Fantasy ship review needed

[rlkubi]

We are a group of 5 couples and are considering booking the 7 day Fantasy out of Charleston next year. We haven't been on that ship and new port. What are your thoughts on this ship/port? Since we fly we don't do less then 7 day cruises.

 

Thanks for your help!!!!!

[oldstylecubfan]

I see the fantasy cruises as more of a cruise for people in southeast for an easy getaway. Charleston isn't exactly a hub or hotbed of cheap/easy flights. Its one of the oldest ships, it has waterworks but lacks a lot of the 2.0 upgrades. 90% of the itineraries are less than ideal ports of Freeport and Nassau. That said, I enjoy her. I've been on it twice and going again in March but for me it's any 4 hour drive. It works out to be a cheap and easy getaway.

 

If I was flying to a port, I'm not sure I would ever consider a Fantasy class ship unless the itinerary or price made it attractive.

Edited January 14, 2015 by oldstylecubfan

[dulcimergirl]

I've been on Fantasy almost 8 times. I like that its a quick drive to the port from my home. If I had to fly, I would choose a more southern port. I would also pick a Caribbean destination, instead of Bahama's.

I prefer a Spirit class or larger, not thrilled with Fantasy class's layout.

I have never done a 7 day Fantasy cruise, if I'm doing a 7 day, I will drive to Florida.

Good luck, Fantasy is a great ship, with an excellent crew. Some must do's, are,

Chef's table and the wonderful

Behind the Fun tour

 

Charleston is a beautiful city to explore, don't forget Patriots Point.

Edited January 14, 2015 by dulcimergirl

[scooterpopsnana]

We are a group of 5 couples and are considering booking the 7 day Fantasy out of Charleston next year. We haven't been on that ship and new port. What are your thoughts on this ship/port? Since we fly we don't do less then 7 day cruises.

 

Thanks for your help!!!!!

 

If you enjoy the intimacy of the Fantasy Class ships, you will like the Fantasy.

She is the oldest in the fleet, but well maintained.

There is not the newer food venues like the more modern ships, but the food is good.

The waterworks and serenity areas are nice.

The port and pier area are somewhat confusing to maneuver. Parking is in an old warehouse and costs $19 per day, but there are a lot of park, shuttle and cruise packages available.

They are now some 7 day cruises that include Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Half Moon Cay.

And, Charleston is a great city to plan to tour while you are there.

There are a couple of good reviews, with pictures, on here, if you wan to search for them.

[LPGA Golfer Gal]

We enjoy the Fantasy. Been on her 3 times, most recently over New Years eve. Love the crew and a great ship. However, we drive to the port and it is convenient for us. If I were flying I would agree with previous poster, try a newer ship with a few more options of activities, ports and pricing.

[Cruise, J.D.]

We are a group of 5 couples and are considering booking the 7 day Fantasy out of Charleston next year. We haven't been on that ship and new port. What are your thoughts on this ship/port? Since we fly we don't do less then 7 day cruises.

 

Thanks for your help!!!!!

 

I've done the Fantasy 7-day itinerary from Charleston twice. We love Charleston and HMC so it is a good combination. I would strongly recommend building in a few days to explore Charleston. It has a lot to offer, from great food to history to beaches.

 

I also enjoy the Fantasy class ships and like them better than the Conquest class. I just find it easier to get around the ship and feel very comfortable on them. The Fantasy is showing some age, but nothing that detracts from the experience.

[rlkubi]

This is a 7 day to HMC, Grand Turk and Amber Cove. We love HMC and Grand Turk and Amber Cove is new. I wouldn't go for the Bahamas but I do like these destinations. I'm finding Charleston isn't that easy to fly into though.

[JustMeandeveryoneelse]

Search for allforfunandfunforall member Fantasy reviews....she does a great job on her Fantasy reviews. Gives lots a details, etc.

 

We live in Charleston and drive to Jacksonville, FL (4 hour drive for us) to hop on the Fascination for 5 day cruises. I believe the Fascination is a fantasy class ship. Anyway, my experience has been that the prices for the Fascination (even taking into consideration parking and driving) are much less than the Fantasy....and besides, I don't want to go to Freeport.

 

I really like the layout of the fantasy class ships. We have sailed the Dream a couple of times and the Glory once and we personally prefer the smaller ships.

 

Have fun on your cruise!

