Inspiration

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Tweety9

Guest
Does anyone have any information on the Inspiration? There are not any reviews posted on this website and I am curious about the ship from more recent cruisers. Oh also, how is the Tampa port as far as embarkation? Does anyone now what it costs to park at the port?
 
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serene56

Guest
http://cruiseclues.com/shipstips/inspiration.htm

Tampa is a wonderful port- Only one ship can dock there at a time.Unlike Fort Lauderdale or Miami which can sometimes have up to 9.

So getting off the ship and to the airport is very easy. Getting late fligths out there is a aquarium right across the street to visit while waiting for your flight/
 
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Giles612

Guest
I just got off this ship and we had a great time. We were able to find a hotel that allowed us to park the week for free and got a taxi to the port. Embarkation was probably the fastest of any cruise I have been on, which could have been because the timing was right, I don't know. The ship looks brand new in most areas and the water park was a lot of fun. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
 
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jill24fan

Guest
Which hotel would let you park there and shuttle you to the port? What fees were involved? Thanks for any info as we are going on the Inspiration in September.
 
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jill24fan

Guest
It looks as if the port is just a few miles away. Do you remember how much the taxi cost? Also, what did you think of the Inspiration? Did it still feel like an older ship or did the overhaul make it like new?
 
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Giles612

Guest
I think we ended up paying around $30.00 or so for the taxi ride but we were able to get all 6 of us in one ride. When you compare that to $20.00 per person if you take a Carnival shuttle from an airport it wasn't a bad deal! :)

As for the Inspiration, we had a great time. My kids really enjoyed the water park(2yr old and 5yr old girls) and my wife and I enjoyed the serenity area.The carpeting seems to be new and most of the ship has been completely redone including all of the cabins. What is odd though is when you walk in an elevator because they don't look like they were touched at all, so there are a few areas on the ship that you can tell they left alone. Service was excellant as usual on a Fantasy class ship. Tampa is a good port to sail out of, embarkation went very quickly, I would say we were on the boat within 15 minutes after walking in the terminal.
 
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chell75

Guest
WOW...I am excited. We (my husband, my 5 year old daughter and myself) are going on the Inspiration on March 6th. It will be the first cruise for all of us!!

I do have tons of questions if you wouldn't mind answering a few...

1) Are most of the public places non-smoking? My hubby is allergic to cigarette smoke and want to be prepared.

2) Did you use Camp Carnival for the kids? Did you like it? Did THEY like it?

3) The water slide, did your 5 year old use it?

4) How was the food!!

5) Did you do the 4 or 5 day? How was Cozumel? Any suggestions on what to do with a 5 year old? We REALLY want to see the ruins but don't want to pay $50 per person!!

Thanks for any other help or tips :)

Machelle
 
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serene56

Guest
How tall is your daughter? there is a height limit- Im thinking its 48 inches.
If your daughter passes that-- (give her a pony tail if she is a few inches short)

She will have to go alone- you wont be able to go with her. FIrst time wait at the end to see how she does. When we sailed the slide emptied into the pool -I dont know if that is the case today.

Camps are good and most kids preferr it then being with their parents. Your child will be with the 2-5 year old group- you will get a pager if there is a problem.
It closes for lunch- and sometimes dinner. Formal nights they have their own party at the lido deck during dining time.

Most public places are smoke free- your husband does not want to venture out to the public decks--one side that is smoking-- one side is non smoking. Casino is smoking. SHow loung is non smoking as is all food areas. There are some lounges that are smoking. Places will be listed in your capers.

Food is subjective- what is good for one person is not good for another. DO not expect 5 star cusine and you should be fine. Remember food is cooked enmasse for thousands of people at a time.

We did the ruins-- very nice- well worth it. I dont know if your 5 year old can handle it.. its a long time sitting on a bus/ferry (4 hours total) then walking around when you get there- she might do good at the camp if she can be away from you for that long day... at least 6-7 hours.
( i dont think I could do that part)

there is a beach called Paradise Beach -- might be what you are looking for for kids.
 
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chell75

Guest
LOL...I have been searching for my post ALL day! couldnt find it so I posted another...only then did I find it here! DUH Machelle!! LOL!

My daughters is 42 inches. I am not sure if she should go on it alone. I am not sure how well she would do at holding her breath while sliding in the water. The one I want her to go on does not go into the pool but it still has some water on the slide itself.... :S

We want to do the ruins on Cozumel itself not the huge ones on inland Mexico. I think my daughter would be fine but I couldnt handle it! LOL!!

I know for a fact I could not leave her on the ship while I went exploring. I am a very over protective mom and would worry about her the whole time. I know...I am pathetic..:lol

Thanks for all the help. I am SOOO excited about going!!!
 
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serene56

Guest
i dont think you pathic--enjoy he kids because tomorrow they will be grown.
But do let her try the camps a few times each day- you dont have to put her thee in the morning and leave her til lunch-you will get a calender on whats happening at various times during the day-- go over it with her and find out what she wants to do.. Remember--at 10pm there is a 6.00 per hour charge.

I AM NOT SURE ON the height restrictions-- it could be 48. but no way will they let someone go down with her. safety things and all that.. (didnt the Inspiration undergo a new kids pool/play area?

When you do a posting--- before you post--click on notify by email- that way you dont hve to hunt for your stuff.
 
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