First and DEFINITELY not Last

Item: Carnival Imagination
Rating: 4.6
Author: Jordanfan23

Carnival Imagination Cruise Review to Mexico

Jordanfan23

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 61

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

4 Night Catalina & Baja Mexico (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 31, 2017

Ship: Carnival Imagination

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: R44

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Another family were going on this New Year's Eve cruise and invited us to join. We joined last minute and was able to get an ocean view room. Never cruising before I was told that was important to at least get a room with a view. I am so glad we went. We may make this cruise a yearly tradition. The ship made NYE so easy. They had a great party. If you enjoy your spirits get the drink package it's so worth it. If you have kids get them the soda package. It's worth it too. Do as much as you can on the ship and there still may be more to do. Talk to people relax and live.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

I've only had one and if they all go like the first I'll never have anything bad to say.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Food and drink would have been 5 stars and here are the reasons why it is not. From quantity, quality and service perspective it was easily 5 stars. 1) There was a great tequila bar on the Lido deck. One of our group members really loves tequila. They had great tequila at that bar. That bar was closed so much on a four night cruise it was only open two nights. Not sure why it was closed so much but it was closed way too much. 2) we did not find out until our last night at dinner that we could have been eating breakfast and lunch in the main dining room each day. We ate on the Lido deck which was great but it would've been nice to know we had the option. 3) Dinner drink service was pretty slow. Loved our main dining room. The menu changed every night the selections were plenty the quality was great. Seated promptly and the dining room accommodated our 16 person group. Buffets had great selections ever changing and moved nicely. Everyone raved about the Tacos from the taco bar. But Guys Burger Joint was the winner of the Lido deck to me.

Bar

5 out of 5

Alchemy Bar - if you want a mixologist experience. Sit here all night and enjoy. If you are not particular on any one type of alcohol try every drink on the menu. It's fantastic.

Pride Dining Room

4 out of 5

Would've been 5 stars except for the drink service. Waitstaff incredible very friendly great memories excellent food. But the entire dining room share one bar it seemed so drinks came very slowly. Alcohol and non alcohol.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Going in I didn't think I would do many activities. Leaving I was concerned maybe I missed some I wanted to do. There was so much on the ship to do activity wise. The kids found friends and never even went to any of the kids clubs. We did trivia every day. Karaoke every day. Went to the comedy shows. Went to the musical shows enjoyed the live music and DJs throughout it was all so much fun. Always something to do.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Great!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The service was impeccable.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

My pleasant surprise from this cruise was how clean the on ship bathrooms were and well stocked with paper towels.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The fact that they could fit four people in the space was great. It had enough room for our things and the two Murphy beds that came down over the king bed was perfect for our family.

Ship tip

Bring walkie talkies for your group. They're a life saver for keeping up with the kids. Bring a small power strip for your room. You need plugs to charge phones. Peruse shipmates apps everyone shares great info. Do as much on the ship as possible.

Thumbs up