All Things Fantasy

[kybluecruiser]

That would be a very long walk for a 2 year old and/or a very tiring carry for grandpa. I would suggest either the Hilton hotel (fee, very close) or Sheraton (fee) with a taxi ride for the Sheraton. When leaving the ship in Nassau (and coming back) there is a free bus from the ships to the end of the pier, not sure of timing.

 

In Freeport Carnival offers an excursion that leaves directly from the pier and is called Grand Bahama Coastal Cruise & Shopping Tour. You "sail" down the coast to Port Lucaya, depart at PL, do some shopping or wander over to the beach and then ride a bus back to the port. Might be a memorial ride for the little tyke.

 

You are correct. I didn't think about the walk with a two year old. I believe the Hilton pass is $20. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. They offer very nice facilities. Very close to the pier also.

[bobsfamily]

You are correct. I didn't think about the walk with a two year old. I believe the Hilton pass is $20. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. They offer very nice facilities. Very close to the pier also.

I have lots of nieces/nephews around that age with grandkids not far away and it made me think about that walk with a wee one.

More info than you probably wanted::D

From a Bahamas thread (not me and not from offsite)

Good Job...

I'll add a little "color" and details where I can.

 

High-Level Options:

 

1. Sheraton [Cable Beach]
   
2. British Colonial Hilton (BCH) [Private beach near cruise term]
   
3. Atlantis [Paradise Island]
   
4. Blue Lagoon [Private Island]
   
5. Sandals (adults only) [Cable Beach]
   
6. Breezes (14+ only) [Cable Beach]
   
7. RIU Palace [Cabbage Beach]
   
8. Marley Resort (Cable Beach
   
9. Compass Point (Gambier)
   
10. Wyndham Crystal Palace (Cable Beach)
    

(Map here: http://www.welt-atlas.de/map_of_new_providence_8-823)

 

 

1. Sheraton Day Pass

Transportation: Taxi ($15 each way) or Jitney ($1-2pp; exact change only)

 

2 General Options:

Option A: $99 which includes a room for 2 guests (7am-7pm); +$10pp additional person (up to 2). Can be purchased upon arrival or reserved in advance. Contact (242) 327-6000.

 

Option B: $30pp day pass ($15 for children 4-11). Can

(MUST)

be purchased upon arrival.

 

Option C: $60 day pass with food and 2 non-alcoholic drinks thru

www.bahamasforaday.com

Purchase online only.

 

Includes

: Beach & pool area, towels, beach chairs, non-motorized beach equipment.

Excludes

: Food/drinks.

 

Sheraton is a large resort with a nice sized beach, 3 pools, swim up bar, zero entry and waterfall. It's for those who like an ACTIVE beach. There is some novice snorkeling off the beach near the rocks. Not much to see, but fine for beginners.

Snorkeling gear is included. 1/2 hour per person.

Sheraton is next to the Wyndham and is adjacent to the crystal Palace casino. Guests of the Sheraton may also use the Wyndham property.

 

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/SheratonNassau;

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sherat...ropertyID=3067

 

Note: A number of places offer similar packages with food included

2. British Colonial Hilton Day Pass

Transportation- walking distance from cruise terminal

$60 per person online via Island Marketing (

www.bahamascruiseexcursions.com);

$5 more upon arrival. Kids 12 and under 50% off.

 

Includes

: Beach & pool area, towels, beach chairs, non-motorized beach equipment, $40 food/beverage credit (15-20 for kids).

 

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/HiltonNassau/notes;

http://www.bchiltonnassauhotel.com/

 

British Colonial Hilton is a quiet Business Hotel located in the heart of the city. Small private beach on the Harbor, small private pool. Beach bar with Pool and beach service. This property is for those who enjoy a quiet and relaxing day at the beach. If you need activities or have kids that as noisy and boisterous.. this is not the place. Nice covered chaises, day beds and cabanas.

3. Atlantis

Transportation- varies based on options chosen.

