1st Time Cruisers-Carnival Fantasy out of SC

[saks]

Hi! I have been stalking thses boards for months but I have just registered.

 

I'm planning a cruise out of Charleston SC on the Fantasy in March or April. My DDs-12 & 14-will be going along. I have already figured out that I might need a travel agent do to the huge amount of confussion that I have been facing trying to do it alone!!! Has anyone cruised out of Charleston SC to the Bahamas? Any help, advise or words of wisdom would be greatly appriciated!!!

[cruiser fanatic]

I will tell you that this port is a mess.

[saks]

Really? It's only a few hours drive for us so we were hoping to go out there...

[vivavegas]

Really? It's only a few hours drive for us so we were hoping to go out there...

 

The port is OK. It's temporary as I understand it, they might be building a new one. I cruised out of Charleston last September and aside for a few minor glitches, nothing went wrong. I say go ahead, call Carnival or book on line and have fun.

[sweeks82]

We cruised out of Charleston last July and had a great time. We had stayed at a hotel near the airport and were shuttled to the port. We dropped our luggage off, did a little sightseeing and then took the bus to the cruise terminal. I didn't think it was too bad. Have fun!

[jobell]

The port is confusing, but it is a temporary terminal and they should be breaking ground on the permanent one in 2012. We sailed the Fantasy last month and truly enjoyed it.

 

I have a review and daily updates at the link in my signature.

[All4fun&fun4all]

You will have a wonderful time! There is a picture heavy review in my signature for your viewing pleasure. :D

[Cruise, J.D.]

We are cruising on the Fantasy in July. Don't let some problems with the cruise terminal scare you away. The boarding process is such a minor part of the experience. If Charleston is only a few hours away from you, then it sounds like a wonderful option.

[firefly333]

Hi! I have been stalking thses boards for months but I have just registered.

 

I'm planning a cruise out of Charleston SC on the Fantasy in March or April. My DDs-12 & 14-will be going along. I have already figured out that I might need a travel agent do to the huge amount of confussion that I have been facing trying to do it alone!!! Has anyone cruised out of Charleston SC to the Bahamas? Any help, advise or words of wisdom would be greatly appriciated!!!

 

Im just curious, what would a travel agent do for you that booking direct with Carnival wouldnt do??

 

If you get a TA who isnt a cruise specialist they will know hardly anything more often than not about Carnival and some even dont like booking Carnival.

 

I have a PVP who will answer any and all questions and is a CARNIVAL specialist.

 

If you choose to give up control of your booking, and book ES, from now on you have to get them to process every price drop, you cant submit the form by yourself, even once you figure things out. Before you jump onto a TA, I would think a little more about your choice of TAs.

 

Also, be sure to ask if they have fees, as some have fees, even for handling a price drop or cancellation.

 

Im not against getting a TA, but I doubt they can do anything more for you if you are driving to a port, than booking direct will get you ... unless its one who is discounting their commission behind Carnival's back or giving you some other perks.. other than getting something from a TA, I think unless you have a favorite TA you want to use, you might want to reconsider this.

[maxxdout]

this port is NOT a "mess", as some will quote. From car to lido deck in 45 mintues. Thats good time even for such terminals as port Canavral or Everglades.

[MizzCard]

As a first cruise, you'll absolutely love it. I've cruised 3 x's out of Charleston and it gets better each time. It's definitely different from the other "big" ports. If you're driving down that day, the cost to park at the pier is $75..still better than staying at a hotel (use their parking) and taking a shuttle or taxi to the port.

I recommend booking directly through Carnival. You can check out their excursions or look through the "Ports of Call" thread here on CC for ideas for the Bahamas.

Enjoy!!

[saks]

The port is confusing, but it is a temporary terminal and they should be breaking ground on the permanent one in 2012. We sailed the Fantasy last month and truly enjoyed it.

 

I have a review and daily updates at the link in my signature.

 

 

Loved your blog! The weather has been unseasonably cold here this winter but Charleston is beautiful anyway!

[saks]

You will have a wonderful time! There is a picture heavy review in my signature for your viewing pleasure. :D

 

 

GREAT review!!! Loved it!!! Now I'm even more excited!!! Thank you!:D

[jenwales]

We cruised on the Fantasy from Charleston last June and had a wonderful time. The staff was absolutely fantastic.

