There are 2 kinds of people in this world, those who like to cruise and those who haven't tried it! We recently came back from a 3-day cruise onboard Carnival Imagination and it was just what we needed to recharge! If you're planning on taking the same cruise in the future (or considering), you've come to the right place!

For the foodies, check out my Carnival Imagination "Ultimate Food Guide" on this link! I chronicled all the daily menu plus more!

=======================================

Cruise Details

========================================

Before Boarding Carnival Imagination

Don't forget to check-in online and enter all information asked. This will save you plenty of time during embarkation day.
Have all your documents ready: boarding pass, luggage tags, passport, airline and bus information, other proof of citizenship.
Pack light! My husband and I only had a backpack each. This makes it easier for you during embarkation and debarkation days.
I've been on multiple cruises and only experienced sea-sickness during this cruise during "Fun Day at Sea". Come prepared!
You may have read about "Faster to the Fun" or FTTF option for $49.95 for the entire cabin. On our cruise in 2016, we purchased this for the stateroom. While FTTF helped us during embarkation and debarkation day in 2016, we certainly didn't need it for our recent trip. The embarkation check-in process has improved so much in the Long Beach port, we breezed through in less than 10 minutes.
Bring cash to avoid paying the $6 ATM fee onboard. If you need to, there are bill changer kiosk for tipping.
Download the Carnival Hub. You will get live access to your account and activity schedule without paying for wifi.
If you plan on partying the weekend, consider paying $50/person per day for the "Cheers Program" for unlimited drinks onboard (limited choices).

Day 1 |Embarkation | Long Beach

Whether you are arriving on a personal vehicle or a paid transportation, there will be plenty of porters collecting your luggage by the parking lot. It will make the process faster if you already have your luggage tags printed.

Pro-tips:

Even though my husband and I only each packed a backpack, we still checked them in with the porters. It might take more than an hour before your room is ready and carrying a heavy backpack/luggage is a nuisance.
Bring a small tote bag or backpack to store in only the essentials like documents, medicine, sunglasses and swimsuit.
Some soaks in the pool and jacuzzi while waiting for their room to be ready.
If bringing any wine, they have to be hand-carried and not checked-in with the luggage.

Like I mentioned earlier, I was thoroughly impressed with the check-in process. Carnival has recently started using a portion of the dome. There will be 3 lines - early, on-time and VIP or Faster to the Fun. We arrived at around 12 noon and there were hardly any people lined up. If you've done the online check-in prior, they will only need to see your boarding pass and passport/ID before sending you through security. The process took us less than 10 minutes.

After security, you will be directed to the Lido deck for a lunch buffet. Check my "Ultimate Food Guide" to know what menu to expect. It is important to note that the "Sail and Sign Cards" are no longer handed during check-in. Instead, they are left outside the door of your cabin and while waiting, your printed boarding pass will be used to make purchases.

Pro-tips:

Print your boarding pass, it'll be used to make any transaction while waiting for your cabin to be ready since the "Sail and Sign Cards" will be placed by the door of your cabin.
After lunch, your room and luggage might not be ready yet. Ours was ready by 1:30 PM but the luggage came in later. Some bring a deck of cards to play with or head on to the pool and jacuzzi. There's also the Casino to burn some time (and cash) in!
You will be enticed with cocktails as soon as you step in. Make sure to keep your daily budget in mind.

Once you arrive in your cabin, check out the "Fun Times" to see which activities you want to attend.

Top Activities: The Ultimate Sail Away Party, Hasbro The Game Show, High Seas Karaoke, Love and Marriage Show, Comedy Club and Illusions Night Club

Pro-tips:

Don't miss out on the sail-away party at the Lido deck right before dinner.
Bring a highlighter and highlight all the activities on the "Fun Times" that you want to attend to.
If you like to dance like me, I take advantage of going to the club wearing my flipflops and dance the night away!

Day 2 | Fun Day at Sea

Fun day at sea was indeed the fun-nest day during our entire cruise! It seemed that Carnival placed their best foot forward during this day! First off, let's talk about FOOD! Aside from the breakfast buffet, there was an excellent menu for brunch at the Pride Dining Room. Then, there's the "Chocolate Extravaganza" at the lunch buffet with chocolate fondue and all sorts of chocolate desserts! This was also the "Cruise Formal" night for dinner and it's nice to see almost everyone dress up! Also, there is poolside fun happening throughout the day!

Pro-tips:

Bring formal attire! There are plenty of photo-ops including the Captain's Toast.
Don't miss out the Divas Showtime! Carnival has definitely improved their entertainment, especially with awesome Cruise Director Matey onboard!
There is a Military Appreciation Gathering for all our service members and get a chance to win a cruise!
If you are planning on doing excursions, I suggest going slow on the alcohol this night!