 

Option A

: Aquaventure ~$135-169pp ($80-115 children 4-12)

. Includes:

The Dig & habitats, beaches, water park (slides/pools/etc).

Excludes

: Meals, lockers.

Availability

is first-come, first-served & based on occupancy rates. Guaranteed availability when booked through the ship or through the ship or

www.majestictoursbahamas.com

 

Option B

: Atlantis Beach Day ~$69-95pp ($40-55 children 4-12).

Includes

: Aquarium tour & habitats, beaches.

Excludes

: Water park (slides/pools/etc), meals, lockers.

Availability

is first-come, first-served & based on occupancy rates. Guaranteed availability when booked through the ship or through the ship or

www.majestictoursbahamas.com

 

Option C

: 1-night stay at the Comfort Suites. This gets you the same package as an Aquaventure with the bonus of the room

 

Atlantis is a very busy and very noise venue. During most days the cruise crowds take over the property.

Beach day is for the main beach. You will not have access to the Cove or Paradise Beach or the Lagoon Beach.

 

Atlantis is cashless during the daytime.. so bring a credit card and ID.

 

Lots more discussion over here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...php?t=1560154;

http://www.atlantis.com

4. Blue Lagoon

Transportation- included.

 

Cost is ~$54-69pp (~$42-55pp for children <10) based on direct booking vs. booking on the ship.

 

Includes

: Boat ride, lunch, beaches, towels, chairs, etc; water inflatables & non-motorized watersports.

Excludes

: Other food/drink; no pools here.

 

For more info:

http://www.bahamasbluelagoon.com/beach-day.php

 

Blue Lagoon has two main beaches.. the lagoon which is shallow and has a inflatable park (which is more $$).

and the Ocean side which is pristine and has more wake or current.

Blue Lagoon Island is also the home of the dolphin encounter and sealions. You can book these programs at:

www.dolphinencounters.com

If you book a program, you beach day is free.

5. Sandals (adults only)

Transportation

-

taxi ($15 each way) or Jitney ($1-2pp; exact change only) if you are going on your own.

 

Cost is $110 per person (10am-6pm) upon arrival or pre-booked through Island Routes $150 (877-768-8370;

does

include transportation).

 

Includes

: All-inclusive food/drink/pools/beach/etc.

Excludes

: Hotel room.

 

For more info:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...php?t=1811850;

http://www.sandals.com/main/bahamian/ba-home.cfm‎

6. Breezes (14+ only) 18 and older during spring break

Transportation

-

taxi ($15 each way) or Jitney ($1-2pp; exact change only) if you are going on your own.

 

Cost is $65pp upon arrival; limited availability. You can book it ahead of time through Island Routes $150 (877-768-8370;

does

include transportation).

 

Includes

: All-inclusive food/drink/pools/beach/etc.

Excludes

: Hotel Room.

 

More info at

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...bahamas‎

 

Note: Age restriction increases during Spring Break season

 

This is an older property on a great stretch of beach. Drinks are good, bar food is better than the buffet.

This is a typical spring break type hotel, with loud announcements, games, bingo etc poolside.

No pool or beachside service. Bring a big cup.. they use tiny Dixie cups which you have to keep refilling.

7. RIU PalaceCost is $75 through Island Marketing (www.bahamascruiseexcursions.com) or $100 upon arrival.

 

Includes: All-inclusive food/drink/pools/beach/etc. Excludes: Hotel Room.

 

RIU is located next to the Atlantis on Cabbage Beach. The beach is a public beach. Chaise are provided, but umbrellas must be rented independently ($25). This beach can be very rough during some seasons and if there is north winds. Beach is NOT for the very young. Vendors for jet ski, parasailing etc are on this beach which can get noisy. Local vendors are on the beach selling everything from jewelry, t shirts, rum etc to ganga.

