Fantasy Class Category 12 Penthouse Suites/Balconies

[Chmie]

We had a great repositioning cruise on the Elation. As promised, here is the link to the pictures from room U107, category 12 penthouse suite.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vacpics/sets/72157600278860819/

 

Cayce

 

Thanks for posting those great pics. :D

[truecruiser]

i don't have pics, but have a detailed description:

 

 

thanks. re: the cat 12 -- it was spacious, but when i first walked in i thought for some reason it wld be even more spacious. i think that idea came from walking past them multiple times on previous cruises where the cabin door was open with the room steward cleaning, and i just got a passing glance. but, i soon realized just how much larger it was, when i went to visit friends in the reg oceanview.

 

when i uploaded my pics for printing, i realized that i never took any stills of the room. i only took video. so sorry i can't share that.

 

the bathroom was large. has an area for toiletries along the wall. a jacuzzi bathtub, full vanity sink area. i am tall (5'10), so when i was showering, i felt like i was very close to the ceiling. it was a little wierd for me at first, but i quickly got used to it. DH is 6'3 and he never mentioned it.

 

the cabin was divided w/ the half-wall glass privacy divider. when you walked into the room, the walk in closet was to the left (this was sweet! all of our luggage for 5, plus carryons, fit against one side of the wall easily. there were hangers on both sides, and an entire area on the left to dump the gazillions of shoes. there were shelves in it, as well as the safe, and w/ all of this, the entire floor area into and out of the closet remained clear for walking), bath entrance to the right, then a little further down a large vanity area w/ 2 outlets (shock!), and a mirrored medicine chest against the left wall, full mirror in front of vanity.

 

a king bed was directly across from that.

 

past the privacy divider was a large sectional sofa. pulled out to what looked like a queen, actually. there was a fold up roll away for my daughter tucked between the privacy divider and the sofa (completely out of the way). an oval coffee table sat in the middle of the sectional seating area, and 2 sitting chairs w/ an end table were against the wall opposite the sectional. in addition, another end table was next to the sofa.

 

the balcony was not that large, but on this class of ship it was nice to have one finally. it had 2 chairs and a small table. this ship is older, so the balcony was dated -- white soild most of the way down, as opposed to full glass.

 

all in all it was really very nice, and i'll be hard pressed to not get it again when i sail this class. but you know how that goes -- they are very hard to come by and it's often the luck of the draw.

 

hope i answered all questions. if not, pls re-post.

[tomboyy]

The room was great! There was nothing atl all wrong with the room except the frig didn't keep things cold , but that didn't matter cause I bought a soft sided cooler with me and the Steward kept it full of ice.

 

The room has a flat screen T.V no VCR or DVD, no need though plenty of movies on. Everything seem nice .. no ripped wall paper or stained rugs or anything , marble all in the bath room. I honestly don't have a complaint, but I might have hadn't I had a cooler.

 

some pics for you

 

 

 

 

 

[SATXLady]

I am so glad I found this thread. I booked a cat 12 on the Ecstasy for a cruise with my Mom over labor day. It's the first cruise for both of us and I think it will really make it so much better for Mom. (And I'm not complaining -- when I was going to go by myself, I'd booked a 1A-G. I'm sure I'll also enjoy the 12 more.)

[crazycruzer68]

Any cat.12 photos on Fantasy we have u100 in Oct. would love to see some new shots.

[mr jailerman]

I just noticed that these Penthouse suites have LIGHTS on the outside balcony's. This is my first balcony cabin.(A pretty nice first if you ask me) I was just curious if alot of people use them at night? I would think it would be bright on the Cabins next to you as well as harder to see the view. Sounds petty, But I don't want to be a bad neighbor. Also any advice to a newer (1 cruise prior)single cruiser with this Nice(Just Fully Refurbished) Penthouse. Maybe I need to give Carnival EVEN MORE of my money and stock this cabin with some wine or something. Any advice is good advice and thanks for your time.:)

[islandlittleleague]

I was wondering if there are flat screen tvs and is it nice as the Ecstacy?

