RCI Fan cruises Carnival Inspiration and loved it!

[Majesty Fan]

My husband just returned from a 7 day vacation. We are in are 40's and I have over 26 cruises with RCI. My husband even worked as a waiter for them for 6 years but he works on land now. We live in Panama City Florida so we can make the drive to Tampa about 6 hours or less. In April I was getting burned out at work and needed a break. We have the Panama Canal booked for Oct so we could not do something very long. We always cruise on RCI but with the Price of Gas we did not want a 10-11 hour drive. We hate the Bahamas so we looked into do a cruise on "that other cruise line" I had been on Carnival before but it was in 1989. Carnival doesn't have records that far. But RCI does. So we decided also go to Tampa before and after the cruise to BuschGardens. With some suggestions to stay near the pier we stayed at the HoJo for a rate of $79 plus we had to pay $5 per day to park instead of $15 per day at the pier. We got to the hotel Sunday afternoon around 2pm and our room was ready so we dropped the bags and headed to the park. We have Seaworld Platnium Passport so we right in. The Park closed around 7pm so we did as much as we could. We rode 3 coasters, bumber cars and the log flume. get the soviner cup as refills were $1.50 verses $2.99. There is a CVS near the Park and we got some last minute items. We also got some packing tape and stapler for the bag tags. We retuned to the hotel to change before dinner. The hotel took us to channel side for free. ChannelSide is next to the port. There are numerous places to eat plus a movie theater and bowling alley. The hotel came in about 10 minutes after we called. Monday am we ventured out again to go to a bookstore and to Uniform City. I am a nurse and scrubs are pricey in Panama City so I had ordered from them before so I went to their store which was 10 minutes away. I bought 4 pairs of pants and 2 shirts for $80. We got back to the hotel and we were on the 11:15 shuttle which left early. We signed up when we checked into the hotel. We were at the pier before 1130am. Our tags looked very secure as compared to other people. We showed our fun pass and we up to the lobby in a few minutes. I was amzaed at how crowded it was already. Normally at 1130 it is not that busy. We were group 11. Boarding started around 1130 and we were on the ship by 1215pm. We had a guarantee OV and had a cabin on Empress deck 218. I was amazed how clean the ship was. We stopped at the bar to have a drink and get my coke cup. I wish they did like DCL and not charge you at all and just have a drink refill station. You could drop stuff at the cabin but not use the cabin until 130pm. Lunch was ready at the Lido restraunt and there were numerous choices from salad,fish,pasta, mash potatoes, plus desserts too. Carnival also has a 24 hour Pizza Place with many different types of Pizza plus calzones, and cesar salad too. The specialty pizza like the one with goat cheese took 10 minutes. Plus there is ice cream 24 hours a day.The food was really good. The snapper was excellent. The Pizza was realy Pizza not like Pizza Hut. So far we wre impressed. We took a look around and then headed to the cabin to change into swim clothes as we had them in the carry on bags. The cabin was much bigger than the RCI cabins. There was plenty of space ans the shower seemed bigger too. It was off to the pool. There are 2 pools. Actually it is one pool that is divided into 2 pools. There was3 whirl pools 1 whirl pool is in the adult only serenity area. The water slides are up by the funnel. They were open! There is a speed slide where you can race others and the regualr twister slide. So I went to the waterslide and went down both slides nuemrous times before joining hubby in the pool. It was muster drill time so we did that and then more time in the pool. At 615pm we went under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It was an amazing thing. We had diner at 815pm in the Carnivale Dinning room. We had George the Greek. He was so nice and funny too. Our waiter Igor and his assistant Theo were not very good they never once talked to us other than take our order but the food was really good. The warm chocolate Melting cake was good too. We did watch the show which CD Flipe. Flipe was really funny. On our cruise there were lots of high schools celebrating graduation. The next day was a Sea Day and we spent most of the time by the pool. The water slides were open from 10am until 5pm. The speed slide never had a line but the big one did. At times it was a 30 minutes wait and they only left 5-6 people up on top at a time. You had to be 42 inches to go on it. We stayed by the pool nad had several drinks. Every day there is drink of the day and in the am they have specials too. Tuesday there was drink in a coconut with a shape