Fantasy from Charleston = unrefined, uncivilized

[Gustavas]

As a non-Carnival veteran cruiser, I had never stepped foot on a Carnival vessel. Those who know me well know I never travel on Carnival. Sure, I know about the product, who doesn't, but actually trying one was the result of a lost bet. Yes, I lost a bet with a friend who was going on a cruise; this cruise. My penalty as the looser was to actually go with him on this voyage. Again, for those who know me, this was a horrible price to pay. Since I honor my bets, I reluctantly purchased my own room at the last minute. Not much was left at the late date (3 weeks) so I settled for what was available, at minimum a window view. I set my expectations at an all time rock bottom. Most of my closest associates, friends and family were laughing at me on this one and rightly so.

 

PORTS

I have been to Nassau, Bahamas and Freeport scores of times so I wont comment on these ports other than to say that they are common ports. The island truck-stop of lower end cruises. Atlantis is an overblown, overrated place and I've never understood the attraction of visiting an island to see a modern hotel. Charleston's port needs work. It is not cruise friendly. When we returned, it was a cold raining day and the dirt floor area of the limo pick-up was under a plastic tent in a sea of mud because it was not paved. Rolling luggage a mess.

 

THE SHIP

The Fantasy is pushing 22 years old. It is old style glitzy like a cheap Vegas hotel not on the strip. Combine this with remodeled tacky and the faux cheesy, the flawed and the poorly designed and worn and you have an unattractive, out of date, out of vogue vessel with 10,000 coats of paint over rust and new carpet. The traditional promenade deck space is narrow. I've been on much older (and much grander) ships that put this one to shame. Passengers on this cruise weren't the least bit interested in the "ship" and knew little about cruising.

 

CARNIVAL

I must say, in deepest sincerity and humility, that this class of ship or cruise line is not for me. This review may be cruel to some but it is my review and the opinion of but one. I have always held a long standing and deep seated disdain for Carnival because of what their product and culture has done to the once glorious cruise world over the years. Their culture is a corporate buy-out culture and they have reduced many a great line to clones of their disrespect. However, it was not until this cruise that I fully understood the depth and the magnitude of why I stay so passionately far away from this line.

 

APPEAL

I had no idea how common, common could be. This was, without a shadow of a doubt, the lowest of the low in all cruise-dom for me. It is unquestionably a cruise for the very budget minded and while there is nothing wrong with a budget, other than it being a low budget; it does attract a certain element that I find unpleasant. At the Captain's cocktail party or whatever they called it on this particular ship, there were dollar off cocktails. A first. Most Captain's parties give at least one glass of something, even if it's cheap.

 

FELLOW PASSENGERS

Yes, it is Carnival and it is a "Fun Ship" only if this is one's idea of fun. Clearly it attracts the very rowdy, the wild, the uncivilized, the loud mouthed and tacky, the common, the foul mouthed, the buffet gluttons, the meat and three crowds, the uneducated, the untraveled and the ultra-budget vacationer. I saw families of four crammed into rooms that were the size of my bedroom closet. Most passengers looked like they shopped at either Ghetto-Fabulous or Bubba's Second Hand-Me-Down store. There were tattooed people galore; many with offensive body piercings. There were loads of thug-types wearing do-rags with sagging pants. Then there was the buffet crowd. Some half naked women were the size of Buicks and proud of it. Their significant others looked like they just got out of the county jail that morning. They had the nerve to be arrogant and abusive. Some of the most uncouth passengers I have ever seen at sea and I've been cruising the world since 1976. A ship employee told me the previous week was far worse. I can't imagine.

 

STATEROOM

The stateroom was a little dusty, smudged windows and obviously rarely fully cleaned. The air is on constant freezing mode with no thermostat control. This must be for those always hot I suppose. The TV is simple with limited channels compared to other lines. The staff, while smiling and friendly, are not going to go much beyond that. For an old ship, the room was ample for one person, but only ample. The bed and bedding was comfortable and the location was fine even though I was below the strength deck which I never am. It is an extremely smoking friendly ship because you can smoke just about anywhere save the dining room. Well over 50% were smokers.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

The theater revues and shows are very good and extremely well done. The late night comedy is typical, vulgar and cheap. No major talent there. The amateur night is pure torture from popular to right wing religious. Plenty affection and support for the patriotic (a la southern style). Casino was average. No club or lounge was not loud with either electric guitars, rock or boom-box venues.

