. Jalbum 8.3 slides/P8140186.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Prior to the cruise, we spent the night at SpringHill Suites near the Tampa airport. Prior to the cruise, we spent the night at SpringHill Suites near the Tampa airport. slides/P8140186.JPG slides/P8150188.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 View from the ship in Tampa. View from the ship in Tampa. slides/P8150188.JPG slides/P8150190.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 View from the ship in Tampa. View from the ship in Tampa. slides/P8150190.JPG slides/P8150191.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 View from the ship in Tampa. View from the ship in Tampa. slides/P8150191.JPG slides/P8150196.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 View of the Tampa Port Authority. View of the Tampa Port Authority. slides/P8150196.JPG slides/P8150197.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 View from the ship in Tampa. View from the ship in Tampa. slides/P8150197.JPG slides/P8150230.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Lots of boats in the vicinity and many of the boaters wave goodbye to us! Lots of boats in the vicinity and many of the boaters wave goodbye to us! slides/P8150230.JPG slides/P8150201.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Looking down on the Lido Deck on the Carnival Inspiration, waiting to sail. Looking down on the Lido Deck on the Carnival Inspiration, waiting to sail. slides/P8150201.JPG slides/P8150202.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Looking down on the Lido Deck on the Carnival Inspiration, waiting to sail. Looking down on the Lido Deck on the Carnival Inspiration, waiting to sail. slides/P8150202.JPG slides/P8150203.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Looking down on the Lido Deck on the Carnival Inspiration, waiting to sail. Looking down on the Lido Deck on the Carnival Inspiration, waiting to sail. slides/P8150203.JPG slides/P8150210.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Pulling away ... Pulling away ... slides/P8150210.JPG slides/P8150217.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 That is one big house! That is one big house! slides/P8150217.JPG slides/P8150219.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 This house is much larger than it looks in this picture and their property continues out to the left ... shown in the next picture. This house is much larger than it looks in this picture and their property continues out to the left ... shown in the next picture. slides/P8150219.JPG slides/P8150220.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Yes, the home shown in the previous picture has its own lighthouse. The family who lives there came out to wave goodbye to us. Yes, the home shown in the previous picture has its own lighthouse. The family who lives there came out to wave goodbye to us. slides/P8150220.JPG slides/P8150221.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Tracie and Janet are in a party mood already! Tracie and Janet are in a party mood already! slides/P8150221.JPG slides/P8150213.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Line dancing on the Lido deck to the music of X-Centrique. Line dancing on the Lido deck to the music of X-Centrique. slides/P8150213.JPG slides/P8150214.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Line dancing on the Lido deck to the music of X-Centrique. Line dancing on the Lido deck to the music of X-Centrique. slides/P8150214.JPG slides/P8150215.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Line dancing on the Lido deck to the music of X-Centrique. Line dancing on the Lido deck to the music of X-Centrique. slides/P8150215.JPG slides/P8150216.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Line dancing on the Lido deck to the music of X-Centrique. Line dancing on the Lido deck to the music of X-Centrique. slides/P8150216.JPG slides/P8150222.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Sailing out of Tampa Bay. Sailing out of Tampa Bay. slides/P8150222.JPG slides/P8150234.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 This guy came pretty close to us ... or so it looked to those of us standing out on the deck. This guy came pretty close to us ... or so it looked to those of us standing out on the deck. slides/P8150234.JPG slides/P8150240.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Crewman talking on his cell phone while we still have service. Crewman talking on his cell phone while we still have service. slides/P8150240.JPG slides/P8150243.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 It rained a bit while we waited to sail under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and this gorgeous rainbow appeared! It rained a bit while we waited to sail under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and this gorgeous rainbow appeared! slides/P8150243.JPG slides/P8150259.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Approaching the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It doesn't look as if we will clear it. Approaching the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It doesn't look as if we will clear it. slides/P8150259.JPG slides/P8150265.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Looking back at the bridge. We made it. :) Looking back at the bridge. We made it. :) slides/P8150265.JPG slides/P8150192.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Our ocean view stateroom. Oscar found the accommodations to his liking. Our ocean view stateroom. Oscar found the accommodations to his liking. slides/P8150192.JPG slides/DSCF2724.