Pinkfloydfan

I think I am looking forward to finding out for myself in four weeks. But would some of the folks who have cruised on Liberty with the New Menu..post how they liked it? And what they liked?

 

I was pretty happy with the old menu, did not realize the Liberty had the new ones until after we had changed it,and I read reviews where people really liked it or others did not. I think they have a green salad on the menu each night? Other than Cesar Salads? I like that.

 

I see Chinese dishes on the Inspiration Menus Zyodecorder (sp) posted. Do they have those on the Liberty? Chow Mein. Potstickers. Sweet and Sour I think. I hope so.

 

Thank you for any information you share.

AmberTeka, We were on the May 9th 8 day and it was OK. Had the cast iron steak 4 nights. My wife liked the fish dishes. We didn't go hungry but we don't cruise for the food;) on Carnival. The salads were good as were the desserts. The bread was great and I loved the bread with seeds or cranberries on it:) don't remember any Chinese dishes. Oh yeah the prime rib looked good but didn't have much flavor:confused: Pink

We just got off the Sunshine but Freddie wasn't there! There was a big white elephant and something that looked like maybe a Humpty Dumpty. Never saw Freddie!

Bonnie J, I saw Freddie last week on the Liberty. He gave me a "high four":eek:. Don't know if its just me but he has a sinister look now:D Pink

I was on the Freedom Nov '13 and they had a terrific Asian rock band playing hits from the 60-80's. They played mostly at the Lobby/Atrium bar that has a dance floor.

Nightly, people were lined up along the railings of 3 decks enjoying the music. They rocked it ! :)

runner15km, The bands name is "Music Degree" I saw them in Jan. They told me they were going on vacation when the Freedom went into drydock:( Met them several years ago on the Fantasy great group of guys and could play anything:cool:. Pink

The first post in this thread is several years old. I saw these guys in Dec '13 on the Paradise. I thought the were great but my only compliant is when you're playing during a deck party and everyone's dancing and having fun, don't start playing Pink Floyd. Particularly that really long song.

rprice11, I enjoy listening to all of the Filapino cover bands. Music Boardwalk does a long "The Wall" for me. Music Degree did six PF songs for me late one night in Jan on the Freedom:eek::D. Enjoy the bands while you can.:cool: Pink

Yes she was launched in 1990, I saw her in that first year when I was staying in Nassau at what was then Carnival's Crystal Palace Casino Hotel. She seemed quite stunning, the first of a new class of larger ship with a vivid, color changing "huge" atrium (at the time). I've sailed on older ships, the Festivale being much older when I cruised on it and newer, we sailed on a Disney ship in its early days. No doubt the Disney ships are more appealing to look at, they still are, and I could get a huge discount on a last minute sailing if I wanted to as my brother is a DCL exec but if both were based in Charleston with the same itinerary at the same price, I'd choose the Fantasy. Why? I'm 51 and my youngest child is 18. I like a great bartending staff and a good sized casino with nice employees and I want to see adults partying (in the proper places mind you, not in the halls) late into the night dancing to the band by the Casino Bar. I am past the point of having to chase or supervise the little kids. I loved that stage but I am at a different stage of life and this fact matters when choosing a cruise ship.

 

This is exactly what I got last week. We didn't sail the Fantasy for the food, our food in Charleston cannot be beat by Seabourn or Regent. We did find plenty of good to great food and even managed to stick to a new diet. We saw lots of people gorging on crappy food, (I am past filling up on old fries and burgers at 11:00pm) but that is what they wanted to do so good for them. The choices are plentiful, keep looking and you will find what you want.

 

We sailed the Fantasy because of its convenience and because our last experience on her was excellent and this one was even better.

 

This ship shows none of the negative signs of aging, no smells, no faded paint, no rust, nothing broken and elevators that (amazingly) work like new. Our bed, bedding and pillows were also AMAZING, and the shower pressure was great and consistent so our cabin was perfect.

