Disappointing third cruise
Written: Jan 26 '06 (Updated Jan 30 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Friendly staff
Cons: Debarkation nightmare, tacky decor, not so clean room.
The Bottom Line: You get what you pay for...stay away unless you are a family with young kids and can not afford a Disney cruise.
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| alwaystravling's Full Review: Carnival Imagination |
If you consider Kmart a name brand, if you think Red Lobster is fine dining, if you believe neon lights are elegant decorations, then this ship is for you. All others need to steer clear of the Carnival Imagination.
This was my third cruise, the second with Carnival. We set sail 1/16/06 for a five day cruise to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. I can only describe the Imagination as gaudy, garish, run down and simply tacky. This ship is the shame of the Carnival cruise line, it should be either refurbished or retired. The only saving grace is the crew and staff, who are the friendliest and most helpful of any cruiseship or hotel I've stayed in.
Our room looked as if the stewart did not have time to properly clean before we arrived. There was salt crust all along the windows and crumbs in the dresser drawers.
I was surprised by the amount of children onboard because school was in session. Most of the children were running around the ship unaccompanied by adults.
Expect long lines for the buffet meals, especially lunch. Wait the extra time to eat inside the Bar & Grill where the cuisine of a different country was featured each day. The food station on the Lido Deck offered old hot dogs with stale buns, hamburgers and fries daily. The best food was served in the main dining rooms "Pride" and "Spirit" for dinner. "Proper attire" was not enforced in the main dinning rooms. People wearing concert t-shirts and sweat suits were allowed in.
Carnival seems to have the same entertainment options on every ship - the "hairy chest" contest, game show trivia, newlywed game, etc. These are good if you want to mingle and get to know your fellow passengers. The best entertainment was the talent show, where passengers impersonated celebrity singers.
The fitness center was small but empty. All of the basic equipment plus free weights were available. There is a running track on the upper level, but be careful because the wind is very strong up there.
The "express" debarkation was anything but that. We reported to the line at 8:15 am and did not get off of the ship until after 9:30. Carnival had booked our departing flight at 11:45. The Carnival transport to the airport was slow. We barely made our flight. Carnival should stop being in denial about their horrible debarkation process and book later flights for their passengers.
I mimic the sentiments of one crew member who very publicly declared during the evacuation drill, that this was his last Carnival cruise and he couldn't wait to leave.
Things to know before you go -
Sail and Sign cards -
You do not use money to purchase merchandise on the ship. You are given a "Sail and Sign" (S&S)card that you back up with either cash, debit or credit card. The S&S card acts as a debit card while on board and an ID for getting on and off the ship. Carnival will put a "hold" on your credit/debt card in $50 increments to insure that you have the ability to cover your purchases, but no charges are actually made until the end of the cruise. You can elect to pay your final bill with cash if you do not want the charge on your credit card.
The exception to the "no cash" rule is playing Bingo, you can buy a card with either cash or your S&S card. I believe the Arcade room will also accept cash.
Additional costs -
The cost of the cruise includes food, but not drinks such as pop/soda or alcoholic beverages. You can purchase an unlimited non-alcoholic beverage card for about $5 per day. Free fountain juices, lemonade, water and coffee can be found in the buffet areas and the 24 hour Bar & Grill. Do not try to sneak alcohol in your carry on luggage, it will be confiscated.
Expect to be photographed all the time. Camera stations with pre-set backdrops are set up every evening along two decks. Carnival characters wait outside of the main dinning rooms to take a picture with you every other night. Your picture is snapped at least once when you leave the ship to visit an island. These pictures are found in the photo gallery the next day. There is no charge to sit for the photos, you do not have to purchase them. If you want to buy the pictures, the prices range from 7 - $20 a shot, depending on the size.
Any spa treatments are extra. Depending on what you want, they range from $25 - $100+.
The pastries in the bakery shops are not included, you will have to pay extra for the treats @$5 and up.
Some exercise classes, like pilates, are extra @$10 per class.
Carnival Vacation Guarantee -
Read the fine print on the "Vacation Guarantee" which will refund the unused portion of your cruise if you are not satisfied. In order to take advantage of this, you must notify them before the ship arrives at the first port of call, you must get off the ship at the first non-US port of call. Carnival will pay for you to fly back to the port where you first got onto the ship. Who wants to go through that hassle? But it is available if that is what you want.
Recommended:
No
Best Suited For: Families
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Epinions.com ID:
alwaystravling
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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