My shortest review ever! Imagination 2 day to Ensenada 12/18/14.

[gapearl]

This will definitely be the shortest piece I've ever written on Cruise Critic! lol :)

 

My Splendor review wore me out last month and I don't have the time or energy to do that all over again yet. Besides, this was just a two day cruise and there's no point in dragging this out into one of my looooong 500+ post reviews. This will still be a good review, but I won't be giving a day by day play by play, just an overview of everything divided up into sections with some pictures scattered in. I didn't even take my camera with me this trip and only took about 100 pictures with my iphone. I didn't take any ship pictures, but you can find those in my other two Imagination reviews.

 

WHO, WHEN, WHERE

 

I took this little getaway with my friend Heather, who lives in LA. Carnival offered their platinum members two dates in December and January to take a two day cruise on Imagination from Long Beach, CA to Ensenada, Mexico. The price was $25 for an inside with a $25 OBC, so essentially the cruise was free plus taxes and port charges of about $80. Heather has been on two cruises, and this was my #12 on Carnival. Our sailing date was December 18, 2014. This was a cruise clearly for local Californians. No surprise, I didn't meet anyone from more than a 2-3 hour drive away from the port. I live in Georgia and am pretty sure I might have been that one passenger that came the furtherest lol. No, I didn't fly in just for this cruise. I was already on the west coast in the days prior so it worked out very well. I fly for free anyways, so no big deal if I would have.

 

My good deal.

 

 

 

My ship.

 

 

My new travel buddy Heather and I. :D

 

[hockeyluver]

W:DW. That was short!!

[gapearl]

ARRIVAL & EMBARKATION

 

We arrived at the Port of Long Beach around 11:30 am. I didn't bother researching any off site parking lots, so we parked at the port for $17 a day. We didn't want to check our bags and the porters were very aggressive in trying to guilt us into leaving them, saying things like fine, you'll have to carry your bags around until 3:30. Guess they really needed those tips. *shrugs shoulders*

 

The Captain's Lounge was standing room only because of the number of platinum cruisers. It was maybe 15 minutes before we were called up to check in. Boarding was slightly delayed for whatever reason and didn't start until 12:15 pm. A security guard shook our water bottles to make sure it was really water, but they didn't open the bag with our sodas or two bottles of wine at all. After taking the obligatory embarkation photo, we were on the ship around 12:30 pm. I was able to head straight to my room so we could drop off our things. The cabin stewards were making sure that platinums only were going down the halls and turned people away that were not.

 

Arrival at the Port of Long Beach.

 

 

The crowded Captain's Lounge.

 

 

The regular check in line is outside.

 

 

It was a bit chilly out. I've never boarded a ship with a coat on. Blessings to those who board ships in New York and Baltimore in the winter!

 

 

The two of us as we're boarding.

 

 

The Queen Mary.

 

[gapearl]

OUR STATEROOM

 

We were on the upper deck, deck 6, in porthole cabin U-10. I was a bit turned off by a makeup stain in the bathroom and couldn't help but wonder how clean was it really. We were not automatically left with ice but didn't need it. I like the L-shape setup of the beds because it gives you a little more room to move around. The closest laundry room was down the hall, across from U-154. Being all the way forward, you will definitely be awakened by the anchor dropping in the morning.

 

 

Makeup stain in bathroom. :eek:

 

[gapearl]

A few random pictures from day one.

 

Heather and I headed to the buffet.

 

 

Members of the crew doing the wobble on the lido stage.

 

 

I love Carnival, but not that much! haha

 

 

View of the dome after the muster drill.

 

 

 

Sailaway party is happening on the other side of the stage.

 

[gapearl]

Fun Times- Day 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Disconnections]

Boarding was most likely delayed until 12:15 because of the unusually high number of Platinum and Diamond guests. As this was a free cruise offer for Platinum, this results in a lot of staterooms that needed to be ready upon embarkation and the deck supervisors may not have been ready. Princess doesn't usually start boarding around 12 to accommodate staterooms being ready.

 

Do you know how many guests had Faster to the Fun? We are told by Carnival that it is limited and based on the number of Platinum and Diamond guests onboard. However, this wasn't the case on the Carnival Sunshine Transatlantic with the ship mostly comprised of all Platinum/Diamond. They released three sets of 15 staterooms. On a TA cruise, nearly everyone has a higher level of elite status.

[gapearl]

Fun Times- Day 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Linda the Book Lover]

I know what you mean about wearing a coat to board the ship it does seem strange...but then we left from Seattle at the end of May going to Alaska. Looking forward to hearing how Ensenada turned out in December.

 

Quick question - Was the group in front of the Captain's Lounge only Platium or did they also include suite and FTTF passengers as well?