 

RELAXATION

There was no peace, no quiet, no solitude anywhere on board other than in my stateroom at night, if I was lucky. That Serenity relaxation deck is a joke. It is neither serene nor relaxing. Go for morning coffee ? You are met with blasting Reggae first thing in the morning. Loud, loud, loud. If you're looking for string quartets or Chopin piano forget it. That music is non existent. Fantasy doesn't believe in peace and quiet anywhere. They believe in selling, not sailing. It is a flea-market of sales and marketing. A blitz of drink pushing and picture taking. A relentless vacuum of cash. A floating cash cow complete with yelling drunk crowds, packs of teens running around everywhere at all hours through halls and a general frat-house atmosphere. The worn-out cruise director, asked passengers to remember that we were young once and to look past this inconvenience.

 

FOOD, DINING, BUFFETS

Dining is low grade. The dining room decor deceives. It looks almost old world for a second, considering the two decade old design, but the menus and the presentations are pedestrian and lack creativity. The food quality is poor; very poor. The beef they serve is as tough and "choice" as mass buying power can muster. No prime cuts here. The vegetables are the same regardless of the entree. They had lobster on night two, but that was the only highlight other than greasy escargot. The soups are surprisingly excellent but the rest of the courses are below average, simple and uncreative. The desserts are as boring as they are cheap. The wait staff is average and are not going out of their way to impress. One waiter told a guest, it's too late to ask for a second dish of ice cream at lunch. "You should have asked earlier." he said with a smirk. A tiny sushi stand is limited pre-prepared rolls only, no special creations. The waiters lack clarity in their English skills. Though they try hard to communicate while attempting to make up for what is basically a bad product (by replacing dishes with other selections) there is only so much they can do. Plenty of Cowboy hats, Baseball caps, Nascar caps and vulgar t-shirts.

 

There is no escape from this room other than the cafeteria buffet which is similar to any cheap land based cafeteria. There is no specialty restaurant, nothing is gourmet and I doubt many on board would appreciate it or pay more for it. There are no formal nights and no formal wine stewards and the wine selection is abysmal. This is the worst food yet. If fine dining and five star service is your love, as it is mine, then you are "lost at sea" for 5 days. Forget it. Buffets at lunch were hamburgers, hot dogs, pizzas and tacos along with various salads and cold cuts. Breakfast benine but breakfast is breakfast and if you seek hard enough, there is actually an omlette station which they seem to keep a secret.

 

In my dining room (one of two) the nightly nonsense of Gabriel, the much celebrated restaurant Maitre D, was not something I am accustomed to on lines I usually travel. Gabriel's regularly scheduled interruption of the main course with his boisterous microphone "HELLOOOOOOOoo" His hip-hop music, dancing, lights being turned out to blaring club music and his endless demanding of responses via audience participation was disgusting and was sure to ruin an already unpalatable dinner. Gabriel may be a clown in the dining room but in person he was rather cold and rude when attempting to make pleasant conversation while trying to get a table seating change on boarding day. I did not find him amusing in the least.

 

CONCLUSION

Usually I am sad as a cruise draws to it's close even after years of sailing, transatlantic crossings and cruises. Not this time. I rejoiced it was history when we docked. After reflecting later in the week I realized that my typical cruises normally cost 8-10 times more than this cruise cost. The end result ? You get what you pay for. It goes without say that I will never place such a wager again. This cruise is now over, but never forgotten. What I experienced was nothing short of an uncultured, uncivilized and unrefined five days with passengers who seemed right at home with this style of cruising. If you scramble the name "FANTASY" it can spell F.Y. SATAN.

[PaulMedik]

.............Sure, I know about the product, who doesn't...........

 

 

 

 

Gustavas,

 

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. In my opinion, you are that person who doesn't know the product.

 

I don't know you, don't want to know you, and look forward to never sailing with you.

