OK, convince me...........

[AuntieBarb]

Why do you need to be convinced? Why not just go, have fun and form your own opinion. If you don't like it don't do it again. Don't make your plans based on what people say here. It's like asking what is the best city, beach, hotel, car, food, wine, etc, etc, etc? You will get different opinions on all of them but none of them will be your opinion unless you experience it and then form your own.

 

Thank you; good suggestion. The fact remains that I am going regardless. I've just been NCL brainwashed and wanted to hear other's opinions. Nothing more or less. :D

[AuntieBarb]

Because you are sailing on the same ship as us is all the convincing you will need. :) Though I wont be able to pull off some of the surprises I did last time on NCL.

 

Plus when you see all the free booze given away.....another system you will have to learn to manipulate.

 

Dave

 

Ssssh! I'm trying to obtain unbiased/impartial opinions here! LOL!

 

But now that you mention, why can't you pull off some of the same? And I mean that literally!

 

[jetskier]

Ssssh! I'm trying to obtain unbiased/impartial opinions here! LOL!

 

But now that you mention, why can't you pull off some of the same? And I mean that literally!

 

 

 

The reason is unlike NCL where you are constantly running into ship's staff and getting to know them, on Carnival the staff stays mostly in the crew only area. The only time you see the hotel director is on Formal night. As you know, we were constantly seeing Hugo (HD) on the NCL Spirit and for me Rosita on the Sun. As well as the Cruise Director.

 

Dave

[AuntieBarb]

The reason is unlike NCL where you are constantly running into ship's staff and getting to know them, on Carnival the staff stays mostly in the crew only area. The only time you see the hotel director is on Formal night. As you know, we were constantly seeing Hugo (HD) on the NCL Spirit and for me Rosita on the Sun. As well as the Cruise Director.

 

Dave

 

So the staff are "stuffy"? So sad. Oh well, we'll more than make up for it.

 

So tell me about the beds, the entertainment, the activities, the night life....all the little known secrets - Fantasy or Carnival in general! Are there hair dryers in the rooms? Shower curtains or sliding doors? How about coffee pots? How's the buffet? Any soda cards? If so, how much? Is there a 24 hour place for eats & beverages?

 

But most of all I have concerns about assigned dining times and how that can affect your schedule when booking excursions or planning to see a show at night, etc. I believe we're requested 8PM dining, so that shouldn't be a problem as far as getting back onboard and freshing up. But how about the shows?

 

I've never been on Carnival, so I'm anxious to know these things.

[NCTribeFan]

The staff varies from ship to ship, of course. I've never seem any staff that I would consider to be "stuffy", but I dont cruise to interact with the staff.

 

The bedding on Carnival is fantastic. Absolutely wonderful.

 

As for the other questions, here's a link to Carival's FAQ, for your reading pleasure, which has lots and lots of info. Cabin amenities vary by ship and ship class. There were no hair dryers on the Fantasy-class ships when I sailed them.

 

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/FAQLanding.aspx

[jetskier]

So the staff are "stuffy"? So sad. Oh well, we'll more than make up for it.

 

So tell me about the beds, the entertainment, the activities, the night life....all the little known secrets - Fantasy or Carnival in general! Are there hair dryers in the rooms? Shower curtains or sliding doors? How about coffee pots? How's the buffet? Any soda cards? If so, how much? Is there a 24 hour place for eats & beverages?

 

But most of all I have concerns about assigned dining times and how that can affect your schedule when booking excursions or planning to see a show at night, etc. I believe we're requested 8PM dining, so that shouldn't be a problem as far as getting back onboard and freshing up. But how about the shows?

 

I've never been on Carnival, so I'm anxious to know these things.

 

I wouldnt use the word stuffy. Elusive would be a better one.

The beds you are going to love. NCL is in the process with 2.0 of changing theirs. CCL beds are so popular that they actually market them to the guests.

 

Entertainment is close to NCL. First night Welcome Aboard show, second night Vegas style production show, third night usually a comedian, fourth night production show, fifth night farewell show. The production shows are a little bit better than NCL. More activities throughout the day on the Fantasy but less trivia.

 

Piano bar is usually great but it depends on the passengers that week. Scareoke, um Karaoke usually attracts a large following. Electricity Disco has a DJ with current spins while Cats Lounge has a C&W band. Outside the 21st Century bar by the casino is usually a one-man band.

 

No hair dryers, and it has curtains in the shower. I dont remember about the coffee pot as we dont drink it. Buffet is okay. Make sure you check both sides as they are different. Outside by the pool is where you can get good hamburgers and hotdogs. There is also 24 hour pizza and ice cream. Also next to the pizza is a deli sandwich place. There is a coke card but I dont recall the price right now. There is also a sushi bar where you can walk up and ask for some.