 

We could afford to sail a premium line and I am sure we will for the right occasion (25th anniversary looming) but I'd rather take multiple trips on this ship that works just fine than one on a ship that is only slightly better, or even much better in ways that do not matter to me anymore.

 

Bottom line, if you do your research, you should find the ship that meets your needs. If you do not, you may not be happy, regardless of how much or little you spend.

 

Wow, I started to just reiterate just how well the old ship is aging and started into a rambling semi-cruise review. I think this is a symptom of acute cruise withdrawal.

 

I am still missing my favorite bartender (Larry) from the 21st Century Bar (the Casino bar) who knew my name, drink preference (down to the right size glass) and folio number so I didn't even need to hand him my "Cheers" card. He was that good with everybody and they were constantly busy.

 

Any questions about the Fantasy and the Port of Charleston or our city itself are welcome.

Matt62, I agree with everything you wrote about the Fantasy. The first two years after I retired we sailed her at least every other month. Moved on after Carnival removed the cover bands:confused::mad::( . The crew were some of the nicest we ever met. Larry was my favorite bartender and I don't drink. Last year he was working the Majestic bar and he made me a "virgin Long Island Ice tea" their wasn't much in it:eek: Pink

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?

Nancy, Angie and I were both sad to hear of The Andrews passing on the 16th. I enjoyed talking to him alot on both of the cruises we made with you. He was "One of A Kind" and I mean that in a good way.Pink

Got off the Breeze yesterday and I was blown away by the talent of this band. Both of the lead singers, Devan Bolding and Andreece Williams, are extremely talented. There voices worked with each other so well. The bass player, guitarist, drummer and keyboardist were all great. These guys need to stay together once their contracts are up in May! The venues were always packed. They could easily have filled the Ovation Theater

 

They were not on my radar at all before the cruise, but we found them early in the trip and made a point of not missing any of their performances. They were one of the highlights of our trip!

 

Anyone else enjoy them?

 

Is there a way to get Carnival to keep this band on contract together?

Yes, I enjoyed listening to them perform. Very good. Loved their "Woodstock set" Even though I miss the Filipino cover bands I think Carnival should keep this band together.;)Pink

We were on this same cruise. We loved Shorty! She was everywhere, and so was Wally. They both made it a point to interact with everyone. She asked everyone during the Welcome Aboard show to holler out "Hi Shorty" when we saw her, so that's what we did, and she always came right over to talk to us. I find myself saying "Ciao for now":D

 

I rarely ate in the buffet - I usually had Mongolian for lunch, my DH had a reuben from the deli, or a burger. This is the first cruise I didn't have pizza. It seemed to me they had more entertainment during the evenings, so that could be why Lido seemed empty. Plus we had some chilly, very windy nights.

 

We thought the entertainment was great! Loved the Hypnotist show, the comedian/juggler, and both of the musical shows. They had a great band playing 70's/80's music on Promenade several of the nights. We also saw the comedian a couple times.

 

The food was very good in MDR, but we had 6pm seating, and it was very slow most nights. Our waiter had way too many tables to take care of. Some nights other tables were ordering dessert and we hadn't even gotten our food yet. The tables were also packed together which made it very hard for the waiters to move around. Most nights we didn't get out of there till after 7:30. We tried the brunch once but our food was cold, and just ok. I prefer the omelette station on Lido which were made fresh. We are early risers and the brunch didn't start till 8:30.

 

I never paid attention to the bars on Lido - there were plenty of waiters walking around taking orders.

 

We had FTTF and that was worth it's weight in GOLD. Just being able to walk on the ship and go directly to our cabin to put our carry ons away before lunch was worth it! Our luggage actually beat us to our cabin. We were on the first tender to HMC, and it was nice being able to use the Platinum line for guest services. We will definitely use FTTF whenever it's available.

 

Our next cruise will be on the Liberty, but we will be back on Fantasy after that. We really love that ship. All in all, we thought it was our best cruise ever!

