We are leaving in 19 days on the Imagination. I would LOVE feedback from anyone who has cruised on the Imagination since the refurbishing project. Like, which shows/clubs/bars are good? Where is a good place on the ship to get away and have quiet time? Which excursions are best at Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Nassau?

Can't wait to go cruisin!!!

OH - and I was also wondering what the new coffee and sushi bars were like? And the serenity deck?

T-minus 18 days and counting!!

I am interested in seeing what feedback you end up getting.  We went on the Imagination back in 2005 and loved it and now are going on the same exact itineray on the same ship in September.  From everything that I have read, I think Half Moon Cay is definitely going to be a beach day--it is supposed to be beautiful!  And I think Grand Turk might be hanging out at Margaritaville.  I'll wait and see what responses you get before we make up our mind.

I hope your cruise is awesome and you love the ship as much as we did on our first cruise!

I've heard excellent things about Half Moon Cay in other posts. Things like it's the most beautiful beach people have ever seen, etc. So I'm thinking that's going to be my beach day too. I think we'll probably do an excursion in Nassau, b/c I've heard some negative stuff about going around town there. And Grand Turk is defnitely a poolside Margaritaville day!

My trip is only 17 days away now. Only 16 if I count us leaving a day early to go over to Atlanta to spend the night prior to us flying out. I'm so excited for this cruise it's insane!

Thanks for the input! I hope to hear from some more of you who have cruised on the Imagination.

I've been on the Imagination 3 times, all of which were before the renovations. We are going again in September so I'm excited about the upgrades and feedback you get. I would really love to know who's playing in the Shangri La Lounge.

As for Half Moon Cay, I was there back in 2003 on Holland America and it's GORGEOUS!! Definetely a beach day....Here's a picture I took back in 2003

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks for your input Janann! Half Moon Cay looks gorgeous! I will be sure to let everyone know what the upgrades are like when I get back.

 

P.S. - Here's a brand new review of the updated ship: http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review_page2.cfm?ShipID=9#cabins

Looking forward to hearing about your excursion when you get back. We are sailing in a few weeks and I am still not sure of what to do in each of the ports.

 It's definitely  true about Half Moon Cay, it  has  to be a  beach day when u go there and you can snorkel on the beach, so take your gear or rent with your sail and sign card at the beach for $19 and Carnival feeds you because it's their private island.  Grand Turks  is a poolside Margaritaville day. Now Nassau you can do a shore excursion in the morning and go shopping afterwards.  I suggest you do all your shopping at Nassau, you will save a lot more. For anyone who likes to adventure you can ride on scooters, you can rent them for about $70 all day and go anywhere you like (and it's easier to get around traffic).Imagination was great, their crew were awesome, they definitely made my first cruise experience a memorable and we're going next year again!

delfinn04:

 It's definitely  true about Half Moon Cay, it  has  to be a  beach day when u go there and you can snorkel on the beach, so take your gear or rent with your sail and sign card at the beach for $19 and Carnival feeds you because it's their private island.  Grand Turks  is a poolside Margaritaville day. Now Nassau you can do a shore excursion in the morning and go shopping afterwards.  I suggest you do all your shopping at Nassau, you will save a lot more. For anyone who likes to adventure you can ride on scooters, you can rent them for about $70 all day and go anywhere you like (and it's easier to get around traffic).Imagination was great, their crew were awesome, they definitely made my first cruise experience a memorable and we're going next year again!

Thanks for your information! I'm sure it will be very helpful.

LEAVING IN 6 DAYS ~ CRUISING IN 7 DAYS!!!

Would you suggest getting a cabana at Half Moon Cay? I heard that you can't reserve until you are on the ship and they are very limited. Is there anything to do besides sit on the beach and snorkel? Although I would like nothing more than to sit on the beach and read a book, the 5 boys we are taking might get a little bored. They range from ages 10-17. Any ideas? Please also share more about Margaritaville in Grand Turks. Thanks for the information

 Well it all depends on you, I think the cabana takes you away from the beautiful scenery and natural air that half moon cay has to offer. I would suggest the clam shell because it's open and you can enjoy the view and at the same time sit on the beach and read a book. It covers two lounge chairs and I think the  rental price is great compare to a cabana. There is many more things to do at half moon cay like horse back riding, boat rides, water sports, parasailing, kayaking, etc. Hope this helps. Have fun!

Everyone is saying Half Moon Cay is the best beach.  We are leaving in 4 days and have a boat snorkeling and parasailing excursions booked at Half Moon Cay.  Was that a mistake?  We were going to relax on the beach at Grand Turk because I heard that was so beautiful, should we change this?  Thanks!

Hi Dawn,

I don't know that you made a mistake, but I've been to Half Moon and you couldn't ask for a better beach. I have not been to Grand Turk, but I've had friends and clients that have been there and they say it's not that nice. The "beach" is very rocky, not really a beach. I've even had a coupe of clients say they were stung by sea urchins because they stepped on them without seeing them. I'm sure Grand Turk is nice, but if you want a great beach day, you can't beat Half Moon Cay.

Hi Dawn- Wow...it is great to find another Dawn on the boards. We just got back from Nassua, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay in June. We did not book any excursions while on this cruise. At Grand Turk, we spent the day at Margaritaville and at the beach. When we first got there we set up on the beach and did some snorkleing. We did see some fish but for the most part the snorkleing wasnt the best if that is something you are into. My family was happy to just swim around and see whatever...very amatuer stuff. The beach was OK but very rocky. We then went to Margaritaville (which you walked through to get to the beach) and swam in the pool. The kids signed up to ride on the wave machine called Flo Rider that was attached to the pool. We signed up early (as it fills up fast). The only take a certain number of people each hour and you actually have someone helping you "ride the waves". Very well worth it. Saw some adults doing it too. There was a swim up bar in the pool and also various entertainment (hairest chest, best bikini, etc) throughout the day. SInce the ship sailed at 2:00, we went back around 1:30 and had lunch on board. We had a group of 10 ranging in age from 9 - 64 and had a great time. In Half Moon Cay, the beach was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I was in water up to my neck and could still see the bottom of the ocean the water was so clear. The sand was ultra fine and beautiful. We got off the ship, set up in beach chairs, and stayed in the water all day. There is a big trampoline in the water along with other water items for the everyone to play on. They even have a slide going right into the ocean. We had more fun snorkleing just right off the beach. If you stay close to the side of the beach and follow it up the coast, you will see all kinds of fish. We even saw a barracuda. It was just as good as some snorkling excursions we have taken on other cruises. The ship provides lunch for anyone who wants it. We had a blast just "hanging" out. You could rent rafts and inner tubes if you want. Great day. Wish we had more time there. The last day we were in Nassua. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. We got off the ship and wanted to go right back on. We have sailed the Imagination before but it is so much nicer with all of the upgrades. Have fun! Dawn

Hi Dawn (great name huh?)  Thanks so much for all the info.  We might have to rethink (quickly) at least the snorkeling excursion at Half Moon Cay.  Maybe we'll just do it on the beach and rent snorkel gear on the beach.  Thanks again, I might bug you more with more questions later!