Top Activities: Poolside Fun, Captain's Toast Celebration, Divas Showtime, $1,000 Bingo, Thriller Dance Class, dance to salsa at the Dream Bar and Illusions Night Club

Day 3 | Ensenada, Mexico

If it were just my husband and I cruising together, we would've opted to stay onboard and enjoy the empty ship since we've already been to Ensenada before. However, since it was our cousin's first time, we ventured out with him! Ensenada's biggest attraction is the blowhole in La Bufadora. Don't expect excellent snorkeling activities like those in most of the Caribbean ports. If you didn't book any excursions through Carnival and plan to explore Ensenada on your own, there are buses every 10 minutes that will take you close to downtown. At the bus stop, there are excursions you can book for a much cheaper price than booking it through Carnival.

We booked a horseback riding and La Bufadora tour all for $37 pp. These excursions would cost over $100 if booked through Carnival. During our visit, there were only 3 excursions to pick from (at the bust stop) including zip lining.
Pack a few snack items from the ship like bananas or apples. La Bufadora is about 40 minutes away from the ship.
If doing an excursion, budget some time to explore and walk around downtown. There's plenty of shopping, margaritas and tacos! My favorite is the tacos and margaritas for 2 people for only $10.
While in La Bufadora, try those grilled giant clams! They're so delicious!
Bring your passport and "Sail and Sign Card" with you!
I didn't realize this but drugstores in Mexico are favorite stops among tourist to get medicine without a prescription.

We had a few tacos, grilled giant clams, margarita and pina colada while in Ensenada, however, still found ourselves starving upon returning to the ship! The Caribbean-themed buffet was my favorite of all the buffet menu during this trip! The rest of the afternoon was spent napping.

Pro-tips:

After dinner, check out the Epic Rock Show. This production was perhaps the best one I've seen on a cruise yet!
Watch out for the dining staff show during dinner at the formal dining rooms!
Don't skip the "Fun Farewell Music Trivia" happening in the atrium!
Check your account using the app or at the Guest Service for accuracy. There is usually a long line at the Guest Service during Debarkation Day.
If you want your luggage carried out the following morning, make sure they're packed and placed outside your door. I highly recommend doing this especially if you have a heavy luggage. Collecting them the following morning is an easy process!

Top Activities: Paper Airplane Competition, Epic Rock Show, Fun Farewell Music Trivia Party, Piano Bar Sing Along with Hannah, Spin and Win at the Casino

Day 4 | Debarkation Day

Unless you paid for the FTTF or if you're a VIFP Platinum, then debarkation will be a long process. The cruise director will first call all that have early flights then deck by deck. The line will be long and everyone will look sad and annoyed. At the port, passports will be checked. And your vacation officially ends!

Pro-tips:

We spent almost an hour in debarkation line. To avoid carrying your heavy luggage or backpacks, leave it outside your door the night before. In the morning, after going through security, you can easily collect your luggage at the port.
Don't forget to tip your stewards! Gratuities are already paid in advance but if your steward has done an excellent job, tip them! They are often underpaid, by US standards, as well as overworked.
Tip your room stewards with cash instead of adding it to your bill when checking out. I noticed the that maitre d is given the most tips.
Take note of the names of the staff and servers and mention them on the survey you will receive on your email. Cruise staff don't get days off, they only get hours off and your kind words might just make their day!
Bring your luggage and backpacks with you to breakfast and wait there until they call your deck for debarkation. There was a huge line and some of the halls were closed off when we were trying to get back to our room after breakfast.
If not in a hurry, wait until the last deck is called. This way you don't find yourself standing in line for an hour.

Here are some activities you can enjoy onboard Carnival Imagination:

For kids and teens: the arcade and Camp Ocean
Production Show at the Dynasty Lounge
El Dorado Casino
Pool and Jacuzzi at the Lido deck
Adult-only Serenity Jacuzzis
Gym, Sauna and Spa
Illusions Night Club
The Punchliner Comedy Club
Live music in the Atrium Lobby, Dream Bar and Mirage Piano Bar
High Seas Karaoke
Shopping: Art Auction and The Fun Shops
Jogging Track and Mini Golf
Waterslides
Movies at Xanadu Lounge
Bingo at Dynasty Lounge
FOOD FOOD FOOD!

Hope this helps you prepare and plan for your upcoming cruise! Happy sailing! Cheers!

Ultimate Guide to 3-Day Carnival Imagination Cruise to Ensenada

Copyright 2020 The Sweet Savory Life