[connergirls]

I just noticed that these Penthouse suites have LIGHTS on the outside balcony's. This is my first balcony cabin.(A pretty nice first if you ask me) I was just curious if alot of people use them at night? I would think it would be bright on the Cabins next to you as well as harder to see the view. Sounds petty, But I don't want to be a bad neighbor. Also any advice to a newer (1 cruise prior)single cruiser with this Nice(Just Fully Refurbished) Penthouse. Maybe I need to give Carnival EVEN MORE of my money and stock this cabin with some wine or something. Any advice is good advice and thanks for your time.:)

 

I used the light at night for reading. I think the dividers between balconies would block most light from the neighbors, so I don't think that would be a problem. Enjoy your balcony!

[smrn]

We have a girl's cruise booked and 2 of the girls have booked a penthouse suite on the Inspiration for the 11/1 sailing. She is quite excited about the VIP check in. Can someone tell me what it is like at Tampa port? Thanks!

[Peaceful]

We have a girl's cruise booked and 2 of the girls have booked a penthouse suite on the Inspiration for the 11/1 sailing. She is quite excited about the VIP check in. Can someone tell me what it is like at Tampa port? Thanks!

 

We had a VIP check in for our cruise in May 2006. Tampa is an easy port to get to, we valet parked, handed over our luggage, and went inside. There was an attendent inside the door, who directed us up to the VIP check in area. We were on the left and non-VIP on the right in lines (kinda like a bank line area). There was some seating and two Carnival employees were at a table with computers. We waited while a family ahead of us checked in, and then it was our turn. They took our birth certificates, created our accounts, and then we were escorted to the ship for our check in photo. That was it. No real wait, no lines, just a little special treatment that began our trip on a good note.

 

Enjoy.

[Cruisetrio]

I was wondering if there are flat screen tvs and is it nice as the Ecstacy?

 

Yes, there are flat screen tv's in the Cat 12's on the Ecstasy.

[mr jailerman]

Has anyone ever had a Cat 12 on the end of the "Penthouse" upper deck rows? For example: U114,U115,U69,U70. These four Suites have an OCEANVIEW on one side and a "Penthouse" on the other. I have the option to switch to one or two of these choices. Just wondering if anyone had any experiences with any of these. It would seem to me that you have more privacy since there is only one Balcony next to you. Thanks in advance for any input and have a great day..:)

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Hey Mr. Jailerman!

(Every time I type your name I think of the ladies singing that song from the movie "Crybaby")...

Anyway, these honestly are the most private balconies of all of the Carnival ships, in that they are kind of "indented" like a sardine can (in a good way) in the side of the ship.

Having one OV on one side or the other won't make enough of a difference to matter that much.

In these cabins, I pretty much think they are all equal, and I'd just choose according to what looks like a good location for you.

(I personally usually try to get more towards the back/middle if I can, otherwise I don't worry about it. Any Category 12 on a Fantasy Class ship is good for me)...

CJW

[mr jailerman]

I may switch to one of those Suites just to be a pain in their A--.:D You know you can do that when your paying a 200% sup. for a single. Did you ever stay in any of these cabins yourself? I just ordered two bottles of wine from "Bon Voyage" today for a cruise 6 months away... Can't tell I need a long weekend away can ya? Well thanks again for the info..

[mr jailerman]

I just returned from the a ship inspection on the Esctasy just after dry dock.

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/blee71

 

Mega Cruiser

 

(not sure if I added these correctly)

Do you remember what Cabin # that "Penthouse" was. From the looks of the Cat 12 Balcony photos you only had one BALCONY neighbor(One of those private corner Suites perhaps) If that was the case and I was looking at that Picture correct would you recommend a corner suite. There are a couple left for my Feb, 2008 Sailing on INSPIRATION and I have been thinking of switching for the extra privacy. Thanks for the input and have a great day.:)

[smrn]

We had a VIP check in for our cruise in May 2006. Tampa is an easy port to get to, we valet parked, handed over our luggage, and went inside. There was an attendent inside the door, who directed us up to the VIP check in area. We were on the left and non-VIP on the right in lines (kinda like a bank line area). There was some seating and two Carnival employees were at a table with computers. We waited while a family ahead of us checked in, and then it was our turn. They took our birth certificates, created our accounts, and then we were escorted to the ship for our check in photo. That was it. No real wait, no lines, just a little special treatment that began our trip on a good note.

