All Things Fantasy

[NCTribeFan]

So, am I allowed now to officially whine because no one on board now came here to tell us about embarkation?

 

Geez, I can't imagine why people wouldn't want to spend their precious cruise time sitting at slow computers just to calm my fears that embarkation is not going to be a nightmare! :p

 

I'm sure if any of the Charleston folks had seen that there were lines a mile long snaking around the port, they would've posted something.

 

I'll find out if a couple of days. And I won't be reporting back until I return home, either. ;)

[walkerccst]

It does appear that they are boarding from ground level so there is no incline. And traffic is being routed from Calhoun Street to Concord St. Concord leads right up to where the tents are for unloading. At 12:30 today the traffic did not appear to be bad and it seemed that the shuttles and boarding were going smoothly.

 

 

My son was part of the PR group from Charleston that was invited to the special celebration. He said that they actually had to go through an embarkation process, but that it went very smoothly. He was on the ship in less that 30 minutes after arrival at the port. Very impressivie for Charleston.

 

He also said that Carnival went all out to welcome them onboard. First they were taken to the main lounge for a presentation by John Heald. It lasted about an hour. During that time they were served unlimited drinks and not those awful, watered down things that they serve at the past guest party! He said that they used top shelf liqour.

 

They were also served lunch in the MDR. He said that it was a five course meal, consisting of lobster tails and prime rib as the main entree. During lunch, unlimited drinks and wine were also available. Sounds like a lot of drinking to me!!

 

The whole event lasted about five hours.

Edited May 20, 2010 by walkerccst

[proudpatriot07]

It does appear that they are boarding from ground level so there is no incline. And traffic is being routed from Calhoun Street to Concord St. Concord leads right up to where the tents are for unloading. At 12:30 today the traffic did not appear to be bad and it seemed that the shuttles and boarding were going smoothly.

 

 

My son was part of the PR group from Charleston that was invited to the special celebration. He said that they actually had to go through an embarkation process, but that it went very smoothly. He was on the ship in less that 30 minutes after arrival at the port. Very impressivie for Charleston.

 

He also said that Carnival went all out to welcome them onboard. First they were taken to the main lounge for a presentation by John Heald. It lasted about an hour. During that time they were served unlimited drinks and not those awful, watered down things that they serve at the past guest party! He said that they used top shelf liqour.

 

They were also served lunch in the MDR. He said that it was a five course meal, consisting of lobster tails and prime rib as the main entree. During lunch, unlimited drinks and wine were also available. Sounds like a lot of drinking to me!!

 

The whole event lasted about five hours.

 

Wow... I think maybe I need to get into the PR field... lol. That's pretty impressive.

[missdebi]

The Port of Charleston website has added Fantasy embarkation and debarkation information~~~looks fairly simple.

[NCTribeFan]

Took me a while to find it. Website isn't all that intuitive (imho)...

 

http://www.scspa.com/cruises/documents/CARNIVAL_FANTASY_Embark_Debark.pdf

 

I dunno. Still sounds more complicated than a lot of ports where you just give your luggage to a porter and head into the terminal.

 

Good to know that there's no point in arriving at 11, if they don't intend to start accepting luggage until noon.

 

Will make sure I have something to snack on in case the wait is longer than anticipated.

[missdebi]

It is going to be different than we are used to but the end result is worth it. I have been told by the port that you can drop off checked luggage between 8-11 at the Union Pier Terminal I am going to do that and then walk around downtown until time to board. NC Tribe fan~~Look forward to your review since I don't cruise until June 11th.

[lindseylou]

I will be on the Fantasy on June 5th, this is my first cruise... I have a CAT 4C (M80) cabin, does anyone have any pictures they have taken of these cabins?

[NCTribeFan]

There are several of our Roll Call staying at the Hawthorne Suites. Maybe we can just request the shuttle leave at 11:30. That should get us there at just about the right time. Of course, I have no idea what traffic will be like.

 

If you drop your bags early, won't you have to haul your carryons with you around Charleston? Pretty sure someone said elsewhere that there is a coffee shop close by. I'm going to do my sightseeing early evening on Saturday. I do love to just wander around the historic district and look at the homes and gardens.

 

lindseylou - your cabin should look just like the generic photos. I'm single and have always sailed with my DD or a friend, so have had the beds separated.

 

Click on the "staterooms" tab...

 

http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/ships/carnival_fantasy/default.aspx?shipCode=FA&icid=CC_HMPG_335

 

One thing I like about the Fantasy-class inside cabins is that the beds have always been arranged in an "L" shape, which leaves quite a bit more walking-around floor space.

 

Since I'm going solo this time, I'll have the beds together and will have ALL that big comfy bed to myself. The flip side is that the cabin will feel smaller. But I'll be alone and won't have to fight for shelf space in the bathroom! :D

[still cruzin]

NCTribeFan:

 

The cruise terminal is at the end of the market. You should be able to find coffee and anything else you could want. There are plenty of shops and restaurants straight up N and S Market St. Sounds like you have been to Charleston before so I am sure you will be familiar with the market.