COJO1956, Glad you enjoyed your cruise. Did Jim go to the casino? We are cruising the Liberty again in May to see Music Boardwalk you will love it. alot more to do than on the Fantasy and different ports also:) Pink

I agree completely with the above. Their sushi was never great by land standards but I ate it everyday as an appetizer nonetheless. But the Taste Bar is a complete waste of space IMO. It certainly made me no more likely to try their surcharge menus.

 

Oh well you can't please everybody.

 

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Waterloomarc, I also agree about the Taste Bar. They don't have surcharge menus onboard Fantasy class ships. They do have sushi sometimes on the Lido buffet but it smells "fishy":eek: Pink

This band are very entertaining - they play anything and always attract a crowd - they are just GOOD people and know how to entertain

Beth, I met them on the Celebration several years ago. Last time we were on the Dream they were great. I was talking to Jimmy and they do play everything but Pink Floyd:( He plays a mean fiddle:eek: Pink

Mary they do not still do Ticket to Ride in the theatre. Music Boardwalk WAS the cover band, and they were great! ;)

kids-in-2-centuries, I'm not Mary49:D but thanks for the information on Music Boardwalk. I met them in 2004 on the Miracle & they gave me my CC name:cool: Pink

thanks! In all my cruises I have never had it. looking forward to trying it and without a huge line

michelle1836, I had the wok everyday except debarkation day:eek: It was great. Watch out for the HOT stuff!:o it is smoking. I always have them mix the black bean and Thai so its not to hot. Port days there wasn't much of a line. Helpful hint, there is a top row of vegetables that some people miss:DPink

Great...another review from "All4Fun@Fun4All". Can't wait to read it and see the photos. Thanks for sharing your review with us and hurry, hurry, hurry!

Nancy, I agree with all of your fans bring it on;)Pink

I love Risa. She is such a sweetheart and genuinely cares about her passengers. No she does not have the stage presence such as Butch, Jamie D, or a Jen Baxter. But if you meet her out and about the ship she is a good southern woman. The ship itself I like because she isn't like her sisters. She dosent have the Joe Farcus look like the others do. However that is what is great about America we are all entitled to our own opinion lol. And pinkfloyd i agree. Miss music degree on the fantasy. Would love to here Free Bird again. Lol

kybluecruiser,We also love Risa. She is very friendly and will always stop and talk to us while out and about the ship. The Fantasy is nice size and well maintained but the staff and crew are great. As for Music Degree and Free Bird everytime I watch them perform it I have to think Lynard Skynard would be impressed:DPink

I was on the Fantasy that departed Charleston on 10.18.13 and wanted to relate some of my thoughts regarding the experience. My wife I have have sailed on RCCL once [Adventure of the Seas] and on Carnival 4 times now: Victory, Elation [twice] and now the Fantasy. These random thoughts are, of course, my personal opinion.

 

EMBARKATION / CHARLESTON

We stayed the night before the cruise at the Holiday Inn Historic Downtown. I’m an IHG Platinum member and stayed for free using IHG points. I would not recommend this location to others. The area around the hotel is a bit sketchy and my wife and I did not feel 100% safe walking around the area after dark. If I cruise from Charleston again, I would stay further away from downtown at one of the hotels that offers free parking at the hotel and then a shuttle to the port, and therefore avoid the $85 it costs to park at the port. We were originally going to stay one more night after getting off the ship in Charleston, but decided to drive up to Charlotte and spend the night there. I’m sure Charleston is a wonderful and historic city, but my wife and I were not wowed by it at all. We will, at some point in the future, give it another try.

 

The port parking was $85 for the 5 day cruise and well staffed by friendly and helpful folks. It was perhaps 45 minutes from the time we entered the port and then parked in the covered parking garage until we reached our room on the ship. We boarded the ship at around 2 pm.

