At the Inspiration now...what a mess!

[pungo3]

So happy your cruise is going well. You deserve to rest and relax. Enjoy:D

[ccruisequeen]

We're on now...just seemed different today. Must've been the large parties that delayed us.

 

Another change: they take your picture when you get your S&S card at the check-in counter and not right before you "walk the plank" between the dome and the ship.

 

Is that also for Platinum and Queen Mary, or is that just for later check-ins at the dome?

[LaurieHoffman]

Is that also for Platinum and Queen Mary, or is that just for later check-ins at the dome?[/quote

rside

 

 

If things have not changes the Queen Mary check in is for early arrivals. We have checked in at both the Queen Mary as well as the 'regular' check in area. When we arrived early - prior to 11 am ish we were directed to the Queen Mary to check in. Then to the specific group numbers to board the ship. Last time we cruised out of Long Beach we didn't get to the dock until about 1 PM and walked in without any line to the security check point and then the check in area. Very quick. The Platinum/VIP area is a separate area (very small in size) just outside the main checkin. I am looking forward to using that area in December when we sail on the Inspiration for 3 nights.

[ccruisequeen]

Is that also for Platinum and Queen Mary, or is that just for later check-ins at the dome?[/quote

rside

 

 

If things have not changes the Queen Mary check in is for early arrivals. We have checked in at both the Queen Mary as well as the 'regular' check in area. When we arrived early - prior to 11 am ish we were directed to the Queen Mary to check in. Then to the specific group numbers to board the ship. Last time we cruised out of Long Beach we didn't get to the dock until about 1 PM and walked in without any line to the security check point and then the check in area. Very quick. The Platinum/VIP area is a separate area (very small in size) just outside the main checkin. I am looking forward to using that area in December when we sail on the Inspiration for 3 nights.

 

I was referring to the photo process which has been done as you leave the dome if you are zoned or ViP in the past (as late as April).

 

I think if you check in at the dome after the Zones, they take your photo at the check in booths inside the dome. I was just asking if that process is now being done at the QM or VIP check in too.

 

 

"I can see Carnival Miracle (after 10-2-13) and Inspiration from my porch" (to paraphrase Tina Fey as S. Palin)

I still cruise for Warm Chocolate Melting Cake (with 2 sugar-free vanilla ice-creams!)

[SoCalKJ]

She's on the other side of the dome and other than a giant picture of Princess Diana displayed for their current exhibit, which would be cool to check out, we didn't check in through the QM. I know some people will stay there the night before, but that doesn't apply to us.

 

Anyhoo...

 

It was amazing from the time we walked the plank between the dome and the ship to embark and the time we waited to debark. This time, I was in NO hurry to exit...and I farted around as long as possible on Lido taking more pictures...and even got to walk around and take pictures of the Owner's Suite while staff was fixing it up for the next lucky suckers who probably paid an arm & a leg for the 4-day later that day.

 

Got to see some familiar staff faces (this is the 3rd time on the Inspiration this year...mad dash to platinum) and met some new amazing staff members.

 

I love Superstar Live Karaoke and performing with the live band. We all recognize each other now...LOL! They're all so welcoming and gracious. Sunday afternoon, Jessica and the Motown Band invited me to sing with them during their hour show outside of the casino in the Violins Bar...I've included a link:

 

The food was great...as usual. We (almost) broke even in the casino, we enjoyed Snuba Diving in Ensenada, Serenity deck, karaoke, great service overall.

 

Jessica, one of the featured dancers, and her parents visiting from Canada were sitting next to us in the MDR and they were a joy to chat with. She's an amazing dancer, as featured in the Latin production Saturday night...loved the outfits and the production as a whole. Inspiration is going into Dry Dock in a month and part of the 2.0 change is that the dancers have to be able to sing...so Jessica will be making her way to another ship... <sigh>

 

Villamor was our stateroom steward...best sense of humor! Top 2 favorite stewards overall. He even asked for my email so he can find out what stateroom I'll be in so he can find me in November...(was it my sparkling personality or my over-generous tipping??)

 

DH made the final table at the Blackjack tournament...cost to try to qualify is now $25. Finalists used to get a t-shirt for making the final table...now, you get bragging rights. I'm proud of him...he was all serious (which was hilarious to me!!): even turned his baseball cap backwards a la Sylvester Stallone in that silly arm wrestling movie! I should've gotten a picture. Grr. LOL! He also won the first trivia game before the ship even took off: the "how well do you know Carnival" trivia. He likes to brag that he beat out 2500-2700 other players, but there were really only 3 others playing. He did get a perfect score and we're that much more educated on our favorite cruise line! I played the game show trivia later that evening and was victorious, as well. I love trivia on the ship, but didn't want to seem like a big SOAS hog since I've won many of the music trivia games on prior trips, so I decided to bow out and let others have fun.

