Cruise Ship Reviews : Carnival Cruise Lines Reviews
toni saw things this way:
Good value for price paid, January 12, 2011
Reviewer: toni
Pros: Really liked more casual dress code for dinners
Cons: Bedding situation for third passenger in room
Date of cruise: January 3, 2011
Departure port: miami
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Inside
Cabin number: e92 & e93
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: No
This was my ninth Carnival cruise. As always, a good value for the money. Staff on Imagination did not seem as attentive to detail as on other cruises, and dinners, while very good, were not as good as our last trip in October out of Tampa. My big complaint was that I bought this cruise as a Christmas gift for my daughter, daughter-in-law and three (12-,13- and 14-year-old)grandkids. When we did this in January of 2008 the kids were younger and loved Camp Carnival. The 12-15 camp was a bust. The kids did not participate because they didn't see anything they would like to do. They did LOVE the waterworks slide on the top deck, the mini golf, the ping pong, the arcade and the regular pool, so they had a great time. My biggest issue is that I got two rooms with three to a room. In '08 we had a bunk bed in each room which was great -- bed folded up into wall during the day. This time, with no warning, we had a rollaway bed in the room. It stayed there all day and although the 12- and 13-year old slept in them, they both complained of backaches. You could see where it sagged in the middle. We ended up putting the mattresses on the floor and putting the aluminum-framed web strapping bed out in the hall for the steward. I gave customer feedback about this to guest services who just said when they book too many three to a room, that they do this. I told them it was not a good idea as even the kids were complaining but when they heard we put the mattresses on the floor, they seemed to think the problem had been resolved. If I do this again, I will make sure to inquire that we have a bunkbed in the room for the third passenger. I have to say we do love Carnival. It is usually my husband and I in a balcony room. We have cruised NCL and Princess and like Carnival best. But beware -- Carnival is not known for its mattresses. I had to complain to our steward on our October 2010 cruise because I literally could not fall asleep on my sagging bed. Finally the third day, after I actually considered sleeping on the floor the night before, I told the steward who put some of the fluffy comforters under the mattress and it was better.
Cyberparson saw things this way:
3-4 day cruise with equal parts relaxation and activity; great service, June 17, 2010
Reviewer: Cyberparson
Pros: Spacious clean cabin, super food in dining room, superior staff, activities
Cons: Needs more pool space for adults, layout is confusing, cabin halls are worn
Date of cruise: June 7, 2023
Departure port: Miami
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Outside
Cabin number: M258
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
The Imagination currently offers 3-4 day Caribbean/Bahamas routes, and it is well suited for these shorter itineraries. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the newer ships, but has plenty to keep you busy for a day or two at sea. This ship's ride was very smooth in the opinion of my highly motion-sensitive wife. Our cabin was spacious and well laid out. Newer ships have blow dryers in cabin, but not the Imagination. Otherwise, it was well appointed and comfortable. The hallway seemed to always be in the process of being cleaned, but not ever really clean -- there were always trays, empty cups, etc. waiting for pickup. But the staff was always at work on it, too. Food is a highlight of cruising. We ate in the main dining room and were pleased to find all of our meals firstrate. Of course, presentation and service are a hallmark of cruise meals and we were not ever disappointed. The seafood offerings were special favorites for our family and you never felt there was not more than one offering you would enjoy. Activity staff was busy and always encouraging participation. Those of us who are not exhibitionists won't volunteer for some of the contests and shows, but overall Carnival has plenty to please all. The pool situation was less satisfying, especially compared to other ships. One pool for all, one "kiddie pool" on the waterslide deck and only two whirlpools in the adult "Serenity" area. This area was usually jammed and made evident the need for an area where adults could enjoy a pool without kids doing cannonballs. We took advantage of the spa and fitness centers and were pleased with conditions although, as usual, spa offerings onboard are high priced. You have to decide you will splurge to enjoy --b ut if you do, you'll find a very well trained staff and they don't pressure you for a gratuity, which made me happy to give one. Lido Deck featured the 24-hour restaurant. Buffet food was adequate, although nothing that was terribly exciting. Breakfast was the best meal in my view, especially the omelet station. My teenage boys LOVED it though, and were constantly eating. The pizza station, the grill, and the sushi bar were all very good. The thoroughly unenjoyable part of any cruise is debarkation, but it was slightly less annoying when we found room on Lido Deck to wait for our group to be called. You will get off quicker if you do Self-Assist, but then you have to keep all your luggage with you until you are allowed to get off the ship. We enjoyed our experience and would go on the ship again, but would start by looking for one that has more amenities. The ads for the new ships make you less satisfied with the older ones. One suggestion: We had a 17- and 18-year-old traveling together, and the activities for youth were divided, meaning that the club for 15-17 would not allow the 18-year-old, and the 18 and up club wouldn't allow the 17-year-old. Some flexibility would have been appreciated.