[still cruzin]

Oh yeah, hope all of you enjoy Charleston while you are here and definitely enjoy your cruise!!! Am looking forward to mine!!!!

[toby #1]

I've read all of the posts here, in hopes of finding something about the suites. I'm specifically interested in hearing from people who have sailed since the renovations. We're booked in September for a category 11 stateroom, which is a mini suite. I gather these suites are similar to a cabin we got upgraded into when we sailed on Carnival Victory in 2008 (cabin 6461). That cabin had an ENORMOUS balcony. I am fully aware of the fact our cat 11 on Fantasy has a tiny balcony, but what I'm eager to learn is whether the cabin itself compares equally to 6461 on Victory. I'd be thrilled if it is better. If anyone has any photos or comments about this category of suite, I'd appreciate it.

 

Yeah, we were on a suite on the Victory also and I hear the suites on the Fantasy are a lot smaller. Also when I asked my pvp about the suites he said that we would have a view of the pool, don't know if I can settle for that and maybe will go for a ov instead. Want a balcony but they don't have them. :(

[scchasgal]

Yeah, we were on a suite on the Victory also and I hear the suites on the Fantasy are a lot smaller. Also when I asked my pvp about the suites he said that we would have a view of the pool, don't know if I can settle for that and maybe will go for a ov instead. Want a balcony but they don't have them. :(

 

None of the OS or GS on Fantasy have a view of the pool they have a view of the ocean:rolleyes:

[NCTribeFan]

I don't "do" suites. I've only ever had 2 balcony cabins (both on Miracle).

 

No way would I pay for a suite on a Fantasy-class ship. I could sail 3 or 4 times in an inside for the price of a Cat 12 (or whatever they're called now) on one of these ships.

 

And especially since most of the sailings are only 5 days.

 

I just can't justify spending that sort of money. I'd much rather cruise more frequently. After all, there's plenty of "free" deck space on the ship.

 

The Cat 11's on Verandah has tiny balconies, too. No view of any pool. Don't know of a Carnival ship that DOES have cabins that overlook a pool. I want to see the ocean, not the pool, anyway! ;)

 

The cabin is 220 sq ft (same as an OV on Conquest class) with a 35 sq ft balcony. Plus, they're high up and all the way forward. Not a good location if you have motion sickness problems. The Cat 12s are 330 sq ft with 70 sq ft balconies (according to cruisedeckplans dot com).

 

Someone recently posted a review from just a week or two ago. They stayed in a Cat 12 and they posted pics.

 

I imagine that - eventually - all the Fantasy class ships will have a handful of balcony cabins added, as they've done on Sensation & Fascination (not sure about any others).

[scchasgal]

I imagine that - eventually - all the Fantasy class ships will have a handful of balcony cabins added, as they've done on Sensation & Fascination (not sure about any others).

 

Where have you heard all Fantasy class ships will eventually have balconies? I have been trying to find out if that is why the Fantasy is going into drydock later this year.

[mistory]

NCTribeFan:

 

The cruise terminal is at the end of the market. You should be able to find coffee and anything else you could want. There are plenty of shops and restaurants straight up N and S Market St. Sounds like you have been to Charleston before so I am sure you will be familiar with the market.

 

I went to Charleston 2 years ago. We were in the market and we went around the corner to a long pier. There was a big water sprinkler type thing that you could play or walk through to cool off. There was a huge bridge to the left of us. Is this where the pier is? I can't remember the street names or the name of the pier. Sorry. If it's the same spot that is awesome!!! There were soooo many little shops. Loved the little candy shop on the corner!

[NCTribeFan]

I said "I imagine" they'll all get the balcony cabins, but I don't know that for sure. I would think that if they want to keep all these ships in the fleet that they will need to do that, since EVERYONE wants a balcony. Except me, I guess. ;)

 

Last time I was in Charleston was a few years ago, and we were staying at Isle of Palms. Drove into town for dinner one night and ate at a brewery/restaurant and then walked down along the waterfront. It's been quite a few years since I actually stayed in Charleston, and that time we stayed over on the river side of town.

 

Looking forward to spending a few hours in the market/historic/waterfront area late tomorrow afternoon! :D

[jbhcw]

I was in a cat 12 suite on the Ecstasy last year..it was amazing but agree with NCTribe...not worth the extra money..you could sail at least 1-2 more times for the price. Also the Cat 11's are way high..not good in rough seas.

