All4fun&fun4all

Great review and awesome photo's.

I am glad you enjoyed it. I took another cruise in May on Fantasy but cant bring myself to write another review now that Andrew has passed away. :(

I am going back on the Fascination in October.

I commended with condolences when you first told us about your loss of The Andrew. I have been thinking of you and keeping you in prayers.

 

I just saw your post here and had to comment. I think I'm officially in "crazy cat lady" status now too. We got a litter of three kittens (all boys) in May 2009 from a good friend of mine in PA (yeah, we had to drive the 4 hours from VA to get them). We lost one under anesthesia while being neutered but the other two made out fine. Fast forward 4 1/2 years, we saw where a little black kitten was thrown from a vehicle in the middle of a busy intersection at rush hour. He didn't get hit by a car, but had trauma to his head from hitting the curb. He almost died but the tough little fighter pulled through. I feel in love with him and was thinking of getting another kitten when our "boys" were five, 4 1/2 is close enough. So we adopted this kitten from the rescue. At the meet and greet, another adorable gray kitten chose me...I took him too. So now we've got four boys. I've been volunteering at the rescue we got the two youngest from and we've currently got two "bottle babies". The one is almost 6 weeks now and the other is 3 weeks. When I first saw them, they were the size of a stick of butter. It is rewarding. I didn't know Andrew loved cats so much. If I ever get the opportunity to name another one, if you'd like, I'll name him Andrew.

 

I too lost a loved one (my brother) to suicide, three years ago and it is sill very hard and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. It's weird but now my life seems "before" and "after". I've never gone to a suicide support group and we've (my family) has been very fortunate to have support from very close friends and extended family. I am just so, so, sorry you had to go through what you did. I know when that happens, someone is in so much pain and they can't think of anything else but that pain and all they want to do is escape it. A clergy member who has been very close to my family told us it was like those poor people during 9/11 who chose to jump from the burning buildings...the pain from the heat/smoke/fire is just too intense and that was the only way to escape it. There were times that I've felt so alone and at one point, I only knew a few others who were survivors of suicide. Two of them grew up in the same neighborhood and also lost their siblings, who I also knew and both came to the funeral home to support my family. I had a lot of people ask me what happened, since it was sudden. My family always told the truth and I've found many others confided in me that they too lost a family member that way.

 

Sorry this is so long, but I just felt I had to comment and also want to let you know you have been in my prayers.

Andrew absolutely adored cats. When I met him he had two and I had one. Anytime he saw one abandoned he would bring it home. :)

I have heard the 9/11 reference in my support group and I understand it. When I heard that, it totally made sense to me. Well....as much sense as it can possibly make. I have also been very truthful when people ask what happened. Usually they follow it up with "why?" and I just don't have an answer for that part.

Thank you for your post. I have really great friends, family and coworkers and of course support group and forums on suicide have been helpful as well. I know that I will continue my life's journey but I don't see much joy in it. Wow, that sounds bad....I mean to say I will continue but he was so much a part of my life and he took me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to act as silly as I wanted to. I guess now I am rambling. LOL. It's what I do now. I keep joking with friends when I cant articulate what I am trying to say and I tell them I have "lost English" for the moment. Ah well.:rolleyes:

I'm speechless.......((((((HUGS))))))).........I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Thank you!

Just happened to stumble upon this review, really enjoyed reading it and it contained a wealth of information for our upcoming GT, HMC, Nassau trip but am deeply saddened to hear about the Andrew. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thank you!

Do you have a pet?

 

I will keep you in my prayers..I am so glad you have a son and he wants to go and you are sort of.."making" yourself do some things..definitely know how much love is being sent your way..I am sure even by loved ones beyond with The Andrew..it does get better,,,not over because well you love who you lost..but sooo much better..i feel in another year it will really be better with mom and it already is..there is ability to do so many things i just could not at first now at 19 month mark with mom..it take time but better each month just a bit ..i share just so you won't feel alone..sometimes hospital Chaplins or social services and Hospice have free grief support groups..i went a few times and it really helped...I had one where i was alone and i could let it all out..

 

God or Light..be with you..i am not kidding..i am praying..thank you soo..those words mean alot..you will never really goof up now being with someone who needs help in this department..they will know you know..that is a good feeling to help others when ready...

 

Praying for your cruise too...

