Carnival Imagination

The IMAGINATION gives you a choice of three fun escapes. The 4 day sailing takes you to uninhibited Key West, Florida and colorful Cozumel, Mexico. One of the two 5 day cruises also visits Key West, but your first stop is Belize, a country justly proud of its incredible natural beauty. The other 5 day cruise makes its first call on Grand Cayman, where you can visit its famous Seven Mile Beach. The following morning you'll be in carefree Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where you can climb up Dunn's River Falls.

Best For People Who Want:
A Las Vegas-style atmosphere of non-stop entertainment, lively casinos, extensive deck space for sunning, large facilities for fitness/spa and children’s activities, large cabins, good food and casual service. Especially recommended for families, singles in groups and first time cruisers.

Onboard Experience:
From dawn till the wee hours there is activity aboard the Imagination and her seven Fantasy-class sister ships, identical in all but décor (Fantasy, Ecstasy, Elation, Fascination, Inspiration, Paradise, Sensation). Carrying some 2,052 passengers, Imagination is large enough to provide diverse entertainment for a week, ample deck space for sunning and separate facilities for the multiple generations of passengers. However, the size isn’t overwhelming and one can easily navigate between the entertainment and dining areas to one’s cabins. This ship is for those who want the most active cruise experience (yet I’ve always found quiet nooks for reading or just watching the sea go by). During summer cruises you'll find hundreds of children while an older set cruises during non-holiday periods.

Decor:
Carnival’s definition of "fun" is characterized by the at times bizarre, décor, a cross between the fantasy of Disneyland and Las Vegas. Imagination's color scheme is a bit more subdued however, thanks to the use of earth tones. Fittingly, Imagination’s theme is based on "Imagination" so here you’ll find rooms such as the Mirage Bar, Xanadu Lounge, Illusions Dance Club and Shangri La. If you look closely, you’ll find Carnival uses the highest quality wood, marble and leather to create the special effects.

Public Rooms:
The heart of this ship is the seven-deck high atrium with art of huge proportions; the area is light-filled during the day while blinking tivoli lights at night create an energized effect. Imagination boasts an "entertainment promenade" where one can stroll or people-watch from soft banquettes. At one end of the promenade is the show lounge, where live production shows, comedians, magicians and passenger talent shows are scheduled. The two-level room has excellent sight lines and good seating throughout. The most imaginative décor is found in entertainment venues, such as the ships' popular piano bars where an enormous circular piano also acts as a bar for those who like to sing along. A lively disco and cabaret lounge are also located along the boulevard.

Imagination was the first ship in the Carnival fleet to have a dedicated teen center. Called the "Backstreet Club" it caters to 16 to 18 year olds with a variety of fun as well as educational facilities, a bar featuring non-alcoholic specialties and a dance floor

Cuisine:
Like many, I’m constantly surprised at the high levels of cuisine Carnival delivers aboard its ships. From the best pizza afloat (available 24 hours per day) to entrees with sophisticated seasoning, tasty desserts and a bountiful salad bar at luncheon buffet, a week spent dining aboard Imagination is a special treat.

Service:
Friendly and informal; expect silly dances after dessert and your towel to assume the shape of a dog after turn down service.

Restaurants:
Total Choice Dining is the flexible dining program which includes four seatings for dinner in the main dining rooms, alternative Bistro dining every evening and an increased number of service staff. Passengers are assigned a table for dinner at one of four seatings; 5:45 p.m. or 6:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.. In addition to the expanded dining room seatings, the poolside lido eateries are converted into Seaview Bistros between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. each evening, offering buffet dinner with no reservations or advance notice required.

There are two main dining rooms. Carnival does make an effort to seat singles, honeymooners and families with each other, so advise the maitre d' if you want to be seated with similar fellow cruisers. The ship’s Lido restaurant, adjacent to the pool, serves excellent breakfast and luncheon buffet, with several choices of entrees. The 24-hour pizzeria is one of the most popular venues aboard these ships, also located in the lido restaurant. In cabins, a limited 24-hour room service menu is available.

Entertainment:
One of Carnival’s biggest strengths is the high caliber of live entertainment suiting a variety of musical tastes. Lavishly costumed casts perform two live production shows weekly and sets have all the special effects you’ll find at the most sophisticated Las Vegas shows. Carnival’s "entertainment architecture" is an integral part of its nightlife. You’ll find one quiet bar for those seeking a more relaxing atmosphere, or, head for a hopping disco. The casino is one of the largest and most active casinos afloat, closed off from the main areas so the clatter of slots doesn’t intrude.

Cabins:
Cabins aboard Imagination are standard in size and amenities. The good news is they’re among the largest in the cruise industry: inside measure 185 sq. ft, outside are 190 sq. feet. You can book the minimum category inside or outside stateroom and still have a lot of space. Families and groups of singles book cabins for four and five people early, and these go first. Carnival’s cabins are bare bones in décor and amenities: you’ll find a color TV with CNN, telephone and radio, no hair dryers and a basket of "free-sample" toiletries. Oceanview staterooms and suites have a mini bar and bathrobes for your use. Bathrooms are fairly large, with hand-held shower and medicine cabinet. There are also 26 mini-suites (226 sq. feet plus 36 square foot private veranda) and 28 suites measuring 350 sq. feet with 71 sq. foot balconies.

Fitness/Spa:
Imagination is perfect for those who like to keep in shape during their cruise, with a whopping 12,000 sq. ft. devoted to fitness and spa facilities. The gym has a private trainer and 35 top quality exercise machines. There is a day-long schedule of aerobics and stretching classes, a fully jogging track, volleyball court and secluded area for those who prefer sunbathing topless.

Those who prefer to skip shore excursions and snorkel on their own will find equipment rental ($26 for three days). Steiner’s of London operates the ship’s spa, where massages of all types can be found – watch the aggressive pushing of beauty products, a Steiner’s practice in all their cruise ship spas. There's a large central pool with water slide, and plenty of space for those seeking a quiet area away from the crowds for sunbathing.

Attire:
There are two "formal" nights per week, but the majority of men opt for suit instead of tux. Women aged 20 to 35 do tend to get dressed up in short dresses and jewelry, while parents and older women may choose dressy pants suits, long or short dress/skirts. During the daytime, the "uniform" is casual – shorts, T-shirt, sneakers/sandals, bathing suit and hat.

Rates:
Book early for Carnival's Super Saver rates which are about half the brochure rate. Sample Super Saver rates, per person based on double occupancy start at $299 for a three day cruise.

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