The Inspiration, one of the sister SuperLiners of the Carnival Cruise Line, is many things, but subtle is not one of them. A floating city, it sports enough glitz and ersatz glamour to send even the most overworked parent into a party mood. The pool boasts a water slide of theme-park proportions. Mid-ship, the seven-story Grand Atrium glows at night like a mall at Christmas, twinkling with white, green and purple neon lights. Mosaic murals of blue, green and gold tiles glitter in the hallways and elevators. Late into the evening, the main drag--the Boulevard--throbs with singles, couples and teens strolling from the jazz club to the disco to the piano lounge. My daughter and I kept expecting Kathie Lee Gifford to come around the corner singing.
It is through the Inspiration and its sister SuperLiners that Carnival has brought cruising to Middle America. The company calls them Fun Ships, and for families who love nonstop action, that's exactly what they are. Dancing in the hallway is allowed, and shouting "whoop-de-doo" as you twirl down the 114-foot-long water slide is perfectly appropriate, even expected.
What makes this merriment more remarkable is that all ages can share in it. The children's programs, which entertained 100,000 kids last year, are extensive. Two- to five-year-old Toddlers enjoy supervised crafts and games in their own playroom. Six- to eight-year-old Juniors have fun decorating cookies, painting T-shirts and playing video games. Nine- to 11-year-old Intermediates go on autograph and treasure hunts, put on talent shows and play ping-pong. There are even programs for teens ages 12 -15, although my 14-year-old daughter, Alissa, and her friend, Kate, preferred the pool with its sun, live rock bands and handy buffets.
These ships work for both parents and kids. After a morning of beach-hopping in Barbados, hiking in a rain forest on Dominica or crewing on a real America's Cup yacht in St. Maarten, everyone in my family had plenty of ways to pass the afternoon. I know I had no trouble finding what I most desired--a quiet napping spot in the shade.
Call: 800-CARNIVAL for updated rates and more information.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