 

Enjoy.

 

Thanks for the info!!!

[tnrnchick74]

Ok - I've tried to search...and this is my first cruise so please be patient & kind!

 

1 - I've read several posts where there were/weren't hairdryers in the suites of various ships. I am sailing on the Sensation on 9/6 & staying in a penthouse suite. Is there a hairdryer? Mine is big & I would prefer NOT to pack it if possible. If there isn't one available I may purchase a travel dryer.

 

2 - When my boyfriend booked the cruise we purchased a Cat 11 suite and was told there was a chance of an upgrade to a Cat 12 (this will be his 4th cruise). I JUST looked at our online boarding paperwork - previously the cabin was TBS...NOW there is a room assignment U-93. Does this mean that we definitely have the penthouse upgrade? Is there ever a situation where they assign an upgrade, then have to change it later? I guess I'm afraid to even think that we REALLY did get the upgrade - these things don't happen to me!!!

 

Sorry if these questions have been answered over and over! I couldn't find definitive answers!

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Hey there!

Welcome, we are very nice and kind on this thread.:D

Hairdryers are usually (at least in my experience) behind the "hidden" storage of the vanity mirror area. So look there.

Also, your steward will bring you one if it isn't there.

Bear in mind though, they aren't very powerful; but I supposed if you are going to buy a travel dryer, then it's about the same power.

Then, you are just about the time that they start assigning cabins, so I won't say 100%, but I'd say 90% that you are in U93 (great location)...

There is always a possibility that it could change again (it does happen); but keep checking and as each day goes by, it get's more definite.

Either way, I personally love both categories for different reasons, so enjoy!

CJW

[tnrnchick74]

Hey there!

Welcome, we are very nice and kind on this thread.:D

 

Hairdryers are usually (at least in my experience) behind the "hidden" storage of the vanity mirror area. So look there.

Also, your steward will bring you one if it isn't there.

 

Then, you are just about the time that they start assigning cabins, so I won't say 100%, but I'd say 90% that you are in U93 (great location)...

 

There is always a possibility that it could change again (it does happen); but keep checking and as each day goes by, it get's more definite.

 

Either way, I personally love both categories for different reasons, so enjoy!

CJW

 

Thanks SOOO much for your help. I actually pulled out the suitcases today, decided to use my Mom's bigger one, and she HAD a travel dryer...so I'm just going to borrow it!

 

I will keep checking every day (multiple times more than likely) to see if the assignment changes. I will keep you posted! I'm SOOOO excited!!!!

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Good for you!

Just be sure to take pictures and be kind enough to give us a review when you get back!

And in whatever category you end up, be sure to have some coffee in the morning, and some cocktails in the evening on your balcony!;)

CJW

[Peaceful]

Ok - I've tried to search...and this is my first cruise so please be patient & kind!

 

1 - I've read several posts where there were/weren't hairdryers in the suites of various ships. I am sailing on the Sensation on 9/6 & staying in a penthouse suite. Is there a hairdryer? Mine is big & I would prefer NOT to pack it if possible. If there isn't one available I may purchase a travel dryer.

 

2 - When my boyfriend booked the cruise we purchased a Cat 11 suite and was told there was a chance of an upgrade to a Cat 12 (this will be his 4th cruise). I JUST looked at our online boarding paperwork - previously the cabin was TBS...NOW there is a room assignment U-93. Does this mean that we definitely have the penthouse upgrade? Is there ever a situation where they assign an upgrade, then have to change it later? I guess I'm afraid to even think that we REALLY did get the upgrade - these things don't happen to me!!!

 

Sorry if these questions have been answered over and over! I couldn't find definitive answers!