 

I kinda gambled through Tea Time, though, so I was kinda pissed about that..but since I overate all weekend long, it's not a big loss. LOL!

 

We went hose diving through BajaBlueDiver.com and had a blast. Sadly, though, the water was freezing even on a freakin' hot September day and water seeped through our wet suits...BRRRRR!! DH had a tough time getting his mask to stay on, because he has a mustache and the water would sneak in...a little annoying for him...but overall, having a waterproof video camera that allowed us to take video at the bottom of the ocean was pretty breathtaking. Good Trip. Will rate the excursion company separately, but I highly recommend them. Nice people...4 of them assisting the 2 of us.

 

Ashley, the karaoke host, was really cool...very welcoming back.

 

I'll be back on her November 22...right after she is 2.0-ified, so I'm excited to discover the new and improved Inspiration!

 

Will post pics later.:)

[travelingdiva2]

She's on the other side of the dome and other than a giant picture of Princess Diana displayed for their current exhibit, which would be cool to check out, we didn't check in through the QM. I know some people will stay there the night before, but that doesn't apply to us.

 

Anyhoo...

 

It was amazing from the time we walked the plank between the dome and the ship to embark and the time we waited to debark. This time, I was in NO hurry to exit...and I farted around as long as possible on Lido taking more pictures...and even got to walk around and take pictures of the Owner's Suite while staff was fixing it up for the next lucky suckers who probably paid an arm & a leg for the 4-day later that day.

 

Got to see some familiar staff faces (this is the 3rd time on the Inspiration this year...mad dash to platinum) and met some new amazing staff members.

 

I love Superstar Live Karaoke and performing with the live band. We all recognize each other now...LOL! They're all so welcoming and gracious. Sunday afternoon, Jessica and the Motown Band invited me to sing with them during their hour show outside of the casino in the Violins Bar...I've included a link:

 

The food was great...as usual. We (almost) broke even in the casino, we enjoyed Snuba Diving in Ensenada, Serenity deck, karaoke, great service overall.

 

Jessica, one of the featured dancers, and her parents visiting from Canada were sitting next to us in the MDR and they were a joy to chat with. She's an amazing dancer, as featured in the Latin production Saturday night...loved the outfits and the production as a whole. Inspiration is going into Dry Dock in a month and part of the 2.0 change is that the dancers have to be able to sing...so Jessica will be making her way to another ship... <sigh>

 

Villamor was our stateroom steward...best sense of humor! Top 2 favorite stewards overall. He even asked for my email so he can find out what stateroom I'll be in so he can find me in November...(was it my sparkling personality or my over-generous tipping??)

 

DH made the final table at the Blackjack tournament...cost to try to qualify is now $25. Finalists used to get a t-shirt for making the final table...now, you get bragging rights. I'm proud of him...he was all serious (which was hilarious to me!!): even turned his baseball cap backwards a la Sylvester Stallone in that silly arm wrestling movie! I should've gotten a picture. Grr. LOL! He also won the first trivia game before the ship even took off: the "how well do you know Carnival" trivia. He likes to brag that he beat out 2500-2700 other players, but there were really only 3 others playing. He did get a perfect score and we're that much more educated on our favorite cruise line! I played the game show trivia later that evening and was victorious, as well. I love trivia on the ship, but didn't want to seem like a big SOAS hog since I've won many of the music trivia games on prior trips, so I decided to bow out and let others have fun.

 

I kinda gambled through Tea Time, though, so I was kinda pissed about that..but since I overate all weekend long, it's not a big loss. LOL!

 

We went hose diving through BajaBlueDiver.com and had a blast. Sadly, though, the water was freezing even on a freakin' hot September day and water seeped through our wet suits...BRRRRR!! DH had a tough time getting his mask to stay on, because he has a mustache and the water would sneak in...a little annoying for him...but overall, having a waterproof video camera that allowed us to take video at the bottom of the ocean was pretty breathtaking. Good Trip. Will rate the excursion company separately, but I highly recommend them. Nice people...4 of them assisting the 2 of us.

 

Ashley, the karaoke host, was really cool...very welcoming back.

 

I'll be back on her November 22...right after she is 2.0-ified, so I'm excited to discover the new and improved Inspiration!

