The Wait "
Carnival Inspiration Cruise Review to Mexico
Sail date: October 26, 2015
Ship: Carnival Inspiration
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: E98
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 9 years ago
Review summary
My sister and I took the Carnival cruise to Mexico on October 26. We were anticipating getting on board and relaxing in the sun prior to departure, so we arrived at the port about noon. To our dismay, there was already a huge line to get cabin assignments. We got in line and it didn't move for almost three hours. We are both in our sixties and it was very hard standing for such a long time. After the line began to move it was a while before we got our cabin assignment. We were then told to go to another "spot" in outside area where our boarding number was located. We waited in the hot sun for another hour or so.
We were never offered water, and no one even apologized for the wait. In fact, the Carnival employees were very impatient and almost rude.
When we finally got onboard, about 4:30, we were exhausted. Our plans for a relaxing afternoon were shattered. We expected the captain to apologize for the conditions, but it was never mentioned.
I understand that they had a problem getting the previous guests off the ship and that was what caused the delay, however, I am sure that is not the first time that has happened. It seems to me that there should be a plan in place to accommodate passengers who are inconvenienced while boarding. It would have been nice to have been offered water and a place to wait with a little comfort, rather than standing in line for hours.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
Long Beach (Los Angeles), California
6 Comments
talon 9 years ago
boogchaser 9 years ago
mannyg3 9 years ago
Chedaico 9 years ago
CrusinTim 9 years ago
I know this is a bit "after the fact" Ann, but here is an idea that may help prevent this from happening to you again if you sail Carnival. Consider purchasing the "Faster to the fun" pass. I know it may cost a few extra bucks but it will help to ensure priority boarding and you may not have to endure what you did. Carnival is the only cruise line I know that offers this option for boarding, although at an additional fee. With other lines, you have to be a tiered member (multiple past cruiser) to have the pleasure of being afforded this option of priority boarding. The Captain has no control over the boarding and debarking process. You having to wait because of late disembarking of the previous cruise passengers may have been due to Customs which Carnival has no control of. It does take time to "turn over" a cruise ship for the next cruise so the later the previous passengers leave, the longer it will take to turn the ship for the new passengers to board. When a ship ports to receive and disembark passengers, they do not plan on issues that are caused by outside entities such as Customs. Issues like this are not common yet can be experienced by any cruise line. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the cruise as much as you had planned but keep in mind, you didn't have to cook, clean or do the normal chores you would have if you were home. I wish you the best of luck on your next cruise. Bon Voyage.....
mrsb3 9 years ago