Who loves the Fantasy?

[RogBus101]

Have sailed on her 6 times booked her again Feb 17th2020  feels like home.

[DarthGrady]

I cant speak for the Fantasy in particular since she is the only sister of the class I haven't yet cruised on. I can say that the Fantasy Class ships are my favorite, the vast majority of my CCL cruises have been on them and they do indeed feel like home. They remind me of the "good old days" of cruising before the ships were loaded down with all the silly gimmicks.  

[RogBus101]

Don't need the bells and whistles for me to have a great cruise!

[Tapi]

Fantasy and other Fantasy class ships do hold a special place in my heart. Some of my most fun filled cruises have been on that class of ship, specially during my younger years. Our last cruise was aboard the Fantasy out of Mobile along with 25 friends and we had a great time.

 

With all of that said, I believe that Fantasy class ships are well beyond their prime and sadly falling into disrepair. Although we had a great time on the Fantasy in February, the ship looked terribly neglected, with a long list of maintenance issues that had not been addressed, even on its most recent dry dock a few weeks prior. In fact, as we drove away from the port of Mobile, my wife and I agreed that most likely we won’t sail from that port again until Carnival replaces Fantasy with a newer ship, or another cruise line starts sailing from there which doesn’t seem likely. And that’s unfortunate because Mobile is, by far, the easiest port to drive to for people like me who live in the Atlanta metro area. 
 

There was a time when I truly loved Fantasy class ships. These days I love the memories that I have on them, but not the actual ships anymore. I mostly avoid them. If I’m browsing for cruises, most of the time I read past the ones that are on Fantasy class ships. Our last cruise on the Fantasy was because it was a surprise birthday cruise for a friend, but otherwise, most likely we would’ve never taken that cruise. 
 

I’ll finish by saying that I do get that a lot of people still love the Fantasy and her sister ships. They may feel like home for many, they are easy to get around, crews seem to be friendly, and they offer convenience at affordable prices. For many who live close to the port of Mobile and who don’t mind sailing to the same ports repeatedly, and who appreciate the laid back and unpretentious vibe, as well as the convenience and affordability that this ship provides, over discovering new ports of call in other regions of the world, experiencing other cruise lines, or sailing on newer ships, Fantasy is definitely a ship to be loved. 

Edited November 1, 2019 by Tapi

[wms99]

+1 for Fantasy and the entire Fantasy class.

 

[PhillyFan33579]

Although I have never sailed on Fantasy, my first several Carnival cruises were on Fantasy class ships. These ships went a long way to developing my affection for cruising. I am looking forward to cruising on Paradise, which was my first Carnival ship, later this month. 

[evandbob]

I don't sail Fantasy or that class ship.  Stopped 15 years ago because I thought those ships were too old and over the top Farcus back then.

 

I prefer newer, more modern ships, and there are so many of the new builds coming out, as well as different lines to sample, that we mostly stay booked with ships less than 10 years old.  Major exception now would be an Ultra or Premier casino fare on a Conquest class ship.

 

 

[PhillyFan33579]

21 minutes ago, evandbob said:

I prefer newer, more modern ships, and there are so many of the new builds coming out, as well as different lines to sample, that we mostly stay booked with ships less than 10 years old.  Major exception now would be an Ultra or Premier casino fare on a Conquest class ship

It’s crazy, for lack of a better word, how many new ships are coming out the next several years across numerous cruise lines. 

[Palmetto Pilot]

Fantasy was my first Carnival Cruise 6 years ago out of Charleston. It was a fine ship and a good cruise. I like a little more bells and whistles, but I love that ship size. 

[Tapi]

27 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

It’s crazy, for lack of a better word, how many new ships are coming out the next several years across numerous cruise lines. 

With so many new ships being built and new destinations, it’s hard for me to justify spending money on the same old ship, on the same old itinerary.
 

Our next cruise is on Holland America’s newest ship, the Niew Statendam. Out of four ports of call, three will be new for me. After that we are sailing on Norwegian’s newest ship, the Norwegian Encore, and out of three ports, two will be new for me. We also sailed on MSC Meraviglia when she was less than a year old on an itinerary and region that were completely new to us. 

 

Royal Caribbean just announced their newest Oasis class ship, the Wonder of the Seas which will be sailing in Asia. Don’t know if I can make it happen yet, but I’m definitely brainstorming about it! 😂
 

I’m a fool for new ships and trying different cruise lines, but I don’t like booking cruises that sail to the same exact destinations I’ve already been to just for the sake of sailing on a new ship. 

