All Things Fantasy

[bobsfamily]

Can anyone tell me the best way to get from the airport to the Port. We are looking at this cruise for Sept but not sure how to get from the airport. We considered a rental car but since it has to be returned to the airport we would have to pay parking for the time we are on the cruise.

 

Not sure if they have a shuttle service ? or if a couple taxi's would be better. There are 8 of us.

 

TIA

Carnival has transfer for $29 per person each way. It might seem a bit high but a taxi would be more.

http://charleston-arrives.com/

The above may be cheaper..

 

Here is a fare from airport to right next to the port:

http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=Charleston-SC&from=Charleston+International+Airport&to=Market+Pavilion+Hotel

 

There are vans that would hold all eight but I think I would try to book in advance, although the airport may not allow that.

8 x 29 x 2 = 464(Carnival rate)... A car that would hold eight (van) would be more (Expedia is $850 plus parking at the port).

 

I would suggest calling Carnival to see if you can get it for less with that many.

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

Edited December 10, 2013 by bobsfamily

[cruise_gal21]

Okay, hopefully this comes out right. I scanned in my Funtimes from my recent Halloween cruise on the Fantasy. They are black and white .pdfs so hopefully you can at least get an idea of what went on. I don't have the "day at a glance" little tear off portion for the sea days, my son did what they are for and tore them off and carried them around to check out certain events :D

 

I noticed in your Fun Times that it list a "Big Screen Movie". I've never sailed Fantasy, but we're sailing this upcoming May and was wondering if this is the same as "Movie Under the Stars"? The Fantasy actually has one of these outside? Thanks

[mamajules]

No - they showed the movie in the big show lounge

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

[cruise_gal21]

No - they showed the movie in the big show lounge

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks! Glad to hear they offer some sort of Movie Theater experience on the Fantasy. We didn't have this on our cruise with Fascination this past August and will be looking forward to it! :D

[michelle1836]

I remember seeing a picture of the port with directions and arrows showing you how to drive (someone created it). anyone remember this picture and where it might be? I checked on the Charleston board a bunch of pages back but didn't see it. maybe someone's review? would love to have it for my trip down next week

[thegoodlife247]

Do the safes in the cabins use a card or is it a number code? Thank you.

 

 

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[Palmetto Pilot]

Do the safes in the cabins use a card or is it a number code? Thank you.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

4 digit PIN

[michelle1836]

Anyone know when the formal night is on the 5 day Bahamas cruise?

 

 

Sent from my TARDIS

[rdh rules]

Anyone know when the formal night is on the 5 day Bahamas cruise?

 

 

Sent from my TARDIS

 

It's the 1st sea day. The deck party/almost midnight buffet is the night before the 2nd sea day (normally same day as Freeport)

[NCTribeFan]

I remember seeing a picture of the port with directions and arrows showing you how to drive (someone created it). anyone remember this picture and where it might be? I checked on the Charleston board a bunch of pages back but didn't see it. maybe someone's review? would love to have it for my trip down next week

 

I know it's there somewhere because I remember finding it before my May 2009 solo cruise (her 2nd after moving to Charleston). I'll see if I can find it.

[NCTribeFan]

Check this thread, post #3. I had found the pic and included it there.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1684915&highlight=charleston+port

 

Let's see if the direct link works.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=154697&d=1272665436

 

In that pic, the long, winding drive between the cones if off to the right, out of the picture. I don't think I have any photos on Flickr. Mine were all from early Fantasy cruises and were on Webshots, which I can no longer link

here.

 

Here's one from last October.

 

 

You can see the cones and then, in the left, you can see the tents on the other side of the building. That's where you are dropped off by shuttle or taxi and give your luggage to the porters. Not positive, but I think you drop your luggage there if you're parking and then are directed where to park your car (the white building on the other side of the street is one of the parking buildings, I think).

 

From those white tents, you proceed over to the smaller white tents shown next to the star in the photo/map.

 

It's pretty convoluted, but after you've done it once, it makes a lot more sense!

 

Note that if you're taking a shuttle, when you return, you have to walk all the way down that long bridge/drive on the far left. The large building in the distance is the Customs buildings. You can see vehicles parked on this side of the street. That's where you get your shuttle/taxi. Note that if you have a lot of luggage or bought a bunch of duty-free booze that gets very heavy, you can get a porter to wheel your luggage all the way down there. I've never done that so have no idea what one would tip for that service. Pulling two wheeled bags with a heavy carry-on and purse over the shoulder, your arms start to feel like they're going to fall off by the time you get to the parking. At least mine do!

[michelle1836]

thanks! that's the one I was looking for. heading out tomorrow. with Bobs directions to the port and your picture, we should be set!

[Gone2Beach]

Random question. Does anyone know if the balconies could be connected? As in, the partitions opened for side by side suites? We will be in U79 with the two suites on each side.

[Medtech2]

Can anyone tell me the best way to get from the airport to the Port. We are looking at this cruise for Sept but not sure how to get from the airport. We considered a rental car but since it has to be returned to the airport we would have to pay parking for the time we are on the cruise.

 

Not sure if they have a shuttle service ? or if a couple taxi's would be better. There are 8 of us.

 

TIA

Just in case, here is a useful link with transportation options.

 

http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/how-to-get-to-downtown-charleston-from-the-airport/

 

For anyone who really wants to save money, take the CARTA bus, then transfer at the Visitor's center, or use a taxi. All taxi's charge a flat $5 fee anywhere downtown...

[Pink flamingo52]

We sailed on the Fantasy in october for seven days. It was the first time we were on Carnival. There was an attendant on the Serenity Deck but we only stayed out there a couple of times. The DJ by the pool played a wide variety of music, very entertaining. Our favorite breakfast were the days they served brunch. Food was really good. Casino was fun. Shows were good. They had two comedians-one was really funny. We are 50-60 years old so it depends pn what you like, but we will definitely do this cruise again next year. The crew was awesome! They really seemed to care about everyone having a relaxing time. Hope everyone enjoys!

