First cruise coming up on fantasy. Any tips?

[Kentmcc]

My wife and I ( mid 30's) usually do all inclusive's but decided to try a cruise and take along our 4 year old daughter. We are doing the 5 day to the Bahamas. We have an ocean view room, are going to buy the cheers program ( we like to drink ) and the bubbles program for our daughter. We booked the early dinner time. Have booked day passes at the RIU in Nassau and were planning on staying on the boat in Freeport except to maybe go out and grab lunch and drinks. Questions can we bring on a extension cord/power strip? Just like all inclusive's does over tipping the bar and wait staff with cash get you VIP service. On cheers can u buy drinks out side of the program as long as you haven't hit 15 yet? Say I get to 13 and its early can i buy a few and have them not count toward my 15. Smoking? Where can you smoke? Does the casino pay out decent compared to casinos in the states? What entertainment/shows are the best? Do they have any that kids would enjoy? Is the kids program fun for the kids? Is there a fridge in the room? We already ordered water and a bottle of booze. Any answers or tips would be greatly appreciated. Also any advice would be great

[OCruisers]

You'll need to take a hairdryer on Fantasy class ships. ;)

[pinniped71]

My wife and I ( mid 30's) usually do all inclusive's but decided to try a cruise and take along our 4 year old daughter. We are doing the 5 day to the Bahamas. We have an ocean view room, are going to buy the cheers program ( we like to drink ) and the bubbles program for our daughter. We booked the early dinner time. Have booked day passes at the RIU in Nassau and were planning on staying on the boat in Freeport except to maybe go out and grab lunch and drinks. Questions can we bring on a extension cord/power strip? Just like all inclusive's does over tipping the bar and wait staff with cash get you VIP service. On cheers can u buy drinks out side of the program as long as you haven't hit 15 yet? Say I get to 13 and its early can i buy a few and have them not count toward my 15. Smoking? Where can you smoke? Does the casino pay out decent compared to casinos in the states? What entertainment/shows are the best? Do they have any that kids would enjoy? Is the kids program fun for the kids? Is there a fridge in the room? We already ordered water and a bottle of booze. Any answers or tips would be greatly appreciated. Also any advice would be great

 

 

I have heard tale of power strips being confiscated so that is a risk.

 

There are designated smoking areas around the ship. Somewhere near the casino and a particular side of the open deck. No Smoking allowed in cabins, including balcony.

 

Camp Carnival was great for our 8 year old. He did not want to hang with us much while we were aboard. The Hasbro Game show was fun for the kids.

 

There is no fridge in the room. There is an ice bucket that your Steward will keep filled for you.

 

Bring nesting luggage and store it under your bed.

 

Bring an over the door shoe hanger to store toiletries and such....no storage in bathroom.

 

Hope this helps!

[cruzeluver]

Fantasy has a terrific water park. Great for the kid and for the adults!

 

In Freeport you will need to take a cab into town for lunch. Unless you are fine with the American chain place right there which I would not recommend. Some great local places in town. But cabs are plentiful and cheap.

 

Your child would probably enjoy Hasbro The Game Show which will be the "show" at least once in the main theater.

 

No need to tip additional to get good bar service. In fact Fantasy had some of the best bar service we have experienced.

[bobsfamily]

My wife and I ( mid 30's) usually do all inclusive's but decided to try a cruise and take along our 4 year old daughter. We are doing the 5 day to the Bahamas. We have an ocean view room, are going to buy the cheers program ( we like to drink ) and the bubbles program for our daughter. We booked the early dinner time. Have booked day passes at the RIU in Nassau and were planning on staying on the boat in Freeport except to maybe go out and grab lunch and drinks. Questions can we bring on a extension cord/power strip? Just like all inclusive's does over tipping the bar and wait staff with cash get you VIP service. On cheers can u buy drinks out side of the program as long as you haven't hit 15 yet? Say I get to 13 and its early can i buy a few and have them not count toward my 15. Smoking? Where can you smoke? Does the casino pay out decent compared to casinos in the states? What entertainment/shows are the best? Do they have any that kids would enjoy? Is the kids program fun for the kids? Is there a fridge in the room? We already ordered water and a bottle of booze. Any answers or tips would be greatly appreciated. Also any advice would be great

post #3 answered many questions...