 

 

More info at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...php?t=1865819; http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/bahamas...land/index.jsp

 

8. Marley Resort.- Cable Beach

Day passes available at"http://bahamasforaday.com/Marley_Nassau_Day_Pass.html

Adult (ages 13+):$60 resort & lunch voucher

Child (ages 6-12): $48 resort & lunch voucher

(no charge for children 5 and under)

Full access to this magnificent "boutique" resort including pools, Cable Beach, chairs, umbrellas, and beach towel. Freshly prepared lunch in our sit down restaurant: Each ADULT receives a $30 food and beverage voucher. Each CHILD receives a $15 food and beverage voucher

 

This is a very relaxing boutique hotel. Although kids are allowed, I have never seen one on the property and I doubt there is much for them to do. Very quiet and Zen property.

 

9. Compass Point - Gambier.

 

Western transportation jitney ($2.50) or cab $32 for 2 ppl

 

http://www.compasspointbeachresort.com/

Don't have the details, but I'm told they do day passes.

 

10. Wyndham - Cable Beach

 

$1.25 for jitney or $18 for 2ppl (cab).

 

Located just next to the Sheraton and has a small beach on the ocean and a nice pool with slide.

DJ plays most days. Large Jacuzzi which is usually full of kids.

 

Day pass is $20 and includes towels, loungers etc.

Bar and Grill on the premises. Swim up pool.

Crystal Palace Casino in in the lobby.

Edited August 4, 2013 by bobsfamily

[momin05]

Bobsfamily, I would like to hear more about the free bus in Nassau at the pier. We have never noticed that and were concerned about my dad making that long walk down the pier when we take a family Fantasy cruise in October. How do you catch the bus?

[jbhcw]

I have lots of nieces/nephews around that age with grandkids not far away and it made me think about that walk with a wee one.

More info than you probably wanted::D

From a Bahamas thread (not me and not from offsite)

Good Job...

I'll add a little "color" and details where I can.

 

High-Level Options:

 

1. Sheraton [Cable Beach]
   
2. British Colonial Hilton (BCH) [Private beach near cruise term]
   
3. Atlantis [Paradise Island]
   
4. Blue Lagoon [Private Island]
   
5. Sandals (adults only) [Cable Beach]
   
6. Breezes (14+ only) [Cable Beach]
   
7. RIU Palace [Cabbage Beach]
   
8. Marley Resort (Cable Beach
   
9. Compass Point (Gambier)
   
10. Wyndham Crystal Palace (Cable Beach)
    

(Map here: http://www.welt-atlas.de/map_of_new_providence_8-823)

 

 

1. Sheraton Day Pass

Transportation: Taxi ($15 each way) or Jitney ($1-2pp; exact change only)

 

2 General Options:

Option A: $99 which includes a room for 2 guests (7am-7pm); +$10pp additional person (up to 2). Can be purchased upon arrival or reserved in advance. Contact (242) 327-6000.

 

Option B: $30pp day pass ($15 for children 4-11). Can

(MUST)

be purchased upon arrival.

 

Option C: $60 day pass with food and 2 non-alcoholic drinks thru

www.bahamasforaday.com

Purchase online only.

 

Includes

: Beach & pool area, towels, beach chairs, non-motorized beach equipment.

Excludes

: Food/drinks.

 

Sheraton is a large resort with a nice sized beach, 3 pools, swim up bar, zero entry and waterfall. It's for those who like an ACTIVE beach. There is some novice snorkeling off the beach near the rocks. Not much to see, but fine for beginners.

Snorkeling gear is included. 1/2 hour per person.

Sheraton is next to the Wyndham and is adjacent to the crystal Palace casino. Guests of the Sheraton may also use the Wyndham property.

 

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/SheratonNassau;

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sherat...ropertyID=3067

 

Note: A number of places offer similar packages with food included

2. British Colonial Hilton Day Pass

Transportation- walking distance from cruise terminal

$60 per person online via Island Marketing (

www.bahamascruiseexcursions.com);

$5 more upon arrival. Kids 12 and under 50% off.

 

Includes

: Beach & pool area, towels, beach chairs, non-motorized beach equipment, $40 food/beverage credit (15-20 for kids).