of a monkey's face for $17.95. Pricey I know but it was a cute souviner and also was a bank. I had the Miami Vice in it. We skipped the show and went to the casino. The took some more donations. Dinner was good. Shrimp Cocktail , steak, and cesar salad were available every night. Our wait team was still horrible. I wanted something other than water and had to ask the bar guy for some ice tea. We checked out the shops on board. There was nothing that jumped out at us. Grand Caymen was the next port of call. Grand Cayman we have been to many times so we stayed on the ship. That am it was pouring down rain. But by 9am it had stopped. This is also a tender port as well. So we opted to stay on the ship too. We had the entire ship for our self. I went to the slide again for about 30 minutes and went down numerous times. The Pool bar had a large flat screen TV so we could watch sports. Today the drink of the day was in a cup shppaed like the carnival funnel. It could only be a drink with Ice and it was $6.95 and could also be a bank too. For lunch I had the hamburger, and mac and cheese. The mac and cheese is baked the way real mac and cheese is. it was so good too. Trivia was played by the pool and we tried. I think they felt sorry for us and gave Mike and I a medal for playing. Most of the movies were classic movies. Later in the year I will turn the medal into a Xmas ornament. I was waiting for Escargot but not yet. We spent some more time in the casino but no such luck again. The Prices on the pictures were not too bad. I am also into scrapping they were essential the same as what they are here in town. I was disapointed they did not offer any classes on the ship like RCI does. Cozumel was the next port of call. We love Cozumel. We rented a jeep and drove around the Island. There is no need to do a shore excursion when you can do this. The jeep with insurance was about $70 and we had it until 5pm. From town we went to Mr. Sanchos beach. We have been there before. There are a few shops, beach, place to eat, pool, massages, clean bathrooms with showe, horseback riding, ATV, banana boat. We just went for the beach and the massage. The massage was $1 per minute with minimum of 15 minutes. We did some snorkeling saw lots of fish and got massages and then went back to town. Maragaritaville is in town now as well. It is 3 blocks from the ship. We did a little shopping I went to Ron Jon and got a board shirt to prevent me from getting any more sun. I do put sun screen on but I am fare skin so I could be in the pool and not worry as much. People still are calling you left and right to see this and that. I had gotten the port of call beacelet but had lost my charm from Cozumel. I went to Diamonds International and they gave me another one for free. We did not have lunc so we went to the lido deck and had dinner I had Pizza oh it was so good. But when you are hungary anything looks good. We later went to the dining room and just had escargot. Oh they were good. We spent the next few hours by the pool bar watching the lakers game. That night they were having a mexican buffet and bath robe party. The food looked really good but we were full. Friday last day. We had another day at sea. The weather was really hot andspent it by the pool. I was glad I had my new board shirt. The slide was open and went to it but for some reason it was slow. It was like it had no water pressure. The speed slide was just fine. There was numerous activites going on during the day. We just stayed by the pool. We just wanted a relaxing vacation. and it was that. Carnival does the pre paid gratuities so you don't have to worry about that. They did ask for money for the Maitre D. But you do not have to tip. We did so and gave $5. we did buy a few soviners and hubby bought the cigarettes he needed. Dinner was really good. I had the mushroom soup, and had the seafood pasta. All were very good. George the Greek came around with the recipe to the warm chocolate melting cake. We did a buy a photo and spent some more time in the casino they still took donations. We had #10 for our number for debarkation. The next am we were out of the cabin by 730am and had breakfast and were done by 8am. You could self debark at 730am but you had to carry all luggage and must be a US citizen. We were called around 9am and we were off the ship and backin the hotel by 945am. We spent the am and part of the afternoon at Busch Gardens. We took a break during the heat of the day and then went back that evening as the park stayed open until 10pm. We really enjoyed our time on the ship and the cruise. I think carnival is every bit as nice as RCI. In fact the price was better easier to get too and a good many things were better! I will cruise both lines. We are even considering cx our Panama Canal cruise and cruise the Mexican Riveria with Carnival.

