Carnival Inspiration

The 1996-built and 2020-scrapped Carnival Inspiration cruise ship was the sixth of Carnival’s eight Fantasy-class liners, with sisterships Fantasy (the first, launched in 1990), Elation, Imagination, Paradise, and the “balcony ships” Fascination, Sensation, and Ecstasy.

In mid-July 2020, Carnival Corporation sold for scrap the 24-year-old Carnival Inspiration and the 30-year-old Carnival Fantasy. Both vessels were dismantled and recycled at the Aliaga Ship Recycling Facility near Port Izmir, Turkey.

A total of 160 Carnival Inspiration cruises were canceled—departures scheduled between October 2, 2020, and May 2, 2022. The ship had been planned to homeport in Long Beach (Los Angeles, California USA) and operate Baja Mexico itineraries: 3-day cruises to Ensenada and 4-day cruises to Santa Catalina Island and Ensenada.

On July 23, Carnival Cruise Line announced that Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Fantasy had been sold, but not confirmed for scrapping. The buyer’s name was not disclosed. Carnival Sensation was relocated from Miami to Mobile, Alabama, to assume the schedules of Fantasy and Fascination. Carnival Fascination’s 2020–2021 itineraries from San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Bridgetown (Barbados) were canceled. The new homeport and itineraries for Fascination were yet to be announced. Carnival Sunrise was redeployed from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) to Miami, taking over Carnival Sensation’s schedule.

On July 28, Carnival Inspiration entered the Mediterranean Sea. Her AIS transponder listed IZMIR, Turkey, as the destination. By July 31, the listed destination changed to ALIAGA. The vessel’s AIS transponder signal ceased on August 3 at 12:47 UTC.

During her service with Carnival Cruise Line, the vessel (IMO number 9087489) was Panama-flagged (MMSI 309484000) and registered in Colon, Panama. The last drydock refurbishment was in 2018 (November 2–15).

History – Construction and Ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US-based cruise brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation. Founded in 1972 by Ted Arison (1924–1999, also co-founder of Norwegian Cruise Line), CCL operates the Corporation’s largest fleet by vessel count and GT tonnage.

As of 2023, Carnival Cruise Line held ~9% of the cruise industry’s total revenue and ~19% of its passenger volume. In 2024, Carnival Corporation accounted for ~51% of the global cruise market valued at over USD 64 billion.

With a capacity of ~2,000 passengers, Carnival Inspiration was one of Carnival's oldest ships. Despite her age, the vessel was the first to undergo the “Evolutions of Fun” (EOF) enhancements during her 2007 drydock. Major upgrades included a sun deck with a 300-foot-long Twister waterslide, a kids’ aqua park, and an adults-only retreat. Additional updates included a dedicated area for tweens (ages 12–14), bow-to-stern Wi-Fi, new sound and lighting systems, and expanded buffet options, including all-you-can-eat sushi.

Carnival invested nearly USD 40 million into the ship, originally built at a cost of USD 270 million. A multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2016 further upgraded the dining and bar venues, completed during a 3-week drydock in Portland, Oregon (January 18–February 5, 2016).

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Inspiration staterooms (total 1,026 across 19 categories) included 54 Suites (no standard Balcony cabins), 564 Oceanview, and 408 Inside. Most cabins measured 170–185 ft² (16–17 m²). The ship had 25 wheelchair-accessible cabins. The largest accommodations were the Grand Suites (330 ft² / 31 m² plus 70–115 ft² / 7–11 m² terrace), sleeping up to four guests and offering sitting areas, large bathrooms (with whirlpool bathtubs and separate showers), VIP amenities, and exclusive services.

The vessel had 13 decks, 10 of which were accessible to passengers and 5 with cabins.

Shipboard Dining Options – Food and Drinks

Carnival Inspiration featured two main dining rooms—Mardi Gras (midship) and Carnivale (aft). Dinner was offered with two fixed seating times (6:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.), while the "Your Time Dining" open seating option was available from 5:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Mardi Gras. Dining was on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival was recommended for smaller tables. Menus featured starters (soups, salads, appetizers), main courses, and desserts. Vegetarian options were always available, though some soups used chicken stock. The “Spa Carnival” sugar-free orange cake was a popular low-calorie option.

