Back from 1st cruise...(Imagination)

[Mom2ncr]

I just returned from my first cruise (Imagination May 4-8 out of Miami). I took my 18yo daughter to celebrate her graduation. I loved the ship, the food, and the staff. Embarkation was crowded (approx. 100 people in each side), but it moved quickly and the check-in lines upstairs were fast. I did traveler's checks and the "cash deposit" lines only had 1 person in them. We were on the ship within 20 minutes probably from arrival (around noon).

 

We were in the middle of the hallway on "Main" (ocean view) and I loved the location. It was close enough to the elevators and stairs, but away from all noise. We never heard our neighbors or any noise of the ship. By 10pm the hallway was quiet.

 

The food in both the main dining room (Pride) and the Horizon Grill exceeded my expectations and was impressed with the quality and variety of choices (plenty of healthy ones as well). The Warm Chocolate Melting cake is as good as they say. Our headwaiter (Wilmer from Honduras) was excellent. He was so professional, friendly and very efficient. We ate in Pride for 3 dinners and 1 breakfast. Our room steward was also impressive (Angelo). He was in the hallways as we came to our room and greeted me by name. After that, he always knew my name even when he saw me elsewhere and that impressed me. He was so quick and efficient I hardly knew he had been in our room, but it was spotless. Wilmer and Angelo received a large extra tip from me at the end of the week as they earned it.

 

My daughter is at that in-between age where she didn't want to hang with teens (very few on the boat anyway), but she thought a lot of the activities were "cheesy and corny". So, the only activities we did were bingo and slots in the casino (netted $40 profit on slots). We were content to relax, usually on the deck above the pool. There were always empty chairs, even on our sea day. Our itinerary was changed (Cozumel to Nassau), plus Key West. Our Key West day was extended by several hours so that was nice. I loved Key West, but was not overly impressed with Nassau. Parasailing in Key West was a lot of fun!

 

There were 300 kids on the boat, but I don't think I saw more than a dozen the entire week. Mostly babies and toddlers given the time of year we went. Our cruise director, "Karl with a K" was great and lively. He certainly added to the fun atmosphere on the ship and was a calming presence during our exciting last day when our ship rescued 3 people from a capsized boat.

 

I was impressed with Carnival's attention to detail as they made the main dining room seating assignments. We were put with 3 other moms who were also traveling alone with their 18-22'ish year old kids. That certainly made for more pleasant dining for my 18yo.

 

I also spent the $20 per person and used the "Express Luggage" system of debarkation. I was flying out of MIA and it was an absolute nightmare when we arrived prior to sailing. I was willing to do anything to avoid it going home. Carnival printed our boarding passes, took our luggage the night before, and sent it to the airport. We went straight to security at the airport. The best part though was debarkation. Due to our capsized boat rescue operation, we were 90 minutes late docking in Miami. (9:30 instead of 8am). That obviously cut down the time for getting to flights. I think debarkation was more chaotic than usual because of the delay and people concerned about flights. They did self-assist debarkation first, and then a uniformed officer came and retrieved us from the Mirage Bar. He escorted us past the lines of people leaving the ship, and past the Customs lines. We went around everyone and straight out to a Customs supervisor who barely glanced at our papers. We then headed to a taxi and were gone. That was worth the $20 per person to me!

 

Doing a cash system was no big deal either. I went to the purser's desk one time and added money and my last statement showed they owed me $1. There was never more than 1 person waiting in line at the purser's desk, other than the last morning when it was more crowded.

 

If I had to come up with one thing that showed a hiccup in service, it would have been on Formal Night. That was something else my daughter didn't want to do, so we ate at Horizons. We went about 6:15 and wanted to either sit at the outside tables which surround the dining room, or the inside tables by the windows. But all of those tables had dirty dishes on them and that was unusual. (maybe all of the staff was helping for Formal Night?). We sat at an interior table as close as we could get to the windows and about halfway through our meal, we were told we had to move as the tables in our area were going to be used by the Camp Carnival kids for their "special dinner". We didn't mind moving, but it seemed a bit silly when most of the tables were empty to begin with. No biggie though and not enough to complain about to anyone.

 

A 4-day cruise was enough for my first one but it certainly exceeded my expectations and I would cruise with Carnival again!