 

Dave

[cruisegrandma3]

I prefered the Ecstacy over the Fantasy also. Although, we had a wonderful time on both cruises....how could you not!!!! I also like having the same wait persons at dinner each night..they call you by name and just seem to be part of your cruise package. I enjoy that, the person touch they give you.

[KroozNut]

Some people need structure others like the flexibility.

 

"Need structure"?... Sounds almost like a psychological condition.. LOL!

 

We have experienced both ways; 'freestyle' on NCL and traditional on Carnival and HAL. We enjoy and prefer traditional dining for many reasons, but not because we 'need structure'.. ; )

[Kurbanfan]

"Need structure"?... Sounds almost like a psychological condition.. LOL!

 

We have experienced both ways; 'freestyle' on NCL and traditional on Carnival and HAL. We enjoy and prefer traditional dining for many reasons, but not because we 'need structure'.. ; )

 

 

For some it probably is lol! But for some people they prefer or need the organization (structure) as a whole not as individuals. Same could be said for organized excursions etc........

Nothing wrong if that's what you need or want. But there are also some that prefer or need the opposite.:) The freedom and flexibility........

[AuntieBarb]

I wouldnt use the word stuffy. Elusive would be a better one.

 

Thanks for the run down, Dave. My apologies for the wording "stuffy" for lack of a better word at the time. Elusive does sound better. I wonder why though. Most of NCL's staff have been quite visible and sociable, which I consider a big plus.

 

To anyone:

 

Thanks for reminding me to check Carnival's FAQS. I see that the Fantasy does not have hair dryers. Thankfully I still have the international one I picked up for the NCL Spirit.

 

Freestyle indeed suits my tastes as far as flexibility and scheduling goes, but I'm sure I'll adjust to traditional. Dining with others is not a problem, but always nicer with the right mix of people. Of course we'll be cruising with a group, so we'll expect to be amongst familiar faces.

 

How's dinner typically progress for the larger seatings? Will an 8 o'clock seating still allow time to get to the 2nd show? I can't see squeezing one in before dinner.

 

The pics I've seen of the oceanview staterooms don't seem to show refrigerators and I haven't found any reference at Carnival's site. Are there or not? Can anyone fill me in on coffee pots or hot plates in the staterooms?

 

I found the packing suggestions. So I read that to say there is one formal night that will be mandatory formal wear if we wish to eat at our scheduled time. Yes?

 

Casual attire and resort wear is the order of the day both on board and in port. Shorts, slacks, sundresses, blouses, etc., are in line for women. Clothing for men is just as casual. You should bring a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of good walking shoes. You might also want to consider bringing along a sweater or jacket for cool evenings and inexpensive rain gear in case of a sudden shower. Women may want to bring along a hat or scarf. You'll have a chance to dress up on two nights during 7 day or longer cruises (one night on shorter cruises) for the Captain's Cocktail Party and the Gala Farewell Dinner. On the other evenings you can dress casually for dinner (no shorts or tank tops).

Thanks for all of your input folks. Although the Fantasy looks like she's weathered from her years, she appears to offer plenty of public areas and nice options. Any cruise experience is up to the cruiser. Believe me, we intend to have a good time and feel confident we will.

[AuntieBarb]

Not that I'm over here to promote NCL, but I did want to respond to some of the comments about server's knowing their guests and providing more personalized service.

 

Freestyle dining doesn't mean you have to have a different server each night. If you aren't in a hurry, specific servers can be requested and often times you'll get them again anyways. They rotate from dining room to dining room and different sections of the dining room as well. We've been able to form friendly relationships with many servers and requested them often. Even if we only see them once in a while, there have been many to address us by first name as well. I believe it really boils down to how pax interact with the servers. If you're outgoing, you can easily expect a similar experience on freestyle.

[jetskier]

Hot plates are not allowed as they are a fire hazard. No fridges on the Fantasy. Shows are usually 8:45pm and 10:30pm so you would be watching the second show.

 

In talking with Hugo, they make it a point to travel out where the passengers are instead of taking the route through the crew only areas. There are also certain rounds that have to make which makes them accessable.

 

Important stuff.

First night $3.75 margaritas in the piano bar for one hour

Liquor tasting on Deck 8 at the gift shops from 6-10pm. Keep getting back in line.

 

2nd night Captain's party 30-45 minutes of free drinks. You can ask for other type of drinks than what are on the trays. It helps to tip the bar waiter.

