Is there anything I should know about the Carnival Inspiration?

[Carl Nival]

I am going on a Baja California cruise out of Long Beach on the Carnival Inspiration on December 10. I have been on the Ecstasy, so I've been on a Fantasy class ship before. I've never been on a 4-day cruise before. The shortest I've ever been on is a 5-day cruise. When is Elegant Night on a 4-day cruise? Do you have any bits of wisdom to share about the Carnival Inspiration, Long Beach, Catalina, or Ensenda? Thank you in advance.

[Crazy4Koko]

I am going on a Baja California cruise out of Long Beach on the Carnival Inspiration on December 10. I have been on the Ecstasy, so I've been on a Fantasy class ship before. I've never been on a 4-day cruise before. The shortest I've ever been on is a 5-day cruise. When is Elegant Night on a 4-day cruise? Do you have any bits of wisdom to share about the Carnival Inspiration, Long Beach, Catalina, or Ensenda? Thank you in advance.

 

 

She's beautiful, well laid out ( just like the Ecstasy)..and a lot of fun! Four days goes to fast!!

 

Formal, Elegant night will be first day at sea, if I remember right from when she was in Tampa.

[DarthGrady]

I've had many great cruises on Inspiration, I was sorry to see her leave Tampa. She'll be nearly identical to Ecstasy with the exception of the decor. We did the four night on Paradise, it was a nice cruise. Not a tremendous amount to do in Catalina, but it's a pretty place to walk around. Ensenada has some decent tours, but we just shopped and bar hopped all day.

 

I'm a ship buff, so my wife bought us a night on the Queen Mary while we were at Long Beach. It was awesome to tour the old ship and really get a sense of what the grand old liners were like.

[ccruisequeen]

http://s809.beta.photobucket.com/user/ccruisequeen717/library/inspiration%20Fun%20times

 

Here are the Funtimes from Jan. they may have changed but you get an idea.

 

There are two MDRs and the YTD I'd in the front. You have to go to Casino floor or down to Empress to get to back of the ship because of the separation.

[Rosefloater]

I am going on a Baja California cruise out of Long Beach on the Carnival Inspiration on December 10. I have been on the Ecstasy, so I've been on a Fantasy class ship before. I've never been on a 4-day cruise before. The shortest I've ever been on is a 5-day cruise. When is Elegant Night on a 4-day cruise? Do you have any bits of wisdom to share about the Carnival Inspiration, Long Beach, Catalina, or Ensenda? Thank you in advance.

 

CE is on Tuesday night after your day on Catalina.

 

Check the Mexican Riviera board for info on Ensenada.

[foxesden1]

See below for my review, photos, menus, and fun times.

[michellephg]

This will be our first Carnival cruise - my husband and I are also sailing on Dec. 10th!

[chipq]

It's a nice ship and Catalina is a neet little island town, very easy to get around on foot or rent bikes or golf carts. 4 days will fly by but you will have a great time.

 

http://luv2cruise.blogspot.com

[Kenito]

I will be on this same 4 day cruise departing on December 3rd. Perhaps I will be motivated to post something between the 7th and your departure.

 

Better yet, if you have any specific questions or worries, feel free to send me an email.

 

I live about 45 minutes from Ensenada, so I am familiar with the area, and seems most of my cruises stop there as well. If you like wine or enjoy the typical wine country tasting tours, there is a remarkable number of boutique wineries in Valle de Guadalupe, outside of Ensenada. Most of the tours go to LA Cetto, which is the largest winery... but that means they aim toward the mass market. If you do some research you can get into some of the smaller wineries with some quality vino. Also the region is known for some organic products such as olives, olive oil, pesto... etc.

 

There is also a wine tasting shop in the centro area if you don't want to do the valley tour. You can legally bring back two bottles per adult. Most of the "tours" in the valley include a bottle. The ship will probably want to hold them for you until the end of the cruise....

 

Google Valle de Guadalupe for this option. Also... if it is cold in Ensenada, the wine valley is inland and it will typically be warmer and nice. :)

 

There is a really authentic, old fashioned fish market right on the wharf in Ensenada, picturesque, and lots of little restaurants you can get some very fresh shrimp cocktails, etc. Not on many of the "tourist lists" because it is a real local fish market! Fresh and good prices. If you like smoked fish, take some back for happy hour on the ship... eat it before you hit customs.