 

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/HiltonNassau/notes;

http://www.bchiltonnassauhotel.com/

 

British Colonial Hilton is a quiet Business Hotel located in the heart of the city. Small private beach on the Harbor, small private pool. Beach bar with Pool and beach service. This property is for those who enjoy a quiet and relaxing day at the beach. If you need activities or have kids that as noisy and boisterous.. this is not the place. Nice covered chaises, day beds and cabanas.

3. Atlantis

Transportation- varies based on options chosen.

 

Option A

: Aquaventure ~$135-169pp ($80-115 children 4-12)

. Includes:

The Dig & habitats, beaches, water park (slides/pools/etc).

Excludes

: Meals, lockers.

Availability

is first-come, first-served & based on occupancy rates. Guaranteed availability when booked through the ship or through the ship or

www.majestictoursbahamas.com

 

Option B

: Atlantis Beach Day ~$69-95pp ($40-55 children 4-12).

Includes

: Aquarium tour & habitats, beaches.

Excludes

: Water park (slides/pools/etc), meals, lockers.

Availability

is first-come, first-served & based on occupancy rates. Guaranteed availability when booked through the ship or through the ship or

www.majestictoursbahamas.com

 

Option C

: 1-night stay at the Comfort Suites. This gets you the same package as an Aquaventure with the bonus of the room

 

Atlantis is a very busy and very noise venue. During most days the cruise crowds take over the property.

Beach day is for the main beach. You will not have access to the Cove or Paradise Beach or the Lagoon Beach.

 

Atlantis is cashless during the daytime.. so bring a credit card and ID.

 

Lots more discussion over here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...php?t=1560154;

http://www.atlantis.com

4. Blue Lagoon

Transportation- included.

 

Cost is ~$54-69pp (~$42-55pp for children <10) based on direct booking vs. booking on the ship.

 

Includes

: Boat ride, lunch, beaches, towels, chairs, etc; water inflatables & non-motorized watersports.

Excludes

: Other food/drink; no pools here.

 

For more info:

http://www.bahamasbluelagoon.com/beach-day.php

 

Blue Lagoon has two main beaches.. the lagoon which is shallow and has a inflatable park (which is more $$).

and the Ocean side which is pristine and has more wake or current.

Blue Lagoon Island is also the home of the dolphin encounter and sealions. You can book these programs at:

www.dolphinencounters.com

If you book a program, you beach day is free.

5. Sandals (adults only)

Transportation

-

taxi ($15 each way) or Jitney ($1-2pp; exact change only) if you are going on your own.

 

Cost is $110 per person (10am-6pm) upon arrival or pre-booked through Island Routes $150 (877-768-8370;

does

include transportation).

 

Includes

: All-inclusive food/drink/pools/beach/etc.

Excludes

: Hotel room.

 

For more info:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...php?t=1811850;

http://www.sandals.com/main/bahamian/ba-home.cfm‎

6. Breezes (14+ only) 18 and older during spring break

Transportation

-

taxi ($15 each way) or Jitney ($1-2pp; exact change only) if you are going on your own.

 

Cost is $65pp upon arrival; limited availability. You can book it ahead of time through Island Routes $150 (877-768-8370;

does

include transportation).

 

Includes

: All-inclusive food/drink/pools/beach/etc.

Excludes

: Hotel Room.

 

More info at

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...bahamas‎

 

Note: Age restriction increases during Spring Break season

 

This is an older property on a great stretch of beach. Drinks are good, bar food is better than the buffet.

This is a typical spring break type hotel, with loud announcements, games, bingo etc poolside.

No pool or beachside service. Bring a big cup.. they use tiny Dixie cups which you have to keep refilling.

7. RIU PalaceCost is $75 through Island Marketing (www.bahamascruiseexcursions.com) or $100 upon arrival.

 

Includes: All-inclusive food/drink/pools/beach/etc. Excludes: Hotel Room.

