Carnival Imagination was one of Carnival’s original Fun Ships. After a major refurbishment in 2008, Imagination now sports the signature amenities of Evolutions of Fun Fantasy-class ships including the WaterWorks 91-meter long slides and the adults-only Serenity area. It also has more family accommodation with 50 interconnecting cabins. With its short cruises, Imagination usually attracts first-timers and families. Dress code is very casual. Carnival recommends a $12.95 ($13.95 for those in suites) per person, per day gratuity, automatically added to the shipboard account, but can be adjusted at the guest services desk.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

Standard cabins on Imagination are about 17 square metres and have the Carnival Comfort Bed system with plush mattresses and fine duvets, linens and pillows, plus individual bathrobes in each cabin. Bathroom amenities feature sample-sized toiletries from well-known brands such as Bic and Crest, in-wall shower and soap dispensers, and towels.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

Carnival Imagination offers two dining rooms, Pride and Spirit, with fixed seating times at 6pm and 8.15pm. Breakfast and lunch are open seating. Buffet meals on Lido Deck are available all day. Grand Gala Buffet, a midnight buffet, is held for one night at Pride, with a Mexican buffet on another night. Other dining options include the complimentary Sushi Bar, pizza and Vittorio’s Cafe for coffee. At a fee, cruisers can opt for an unconventional dining experience at Chef’s Table, which seats just 12 guests. Complimentary room service is available all day.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

Imagination has dedicated at least 1,000 square metres to Spa Carnival, an area with a beauty salon, fitness centre and spa. Classes such as yoga are available for a fee, and there is a jogging track. Serenity on Deck 9, is an adults-only area with 120 weaved loungers and two whirlpools. Golfers and enthusiasts can receive personalised lessons and play a number of courses. Shipboard lessons are conducted at a covered and lighted “driving range” and utilise teaching computers.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Imagination does not only cater for the family unit, both kids and adults have designated areas and activities they can get involved in individually. Waterworks is a zone decked with sprinklers, sprayers and water slides where both kids and adults can have a splash. Camp Carnival sorts children in age groups and offers them age-appropriate programs. After 10pm, Camp Carnival Night Owls opens and kids can continue playing and hanging out in a supervised environment until 3am. Twelve- to 14-year-olds have their own zone called Circle C where they can chill out and play video games. Club 02, for older teenagers, is where pool parties are held. Carnival also offers babysitting at $6 per hour.