 

Ice bucket is sometimes there, sometimes not... if not, just ask for it.

 

Casino can be tight but it seems like the first day/second are better, last couple worse... that's for slots. Table games are what you make of them.

 

Tipping can help, I understand that yes you can buy drinks outside of the cheers program and they do not count towards the 15 per day. Never done it though... One thought, look into buying a bottle (or 2) thru Bon Voyage. It's cheaper than buying drinks and will be in your cabin when you get there.

 

The kids programs are generally wonderful and usually you can pay for "personal" or group babysitting after hours for the wee one. Ask the people working at Camp Carnival. Your 4yo should love the programs. As for adult entertainment, the full blown shows in the theater I've honestly never went to. The band outside the casino usually is pretty good and people are dancing have a good time. You can smoke in a portion of the bar area right at the entrance to the casino and in parts of the casino.

 

Freeport - we have done Freeport both as Land based vacation and multiple times by ship. We mostly just stay onboard but do go to the shops that are right at the port, one "shack" is run by Mr. Roberts or Robertson I think... anyway right across from the bandstand. He has some great fried lobster, crack conch and conch fritters.... YUM!

 

Hope this helps,

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

 

OH, and this thread has all kinds of info about the Fantasy and Charleston:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1182074&page=75

Edited August 26, 2015 by bobsfamily

[jovifan78]

You'll need to take a hairdryer on Fantasy class ships. ;)

 

 

No you don't, we sailed the Fantasy last week and we just asked for one. The room steward brought it within a couple of minutes.

[jovifan78]

My wife and I ( mid 30's) usually do all inclusive's but decided to try a cruise and take along our 4 year old daughter. We are doing the 5 day to the Bahamas. We have an ocean view room, are going to buy the cheers program ( we like to drink ) and the bubbles program for our daughter. We booked the early dinner time. Have booked day passes at the RIU in Nassau and were planning on staying on the boat in Freeport except to maybe go out and grab lunch and drinks. Questions can we bring on a extension cord/power strip? Just like all inclusive's does over tipping the bar and wait staff with cash get you VIP service. On cheers can u buy drinks out side of the program as long as you haven't hit 15 yet? Say I get to 13 and its early can i buy a few and have them not count toward my 15. Smoking? Where can you smoke? Does the casino pay out decent compared to casinos in the states? What entertainment/shows are the best? Do they have any that kids would enjoy? Is the kids program fun for the kids? Is there a fridge in the room? We already ordered water and a bottle of booze. Any answers or tips would be greatly appreciated. Also any advice would be great

 

 

We were able to take a power strip with us last week, but my mom does have a C-Pap so that may be why they didn't question it. You can smoke on the Starboard side of the Lido deck and in the casino (bar outside casino as well). As far as entertainment they had two shows, The Brits / Motor City, both were pretty good. :)

[Chief Cruiser]

I'll try and answer the questions in the order you asked that I've had experience with.

1. Extension/power strip: I have taken a power strip on every cruise (around 23 or 24 ) I've been on and had no issues. Just ensure it is in like new condition with no loose prongs, frayed cord, etc.

2. Drinks/VIP/Cheers: I don't drink so I cannot address any of the questions regarding alcohol.

3. Smoking: I don't smoke either, but if I recall correctly, there are several areas on the starboard side of the ship where you are allowed to smoke.

4. Casino payouts: I don't gamble, but as general talk goes that I've heard, I've heard, the slots are very stingy. Table card games are based on odds, all of which favor the house. Pick your poison here.

