Cutting Amenities

Carnival Inspiration Cruise Review to Mexico

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 17

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Inspiration

4 Night Catalina & Baja Mexico (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 01, 2017

Ship: Carnival Inspiration

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: E12

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

The food and service was good, but Carnival is obviously trying to make a few extra bucks by cutting amenities that one would normally expect on a cruise ship. For examples, gone is a hair dryer in your cabin (unless you special request), gone are the robes in your cabin, gone is any kind of large scale theatrical production in the main theatre, and gone are the daily drink "specials."  The ship had Direct TV feed, but the only cable news we could get was CNN on three channels (one in Spanish). CNN is no longer providing "objective" news and has lost its credibility. Carnival should consider changing is itinerary to eliminate Ensenada as a destination...it's no longer a quaint fishing village, it's become a cesspool of vendors pushing trinkets and over priced drinks. They should replace it as a destination with San Diego, where you don't have to worry so much about getting mugged if you wander away from the tourist traps. This was the last Carnival cruise for us.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
Put back the hair dryer and robes.

Ship tip

Spend the extra money and cruise with Princess or Royal Caribbean instead.

Ports of call

Catalina Island, California

3 out of 5

Ensenada, Mexico

1 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 17

8 Comments

paulyandholly    7 years ago

You went on a cruise to watch TV? LOL

tco1    7 years ago

I agree with axing Ensenada. And to keep things internationally sound, perhaps they should stop at Cabo or puerto Vallarta 😜

BOATSNHOSE    7 years ago

Why would you want to cruise to San Diego from Long Beach? They are a little over an hour away from each other.

SoCalGinger    7 years ago

They have to go to a foreign port. That is the only way they avoid following American labor laws. Just remember these small ships serve a purpose! Keep on cruising!🍻

DOUBLED    7 years ago

I agree about CNN fake news

cruznfun    7 years ago

Their blow dryers weren't good anyways. Not bothered by no Robe or news. Only in cabin to shower and catch a few hours of sleep. We buy Cheers package and have plenty of drink choices. Been to Ensenada many many times and continue to enjoy a mini vacay. I have been cruising since 1989 and I have seen many changes in the amenities, food and entertainment. I'm just happy to be at sea :)

banaford    7 years ago

Small Carnival ships do not have hair dryers, never have. Unless in a suite.

twangster    7 years ago

On all cruises they need an international port on the itineraries other wise they can't operate within the US. It's called cabotage within the Jones Act and is a federal statute. So a cruise to Catalina Island and San Diego from Long Beach is against the law for any foreign flagged vessel, like virtually all cruise ships are. Agree with you on the declines, but they have to pay those executives bonuses somehow.

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