[poundcake09]

That's funny because my 1st cruise was on the Imagination I had the time of my life. Actually I was hooked from that experience. I hope that you and your daughter have take away some of the highlights of your life. Enjoy

[Ms Belvedere]

Nice review, thank you for taking the time to post!

Ms B

[afcj1]

Glad to hear that you had such a nice time. I have a friend at work who'll be on his 1st cruise with his wife and their daughter (11) in June. He's so excited. Did you do anything while in port?

[Mom2ncr]

In Key West we parasailed with Fury and they were great. We had a lot of fun doing that. We also shopped and had lunch, plus we enjoyed a delicious $6 cookie and the famous frozen key lime pie on the stick. Key West was somewhere I would enjoy going back to.

 

In Nassau, we stayed near the port and only shopped. We bought some rum cake which was delicious and beach tote, but I was a bit disappointed in the shopping choices. The straw market was claustrophic to me and most of the merchandise was the knock-off purses from China. We were back on the boat by noon but most everyone was in port so we enjoyed the quiet pool area. I had planned on doing an all-day pass at the Wyndham/Sheraton but my daughter was sunburned so we decided to skip that. Since the cruise was a surprise for her, I let her set the agenda...

[mr jailerman]

I just returned from my first cruise (Imagination May 4-8 out of Miami). I took my 18yo daughter to celebrate her graduation. I loved the ship, the food, and the staff. Embarkation was crowded (approx. 100 people in each side), but it moved quickly and the check-in lines upstairs were fast. I did traveler's checks and the "cash deposit" lines only had 1 person in them. We were on the ship within 20 minutes probably from arrival (around noon).

 

We were in the middle of the hallway on "Main" (ocean view) and I loved the location. It was close enough to the elevators and stairs, but away from all noise. We never heard our neighbors or any noise of the ship. By 10pm the hallway was quiet.

 

The food in both the main dining room (Pride) and the Horizon Grill exceeded my expectations and was impressed with the quality and variety of choices (plenty of healthy ones as well). The Warm Chocolate Melting cake is as good as they say. Our headwaiter (Wilmer from Honduras) was excellent. He was so professional, friendly and very efficient. We ate in Pride for 3 dinners and 1 breakfast. Our room steward was also impressive (Angelo). He was in the hallways as we came to our room and greeted me by name. After that, he always knew my name even when he saw me elsewhere and that impressed me. He was so quick and efficient I hardly knew he had been in our room, but it was spotless. Wilmer and Angelo received a large extra tip from me at the end of the week as they earned it.

 

My daughter is at that in-between age where she didn't want to hang with teens (very few on the boat anyway), but she thought a lot of the activities were "cheesy and corny". So, the only activities we did were bingo and slots in the casino (netted $40 profit on slots). We were content to relax, usually on the deck above the pool. There were always empty chairs, even on our sea day. Our itinerary was changed (Cozumel to Nassau), plus Key West. Our Key West day was extended by several hours so that was nice. I loved Key West, but was not overly impressed with Nassau. Parasailing in Key West was a lot of fun!

 

There were 300 kids on the boat, but I don't think I saw more than a dozen the entire week. Mostly babies and toddlers given the time of year we went. Our cruise director, "Karl with a K" was great and lively. He certainly added to the fun atmosphere on the ship and was a calming presence during our exciting last day when our ship rescued 3 people from a capsized boat.

 

I was impressed with Carnival's attention to detail as they made the main dining room seating assignments. We were put with 3 other moms who were also traveling alone with their 18-22'ish year old kids. That certainly made for more pleasant dining for my 18yo.

 

I also spent the $20 per person and used the "Express Luggage" system of debarkation. I was flying out of MIA and it was an absolute nightmare when we arrived prior to sailing. I was willing to do anything to avoid it going home. Carnival printed our boarding passes, took our luggage the night before, and sent it to the airport. We went straight to security at the airport. The best part though was debarkation. Due to our capsized boat rescue operation, we were 90 minutes late docking in Miami. (9:30 instead of 8am). That obviously cut down the time for getting to flights. I think debarkation was more chaotic than usual because of the delay and people concerned about flights. They did self-assist debarkation first, and then a uniformed officer came and retrieved us from the Mirage Bar. He escorted us past the lines of people leaving the ship, and past the Customs lines. We went around everyone and straight out to a Customs supervisor who barely glanced at our papers. We then headed to a taxi and were gone. That was worth the $20 per person to me!