 

MUCH love, Sarah

I have a kitten that I adopted back in October. She is spoiled rotten. What's weird is that another cat showed up on our back porch the day after we adopted Julia so Andrew took her in. He had a soft spot for cats that have been abandoned so he fed her and I told him this is YOUR cat! She is an outside cat. Well, after a few months I noticed she was getting unusually large. I told him "that cat is pregnant" He said "no way. She is too domesticated not to be fixed already". I let it go because he knew better than me about cats.

Well, fast forward and Andrew passes away and my friend Lisa comes to visit and she asks when the cat is "due". *sigh* Yep, she was pregnant. And on the day of Andrew's Celebration of Life she had her kittens. Two weeks later she brought them all to the house from the woods one by one.

So, I have been very busy getting them acclimated to regular food and litter training. I found homes for two of them and kept two of them. There were 4 total. I just got the momma cat fixed and she will be going back outside next week. I have achieved crazy cat lady status.

I have been attending a Survivors of Suicide group every 1st and 3rd Wednesday and it has been very helpful. Surviving the loss is a loved one is hard enough but witnessing them taking their life is even more heartwrenching. I replay that moment over and over everyday. :(

My son and I completely enjoyed the cruise though. He is hooked. The ceremony at sea was absolutely beautiful and Carnival was so very helpful with arranging it.

12 weeks now and it still hurts as much as the first day. My house is just too quiet now. :(

Just an FYI....in Charleston FTTF really isn't necessary. Here is a quick review on my experience without it. Some FTTF people got on after me and our rooms were already ready when we boarded.

I am still debating on writing a review but I did want to impart this information regarding my last cruise on Fantasy and why I feel FTTF is not necessary on this ship specifically. Hey if I can save ya some money I am happy to share my experience.

The ship now arrives at a later time (8am) which makes embarkation a bit later as well. We took a taxi to the port from my friend's house and left there at about 10:45am just in case they started boarding early. They didn't bu...t we were directed to the luggage area and then in a covered tent to stand in line for the shuttles. When we arrived there were probably about 20 people already in line at about 11:15am.

Once the shuttle bus pulled up we got onboard and waited for quite some time. Waiting doesn't bother me, especially because I realized we were the first group that would be checking in and boarding the ship. One thing to note, there was some freaky thing happening with the air/heat on the shuttle. Both were running. Very weird. The heater was on at your feet and the air was on above your head. The driver said that he knew about the issue. I just shoved my bookbag over the vent by my feet and was comfortable.

A little after 12 noon we started moving and embarkation was crazy fast. They took all of my sodas/water out of my rolling carry on and shook the water. They slammed the sodas on the table to check for proper carbonation. Then on to check in: There was a window ready for me once I went through the line area (no line at all) and we were done in about 5 minutes. Seriously! Then embarkation picture....up the stairs to take S&S picture and on the ship!

I sat my group down in the atrium area to see if rooms were ready and they already were done! So we dropped off our carry ons and unpacked then back up to lido deck for DOD's.

The lines at Guest Service were minimal. I had to go multiple times in dealing with the setup for Andrew's ceremony at sea. I had to speak with environmental officers and Guest Services to arrange everything. There was never a line in the times that I went down there. I think having those kiosks help a great deal. If there was someone in front of me with a blue card I told them how to use the kiosks if a staff member wasn't nearby. Those kiosks are amazing!

Tendering to Little Stirrup Cay was smooth. Once my friends were up on lido and ready to go, I went to the stage and requested 4 tickets for our group and we were given ticket #15. As I walked off the stage they called our number. We went right down to the tender, boarded and were on our way to LSC in a matter of minutes.

So, in my opinion, for this ship specifically, FTTF is not necessary. Take that $50.00 and buy a couple of DOD's!

Just read this thread...hoping you are doing ok dear Nancy. My friend who lost a very special friend and business partner and they were cruise sales people, did a burial at sea with the San Diego coast guard, with his ashes and his mother and a few special friends. Then His mother and she kept some ashes..so I just wanted to validate this option you mentioned many do. Your comments to me about mom and how I was and am pretty heartbroken still...meant so much. So did that Leo Buscaglia quote. I truly know my mom is with me in ways I just won't get until I get there...i even know some things have healed in those last days and more in prayer time..meditation etc. with her....long term issues and deep mutual love remains...as well as protection..

 

Sometimes I hear her say..Sarah..when it is time to give something attention..it is in my mind and audible to me..