 

Usually on leaving Cozumel from 4-6pm by the pool are $3.75 margaritas.

 

And the next time you cruise on Carnival, you have a past guest party. Again 30-45 minutes of free drinks.

 

Plus we have our one hour open bar on one of the days.

 

Remember a bar waiter only brings you your drink. A bar tender is the one who makes your drinks. Get to know the bar waiter for a better drink.

 

Dave

[jkloni]

Tradional dining works better for large groups. Just cruised the Spirit last month with a group of 54. Noel, the restaurant manager we met in November arranged reservations for all of us at 830pm on the 2nd night. We were at 8 or so different tables, but in the same area. We all did not eat together again until the last night when about 40 of us ate together at 4 large tables. Some in the group I didn't see but 2 or 3 times the whole cruise. It's almost like the evening dinner is like a 'reset' for a group and I like that. We talk about we we did that day, what we're doing after dinner, the next day, etc.

 

I loved Freestyle when we cruised with 2 other couples on the Star in Hawaii. I would look at menus, decide which restaurant I wanted to go to and would relay that info to the 2 couples. And if they wanted to join us, they met us outside the restaurant at the appointed time. Easy to do when it's just a couple of phone calls. Not so easy with 54....

 

Don't worry about the shows. They are generally scheduled to coordinate with dinner times. And actually, we always eat at late seating (8pm)when dining traditionally. But since being on NCL 3 times in the last year, I've enjoyed eating earlier in the evening - like 630pm.

 

The piano bar has always been a popular place.

 

The hamburgers and french fries are wonderful! AND, there's a steak sandwich you can get too. Thinkly sliced ribeye they grill and put on a roll for you! YUMM-O!!

 

And the pizza, calzones and ceasar salad are served 24 hrs a day! You can ask for a whole pizza and they will cook it for you and give you the whole pizza! The calzones are also wonderful - and cooked when you order them.

 

And did we mention soft serve ice cream - SELF SERVE - and also 24 hours a day.

 

And AuntieBarb - you're going to be with all of us crazy reunion-ers.... You will have a wonderful time! Maybe jetskier and I are just full of ourselves...ha ha... Angel would pipe in too....if she wasn't cruising right now!

 

I really do hope you enjoy the cruise. You will enjoy the beds. No hair dryer. No fridge. No coffee pot. (though with the renovation/dry dock maybe that will change).

 

And of course you'll enjoy the time we spend in New Orleans before and after!

 

Kathy

[jkloni]

Hot plates are not allowed as they are a fire hazard. No fridges on the Fantasy. Shows are usually 8:45pm and 10:30pm so you would be watching the second show.

 

In talking with Hugo, they make it a point to travel out where the passengers are instead of taking the route through the crew only areas. There are also certain rounds that have to make which makes them accessable.

 

Important stuff.

First night $3.75 margaritas in the piano bar for one hour

Liquor tasting on Deck 8 at the gift shops from 6-10pm. Keep getting back in line.:D :D :D Smart. And it's straight alcohol. You won't need too many turns in line.:p

 

2nd night Captain's party 30-45 minutes of free drinks. You can ask for other type of drinks than what are on the trays. It helps to tip the bar waiter.

 

Usually on leaving Cozumel from 4-6pm by the pool are $3.75 margaritas.

 

And the next time you cruise on Carnival, you have a past guest party. Again 30-45 minutes of free drinks.

 

Plus we have our one hour open bar on one of the days.

 

Remember a bar waiter only brings you your drink. A bar tender is the one who makes your drinks. Get to know the bar waiter for a better drink.

 

Dave

 

I knew you'd come thru with the info!

 

Kathy

[KroozNut]

For some it probably is lol! But for some people they prefer or need the organization (structure) as a whole not as individuals. Same could be said for organized excursions etc........

Nothing wrong if that's what you need or want. But there are also some that prefer or need the opposite.:) The freedom and flexibility........

 

Then can we assume that we won't see you back aboard Carnival and its traditional dining?

[dan40]

We have cruised both lines, and many more. If all was equal I'd choose Carnival but could go with NCL for a minor reason. Same with many other lines. They have some differences, some similarities.

My attitude is,

The last cruise is but a memory, my next cruise is only a plan. The cruise I'm on is the one I'd better enjoy.

 

Dan

[Kurbanfan]

Then can we assume that we won't see you back aboard Carnival and its traditional dining?

 

Why the personal assumptions? Just posting along with everyone else here on the differences of traditional and freestyle/anytime.....

