Fantasy Only Questions ...

[PanAnna]

I have a few questions about Cat 12 suites on the Fantasy and could use a little guidance. Trying arrange a girls' only cruise for my mom's birthday next year.

 

Is there room for 4 adult women in a cat 12 suite without it being too close for comfort?

 

If so, what are the sleeping arrangements? 2 twins and the sofa double and is that the only option?

 

There are actually 8 of us going and if we did 2 suites would we be able to have one big balcony if the suites were side by side?

 

Is it better space wise to book two cat 12 suites or four OV rooms?

 

Thanks in advance,

Anna

[newistcruiseaddict]

According to this page on Carnival (specific to Fantasy and not the entire class):

 

http://www.carnival.com/cms/Static_Templates/Promos/fantasy/default.aspx

 

Ahh....I see....tho the staterooms are listed among areas that have been upgraded, when you click on the staterooms specifically it refers to the new bedding only. Ok...makes sense. Though I'd be happy with new tvs and vanities, do you think they will upgrade the cabinetry and carpeting? I haven't really seen a picture of the wardrobe/vanity area....do they have the new maple modern stuff they're putting in all the new ships or is it something to be replaced?

 

ROWAN!!! SO excited that you confirmed the pools will be put in!! So, hopefully they'll have it all completed before taking it out of drydock. Would be very disappointed to see all that new lovely water works area poking out from behind construction tape. I'm so EXCITED!!

[newistcruiseaddict]

oops double post

[smith-krenning]

Okay, I have a question about the first couple hours on the Fantasy.

 

I'm booked on the 10/1/07 5-night cruise and have checked out many threads and websites about Cozumel and Costa Maya and they look great!

 

But what about the U.S.? Okay, the first couple hours after leaving port is cruising down the Mississippi to the Gulf. Is that part of the River so boring that absolutely no one talks about it? I would think that it would be interesting as well.

 

So, if you've sailed on the Fantasy out of NOLA before, let me know if there is anything interesting on the River.

 

I'm sure there is a lot of industry, but I would think there would be some sites to see as well.

[Rowan555]

I find it very interesting to watch the sights on the river. So much so that I've arranged a riverboat cruise for our homeschool group this month - it goes 45 minutes downriver and then comes back up, and it points out various historical sites. It gets boring at you get closer to the mouth of the river, but the first hour or so is neat to watch.

 

We normally cruise in the winter and it's too cold to stand on deck for TOO long, but this September I plan to stand at the front of the ship for at least an hour and see everything. about 45 minutes after leaving port we pass my house, so that's always fun to watch out for ;)

[jetskier]

Okay, I have a question about the first couple hours on the Fantasy.

 

I'm booked on the 10/1/07 5-night cruise and have checked out many threads and websites about Cozumel and Costa Maya and they look great!

 

But what about the U.S.? Okay, the first couple hours after leaving port is cruising down the Mississippi to the Gulf. Is that part of the River so boring that absolutely no one talks about it? I would think that it would be interesting as well.

 

So, if you've sailed on the Fantasy out of NOLA before, let me know if there is anything interesting on the River.

 

I'm sure there is a lot of industry, but I would think there would be some sites to see as well.

 

The first hour sailing down the river is great then it is time to go get ready for dinner. The first turn is pretty sharp. There is actually a traffic light there for river traffic coming upstream. Downstream traffic has the right of way due to having less steerage.

 

Dave

[bonniemari]

Ok I think I saw on this thread somewhere that the Fantasy will be going to drydock. When is the Fantasy scheduled for drydock?

[WellDeserved]

Ok I think I saw on this thread somewhere that the Fantasy will be going to dry dock. When is the Fantasy scheduled for dry dock?

 

According to the post about the Evolutions of Fun updates it will be the last 3 weeks of Sept. '08. Looks as though the last sailing is the Sept 1-6, then dry dock and then she sails again the 29th.

