My big-bash-birthday event was a Carnival Cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada Mexico! Planned by my sister and ultimate trip planner Darilyn May, and accompanied by my mother Marilyn, we sailed off the end of April to enjoy the food, festivities, relaxation, and seeing new places.
The Inspiration ship itself was one of the smaller ones, but did not lack any amenities or lounge chairs! We got a few good hints from some other people that have cruised previously. One of the best ideas was to bring your swim clothes in your carry-on bag. This way you have them accessible and can enjoy the sunshine and hot-tubs while everyone else is waiting for their luggage.
The Ship had multiple bars and entertainment rooms with names like, "Blue-Rhapsody Piano Bar", "The Violin Bar", and "The Paris Lounge". The casino was the hot spot for the night time cruisers.
We enjoyed our evening meals with our assigned guests. We laughed, we ate way too much food......
On our day trip to Catalina we played total tourist and rented a golf cart to explore the island. The views from the top of the island were amazing. The Island is full of old architecture, mosaic tiles, and even a pet cemetery.
Ensenada was a shopping delight of folk crafts, knock of purses, jewelry, and food! We watched the water spray from La Bufadora, shopped the alley, walked in Al Capone's steps at the Casino, and won the right to say, "I was were fish tacos and the Margarita was invented!"
A great time, perfect for a first time cruiser.