 

Doing a cash system was no big deal either. I went to the purser's desk one time and added money and my last statement showed they owed me $1. There was never more than 1 person waiting in line at the purser's desk, other than the last morning when it was more crowded.

 

If I had to come up with one thing that showed a hiccup in service, it would have been on Formal Night. That was something else my daughter didn't want to do, so we ate at Horizons. We went about 6:15 and wanted to either sit at the outside tables which surround the dining room, or the inside tables by the windows. But all of those tables had dirty dishes on them and that was unusual. (maybe all of the staff was helping for Formal Night?). We sat at an interior table as close as we could get to the windows and about halfway through our meal, we were told we had to move as the tables in our area were going to be used by the Camp Carnival kids for their "special dinner". We didn't mind moving, but it seemed a bit silly when most of the tables were empty to begin with. No biggie though and not enough to complain about to anyone.

 

A 4-day cruise was enough for my first one but it certainly exceeded my expectations and I would cruise with Carnival again!

:) Sounds like you had a GREAT first cruise..:) Very Nice Review.. I will be on the Imagination in exactly 30 days..;) Well now that you had your taste of cruising with the short 4 day with the kid (Or kids)it's time to start planning (And Paying on Right ?:D) the next one.. I am a Custody Dad and found a great group of people that myself and my son will join next June 19, 2010 for a Single Parent/Kids and Friends Cruisecritic Group Cruise.. It should be great as it will be Carnivals Newest Ship "THE DREAM" which is still being built at the moment.. Their will be ALOT of other kids to play with on this cruise plus the largest kids area of any Carnival ship at 19,000 sq ft.. If you should be interested, Feel free to click on the links on my signature. The $25.00pp Reduced Deposit rate had been extended until THIS FRIDAY May 15th.. Thanks Again for the Great review and welcome to the wonderful world of cruising..:) P.S I booked my Second cruise the DAY AFTER I got home from my first and have had AT LEAST ONE booked ever since..(I have 3 booked for the moment..:D) Take Care.. Kurt

[Mom2ncr]

Thanks Mr. Jailerman for the info....my 8yo daughter (who was very upset at being left behind) is talking my ear off at this very minute wanting us to plan her "Mommy and Me" cruise!

[dreaming-a-way]

I have a question for your daughter. This will be my second time on the Imagination but the first for my girls and other teens in our group. We have 2 19 yr olds that are in that in between stage. What would your daughter suggest for them....things she liked? What was the age for the adult area 18 or 21? Thanks!!

[patrice1]

We were on the same cruise and we enjoyed ourselves very much. We took my Mom (78) & a friend who shared a cabin & were joined by two friends, as well. Unique things on this cruise:

- BEST MASSAGE EVER!!!! DH & I took advantage of a sea day and he had a massage & I had the spa taster w/ a back massage & a facial. Two tiny Phillipino girls took care of us & they were the best ever!

- Never saw/met our room steward. Service was fine, asked for extra ice by leaving a note & it was there twice a day, so not a problem. Just a surprise after so many cruises to not have met him/her (?) once.

- Never saw Maitre d'. First cruise that he didn't come around ever. Kept that tip in our pocket.

- Worst slots ever, :mad:;). We usually win something. Bearing in mind that we only bring $10 each/night, the least we've ever won for the week was @$200. This cruise, we went through the $10/each without hitting anything every night.

None of this spoiled (or made) our cruise and we all had a great time. Carnival continues to deliver an awesome product for the money.:D

[cuted126]

My first cruise was also on the Imagination! Loved her and glad you did too!

[Mom2ncr]

Dreaming-A-Way,

 

My daughter would probably not be the best to answer that question, because all she wanted to do was lay in a lounge chair! She has a boyfriend at home and was not interested at all in meeting anyone (male or female). The idea of the cruise was for the two of us to do something alone and she was content with that. I also think that participating in activities would have taken her out of her comfort zone. We had fun in the casino though and did that each night after dinner. We were probably the two most boring cruisers ever because we were in our room by 9:30 and asleep by 11:00! Something about the sun and sea air seemed to wear us both out and we were happy to get a good night's sleep.