[*Mach*]

I'm sorry that you found Carnival to be such an inferior product. I hope that you enjoy your future cruises on X and Oceania.

I'm surprised that your voyage on Majesty of the Seas met with your approval. Nearly every cruise travel writer in existence has ranked Carnival's food as the best of any mass market cruise line.

:)

[PaulMedik]

...........

 

I'm surprised that your voyage on Majesty of the Seas met with your approval. ..........

:)

 

 

 

Mach,

 

Wondered about that too. We almost experienced her, but luckily read a review here first.

[salty dingo]

I can relate to the comments about fellow passengers. However, the OP gives the impression that all the passengers were uncivilized.

 

I'd say maybe 15% of the passengers I have seen would fall into the category the OP described. Maybe the OP is used to a cruise where 0% of the passengers are that way?

 

You see all types of people every day in the real world. Why have it any different on a cruise? It is a floating city after all. And there are all types of people in a city.

[KenMo]

As well traveled and cultured as you claim to be, I'm surprised you even have a friend who would book this cruise.

 

At any rate, I agree with you about the Bahamas but not much else.

 

I did enjoy the read though!

[PaulMedik]

..............

 

I'm surprised that your voyage on Majesty of the Seas met with your approval. .......

 

 

 

Mach,

 

Found his review of Majesty of the Seas;

 

Just back from Majesty of the Seas (3 day)

11/23/07 SAILING FROM MIAMI

 

In a word, wonderful. I've been cruising all my life and am considered, by many, to be a real snob when it comes to cruise ships.

 

I also read his reviews and comments about Celebrity, HAL, Oceana and some others. It seems he didn't like any of his previous cruises other than Majesty of the Seas....

 

Some folks just like being unhappy or putting others down I guess.

[PaulMedik]

..........I'm surprised you even have a friend who would book this cruise.

 

............

 

 

 

KenMo,

 

If I had a friend like that (and I don't) I would try my best to get him onboard. He has to be a blast just to listen to. :D

[Carnival Platinum Cruiser]

Thanks for a good laugh. Obviously you have much higher standards which is fine in my book. Yes you get what you pay for as in most products these days. While I agree with some of your points you must consider CCL is very entry level cruising and models its business model in that mold. It is not Silver Sea, Regent or the like then again it only costs a fraction of those cruiselines to sail on its ships.

 

My only conclusion is that you would not even agree with many who say CCL is the walmart of cruising. By your review I think it would be more accurate to say you would consider CCL to be the Nassau straw market of cruising.

LOL

[hallmarkk]

now that was an entertaining review, I know that there are people who are very difficult to please, and I believe this is one of them and thats ok, they are not my family or friend and thats ok, I really feel sorry for you, I do hope you never have to cruise again on such an awful cruise line, I myself love life whatever comes my way and cannot wait to sit my happy a.... on any cruise boat, soak up the sun drink in my hand, oh I can't wait!!!!

[bguppies]

I can relate to the comments about fellow passengers. However, the OP gives the impression that all the passengers were uncivilized.

 

I'd say maybe 15% of the passengers I have seen would fall into the category the OP described. Maybe the OP is used to a cruise where 0% of the passengers are that way?

 

You see all types of people every day in the real world. Why have it any different on a cruise? It is a floating city after all. And there are all types of people in a city.

 

This OP massively exagerated every single aspect in his review....

 

I'm with you on the 15% "white trash/ghetto" passengers on any sailing.

Not the 100% this guy says he saw. (Maybe on a Gangsta Rap or Larry the Cable Guy cruise)

 

Does anyone seriously think 50% of the passengers were smoking on this or any Carnival cruise. (I doubt we have ever experienced 25% on any ofour 10 cruises thus far....and DW used to smoke and I enjoy cigars, so we go looking for other smokers)

 

Hey, he was massive unhappy with his cruise.

(maybe the cabin stewards should have offered to wipe for him after a trip to the bathroom. Clearly, he is too good to do it himself.)

 

He can happily take his raised nose and attitude and be some other cruiseline's bad review.

 

Leave Carnival for those who appreciate a good, bargain cruise.

