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Taking my Dad on his "bucket" cruise on the Fantasy... suggestions?

MtnBikerFallDown

By MtnBikerFallDown,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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MtnBikerFallDown

MtnBikerFallDown

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What a wonderful way to be! That is exactly how I would hope to be when my time comes.

 

You are a good daughter to honor his wishes and be happy for him.

 

Kevin C

 

He's an amazing man (I might be biased, though :p). And, he's really hanging in there with such a great attitude. Be it a good day or a bad day.

 

A note to everyone:

THANK YOU!! I can't tell you what a huge help this board (and especially this thread) has been. I have gotten with John Heald (who was unbelievably kind... he said such nice things), and he's going to have Dad a "surprise" in his cabin. I can't wait. Dad just delights in kindness, so this will blow his mind.

I also go with the wonderful folks who deal with special needs at Carnival. They've got it set so I can go with him as his "pusher" even though I'm not in his cabin and certainly not in a suite, LOL. They also arranged for a few extra things in his room to make it easier for him, without me even asking. SO NICE!!!

Last but not least, I close with a funny. Dad has a cataract that they can't do surgery on because of his clotting disorders. His hematologist advised him that the bright sun in the Bahamas could cause it to get worse. He advised Dad to keep an eyepatch over the eye in the sun. Dad called me and said, "I'm gettin' a pirate hat and puttin' a Jolly Roger on the wheelchair!!!" Rudy the Pirate, sailing Tuesday to a beach near you!!! :D:D:D

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maggiemouse

maggiemouse

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He's an amazing man (I might be biased, though :p). And, he's really hanging in there with such a great attitude. Be it a good day or a bad day.

 

A note to everyone:

THANK YOU!! I can't tell you what a huge help this board (and especially this thread) has been. I have gotten with John Heald (who was unbelievably kind... he said such nice things), and he's going to have Dad a "surprise" in his cabin. I can't wait. Dad just delights in kindness, so this will blow his mind.

I also go with the wonderful folks who deal with special needs at Carnival. They've got it set so I can go with him as his "pusher" even though I'm not in his cabin and certainly not in a suite, LOL. They also arranged for a few extra things in his room to make it easier for him, without me even asking. SO NICE!!!

Last but not least, I close with a funny. Dad has a cataract that they can't do surgery on because of his clotting disorders. His hematologist advised him that the bright sun in the Bahamas could cause it to get worse. He advised Dad to keep an eyepatch over the eye in the sun. Dad called me and said, "I'm gettin' a pirate hat and puttin' a Jolly Roger on the wheelchair!!!" Rudy the Pirate, sailing Tuesday to a beach near you!!! :D:D:D

So glad John Herald is doing extras for him. My allergies are acting up too!

Be sure to update us when you get back. Maybe post some pictures if he doesn't mind

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petesweet

petesweet

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Last but not least, I close with a funny. Dad has a cataract that they can't do surgery on because of his clotting disorders. His hematologist advised him that the bright sun in the Bahamas could cause it to get worse. He advised Dad to keep an eyepatch over the eye in the sun. Dad called me and said, "I'm gettin' a pirate hat and puttin' a Jolly Roger on the wheelchair!!!" Rudy the Pirate, sailing Tuesday to a beach near you!!! :D:D:D

OK - I officially LOVE your dad!

My DH also has numerous eye problems that make it impossible for him to have his much-needed cataract surgery, so we can relate to your dad's problem in that way as well.

Happy sails!:)

Kathy

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Poomah

Poomah

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The Fantasy was our very first ship. We sailed in celebration of our 25th anniversary 13 years ago and have been sailing ever since. You will love the ship as she has a smaller footprint and more intimate feeling about her. She is fairly easy to get around. I see where she has been outfitted with the new Serenity area - I highly recommend this peaceful oasis for you and your dad. We have totally enjoyed it on other ships we've been on.

 

Be sure to pack a throw blanket for your Dad (I bring a small fleecy one) - I know the ship provides nice heavy towels that could serve the same purpose but you will be able to keep the throw and wrap yourself in it to relive the memories.

 

Others have pretty much covered everything else. Blessings to you and your family. Such a priceless gift to be able to spend this time with your Dad - he sounds like an amazing man who helped raise an amazing daughter. Live, laugh and above all love. Safe travels.

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minnesotamamafish

minnesotamamafish

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I would like to suggest you buy the dvd at the end of the cruise (assuming they have one.) It will give you another way to relive the cruise, wether you're on the video or not.