Unlike newer Carnival ships, Carnival Inspiration did not feature a specialty restaurant or supper club. However, it did offer the Chef’s Table experience—an exclusive multicourse dinner for up to 12 guests, including a private cocktail reception, galley tour, and gourmet meal hosted by the ship’s master chef. Priced at USD 75 per person, this experience was held in unique onboard venues such as the library or galley.

Complete list of Carnival Inspiration dining venues:

• Mardi Gras Dining Room (650-seat, forward; fixed or Your Time dining; themed breakfasts like “Seuss at Sea” for a $5 cover)
• Carnivale Dining Room (658-seat, aft; fixed seating)
• Brasserie Lido Buffet Restaurant (722-seat, self-serve with themed stations; operates as a bistro in the evening)
• Sushi Bar (complimentary)
• Guy’s Burger Joint (added in 2016; complimentary handcrafted burgers and fries)
• BlueIguana Cantina (added in 2016; complimentary Mexican fare with fresh-made burritos, tacos, salsa bar)

Shipboard Entertainment Options – Fun and Sport

The Paris Lounge hosted two nightly production shows. This two-deck, 1,300-seat theater offered stadium seating and bar stools on the balcony. Entertainment included Las Vegas-style revues, illusionists, comedians, talent shows, the Gender Showdown, and inflatable laser tag ($5). Daytime activities included line dancing, trivia, and bingo. The secondary venue, Candlelight Lounge, featured karaoke, “R-rated” comedy shows, and art auctions. Chopin Bar, a combined sports and cigar bar, offered cigars and flat-screen TVs.

The Fitness Center was complimentary; yoga classes were available for a small fee. The jogging track (8 laps = 1 mile) was located on the top deck. Carnival WaterWorks was a highlight with waterslides and splash zones. The Serenity adults-only area featured 120 loungers and two whirlpools.

Complete list of Carnival Inspiration lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues:

• Inspiration Grand Atrium Plaza (served by Grand Plaza Lobby Bar)
• Internet Cafe (24-hour computer access)
• Paris Theatre (2-deck, 1,300-seat show lounge)
• Rhapsody in Blue Piano Lounge (92-seat)
• Inspiration Promenade and Bar (230-seat)
• Cafe Des Artistes (58-seat specialty coffee bar)
• Avant-Garde Lounge and Bar (109-seat; karaoke and dancing)
• Rock and Roll Disco and Nightclub (230-seat)
• Chopin Bar (92-seat cigar and piano bar)
• Candlelight Lounge and Bar (540-seat; hosts Punchliner Comedy Club and brunch)
• RedFrog Rum Bar (2016 addition; Caribbean-style drinks and ThirstyFrog Red beer)
• Alchemy Bar (2016 addition; vintage cocktail lounge)
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar (2016 addition; tequila-based drinks)
• Cherry On Top (2016 addition; candy and gift shop)
• Art Gallery, Photo Gallery, Formalities Shop, The Fun Shops (souvenirs, duty-free items)
• Circle C (kids’ lounge with movies, games, activities)
• Video Arcade (24-hour), Club O2 (teens’ lounge)
• Monte Carlo Casino (450-seat; served by Dream Bar)
• Serenity adults-only retreat (loungers, hammocks, whirlpools)
• Lido Pool and Carnival WaterWorks Aqua Park (waterslides, splash pool)
• Camp Carnival (complimentary kids’ club)
• Spa Carnival (12,000 ft²; gym, relaxation rooms, salon, massage rooms)
• Sports Deck (basketball/volleyball court, jogging track, mini golf, shuffleboard)

Itineraries

Carnival Inspiration's itinerary program featured 3- and 4-day roundtrip cruises from Los Angeles (Long Beach, CA) to Santa Catalina Island and Ensenada, Baja Mexico. These short cruises attracted both first-time cruisers and repeat guests who appreciated the casual onboard atmosphere and convenience.