper in the dining room and it made me feel sad. We also had our final night dancing on the ship in the clubs.

GOING HOME

We all gathered around and prepared to leave the ship. Our group was one of the last ones to be called. I got home around noon which was not bad at all. Before I knew it, it was back to work and reality. Thanks Carnival for the trip of a lifetime. I already have a trip booked for the brand new Conquest. I am going on the Mardi Gras cruise. I am bringing my aunt with me. We both can't wait!