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Carnival Cruise Line

MS Imagination

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: S. Onesway
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: May 24, 2004
Itinerary: Caribbean - Western

I did considerable research before taking this cruise with my husband. This was not my first choice but as it turned out, the ship is probably good for first timers who aren't sure what they want or what to expect.

The ship offers lots to do, from bingo and shows to kareoke (sic) to eating every two hours, which is half the lure of cruising, it seems. It's an old ship and it looks it.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I'd give the ship 3 plus. And that's because I really wanted a newer ship. Overall my experience was a 4.

You can absolutely have fun on board but don't expect a classy affair. It's tacky splendor on the ocean and who can't relax and have fun with that? I was disappointed by the "library" and the Card room, which was empty the one time I visited. If you are not a party seeker you can find quiet places to read, especially up on the jogging deck up front.

Food everywhere was better than average. We only went to the dining room twice as two of the couples at our assigned table spoke Spanish the entire meal. The other eating options were just as tasty and the pizza really is good.

Formal night was interesting. The lobster was a bit overdone but not bad considering they cooked for thousands.

Nice sized cabin and bathroom, wished there was a tub. The cabin was clean and spacious and the diverse crew worked hard to please.

The shows were great...amazingly so. The staff was friendly and helpful with rare exceptions to the contrary. Some of the lounge acts were so so, but so what? You've got a bunch of choices and a lot of those are top notch.

I was surprised by the nice quality of free, recent movies shown daily in the cabins.

The "Las Vegas" shows are decent and the midnight comedians ranged from good to suck-faced.

As for the excursions, Stingray City is a must and the river tubing in Jamaica, three miles down a mountain in the shade, can't be beat.

The stores are also must stops if you know what you want. I got a lovely Movado in Grand Cayman.

I was also surprised by the diverse crew and actually liked that, though I suspect they aren't paid well. They do work hard.

The bulk of the passengers made me want to flee.