 

FANTASY

Ive been on the Elation [another Fantasy class ship that is laid out exactly like the Fantasy] and preferred the Elation to the Fantasy. The Fantasy seemed to be a bit more “worn” and not as nicely decorated or maintained.

 

I have mentioned this before on other reviews I’ve done on CC and will mention it again here. I would take 3,4, maybe even 5 cruises a year on Carnival IF THEY HAD WI-FI THAT WORKED !! I am a small business owner and need to be able to check my email several times each workday. I first purchased a 280 minute plan, but then realized that the [promotional products] industry site I use to check my email was blocked for some reason by Carnival. I went to the front desk and explained that I had only used 7 minutes and they refunded my entire plan cost. I then decided to purchase the 120 minute plan so I could get to my email thru another site. It took me literally 52 minutes to open and reply to 3 emails.

 

The internet on a ship is not as fast as land – I get that. The ship has no problems receiving TV signals however. Everyone I talked to at the internet café was complaining about the internet. I know some of us go on cruise to escape, but I need the internet to run my business so I can make money to go on vacations ! =)

 

I complained on the last sea day about the internet and they admitted that they had been “having some internet problems” and gave me ½ of my money back. I will make sure to compile a list of internet cafes for each port on my next cruise.

 

ROOM

Our room [E151] on the Empress deck was very nice. We prefer the Empress deck because its only one flight of stairs up to the library and the dining room. We did notice that there was some loud banging above us each night, but it was nothing that bothered us. We just noticed it. We also noticed that this ship seemed to roll and pitch more than the other cruises we have been on. We were more aware of the movement on the ship and did take some Bonine one day.

 

The room steward was OK; he did keep our cooler bag filled with ice as we requested. He bought me some extra hangers and there was plenty of storage space. This was also the first OceanView room that I’ve been in that had AC that really worked well. I like to sleep in a cool environment and with a fan. This room temperature was able to be regulated very well.

 

One comment I would suggest to improve the experience is to perhaps have a system where you can have your room cleaned when you’d like? Or is that perhaps asking too much of the crew? Our bed was turned down each night and a towel animal was left, but there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the room “straightening” during the day. One or 2 days it was done, and the other days it was not. I will have to ask about this next cruise.

 

FOOD / DINING

The food was exactly as I expected it to be – presented well but for the most part very average. We certainly don’t go hungry on the Carnival cruises we take, but the food is [in my opinion] not as good as say a Chili’s, LoneStar, Ruby Tuesdays, and other restaurants in that category. The pizza has improved, and the old pastrami ruben on rye standby at the deli is always good, but the Mongolian Work was not as tasty as I remembered it. I did remember to order a banana split off the children’s desert menu in the MDR one night, and it was great.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

We saw the Welcome show and it was so stupid it was laughable. I’ve seen some production numbers on RCCL that I would pay $50 to see in Vegas. I have yet to see a show on CCL that I'd pay $5 bucks to see again. The Welcome show on Fantasy was a talk by the cruise director Risa, and then a game of tie the string to a spoon and pass it thru some passengers clothing. It was a waste of time and not worth seeing again if other ships have the same show. The Motown music show was about the same as you'd expect to see presented by a high school and also not worth seeing.

 

I will mention that the “assistant” CD, a guy named TJ, was really great at running the bingo and the trivia games. I did manage to snag another ship on a stick for winning Nascar trivia. We did try to go to the Punchliner Club twice to see the comics, but each time we arrived - about 15-20 minutes before showtime - it was full to capacity. I guess to see the comics you have to get there VERY early. My wife and I like to read, play games on our iPads, and gamble in the casino at night, so the lack of quality entertainment in the evenings was not the end of the world for us.

 

The female guitar player in the atrium was technically a great musican, but had little or no interaction with the crowd. She could of been a robot. We did not get to the piano bar to check it out.

 

I did have a chance to meet PinkFloydFan in the casino at the craps table and that was cool. He's a nice guy with great taste in music.

 

PORTS

Nassau and Freeport: my 2 least favorite ports. Enough said.

