December on Inspiration

[Jiminy1955]

My BFF and I are cruising on the Inspiration (3 nights) out of Long Beach the first weekend in December. What can we expect in regards to crowds & the average age of cruisers at that time of year? What will the weather be like?

 

First time on Carnival & first time in an inside cabin.

[Cruising Golfer]

If I had to guess, young and drunk... Short cruises are known for that...:cool:

[SoCal Cruiser78]

My BFF and I are cruising on the Inspiration (3 nights) out of Long Beach the first weekend in December. What can we expect in regards to crowds & the average age of cruisers at that time of year? What will the weather be like?

 

First time on Carnival & first time in an inside cabin.

 

Most kids should be in school then; weather could be anything from sunny and warm to cool and rainy. But seeing as we have been in a drought here in SoCal for awhile, your chances are good weather-wise.

[Shmoo here]

My BFF and I are cruising on the Inspiration (3 nights) out of Long Beach the first weekend in December. What can we expect in regards to crowds & the average age of cruisers at that time of year? What will the weather be like?

 

First time on Carnival & first time in an inside cabin.

 

We did a 4 night Inspiration cruise in Feb (our first Carnival). I will admit, because of the general "shorter = party time!" image of Carnival, I did have a few qualms.

 

We found that we enjoyed the cruise more than we thought we would. Maybe it was a fluke, but it seemed that, for the most part, everyone onboard was there to chill out. In fact, the comedians (as well as the Cruise Director) had some problems getting much reaction from the audiences during the shows because, it seemed everyone was there just to watch, not participate so much.

 

The general age (at least on this cruise) seemed to be late 20s to 50ish. Several families with small children, as well as grandparents.

 

As to the weather, who knows. As stated, we're in the middle of an historic drought, so it could be fairly dry, but we're praying for rain.

[losijon]

The wife and I and two friends sailed her in September last year on a four day. It's a good little ship. It's older but very clean. Very nice staff. Never noticed anyone too rowdy. You should have a great time.

 

 

.....................................................

Carnival Pride 7 day Mexican Riviera: September 2008

 

Carnival Inspiration 4 day Mexican Riviera: September 2013

 

Carnival Miracle 15 day Hawaii: coming October 2015

[SadieN]

We've done the 3 & 4 day cruises many times. We've been on the Inspiration twice this year. While the three day will be a bit crazier than the 4 day your's will not be like a stereotypical summer 3 day cruise. The first weekend of December most schools will still be in session.

Your cruise should have an interesting mix of bachelorette parties, families with young children and retired folk.

 

The weather is anybody's guess. It can be rainy or cold or hot or hot and cold on the same day. It can even be smoky.:eek:

Check weather.com before your cruise.

[SadieN]

Inside cabin tips--

 

Obviously you won't have a window but the Lido or Bow cam makes a good substitute.

 

If you are going to have twin beds move one twin under the faux window and the other along the wall (look for the reading lights for placement). We move the beds ourselves because the twins are super easy to move.

 

You will have one 110v outlet and one British flat pin 220v outlet on the vanity.

Enough storage BUT the bathroom vanity set-up is horrible. We bring a small pocket holder for the bathroom.

 

Dining-- If you are assigned the aft MDR wait upstairs in the bar at the aft stairwell. You'll be able to look down at the MDR. The lobby gets extremely crowded waiting for the doors to open.

 

ETA-- We avoid cabins within 4-6 doors of the center stairwell. The top of this stairwell is at the Casino (Smoking) Bar and the smoke travels down the elevators/stairwells and likes to hang out in the lobbies, especially on the Riviera and Main decks.

Edited July 23, 2014 by SadieN

[goduckies05]

Most kids should be in school then; weather could be anything from sunny and warm to cool and rainy. But seeing as we have been in a drought here in SoCal for awhile, your chances are good weather-wise.

 

Except this year is set for an El Nino so it should be extra wet. Going on the Imagination in a week. Can't wait!

 

Sent from my SM-G900P using Forums mobile app

[candigirl]

I cruised last year in January, November and December, all were fabulous times. The weather was perfect, November was a bit warmer than December. Also cruised in April this year and that was the chilliest of the 4.....I never would have guessed that. Just goes to show you that you never know. Bring a light jacket and your bathing suit and you'll be ok. The weekends will always have the party crowd. You will have more families closer to the Thanksgiving and Christmas weekends. I am not sure which crowd you prefer....families with kids, or party animals, but the ship is big enough that you don't have to tolerate either if you don't want to. The ship is fabulous and staff delightful. Have a great time.

Edited July 23, 2014 by candigirl
spelling

[Jiminy1955]

Thank you all for your quick replies, they are very helpful. I didn't realize this is an El Nino year, regardless we will have fun!!

[Jiminy1955]

Inside cabin tips--

 

Obviously you won't have a window but the Lido or Bow cam makes a good substitute.

 

If you are going to have twin beds move one twin under the faux window and the other along the wall (look for the reading lights for placement). We move the beds ourselves because the twins are super easy to move.

 

You will have one 110v outlet and one British flat pin 220v outlet on the vanity.

Enough storage BUT the bathroom vanity set-up is horrible. We bring a small pocket holder for the bathroom.

 

Dining-- If you are assigned the aft MDR wait upstairs in the bar at the aft stairwell. You'll be able to look down at the MDR. The lobby gets extremely crowded waiting for the doors to open.

 

ETA-- We avoid cabins within 4-6 doors of the center stairwell. The top of this stairwell is at the Casino (Smoking) Bar and the smoke travels down the elevators/stairwells and likes to hang out in the lobbies, especially on the Riviera and Main decks.

 

We are on the upper deck midway between forward & midship elevators in u92. Hopefully we won't have that problem.