
Carnival Cruise Line offers a wide range of itineraries, including 3- to 16-day cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, and Alaska.
Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or a longer adventure, Carnival Cruise Line has something for everyone.
Their ships feature a variety of onboard amenities, including restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
From fine dining to casual buffets, Carnival Cruise Line offers a diverse range of culinary experiences.
Carnival Inspiration
The Carnival Inspiration was a Fantasy-class cruise ship that was part of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. It was built at Kværner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, and was floated out on April 1, 1996.
The ship was named Inspiration by Mary Anne Shula, and it was christened on March 16, 1996. It was acquired by Carnival Cruise Line in February 1996, and its maiden voyage took place on March 22, 1996.
Carnival Inspiration had a capacity for 920 crew members. It was 260.60 meters (855 ft 0 in) long and 31.50 meters (103 ft 4 in) wide, with a draft of 7.80 meters (25 ft 7 in).
The ship had 14 decks that were accessible to passengers, and it was powered by two propellers that enabled it to reach a speed of 21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph).
Onboard Amenities
You'll have plenty of options for dining on a Carnival cruise, with two formal restaurants serving breakfast and lunch, as well as a casual Lido buffet with stations offering a variety of food choices.
The Lido buffet becomes the Seaview Bistro at night, serving casual dinners, and there's also a pizzeria and rotisserie available.
Carnival Deck Menu
You can dine at two formal restaurants that serve breakfast and lunch on an open seating basis, with dinner available in two traditional assigned evening seatings or an open seating option.
The Lido buffet offers a variety of food choices, including a deli, salad bar, dessert station, and different daily regional cuisines. You can also grab a bite at the pizzeria or rotisserie.
If you're looking for something quick and easy, head to the poolside outdoor grills for burgers, hot dogs, and the trimmings. A complimentary sushi bar is also available.
For a sweet treat, visit the specialty coffee bar and patisserie. You can also order room service 24 hours a day, but keep in mind the menu is limited to breakfast selections, sandwiches, and snacks.
To plan your dining itinerary, click on the deck pictures to access individual cruise deck plan pages.
Entertainment
Entertainment is a big part of the cruise experience, and Carnival has got it covered. They offer a range of activities to keep you entertained day and night.
All Carnival ships have spirited piano bars and nightclubs where you can dance and listen to music. These bars are a great place to meet new people and have a good time.
Production companies and guest entertainers perform in the show lounge, offering a variety of acts to enjoy. You can also catch comedians, karaoke, and deck parties, which are all part of the signature nighttime activities.
Some ships, like Elation and Paradise, will receive new bar features in 2014 and 2015 respectively. This will give you even more options to choose from when deciding how to spend your evening.
Ship Details
The Carnival Inspiration ship is a Fantasy-class cruise ship that was built in 1996. It measures 855 feet in length and has a beam of 103 feet.
The ship has a total of 13 decks, with 5 of them featuring cabins. It can accommodate up to 2,462 passengers and has a crew of 980.
Here are some key statistics about the Carnival Inspiration ship:
Ship Overview
Carnival Inspiration is the sixth ship in Carnival's eight-ship Fantasy-class, entering service in 1996.
The ship sails short getaway cruises of three- and four-nights to Mexico's Pacific Baja coast from its home port of Los Angeles, with Ensenada, Mexico, and Catalina Island as popular port of calls.
Carnival Inspiration features a secluded adults-only Serenity Deck and has received numerous upgrades throughout its life span, but it's unclear if it will be updated to add Carnival's "Fun Ship 2.0" upgrades.
These Fantasy-class ships offer an almost wearying assortment of places to have a good time, with new lobby bars, dedicated club spaces for teens and tweens, miniature golf, and Internet centers.
The ships have evolved over time, with the addition of Carnival's WaterWorks water park and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, increasing their appeal.
The Fantasy-class ships have a sprawling outdoor pool and sunning areas, but they can feel cramped when sailing at maximum capacity.

Cabins provide calm oases from sensory overload, but if you want the solitude of a private balcony, you'll have to book a suite, as balconies were only added to existing cabins on Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, and Carnival Ecstasy.
