LaurieHoffman

Thank you for your review. We sail on her in two weeks...

I have been on her sister ship Inspiration several times and even on her a few years ago but that was before the dry dock and new menu's. Hopefully we will have decent food and a great time. Doing the Sunday - Thursday and hoping for not many wild kids as our past 3-night cruise. It is spring break for us but hoping it is not spring break for most...

We choose early dining for the first time in many cruises. We usually pick any time dining but have had just ok times lately. I think with a set dining time you actually receive better service... I will know after this cruise.

Can't drink my coffee without my flavored coffee creamers... I buy a box of the individual coffee creamers. No refrigeration is needed. I have never been stopped and I always packed it in my check in bag... But now I will put in my carry on bag just to be safe. Coffee on the ship is just ok unless you go to the coffee bar and pay and then it is great. I take my little containers to the buffet as well as the main dining room. Never has anyone said anything...

I have 3 day FunTimes from our cruise on Dec 13th. I don't know how to post them though. I guess I could scan them in and then post? I will try later tonight after my meeting. The 3 night was on the Inspiration not Imagination.

I am also heading on the 4 night on March 23rd and can scan those too if needed. The 4 night is on the Imagination.

As others have said you can take the ships tender to Catalina and just walk around. The golf carts are approx. 40.00 per hour but the last two times we were there it was CASH only!!!! You can walk around town easily and that is fun too. Also tours can be purchased on the dock once you get off the tender for less than the ships.

seeing as the OP is traveling on this ship I would suspect they are truly asking for a copy of the Funtimes...

Just had the new menus on the Imagination. WCMC is on the menu every night. No table clothes,no big deal. Also no full service of silverware. I enjoyed the new menus and did not feel it was a step down. Only difference was fewer dessert offerings. Much ado about nothing.

they had it last week on the Imagination....all I can say is there really is not that much of a change to report...

...

We sail on her in less than three weeks. Did either of you do the Chef's Table? I am considering it for the first time ever as my daughter is traveling with my and not my husband. Do you know what night this is held on? I am hoping it is not formal night... our cruise is a 4 night one

I thought it changed fairly recently...... We are thinking of doing this on the Imagination this month. Looking to know this info too.. Also what night it is held on a 4 night cruise..

I have only had the wok on embarkation day. It is usually my first meal of my cruise and usually I am not willing to wait in the lines any other days. It is delicious though. I love the noodles, veggies and the mild sauce. So fresh and healthy for you. I wish the lines would move faster. I am shocked that some people wait so long.

Has anyone done the Chef's Table on the Imagination since it came to Long Beach? I am thinking of trying it with my daughters in a few weeks - we sail on the 23th of this month. I know the menu is the same as other ships. I believe dinner is in the library vs. the kitchen area. What night is it held? I know I can book once I get on board as I don't think it sells out. Will they cancel it if it is not a full table or do they have the dinner if say only 6 people sign up? Wanted to do something we have not done in past cruises and I know my husband will never go for it so since it is just the two of us thought it might be fun. I don't drink so soda is fine with me and she is to young to drink but is a very mature almost 16 year old so she will be ok with a slower paced dinner.

If we chose to not do an Ensenada excursion, when docking in June on Imagination....what are the options for the daytime porting?

 

How close is anything (safe) to do off of the ship without an excursion tour? Walk to shopping, restaurants? Activities-horseback riding, ziplining, etc?

Does the cruise ship provide you with any sort of map,directory to find your way around, if you chose to walk around without a tour guide?

 

What is the 'blow hole' that I keep reading in postings?

I have been a few times. I feel comfortable with my two kids - teenagers - in town. We walk from the ship to town. About a 5 - 10 minute walk. Usually we head to the port area and walk around as there is a 'straw' type market. Usually good prices and most of the locations sell the same items. Some very clean and delicious looking places to eat. One time we took a harbor tour for about 25.00 for all of us and it was about 1 plus hours long. Very good deal. We also walk around in town up and down the main streets - not sure of any names but have never felt unsafe ever. For us we walk into town and shop for a few hours and then are back on the ship for lunch and don't leave again.

The first time I was there with my daughter only we took a tour of the blow hole but didn't not book through the ship. There are buses you can take after you cross the 'bridge' to get to town. Usually the price is a set price. You get a narrated tour on the way there and then can spend time at the blow hole even eating at one of the local restaurants and then come back to town via another bus. Again we didn't plan this but took a chance and never felt unsafe.

All I can say is, I have 15 cruises on Carnival and 2 booked for this year which means I like to cruise. But, I am not feeling the need to remain loyal anymore. They have sold off some of the benefits I earned -FTTF- and are instituting changes that I am not sure will enhance my cruising experience. It is a good time to let the other main stream cruise lines "WOO ME BACK" !!!!!!