[gapearl]

THE FOOD

 

We had late seating in the Spirit Restaurant. This was my first cruise where I had the opportunity to try the New American Table menus. Baskets of bread were placed at each table so you could help yourself as you like. Side items were not served family style like I had read that they are. Maybe it's because I was at a 10 top and not a smaller 4 top, I don't know. Both nights, our servers automatically brought a shrimp cocktail appetizer for everyone. I liked having a few new dinner options to choose from (even though I missed my favorite appetizer, the vegetable spring rolls). In my opinion, the quality of the food seemed to be stepped up a little. Everything was VERY good.

 

There was no official elegant night. It was not listed in the Fun Times. However, many people were under the impression that the second night was elegant night and dressed up. There were photo backgrounds out that you only see on elegant night. I'd say the MDR was about 50/50 on people dressed up and people that were casual. We got double the entertainment from our servers the second night. First they sang Leaving On A Funship and then they danced to Gangham Style.

 

The table without the tablecloths. It looked better than what I was expecting.

 

 

Sorry this picture looks kind of messy. Notice the bread baskets on the table so you can serve yourself. The red wine bottle is kind of like a centerpiece and had a card hanging around it with your table number.

 

 

Menus from night one.

 

 

 

 

[gapearl]

Food from night one.

 

Shrimp cocktail.

 

 

Gazpacho.

 

 

Roasted chicken, and I also had a side of mashed potatoes and broccoli.

 

 

My neighbor's Indian vegetarian entree.

 

 

 

My favorite dessert, GAPearl style. lol

 

[gapearl]

Menus from night two.

 

 

 

 

[gapearl]

Food from night two.

 

Chicken tortilla soup. Excellent!

 

 

Strawberry bisque.

 

 

Four season salad.

 

 

Grilled chicken with broccoli and mashed potatoes.

 

 

Three appetizers- yes I was kind of greedy tonight! haha I also wanted to try the flatbread appetizer but couldn't be TOO greedy in front of strangers. :p Someone at my table ordered it and it looked sooooo good.

 

Heather's steak tacos and chicken chow mein.

 

Edited December 28, 2014 by gapearl

[erewhon]

Thanks for reviewing your cruise, and sharing your photos.

[gapearl]

CASINO

 

Heather and I and a group of new friends we met played in the casino quite a bit, and that's something I just don't do. For the most part, I'm an amateur and no good at it and I don't like losing money when I could instead be buying more shoes. She and I each started with $100 at the blackjack table. Before too long I was up to about $225. Feeling lucky I ended up playing back what I won, but at least I didn't lose anything.

 

If you're going to play blackjack on a Carnival ship, PLEASE make sure that with each hand you place a bet on the fun play spot or whatever it's called. The first night, I was dealt two 4 of diamonds. A matching pair (or whatever the correct definition is when that happens) pays 25 to 1. Everyone at the table was like whoaaaa!!!! You could have won $1,000!!! :eek: Same thing happened to Heather the next night when she was dealt two 8 of spades. Less than 5 minutes after that, she was dealt two king of hearts, which paid 50 to 1. Basically, we missed out on a whole lotta money because we didn't have a $5 chip in that little blue circle. :( Don't make our mistake!

 

SPA

 

We took advantage of the spa and got a couple of massages. Heather had signed up for a Swedish but prefers Thai massages, as she gets those all the time in LA. Even though Thai massage was not offered as a regular service, she was still accommodated and received what she wanted. I had a 75 minute hot stone massage that was absolutely heavenly! Softly from South Africa was amazing!

 

NIGHTLIFE

 

The nightlife was pretty good this ship. I enjoyed the Punchliner Comedy Club both nights. Our comedians were Will Marfori and Russ Nagel. I've seen Will before and I think I've seen Russ. Both of them were very funny. Dustin of Soulful Sounds With Dustin had an amazing voice! Every woman would love to have a man that can sing like that to serenade her every night. :o The DJ in the Illusions Disco played a nice variety of music that kept the dance floor packed, unlike the terrible DJ I had on the Splendor last month. The casino was busy both nights. People were out and about after dinner and the ship didn't go quiet at 11 pm.

[gapearl]

ENSENADA

 

I've been here once on my first cruise 7 years ago and took an excursion, so this was my first time heading into town. There's a shuttle you can catch at the ship for $3 round trip that will drive you downtown. It was a 5 minute ride to get there and you're dropped off at a restaurant that also serves as your pickup point. We were offered tours while on the bus, such as visiting the geyser, horseback riding, etc. Of course they were MUCH cheaper than the ship's tours.

 

We were hungry and wandered around a little while in search of some good food from a local restaurant. Some nice waiters invited us into their restaurant (can't remember the name of it) and we ate upstairs on the patio. We had two margaritas, two steak tacos, two chicken tacos, two bottles of water, an order of chips and salsa and guacamole, and two free tequila shots, all for $36.

