Onboard Entertainment: We enjoyed some of the trivia and quiz games offered on the ship. The evening shows, however, offered entertainment which seemed to be aimed at the 9 and 90 year olds on board. Being somewhere in the middle of these two extremes, I found them very boring and amateurish. Our family purposely took the December 10th departure in order to escape the holiday madness. I found it very offensive when Christian gospel music was played in the show room while waiting for the shows to begin. I was also offended at the 'Holiday Show' which seemed to only celebrate the Christian holiday. Not that I celebrate any holiday, but no mention at all was made to acknowledge the holidays of any of the other faiths or cultures which celebrate during this season. We were particularly offended by the inclusion of crucifixes on the holiday wreaths and trees on stage and to a number of religious songs included in the show. Our 9 year old daughter was with us for this cruise. She had looked forward to attending Camp Carnival during the cruise. Unfortunately, when we found out that the children were going to be taught religious songs and then be used as entertainment in the holiday show, we could not let her partake in the camp activities as we did not want her singled out as 'the outsider' not allowed to sing with the others.
Cabins on the Inspiration: Although our cabin was small, it was cozy. The beds and bedding was simply luxurious - I have not slept in such a comfortable bed since traveling through Europe in 5 Star hotels. Although we didn't see our cabin steward after the first day, our cabin was always kept clean and well stocked. Our child particularly enjoyed the towel animals. The toilets were too low in the bathroom, and the water in the shower alternated from hot to cold with poor water pressure. A bench to sit on would also have made showering easier.
Even with all the problems cited, I would still cruise again (Perhaps on a different line). When not engaged in the above activites, I was very relaxed and well fed. I forwarded Carnival this account of the cruise and in return was offered a free 'bon voyage' gift on my next cruise with them. My decision to cruise with Carnival again will certainly not be decided on this nice, but slightly inadequate to make up for our inconvenience, gesture.