[PanAnna]

According to the post about the Evolutions of Fun updates it will be the last 3 weeks of Sept. '08. Looks as though the last sailing is the Sept 1-6, then dry dock and then she sails again the 29th.

 

Actually there are still sailings listed for Fantasy for 09/20/08 and 09/25/08 so there are only a couple weeks in between the 6th and 20th.

[CoupleFromKY]

Hey Guys, we had such a great time on our first cruise we are wanted to go again this year in DEC. We have noticed that alot of the Fantasy Fans also frequent the Holiday. Do you think we will enjoy the Holiday as much? Mike and Dana

[LHP]

Hey Guys, we had such a great time on our first cruise we are wanted to go again this year in DEC. We have noticed that alot of the Fantasy Fans also frequent the Holiday. Do you think we will enjoy the Holiday as much? Mike and Dana

 

We just booked the Holiday for December 8th. We have sailed on both many times and except for the Holiday not having an atrium.... and being smaller...we still have a good time!

[CoupleFromKY]

Hey Guys, we had such a great time on our first cruise we are wanted to go again this year in DEC. We have noticed that alot of the Fantasy Fans also frequent the Holiday. Do you think we will enjoy the Holiday as much? Mike and Dana

[jetskier]

Anyone interested in booking a trip and would like an actual voice to assist then please email with phone # and I will respond. I will be happy to assist anyone with any destination or if you just have a question then please feel free to contact me.

 

Thanks

M

md_barnett@comcast.net

 

You might want to check the Community Guidelines for the site as you are breaking them by soliciting.

 

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Dave

[jetskier]

Hey Guys, we had such a great time on our first cruise we are wanted to go again this year in DEC. We have noticed that alot of the Fantasy Fans also frequent the Holiday. Do you think we will enjoy the Holiday as much? Mike and Dana

 

The Holiday is a smaller ship with around 1500 passengers compared to around 2500 for the Fantasy. The crew is less stressed by having less people. While the Holiday is an older ship, the friendliness crew more than makes up for it. Also by the time December gets here, there is speculation that the Holiday will be replaced with a different ship.

Dave

[improvgirl]

I'm sorry if my questions have been asked before, I looked through 30 pages of replies and learned alot, but didn't get through all the pages!

 

I am thinking of booking Fantasy for my first cruise for 5 nights leaving 3/31/08 from NOLA for a couple reasons - my dh insists I will love cruising (he's been on NCL), but I'm worried about seasickness (although I have lots of good meds, rx and non to take), and think that 5 nights is the perfect length to try it out. I'm also loving the idea of leaving from NOLA as I haven't been there since before Katrina, and my dh & dd haven't been there at all and we are looking forward to spending a couple of nights there pre-cruise. We are thinking of Cat. 12 as they are cheap for military that week (right now). We can also drive there in 1 day pretty easy.

 

Will there be lots of kids for Camp Carnival? It's spring break, but I think my area is later with spring break than most. I'm anxious for my only child, dd age 11 (who is really like a small adult) to enjoy herself.

 

How's the karaoke? We love the karaoke, don't care if people suck, and just want to sing.

 

Is iced tea free (included in cruise price) and available at all times?

 

Are the fitness classes free (included in cruise price)?

 

Are kids allowed attend any "adult" activities, like shows (obviously not the rated 'r' comedy) and such (she is very mature from being an only, I promise)?

 

Is there a wine package available for purchase for dinners? How does one go about doing that? What about in-room bottles of liquor?

 

Are there any drawbacks to this cruise for people like us who love fun, food, sunshine, and being together as a family, but want to do it at the best price possible?

 

Anyone else planning on going on this sailing?

 

Thanks for all the help you've given so far and thanks in advance for the answers to these specific questions!

[jetskier]

 

Will there be lots of kids for Camp Carnival? It's spring break, but I think my area is later with spring break than most. I'm anxious for my only child, dd age 11 (who is really like a small adult) to enjoy herself.

 

Spring break for our area March 10-14 but it varies with the different school districts. There are always some children onboard the ship.

