Fun Family Vacation

Carnival Imagination Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

ksoller

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 26

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

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Sail date: June 21, 2013

Ship: Carnival Imagination

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 11 years ago

Review summary

We had a great time on the cruise and wish we had been able to book something longer than 3 days. It went by way too fast. We booked an interior room. I prefer them over having a window. Our beds were very comfortable, and the sheets are so soft. The pillows I did not love, but we were so tired every night that it didn't really matter. If you have room to bring your own pillow, I would advise it. Ladies, you also want to bring shampoo. They have some but it's really crummy. I personally enjoyed Elegant Night. We all dressed up for dinner and took pictures afterward on the staircase in Spirit Dining Hall and on the deck at sunset. There are many photographers with various backdrops as well if you want a more professional picture. Our highlights: 1. 11 year old loved Camp Carnival! He begged to stay late into the night to keep on partying. 2. 16 and 17 year olds liked Club O2, even after all the complaining about how lame they thought the club would be. They stayed out with their cruise friends until 2am most nights and the last night they never came back to the room to sleep. 3. The theater musical shows were entertaining. I especially loved Shout! 4. Our wait staff were very friendly. The food was good, some meals were excellent! Not so great: 1. Hot tubs were always full of little kids using them like a swimming pool and they were in there unsupervised. I wish they would offer adult only hour in the pools since they have such fun, FREE, clubs for the kids. 2. Dancing by the pool got R rated the last afternoon and with so many families present, even young children dancing right along with them, it felt inappropriate. Dialing back the music choices would have helped. 3. The buffets near the pool were always way too crowded and sadly the people who worked them weren't very nice. The service was too slow and there wasn't enough food to go around. We attempted to eat there twice, but both times ended up going to the formal dining rooms instead. The formal dining staff, service and food was much better. 4. The first night "Welcome" performance consisted of a silly game and a comedian who wasn't very funny. Don't waste your time. There are plenty of other activities. Tips for this cruise: 1. Pack light, there is not much room for luggage. 2. If you travel with kids, take advantage of the free kids clubs. 3. Put your valuables in the safe. 4. Bring clothing for elegant night. It's fun to have a "fancy night" as my kids called it and take pictures. 5. Participate in family activities during the times your kids aren't in their clubs. I especially enjoyed the scavenger hunt, karaoke and Mexican night by the pool. 6. Figure out the easiest route from your room to the dining hall and pool. Not all floors go all the way across the boat, so getting around can be tricky at first. We were on the Main deck and found it was easiest to walk down that deck to the elevator or stairs we wanted first before going up. 7. Try the alligator at dinner. It tasted a lot like a corn dog. 8. If you want to use the spa for any services, buy your spa package the first day of the cruise. That is when they have the best deals. 9. Save your shopping on the boat until the last day when they mark most everything at a discount. 10. There is only one outlet in the room. If you bring electronics that must be charged, you will likely be fighting over it.