 

I would not be surprised that Andrew is with you in a way we can't understand often...praying for your goodbye at sea...and your continued healing..you are a lovely soul and The Andrew is too...to all we have loved...here and in the beyond we give love and thanks..we are never forgotten...

 

All my love, sarah

 

 

I have learned....

About anything that people "who get it" can share from a loving heart helps beyond anything you/they can possibly know..it is the remembering and being with someone in such tender feelings in writing, thought, prayers or physically. We do not allow for grief or sad very well..but we are getting better as a society, we celebrated my mom's birthday at church..sunday after Easter..in a prayer..twas beautiful..2 years 8/2/14.....xxxxoooSarah

Thank you Sarah. I hear him often and signs are abundant. We spoke of death quite often and we told each other that if one of us passed away before the other that we would attempt contact if we were able. He has come to me in dreams, spontaneous weird thoughts, shuffling noises down the hallway (he shuffled his feet), touching my hair and he even sent me a gift of a litter of kittens. (that I could have done without) He has come to my friends in dreams...even people he has never met.

I cant believe it's been two years since your mom passed. Much love to you.

Thank you everyone for your kind words, thoughts, prayers, positive vibes, happy thoughts etc.

It has been ten weeks (almost 11) since my Andrew took his own life. Being separated from him is sincerely the worst thing I have ever had to go through. Every day....every minute....every second...all I can think about is his smiling face and his silly antics and how quiet my house is now. It's dreadful.

We had the ceremony at sea on my May 6th sailing. It was an absolutely touching moment that I shared with my son, a good friend since high school and her boyfriend and a good friend that I met here on CC and her hubby. They took tons of pictures for me. My son caught the exact moment the ashes left the bag on camera and it was just a beautiful picture. I had a good time showing my son all of the things we loved about cruising.

I had thought about doing a review but my heart just isn't in it and really...how many reviews about the Fantasy can I get away with. :)

Thanks again everyone for checking in. This has been just tragic. I am so very lost without him. :(

I wrote this mini review of my thoughts for FTTF for Charleston in one of the groups I belong to. I didn't purchase FTTF because everything went seamlessly as you will see below:

I am still debating on writing a review but I did want to impart this information regarding my last cruise on Fantasy and why I feel FTTF is not necessary on this ship specifically. Hey if I can save ya some money I am happy to share my experience.

The ship now arrives at a later time (8am) which makes embarkation a bit later as well. We took a taxi to the port from my friend's house and left there at about 10:45am just in case they started boarding early. They didn't bu...t we were directed to the luggage area and then in a covered tent to stand in line for the shuttles. When we arrived there were probably about 20 people already in line at about 11:15am.

Once the shuttle bus pulled up we got onboard and waited for quite some time. Waiting doesn't bother me, especially because I realized we were the first group that would be checking in and boarding the ship. One thing to note, there was some freaky thing happening with the air/heat on the shuttle. Both were running. Very weird. The heater was on at your feet and the air was on above your head. The driver said that he knew about the issue. I just shoved my bookbag over the vent by my feet and was comfortable.

A little after 12 noon we started moving and embarkation was crazy fast. They took all of my sodas/water out of my rolling carry on and shook the water. They slammed the sodas on the table to check for proper carbonation. Then on to check in: There was a window ready for me once I went through the line area (no line at all) and we were done in about 5 minutes. Seriously! Then embarkation picture....up the stairs to take S&S picture and on the ship!

I sat my group down in the atrium area to see if rooms were ready and they already were done! So we dropped off our carry ons and unpacked then back up to lido deck for DOD's.

The lines at Guest Service were minimal. I had to go multiple times in dealing with the setup for Andrew's ceremony at sea. I had to speak with environmental officers and Guest Services to arrange everything. There was never a line in the times that I went down there. I think having those kiosks help a great deal. If there was someone in front of me with a blue card I told them how to use the kiosks if a staff member wasn't nearby. Those kiosks are amazing!

Tendering to Little Stirrup Cay was smooth. Once my friends were up on lido and ready to go, I went to the stage and requested 4 tickets for our group and we were given ticket #15. As I walked off the stage they called our number. We went right down to the tender, boarded and were on our way to LSC in a matter of minutes.

So, in my opinion, for this ship specifically, FTTF is not necessary. Take that $50.00 and buy a couple of DOD's!