Lexi

[Cruisin' Ron VA]

Hi!

 

I am glad you enjoyed your Carnival cruise.

 

I appreciate you taking the time to write a review and I am sorry I was not able to get past the third sentence. All of those blue lines running together were hurting my eyes.

 

Welcome to Carnival!

[sms30519]

Hi!

 

I am glad you enjoyed your Carnival cruise.

 

I appreciate you taking the time to write a review and I am sorry I was not able to get past the third sentence. All of those blue lines running together were hurting my eyes.

 

Welcome to Carnival!

 

Ha Ha...I got to the FOURTH sentence! :D

[kristyintx]

Sweetie, paragraphs are your FRIEND. :)

 

I, too, gave up after the first few sentences.

[Essiesmom]

Agree, a long review without paragraphs is not easy to read...But I made it through. Glad you had a good time, and welcome to Carnival. Variety is the spice of life! EM

[LHP]

Glad you had a good time. Sorry you got a crummy wait staff.

 

If you do want to have that '89 Carnival cruise added to your history, there is a way. Go to your Profile under http://www.carnival.com...Cruise History..Add cruise and follow the directions. You will have to provide some kind of "proof". We submitted embarkations pictures to have 8 cruises added.

 

Good luck!!

[BUND]

HA HA -- Read it and weep Carnival haters and RCI PUMPERS -- HA HA

[floatingaway2525]

I enjoyed reading all the details of your observations. Thank you for posting them!!:D

It is helpful to hit "enter" and put a line between each paragraph or section of your review so when it posts it is easier to read. I will quote your review and space it in the next post to show you. HTH:)

[halos]

Sweetie, paragraphs are your FRIEND. :)

 

I, too, gave up after the first few sentences.

 

 

:o guilty of the same.

I went straight to the last sentence to see how the story ended. :o

 

I am glad you liked your cruise...have you posted this over on the RCI boards yet?? LOL, Just curious as to how they'll 'take' the news. ;)

[floatingaway2525]

My husband just returned from a 7 day vacation. We are in are 40's and I have over 26 cruises with RCI. My husband even worked as a waiter for them for 6 years but he works on land now.

 

We live in Panama City Florida so we can make the drive to Tampa about 6 hours or less. In April I was getting burned out at work and needed a break. We have the Panama Canal booked for Oct so we could not do something very long. We always cruise on RCI but with the Price of Gas we did not want a 10-11 hour drive. We hate the Bahamas so we looked into do a cruise on "that other cruise line"

 

I had been on Carnival before but it was in 1989. Carnival doesn't have records that far. But RCI does. So we decided also go to Tampa before and after the cruise to BuschGardens. With some suggestions to stay near the pier we stayed at the HoJo for a rate of $79 plus we had to pay $5 per day to park instead of $15 per day at the pier.

 

We got to the hotel Sunday afternoon around 2pm and our room was ready so we dropped the bags and headed to the park. We have Seaworld Platnium Passport so we right in. The Park closed around 7pm so we did as much as we could. We rode 3 coasters, bumber cars and the log flume. get the soviner cup as refills were $1.50 verses $2.99. There is a CVS near the Park and we got some last minute items. We also got some packing tape and stapler for the bag tags. We retuned to the hotel to change before dinner. The hotel took us to channel side for free.

 

ChannelSide is next to the port. There are numerous places to eat plus a movie theater and bowling alley. The hotel came in about 10 minutes after we called. Monday am we ventured out again to go to a bookstore and to Uniform City. I am a nurse and scrubs are pricey in Panama City so I had ordered from them before so I went to their store which was 10 minutes away. I bought 4 pairs of pants and 2 shirts for $80. We got back to the hotel and we were on the 11:15 shuttle which left early. We signed up when we checked into the hotel. We were at the pier before 1130am. Our tags looked very secure as compared to other people. We showed our fun pass and we up to the lobby in a few minutes. I was amzaed at how crowded it was already. Normally at 1130 it is not that busy.

 

We were group 11. Boarding started around 1130 and we were on the ship by 1215pm. We had a guarantee OV and had a cabin on Empress deck 218. I was amazed how clean the ship was. We stopped at the bar to have a drink and get my coke cup. I wish they did like DCL and not charge you at all and just have a drink refill station. You could drop stuff at the cabin but not use the cabin until 130pm.