 

RIU is located next to the Atlantis on Cabbage Beach. The beach is a public beach. Chaise are provided, but umbrellas must be rented independently ($25). This beach can be very rough during some seasons and if there is north winds. Beach is NOT for the very young. Vendors for jet ski, parasailing etc are on this beach which can get noisy. Local vendors are on the beach selling everything from jewelry, t shirts, rum etc to ganga.

 

 

More info at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...php?t=1865819; http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/bahamas...land/index.jsp

 

8. Marley Resort.- Cable Beach

Day passes available at"http://bahamasforaday.com/Marley_Nassau_Day_Pass.html

Adult (ages 13+):$60 resort & lunch voucher

Child (ages 6-12): $48 resort & lunch voucher

(no charge for children 5 and under)

Full access to this magnificent "boutique" resort including pools, Cable Beach, chairs, umbrellas, and beach towel. Freshly prepared lunch in our sit down restaurant: Each ADULT receives a $30 food and beverage voucher. Each CHILD receives a $15 food and beverage voucher

 

This is a very relaxing boutique hotel. Although kids are allowed, I have never seen one on the property and I doubt there is much for them to do. Very quiet and Zen property.

 

9. Compass Point - Gambier.

 

Western transportation jitney ($2.50) or cab $32 for 2 ppl

 

http://www.compasspointbeachresort.com/

Don't have the details, but I'm told they do day passes.

 

10. Wyndham - Cable Beach

 

$1.25 for jitney or $18 for 2ppl (cab).

 

Located just next to the Sheraton and has a small beach on the ocean and a nice pool with slide.

DJ plays most days. Large Jacuzzi which is usually full of kids.

 

Day pass is $20 and includes towels, loungers etc.

Bar and Grill on the premises. Swim up pool.

Crystal Palace Casino in in the lobby.

 

 

Great info...thanks...going to copy and save:):):)

[bobsfamily]

Bobsfamily, I would like to hear more about the free bus in Nassau at the pier. We have never noticed that and were concerned about my dad making that long walk down the pier when we take a family Fantasy cruise in October. How do you catch the bus?

We noticed it last May by chance. We were coming back and the ship was docked on the last pier. I was dreading the walk when we came out of the tourist building and lo and behold here was a bus that was FREE!!! I ask if anyone could use it and was greeted with a big smile and "I bet you are docked at the end"?.. we boarded and it runs on the edges of the walkway(where you see trash trucks running). I do think they take tips and it is run by the Taxi authority. I have no idea of the timing but once we noticed it I saw it all the time. It does not stop between the ship and entrance(that I saw). Wish I could be of more help. Will be looking for it shortly...

[momin05]

Thanks, bobsfamily. We will look for it. My husband keeps saying it can be a long way just to get off the pier! When you write your review in September I will look for you to let me know if they are still there! Have a great cruise. We can't wait to be on Fantasy again. This will be our third time sailing her.

[NCTribeFan]

I've seen the bus every time I've been in Nassau (which has been fairly frequently the last few years). I don't ride it because I try to get as much exercise as possible when I cruise (and I'm not going to spend time in the gym). Perhaps ask on the Bahamas board for those who have been there very recently.

 

Have been docked at the end of the pier the last three times. It doesn't seem to be THAT far. I enjoy the walk. I like to check out the other ships as I stroll past.

 

In October, DD said she tried - twice - to head down the pier to board Miracle (we've sailed her twice). Except we were on Fantasy. :p Her poor husband was very confused when she insisted that Miracle was the correct ship. Don't think she got quite so far as to actually try to board. :o

 

Did make me rather nostalgic to see "my" Miracle aft cabin.

[bobsfamily]

I've seen the bus every time I've been in Nassau (which has been fairly frequently the last few years). I don't ride it because I try to get as much exercise as possible when I cruise (and I'm not going to spend time in the gym). Perhaps ask on the Bahamas board for those who have been there very recently.

 

Have been docked at the end of the pier the last three times. It doesn't seem to be THAT far. I enjoy the walk. I like to check out the other ships as I stroll past.

 

I have 2 titanium hips and after walking around downtown I get rather sore and can do the walk but the bus was a welcome site!