There is a shampoo and body wash dispenser. I always bring my own shampoo and conditioner because I HAVE to have conditioner for this frizzy hair. In all my times cruising I have never had a hair dryer in cabin. I have always had to bring my own. My amenity basket on my May cruise was itty bitty. Only had the bar of soap labeled "soap" and a tube of toothpaste. There were robes in the closet.

I have always used that blue poster putty. I brought magnets the last couple of times and the doors were only magnetic in certain spots.

"Hijack alert" Nancy i am so looking for a review from you. Though understand the circumstances that may cause you not to want to do one. I just love your,reviews. Hope all went well with your ceremony at sea. Prayers still for you and your family.

Thank you. Still debating on writing one or not. Not sure how interested folks would be in a 4th review on Fantasy for me. LOL. Ceremony at sea was beautiful. Maybe I will just review that part. Hmmm

And now back to your regularly scheduled thread on LSC. ;)

Barefoot Beach, by the way, on LSC is absolutely stunning.

Just came back from Little Stirrup Cay on Fantasy. We had a wonderful time. It was my second trip there. Back in October I went there on Fascination. I hope they keep it on Fantasy's itineraries.

On my first cruise, the girl that I was travelling with thought the 4:00pm sailaway time was the time we should arrive for check in. Like at a hotel. We almost missed the ship. We were last to board, missed muster and the ship started moving right when we got to our cabin. :eek:

I guess that's what happens when you have 4 newbies travelling together that didn't do any sort of research ahead of time. :o

I am feeling terribly...I could not sleep when I got off work and could shut down and came to read all your final comments...i made my comment when done with bulk of review..and just read your announcement. Feel free to talk here..it is a very big hard thing..just lost my mom a year and a half ago..i just have to mention it..he loved and you loved each other deeply and were so well suited..my heart and prayers go out to you and you will always have him in a different way..they really don't leave us...they just go to heaven which is another dimension in my humble opinion...closer than we think. I had worked on the hard things with my mom...especially in last few before she died..but all along as best as possible...as sad as it is...now with some time..I just feel and know her support in my head, heart, and day are stronger. May you feel and know his love and support differently but just as strong.... and feel our kind care concern and prayers..and anything we say that does not fit just toss out and take in stride and as well meaning as we so well do USUALLY>>LOL. You Nancy, ( you have my fav sister's name) will be in my prayers deeply..and God or Light or Great Spirit and your friends..let them in..let them help..I will be praying...Anyone could tell how special he was/is and you were just matched together. Talk here anytime you want...much love, be very gentle and loving toward yourself...In empathy and sorrow for your loss..when in a deep one..yeah it is not the same for all but those with heart..sure can get it..those who are just a tad further down a similar road and can be with you the way you need..call on them..i have been alone too much..try not to do that seek friends...coffee.,,,simple dinners etc..Sarah

Thank you Sarah. Your posts are always so lovely and heartfelt. I do remember when your mom passed and how heartbroken you were. My heart went out to you then.

I have never experienced such pain as this. I will never ever find another Andrew. He was THE Andrew for a reason. I am hoping that cruising with my son in May will help. I am thankful to Carnival for allowing the name change so I didn't have to have my cabin by myself.

This has weighed so heavy on my mind today. I hope you find peace and comfort, Nancy. I will be on the Fantasy in October and I'd love to have a drink in honor of The Andrew. Please, when you have a minute, let us know his favorite. There were always so many wonderful choices in the pictures. Also, you guys had strangely been on my mind that very day and I can kind of prove it... I mentioned the two of you in post #67 on this thread:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=42070173#post42070173

 

My post was at 1:51 pm on March 16th and after I made the comment on your reviews I was wondering where you were because I hadn't seen you post in a little while.

 

Again, condolences, I don't expect answers immediately (favorite drink), in due time, Fancy Nancy.

 

Until then prayers of peace and comfort your way...

His favorite thing to order at the bar was a bucket of beer. Usually those huge Foster's oil can beers. He always said it was a better value and higher alcohol content. He also loved shots of rum mixed with that guava passionfruit OJ from the morning lido buffet. Thank you for your kind words. He was irreplaceable.

“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.”

 

-Leo Buscaglia

That was beautiful and something I needed to hear.

Nancy, I have not commented on any of your posts, but I started reading one of your reviews... then the next... then the next. Then your YouTube Videos. As I was reading this review, I get to this page. My heart sunk. I actually said, "Nooo!"

 

I couldn't believe it! I was following you and the Andrew's vacations and neglecting the final planning of my own.