[Mom2ncr]

Patrice, what deck were you on? That is odd how room stewards can be so different. I felt like Angelo was family by the end of the cruise! He always came by to see if I needed anything. He knew it was my first cruise and I was traveling alone with my daughter, so maybe he knew I needed extra help! He found a hair dryer for me for our last morning (since my luggage was gone). And we also saw our maitre d' each night. He came to our table and talked to us (Suresh in the Pride @ 6pm). I gave him a tip but I honestly had that thought of "what did he really do for us". I gave it to him though because our wait staff was so good and I figured he deserved at least some of the credit for providing a good work environment. We didn't use the spa but the last night's $59 deal was tempting. I had massages reserved at Nachi Cocum in Cozumel, but that was scratched with the itinerary change.

[mr jailerman]

Thanks Mr. Jailerman for the info....my 8yo daughter (who was very upset at being left behind) is talking my ear off at this very minute wanting us to plan her "Mommy and Me" cruise!

:) Your Welcome..;) My Son is 9 that I will be taking for this Summer Group Cruise next summer. I will be honest, It's more then I wanted to spend ($)but this kind of cruise for Single Parent's is rare and The group has only been formed for 6 weeks and already has 19 woman booked and Myself and One other Gent.. Two or three a week seems to be the norm booking so far.. Even if your not single (I don't know if that's the case or not :o ?) We have a few married people that have either booked or said that they will shortly as they see what fun we are..:) Check out our Thread as it's right next to yours here on the front Carnival Boards page.. I'll be over there if you want to say hi..:) Kurt

[dreaming-a-way]

Dreaming-A-Way,

 

My daughter would probably not be the best to answer that question, because all she wanted to do was lay in a lounge chair! She has a boyfriend at home and was not interested at all in meeting anyone (male or female). The idea of the cruise was for the two of us to do something alone and she was content with that. I also think that participating in activities would have taken her out of her comfort zone. We had fun in the casino though and did that each night after dinner. We were probably the two most boring cruisers ever because we were in our room by 9:30 and asleep by 11:00! Something about the sun and sea air seemed to wear us both out and we were happy to get a good night's sleep.

 

Thank you! If it was just me and my daughter this would be perfect!

[Vidimom]

We will be cruising on the Imagination 5/18. Do you know which night was formal night? Also do you happen to have the capers from the cruise and do you have a way of scanning them or posting them? We would like to see what they have planned while we are cruising.

 

Any information on anything is appreciated!

[mr jailerman]

We will be cruising on the Imagination 5/18. Do you know which night was formal night? Also do you happen to have the capers from the cruise and do you have a way of scanning them or posting them? We would like to see what they have planned while we are cruising.

 

Any information on anything is appreciated!

I know that I read the Formal is always the second night..:)

[Agocruisin]

Tks for the review.

 

How did you like the service at Fury? I am sailing the Imagination on 5/18 with my 5-yr-old DD (leaving DH behind to work...) and I am considering taking her on a glass-bottom boat tour.

 

I hope we also get some good tablemates, although I don't know how many moms are sailing alone with their young kiddoes!

[mmc_80]

Tks for the review.

 

How did you like the service at Fury? I am sailing the Imagination on 5/18 with my 5-yr-old DD (leaving DH behind to work...) and I am considering taking her on a glass-bottom boat tour.

 

I hope we also get some good tablemates, although I don't know how many moms are sailing alone with their young kiddoes!

 

We will be cruising the imagination on 5/18 also, dh me and our 2 and 4 year old boys. We were also thinking about doing the glass bottom boat for the boys...have fun...

[mom2girls]

What a great review! Reminds of my time on her last year. She is a great ship!:)

[michigyrl]

I have a question for your daughter. This will be my second time on the Imagination but the first for my girls and other teens in our group. We have 2 19 yr olds that are in that in between stage. What would your daughter suggest for them....things she liked? What was the age for the adult area 18 or 21? Thanks!!

 

I can also help answering your question dreaming. Although a different ship, my 19 year old DD and I went on a cruise in March on the Valor. Aside from laying out in the sun on sea days, we also spent a little time in the casino, and on one or two nights, she went to the night club with some girls she had met on the ship. On none sea days, we were both so tired by the time we got back to the ship, that we took power naps in the afternoon before dinner. Although we didn't do a lot of onboard activities, we were never bored!