 

 

The bus is for anyone and very nice for those of us who need a helping hand occasionally.

[momin05]

Right. As I was asking on behalf of my 73 year old dad who can't do a lot of walking.

 

So, I was also curious about disembarkation in Charleston. We have taken Fantasy out of Charleston once before, three years ago, and did self assist. That was fine for me and my husband, but with my seven year old and my parents, I am thinking we would rather not haul our luggage. But we also will not be in a big hurry to get off the ship. If we put our luggage out the night before, do we have to disembark with our zone? Or can we just wait until later during self assist and still pick up our luggage in the terminal?

[bobsfamily]

Right. As I was asking on behalf of my 73 year old dad who can't do a lot of walking.

 

So, I was also curious about disembarkation in Charleston. We have taken Fantasy out of Charleston once before, three years ago, and did self assist. That was fine for me and my husband, but with my seven year old and my parents, I am thinking we would rather not haul our luggage. But we also will not be in a big hurry to get off the ship. If we put our luggage out the night before, do we have to disembark with our zone? Or can we just wait until later during self assist and still pick up our luggage in the terminal?

If you put your luggage out then you have to wait til your zone is called BUT you can go later. With parents, kids, etc. it is best to put the luggage out. One other note, or rather 2... Charleston is the only (for now) port that there is NO announcements for disembarking. There are 2 sets of zones, one for "self-assist" and one for regular. You will find info at the beginning on your room TV and throughout the ship.

[momin05]

Great. As long as we can go later, I am good. I remember Charleston is different from other ports but couldn't exactly remember the difference. I remember the elevators are taken over so you can't get off earlier than you are supposed to. My husband has always complained that the worse part of a cruise is the disembarkation process, but Charleston seemed to have it worked out. We are in no hurry and would rather eat a nice breakfast and wait on the rush. I know I have read they now do silent disembarkation, which I am very happy about. I rememer those announcements starting at 6:30am last time.

 

Thanks so much for the info.

[NCTribeFan]

I love the "silent" disembarkation. Although I get #1 tags, I'm usually not in THAT much of a hurry to leave! It goes very smoothly.

 

Given the limitations at the port, I think they do a great job with both embarkation and disembarkation.

 

What I don't care for, when taking a shuttle or taxi, is the rather long walk from the terminal down to the street. Now THAT feels like a long walk! :p

 

I thought my arm was going to drop off when I was about 2/3 of the way down, and I was following a couple of women who were barely moving. I finally had to ask that they keep right so I could pass or I just wasn't going to make!

 

Since they shuttle us from that area TO the terminal (usually with "just" a carryon), it would be sort of nice if they would also shuttle us back. But then they'd have to have various shuttles with luggage trailers - some heading to the parking and some going only to the street, and that probably would just be too much confusion.

[NCTribeFan]

I love the "silent" disembarkation. Although I get #1 tags, I'm usually not in THAT much of a hurry to leave! It goes very smoothly.

 

Given the limitations at the port, I think they do a great job with both embarkation and disembarkation.

 

What I don't care for, when taking a shuttle or taxi, is the rather long walk from the terminal down to the street. Now THAT feels like a long walk! :p

 

I thought my arm was going to drop off when I was about 2/3 of the way down, and I was following a couple of women who were barely moving. I finally had to ask that they keep right so I could pass or I just wasn't going to make!

 

Since they shuttle us from that area TO the terminal (usually with "just" a carryon), it would be sort of nice if they would also shuttle us back. But then they'd have to have various shuttles with luggage trailers - some heading to the parking and some going only to the street, and that probably would just be too much confusion.

[tip.n.ring]

As a forester, one who grows and harvests timber as a crop I always have to laugh at Carnival when they mention "debarking". To me that is stripping the bark off a tree, not leaving a ship in port.

 

It has to do with the "changing" we are seeing in our language to incur that disembarkation = debarking.

 

Anyway, in Charleston it is very, very pain free.

