Precious Memories: Birthday Cruise on Carnival Inspiration

Carnival Inspiration Baja Cruise -- January 15~19, 2018

Our last cruise was on the HAL Zuiderdam May 2017 through Norway and Scotland. Our next cruise won't be until May 2018 on the NCL Jewel. We thought it would be nice to have a short cruise just to relax and celebrating MOR's birthday in January. We have been on the same ship, same itinerary twice before so there should not be any surprises but just to get out and have a good time.

Son dropped us off at the Long Beach Port which was easy and quick. There was some highway construction before getting near the port, otherwise it was a good drive down from our house. Check-in was quite efficient this time when we arrived around 11:00 A.M. We boarded almost immediately after checking in and the whole process was rather orderly comparing to the last two times. No long lines, no hassle.

It's always exciting to be walking down the gangway to board a cruise ship, even on this short cruise.

Our cabin was not ready yet, so first thing first, the buffet we went!

First time trying out Guy's burger. Excellent! I really liked the idea of the 'toppings bar' where you can pick whatever you want to put on your burger.

Just sat around the pool to wait for the cabins.

The 'Dome' where they used to house the Spruce Goose, is now a Carnival terminal.

Muster drill was done around 4:30. Our station was at the stage area near the swimming pool. Not too bad but we had to wait for all the other stations to finish walking up to their life boats before being released. We, on the other hand, just stood there and waited until they were done because we were already so close to our life boats. No life jackets needed.

Waiting for the sail-away after the muster drill. A photo of the dome and Queen Mary.

We had any time dining which worked out fine. We generally went at around 6:00 so just the wait for them to open up for dinner. My only complaint was that the tables were so close together that you are almost like dining with other guests. There is really no privacy. We ended up talking to the guests near us on several occasion.

My flat iron steak on the everyday menu. Good!

MOR's fish plate.

Yum!

Theater

Atrium

Free bottles of water and our pins as past guests.

Catalina Island -- January 16, 2018 (Tuesday)

This would be our 6th times coming to Catalina Island on a cruise ship so we wanted to do something a little different instead of just wandering around near the pier. For just the two of us, renting a golf cart for $45 an hour is hardly worth it in my opinion. We will try to explore on foot, we need the exercise anyway.

We got off the ship before 9:00 so we did not have to get tender tickets to go on shore. There was no line and we actually had to wait for the local tender to fill up before leaving.

The iconic building of Catalina Island--the casino.

Just off the tender.

Our goal was to see how far we could walk to the Nature Center up the hill.

Plenty of golf carts around town. We went up Catalina Avenue, turned right on Tremont Street,

then we took the street on the left which is Avalon Canyon Road.

There's the People's Park on the right with clean restrooms,

kid's playground,

and plenty of fitness equipment.

We stopped here for a little bit of exercise and fun.

Catalina Island Golf Course on the left.

The Sandtrap

famous one-dollar taco happy hour

Bird Park, which we did not visit because it looked empty from the side.

Joe Machado Field

Finally, the Nature Center. We had to wait about 15 minutes for it to open. This is a good stopping point, especially for those who would be going further up to the Botanical Garden. There are good exhibits and displays here, also some videos you can choose to watch on the screen, and it's free! We spent about half an hour in there before taking our walk back to town. By the way, there is no animals here in case you are wondering.

Looking at the road leading to Botanical Garden. We didn't think we could take that challenge.

Instead, we walked back to town. It was a really nice walk though, especially with the fine weather that day. We were just strolling along, taking our time. We had all the time we needed so it was quite relaxing and fun. As we were walking back, there were more people hiking up by now.

A picnic area off the golf course.

Back in town on Sumner Avenue

We have walked over to the casino every time so we decided not to head that way on this day.

Now this is something new! A mall called the Metropole Market Place. I don't think it was there the last time we were here. There are many shops and restaurants and a long line at the restrooms here.

After walking around a little we were ready to get back on the ship.

Back to the tender pier where many more passengers were still getting in town.

Inside the local tender, quite comfortable.

Lunch time! I got this shrimp burrito to share with MOR from the Blue Iguana. Huge!

more food

Strange looking decor at the buffet area.

Birthday card from our room steward,

and the gift card we did not use.

Dinner menu for this formal night.

Asparagus Cream Soup

Broiled Scallops, very good!

Prime Rib

Baked Japanese Sea Bass

Shrimp

Creme Brulee

Ensenada -- January 17, 2018 (Wednesday)

Breakfast at the buffet restaurant.

Then we just walked off to the terminal where there are many vendors selling souvenirs inside.

A Princess ship was on the other side.

Shuttles that take people to town for a fee. I forgot how much though.

It was actually an easy walk to town so we just head out through the port gate...

cross that bridge on to the promenade.

bridge

The plaza where the giant flag was flying.

We just followed this and then made a right turn to town.

One of the many stores and malls selling bags, clothes, and all kinds of souvenirs.

After about an hour or so we found our favorite spot for some seafood tostadas. Doesn't it look delicious?

La Guerre Rense

This is the 'must stop' place for us when in Ensenada, at the corner of Alvarado and Aldolf Lopez Mateos.

Walking back to the ship

for some lunch.

Afternoon was spent inside our cabin, totally relaxed. We did not go to any activities or shows on this cruise. Not having to adhere to any set time was just wonderful!

Dinner menu

Chicken Quesadilla

Spring Rolls

I believe this was the frog legs.

Chilled mango cream soup

roasted strip loin

seared tilapia

Blueberry pie

Sea Day - January 18, 2018 (Thursday)

One thing that is special on a Carnival cruise is their Sea Day Brunch and we made sure that we won't miss it. It's pretty much the same menu from previous years with lots of choices.

Fresh fruits

tomato soup

filet and egg

french toast

salmon

omelette

Weather turned a little cloudy on this day.

Final dinner on board the Inspiration.

Other than formal night, they have 'American Table' in the dining room. Which means no tablecloth or fancy dinnerware. We finally got a table for four this evening so we were able to stay a little away from others.