[Boris-n-Natasha]

We have sailed on her twice and the Fantasy will always have a special place in our hearts. Here is a link to a review with a few pics from a year ago.

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2020612

[A&Jfamily]

We sailed her and tried an ocean view, since the only balcony rooms are suites and this was a last minute cheap spring break get away. We figured that because it was March, we wouldn't have been on the balcony much the first day and a half and the way on the way back. We were right, and the weather was pretty cool...if people we around the pool, they were bundled up.

 

That posed two problems for us: 1) we couldn't find a private spot for quiet time; the room only had a bed and a chair and thus no place to sit and watch a movie etc. and 2) it made for a lot more people inside the ship on sea days, so it felt more crowded.

 

So, we have decided that we are firmly balcony people, cool weather or not (we spent hours on our balcony in Alaska this past May). And thus, would not be sailing her again, unless they do like the Fascination and other sister ships and add balconies.

 

But, all in all being the oldest ship, she is still in good shape and we got the same enjoyable food and pleasant service we have always received from Carnival.

 

If the balcony thing isn't an issue for you, and you are traveling when the weather is warmer, then I say give her a try!

[rlkubi]

It would be in early February so what is the weather like in SC then?

[rlkubi]

The other cruise we are considering was the Glory out of Miami. So I'm feeling most would pick the Glory? Some of us have cruised the Glory and liked it but would like to do something different then Miami.

 

Comments?

[Suenos del mar]

I was booked on the Glory but I switched over to the Fantasy. I'm inexperienced, I just went on my first cruise on the fantasy in September, but I think it's a great ship. The food and the service was outstanding. I'm going on the October 11th sailing and can't wait to see her again!

 

 

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[Suenos del mar]

Op, I should have added that it's only a 3 hour drive for me to Charleston...since you are flying in that does put a different spin on things. 😊

 

 

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[SNJCruisers]

The other cruise we are considering was the Glory out of Miami. So I'm feeling most would pick the Glory? Some of us have cruised the Glory and liked it but would like to do something different then Miami.

 

Comments?

If you are leaning towards the Glory, pick the 2/2/16 sailing. 11 nights, starting in San Juan and stopping in St Croix, St Maarten, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Curacao, ends in Miami.

Choice 2 is the front end, 1/14/16 for 10 nights starting in Miami and going to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Antigua, Martinique, St Lucia, St Kitts, St Thomas and ending in San Juan.

Choice 3 is the Dream, 11 nights on 1/3/16...starting in New Orleans and going to Grand Turk, Aruba, Bonaire, St Kitts, Antigua, St Maarten and ending in San Juan.

Choice 4 is the back end starting in San Juan on 1/14/16 for 10 nights, stopping in St Thomas, Dominica, St Kitts, Grand Turk, Falmouth and ending in New Orleans.

If all of these are too long, pick any of the 8 night Southern Caribbean sailings out of Miami on the Breeze that stop in Aruba and Curacao. Best of luck with your decision. Edit...just saw your post about early February preference. My top choice would still be in play, and there would be an 8 day 2/13/16 sailing of the Breeze as well.

Edited January 15, 2015 by SNJCruisers

[Sunny519]

I am scheduled to go on a Fantasy on feb 7 2015 it is a far ride for me but the price was great. I have booked a few clients recently on the Breeze and the reviews are fantastic! Visit dawnboraski.cruisesinc.com and see the different deals going on. I think the fantasy is great if you like a smaller ship, but traveling with five other couples I think a ship with updated bars and restaurants would be a better choice. If you want any prices you can visit my website or look for me on FB as well cruises inc DAwn Boraski.

Edited January 15, 2015 by Sunny519

[rlkubi]

I would definitely do the longer cruise but I want to save vacation time to book something on The Vista hopefully in Europe. That is why we are looking for a 7 day.

[etwright]

Just got off the Fantasy for our New Years cruise also. Loved the ship, crew and everything about her. Even though the oldest ship, very well maintained and never would have known it was the oldest. Would cruise on her again. Can't say much about the port terminal because we had a "hookup and were escorted into the VIP entrance, thus, avoiding all the crowds. :) We absolutely loved Char;Peston though. Spent the day prior sightseeing. Many things to explore. Lots of history.

[rlkubi]

Our decision might be made for us. In looking for hotels it seems hotels are booked for the day before and after this cruise already :(. I was really looking forward to seeing Charleston. I checked Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley too.

