Carnival Inspiration, Day 1

In May 2018, Nathan and I took a 4 night cruise down to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Baja California del Norte, Mexico. This trip was a celebration trip for my completion of my first year teaching college.

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous about sailing Carnival again after not sailing in over a decade - we last took a cruise on Norwegian in 2016, and it was just not very good. But, since I love the ocean so much, I wanted to give another mass market line a shot, but one I was much more familiar with.

And so, I booked an interior cabin for a 4 night quick trip out of Long Beach.

The Inspiration on a cloudy, May Gray Monday morning. Built in 1996, she is one of the oldest ships in Carnival's fleet, but at a double occupancy of 2056 passengers, she is one of the smaller vessels sailing for a mass market line.

Overlooking the bow, where a crew member is on the phone in the crew area.

Cunard's classic Queen Mary is parked next door to Carnival's dock at Long Beach, where she is currently undergoing restoration. You can actually stay on the Queen Mary - she is a converted hotel!

Next to the Queen Mary is the geodesic dome that once housed the Spruce Goose, that is now leased to Carnival as their embarkation/disembarkation area. Inside, the dome has been redesigned to look like a park, with references to the history of the building and California's natural beauty. It is easily the nicest embarkation area I have been in by far.

Once checked in, you head up a few switchbacks, then across a long bridge onto the Empress Deck (7) in the Atrium, aka the Grand Spectrum. Take one of the elevators up...

Get out on the Veranda Deck (11), and head to the V Cabins...

The first cabin after you turn the corner is V40, where we stayed. 185 square feet. Not the most comfortable, but what do you want for less than $100 per person per night? With food, entertainment, and transportation included!

Not to mention this little guy. One of Carnival's long standing traditions - the towel animal, waiting to greet you when you board.

Tomorrow, the historic town of Avalon.