 

You should be excited! I just love the penthouse of this class of ships. Congratulations on a great upgrade (keeping my fingers crossed for you). Take pictures and post them when you return.

[tnrnchick74]

I will definately post pics and give a review when we return.

 

And CJW - I'm not a coffee drinker but I DO plan on having MANY adult beverages on my balcony!!!

 

Thanks to everyone's help & nice attitudes! :D

[crusinmama06]

I promised everyone a review and pictures of our Cat 12 on Sensation, so here it is.

 

We booked U70 (and our friends had U74) Penthouse Suite on Sensation.

 

Let's start with the VIP Embarkation - the EASIEST VIP embarkation we have EVER been through. I mean they REALLY treat you like VIP's. On other cruiselines we still had to wait in long lines...not this time. We arrived at noon. The regular line was wrapped across the front of the building. The VIP line, NO ONE.

 

We walked right into the cruise terminal. Was escorted to the elevator and right up to the VIP area. A woman came over immediatly and said she would get us right onto the ship. She took our passports, fun pass, credit card and away she went. Two minutes later she had our keys and Sail cards in her hands. She escorted us over to the gangway where they took our pictures. She said "Your room WILL be ready". I said "But it's not 1:30 yet." She said "Don't worry, it's ready". And away we went right onto the ship.

 

From arrival at the terminal to getting into our cabin....literally 15 minutes.

 

The suite - very spacious. The couch folded out into a very comfy bed, big enough for two kids.

 

The bathroom is gray marble with a jaccuzi tub. The shower had a removable nozzle (great for washing the kid's hair). There were free samples in the bathroom (razors, oil of olay, toothpaste). In the shower were shampoo and body wash dispensers.

 

The TV is a flat screen.

 

The closet had fluffy robes in it and more than enough space to store everything. It also held the safe.

 

Hidden behind a door underneath the counter (under the mirror) is a fridge with soda in it (the soda is $1.75 per can...coke, sprite and diet coke was in there. A bottle of water was on the counter)

 

There is a PILLOW MENU - which allows you to choose the pillows you want for you room. Choices range from goose down to synthtic, soft to firm.

 

There are Carnival beach towels that the cabin attendant will take the dirty ones every night and replace with clean ones by morning.

 

Our cabin had the BEST balcony because we had NO neighbors on one side because it was the start of the OV cabins. The dividers are NOT removable. You can see your next door neighbor if you look between the gab between the wall and the divider. (Our neighbor happened to be our friends so we were able to talk between the balconies) There are lights on the balcony, the switch is by the door. The lock on the balcony was a little tricky, it never seem to lock right. But the door was so heavy that my kids couldn't open it.

 

The cabin attendant (Chanita, sorry if I am butchering your name) was one of the BEST ever! She was so wonderful with the kids. The cabin was spotless. One night she changed the puppy towel animal into a monkey and my kids (being overtired) actually cried because they missed the puppy. So the next morning I snuck into the hall and asked Chanita to bring back the puppy that night. So she walked into my cabin and announced to my girls that "puppy had JUST called her and he is on his way back to the ship and will arrive by this evening". That night when we walked into the cabin, there was a whole ZOO of towel animals....lol.

 

The location of the suites being on the Upper deck and not higher up meant that we had to take the stairs ALOT. But that meant we got to work off our food....lol.

 

At Disembarkation, they called the Upper deck NEXT TO LAST. That was a little iritating. I know that platinum guests are the only ones to get priority DEbarkation, but waiting that long to be called got to be tiring, trying to entertain the kids. But we were called at 9:30am and arrived at MCO at 11am (long line through customs when we got off the ship)

 

All in all, we LOVED the Cat 12. And here are some of our pictures. I will put them in 2 separate posts since there is a 5 pic limit per post.

 

[crusinmama06]

The sofa converted...

 

 

Our towel animal zoo...

 

 

How tall the balcony railings are in relation to the kids...

 

 

The balcony divider...

 

 

The view...priceless

 

[TxMommy929]

Thanks, Michelle. These are great pictures. We are in this same cabin U70 but on Ecstasy in January for our anniversary.