Carnival Cruise Lines' $250 million renovation of its eight Fantasy-class ships is giving a fresh feel to these still-attactive and lively vessels. The renovation project, call "Evolutions of Fun," spruces up the ships while adding water parks, adults-only areas, and refurbished spas and pool decks.What's New on the Carnival Imagination Ship?
The showiest new public area is the WaterWorks aqua park, now entertaining kids on Imagination's Verandah Deck 11 aft. The water park features a four-deck-high, 300-foot-long spiraling tube water slide, dual-lane racing slides and fountains that spary water.
The main pool on Lido Deck 10 has gotten a new resort-style look with new teak decking, brightly colored umbrellas for shade over new lounge chairs, bright blue and yellow tiles, thatched roofs over whirlpools and faux palm trees.
The new adults-only Serenity area is located on Promenade Deck 9 aft, in the spot formerly occupied by a children's pool. Bright yellow umbrellas are dotted among 100 plush lounge chairs and two whirlpools.
Spa Carnival on Sports Deck 10 was gutted and rebuilt with 20 treatment rooms, padded wicker chairs in a new relaxation room, and locker rooms done in blond wood with bowl sinks and new tile. The light-filled gym features LofeFitness machines, including treadmills with TV screens, and an aerobics studio replacing a hot tub. Sun Deck 14 now features a miniature golf course.
Other new areas on Carnival Cruises' Imagination include an Atrium Bar, Club Circle C for tweens ages 12 to 14 in the old card room and a photo gallery on Promenade Deck 9. The renovation also spruced up numerous other rooms, adding energy-efficient lighting, flat-screen TVs in public areas, new sound sysytems and updated furnishings.
As far as accommodations, the Imagination does not have very many balcony staterooms, but the outside cabins are a good-sized 185 square feet. The cabins seem especially roomy because there are few extraneous furnishings. Also, the Imagination does not have hair dryers in cabins, but the front desk has a limited number to lend out upon request. 