 

I'm not big on touristy places like Señor Frogs because I like patronizing local spots. However our new friends were at Papas & Beer so we hung out with them there for a while and had a drink. Holy cow, that place can get crazy! As soon as we walked in I was targeted by a bartender to come on stage for some entertainment. haha I can't imagine what it's like here on spring break! After an hour here, we went bar hopping for a couple of hours. Our first stop was next door at Hussong's Cantina, which is where the margarita is said to have been founded. On our way back to the shuttle, Heather bought a Cuban cigar (enjoyed it in Mexico) and I bought a bottle of tequila that you can't buy in the US.

 

Leaving the ship in Ensenada.

 

 

The welcome center with a few shops.

 

 

 

 

Restaurant where the shuttle left us.

 

 

Pretty good deal! LOL

 

[gapearl]

 

Pictures around downtown.

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch.

 

[AQW]

Three appetizers- yes I was kind of greedy tonight! haha I also wanted to try the flatbread appetizer but couldn't be TOO greedy in front of strangers. :p Someone at my table ordered it and it looked sooooo good.

 

The BBQ chicken flatbread was DELISH. Next time!

 

I also thought the steak tacos were fantastic. I looooove tacos so I gambled and ordered them on formal night - I'd take those over prime rib or lobster any night! :D

 

Glad you had fun. We'll be doing the January two-nighter, so your info is helpful - thank you!

[gapearl]

It was nice to see a touristy place like Papas & Beer offer a taste of the local culture. Pancho did a great job!

 

 

 

Our server was muy guapo. I have no filter and went at him. "Papi! ¿Quieres venir conmigo a los Estados Unidos manana?" Si! "¿Necesitas una tarjeta verde?" Si! jajajaja :D

 

 

Next door at Hussong's.

 

 

Edited December 28, 2014 by gapearl

[SadieN]

Thanks for the review. I knew you could do it, lol.

 

We were at the opposite end of the ship, U241, aft facing OV. DH won't do IS so we had to spend $20 for the window. We received the $50 ($25/pp) OBC and our Shareholder's credit. Then we received a refund of port fees. :p

 

We arrived at 1:30 and had no wait checking in at the Little Building (when did it start being called the Captain's Lounge?), in our cabin before 2. Over 200 pax checked thru the Little Building. 4 pages, when they normally have 1.

 

Those red makeup stains are impossible to take out. Nothing can be done short of replacing the panels.

 

Long Beach is very good at catching liquor. Going thru security there was a guy trying to get a bottle of tequila thru. Not hidden or anything. Because it was open they wouldn't let him bring it back to his car!

 

In Ensenada we did the same as you, we ate and drank. We walked into town, walking off the ship food. On the way we stopped at the Regional History Museum on Gastellum between Ave Primera (Lopez) and the Malecon

[gapearl]

A few more random pictures.

 

The pool was really green for some reason.

 

 

Mocha chocolate getaway. Yummy!

 

 

The crew had an emergency drill while in Ensenada.

 

 

The maitre'd, Chubby, with the waiters.

 

 

The ship decked out for Christmas.

 

[cruisexlife]

Thanks so much for this review! I love your reviews, and I just booked Liberty on the Southern route from San Juan, and i see you did that on Valor, so I know where I'm headed! :D

 

What do you use to get your cruise pictures into a review? I took many pics on both my camera and my iPhone, and I would like to start a photo review. How do you make yours?

 

Thanks!

[gapearl]

So that's it! Told you this would be short. To sum things up, this was a perfect quick little getaway. I met a few people that said this was their first cruise. Personally, I'd never recommend a 2 day cruise as your first one. I understand not everyone has the means financially or the ability to take a lot of time off work for a longer cruise. One girl said she felt like she never really left LA. On a trip this short, you have to enjoy for what it is, a nice little getaway. But to really get a feel for what a cruise is all about, I think you need at least 4 days. I hope I convinced her to give cruising another shot.

 

All of the crew were fantastic. Everyone was friendly and smiling and genuinely seemed to be happy. The ship was nicely decorated for Christmas. The platinum gift was still the toiletry bag, which I let Heather have since she loved it so much and I got one last month. Oh and they had grilled chicken sandwiches at the lido grill available again! Thankfully no cornbread though. haha If you just went cornbread :confused:??? Read my other reviews. lol

 

To those of you who have said you'd love to see me on The Amazing Race, looks like I've finally found a partner to apply with me! Heather and I are all for trying to get on one of our favorite shows next fall. Wish us luck! I'm planning a two week trip through Central America next, and then it'll be my birthday cruise on the Magic before I know it. In the meantime I'm still working on a travel blog from my other travels. Thanks for reading my shortest review ever. LOL Feel free to ask any questions. :)

[pirate4me2]

Thank you for doing this quick review! Can't wait until your next one. :) Good luck with the Amazing Race!

[poison7fl]

Awesome review.... but disturbing image...