Also, I hope you will do a special family picture on elegant night. You can purchase it to frame for your wall.

I am so happy for you all! Happy sails!

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mek

mek

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DH and I just returned from the Fantasy on Sat. He uses a transport chair and we took the water taxi over to Atlantis and he didn't have any issues on the boat or at the resort. Lots to see over there and he would probably enjoy the casino.

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MtnBikerFallDown

MtnBikerFallDown

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DH and I just returned from the Fantasy on Sat. He uses a transport chair and we took the water taxi over to Atlantis and he didn't have any issues on the boat or at the resort. Lots to see over there and he would probably enjoy the casino.

 

I had wondered about the water taxi. That is awesome. He loves the water, so the water taxi will be more fun for him!

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mek

mek

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I had wondered about the water taxi. That is awesome. He loves the water, so the water taxi will be more fun for him!

 

If you go there are two ways to get into the resort with a wheelchai when you get off the water taxi.

 

#1 - go up to the main traffic light, go directly across the intersection and then cross again to the right so you are walking on the sidewalk on the left side of the road. Not far ahead is the entrance to a very pretty shopping street that is much nicer than the main street in Nassau. You can go all the way to the end where you will see the bottom of the resort. There is a long hallway where an elevator is located at the end. this will take you up to the main level of the resort - lots of people to ask for directions along the way if you get lost.

 

# 2 follow the directions above but don't quite go to the end of the shopping area. You will notice a walkway that goes up a slight incline to the street and from there you can see the main entrance to the resort.

You will have to go up another incline to the main entrance, so if pushing you dad is a problem, # 1 is easier, just a lot more turns, hallways, and elevators.

 

I think he would really enjoy the water taxi and Atlantis. For $40 pp you can also see the beautiful aquarium, and the areas around the resort that are off limits to the general public. The pickup point for the taxi is right in front of the new Straw Market area. Just walk along the sidewalk by the harbor and you will see the boats. There are also glass bottom boat rides available there also. The little shopping area has quite a few places to grab a bite to eat, so you could really make a day of this and have a very relaxing, tropical day without all of the noise and crowd of downtown. Oh, and I forgot to mention, some of the most spectacular yachts are docked right along walk through the shopping area - you can see then up close. Have fun!

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MtnBikerFallDown

MtnBikerFallDown

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Awesome cruise!!! We got in late yesterday after a CRAZY last night at sea. Several times we almost got thrown out of our bed (we were in the FAR aft), and I never get seasick... or not until Saturday night. Ick. But, even with that, what a WONDERFUL cruise!

I have a ton of pictures that I am sorting through, so I'll have a review up in a couple of days, but I just HAD to stop and tell you how wonderful it was.

Carnival bent over backwards helping us with Dad. Every time we took him off the ship, they took his wheelchair out for us, so it'd be a "smooth" ride, versus me going at a full run to get him up the incline!! The photographers got some of the BEST pictures we've ever had made. One of him and my mom actually made me burst into tears it was so sweet. I cannot wait to share!!!!

Like I said, this is just a quick post to tell you how WONDERFUL the cruise was. Hopefully I'll get stuff straightened out tonight and have time to do a post that does this wonderful time justice!

Thanks again to EVERYONE for all the wonderful ideas, thoughts, well-wishes and prayers. This is a trip that will always be a fond memory!!!!

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MtnBikerFallDown

MtnBikerFallDown

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I am uploading my 370 pictures to shutterfly as we speak! Then, I will make my first attempt at a review EVER on here. It went so great. Can't wait to show y'all some of the funny pictures. Highlights include my mother attempting to use my camera and the resulting picture, my Dad with a lime slice smile, and a picture of my husband with the "you must be this tall" sign at Senor Frogs. Too funny!

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bobsfamily

bobsfamily

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I am uploading my 370 pictures to shutterfly as we speak! Then, I will make my first attempt at a review EVER on here. It went so great. Can't wait to show y'all some of the funny pictures. Highlights include my mother attempting to use my camera and the resulting picture, my Dad with a lime slice smile, and a picture of my husband with the "you must be this tall" sign at Senor Frogs. Too funny!

I am so happy you were able to spend this time with your father (and family). Something to cherish... Hope you had fun in Charleston prior to the cruise. The Fantasy is a favorite of ours (although our recent cruise on the Dream is up there) and with it being out of Charleston just makes it better.

Look forward to your review (and pics).

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