[scrwrr]

I have been on Fantasy 5 times..but NO more. I couldn't believe how much it has changed in 2 years. I mean, having to ask for ice bucket and ice?? Just one of a number of things that just are not right. This was a mother/daughter trip that we had looked forward to for a year..she ate mostly pizza and salad, as the food was not so good. Having to stand in line for 15 mins to get pizza because there was only one person working there?? Our cabin steward very briefly introduced himself, and I didn't even catch his name. My daughters luggage was lost and she was told to go around the corner to look. There was a huge stack there and she finally located it. There was very little entertainment at the pool, except for DJ, and that was not a lot. The jacuzzi was constantly full of screaming children except late at night, when my daughter finally got to enjoy it. And here comes the part that I am sure will get a lot of flack...there was only a very small section at the pool for smoking..and it was always full and nowhere to sit. Each night there was sports blaring on the TV at the pool bar, and LOTS of very very loud ppl screaming and cursing at the TV, and they appeared to not care if they offended anyone by their public drunkeness. I do not care if ppl drink; but I do care if I have to sit near them and listen to the foul foul language while I am trying to enjoy a cigarette with my daughter. Getting back on the ship from Nassau was a nightmare..and I still don't know what that was all about.

I realize that ppl on a cruise ship can do anything they want to..I have been on 26. I know there are cruises that don't have drinking, etc THAT is not my issue persay...My issue is Carnival appears to be so "money hungry" that they cater to certain ppl and the rest of us don't matter. I am not able to travel long distances at this time, and Charleston is 5 hrs from me....so I guess I won't be going on any cruises again for a long time!

[gtalum]

Our decision might be made for us. In looking for hotels it seems hotels are booked for the day before and after this cruise already :(. I was really looking forward to seeing Charleston. I checked Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley too.

 

I doubt rooms are sold out for next year. They probably haven't opened up for reservations yet.

 

That said, if it were up to me I'd choose a newer ship than Fantasy for a 7 day cruise. The Fantasy-class ships are fine for short cruises but by day 5 they seem confining to me.

[tami61860]

This is a 7 day to HMC, Grand Turk and Amber Cove. We love HMC and Grand Turk and Amber Cove is new. I wouldn't go for the Bahamas but I do like these destinations. I'm finding Charleston isn't that easy to fly into though.

 

How did most everyone dress on formal nights?? My first cruise with Carnival. Long gowns? Suits for me?? Cocktail dresses ,and sport coats for men? I love to dress up but I don't want to over dress. Thank you!

[SNJCruisers]

How did most everyone dress on formal nights?? My first cruise with Carnival. Long gowns? Suits for me?? Cocktail dresses ,and sport coats for men? I love to dress up but I don't want to over dress. Thank you!

I would not go overboard with your dress up choice for "cruise elegant" nights. The general overview on Carnival seems to be a more casual look than ever before with more and more members of the me generation opting to do their own thing and not care about the consequences because the majority of the time there aren't any.

Appropriate wear for men would be a long pair of dockers with a collared shirt, either short sleeve golf type or long sleeve dress type. A simple little black dress for women is more than appropriate. There will be some people all decked out with gowns, suits and even tuxes, but they are in the minority, especially on shorter fantasy class cruises. A guy can wear dress shorts on all of the other nights, while his better half can wear capris and fit right in with no problem.

[JOJO351969]

I am booked on Fantasy February 2016 and have a grand Suite. Has anyone ever been in a grand suite on Fantasy and have pictures?

[aprilbs1960]

Just got off the ship on 2/2/15. Terminal in Charleston was easy. I thought there was plenty of places to be alone and not have a balcony. It was small but felt large. Good was good. Really enjoyed off the grill by the lido deck. Buffet was also good. Dining room food was ok. Really enjoyed the smallness of the ship. I though there was plenty to do and there are plenty of bars and things to do. The comedy club in the forum I hear people complain about the size but it's like triple the size is the rccl allure of the seas! We did on your own disembarkation and I that was easy also. Dress is dining room husband wore pants and jacket and tie on formal night I wore cocktail dress. Others at table at jeans nice shirts. Saw dress shirts in casual. On first night wear anything but swimsuits and sleeveless men shirts and you will get in. Go have fun and don't listen to what people say. Remember life is what YOU make if it.

Edited February 7, 2015 by aprilbs1960