 

Lunch was ready at the Lido restraunt and there were numerous choices from salad,fish,pasta, mash potatoes, plus desserts too. Carnival also has a 24 hour Pizza Place with many different types of Pizza plus calzones, and cesar salad too. The specialty pizza like the one with goat cheese took 10 minutes. Plus there is ice cream 24 hours a day.The food was really good. The snapper was excellent. The Pizza was realy Pizza not like Pizza Hut. So far we wre impressed. We took a look around and then headed to the cabin to change into swim clothes as we had them in the carry on bags. The cabin was much bigger than the RCI cabins. There was plenty of space ans the shower seemed bigger too.

 

It was off to the pool. There are 2 pools. Actually it is one pool that is divided into 2 pools. There was3 whirl pools 1 whirl pool is in the adult only serenity area. The water slides are up by the funnel. They were open! There is a speed slide where you can race others and the regualr twister slide. So I went to the waterslide and went down both slides nuemrous times before joining hubby in the pool. It was muster drill time so we did that and then more time in the pool.

 

At 615pm we went under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It was an amazing thing. We had diner at 815pm in the Carnivale Dinning room. We had George the Greek. He was so nice and funny too. Our waiter Igor and his assistant Theo were not very good they never once talked to us other than take our order but the food was really good. The warm chocolate Melting cake was good too.

 

We did watch the show which CD Flipe. Flipe was really funny. On our cruise there were lots of high schools celebrating graduation. The next day was a Sea Day and we spent most of the time by the pool. The water slides were open from 10am until 5pm. The speed slide never had a line but the big one did. At times it was a 30 minutes wait and they only left 5-6 people up on top at a time. You had to be 42 inches to go on it. We stayed by the pool nad had several drinks. Every day there is drink of the day and in the am they have specials too. Tuesday there was drink in a coconut with a shape of a monkey's face for $17.95. Pricey I know but it was a cute souviner and also was a bank. I had the Miami Vice in it. We skipped the show and went to the casino. The took some more donations.

 

Dinner was good. Shrimp Cocktail , steak, and cesar salad were available every night. Our wait team was still horrible. I wanted something other than water and had to ask the bar guy for some ice tea. We checked out the shops on board. There was nothing that jumped out at us. Grand Caymen was the next port of call. Grand Cayman we have been to many times so we stayed on the ship. That am it was pouring down rain. But by 9am it had stopped. This is also a tender port as well. So we opted to stay on the ship too.

 

We had the entire ship for our self. I went to the slide again for about 30 minutes and went down numerous times. The Pool bar had a large flat screen TV so we could watch sports. Today the drink of the day was in a cup shppaed like the carnival funnel. It could only be a drink with Ice and it was $6.95 and could also be a bank too. For lunch I had the hamburger, and mac and cheese. The mac and cheese is baked the way real mac and cheese is. it was so good too. Trivia was played by the pool and we tried. I think they felt sorry for us and gave Mike and I a medal for playing. Most of the movies were classic movies. Later in the year I will turn the medal into a Xmas ornament. I was waiting for Escargot but not yet.

 

We spent some more time in the casino but no such luck again. The Prices on the pictures were not too bad. I am also into scrapping they were essential the same as what they are here in town. I was disapointed they did not offer any classes on the ship like RCI does. Cozumel was the next port of call. We love Cozumel. We rented a jeep and drove around the Island. There is no need to do a shore excursion when you can do this. The jeep with insurance was about $70 and we had it until 5pm.

 

From town we went to Mr. Sanchos beach. We have been there before. There are a few shops, beach, place to eat, pool, massages, clean bathrooms with showe, horseback riding, ATV, banana boat. We just went for the beach and the massage. The massage was $1 per minute with minimum of 15 minutes. We did some snorkeling saw lots of fish and got massages and then went back to town. Maragaritaville is in town now as well. It is 3 blocks from the ship. We did a little shopping I went to Ron Jon and got a board shirt to prevent me from getting any more sun. I do put sun screen on but I am fare skin so I could be in the pool and not worry as much. People still are calling you left and right to see this and that. I had gotten the port of call beacelet but had lost my charm from Cozumel. I went to Diamonds International and they gave me another one for free.

 

We did not have lunc so we went to the lido deck and had dinner I had Pizza oh it was so good. But when you are hungary anything looks good. We later went to the dining room and just had escargot. Oh they were good. We spent the next few hours by the pool bar watching the lakers game. That night they were having a mexican buffet and bath robe party. The food looked really good but we were full.