5. Shows/Entertainment: I always go to all the shows. The Punchliner Comedy Club is usually very entertaining. I love the live shows in the show lounge as well. Only a couple of shows have I not enjoyed in 13 years of cruising.

6. Kid's Program: I've taken my grandkids on several tours and they would live in Camp Carnival, if I would let them and it was allowed. They absolutely loved it!

7. Fridge: To my recollection, there is no fridge in the rooms on the Fantasy. You can tell your room steward you'd like extra ice and they will supply a large bucket of ice for you.

8. Advice: I don't even get off the ship in Freeport. It's just not a place that takes to my fancy, so I don't think you are missing anything there - good call on your part IMHO. Take a fun, go for it attitude and don't let anything upset you. There are things even Carnival can't control and a relaxed frame of mind will ensure a great time. I've been on the Fantasy many times and it is one of my favorite and most sentimental ships for me. Hope you and your family have a wonderful cruise!

[ladygal4.4]

Freeport has some nice shopping, but to get to town you need to take a 15 min taxi ride(actually you need a taxi to get anywhere). We've done a jet ski tour there and LOVED it. The water is also nice for snorkeling

[tallyho8]

Wow! On a 5 day cruise you and your wife get 30 drinks a day plus you bought a liter of booze and you want to buy more drinks too.

 

I'm sure that the 2 of you can handle your booze much better that I can because that much would have me sleeping the whole cruise.

 

I'm sure you will enjoy that cruise, but will you remember it? :D

[bobsfamily]

Wow! On a 5 day cruise you and your wife get 30 drinks a day plus you bought a liter of booze and you want to buy more drinks too.

 

I'm sure that the 2 of you can handle your booze much better that I can because that much would have me sleeping the whole cruise.

 

I'm sure you will enjoy that cruise, but will you remember it? :D

Do ya really need to throw your "2 cents" in about drinking? Not everyone drinks the same, not everyone drinks at home or regularly... some "party" while on vacation and that's about it. AND some of the fruity drinks or frozen drinks might have a half shot in them. Who cares? I hope they have a wonderful time, enjoy the cruise the way THEY want to... and that you do the same!

[ladygal4.4]

Oh! Parking. It's a weird beast in Charleston. You'll drop off your luggage, after winding through a maze of cones, then you'll park in a warehouse, walk to a bus stop and transported to the port. Have your boarding information and cash/card handy (not in luggage) so you'll be able to pay for parking without getting out of your car and digging through luggage

[mzlinda]

Make sure luggage tags are on the suitcase before you get there. You basically just stop briefly in the car line to hand off your luggage. Our tags weren't on yet so we had to go to a separate area where we could attach the tags without slowing down everyone else.

 

I sailed on the Breeze and Fantasy last year. After being on a huge new ship, I was afraid I would hate the small old ship but that was not the case. There is something to be said for a small ship where you can find your way around right from the first day.

 

I would say to set your sights a bit low when it comes to the cabin. I felt fantasy really shows her age here. Nothing was in disrepair but this is where I could tell that it was an older ship.

 

I couldn't adjust the temperature in my cabin and it was freezing. I stood on the chair to close the ceiling vent which helped a little. If your daughter has a favorite blanket, you might want to bring it.

 

I found slots to be loose on the first and last nights. They were terrible in between. Won enough on the last night to pay off my S&S bill. I might be crazy, but on 3 cruises in the past 2 years, I've noticed that same pattern.

 

No refrigerator in the ocean view room. You might want to ask the room steward for an ice bucket and a beer bucket. I asked for an ice bucket and got this tiny little thing. It was so small that he kept removing my bottle of water from it when he refilled the ice. If you want to be able to chill your booze bottle, you need the beer bucket. Then you could save the ice in the ice bucket to actually put in your drinks.

 

Those are my random thoughts. I'll be back in the fantasy on Nov 1st. Gotta love having a port within driving distance.

 

Have a great cruise.

[tandemcruzr]

Be sure to check out the Serenity area, Deck 9 aft. Adults only.