 

DEBARKATION

This is the first time we did not do the self assist; we had too much stuff to carry. But the process was easy, and we were in our vehicle & headed home on a freeway within 45 minutes of departing the ship.

 

OVERALL

The ship is just OK; as I mentioned it seems worn, a bit dirty, and drab when compared to the Elation and the Victory. Even though we can drive to Charleston from our home, I think we’d have to get a pretty amazing rate to justify sailing on the Fantasy again to Nassau and Freeport.

Purpledog, It was nice meeting you. My PF cover band Music Degree is on the Freedom so I plan to cruise with them in Jan.:D:):cool: Pink

It's the "new" pizza. Not bad though.

bobsfamily, I have had the pizza many times on the Fantasy and both pieces were OK. Last Aug on the Miracle they had a "Pizza Pirate" where they made the whole pizza right in front of you and it was the best I have ever had but I'm not from NY or Chicargo;) so what do I know about good pizza:)? Pink

Oops! That will teach me to proofread more carefully! I didn't have anything with the itinerary anymore and found one listed on a cruise website. Blindly copied and pasted it into this. Found the first mistake and missed that one! :o

 

John

JohnTRN, Great review so far. I'm urning I mean yearning for more of your Legend review:) Pink

Thank you. My friend Robin just downloaded her pics so I am going to add a few more.

Cool Breeze Cruiser, YESSSSS! More pics. Loving your review and hope to see you, JR, Robin and her husband on another cruise in the future:) PINK

Hello Julie & JR, I enjoyed meeting you both at Ivar's and the M&G. Great review and can't wait to see more photos of your excursions.:)PINK

Hands down it is my favorite band from the Philippines "Music Boardwalk" with a second favorite is "Music Unlimited". I always try and cruise with them.

 

Music Boardwalk - on the Freedom right now

 

Music Unlimited - is back on the Miracle.

Mary49, I like both of these bands also like Music Degree and Music Highlight:) Any cover band from the Philippines that starts with "Music" are good. :cool:Pink

I love your reviews!!! :)

ciera123, I also like his reviews,but, after reading I am always hungry:DPink

What a joke, I called today to see what kind of comps are available for me on my next cruise in July. We are platinum cruisers, and I spend quite a bit of time in the casino on the slots. I easily reach the free drink card on my 2nd day ( on ships that it its available on ) playing the slots. On my past few cruises I've gotten $200, $150, $75 etc... and not in that order. Today for my cruise in July the staff on the phone today said that $25 would be avaiable for me. Should I be insulted ? Should I call back to make sure this is correct ? Give me your thoughts ? Did I get unlucky and speak to someone who really did not care ? Or am I just wasting my time and should I just be happy with the $25 given to me and move on.

tarheel04, Yes the Ocean Players Club has gotten "tight" with their comps. My wife loves to play blackjack or craps. She also gets the On Us drink card and money from the cage. I don't play as much as her so I usually end up getting $25.00 or 4 strawberries. I took the money and purchased the BOGO blackjack entry ticket and gave them both to my wife. She won the tournment and $500.00s:D I got the plastic ship on a stick:eek: By any chance did you talk to Marti? Seems like we would get more $$$ from both Michels:cool: Pink

I did that JUST for YOU!

alligirl78, Thanks but with that pretty smile I must ask the question, did you have that photo taken right as they announced NHL hockey play was to resume?;)Pink:cool:

And now I am checking to see where Freedom sails from for our 2014 reunion cruise.

 

OOOOO! Ft Lauderdale!

All4fun&fun4all, You ladies have got it BAD:D Pink

HAHA! I just booked a girls cruise out of NOLA in October, Nancy!

 

Pink...we will be the Elation girls. No hubbies, no kids = pure Elation!

alligirl78, Thats great I have never been on the Elation. Check out Sargentshulz photo review. Oh by the way like your new picture without the marine animals ;) Pink