Carnival Imagination December 5-9, 2002 by Caribbeantrvlagt (Sue)

Here is a report from my first cruise on the Carnival Imagination Dec. 5-9, 2002.

A friend and I embarked on our first cruise this past week, Dec. 5 on the Carnival Imagination.  We flew from Atlanta to Miami with no problems, caught a bus to the ship terminal and were able to check in and board the ship right away; approx. 1 p.m.

Our room was on the Empress deck - outside room that we found to be bigger than what we had envisioned.  Two twin beds set up in an "L" pattern, a desk/mirror along a wall where there was a closet/shelves with the safe and then next to that was another closet.  The bathroom was tiny, yet enough room to move around in and we always had hot water with great water pressure.

We left Miami later than normal because the ship was waiting for folks to fly in from the east where flights were delayed due to the ice storm.  We walked around the ship to acquaint ourselves with each deck before leaving.  We took a spa tour and signed up for some treatments and then headed to the Dynasty Lounge for a talk on the ports of call and the tours offered.

We had opted for the late dinner seating so we had time to take a short nap and shower before going to dinner at 8:30 p.m.  Our table was in a nice location and we were seated with about 6 others; 2 ladies from Peoria, 1 lady from New York, 2 guys from Oregon and the ship doctor.  The menu offered many choices and the food was very pleasing to the eye as well as to your appetite.  I don't recall what I had for each dinner, but I do remember shrimp was on the menu every night, lobster tail was offered on Formal Night.

We enjoyed the shows each evening, our first port was Key West and we did the historical trolley tour there and then hit the shops.  Cozumel was a let down because all tours were cancelled due to the bad weather of rain and rough waters.  We did the shops and got soaked and went back to the boat to enjoy things there.

Friday evening we hit some rough waters with 15 ft. swells and needless to say I got sick!  Missed out on the dinner for Formal Night as well as the Grand Buffet! boo hoo
The rest of the trip I was just fine, but that night many folks got quite sick.

The ship was a good size for my first cruise; I found it to be spotless and quite beautiful.  Every person working there was very friendly and professional.  Our Room Steward had our room clean only minutes after we would leave each morning and when we returned from dinner at night it was again clean and stocked with towels as well as our beds turned down with mints on the pillow.

There were activities going on day/night as well as food being served.  I didn't have many drinks due to the cost of $7 per drink (in a tall glass) or $3 for a short glass and then 15% gratuity was added on to each drink.  I opted for the $19 unlimited soda card and was happy with that and only had 3 "drinks of the day" that had alcohol in them.

Now that I am home I am suffering from some type of "post seasickness".  I feel like I am still on the ship and it is moving at times...each day it is getting better.  Will I go on a cruise again - I am not sure.  I did enjoy it, yet don't like this after cruise feeling.

I missed not being able to just walk to the beach and play in the ocean.  I liked the food much better on the cruise, I liked the fact you had air conditioning when you wanted to dine, dressed nicely, and not sweat to death.  Food service was much faster on the ship and at times I would have liked it to be a bit slower.  I enjoyed the many fine shows and the various bands and entertainment that was going on constantly in more than one location at the same time.  I didn't care for the constant tipping that takes place - yet I did tip more than what was the expected amount for those who deserved to get more.  These folks work hard and long hours and never get a day off.

I think a cruise attracts a different type of vacation vs. an all inclusive or one where you rent a villa and I am happy that I have had the chance to experience all of them.  If I do cruise, again, it will be another short one before I venture out for a week or longer!