Like the company’s seven other Fantasy-class ships, the
Inspirationwill be part of the “Evolutions of Fun” ship refurbishment program. Set to be completed by 2009, all Fantasy-class ships will undergo numerous upgrades, including: expansions to the children’s waterparks; new designs and features to pool areas; the creation of Serenity adults-only deck areas; fully remodeled staterooms and suites, complete with new baths and flat-screen televisions; and the addition of atrium lobby bars, coffee bars, miniature golf courses and multipurpose conference facilities. Once those renovations are completed, the ship will be renamed
“Carnival Inspiration,”to keep in-line with other Carnival-brand ships.
This Carnival megaship was built in Finland in 1996 and registered in the Bahamas, is the sixth of Carnival's Fun Ships. At 70,367 tons, she cruises at 21 knots and measures 855 ft, has a beam of 103 ft, and carries 2052 passengers at double occupancy. Italian officers oversee an international crew of 920.
This is an ideal ship for energetic first-time cruisers and for families seeking nonstop fun in glitzy surroundings. She sails 4- and 5-day itineraries from Tampa to the western Caribbean, with each cruise offering two days at sea.
Even with their neon tubing, shiny surfaces, glistening marble and golden tile, the 10 passenger decks are not as flamboyant as those on other Carnival ships. The inspiration here is musical, with a replica of Elvis's guitar adorning the disco, a wall of violins by the Promenade Bar, and a grand piano in the Chopin Lounge. Gilded sculpture rises three stories in the bright seven-deck atrium, which is capped by a glass dome. Its elegant marble staircase has an Art Nouveau look. Scrolled shapes garnish the atrium's walls and ceiling panels. Indeed, all public rooms draw inspiration from the arts—architecture, painting, music, letters and drama. The Brasserie Bar and Grillis disturbingly garish, with big purple tubes running across the ceiling and walls, while the Internet cafe is a new draw for the well-wired. Passengers sip drinks in the several delightful bars and the dance club. Vegas-style entertainment fills the large show room, cabaret and glitzy casino. Group games, teas, art exhibits, and midnight adult comedy shows offer further diversion, while those looking for some quiet head to the library, card room and shopping gallery. Sunning space is plentiful, and one deck is set aside for topless toasting. The pool, with a water slide and whirlpool, is one of the largest afloat, and children have their own plunge. Camp Carnival serves the junior set as well, and teens are well cared for too. A jogging track on Sun Deck complements the beauty salon and enormous spa.
Noticeably improved food and grand views are served up at two sittings for breakfast and lunch in the pair of dining rooms on Atlantic Deck, and at four flexible sittings at dinner. Casual dining offers several alternatives, snacks are always available, the pizzeria never closes (and serves Caesar salads as well), and the midnight buffet is elaborate.
The 1,026 cabins (two-thirds outsides, including 54 private balcony staterooms) are relatively spacious, with TVs, music channels, safes and hand-held showers. Most have twin beds. Suites boast sitting areas, whirlpool tubs and verandas, and 20 cabins are wheelchair-accessible. Room service is available 24 hours.
This is an excellent ship for active travelers of all ages, especially with Carnival's vacation guarantee and the golf program now in full swing.
