Like the company’s seven other Fantasy-class ships, the
Imaginationwill be part of the “Evolutions of Fun” ship refurbishment program. Set to be completed by 2009, all Fantasy-class ships will undergo numerous upgrades, including: expansions to the children’s waterparks; new designs and features to pool areas; the creation of Serenity adults-only deck areas; fully remodeled staterooms and suites, complete with new baths and flat-screen televisions; and the addition of atrium lobby bars, coffee bars, miniature golf courses and multipurpose conference facilities. Once those renovations are completed, the ship will be renamed
“Carnival Imagination,”to keep in-line with other Carnival-brand ships.
She set a new standard for fun-oriented ships, introducing the by now virtually obligatory 24-hour pizzeria and pouring a worldwide selection of draft beers. While Carnival's Fantasy Class ships all include stunning seven-story atriums, this one goes a step farther, dazzling passengers with artist Len Janklow's images of spaceships, space stations and other futuristic phenomena, which rotate on four towers of stainless steel and plastic.
Imaginationwas built in 1995, is a Panamanian-registered, 70,367-ton, 855-ft ship cruising at 21 knots and carrying Italian officers, a friendly international crew of 920, and up to 2,594 passengers.
Sailing from Miami, she does 3- to 5-day cruises throughout the Caribbean. The 3-day cruise, which departs Fridays, sets sail to Nassau and includes a day at sea. Her 4-day journeys, departing Mondays and Thursdays, includes Key West and Cozumel and include a day at sea. Imaginationhas two 5-day itineraries. Its eastern Caribbean voyages depart on Mondays and include stops in Nassau, Grand Turk and Half-Moon Cay, Carnival’s own private island. The ship’s western Caribbean trip departs Mondays and Saturdays for Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios.
The works of five more artists range from seascapes to depictions of ancient Greek and European legends, and the handiwork of Joe Farcus is also evident in several glitzy bars and lounges. The ship's big draw is entertainment, including enthusiastic Vegas-style revues for up to 1,300 guests at a time in the Dynasty Loungeon Promenade Deck. The 10 bars and lounges, a disco, a large health club and spa, three pools, six whirlpools, a jogging track, beauty salon, library, duty-free shops, infirmary, tour office, and two playrooms ensure that no one languishes. The children's program operates year-round, one pool is for kids, and it seems that the signature spiral water slide in the main pool is popular with grandparents clutching their grandchildren. An Internet cafe draws the young and young at heart alike. Those seeking different pleasures can opt for topless sunbathing on the upper deck.
Dining rooms fore and aft on Atlantic Deck serve all three meals at four sittings, each for up to 650 persons. Caribbean and French theme nights keep diners entertained, and all meals and afternoon ice cream are served in the Horizon Bar & Grill. A new dining plan offers several more casual alternatives.
The 1,020 cabins in 12 categories come with dressing tables, phones, TVs, stereos, safes, mostly twin beds, good stowage, and baths with relatively large showers. Hair dryers are supplied on request, and stewards leave animal-print towels for their youngest guests.
This is an excellent ship for active travelers of all ages, especially with Carnival's vacation guarantee and the golf program now in full swing.