Here are some key features of the Fantasy-class ships:
- 10 passenger decks
- 2 dining rooms, buffet, ice cream parlor, pizzeria
- Wi-Fi, safe, refrigerator (some)
- 1 pool, children's pool
- fitness classes, gym, hot tubs, sauna, spa, steam room
- 5 bars, casino, dance club, library, showroom, video game room
- children's programs
- laundry facilities, laundry service
- Internet terminal
- no-smoking cabins
Carnival Ship Stats
The Carnival Inspiration is a massive ship, built in 1996 and now 29 years old. It measures 855 feet in length and has a beam of 103 feet.
One of the most impressive stats about this ship is its massive size, with a total of 70,367 tons. That's equivalent to the weight of about 100 blue whales!
The Carnival Inspiration has a top speed of 19.5 knots, which is pretty fast considering its size. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the ship's amenities during your cruise.
The ship has a total of 13 decks, with 5 of them featuring cabins. This means you'll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing your accommodations.
Here's a breakdown of the ship's stats:
The ship's crew is made up of 980 people, who work hard to ensure your cruise is enjoyable and memorable.
Staterooms & Cabins
The staterooms on the Carnival Inspiration are designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The Fantasy-class ships, like the Carnival Inspiration, have a higher percentage of inside cabins than newer ships, and only the suite categories offer balconies.
Inside cabins have ample room, and their curtained faux windows mimic those in the more expensive standard ocean-view accommodations. The cabin layout is efficient, with adequate closet and drawer–shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves.
Light-wood cabinetry and simple decor are the norm for all cabins, while suite embellishments add the convenience of a seating area and small refrigerator. High-thread-count linens and plush pillows and duvets add a touch of luxury to all accommodations.
Twenty-two staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility. Doors have been added to a limited number of adjacent cabins to create connecting accommodations on Fantasy-class ships.
Here's a quick rundown of the Carnival Inspiration's stateroom stats:
Community Stories
Carnival cruise passengers have shared powerful stories of how cruising has helped them cope with grief and loss.
The salty sea air and joy-filled events of a cruise can be a perfect accompaniment for tears, as Marg Elliot discovered after losing her daughter. She found solace in taking 12 weeks at sea, all on Carnival, after her daughter's passing.
Many passengers have used cruising as a way to process and heal from difficult emotional experiences. Susie Hirscher-Linde, for example, went on a cruise after losing her husband of 30 years and found rejuvenation in the experience.
Cruise lines like Carnival provide a safe space for people to grieve and find comfort in the company of others. Marg Elliot's story highlights the importance of community during difficult times, as she felt supported by the crew and other passengers.
Heald, Carnival's brand ambassador, often shares personal notes from passengers that showcase the magic of a cruise. He has posted inspiring stories that show the light at the end of the tunnel, even in the darkest of times.
Some passengers have even used the promise of a cruise as a way to look forward to a brighter future, as seen in the story of a passenger who is calling their upcoming cruise "The Grief Relief Tour".
Ship Information

The Carnival Inspiration is a great ship to consider for your next cruise. Built in 1996, it's been around for 29 years.
The ship is quite large, measuring 855 feet in length and 103 feet in beam. It has a total of 13 decks, with 5 of them dedicated to cabins.
You'll find 1,026 cabins on board, which can accommodate up to 2,462 passengers. The expected space ratio is 29, which is a good indication of how spacious the ship is.
Here's a breakdown of the ship's stats:
The ship is powered by a speed of 19.5 knots, which is quite impressive. The crew on board is 980 strong, ensuring that your needs are well taken care of during your cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Carnival Inspiration sail from?
The Carnival Inspiration typically sailed from Los Angeles, specifically departing from Long Beach, California.
Where is the Carnival Inspiration right now?
The Carnival Inspiration is currently beached in Aliağa, Turkey, after being sold for scrap in July 2020.
When was Carnival Inspiration taken out of service?
The Carnival Inspiration was taken out of service in 2020. It was a part of the Carnival fleet for nearly 25 years.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_Inspiration
- https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/info.php
- https://www.fodors.com/cruises/carnival-cruise-lines/ships/carnival-inspiration
- https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/Carnival-Inspiration
- https://bendbulletin.com/2024/03/16/carnival-cruise-line-passengers-share-inspirational-stories/
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