 

Friday last day. We had another day at sea. The weather was really hot andspent it by the pool. I was glad I had my new board shirt. The slide was open and went to it but for some reason it was slow. It was like it had no water pressure. The speed slide was just fine. There was numerous activites going on during the day. We just stayed by the pool. We just wanted a relaxing vacation. and it was that. Carnival does the pre paid gratuities so you don't have to worry about that. They did ask for money for the Maitre D. But you do not have to tip. We did so and gave $5. we did buy a few soviners and hubby bought the cigarettes he needed.

 

Dinner was really good. I had the mushroom soup, and had the seafood pasta. All were very good. George the Greek came around with the recipe to the warm chocolate melting cake. We did a buy a photo and spent some more time in the casino they still took donations.

 

We had #10 for our number for debarkation. The next am we were out of the cabin by 730am and had breakfast and were done by 8am. You could self debark at 730am but you had to carry all luggage and must be a US citizen. We were called around 9am and we were off the ship and backin the hotel by 945am. We spent the am and part of the afternoon at Busch Gardens. We took a break during the heat of the day and then went back that evening as the park stayed open until 10pm. We really enjoyed our time on the ship and the cruise. I think carnival is every bit as nice as RCI. In fact the price was better easier to get too and a good many things were better! I will cruise both lines. We are even considering cx our Panama Canal cruise and cruise the Mexican Riveria with Carnival.

Lexi

 

 

Thanks again Lexi, and glad you enjoyed your cruise:D

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Thank you for taking the time to write your review.

It's nice to hear such detailed observations from a newbie from another cruise line.

 

I'm glad that you had such an enjoyable time!

[woohoo4ue]

Thanks for taking the time to write a review! I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise. I hope to get around to trying RCI one of these days....

[saldoc]

Looking at cruising on Inspiration what room # and type were you in?

[OHCruisin]

HA HA -- Read it and weep Carnival haters and RCI PUMPERS -- HA HA

 

Actually the response on the RCI boards has been very positive to the most recent post about an RCI fan cruising Carnival and liking it.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Actually the response on the RCI boards has been very positive to the most recent post about an RCI fan cruising Carnival and liking it.

 

Yes I was quite surprised. Except for FLCouple. He/she seems a little over the top. Says CCL misses Cozumel 50% of the time, and they also charge $.50 for cutting a slice of cake???? I've never heard that one before.:confused:

 

Bill

[OHCruisin]

Yes I was quite surprised. Except for FLCouple. He/she seems a little over the top. Says CCL misses Cozumel 50% of the time, and they also charge $.50 for cutting a slice of cake???? I've never heard that one before.:confused:

 

Bill

 

Well, there's one in every crowd, isn't there? I don't know much about Carnival, but even I thought his statement was a bit odd.

[Majesty Fan]

We did a gurantee OV and ended up on Deck 7 Empress 218. Nice cabin. I also cancelled my RCI Panama Canal Cruise and we are now on the Carnival Spirit the Haloween Cruise to the Mexican Riveria with a balcony. can't wait!

Lexi

[halos]

Yes I was quite surprised. Except for FLCouple. He/she seems a little over the top. Says CCL misses Cozumel 50% of the time, and they also charge $.50 for cutting a slice of cake???? I've never heard that one before.:confused:

 

Bill

 

yeah, just a wee bit. ;)

He/she isn't too fond of me, I think.

[big_duck]

yeah, just a wee bit. ;)

He/she isn't too fond of me, I think.

 

His/her loss. :D

[halos]

His/her loss. :D

 

I luv you Duck. :)

[big_duck]

I luv you Duck. :)

 

[firefly333]

 

Lol, Im part of your fan club too, you know stuff!!! and put it succiently.

[grest]

thanks...nice review.

[big_duck]

Lol, Im part of your fan club too, you know stuff!!! and put it succiently.

 

Just the facts M'am. ;)

[enjoyinglife]

Thanks for the review. I do hope to go on one of the newly renovated ships.

 

I didnt understand the post about the cutting a slice of cake for .50 cents and missing coz that I read earlier. I think now I am understanding it more. I know - I may be a little slow!:D