Inspiration? Anyone?

[Anna81]

Hello! I am going on the 5 day cruise on the Inspiration leaving Saturday the 4th. I have only ever sailed on Disney cruise line and I was wondering if anyone out there would like to give me some tips. Things that they enjoyed doing, what to avoid, meals, staterooms, etc...

We are going to Cozumel and Grand Cayman and were thinking about going to Paradise Beach for the afternoon on Cozumel. As I saw on the website, you can rent alot of different equipment for the water there.

Any suggestions? Any comments?

Thanks!

[grtmom]

I was hoping there would be a reply to your question as we are also going to be on the same cruise.

Let me know if you have any further info

Thanks

[Anna81]

I sailed the Inspiration the beginning of February...it was beyond bad!

I have sailed before. With Disney Cruise Line. The next time I sail, I will spend the extra $$ and go on a different cruise line. This was one of the most un organized ships I have ever been on. We didn't get to dock at Grand Cayman cause the waters were too rough and we were told that we would be in Cozumel from 8-6. What a lie! We went to the Lido deck at 8:30 in order to get off the ship and we were given a sticker with the #16 and we were told that we had to wait until our group was called. Well 3 hours later, we FINALLY got off the ship!! They didn't hurry to get us off the ship so we could enjoy our day but, you can bet your bottom dollar that they were ready to tender us back at 5 pm sharp! Don't go on Carnival Inspiration, it will surely be a waste of $$.

[peachcrek]

I hate to burst your bubble but we had almost the same on a cruise with ncl last year waters were to rough to tender so we hung out all day off the shore area till it was time to sail, they gave us free drinks for 2 hours to make up for it , so it is really not the cruise lines fault you must blame Mother Nature, as things do happen as far as getting off late we have learn from the last 7 cruises be down in line at 7:30 am to get your tender tickets

[Anna81]

I understand Mother Nature and all and, they did give us a $25 on board credit but, come on! We spent more than that trying to entertain ourselves gambling. I guess everyone has there opinion.

As far as the waiting for a tender for 3 hours...we were told that only the people who had excursions could get off the ship at 7:30...all else had to wait.

I am glad that you enjoyed your cruise but different strokes for different folks. I will not sail with Carnival again.

You will like the Inspiration. we went on it last Sept and will be on again this Sept. We did not have any issues with the ship, just remember a cruise is what you make it...have a great time!

[Cruise Specialist]

Originally posted by Anna81:
I sailed the Inspiration the beginning of February...it was beyond bad!

I have sailed before. With Disney Cruise Line. The next time I sail, I will spend the extra $$ and go on a different cruise line. This was one of the most un organized ships I have ever been on. We didn't get to dock at Grand Cayman cause the waters were too rough and we were told that we would be in Cozumel from 8-6. What a lie! We went to the Lido deck at 8:30 in order to get off the ship and we were given a sticker with the #16 and we were told that we had to wait until our group was called. Well 3 hours later, we FINALLY got off the ship!! They didn't hurry to get us off the ship so we could enjoy our day but, you can bet your bottom dollar that they were ready to tender us back at 5 pm sharp! Don't go on Carnival Inspiration, it will surely be a waste of $$.

Anna, I understand your frustration concerning the tendering, but you have to remember that it is not the cruiseline's fault if the weather is bad and the water is choppy, it is almost impossible to drop anchor and put people on the tenders to get to shore. I am sorry you missed your call at Grand Cayman, but when this happens it is for the safety of the passengers. As far as Cozumel, before the hurricane ripped the docks apart, there were as many as 8 or more ships docked in Cozumel and people just walked off the ship, now that has changed. The tenders hold a limited amount of people, its not the cruiselines fault that it takes time to get the people off the ship. These tenders can hold only a limited amount of people, you have to also factor in the weather conditions and the water conditions plus the time it takes the tender to get to the ship load the people on, get them to the dock, unload, then turn around and go back to the ship. It is a time consuming process.

It sounds like your biggest complaint of the Inspiration, was getting off the ship. Other than this factor was there anything positive about your cruise?

[Gerry Fisher]

We were on the Inspiration the end of February and first part of March. The food in the dining room was excellant along with superior service. The buffet room was lacking in quality and the decor was something else! It looked like the inside of a whale! That was just the appearance. It was a fun cruise although they could do more to make it better. I didn't see any shufflebord or miniature golf and only two ping pong tables. On balance is was fine. The staterooms were large and clean. I'll definitely go on Carnival as often as I can. Don't look for trouble it will find you easily enough. Enjoy yourself. The karaoke in the lounges was well atended but the the smoke was too much. The one night we had it in the big lounge it was terific.