Edited November 1, 2019 by Tapi

[Daliaha]

Our 1st cruise was on a Fantasy Class Ship was the Paradise, when it was a non-smoking ship docked in Miami. It was a perfect size ship for a 1st cruise and I remember the ship fondly.  We also took a cruise on the Fascination and it was great.

  I would take another cruise on a Fantasy Class if the price was right and the ports were ok.  We usually fly in to Florida to meet the ships, always keeping an eye out.

Edited November 1, 2019 by Daliaha
for got a cruise we took =P

[Jamesatgsu]

We were on the Fantasy earlier this year (the same week of those Health Violations, though we had no issues).

 

I enjoyed it, but definitely not my favorite (Carnival Dream). So many factors come into enjoying a cruise, so it is hard to pinpoint exactly what makes anyone better. For us the Fantasy was relatively empty in comparison to other cruises I've been on.  I won 4 trivias, Trivial Pursuit, & Carnival Quest, and my son managed to be on a winning team in Hasbro the Game Show, so that aspect was great. It marked the first time we've ever gotten in a cruise hot tub (simply because it wasn't nearly as crowded).  What I didn't like is that Camp Ocean sucked for my son and daughter, and the people working it were terrible. That was a massive disappointment because my sons loved it on the Victory last October.  And it was very shocking because it was summer, so we expected it to be even better for them. 

 

I really want to go back on a newer, larger ship again, since the Dream is the newest one we've been on and thought it was the best. Whether it was more activities, a better fun crew, the excursions, or it simply being our first it was head and shoulders above the Fantasy, Sensation, Victory, and the Norwegian Sun.  I enjoyed them all (and will be back on the Sensation in 3 weeks), but the Dream was amazing.

[h_blond2]

My first cruise was on the Fantasy, and the majority of my cruises have been on Fantasy class ships. I wouldn't hesitate to cruise on a Fantasy call ship again, but I would really miss the outdoor movie screen. I love watching movies on the Lido deck at night!

[Joebucks]

I can certainly have a great time on any cruise ship. However, I wouldn't say I love it. Having only cruised for the last few years, I wouldn't have any nostalgia for it.

 

It certainly has its pros. Pretty much the best experience for Punchliner where there's always a great seat. I do miss some of the venues and features. Plus, there's also times where having less people doesn't add as much fun in certain spots.

[elcuchio24]

5 hours ago, evandbob said:

I don't sail Fantasy or that class ship.  Stopped 15 years ago because I thought those ships were too old and over the top Farcus back then.

 

I prefer newer, more modern ships, and there are so many of the new builds coming out, as well as different lines to sample, that we mostly stay booked with ships less than 10 years old.  Major exception now would be an Ultra or Premier casino fare on a Conquest class ship.

 

 

 

Same. Too small, old, and typically dont like the itins. 

[elcuchio24]

4 hours ago, Tapi said:

With so many new ships being built and new destinations, it’s hard for me to justify spending money on the same old ship, on the same old itinerary.
 

Our next cruise is on Holland America’s newest ship, the Niew Statendam. Out of four ports of call, three will be new for me. After that we are sailing on Norwegian’s newest ship, the Norwegian Encore, and out of three ports, two will be new for me. We also sailed on MSC Meraviglia when she was less than a year old on an itinerary and region that were completely new to us. 

 

Royal Caribbean just announced their newest Oasis class ship, the Wonder of the Seas which will be sailing in Asia. Don’t know if I can make it happen yet, but I’m definitely brainstorming about it! 😂
 

I’m a fool for new ships and trying different cruise lines, but I don’t like booking cruises that sail to the same exact destinations I’ve already been to just for the sake of sailing on a new ship. 

 

I totally agree. I feel like we have similar philosophies on travel. I cant stand people who 'only like one line/ship class' but havent branched out to see what else is out there...

[mackenzie80]

I have cruised on her 4 times now and loved every single one.  To me I don't care that you go to the same port.  I enjoy getting away, laying on deck, and just getting away.  I go back in 79 days!

[RogBus101]

52 minutes ago, mackenzie80 said:

I have cruised on her 4 times now and loved every single one.  To me I don't care that you go to the same port.  I enjoy getting away, laying on deck, and just getting away.  I go back in 79 days!

My wife and I feel the same way! We sail on her again in Feb.2020 just as excited now as when we sailed on her many years ago.

