Imagination? Anyone sail this ship recently?

[Busymomof4]

We are cruising on the Imagination this October....5 nights to Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. I have seen very little posted about this ship. Looking for any recent reviews....the good/bad about the ship and and other info you can give. Thanks!

[gogram]

I was on the Imagination in May '05. I thought the ship was in fine shape. The cabins had the new sleep system (very comfy!). The food in the dining room was very good, although the dining room service was a little off. But, hey - I didn't have to cook and wash dishes. Room service was on the ball and the late night pizza was the best. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise and I wouldn't hesitate to book another cruise on this ship.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Busymomof4]

I was on the Imagination in May '05. I thought the ship was in fine shape. The cabins had the new sleep system (very comfy!). The food in the dining room was very good, although the dining room service was a little off. But, hey - I didn't have to cook and wash dishes. Room service was on the ball and the late night pizza was the best. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise and I wouldn't hesitate to book another cruise on this ship.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Thanks gogram. It's good to hear some recent info about the ship. How was the CD? Did you see any of the shows? I am so ready to go right now. Just 2 months to go. We booked our excursions through independent operators in both ports based on info on these boards. They both sounds wonderful although even if we ended up just cruising around to nowhere for all 5 days would be fine with me too. LOL:)

[gogram]

The cruise director in May was Jeff - sorry I can't remember his last name. He was very funny and did an excellent job with the audience. We enjoyed the Vegas type shows. The band onstage was excellent. I can't comment on the nightclubs as we really didn't get to visit any - probably spent too much time in the casino.

 

We booked our excursion thru Carnival and I didn't really regret it because it was just easier for us. But I think if I had it to do over again, I may try to book with a private operator. The beaches in Cozumel are great - don't miss going to one! We went to Play Mia, but I've heard alot of good about all of them. I didn't do any shopping there, but the enclosed mall area by the dock had all sorts of things of things from liquor, leather goods, vanilla and the usual trinkets and T-shirts. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back now. I've got another cruise booked for October on the Fantasy. I can't wait!

[Longlegscruiser]

The Imagination was my very first cruise and I did not really know much about cruising then, but looking back I pretty much got what I paid for. The cruise was nice and I had alot of fun, food was good, ports were interesting. The ship was spotless.

 

Its an affordable cruise geared toward the average person. Would I go on the Imagination again? NO WAY - since then I have cruised with Holland America and taken a few other longer cruises on Carnival's newer ships and I have no desire to return to the Imagination after experiencing the other ships/and cruise lines. In addition I have gotten spoiled by balcony rooms in which I dont think the Imagination has any.

 

Enjoy your cruise

[cruisenewbie1]

I am going to be on the Imagination 10/1. What is your sail date. I was beginning to think there wasn't going to be anyone else there.

[Busymomof4]

We booked our excursion thru Carnival and I didn't really regret it because it was just easier for us. But I think if I had it to do over again, I may try to book with a private operator. The beaches in Cozumel are great - don't miss going to one! We went to Play Mia, but I've heard alot of good about all of them. I didn't do any shopping there, but the enclosed mall area by the dock had all sorts of things of things from liquor, leather goods, vanilla and the usual trinkets and T-shirts. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back now. I've got another cruise booked for October on the Fantasy. I can't wait!

 

Our stops are Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios this trip. We did Cozumel last October when we sailed the Sensation and had a great time there. Spent most the day at Paradise beach.

Have a wonderful time on the Fantasy.

[Busymomof4]

The Imagination was my very first cruise and I did not really know much about cruising then, but looking back I pretty much got what I paid for. The cruise was nice and I had alot of fun, food was good, ports were interesting. The ship was spotless.

 

Its an affordable cruise geared toward the average person. Would I go on the Imagination again? NO WAY - since then I have cruised with Holland America and taken a few other longer cruises on Carnival's newer ships and I have no desire to return to the Imagination after experiencing the other ships/and cruise lines. In addition I have gotten spoiled by balcony rooms in which I dont think the Imagination has any.

 

Enjoy your cruise

 

My husband and I sailed on 2 of Carnival's larger ships our first 2 cruises and really enjoyed them esp. the balcony rooms. Last October when sailed the Sensation and this time sailing the Imagination we are taking our 4 kids. The price was great and we thoroughly enjoyed the smaller ship and the kids had a blast. Next year I think we may try for a larger ship and a balcony again.

[Busymomof4]

I am going to be on the Imagination 10/1. What is your sail date. I was beginning to think there wasn't going to be anyone else there.