 

Bill

[MistyRo76]

Clearly it attracts the very rowdy, the wild, the uncivilized, the loud mouthed and tacky, the common, the foul mouthed, the buffet gluttons, the meat and three crowds, the uneducated, the untraveled and the ultra-budget vacationer. I saw families of four crammed into rooms that were the size of my bedroom closet. Most passengers looked like they shopped at either Ghetto-Fabulous or Bubba's Second Hand-Me-Down store. There were tattooed people galore; many with offensive body piercings. There were loads of thug-types wearing do-rags with sagging pants. Then there was the buffet crowd. Some half naked women were the size of Buicks and proud of it. Their significant others looked like they just got out of the county jail that morning. They had the nerve to be arrogant and abusive. Some of the most uncouth passengers I have ever seen at sea and I've been cruising the world since 1976. A ship employee told me the previous week was far worse. I can't imagine.

 

What I would classify as uncivilized and tacky are the rude, short-sighted, and abusive generalizations that you make about people that you don't even know! Some of your comments are borderline racist and at the very least so stereotypical! While Carnival may not be your cup of very high end tea, many of the rest of us have had nothing but great experiences on Carnival. Maybe there is no Chopin to be found, but there are good, entertaining options for many different tastes. I hope that you stick to what suits you better in the future so i don't have to worry about having to put up with your offensiveness on my future cruises!

[nytraveller53]

For an old ship, the room was ample for one person

Hmm. I wonder why the OP wasn't cruising with anyone else?

[Kel040]

to the OP - " Well La Dee Da !! "

 

The way you decribe uzz Carnival Cruisers, I am surprised you would take the time and effort to post your experience and assume uzz, common folk are even able to read !!! DANG !! :p

[turbo321]

Clearly it attracts the very rowdy, the wild, the uncivilized, the loud mouthed and tacky, the common, the foul mouthed, the buffet gluttons, the meat and three crowds, the uneducated, the untraveled and the ultra-budget vacationer. I[/font]

 

Hey a reviews just a review but a person is a person and I would much rather meet any of the above in your mind than actually meet you. Please learn how to be happy and love life instead of 'disdain" all. Have fun bashing other Im sure it the only way you can make yourself look good.

[goattyer60]

I am suprised you found the S.S Norway superior to ANY Carnival Ship. I sailed on it and it was by far the worst cruise ever. I also watched from a Carnival ship as it exploded in port on it's last voyage. I will be sailing next week on my 17th Carnival cruise hopefully without someone like you.

[AWCHIEF]

Gus: Congratulations! You are officially on the top of my most entertaining members/reviewers list on CC. Please make another cruise soon as I am eagerly awaiting your next fantasy (review). :eek:

[ib4cruzn]

Thanks for your review.

[nytraveller53]

Something about this OP is a little "off".

[kew1031]

I just HAD to look at his profile and previous posts.

Our dear friend, Gus, has a whopping 35 posts on the CC boards, and every one of them comes across just as arrogant and insufferable as this one.

As it has been previously stated, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Lord knows we all have them, and many have been posted here.

All I can think of as a response to him at this point is, "Bless your heart, sugar, and have a nice day!":D:rolleyes:

[pnjkeith]

Gustavas, that was a GREAT review. Sounds like you were on the Redneck to hell cruise. For more fun, come to Galveston and try the Conquest!!:D LMAO

[ferfoodle]

Yep - if I ever sail with the OP, I hope my cabin is in steerage: down where the grapes aren't sour and the fun is had.

[angiegal]

Most people don't get upset if you can something negative about Carnival- ok, I'll say it this way just to be safe: I don't get upset if you say something negative about Carnival, but it is offensive if someone assumes that because I am on a Carnival cruise I am uneducated, poor, etc. Are there good and bad things about Carnival? Absolutely! I, personally, am not a fan of the lobster. But I live in New England, so.... :cool:

[htkodiak]

Just sayin' but this guy must go from forum to forum trying to get a reaction and he has obviously accomplished that here.Just sayin' though.

[wagboss]

I thought you could leave the ship at the first port of call if you were unhappy? If it was that bad why did he stay? He should have took his black amex and GONE HOME!!