Carnival Imagination

LA to Mexico – So we decided to do a Cruise as a surprise for our Daughter's 10th Birthday. (along with a number of other destination in the USA) In doing so we booked on the Carnival Imagination to do a 5 night "Mexican Riviera" cruise June 2017 Left LA on Day 1, Heading to Ensenada for the next port and spent a Day at sea. Like most Carnival ships, there is plenty to do and heaps to keep all occupied or just sit on the Top deck in the sun and watch the day go by.

We got to Ensenada, We didn't book anything, just wanted to wing it and see what was available. So we went across the road from the Terminal and there was a number of shuttle buses waiting to take people into town. We jumped on 1 and went to a small area down the road that had a number of Guests from the ship ( guess this is where most go) So we then looked at a few tours and and picked one out the "Laboufadore" The Blowhole. Was a bit of a trip but was good to see another part of the world and heyzeus who was our Guide was a legend, made the trip enjoyable and was very knowledgeable.

We got out to the Blowhole and was able to walk around the Market ( which is big) and then at the end is the Blowhole. Depending on the day, the spout can be quite high. The markets range from Food, Clothes all the way to High End knock off watches. Know your prices on Watches and you can get a good bargin. After, a few hrs we got back to the the ship late in the afternoon.

Departed Ensenada at dinner time and headed for Catalina Island, the following day we had a Sea Day so just relax and watch a show, Eat, Drink and relax.

Got to Catalina Island and the best way to see it is at your pace and in a Hire Golf Buggy. When you get of the Tender and the pier, you will see the Golf Buggies (can't miss them) get 1 and do that if you can as they book out very quickly and can be waiting ages to get one. With the buggy, me the wife and daughter drove around the Island, seen the sights and just cruised. ** if you get a buggy.. Drive away from town 1st so you have a Nice view as there are a number of spots to take some really good pics of the island.

Everyone had turns in driving the buggy and its the best way to see the Island. After the drive we then done the walk along the shops, bought a few small items and then had Fish n Chips for lunch on the pier ( Really Nice). After Lunch, we then got on the Submersible Submarine and done a little trip around the reef, see some fishes. ( good to do)

We left Catalina Island late in the Afternoon and made a small slow sail North and the next day we arrived in LA.

We did stay at Long Beach and got a Uber from the hotel we stayed at to the Port for the departure, but then on returning we got the bus from the Port to LAX as we had a Hire car to collect and worked out so easy for us. Boarding and Disembarking were simple, easy and hassle free.

Would love to do another USA cruise again and are looking at San Fransisco to Alaska next.

ACCESSIBLE CABINS IMPOSSIBLE TO BOOK – Tried many times to book a balcony wheelchair accessible suite but never have any availability. My son is in a wheelchair and travelling is extremely difficult anyway. How can a massive cruise ship have 1000 suites and we have only one suite in level 4 interior to pick from?