 

The shopping district has some good knock-offs if you are interested in a brand name bag at knock-off prices. If silver from Taxco is your thing, there are one or two shops with some nice quality silver... unique, and the real .925 silver that makes for a long-lasting souvineer/gift. There is also a duty free shop for fragrances. The centro shopping is a safe and easy walk from the ship. Use the huge Mexican flag as a landmark to keep your bearings.

 

Hussongs is a landmark... just an old bar, but famous. Safe to go in, have a beer and to say you were there. Papas and Beer is another more corporate joint, but both these places have a full-on souvineer store with some decent sweat-shirts, etc. that someone at home may love.

 

La Bufadora is interesting... Google it as well to see if it is your thing... but also very tourist trap. But hey, that can be fun too. :p Nothing too high quality, but fresh fish, and typical souvineer stuff. Fresh coconuts they will open for and put a straw in for you!

 

If I can answer any other questions... fire away! :)

[Chef P]

I wa on her for a 3 nite and Loved her for more reasons than I can share... I did the wine tour in Ensenada and LOVED IT... HIGHLY recomend it...ENJOY have fun..

[SkyMaster]

We've sailed "Inspiration" many, many times when she was here in Tampa. GREAT ship. You're gonna' have a fantastic cruise.

 

"SKY"

[ccruisequeen]

Ship is cold. Both in the cabins and on decks. Bring a hoodie and long pants!

 

See my Funtimes link for current schedule.

[welldone60]

We have sailed on the Inspiration twice this year, both 3-day cruises. Here are links to photos from the cruises.

 

http://s594.photobucket.com/albums/tt25/welldone60/Inspiration%20cruise%20April%202012/

 

http://s594.photobucket.com/albums/tt25/welldone60/Inspiration%20Oct%202012/

 

We had fun on both.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[sylvis]

I have done this itinerary twice on the Paradise and will be on the Inspiration in April. The first time I did the Zodiak tour in Catalina, it was nice. The second time we had our kids and just went to the mini golf course, it was simple and awesome!! Just one block away from the pier. In Ensenada I did the horseback riding and La Bufadora with the kids.

[SadieN]

I will be on this same 4 day cruise departing on December 3rd. Perhaps I will be motivated to post something between the 7th and your departure.

 

Better yet, if you have any specific questions or worries, feel free to send me an email.

 

If I can answer any other questions... fire away! :)

 

When we used to drive across the border we used to go to Puerto Nuevo for lobster. Any idea which restaurants in Ensenada sell Pacific lobster Puerto Nuevo style?

[Cruisin' Lisa]

"There is a really authentic, old fashioned fish market right on the wharf in Ensenada, picturesque, and lots of little restaurants you can get some very fresh shrimp cocktails, etc. Not on many of the "tourist lists" because it is a real local fish market! Fresh and good prices. "

 

How exactly do we get there from the ship? Do you have names of any of the little restaurants?

[Kenito]

Use the huge Mexican flag as a reference point... head for the flag as it is very near the malecon, or wharf area. Once you find the wharf where the different boats are docked, keep walking east (away from the Inspiration) and follow your nose! :p

 

Fish Market in spanish is "mercado pescado" and you can ask in either language... or "donde esta el mercado pescado." My spanish is not perfect, but they will point you in the right direction.

 

Here is a helpful link: http://www.sailorschoice.com/Ensenada/efishmarket.htm

 

The little restaurants are all lined up next to the market... it won't take long for you to walk around all of them... pick whatever one looks good to you, they all will be pretty much the same. Mexican shrimp cocktails are different, more catsup than cocktail sauce... but they will have plenty of sauces and seasonings available... enjoy trying some new tastes... and everything is fresh!

 

If the weather is nice enough, many of the boat owners will offer to take you on a short harbor cruise... some find the seals or sea lions fun. If the Inspiration docks where they usually do... aft of the ship in the afternoon you will find a bunch of them!

 

The downtown area is pretty compact. If you decide to take a taxi back to the ship just confirm in advance how much... and if it is more than $3-$5 for the trip, pass... or offer $3. Again, keep the Mexican flag in view as a reference point, and it will be almost impossible to get lost. Ensenada is a friendly town, and they often will send some kind of entertainment ship-side to entertain.