 

NCTribeFan..have a great cruise and please come back and tell us all about it:) We are very near you here in NC...Butner:eek:

[InSouthPark]

I went to Charleston 2 years ago. We were in the market and we went around the corner to a long pier. There was a big water sprinkler type thing that you could play or walk through to cool off. There was a huge bridge to the left of us. Is this where the pier is? I can't remember the street names or the name of the pier. Sorry. If it's the same spot that is awesome!!! There were soooo many little shops. Loved the little candy shop on the corner!

 

The fountain that the kids can play in is at the end of Queen Street in waterfront park. For a great spot of a drink, go to the rooftop bar above the Vendue Inn (right there on Queen next to the park). Yes, the port is just a few blocks north in the shadows of the big bridge (Ravenel Bridge). There are tons of shops along bay/market/king/meeting streets (among many others)...all within walking distance to the port/pier.

[All4fun&fun4all]

None of the OS or GS on Fantasy have a view of the pool they have a view of the ocean:rolleyes:

Actually, the Fantasy does have a suite that overlooks the pool. Two of them...the owner's suites. But those are the only suites that I am aware of that overlooks the pool. Wouldnt it be nice to get into THAT room...as a free upgrade of course. :p

[rlloyd3]

I said "I imagine" they'll all get the balcony cabins, but I don't know that for sure. I would think that if they want to keep all these ships in the fleet that they will need to do that, since EVERYONE wants a balcony. Except me, I guess. ;)

 

Last time I was in Charleston was a few years ago, and we were staying at Isle of Palms. Drove into town for dinner one night and ate at a brewery/restaurant and then walked down along the waterfront. It's been quite a few years since I actually stayed in Charleston, and that time we stayed over on the river side of town.

 

Looking forward to spending a few hours in the market/historic/waterfront area late tomorrow afternoon! :D

Every part of Charleston is the "river side of town". :p

[scchasgal]

Actually, the Fantasy does have a suite that overlooks the pool. Two of them...the owner's suites. But those are the only suites that I am aware of that overlooks the pool. Wouldnt it be nice to get into THAT room...as a free upgrade of course. :p

 

Isn't that where they moved Camp Carnival or are the owner's suites on deck 12?

 

I would never pay for either of those cabins, matter of fact they don't even advertise them you have to know about them and ask. I did say in my post OS and GS not owners suite.

Edited May 21, 2010 by scchasgal

[NCTribeFan]

I kept telling my PVP that he needed to surprise me and have me put in one of the owners' suites. I mean, I sailed TWICE last year while I was unemployed! How loyal of a customer am I?!?!

 

And I just knew someone would give me a hard time about staying on the river side. :p

 

I was at the round Holiday Inn. THAT riverside. Not the side over by Patriots Point.

 

I am SO ready for this cruise! It is going to be so strange to sail solo. I can get up early and not worry about bothering my late-sleeping DD. I can eat ANY TIME I WANT to and not have anyone roll their eyes when I say I'm hungry again! I can lose as much money as I want in the casino! I can go to the lounges and dance - ALL ALONE IF NECESSARY - and not care!!!!

 

:D

[rlloyd3]

I kept telling my PVP that he needed to surprise me and have me put in one of the owners' suites. I mean, I sailed TWICE last year while I was unemployed! How loyal of a customer am I?!?!

 

And I just knew someone would give me a hard time about staying on the river side. :p

 

I was at the round Holiday Inn. THAT riverside. Not the side over by Patriots Point.

 

I am SO ready for this cruise! It is going to be so strange to sail solo. I can get up early and not worry about bothering my late-sleeping DD. I can eat ANY TIME I WANT to and not have anyone roll their eyes when I say I'm hungry again! I can lose as much money as I want in the casino! I can go to the lounges and dance - ALL ALONE IF NECESSARY - and not care!!!!

 

:D

Your eatign habits sound as if you would fit well with our group!

[NCTribeFan]

Ha. You know, I really am not a big eater. Growing up, I was always SO skinny. Where was "America's Next Top Model" when I was young (5'10", 118 pounds when I graduated from high school; 122 pounds when I got pregnant at age 32!).

 

Those days are long gone! But it must be something about the sea air that activates the appetite. At least, that's my excuse.

 

Hey, at least I take the stairs - THE ENTIRE CRUISE - to help offset some of the caloric intake. Oh, and there's the dancing, too. ;)

 

Right. Guess I need to put my bags in the car and hit the road to Charleston!

 

Since I'll be home next Sunday, and don't go back to work until Tuesday, I hope to get my review written and posted sometime on Memorial Day. I'm sure everyone will stay indoors all day waiting to read it! :p

 

Bon Voyage to Moi!

[missdebi]

I am with you on the eating~~I really enjoy the variety and the "yumminess"! Normally we always take the steps and walk around alot so at the most I would gain 2-3 pounds but on our last cruise my DH had a severe pain in his hip so "we" had to do elevator the whole cruise well I gained 9 pounds :eek: lesson learned!

Bon Voyage~I wish you blue skies and calm seas! Have a safe trip!