 

How's the karaoke? We love the karaoke, don't care if people suck, and just want to sing.

 

Karaoke is in the Forum Lounge at the rear of Deck 9. Some weeks are good, others bring the earplugs.

 

Is iced tea free (included in cruise price) and available at all times?

 

Iced tea is free but unsweetened. Drives a Southerner nuts. You can also make hot tea at the buffet area.

 

Are the fitness classes free (included in cruise price)?

Yes they are free. The ship has a nice gym onboard and a running track.

 

Are kids allowed attend any "adult" activities, like shows (obviously not the rated 'r' comedy) and such (she is very mature from being an only, I promise)?

"R" shows are the only ones they are not allowed. The Social Host usually makes a warning announcement telling any kids under 18 to leave. Keep in mind that some of the shows are Las Vegas types so there is a little bit of skin showing.

 

Is there a wine package available for purchase for dinners? How does one go about doing that? What about in-room bottles of liquor?

 

You can buy wine at dinner. You are allowed to bring aboard one bottle. To get liquor in your room, you will need to call Gift Services before you sail to place an order.

 

Are there any drawbacks to this cruise for people like us who love fun, food, sunshine, and being together as a family, but want to do it at the best price possible?

 

Why do you think I sail on Carnival so much. You cannot beat the military discount. Plus the ships are fun to be on with all the activities.

 

Anyone else planning on going on this sailing?

 

Thanks for all the help you've given so far and thanks in advance for the answers to these specific questions!

 

Dave

[LHP]

I'm sorry if my questions have been asked before, I looked through 30 pages of replies and learned alot, but didn't get through all the pages!

 

I am thinking of booking Fantasy for my first cruise for 5 nights leaving 3/31/08 from NOLA for a couple reasons - my dh insists I will love cruising (he's been on NCL), but I'm worried about seasickness (although I have lots of good meds, rx and non to take), and think that 5 nights is the perfect length to try it out. I'm also loving the idea of leaving from NOLA as I haven't been there since before Katrina, and my dh & dd haven't been there at all and we are looking forward to spending a couple of nights there pre-cruise. We are thinking of Cat. 12 as they are cheap for military that week (right now). We can also drive there in 1 day pretty easy.

 

Will there be lots of kids for Camp Carnival? It's spring break, but I think my area is later with spring break than most. I'm anxious for my only child, dd age 11 (who is really like a small adult) to enjoy herself.

 

How's the karaoke? We love the karaoke, don't care if people suck, and just want to sing.

 

Is iced tea free (included in cruise price) and available at all times?

 

Are the fitness classes free (included in cruise price)?

 

Are kids allowed attend any "adult" activities, like shows (obviously not the rated 'r' comedy) and such (she is very mature from being an only, I promise)?

 

Is there a wine package available for purchase for dinners? How does one go about doing that? What about in-room bottles of liquor?

 

Are there any drawbacks to this cruise for people like us who love fun, food, sunshine, and being together as a family, but want to do it at the best price possible?

 

Anyone else planning on going on this sailing?

 

Thanks for all the help you've given so far and thanks in advance for the answers to these specific questions!

 

 

You are going to LOVE cruising!

 

I literally cruise for the karaoke. It is held every evening!!! When we were there in December and March, the key selector (pitch control) was not working. I will find out Saturday if that problem has been corrected. Since I am pitch dependent, I bought the software and hardware to turn the ole computer into a "cdg ripping, altering, burning fool" so that I now have all my songs in the key that I need them. (No pirateing...just altering the disks I have)

 

There should always been some children on in March and April...since our nation's schools all run on different schedules. The counselors are very involved...so even if there are not a lot of children....she will be well entertained.

 

Ice tea is included and available on the Lido all day. In the dining room they automatically bring you water unless you ASK for ice tea...so speak up!!

 

There is a gym with all the machinery that is free. However, any class or activity that requires a "human" to perform it does has a fee assessed.