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 The view from our room. The view from our room. slides/DSCF2724.JPG slides/DSCF2752.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Oscar makes friends with our first towel animal. Oscar makes friends with our first towel animal. slides/DSCF2752.JPG slides/DSCF2725.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Every night we find a new towel animal waiting for us, along with our "Carnival Capers" (daily newsletter) and chocolates. Every night we find a new towel animal waiting for us, along with our "Carnival Capers" (daily newsletter) and chocolates. slides/DSCF2725.JPG slides/DSCF2816.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 We found this towel stingray after we left Grand Cayman, where a few of the girls visited Stingray City. We found this towel stingray after we left Grand Cayman, where a few of the girls visited Stingray City. slides/DSCF2816.JPG slides/P8150266.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Polar bears in the Caribbean! Polar bears in the Caribbean! slides/P8150266.JPG slides/P8180332.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Tracie and Julie sit outside on the Lido deck with a drink, listening to "Music Highlights". Tracie and Julie sit outside on the Lido deck with a drink, listening to "Music Highlights". slides/P8180332.JPG slides/P8180334.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Janet, Chloe, and Molly also enjoyed Music Highlights. Janet, Chloe, and Molly also enjoyed Music Highlights. slides/P8180334.JPG slides/P8180335.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Carved watermelon decorates the buffet. Carved watermelon decorates the buffet. slides/P8180335.JPG slides/P8180336.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Carved watermelon decorates the buffet. Carved watermelon decorates the buffet. slides/P8180336.JPG slides/P8180341.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 A not-great picture of half of the band. (I didn't want to blind them with flash and I didn't have my good camera with me. Sorry!) A not-great picture of half of the band. (I didn't want to blind them with flash and I didn't have my good camera with me. Sorry!) slides/P8180341.JPG slides/P8180340.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 A not-great picture of the other half of the band. A not-great picture of the other half of the band. slides/P8180340.JPG slides/P8180346.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Tracie, Julie, Molly, and Janet (clockwise) dance to some rock n' roll. Tracie, Julie, Molly, and Janet (clockwise) dance to some rock n' roll. slides/P8180346.JPG slides/band1.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Music Highlights entertains us in the Avant-Garde Lounge. Music Highlights entertains us in the Avant-Garde Lounge. slides/band1.jpg slides/DSCF2780.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Several of us toured the galley (kitchen) and learned a lot about how they prepare food for 2,000+ passengers plus nearly 1,000 crew members every day. Very interesting. Several of us toured the galley (kitchen) and learned a lot about how they prepare food for 2,000+ passengers plus nearly 1,000 crew members every day. Very interesting. slides/DSCF2780.JPG slides/DSCF2781.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Touring the galley. Touring the galley. slides/DSCF2781.JPG slides/DSCF2801.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. slides/DSCF2801.JPG slides/DSCF2786.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. slides/DSCF2786.JPG slides/DSCF2789.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. slides/DSCF2789.JPG slides/DSCF2809.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. slides/DSCF2809.JPG slides/DSCF2811.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. slides/DSCF2811.JPG slides/DSCF2810.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. slides/DSCF2810.JPG slides/DSCF2798.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 I wonder how many dishes each ship carries. (That is what is in these carts -- dinner plates.) I wonder how many dishes each ship carries. (That is what is in these carts -- dinner plates.) slides/DSCF2798.JPG slides/DSCF2800.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. Touring the galley. Dinner preparations are underway. slides/DSCF2800.JPG slides/DSCF2791.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Samples of entrees from today's menu were on display. Samples of entrees from today's menu were on display. slides/DSCF2791.JPG slides/DSCF2793.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Samples of entrees from today's menu were on display. Samples of entrees from today's menu were on display. slides/DSCF2793.JPG slides/DSCF2794.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Samples of entrees from today's menu were on display. Samples of entrees from today's menu were on display. slides/DSCF2794.JPG slides/DSCF2795.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Samples of entrees from today's menu were on display. Samples of entrees from today's menu were on display. slides/DSCF2795.JPG slides/DSCF2807.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Fruit and ice carving is done on each ship by crew members who learned wood carving in their native countries. Fruit and ice carving is done on each ship by crew members who learned wood carving in their native countries. slides/DSCF2807.JPG slides/DSCF2799.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 More carving. More carving. slides/DSCF2799.JPG slides/DSCF2748.