 

We sail on 10/10. It's nice to hear somethings about this ship and find something else sailing on her. I hope you have a great cruise!

[nyllrap]

My family and I are leaving for the 5 days Imagination cruise on Monday, Aug. 15. I can't wait! Have never cruised Carnival but have done 2 Royal Caribbean Cruises. Our travel agent said the Imagination is similar to the 2 RCI ships we were on. I'm not picky - just love being at sea. We are taking our neighbor's 24 year old neighbor's daughter, in addition to my 20 year old daughter (her 3rd cruise also). It will be our neighbor's first vacation (much less cruise) ever. I can't wait to see what she thinks of it.

We have booked a Nativeway shore excursion in Grand Cayman (Rays, Reef, and Rum Beach) and a Carnival river tubing excursion in Ochos Rios.

I'm hopeful the weather won't cause any problems. Wish us luck!

[Busymomof4]

My family and I are leaving for the 5 days Imagination cruise on Monday, Aug. 15. I can't wait! Have never cruised Carnival but have done 2 Royal Caribbean Cruises. Our travel agent said the Imagination is similar to the 2 RCI ships we were on. I'm not picky - just love being at sea. We are taking our neighbor's 24 year old neighbor's daughter, in addition to my 20 year old daughter (her 3rd cruise also). It will be our neighbor's first vacation (much less cruise) ever. I can't wait to see what she thinks of it.

We have booked a Nativeway shore excursion in Grand Cayman (Rays, Reef, and Rum Beach) and a Carnival river tubing excursion in Ochos Rios.

I'm hopeful the weather won't cause any problems. Wish us luck!

 

We also booked that same Nativeway excursion in Grand Cayman and then a tour with Phil Lafayette in Ocho Rios. They both sound wonderful. I'm jealous that you get to go so soon. Have a wonderful time! Would you post a review when you get back?

[nyllrap]

I sure will!

[shipcafe]

I sailed Imagination June 2nd, 2005. She looked wonderful. Everything was kept up immaculately. Despite some service issues here and there in regard to dining, everything else was top notch. Cruise director was Jeff Bronson. I will soon be publishing a comprehensive photologue of the ship herself on my site in my traditional format of the other ships. Keep an eye out!

[lele100]

ShipCafe,

Can't wait to see your photos of the imagination, I am going on 8/25, I hope you have them up by then.

 

Can't wait 13 more days

[gogram]

ShipCafe,

 

Can't wait to see your photos. Will bring back lots of pleasant memories of sailing the Imagination this past May.

[Busymomof4]

I sailed Imagination June 2nd, 2005. She looked wonderful. Everything was kept up immaculately. Despite some service issues here and there in regard to dining, everything else was top notch. Cruise director was Jeff Bronson. I will soon be publishing a comprehensive photologue of the ship herself on my site in my traditional format of the other ships. Keep an eye out!

 

Wonderful! I will definately keep an eye out. Thanks for the info.

[CruzTigger19]

Imagination July 28 – August 1 Review

 

 

 

My partner and I just completed a 4-night cruise on the Imagination. We chose the ship because of the itinerary, primarily because it was going to Cozumel. This is a review of the ship not the ports of call. Overall the Imagination is a good ship and is in terrific shape considering its age.

 

 

 

Highlights :)

 

Embarkation was a breeze. If you can afford it, booking a cabin that gets you into the Skipper’s Club is wonderful. No lines, a nice lounge for waiting, some of the first people to board. We arrived at the port too early around 10:30. We went directly to the Skippers Club. Our check in was completed before 11:00. No one was allowed to board until noon, but at 12:01 we were aboard.

 

 

 

The Spa/Gym was nice. The treadmills, weights, and other exercise equipment were in good shape and provided a nice variety. The steam room, Jacuzzi, and sauna were clean and large enough to not feel crowded.

 

 

 

Our Cabin & Cabin Steward were wonderful. The cabin was roomy with a nice balcony. There was plenty of storage space and hangers for clothes. The bathroom had plenty of room as well. Our cabin steward Joseph was the best cabin steward I have met in 12 cruises. He does an excellent job of keeping the cabin clean and fresh.

 

 

 

Piano Bar:)

The Piano Bar was a great deal of fun. It is located in a small intimate lounge called the Mirage. Brad, the piano player, is an excellent entertainer. We really enjoyed the evenings in the Mirage.