 

Just keep an eye on the TV to know when you should go. The lower decks go first for self assist; Rivera (4) , Main (5) , Upper (6) , Empress (7) ... I think you get the idea. This is where if you didn't set your bags out the night before and you haul all of them out your door and down the gangway to the drug dogs and customs officals by yourself!

 

If you set your bags out the night before and your number is ## and you see that zone # is called, enjoy another cup of coffee on Lido or another croissant in the Celebration dining room delivered by your waiter and smile, as you are STILL on vacation! :D

[MomPic]

Ok Fantasy fans..... We are ready to book our third cruise on sweet Fantasy...another 7 day next October and need y'all's insight and help. We are thinking of a grand suite. I know they are pricey but tempted to try it at least once. We love room service coffee in the wee hours of the morning so a balcony would be great. I love to read while cruising while DH naps...another reason for the balcony??

Please share your thoughts and ideas. We have stayed in R94 ('05) and E1('13)... Really loved our little porthole room...is it worth paying twice the cost for a suite?? DS and future bride may come along(separate cabin) and it might be nice to have a quiet place for cocktails?

Need info on weather too please as we are leaving October 4, 2014..... I know it's a gamble but give me the lowdown on October...the good, the bad and the ugly...lol

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[bobsfamily]

Ok Fantasy fans..... We are ready to book our third cruise on sweet Fantasy...another 7 day next October and need y'all's insight and help. We are thinking of a grand suite. I know they are pricey but tempted to try it at least once. We love room service coffee in the wee hours of the morning so a balcony would be great. I love to read while cruising while DH naps...another reason for the balcony??

Please share your thoughts and ideas. We have stayed in R94 ('05) and E1('13)... Really loved our little porthole room...is it worth paying twice the cost for a suite?? DS and future bride may come along(separate cabin) and it might be nice to have a quiet place for cocktails?

Need info on weather too please as we are leaving October 4, 2014..... I know it's a gamble but give me the lowdown on October...the good, the bad and the ugly...lol

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We have stayed 3(or 4?) times on Fantasy class ships suites, once in the GS and the rest in the suite located on Verandah. This is my personal experience, but we found the suites (junior suites) on the Verandah deck more to our liking. They do overlook the Lido deck walkway and are visible from that deck... BUT that part of the Lido is rarely used, the Verandah deck is very convenient to the Lido, you have excellent water views. Now the balcony is not very big, but 2 people can use it nicely, the deck is very quiet, only about 40 or so cabins total. Plus usually a good bit cheaper than the GS.

Now the GS does have a big balcony(on some Fantasy class ship that have had added balconies there are "extended" balcony GS), large room, great for a family or 4 to a room. The balcony is "cut" out of the side of the ship so more like the "cove" balconies on the Dream class ships.

 

The weather in Charleston in Oct. can be 80 with sun to 40 with rain and 40 mph rain sideways... We usually have a least one week/weekend that is cold and nasty, with 2-3 weeks of mild 65-75 days and 50-60 evenings. Lots of tourists that are not bound by school schedules (IE no kids) come during Oct. because of the usual great weather.

Have a wonderful cruise! BTW if you get a JS maybe the other couple could afford one also so each have their "own" balcony!

Edited August 10, 2013 by bobsfamily

[MomPic]

Thanks Bobsfamily!! The balcony on the V deck looked too small but the other is so expensive..what to do...what to do?? Does the price of these ever go down!? We were blessed with $425 on our July cruise this year!! If we had stayed away from the watch sale, we would have had nothing to pay on our S&S bill. DH has a love for watches and we both got beautiful Citizen watches.

Anyone have bad weather on the seas or ports? We live in Columbia, SC and October here can be hot, warm or chilly...have learned to dress in layers over the past years since we moved here from NY.

And sailing in October while schools are in session was sounding so nice.....we might even get into the hot tub or pool this time?

Thanks again for your info!!

 

 

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[NCTribeFan]

Sorry about the double post earlier. Not sure how that happened.