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 The "Kitty Glitter" penny slot machine that I played for a while. Here I bet 10 cents and won $2.50. WOO HOO. The "Kitty Glitter" penny slot machine that I played for a while. Here I bet 10 cents and won $2.50. WOO HOO. slides/DSCF2748.JPG slides/DSCF2779.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 The ship's art gallery included a giclee print by Fanch Ledan. Dan has a painting by him that he purchased in Santa Monica in the early '90s. The ship's art gallery included a giclee print by Fanch Ledan. Dan has a painting by him that he purchased in Santa Monica in the early '90s. slides/DSCF2779.JPG slides/Oscar_on_deck.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Oscar and I relax out on the Lido deck on our first day at sea. Oscar and I relax out on the Lido deck on our first day at sea. slides/Oscar_on_deck.jpg slides/lorrie1.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Lorrie keeps me company on the Lido deck. We both did a lot of reading during this cruise. Lorrie keeps me company on the Lido deck. We both did a lot of reading during this cruise. slides/lorrie1.jpg slides/DSCF2755.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 The kids seemed to enjoy the ship's organized activities. The kids seemed to enjoy the ship's organized activities. slides/DSCF2755.JPG slides/DSCF2757.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 On the Lido deck, looking up at fake palm trees and listening to the music of X-Centrique. On the Lido deck, looking up at fake palm trees and listening to the music of X-Centrique. slides/DSCF2757.JPG slides/DSCF2761.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 These two musicians make up X-Centrique. They play a mix of Caribbean, Motown, rock n' roll, etc. We definitely enjoyed their performances. These two musicians make up X-Centrique. They play a mix of Caribbean, Motown, rock n' roll, etc. We definitely enjoyed their performances. slides/DSCF2761.JPG slides/DSCF2769.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 On the FUN SHIP, the wait staff will even dance with you upon request! :) On the FUN SHIP, the wait staff will even dance with you upon request! :) slides/DSCF2769.JPG slides/DSCF2758.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Julie and Janet kept us company on our first sea day. Julie and Janet kept us company on our first sea day. slides/DSCF2758.JPG slides/DSCF2774.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Carlton from St. Vincent brought Julie a cool drink/souvenier combo. It is also a bank, and Julie plans to use it to save for her next cruise. Carlton from St. Vincent brought Julie a cool drink/souvenier combo. It is also a bank, and Julie plans to use it to save for her next cruise. slides/DSCF2774.JPG slides/DSCF2775.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 I think Julie really likes her drink! I think Julie really likes her drink! slides/DSCF2775.JPG slides/DSCF2813.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Lorrie enjoyed her ONE drink over dinner in the Mardi Gras dining room. That is my diet coke in the foreground. :) Lorrie enjoyed her ONE drink over dinner in the Mardi Gras dining room. That is my diet coke in the foreground. :) slides/DSCF2813.JPG slides/DSCF2814.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Our great wait staff: Daniela and Pornoy. You guys rock!! Our great wait staff: Daniela and Pornoy. You guys rock!! slides/DSCF2814.JPG slides/DSCF2726.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Our first port of call is Grand Cayman. Oscar is enjoying the beautiful view at Sea Grape Beach. Our first port of call is Grand Cayman. Oscar is enjoying the beautiful view at Sea Grape Beach. slides/DSCF2726.JPG slides/DSCF2728.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Molly and Janet soak up some rays at Sea Grape Beach. Molly and Janet soak up some rays at Sea Grape Beach. slides/DSCF2728.JPG slides/DSCF2729.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 The water in Grand Cayman is amazing! The water in Grand Cayman is amazing! slides/DSCF2729.JPG slides/DSCF2730.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Catie was first in the water. I was second. Catie was first in the water. I was second. slides/DSCF2730.JPG slides/DSCF2731.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Their kayak matches the color of the water, sort of. Their kayak matches the color of the water, sort of. slides/DSCF2731.JPG slides/DSCF2734.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 In the other direction, you can rent lots of water toys. In the other direction, you can rent lots of water toys. slides/DSCF2734.JPG slides/DSCF2737.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 I don't know why anyone would want to smoke cigars, but apparently a lot of people do. I don't know why anyone would want to smoke cigars, but apparently a lot of people do. slides/DSCF2737.JPG slides/DSCF2739.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Janet catches up with us as we line up to catch the tender back to the ship. Janet catches up with us as we line up to catch the tender back to the ship. slides/DSCF2739.JPG slides/DSCF2741.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 This is only a portion of the line. It was REALLY long! This is only a portion of the line. It was REALLY long! slides/DSCF2741.JPG slides/DSCF2744.