 

The problem we (and many others) ran into at the port was that it was pouring the day we sailed and our luggage and all of our possessions were soaked. We spent the first 24 hours competing with other passengers for the clothes dryers. Hopefully they have rearranged things to protect luggage a bit better.

[softball13]

Just got back Monday from the 5 day cruise on Fantasy out of Charleston. Little confusing getting into port and parking, but overall experience was wonderful. .

[jobell]

Loved your blog! The weather has been unseasonably cold here this winter but Charleston is beautiful anyway!

 

Yay! Glad you enjoyed it. As others have said as well, booking directly with Carnival is your best option. The website is very easy to navigate and if you have questions, I'm sure you will find someone on here who is happy to help. :D

[ktinnc]

You'll love the Fantasy and I didn't think boarding/the terminal was any big deal. I just wrote about it on my blog - I have parts 1 and 2 of my cruise posted.....

 

http://www.katiemathews.com/?cat=55

[soon2bmrsspd]

Since you have never cruised before, you also have nothing else to compare this pier/boarding experience too, so you will not know that it is not like the rest. The process is fine. All ports are a little different, as is this one. It will get better, and personally I think it was just fine. I was on the second ever Fantasy cruise out of Charleston, when they were still trying to "figure things out" and I had no compaints except for the wait for the bus to get us from the parking area, as it had to be 100 degree's outside. Honestly at times, any port can be a "mess" so don't let comments about the port stop you, this is a fraction of the process, and the ship is beautiful!

[Cigar Dude]

You'll love Charleston and the Fantasy. We just sailed this cruise in December; see my signature for a write-up.

 

Charleston is building an new terminal. The one they use now is temporary. While it's not great, it'll do. Plus, you won't know the difference since you've never cruised before.

 

I would suggest the 6 day cruise because it includes Key West. We did this one.

 

Anyway, book it and have fun. ;)

[Cruisin'Lovebirds]

We're booked for the special itinerary on the Fantasy, Bermuda in September. We've been on the Inspiration and expect to be happy with the layout of the Fantasy and seeing two new shows. Thanks everyone for detailed reviews on the ship, even if our port will be different!

 

I'm interested in a good hotel, Hampton-ish, where we can leave the car? Thanks.

[Chianti Gal]

Hi, I have cruised out of Charleston twice. It is a temporary situation with the problem being they need a more permanent port ( parking). It is somewhat of a pain in the but getting parked and aslo returning BUT....this is temporary and a minor inconvenience . I was a little annoyed because I didnt know that they port was a lot of twist and turns to get parked but the second time was not as bad. I am booked on a cruise to Bermuda in April and I am not worrying about the parking, like I said it is minor considering I am gonna be relaxing for 6 days once I get on the ship. I actually like the Fantasy...it is a nice ship with a beautiful decor. I have been on 18 cruises ( im 43, so not old) and I find that Carnival keeps improving . Have a positive attitude and the port wont bother you. Take the horse and buggy tour prior to your cruise and learn about the port...that kinda explains the limited space on the water front. I loved the tour and our guide was awesome. I think it is about 15 bucks per person and last an hour, it was well worth the money. Charleston is Beautiful!

[Mikure]

I'm interested in a good hotel' date=' Hampton-ish, where we can leave the car? Thanks.[/quote']

 

We're staying at the Hampton Inn Charleston/Mt. Pleasant-Patriots Point using the "park, stay, and go package." Cruising Feb. 23. We'll get back to you after we return and tell you what we think.

[goldwinger88]

We have sailed on the Triumph, Glory and Fantasy out of Charleston. And are going out again on the Fantasy on May 4, 2011.

 

Plan some extra time for those just in case situations and remember that you are on vacation.

 

Follow these suggestions and you will have a great time

[OhioGramsey]

We stayed at the Hampton Inn Point Pleasant in Nov. before our cruise and it was great. Very friendly and helpful staff and the breakfast was good. Very easy to get to also. We didn't have any trouble at the port the bus driver was pretty funny we were on the Fantasy so quick we barely had time to glance around the terminal.

[walkerccst]

Cruised out of Charleston on the Glory in November of 2010. I have to disagree with many of those who have posted, because think that the Port of Charleston experience was fantastic. It took less than 30 minutes from the time that I was dropped off at the luggage drop, to the time that I boarded the ship. My luggage was delivered within 10 minutes of arriving in my cabin. I think that the Port of Charleston rocks!