Birthdy cruise ENSENADA, MEXICO

Carnival Inspiration Cruise Review to Mexico

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 26

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5
Carnival Inspiration

4 Night Catalina & Baja Mexico (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 03, 2017

Ship: Carnival Inspiration

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: E196

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

As a first time cruise it was OK. I would go higher end next time, maybe a different cruise line. Definitely book excursions thru the cruise line. It really is the best and safest way to go. Don't forget to bring cash(small bills)!

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Faster to the Fun (FTTF) worth every penny, got past the check in lines quickly. Cabin was ready when we boarded.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Drinks were great, the service a little on the slow side. Before the ship left port(Long Beach) there were waiters EVERY WHERE. Once at sea, finding one was almost impossible. The food on the other hand was mediocre at best. Guess I expected higher quality. As a first cruise, it was a learning experience for sure.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Pool packed with kids. "Adult only" hot tub had kids in it too. The "Adult Only" area was much more peaceful. If you smoke (cigars or cigs) the only outside area for that is in the pool area.

Children's Programs

no kids. Tried to stay clear of those areas as much as possible

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Everybody was friendly and helpful. Our steward was very attentive.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Thought I might feel closed in being in such a small cabin, that was not the case. Enough room for two for sure

Ship tip

Get the FTTF upgrade, it's worth it. ON first, off first and out first. If waiting in long lines is your thing, go without it. Will buy it again in a heartbeat!

Ports of call

Long Beach (Los Angeles), California

3 out of 5
It was the starting point. I'm local to the area so there's not much to say.

Catalina Island, California

4 out of 5
Do the golf cart and drive around for the first hour or so. Plenty to see.

Ensenada, Mexico

4 out of 5
Went to La Bufadora. Lots of shops, kinda pushy but it's what you would expect in Mexico. They had the best tacos I've ever tasted! We booked thru ShoreFox. I won't do that again. Got off the ship and could not find our guide. Once we talked to a person (who spoke enough English) we were directed to the end of the pier, and then out to the main street, then a golf cart ride to an area about a mile away to another guy who then got us on a bus. Once I saw others from my ship did I start to relax. Book excursions thru the cruise line. You'll feel safer.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
A lot of hurry and wait. FTTF got us off the ship faster.
Was this review helpful? 26

1 Comment

GIL155    7 years ago

Can never go wrong with lots of small bills. Crew appreciate it, locals too!

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