[Kenito]

When we used to drive across the border we used to go to Puerto Nuevo for lobster. Any idea which restaurants in Ensenada sell Pacific lobster Puerto Nuevo style?

 

To be honest... no. But I am confident if you ask in the restaurants, they know all about Puerto Nuevo. I believe... but am not sure... that I saw some of the little restaurants next to the fish market advertising "Puerto Nuevo Style" or "estilo".

 

They are used to gringos there... they will understand what you are asking; just be patient and friendly... they will respond in kind.

[Kenito]

Ship is cold. Both in the cabins and on decks. Bring a hoodie and long pants!

 

 

I'll be the one in a hoodie and shorts. I live on the beach and am determined to stay in character as long as I can! :p

[ccruisequeen]

Ship is cold. Both in the cabins and on decks. Bring a hoodie and long pants!

 

Didn't I say this before the topic turned to lobster?:eek::rolleyes:

[Carl Nival]

Thank you, everybody, for your advice. I'm really excited.

[Kenito]

Just back from my 4 day... thought I would jot a few notes for you. I had to leave immediately for a family emergency and didn't even unpack... so I am still on my cruise pack job! Well... I did exchange dirty underwear for clean....

 

For a 4 day cruise, I thought this was pretty decent cruise. We parked in the parking structure, and other than the $17.50 a day cost, it worked perfectly. Check in was quick and orderly... no problems. Got there at 12:30... dropped our carry bags and jackets in the rooms, and hit the Lido buffet!

 

I give the food in both the Lido and MDR over-all high marks... better than last cruises on the Spirit. Service in the MDR was good and fun... we ate in the MDR every night, and were happy.

 

Elegant night was Tuesday, day 2, after a day in Catalina. They served both lobster and prime rib that night... and I had both! Both our waiter and assistant were excellent and fun... both got extra tips, which we were happy to offer! :)

 

We just walked around Avalon... did some shopping and found some nice decorative tiles. Unless you want to be more adventurous, Catalina does not take all day... we relaxed in the morning... spent half a day and were back in time to enjoy the ship and dress for the evening.

 

Ensenada... there are non-reservation shuttles into town for $2. On the way, they explain that the return is only $1. From the bus station, you can walk to the fish market and downtown shopping area. They will also offer some other options, so we paid $15 for an excursion to The Blowhole/Bufadora. It was pretty mellow that day because of low tide and calm seas... but something to do. The young man who acted as our guide was very knowledgable about Mexico and Baja and gave us a running commentary about everything we were seeing, and good recommendations at La Bufadora. They let us do some shopping in Ensenada and dropped us off back at the ship. For $15, enjoyable.

 

I still think the Valle de Guadalupe wine tours are excellent, better weather, and great value if you like wine and scenic tours... I live in the area and have done both several times.

 

Entertainment on the ship was weak but the Thursday night finale was well worth attending... by far one of the better shows, and the only "full" show on this cruise.

 

The room steward was invisible except for the first day, and the final morning. Oh well... he didn't do anything extra, but he did his job and we were happy with our room. I usually tip extra to the steward, but a) I never saw him, and b) when I did, he did not fulfill my request. He got only the normal tip.

 

I still don't like this class ship... (as much as one doesn't "like a cruise ship... kind of oxymoronic since if I am cruising, I "like" it!) but on this ship, the galley takes up one floor for a section of the ship, and for some reason it makes getting around more difficult unless you enjoy stairwells. On a 4 day, it is hard to find your way... and by the time you do, you are getting off. But oh well... somehow I never missed a meal!

 

Staff and crew... well, I thought they were pretty friendly on the whole. I really don't have any complaints. I don't think the CD really extended himself, but hey... he was professional and did his job.

 

There were some other individual things that I will address in my survey comments to Carnival that I hope will be helpful, but over all it was safe and pleasurable... a nice 4 day vacation that gave me everything I bargained for!

 

Final morning went okay as well. I think the guides they hire to direct you off the ship were a little officious and pushy for no reason other than to feed their ego and hear the sound of their own voice boss people around, but I ignore them. I thought the customs inspection was more tedious than returning from a 2 week European vacation and a little silly for a 4 day cruise to Ensenada, but well... I can't ignore them! And all's well that ends well! ;) In the final analysis, it was still pretty fast and snag-free.

 

Enjoy your cruise!