[Tom.Terrific]

We took our first cruise on Fantasy in April '18.  And to be frank, we were less than enthralled with the Fantasy in our new home port.  Our experience being just "ok".  We' were pretty let down with the whole experience.  We then cruised on Carnival Dream last fall, and then with RCL in Feb '19.  (Both 7 days and fabulous cruises) and then we were looking at a 15 month stretch before our next cruise on Carnival Breeze in May 2020.  No way were we going to be able to wait that long.  We had the time opportunity, so we decided to try the Fantasy again just two months ago. Just a five day to Costa Maya, and Cozumel.  Because we've been to both of these ports multiple times,  we stayed on the ship both port days and had the best time.  The food was really good everywhere on the ship.  The ship was super clean like I've never seen on any ship.  Service was excellent on all accounts.  We felt genuinely welcome by staff and crew.  We had a great cruise!

 

And I know it may sound crazy... But with the exception of our first cruise on RCL Rhapsody of the Seas (the one that hooked us forever), and the magical experience we had on Emerald Princess (Princess Cruises) in Alaska, this may have been my favorite cruise ever.  Take a 30 year old ship, with no steakhouse, no Cucina Del Capitano, no Bonsai Sushi, no Mongolian Wok, no Pig and Anchor, only a handful of suites with balconies, (can't afford) and smaller everything.  Mixed it with a fabulous crew, good eats and drinks, and some Carnival magic, and suddenly it seemed like everyone onboard was smiling and having a great time.  

 

We definitely made friends with Carnival Fantasy this last trip.  We're looking forward to seeing her again next September.

[Tapi]

6 hours ago, Tom.Terrific said:

And I know it may sound crazy... But this may have been my favorite cruise ever. 

Not crazy at all. When we first moved to Atlanta, my wife and I were in need of a quick, cheap weekend getaway. At the time, the resident ship in Mobile was the Holiday. We booked the 4 night weekend cruise to Cozumel in an inside cabin (which I hate but that’s all I could get at the last minute), and I remember driving to the port dreading the decision, and bracing for the worst knowing that we’d be sailing on Carnival’s smallest and oldest ship out of an unfamiliar port.

Long story short, we had an absolutely fantastic weekend. My wife and I agree that it was one of our best cruises ever. Part of it was because it was exactly what we needed. Part of it was because we met wonderful cruise friends, and another big part of it was because the crew, both on land and on the ship, were some of the friendliest and most genuine we’ve come across. We even met a crew member who we saw again a few years later on the Liberty, and he approached us and asked “Hey, didn’t you sail on the Holiday?” He remembered us. 

 

Yes, the ship was old and small. No atriums, zero fancy bells and whistles, and it sailed with a very noticeable list (we asked about this because it alarmed us, and the officials told us that the ship was designed without more modern stabilizers), but I secretly loved this ship. 

[cruisinmems]

I love the Fantasy!

[RogBus101]

For what it's worth we have always booked E79 but this time we could only get E77 it's ok next door but still feels like home☺

[canes20]

Fantasy and her sisters are our favorite.

[Dixe Lee]

Just off the Fantasy and had the best time 3rd time on a Fantasy class 2nd on the Fantasy Yep something comforting comes with the familiar surroundings Not the newest biggest brightest with all kinds of bells and whistles but ship was spotless food great Cruise director Marty was awesome and the crew and service was superior especially when compared to a couple of other ships we sailed on where the staff acted like we were a bother to have to take care of As a previous poster mentioned we too would like to have the outdoor movie but we went on this cruise for the vacation time Inexpensive trip and easy to get to We always find something to do that we have not done before and still did not get to do everything that was offered Will gladly go back 

[marshhawk]

Close to home for us, found a great hotel out of town that takes me to the ship.  The ship.  Well my dad was a metallurgist, and if he was still with us, he would tell you that metals left in salt water-rust.  I get it.  I love it!  I am older, don't need bells and whistles, don't have a lot of extra money, but I love cruising- I go where I can afford.  So, first off, have you ever seen a port with one excursion lonely?  How can someone say they went there, and then after that they don't get off the ship-the Fantasy goes to Progresso, the BEST port to see Mayan ruins, to learn about a culture that is ancient, and a people that are still there.

 

Cozumel-full of adventures, I think there are 79 different excursions to choose.

 

The ship-everyone is so friendly!  The hostess in the MDR remembered me from a cruise 5 months before, and chatted with us every day-and every day I got a hug from her.  My cabin stead was a bit "flat", but his assistant remembered me from the previous cruise because I walked the ship so much-not bored, just need exercise.  For folks that say there is nothing to do- well, I have taken a book with me for every cruise, and never read a one of them- the pages blend into the sound of the ocean, and then I am looking out to sea....

 

Great staff!  Fun times!  Made friends! Have cruised her twice, and have 2 cruises booked and paid for on her for 2020.

Less people means less lines, and more attention from the staff.  It's a win win for me-enjoy your cruise!

Edited November 4, 2019 by marshhawk