 

 

Disembarkation was pretty good too. The early disembarkation or “running of the bulls” is a concept that I personally like. If you can carry off all of your bags, then there is a “window” between 07:30 am and 08:30 am that you can leave the ship. We were off the ship, through customs, and at the car rental counter at the Miami Airport by 08:15 AM.

 

 

 

Other staff members were polite and attentative. The starboard side pool bar provided great service and mixed some killer drinks. Brent the cruise director was excellent. He has a good sense of humor and seemed to be able to keep most of the passengers happy.

 

 

 

Lowlights :mad:

 

When I have cruised in the past the “piped-in” poolside music was usually light and had tropical/Caribbean music. On this voyage of the Imagination, there was a lot of blaring “hip-hop” music. It was not what I expected. The music kept me from enjoying the main pool area. Not to mention taking alternative routes to the Horizon Grill just to avoid the music.

 

 

 

Our “neighbors” (not Carnival’s fault) across the hall were in their 40s and 50’s going on 16. I know this was not Carnival’s fault and we should have known better on an “-ation” ship. But we figured, wrongly, that on the Verandah deck, the rowdiness would not be an issue.

 

 

 

The Formal Night Dinner was disappointing at best. The lobster tail was rubbery and cold. The salmon on the other hand was wonderful. We ordered both entre’s, but unfortunately the salmon did not show up until the dessert course was being served.

 

 

 

“MidLights”:o

 

The food on board the Imagination was just okay. Brown lettuce was often found in the salad bar as well as in the dining room. Very few of the dishes seemed to have a memorable or lasting impression. (The exception is the salmon and the escargot).

 

 

 

The ships photographers did a good job. They were not pushy. My only complaint is the formal night dining room picture was out of focus.

 

 

 

Overall the cruise was good, but I think that it will be awhile before I book another 4 night cruise on Carnival.

[iowacruiser23]

We are sailing on Imagination 10/29/05 with stops also in Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. Do most people book their shore excursions before they leave or wait till they get down there? We're just not sure what we want do do or whether we should book through Carnival to be safe or go with the local folks. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary and since this is our first cruise I have really been checking our these boards to get some info.

[Busymomof4]

We are sailing on Imagination 10/29/05 with stops also in Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. Do most people book their shore excursions before they leave or wait till they get down there? We're just not sure what we want do do or whether we should book through Carnival to be safe or go with the local folks. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary and since this is our first cruise I have really been checking our these boards to get some info.

 

After reading all the info I can on here, I have booked our excursions with private tours at each port. We are using Phil Lafayette in Ocho Rios....doing his Dunn's River Falls and river tubing and Nativeways in Grand cayman doing their Rays, Reef, and Rum Point excursion. They both sound very reputable.

[cruisenewbie1]

BusyMomof4,

 

I have been looking for something to do in Grand Cayman. I already have plans for Jamaica but nothing to do yet. I was debating on booking thru CCL. How do you get in touch with them in Grand Cayman to find out more details?

[Busymomof4]

BusyMomof4,

 

I have been looking for something to do in Grand Cayman. I already have plans for Jamaica but nothing to do yet. I was debating on booking thru CCL. How do you get in touch with them in Grand Cayman to find out more details?

 

Here is the website for Nativeways who we are using for our Grand Cayman excursion. I have read nothing but good things about them. They are quick to respond to questions also.

http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/

[shipcafe]

Imagination's spectacular Grand Atrium :

 

[dryehair]

BusyMomof4,

 

I have been looking for something to do in Grand Cayman. I already have plans for Jamaica but nothing to do yet. I was debating on booking thru CCL. How do you get in touch with them in Grand Cayman to find out more details?

 

Newbie

We did sting ray city......it was awsome......my 16 year old said it was the most awsome thing he has ever done.......i highly recommend it...... we will be sailing on Oct 1st 2005.......alomst here.....looks like its only us...cant find anyone else going on this cruise......should have plently of space to move around.....

[kjkuntz]

we just got off the Imagation and it was a beautiful cruise. We also did a excursion through Carnival for the stingray city and my husband and I both think they rushed us through. We were only there for maybe 1/2hour if we were lucky . But then they wanted to take there sweet time heading back in so the photographer could download his pics on his laptop.

[shipcafe]

ShipCafe,

Can't wait to see your photos of the imagination, I am going on 8/25, I hope you have them up by then.

 

Can't wait 13 more days

 

Hi There. Sorry to not have had them up sooner. They are now available on my site. How was your cruise?