Cruising the Carnival Inspiration for Frank’s 40th Birthday!
If you follow The Mommy-Files, you know that I love to travel and especially love to cruise! This May, my handsome, smart and amazing fiancé turned 40 years old. To celebrate his birthday, we decided to go on a Carnival Cruise to Ensenada with some of our friends. It was so much fun!!!!
We decided to carpool with the 7 of us down to the Port of Long Beach. It was totally worth it, as we split the cost of gas and parking for the round trip! We fit all of us and suitcases for each in our trusty Chevy Tahoe. I sure do love that truck!
Before we headed onto the ship (and after we went through security and checked in), we decided to get a group picture. Thanks to my bestie, Colleen, we each received a copy of that first picture together right before the cruise!
We’ve been on the Carnival Cruise to Ensenada before (both the 2 day and 3 day cruises) and this was the second time we sailed on the Carnival Inspiration! It felt pretty good to know our way around the ship and help guide our newbie cruising friends around and suggest fun activities for them to do! Plus, it was the first time that Frank and I actually got off the ship to check out Ensenada, Mexico (post coming soon on that adventure).
Before actually departing, Frank and I had our traditional first lunch on the Carnival Inspiration. We headed to the Mongolian Barbecue Station and put together our delicious plates. I seriously love this food! Not only is it fun to put together and watch them cook it, but it’s also delicious to eat! Our friends split up and headed to the buffet section and then we all met up and enjoyed our food and some drinks!
Afterwards, we explored the ship and got ready to head to our Muster stations for the emergency sessions. I love taking pictures of the ship! Can you tell? I especially love the way the inside of the ship looks. It’s so elegant and pretty!
Being VIPs on Carnival Cruises definitely has it’s perks! When we finally made it to our room (after exploring the ship and finding our Muster Stations), we arrived to find our luggage and a yummy fruit basket waiting for us. It was so sweet of the Carnival team to send us the fruit basket. We also found a cute little towel animal on our bed, along with the next day’s Fun Times booklet, filled with activities and more. Each night we came back to a different towel animal and chocolates.
The Carnival team definitely made both Frank’s birthday and my birthday (it was a few weeks before that) extra special! They brought us cake with candles, sang to us and even brought us Chocolate Covered Strawberries. It was a great cruise! I can’t wait to go on our next cruise! Only 7 months and 5 days to go until our wedding day and next cruise! Woo hoo!
Have you ever been on a Carnival Cruise?
If so, which one and what was your favorite thing about the cruise?
My son surprised me with a carnival cruise for my birthday, I was so excited. My husband and I had the best time ever. I loved the live shows, the food, oh and the gambling, I had so much fun. I’m planning another trip soon.
Looks like a great time was had by all! I can;t wait to go on a Carnival Cruise!
I have been dying to get on another cruise. I haven’t been on one in about 12 years!
I have been wanting to go on a cruise for the longest time.Those towel animals are really cute.
Oh wow. Those are some beautiful pictures. I love cruises. Not only do you get the comfort and leisure of the ship, you get the adventure of the day excursions.
Looks like a blast! I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise! Hopefully one day!
What fun! I love Carnival cruises and can’t wait to take another one!
It looks like fun was had by all! Happy Birthday to Frank!
Any time is a great time to go on a Carnival Cruise! We have been on about 8 of them and we love it. It is the perfect vacation!
I have never been on a cruise but it sure is on my bucket list!
I love cruises. There is so much to do and it looks like you had a really great time!
we just came home from a Carnival Cruise. Already planning our next one too. I like the idea of a 2 or 3 day cruise for a quick getaway.
I’ve always been impressed with Carnival! We did our honeymoon cruise on Carnival to Mexico!
That looks so amazingly fun! I’ve been on 1 cruise for my High School graduation present and I would LOVE to take my husband on one for our Anniversary or birthday! Haven’t been on a Carnival Cruise but definitely want to try them!
Happy Birthday to him, and Happy Belated Birthday to you! I’m glad you got to do a birthday celebration on the cruise. 40 is a big deal, and totally worth it. Having friends along probably made it all the more fun. 🙂
What a fun birthday party. I would love to go on a cruise.
I’m glad you had fun on your cruise! My husband and I are going on our first cruise in January and we couldn’t be more excited!!
We went on a carnival cruise awhile ago to the Bahamas. Glad you had a great time!
What a fun way to celebrate a birthday! I’ve never been on Carnival before. I want to, especially now that they leave from a city that’s a lot closer to me than before.
It looks like so much fun! I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise. I’m glad you had a great time!
This looks like such a great time. I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise.
I love going on cruises. I haven’t been on one in ages and had forgotten about all the fun little things like animal towels and exploring the ship itself. It looks like it was a great trip!
I have never been on a cruise, but I sure would love to go on one at some point. Your pictures are priceless, what a way to spend your birthdays!
That looks like so much fun! The chocolate covered strawberries are calling my name!
That does sound fun. I love the little details!
Looks like an awesome time. I just love Mongolian food.
That looks soo fun! I love cruises.
So fun! A cruise is a great way to celebrate any occasion.
Looks like you had a great time! Last time I was on a cruise was about 15 years ago. I’d love to go on another with the hubby now!
Nice pictures of you and Frank and your friends. It looks like you all had a blast and a nice Birthday for Frank. A cruise is so much fun and especially on your birthday. I want to go on one!