 

I don't usually "do" balcony cabins. I just can't justify the price. I try to sail as cheaply as possible. I love having a balcony, but I've found that it was too cool and windy when not in the sun and too blazing hot when in the sun! And honestly, if price were no object, I'd probably be sailing on a more upscale line. Yes, as much as I love Carnival, I mostly love it because I can sail fairly often.

 

Well, I got the really crappy October weather last year during Hurricane Sandy! Before that, I'd only sailed in October from Norfolk - a 2 night CTN on Triumph then Glory to Bermuda. Weather was fine on both of those (too cool on Triumph but was very nice on Glory).

 

This will be my first September cruise and I know the odds of encountering a tropical storm will be higher than October, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

Love the 7-night itinerary. Wish they did it more often. Would like to see them maybe sub Key West for Nassau or Freeport, too.

 

LOL @ tip.n.ring - I absolutely refuse to call it "debarking." I used to show dogs, and debarking was a medical procedure that was done that actually alters a dogs vocal cords to "quiet" the bark. I mean, you don't "bark" when you get on the ship, do you? So why would you debark to get off?? :p

[rrraydon]

IMO, the Fantasy suites are not worth the extra money.. none of them...most especially the Verandah suites. I regretted paying the extra money for this suite. I did love the location though but, I can book an inside cabin up there to get the easy access location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bobsfamily]

Thanks Bobsfamily!! The balcony on the V deck looked too small but the other is so expensive..what to do...what to do??

 

IMO, the Fantasy suites are not worth the extra money.. none of them...most especially the Verandah suites. I regretted paying the extra money for this suite. I did love the location though but, I can book an inside cabin up there to get the easy access location.

 

I agree that the balcony is small but for what we wanted it was great, plus believe it or not the room being recessed from the side seems to give a better view of the ocean... I know it sounds crazy. Again, half of it is the location, I love the Verandah deck. I will agree that for the price of the GS on the Fantasy I just would not pay it, especially if it's just a couple. The one time we did pay for it I got a great deal and it was 4 of us. Being on the upper deck is not as nice as Empress or Verandah and with the cabins cut out of the side they seem like a cave. JMO

Edited August 10, 2013 by bobsfamily

[NCTribeFan]

See, I love my inside, low down cabins.

 

I always, always, always take the stairs. So being as far away from all that yummy food is good for me. I keep telling myself that as I huff and puff up and up and up those flights of stairs over and over and over! :p

 

Convenience to the buffet is not a plus, imho. ;)

 

I usually only gain a pound or two on a 7-night cruise, thanks to the stairs!

 

Won't be long now until I can start checking the 10-day forecast for Charleston for my next cruise!

 

Ha. Just off the phone with DD. Told her that maybe I could come to see her walk in a fashion show on 9/6 (she lives in Greenville, NC) because I was, um, going to be getting off Fantasy in Charleston that morning. Her response was "well, of COURSE you are!!"

[bobsfamily]

Ha. Just off the phone with DD. Told her that maybe I could come to see her walk in a fashion show on 9/6 (she lives in Greenville, NC) because I was, um, going to be getting off Fantasy in Charleston that morning. Her response was "well, of COURSE you are!!"

You are FUNNY! Can't wait to meet you!

[petesweet]

LOL @ tip.n.ring - I absolutely refuse to call it "debarking." I used to show dogs, and debarking was a medical procedure that was done that actually alters a dogs vocal cords to "quiet" the bark. I mean, you don't "bark" when you get on the ship, do you? So why would you debark to get off?? :p

 

Well, I'm glad to see there are three of us in this world.

Kathy

[petesweet]

See, I love my inside, low down cabins.

I always, always, always take the stairs. So being as far away from all that yummy food is good for me. I keep telling myself that as I huff and puff up and up and up those flights of stairs over and over and over! :p

 

Convenience to the buffet is not a plus, imho. ;)

 

Again, we think alike.

Kathy

[rrraydon]

I take the stairs too.

 

But, only down...NEVER up. I am allergic to that!! :D