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 We didn't have to tender too far, but it still takes a lot of time to load the tender boat at one end and unload it at the other. ANNOYING! I wish they would get busy and build that port they are talking about! We didn't have to tender too far, but it still takes a lot of time to load the tender boat at one end and unload it at the other. ANNOYING! I wish they would get busy and build that port they are talking about! slides/DSCF2744.JPG slides/DSCF2745.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Advertising at the dock. I never heard anyone refer to Hard Rock Cafe as PARADISE. Advertising at the dock. I never heard anyone refer to Hard Rock Cafe as PARADISE. slides/DSCF2745.JPG slides/DSCF2746.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 People climb into the tender boat which will take us back to the ship. People climb into the tender boat which will take us back to the ship. slides/DSCF2746.JPG slides/DSCF2747.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Adios, Grand Cayman! Adios, Grand Cayman! slides/DSCF2747.JPG slides/DSCF2754.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Our ship, Carnival's Inspiration (on the left), is docked next to Carnival's smaller Holiday in Cozumel. Our ship, Carnival's Inspiration (on the left), is docked next to Carnival's smaller Holiday in Cozumel. slides/DSCF2754.JPG slides/P8180269.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 We took a taxi to Chankanaab National Park, a short drive from the pier, where six members of our group swam with dolphins. We took a taxi to Chankanaab National Park, a short drive from the pier, where six members of our group swam with dolphins. slides/P8180269.JPG slides/P8180276.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 This is a small portion of the dolphin enclosure at Chankanaab. This is a small portion of the dolphin enclosure at Chankanaab. slides/P8180276.JPG slides/P8180277.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 This is the larger enclosed area where the dolphins live. This is the larger enclosed area where the dolphins live. slides/P8180277.JPG slides/P8180278.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 A group ahead of ours heads out to the pier to begin their dolphin adventure. A group ahead of ours heads out to the pier to begin their dolphin adventure. slides/P8180278.JPG slides/P8180279.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Julie, Tracie, Molly, Catie, Chloe, and Janet are out in the water with a dolphin trainer. The woman on the dock is taking pictures. Julie, Tracie, Molly, Catie, Chloe, and Janet are out in the water with a dolphin trainer. The woman on the dock is taking pictures. slides/P8180279.JPG slides/P8180294.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Two of the girls are waiting to swim with Louis (one of the dolphins). Two of the girls are waiting to swim with Louis (one of the dolphins). slides/P8180294.JPG slides/P8180282.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 One of the dolphins is putting on quite a show for us as he is fed. One of the dolphins is putting on quite a show for us as he is fed. slides/P8180282.JPG slides/dolphins_jumping1.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 These two guys just finished swimming with the other group and are hamming it up for the cameras. These two guys just finished swimming with the other group and are hamming it up for the cameras. slides/dolphins_jumping1.jpg slides/dolphins_jumping2.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 More showing off. More showing off. slides/dolphins_jumping2.jpg slides/P8180307.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 From Chankanaab Park you can see the two cruise ships in the distance. From Chankanaab Park you can see the two cruise ships in the distance. slides/P8180307.JPG slides/P8180317.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Tracie and Janet pose with Oscar. Tracie and Janet pose with Oscar. slides/P8180317.JPG slides/P8180319.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Everyone loves Oscar. I think it's the antlers. :) Everyone loves Oscar. I think it's the antlers. :) slides/P8180319.JPG slides/P8180322.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 The sun sparkles on the water. Chankanaab is a lovely, relaxing place. In addition to the dolphins, it has areas for swimming, snorkeling, dining, etc. The sun sparkles on the water. Chankanaab is a lovely, relaxing place. In addition to the dolphins, it has areas for swimming, snorkeling, dining, etc. slides/P8180322.JPG slides/P8180323.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Lorrie and Chloe chat with Janet and her new little friend Roberto. Lorrie and Chloe chat with Janet and her new little friend Roberto. slides/P8180323.JPG slides/P8180324.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Janet and Roberto play ball. Janet and Roberto play ball. slides/P8180324.JPG slides/P8180328.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Lunch is reasonable, with both Mexican and American dishes. Lunch is reasonable, with both Mexican and American dishes. slides/P8180328.JPG slides/P8180329.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 Chloe and I spent a lot of time in this pool with a swim up bar (not because we wanted to drink, but because the bar was in the shade!) Chloe and I spent a lot of time in this pool with a swim up bar (not because we wanted to drink, but because the bar was in the shade!) slides/P8180329.JPG slides/P8180331.html# Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:52:48 -0400 For future reference, I want to know how much taxi service costs to the various touristy areas. For future reference, I want to know how much taxi service costs to the various touristy areas. slides/P8180331.JPG