Fantasy (11/26-12/2). Happy to answer questions.

[NCmom]

Just off the Thanksgiving sailing of the Fantasy out of Charleston with my parents (in their late 70s), my sister and husband (late 50s) and husband and I (early 50s). No kids with us. Porthole cabins on Rivera deck forward. Will answer any questions I can.

[Scrapenthusiast]

How did you like being in a fwd cabin? We leave on the Fantasy on Sunday and we just took an early saver OBC credit deal and we ended up in a fwd cabin on the Empress deck. I'm just wondering how the motion is?

[NCmom]

we definitely felt more motion than in other ships but it was not a problem. We were very forward (only one cabin in front of us). On docking days we heard lots of noise from the thrusters. It didn't both me since I'm an early riser. Other than that, the cabins were very quiet with almost no foot traffic and hallway noise.

[PathfinderEss]

Did you have a good time - best - worse times?

[Scrapenthusiast]

we definitely felt more motion than in other ships but it was not a problem. We were very forward (only one cabin in front of us). On docking days we heard lots of noise from the thrusters. It didn't both me since I'm an early riser. Other than that, the cabins were very quiet with almost no foot traffic and hallway noise.

 

Thanks! Maybe I'll bring earplugs just in case. I already have my Bonine on deck! lol

[NCmom]

Did you have a good time - best - worse times?

 

That's a hard one to answer. I probably will not sail this ship out of this port again.

 

The good stuff: the staff and food in the Celebration dining room were top-notch. The price we paid for the food, room, etc was good.

 

Not so good: It's very hard to find a place to relax on this ship that isn't in the sun or wind during the day. Every time we were settled down to talk on the promenade area near the casino, we were asked to move to allow space for the photographers to set up backdrops.

 

Bad: the noise level was awful. I wasn't able to enjoy a single music venue because the amplification was over the top. Really, no one on this ship needed any amplification, let alone the volume used. The entertainment options are very limited, not timed reasonably. The layout of the ship is confusing, and the elevators seem to have problems. Not all go to all floors, at least two were stuck on luggage mode the entire trip and were not accessible. One elevator said "going down" when it was going up. The ship is old, and not the best planned. The smoke in and around the casino was unpleasant.

 

Truly ugly: embarkation took over 2.25 hours; disembarkation took over 2 hours. This was not all Carnival's fault. The port personnel and layout was also an issue.

 

This is a perfect cruise to get away, if you love to sunbathe, gamble (and don't mind the smell of smoke) and eat. It was not a good cruise for relaxing while inside or trying to enjoy the view of the waves. I wouldn't recommend this cruise for the winter months since it doesn't appear to have heat, and it can get chilly. I'm glad we did it, and I enjoyed my family time.

[snyderc635]

We were on this cruise as well. I agree that there were issues with embarkation and disembarkation. The port needs an update. The weather was great and I spent my time in the sun. I had a great time. The live musicians were so talented, particularly Roger in the piano bar and Luke who performed in various venues.

Edited December 4, 2014 by snyderc635

[Fishtales6]

Does anyone have the most current fun times?

[licush1955]

A little confused on this one

Is there a dress code night ie suit or sport jacket required

Thanks

[tami61860]

Just off the Thanksgiving sailing of the Fantasy out of Charleston with my parents (in their late 70s), my sister and husband (late 50s) and husband and I (early 50s). No kids with us. Porthole cabins on Rivera deck forward. Will answer any questions I can.

 

Please tell me about Formal night attire. I have cruised Royal Caribbean, but this is my first Carnival cruise. We are going with a family and friends group! What kind of dress did you notice in the dinning rooms on formal nights? thanks so much!

[Sunshine930]

How was the weather? We are thinking about booking the November 28th cruise for this year but worried it will be cold. Did you have any rain or problems at ports?

[THISANGELOF2]

Looking to cruise 1st time in Carnival, used all the rest. both in 50's, want to go inside or upgrade to porthole in front of ship. Wondering if it is worth an extra $200 pp for port at their private island. Seems a bit high to go to their island vs. nassau or freeport with visa versa. $339ppdo vs. $539ppdo for a weeks diff in departure date. what do you think? we will only do beach and snorkel, bubble dive, maybe deep fish. Lazy 20th anniv.