Fun cruise despite the fog

Carnival Inspiration Cruise Review to Mexico

lizandcurt

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Catalina & Baja Mexico (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 13, 2017

Ship: Carnival Inspiration

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: E211

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

This was our family's first cruise and it we had wonderful time. The first 24 hours the ship was in a deep fog and that kept us indoors more than we wanted. But our cabin was nice and well kept.

We thought the kids would love the clubs that the cruise had for their ages (13 and 11) but the clubs did not allow them the freedom to play what they wanted (video games for the 13 year old and non-large group games for the 11 year old). So they spent a lot of time in the cabin or at the pool.

We learned a lot about what we like and do not like. The top likes of the cruise was the food, the pool, and the comedian Mark Sweeny.

The burgers by the pool were awesome - seriously one of the best ever - cheese burgers and fries we ever had. The buffet was our next favorite, we could always find something everyone liked at the buffet.

Our 11 year old loved the pool, but we wished it was on the deck with the water slides and not shared with a bunch of drunk 20 year olds. Plus the dance deck at the pool had several adult contests during the day that involved "adult" activities like lap dances that we wish our kids didn't have to witness at lunch time.

The comedian Mark Sweeny did several PG shows, which was awesome. He even covered a comedian who missed the ship due to getting snowed in at an airport, and Sweeny kept his routine funny, clean, and fresh.

We did venture out to Catalina Island and rent a golf cart and drove around and got lost. The people on the Island were very friendly and nice. And wish we had more time to explore the island. We were pleased to find lot to do without having to pay a lot of extra money.

Our adventure at Ensenada, Mexico, was very different than the island. We will not go to Mexico again without being part of a tour group. Within minutes of debarking the ship we were surrounded by street venders that made it impossible to enjoy anything. We even went to the kids science museum next to the dock, but quickly left after seeing it had little to offer.

Overall the experience was good. All the ship's crew was friendly, outgoing, and very nice and helpful. Next time we will look into cruises that offer more kid activities- or maybe leave the kids at home.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

There needs to be more separation of adults and children at the pool area. Too many drunk 20 years making out and being inappropriate next to my kids in the pool.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

My son was excited about the cruise club for 13 year olds, but quickly discovered it wasn't as free flowing and all the video gaming he wanted. In fact, most of the time the staff told him no video games, and that they were only doing the activities listed for the time period, like a scavenger hunt or other large group games. My daughter was in the 11 year old group and found it to be boring. The crew members in charge had the group playing large group games like freeze dance and did not let kids mingle and play one on one board games. My kids wanted more freedom in their choices and less adult dictating.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Mark Sweeny, the comedian, was very funny and family friendly. The entire crew was outgoing and nice, except maybe the children's group crew.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Again I wish there was a kid and family only pool area- away from bars and drunk single people. I am sure they wish it too- because who wants to party when you have a bunch of kids cannon balling you at the pool.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The cabin was roomier than expected. Plenty of closets and drawers to put thing away in ( did not need the over the door shoe rack for extra space. TV was small and not a lot of channels. Would have liked to see National Geographic, Discovery Channel, HGTV or more family movies being played. The cabin was kept clean and the cleaning staff was always friendly when we passed in the hall.

Ship tip

If traveling with kids be prepared to entertain them if they don't like the clubs or pool. Do bring a couple of card games and play while waiting. Don't pack towels- the cruise provides lots- big blue ones for the pools and white ones for your room. Don't go to Ensenada, Mexico without a group.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Long Beach (Los Angeles), California

3 out of 5

The night before the cruise we stayed in a hotel near sunset beach/huntington beach ( Ocean Travel Lodge) and drove to Long beach the morning of the cruise. Time wise and price wise it was okay. But the crazy homeless people on the streets and abundance of graffiti there definitely made us think that getting a more expensive hotel at Long Beach would have be safer.

Thumbs Up 0

Catalina Island, California

5 out of 5

This was a fun, safe, family friendly port. Plenty to do, walk around and explore the parks, beaches,shops and restaurants. You get more selection and cheaper prices the farther you walk.

Thumbs Up 3

Ensenada, Mexico

1 out of 5

Favorite thing to do was to get back on the safety of the ship. Don't go unless you have a large group or are a part of the ship's $$$ excursion.

Thumbs Up 5

2 Comments

awinings 7 years ago

Did you rent the golf cart when you got to the island or before?

Thumbs Up 0

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Katievp 7 years ago

You've got the right frame of mind. Next time avoid spring break season and you should see a difference in the pool side entertainment. Our kids aren't fans of the clubs either. They'll pick an activity or 2 a day that interests them and spend rest of the day at the pool and on the waterslides. 7 day cruises seem to be a lot calmer and family friendly.

Thumbs Up 2

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