 

Kids can go anywhere except the casino. There is one pool and a couple of hot tubs that are adult only. You will see the signs on them.

 

You can purchase wine or carry one bottle per person on. Bringing your own will save you money. They may or may not charge you a cork fee (I have heard both ways) and will keep your bottle in the dining room to be served to you every night until it is empty. Oor you can purchase a bottle of wine at your table at dinner, for them to serve you every night.

 

Carnival does offer a service for liquor where you can call and have a bottle waiting for you in your cabin. It is cheaper than by the glass, but about 4 times what you will pay for it in a liquor store. The cheap liquor you can buy on the ship will be held for you until the last night at sea to bring home.

You will read about people who "smuggle" which means they pack it in their CHECKED luggage. (hoping it does not break) Again, the one bottle of wine per person can be carried on with no problem. You can also carry on soda and bottled water, since those cost extra on the ship as well.

 

We have been cruising with our 2 boys since 1998. We have not found a better vacation for the money. Saturday is number 17, so we are definately "hooked".

 

The New Orleans terminal is new and well laid out. It is a pleasure to sail from. You spend about 8 hours going down the Mississippi River before hitting the Gulf of Mexico. You will see the oil rigs with the lights at night.

 

Cozumel is a very safe and tourist friendly port. Costa Maya will be your other stop. Not as commercial as Cozumel, but still safe and fun.

 

Book her and start planning for a great vacation!!!

[improvgirl]

Thanks to Dave Jetskier and LHP for your great answers!

 

We'll put the deposit down as soon as we get the paycheck on Friday!

[Rowan555]

I just realized it's less than a month until our Fantasy cruise - woohoo! I'm very ill right now, so this gives me something to focus on and look forward to. Now I just need to GET BETTER so I can really enjoy myself!

[jetskier]

I just realized it's less than a month until our Fantasy cruise - woohoo! I'm very ill right now, so this gives me something to focus on and look forward to. Now I just need to GET BETTER so I can really enjoy myself!

 

Yes, you do need to get well. #1 rule if you are going to get sick, make sure it is before or after the vacation. Hope you get to feeling better.

Dave

[KajunKruiser]

Hey, curious...are you on the 9-8-07 sailing?

[LHP]

I just realized it's less than a month until our Fantasy cruise - woohoo! I'm very ill right now, so this gives me something to focus on and look forward to. Now I just need to GET BETTER so I can really enjoy myself!

 

Sending a Caribbean Health Wave to make you feel ALL BETTER!!! :D

[Rowan555]

Hey, curious...are you on the 9-8-07 sailing?

 

We sure are! I haven't found anyone else from Cruise Critic on that sailing yet. Glad someone else from CC will be there too!

 

By the way - do you happen to have plans on joining the "hole in the fence club" in Costa Maya? I'd love to find an other family to go to Cha Chi with!

[KajunKruiser]

Yes, we are 30 days from sailing (not that I'm counting or anything)...whooo hooo!!!!!!!!! The night I got my cruise documents, I pulled the suitcase out & started loading it...LOL...but then again, I've had the "written" list on what I'm bringing.

 

This trip will be just a party of 2...no kids this trip....we have no plans on any excursions at this point...open to suggestions!

 

Last year we did the Fury - sail, snorkel, beach party in Cozumel (only stop). Not sure we will do that again or not. He really wanted to do horseback riding, but I'm not going into the "jungle"...would like to do a beach (with drinks of course) and maybe jet ski's if they aren't overly priced. Give me more information as to what you are talking about above... (you can pm me here or kmmayeux@netscape.net)

[Rocknsoul]

Hi deannad,

 

Loved your review in the member reviews section. It was very informative & helpful. I was confused about the 2-star (or ribbon, or whatever those little blue things are:p) rating...in the written part it seemed you really enjoyed your cruise. Was there something else that wasn't good that made you rate it lower?

 

I hope you don't mind me bringing it up here...we're leaving in a month & we're so excited!