I agree 100%. A company needs to keep their loyal customers happy too.. The FTTF I think insults those of us who have earned Platinum but on other threads people who voice that opinion have been 'flamed'. I think searate benefits should remain completely separate. My two cents.

I'll be on the Inspiration with a very good rate (and $100 credit) on a 4 night cheapie out of Long Beach on the Carnival Imagination with an Ocean View Guarantee room.

 

Just got my room assignment tonight. M263, which seems more bad than good.

 

On the plus side, there's only rooms above and below.

 

On the minus side, it's the last side facing cabin on the starboard side. So I'd assume that I'll get a lot of motion, a lot of engine noise, and parts of the ship will be a long walk.

 

Guess they can't change it without spending more dough. Not the greatest, eh?

When do you sail? We are on her on March 23rd. I can't book guarantee rooms as I am very picky where I stay. I actually like on a low deck and midship. Because I do know this I need to book a specific room and not take my chances. If you got am amazing rate as well as on board credit you will probably be OK. Maybe you are a heavy sleeper? I am sure you will have a great time.

We received a letter today for a free room from carnival on certain dates and certain ships. WHATS THE CATCH!!

Consider yourself very lucky. I can only wish I received a letter along with many others of us as well. I will be taking my 11th cruise on Carnival next month. There seems to be no rhyme or reason who receives these but it does seem like the very loyal customers don't. :confused:

I would hope since there are notes indicating what you requested and Carnival can see what happened they will make this right. Perhaps they need to move your cabin closer to your dads? Hope this works out for you

I got my retraction email a short time ago. :mad: Guess I am not booked on the Sunshine anymore.

I also receive this email... We do have an upcoming cruise in 29 days but not on the Sunshine.. Someone really hit the wrong send button..

Thanks for the review edmusic! My family will be sailing next month. Two questions for you:

 

1) Did you notice if they offered gluten free pizza?

2) did you notice if they offered afternoon tea on the sea day?

 

Thank you in advance!

I don't know about the pizza but they do offer afternoon tea on sea days.

Need my cruise review fix! :)

Thank you for posting this.. we leave on the 23rd of March for a 4 night cruise. We are on the Imagination but same basic ship/food so I was excited to see what you were served. The actual menu looks better than what I had seen before. Glad to see there is a green salad option as well as the fruit and cheese plate too. Guess we can look forward to food options rather than dreading them.

After your final payment is made and there is a price drop are you entitled to that amount as on board credit, or are you not eligible once final payment is made ?? Thanks!

If you booked Early Saver rate you can get a price adjustment up to two days prior to sailing. If you booked any other rate you cannot get on board credit. You MAY be able to move up a category or two depending on the current pricing. I was just turned down when I called to try this and will call back again in a few days assuming the rate stays down. For me the price decreased 90.00 per person! :mad: I booked the least expensive cabin - a 1A - for my daughter and me. We can now get an ocean view for even less $$ . The ship is not filling up quickly so I would hope I can move up but I was told now twice. Will keep trying

Is one any better than the other? Trying to decide which to book, both the same price and itinerary.

Have done both.. I don't have a preference as they are so similar.

Let me guess, you booked with a Carnival PVP didn't you?

Nope, actually I booked on my own online....

I will call tomorrow to see if I can get a different story. (assuming the pricing stays the same) Either way we will enjoy the cruise but moving from an inside to an outside would be better.

Booked for a cruise leaving on March 23rd a few weeks ago. No early saver and booked and paid in full as it was less than 60 less out prior to sailing date. Now of course rates have plumented...:mad: I know I can't get on board credit or a rate reduction.

I called yesterday to try to get a different room - a few categories up. That room is still less than what I paid for my room. I am Platinum - this will be my 11th cruise with them.

I got nothing! I got a simple no - not gonna happen. :mad:

Actually shocked me as I have done this in the past. I honestly expected them to do it as the ship is fairly empty. The difference in price is 90.00 per person for a total of 180.00!! UGH! All I asked for was a room bump not on board credit.. Shame on you Carnival... shouldn't you take care of your Platinum guests too.

I have never received an upgrade, nor did I get a free cruise offered as many have recently gotten..

Looked at your blog. Just saw a pre cruise hotel review and embarkation review. Didn't see a review of your cruise. Am I missing something?

Click new post at the bottom left side of each page. It will take you to the next post

If it is not listed on the menu I would still try to order it. I know I will try on my cruise on the Imagination on March 23rd.