 

Will post pics later.:)

 

I just watched your youtube video and you were AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!! :D:D:D:D

[cathyz]

She's on the other side of the dome and other than a giant picture of Princess Diana displayed for their current exhibit, which would be cool to check out, we didn't check in through the QM. I know some people will stay there the night before, but that doesn't apply to us.

 

 

Actually, the early check-in (before 11:00ish) for the Inspiration is done on the Queen Mary, that's probably why someone mentioned it.

[elliair]

This might be the first time that waiting to arrive might've been more optimal. There's a huge wedding party...at least 100 people...and another huge group in the boarding zone line...and the rest of us are waiting in an entirely different line to just get room keys. Usually by now, we'd be stuffed from the Lido buffet, but today is an entirely different game. Already met a crabby guest relations associate when politely asking where we go if we're not part of the big parties. Hmmmm...my prayer is that this early mayhem is all the headache we have to deal with for the rest of the weekend.

 

Good news: when I get home, my injured car will be ready.

 

You're probably back from your cruise and I just now saw this thread. Did the gulls get your breakfast or lunch? We saw them devour a guests breakfast when he got up to get some coffee.:eek:

[SoCalKJ]

I just watched your youtube video and you were AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!! :D:D:D:D

 

Thank You! What a treat to be included in the music festivities! :)

[SoCalKJ]

You're probably back from your cruise and I just now saw this thread. Did the gulls get your breakfast or lunch? We saw them devour a guests breakfast when he got up to get some coffee.:eek:

 

Nope...wasn't us. That would've been something to laugh at, though! :D

[SoCalKJ]

Actually, the early check-in (before 11:00ish) for the Inspiration is done on the Queen Mary, that's probably why someone mentioned it.

 

I didn't know that. I always thought the QM check-in was primarily for guests who stayed at the QM before their Carnival cruise. I know now.

[mlipreston]

We're on now...just seemed different today. Must've been the large parties that delayed us.

 

Another change: they take your picture when you get your S&S card at the check-in counter and not right before you "walk the plank" between the dome and the ship.

 

That is different. In August it was still before you "walk the plank". Interesting.

 

 

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[SoCalKJ]

Yeah took us by surprise, too!

[travelingdiva2]

Thank You! What a treat to be included in the music festivities! :)

 

Yw.Yeah, I bet it was a treat! I love to sing, too. I just wish I could be as bold as you. I've only sang at karaoke ONCE (and that wasn't by myself :rolleyes:). I try to tell myself "Aww come on. You'll never see these folks again", but, it doesn't work :D

[SoCalKJ]

Yw.Yeah, I bet it was a treat! I love to sing, too. I just wish I could be as bold as you. I've only sang at karaoke ONCE (and that wasn't by myself :rolleyes:). I try to tell myself "Aww come on. You'll never see these folks again", but, it doesn't work :D

 

Well...I never wanna wonder "what if." Life's way too short to not make a fool of myself occasionally. :-)

[LaurieHoffman]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. I didn't know about the 2.0 upgrades. We sail on her Dec 13th so everything should be fairly new....

[ccruisequeen]

Just off inspiration this morning. Our departure was delayed as well. Word is someone tried to smuggle on some contraband but port authorities were roaming the Empress deck for a while. Katie, who ran trivia and Bingo said everything is on the down low.

We finally took off about 7:30/8ish.

 

I did see the gull steal the breakfast on Tuesday (Catalina morning) funny!

 

Sang California Dreaming for karaoke last night and was remembered from May by the host.

 

The dancers from the shows were the same, but Eduard, Lee, Katie, and Carley were new. Ed became my best friend by last night! If I were about 35 years younger......!

 

Katie was really sweet. Lee was funny. Never got to interact with our CD NickBrown.

 

 

"I can see Carnival Miracle (after 10-2-13) and Inspiration from my porch" (to paraphrase Tina Fey as S. Palin)

I still cruise for Warm Chocolate Melting Cake (with 2 sugar-free vanilla ice-creams!)

[SoCalKJ]

Just off inspiration this morning. Our departure was delayed as well. Word is someone tried to smuggle on some contraband but port authorities were roaming the Empress deck for a while. Katie, who ran trivia and Bingo said everything is on the down low.

We finally took off about 7:30/8ish.

 

Someone from my sailing? Wow must've been after we debarked...and we took our sweet time! Crazy!

 

 

Sang California Dreaming for karaoke last night and was remembered from May by the host.

 

Ashley from India, right? Cool guy!

[SoCalKJ]

Oops, you said smuggled on, not off. My bad!

[travelingdiva2]

Well...I never wanna wonder "what if." Life's way too short to not make a fool of myself occasionally. :-)

 

 

Lol...maybe I need to start looking at it in that perspective :cool: