Imagination, LA to Mexico.

[SarahMcCroskey]

A group of friends and I are planning a trip for March 2016, and was thinking about going on this cruise. All but one of us havent been on a cruise before. Can anyone tell me about their experiences with this cruise?

 

Is it good for a group of partiers?

 

Or good for kids/babies?

 

Also, what's the difference between the imagination and inspiration. Thanks in advance.

 

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[JillySue]

The 3 day tends to be a little more "party central", the 4 day is a bit more relaxing. We usually book back to back 4/3.

 

The main difference between the ships is the day they depart. They are pretty much the same. :)

Edited July 13, 2015 by JillySue

[coevan]

There is no reason to get off the ship in Ensenada

[poolreader]

[/color[color=Magenta

COLOR="Magenta]Yes. There are many places to gather as a group, both inside and outside with access to a bar. Places at night to gather and listen to music or dance.

 

Or good for kids/babies? I have never been with kids/babies myself but I see many children, especially around the pool, and the hot tubs looks like kid soup on a cool day.

 

Also, what's the difference between the imagination and inspiration. Thanks in advance. Very similar ships, the Imagination may be newer, but both ships are fairly old.

 

I hope you all enjoy your cruise.

Edited July 13, 2015 by poolreader
Not clear

[JillySue]

There is no reason to get off the ship in Ensenada

 

 

We always go get tacos, margaritas and ice cream. We also walk around the shops a bit, looking for a new blanket or trinket. Our other favorite stop is the Soriana for Mexican candy to take back.

 

The bufadora is worth doing once. We also did the jeep tour, and had a great time on that.

[riffatsea]

The wine tour in Ensenada is also very worth while!!

There are some great wines from that area.

[LuvCruiSun]

The Cheese Cellar & Countryside tour in Ensenada is excellent. It is a Carnival excursion, but reasonably priced and includes lunch. The reviews are excellent.

 

I have enjoyed this cruise several times on both ships. They're smaller ships that are easy to get around on. I love the Serenity deck!!

[welldone60]

There is no reason to get off the ship in Ensenada

 

Been to Ensenada 8 times. Get off the the ship every time and always have a good time.

[SadieN]

Done variations of this cruise many times on RCI, Princess and Carnival. Several times this past year alone. Always been able to find loud or quiet places on Carnival.

 

Lots of info on the West Coast Departure, California Coastal and Mexican Riviera boards.

[Sillyjilly]

It's a cruise for everyone. You can party as hard as you want in some places or go somewhere quiet too.

 

I really like the Imagination.

[vwrestler171]

I've taken my kids on the same cruise on Inspiration and have them booked on the Imagination 4 day next Feb. Both me and DW and our kids had a blast. I think the cruise is great for everyone. great trial cruise to see if you like it, but not too short that you get the weekend party crowd.

 

Imagination and Inspiration are almost identical, just different decor on the inside.

[carinainacar]

I was actually on the Inspiration for a 3 day weekend cruise in March, 2015.

The 3 day cruises are definitely more "party" and "fun-ship" like than others.

It also depends on what time of the month you plan on going. If you plan on going during spring break, there will be a lot more college aged cruisers and partiers.

If you're looking to have some fun and let loose, you'll have a great time on the ship!

The 3 day cruises are a great introduction into the cruising world. :)

[tensixmom]

Hi! We are booked on the 3 day on March 17. Maybe we will see you there. This is technically my 2nd cruise but the first one was 12 years ago so I am pretty much starting over. Just a quick and inexpensive Honeymoon getaway for ourselves.

[trekincouple]

I've done this cruise several times and while our 3 day cruise was quiet during the holidays, our friend's was crazy over a superbowl weekend. It all depends on the weekend it's scheduled.

[mousey]

We did a 3-dayer on the Inspiration last Aug. with our DS and two of his friends (ages 20-21) and we all had a great time. Yes, it was party central but there were families with kids too.

 

We too had an awesome time in Ensenada. We went to a resort (entrance fee was $10 per person) and hung out at the poor and it had a bar in the pool. It was so much fun. Then we went back to town and had lunch and shopped a bit. It was a great time.

 

We were going to do this cruise again this year but were lucky to get an amazing Casino offer. Long story short, we are instead going on a 7-day Christmas cruise on the Carnival Miracle. Yea! However, we do still plan to take another 3 or 4 day cruise on either the Inspiration or Imagination. When we do we will take that wine tour. I've read tons of excellent reviews regarding that excursion.

 

I hope you all have a great time on your cruise!:D

[Martini Mom]

A group of friends and I are planning a trip for March 2016, and was thinking about going on this cruise. All but one of us havent been on a cruise before. Can anyone tell me about their experiences with this cruise?

 

Is it good for a group of partiers?

 

Or good for kids/babies?

 

Also, what's the difference between the imagination and inspiration. Thanks in advance.

 

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~Both ships are pretty much the same

~The ports aren't very good, but I cruise this itinerary for the cruise itself

~The 3 day and 4 day cost almost the same, but the 3 day one is more like a frat party

~If you guys are hard chargers, your booze bill will add up quick! Plan accordingly.

[YubaSutter]

There is no reason to get off the ship in Ensenada

 

Maybe not for you. We like to walk to the fish market and get shrimp cocktails, head to Hussongs for a few beers, then get fish tacos at our favorite stand before seeing all of the madness at papas and beers. Ensenada is an awesome port.

[Kobayashi]

You can read my full review of the Imagination here:

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2186027

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[SadieN]

Maybe not for you. We like to walk to the fish market and get shrimp cocktails, head to Hussongs for a few beers, then get fish tacos at our favorite stand before seeing all of the madness at papas and beers. Ensenada is an awesome port.

 

 

Agree.

Ensenada is not a Caribbean or built-to-suit tourist town. It is a Mexican city. Lots of hidden treasures if you're willing to look for them. Lots within walking distance to port.

[diasmiles]

I have been on this cruise 6 times and have had a great time. Sometimes I have gone with family and other times I have gone with friends. I always get off the ship in Ensenada and the last few times have made my way over to Papas n Beer. It's full of other cruisers but lots of fun!

[CAnative1]

The Cheese Cellar & Countryside tour in Ensenada is excellent.

 

 

Keep in mind that many cheese in Mexico are made from unpasteurized milk. So if you have a weak stomach, this can cause some unfun times.

[JLee1973]

I've taken my kids on the same cruise on Inspiration and have them booked on the Imagination 4 day next Feb. Both me and DW and our kids had a blast. I think the cruise is great for everyone. great trial cruise to see if you like it, but not too short that you get the weekend party crowd.

 

Imagination and Inspiration are almost identical, just different decor on the inside.

 

 

Seems we are following each other on cruises. Looks like I will have been off the Miracle for a week when you board and will be getting off the Imagination the day you board.

[tncap]

The winery tour I thought was excellent.

 

I've heard very good things about the cheese cellar excursion so look forward to checking that out in December.

[Martini Mom]

We really liked the winery tour too.

 

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[candigirl]

Keep in mind that many cheese in Mexico are made from unpasteurized milk. So if you have a weak stomach, this can cause some unfun times.

 

I have enjoyed the Imagination and Inspiration many times. Love them both. The Friday 3 night Inspiration schedule works best for me. I have been on the Wine Tour and the Cheese Factory Tour. Loved them both. But did get sick and missed formal night in May...now I know why.