 

Needless to say I'm a fan... and I feel so bad.

 

How wonderful that you have this logged journey of him and with him. It looks like you both lived to the fullest and that's what counts. I wish you a happy heart soon...

Thank you for this. That man LOVED to cruise and he lived everyday like it was his last. I don't know what I will do without him but I wont stop cruising and perhaps the ceremony at sea that I will do in May (now with my son) will bring some peace to our broken family.

OH, AND HUGE THANK YOUS TO ALL OF YOU SENDING YOUR WELL WISHES. IT BRINGS ME SOME COMFORT.

Thank you all for your kind words of support. I feel like my right arm was ripped off of my body. I just miss him so very much.

He always told me he wanted to have a party instead of a funeral so that's what friends and family will be doing this weekend. Keg on my Coffin was one of his favorite songs and he told me that's exactly what he wanted.

I figure the ceremony at sea would be something he would find touching and would definitely want that. I do want to keep most of his remains though. So only some of them sprinkled at sea. I will contact guest solutions to find that part out.

Again thank you for the memories of those that have cruised with us in the past. He loved everyone that he met and was truly an unforgettable presence.

Bigman01 I sent an email to you

We'll be with you in spirit, sweetie. If there was any way for us to make it down in May, we would. I have nothing really helpful to add other than I can only imagine that it will be beautiful and...I think it's very appropriate for him. I'm so glad we got to cruise with you both and we are thinking of you every day. xoxoxoxoxo

Thank you so much. You know how much he enjoyed meeting you. Your words have been more than helpful this past week. I am glad to be able to call you a friend.

I am so sorry for your loss and realize that this is a big decision. We did it for my father several years ago on the Fascination. The ship really didn't do anything as far as a ceremony goes, just had the officer meet us at guest services at the assigned time and then escorted us and another family who was doing the same thing to a crew deck. The other family went first and we stayed out of their way, so I'm not sure how they did it, but when it was our turn, the officer allowed us to say what we wanted to say and handle it as we wanted, we never felt rushed or like it was a bother to them. I want to say the ship wasn't at a full stop, just slowed way down. It was very moving and special to us all (it was his three kids and their families there) and I don't regret it at all. Definitely the best choice for us. Many people ask if I regret not having a place to go visit to pay my respects or remember him, but now I can say anytime I'm in the Caribbean, I'm with my father again. That to me means way more than a grave site. So to answer your question, it was very special to us all and still is. My thought are with you.

It sounds like your experience was a very touching one. Thank you for sharing that with me.

Are you taking him on the Fantasy in May? :(

Yes, I am taking him on the May cruise. I am having the crematorium do a smaller urn to carry with me so that I can keep the larger one at home.

All, I would be honored to help in any way and attend if you wish.

Bob

Bob, thank you. That is very sweet.

I am sad to say that the Andrew passed away on March 16th. You all know how much he loved his cruises and one way I want to honor him and his love of the sea is to have a ceremony at sea.

I cant even believe that these words are coming out of my mouth right now. It all seems so surreal. :(

I have contacted Guest Solutions and got the basics on what I would need to bring his remains onboard and what the environmental officer would do. What I would like to know is, for those who have actually had this ceremony, what was it like? Did it feel immensely special for you?

I just wanted to take a moment to let our cruise family here at cruise critic know that The Andrew passed away on March 16th. It's only been a week and I am already just lost without him.

We love the Fantasy. We will be sailing on her for the 5th time coming up in May.

There are 3 very picture heavy reviews in my signature below if you are interested. I tend to ramble a bit but I take pics of EVERYTHING. There are 3 itineraries represented. 6 day (they no longer have that itinerary though) to Key West, Nassau and Freeport.....5 day to Nassau and Freeport and a 7 day to Nassau, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay.

The one we are going on in May goes to Little Stirrup Cay and Nassau. There is a review for that one as well but it was on Fascination.

I cant wait to get back onboard!

Charleston is gorgeous but I am a little bit biased as a native Charlestonian. ;)

I bet. I can't wait for my first oneand I'm already wanting to plan another!

 

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

Then you get hooked and it's an addiction and all you can think about is booking your next one so you don't have to go without a countdown clock!

Just wanted to bump this up to the front page so I could find it when our friends get here. They are going on their first cruise in September on a b2b on the Fascination and they have never seen a cruise ship before.

Oh I just love newbies! I love to see their faces for all of the first experiences!