But since you asked.......we ate at the buffet every night on our last Carnival cruise last year. ;)

[Texas_firefighter]

Why do you need to be convinced? Why not just go, have fun and form your own opinion. If you don't like it don't do it again. Don't make your plans based on what people say here. It's like asking what is the best city, beach, hotel, car, food, wine, etc, etc, etc? You will get different opinions on all of them but none of them will be your opinion unless you experience it and then form your own.

 

This is the best place to get information on cruising.That being said,I always wonder about someone wanting to be convinced by someone else. :confused: .

[AuntieBarb]

This is the best place to get information on cruising.That being said,I always wonder about someone wanting to be convinced by someone else. :confused: .

 

My apologies if you don't care for the wording of my topic. My inquiry isn't a dig at anyone and of course we'll decide if it's for us or not, but why this in return?

 

If you look at my siggy you would see we started out freestyle and have remained that way. Thanks to a great group of people we met in on the NCL Spirit repositioning cruise, several of us are going back to get more time in New Orleans and we'll have our 1st exposure to traditional cruising.

 

So since we've spent most of our CC days on the NCL side, I came here as a future Carnival pax to hear opinions. I do hope that's OK with you.

[bmacri]

The reason that you will like Carnival (instead of NCL) is that it's different.

 

It's just that simple. Cruising is an adventure.

 

All cruiselines put their own touch and their own twist on everything.

It's the adventure that makes it fun.

 

So, don't think of it as better or worse.

Just different.

[mrsneurotic]

I am not sure what you'll prefer, but our family really enjoys getting to know our wait staff, having our own table that's waiting for us each evening at our home away from home, and when we aren't traveling with a lot of family, we make friends with our table mates. We still keep in touch with a family we met 3 years ago, send Christmas cards and graduation invitations. We love the ceremony of the dinner process and have found Carnival's food and service to be wonderful. Just our family's opinion.

[ldelato]

We sailed with NCL this past summer and found it to be enjoyable and over all had a great time. We also sailed on Carnival this past October on a Cruise to No Where, three days, two nights. In comparing the two Carnival comes out on top with cabin size and also food quality. I found the NCL food to be good but Carnival was definitely a step above, add to that the personal touch with getting to know the wait staff who made recommendations on what meals items were the best. You couldn't go wrong with that. The two ships were the Norweigan Spirit and Carnival Miracle.

[AuntieBarb]

Thank you for you kind replies!

[Socref124]

We're being adventurous this fall, breaking away from our dedication to NCL & the freestyle concept, by joining some former cruisers on the Fantasy. Some of them have experience with Carnival and have told us quite a bit, but I'd really like to hear more.

 

Can you convince me why we'll prefer traditional cruising aboard Carnival over freestyle cruising with NCL?

 

Carnival v NCL

It has been our experience that NCL ships overall are nicer and their food is better. The chocolate on NCL is to die for.

On the flip side, Carnivals service is far superior to NCL's, expecially the dinning room staff. With freestyle you get to dine anytime you want and rarely will you get the same wait staff. Sounds great except that the wait staff has no reason to go above and beyond for you. Your server on Carnival is yours for the week. He/she will usually do everything they can for you in hopes of getting a little extra (tip) at the end of the week. We found that the servers on NCL were sloppy and absent minded. One evening, our table looked like a war zone from all the spills from the server and on two different occasions our server forgot to bring us asked for items with our meal. NCL offers several dinning options, most charge more to dine there, while Carnival will have one specialty restaurant that charges more.

Our room steward on the Star was the worst we have had to date while we have had good to excellent room stewards on the Carnival ships. On embarkation day on the Star we walked out on our balcony and found a dirty ash tray. It made me wonder what else wasn't cleaned. Our TA had a bottle of Champaign sent to our room and since we don't drink white wine we asked our room steward if he could have it changed to a bottle of Cabernet for us. He told us WE had to take it to one of the bars on the ship to have it exchanged. Forty minutes and three bars later, I finally got the wine switched and the person at the bar apologized to me for the run around and told me that our room steward should have done this for us. Like I said on other posts, imho there is no such thing as a bad cruise and our poor experience on the Star does not eliminate us from cruising NCL again. We will just keep our expectations very low. We have stayed with Carnival for several reasons, one being price. NCL charges $400 to $500 pp more than Carnival for the same basic cruise. Why would I spend an additional $800-$1000 for the same basic cruise? We can cruise more often with the savings.

While I have never been on the Fantasy, I am sure you will have a good time. Just don't expect her to be as nice as the NCL ships you have been on. Attitude=Altitude, if you have the right attitude you will have a Fantastic time. Good luck and happy cruising.

[truecruiser]

why do you ned to be convinced? :confused:

 

if you don't like assigned dining times, you won't like ccl's set up.