Carnival Imagination reviews
Average customer rating:
4.36 / 5
4.36 / 5
Average Rating based on 2 Reviews:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
5.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.50
4.00
5.00
4.50
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.50
4.00
5.00
4.50
toni saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
5
3
4
4
4
4
3
4
4
4
4
Good value for price paid, January 12, 2011
Reviewer: toni
Pros: Really liked more casual dress code for dinners
Cons: Bedding situation for third passenger in room
Date of cruise: January 3, 2011
Departure port: miami
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Inside
Cabin number: e92 & e93
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: No
This was my ninth Carnival cruise. As always, a good value for the money. Staff on Imagination did not seem as attentive to detail as on other cruises, and dinners, while very good, were not as good as our last trip in October out of Tampa. My big complaint was that I bought this cruise as a Christmas gift for my daughter, daughter-in-law and three (12-,13- and 14-year-old)grandkids. When we did this in January of 2008 the kids were younger and loved Camp Carnival. The 12-15 camp was a bust. The kids did not participate because they didn't see anything they would like to do. They did LOVE the waterworks slide on the top deck, the mini golf, the ping pong, the arcade and the regular pool, so they had a great time. My biggest issue is that I got two rooms with three to a room. In '08 we had a bunk bed in each room which was great -- bed folded up into wall during the day. This time, with no warning, we had a rollaway bed in the room. It stayed there all day and although the 12- and 13-year old slept in them, they both complained of backaches. You could see where it sagged in the middle. We ended up putting the mattresses on the floor and putting the aluminum-framed web strapping bed out in the hall for the steward. I gave customer feedback about this to guest services who just said when they book too many three to a room, that they do this. I told them it was not a good idea as even the kids were complaining but when they heard we put the mattresses on the floor, they seemed to think the problem had been resolved. If I do this again, I will make sure to inquire that we have a bunkbed in the room for the third passenger. I have to say we do love Carnival. It is usually my husband and I in a balcony room. We have cruised NCL and Princess and like Carnival best. But beware -- Carnival is not known for its mattresses. I had to complain to our steward on our October 2010 cruise because I literally could not fall asleep on my sagging bed. Finally the third day, after I actually considered sleeping on the floor the night before, I told the steward who put some of the fluffy comforters under the mattress and it was better.
Cyberparson saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
5
5
4
4
5
4
5
5
5
4
4
5
4
5
5
3-4 day cruise with equal parts relaxation and activity; great service, June 17, 2010
Reviewer: Cyberparson
Pros: Spacious clean cabin, super food in dining room, superior staff, activities
Cons: Needs more pool space for adults, layout is confusing, cabin halls are worn
Date of cruise: June 7, 2023
Departure port: Miami
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Outside
Cabin number: M258
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
The Imagination currently offers 3-4 day Caribbean/Bahamas routes, and it is well suited for these shorter itineraries. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the newer ships, but has plenty to keep you busy for a day or two at sea. This ship's ride was very smooth in the opinion of my highly motion-sensitive wife. Our cabin was spacious and well laid out. Newer ships have blow dryers in cabin, but not the Imagination. Otherwise, it was well appointed and comfortable. The hallway seemed to always be in the process of being cleaned, but not ever really clean -- there were always trays, empty cups, etc. waiting for pickup. But the staff was always at work on it, too. Food is a highlight of cruising. We ate in the main dining room and were pleased to find all of our meals firstrate. Of course, presentation and service are a hallmark of cruise meals and we were not ever disappointed. The seafood offerings were special favorites for our family and you never felt there was not more than one offering you would enjoy. Activity staff was busy and always encouraging participation. Those of us who are not exhibitionists won't volunteer for some of the contests and shows, but overall Carnival has plenty to please all. The pool situation was less satisfying, especially compared to other ships. One pool for all, one "kiddie pool" on the waterslide deck and only two whirlpools in the adult "Serenity" area. This area was usually jammed and made evident the need for an area where adults could enjoy a pool without kids doing cannonballs. We took advantage of the spa and fitness centers and were pleased with conditions although, as usual, spa offerings onboard are high priced. You have to decide you will splurge to enjoy --b ut if you do, you'll find a very well trained staff and they don't pressure you for a gratuity, which made me happy to give one. Lido Deck featured the 24-hour restaurant. Buffet food was adequate, although nothing that was terribly exciting. Breakfast was the best meal in my view, especially the omelet station. My teenage boys LOVED it though, and were constantly eating. The pizza station, the grill, and the sushi bar were all very good. The thoroughly unenjoyable part of any cruise is debarkation, but it was slightly less annoying when we found room on Lido Deck to wait for our group to be called. You will get off quicker if you do Self-Assist, but then you have to keep all your luggage with you until you are allowed to get off the ship. We enjoyed our experience and would go on the ship again, but would start by looking for one that has more amenities. The ads for the new ships make you less satisfied with the older ones. One suggestion: We had a 17- and 18-year-old traveling together, and the activities for youth were divided, meaning that the club for 15-17 would not allow the 18-year-old, and the 18 and up club wouldn't allow the 17-year-old. Some flexibility would have been appreciated.