[bobsfamily]

We sailed on the Fantasy in october for seven days. It was the first time we were on Carnival. There was an attendant on the Serenity Deck but we only stayed out there a couple of times. The DJ by the pool played a wide variety of music, very entertaining. Our favorite breakfast were the days they served brunch. Food was really good. Casino was fun. Shows were good. They had two comedians-one was really funny. We are 50-60 years old so it depends pn what you like, but we will definitely do this cruise again next year. The crew was awesome! They really seemed to care about everyone having a relaxing time. Hope everyone enjoys!

Glad you had a great time. The Fantasy constantly rates high on crew, it's an older ship (actually oldest in the Fleet) but the crew really does a great job.

[cruise_gal21]

Glad you had a great time. The Fantasy constantly rates high on crew, it's an older ship (actually oldest in the Fleet) but the crew really does a great job.

 

This is great to know considering we're taking our friends on their first cruise on the Fantasy in May. Our first one was on the Fascination this past August and it was also a great ship. We're looking forward to spending a few days in Charleston before the cruise, none of us have ever been, as much as the cruise itself :) I also noticed you're going on Fantasy in May. Which sailing if you don't mind my asking?

[bobsfamily]

I also noticed you're going on Fantasy in May. Which sailing if you don't mind my asking?

We are going on the May 6th sailing that goes to Nassau and LSC...

[cruise_gal21]

We are going on the May 6th sailing that goes to Nassau and LSC...

 

Well you'll be kicking off the fun a week before we do then. I'll be looking for your review when we get back since we haven't been to LSC yet. Have a great time and keep the Fantasy in good shape for us ;) I've got one more question though, but this one is about Charleston, since I've noticed you're from the area... If you had to pick a good place to eat, without it being a complete tourist trap, where would you go? We'll be staying one night in the Mt. Pleasant area and another in the North Charleston area, but will travel into town, or a little away from town, for some good eats. Thanks!

[NCTribeFan]

Bob, did you set up a group for the 5/6 cruise? I guess I could ask this on the Roll Call, couldn't I?

 

Told Nancy I'll probably have to wait until the next billing cycle on my credit card (since I just HAD to put that $600 deposit on the Splendor repositioning last week).

 

But I'm about 99% sure I'm going to book the 5/6, too, possibly solo but maybe not. Just thinking about the upcoming tax season makes me NEED to have that post-4/15 sailing booked! ;)

[bobsfamily]

Bob, did you set up a group for the 5/6 cruise? I guess I could ask this on the Roll Call, couldn't I?

 

Told Nancy I'll probably have to wait until the next billing cycle on my credit card (since I just HAD to put that $600 deposit on the Splendor repositioning last week).

 

But I'm about 99% sure I'm going to book the 5/6, too, possibly solo but maybe not. Just thinking about the upcoming tax season makes me NEED to have that post-4/15 sailing booked! ;)

I started the roll call thread but Nancy is taking it over! I'm more than happy to have her get us all involved... there is also another type of "book" page that is entitled "Carnival Fantasy May 6, 2014 Cruise" or something like that. Come join us!

[bobsfamily]

Well you'll be kicking off the fun a week before we do then. I'll be looking for your review when we get back since we haven't been to LSC yet. Have a great time and keep the Fantasy in good shape for us ;) I've got one more question though, but this one is about Charleston, since I've noticed you're from the area... If you had to pick a good place to eat, without it being a complete tourist trap, where would you go? We'll be staying one night in the Mt. Pleasant area and another in the North Charleston area, but will travel into town, or a little away from town, for some good eats. Thanks!

What kind of food are you wanting? Shem Creek Bar and Grill (Mt. Pleasant) is touristy but has a local flavor, same with most restaurants on Shem Creek.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Shem+Creek,+Mount+Pleasant,+SC&hl=en&ll=32.790585,-79.881238&spn=0.007405,0.013937&sll=32.848248,-79.81622&sspn=0.2368,0.445976&oq=she&t=m&z=17

 

North Charleston has lots of "national" chains that are fine to eat.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=restaurants+near+Tanger+Outlet+Boulevard,+North+Charleston,+SC&hl=en&ll=32.871658,-80.01714&spn=0.014796,0.027874&sll=32.873046,-80.011926&sspn=0.014796,0.027874&oq=restaurants+near+tanger&hq=restaurants&hnear=Tanger+Outlet+Blvd,+North+Charleston,+Charleston,+South+Carolina+29418&t=m&z=16

 

Jim & Nicks is good.

 

I hope to have a great review of LSC and always have a good time on the Fantasy... will try to save some rum!

[cruise_gal21]

What kind of food are you wanting? Shem Creek Bar and Grill (Mt. Pleasant) is touristy but has a local flavor, same with most restaurants on Shem Creek.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Shem+Creek,+Mount+Pleasant,+SC&hl=en&ll=32.790585,-79.881238&spn=0.007405,0.013937&sll=32.848248,-79.81622&sspn=0.2368,0.445976&oq=she&t=m&z=17

 

North Charleston has lots of "national" chains that are fine to eat.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=restaurants+near+Tanger+Outlet+Boulevard,+North+Charleston,+SC&hl=en&ll=32.871658,-80.01714&spn=0.014796,0.027874&sll=32.873046,-80.011926&sspn=0.014796,0.027874&oq=restaurants+near+tanger&hq=restaurants&hnear=Tanger+Outlet+Blvd,+North+Charleston,+Charleston,+South+Carolina+29418&t=m&z=16

 

Jim & Nicks is good.

 

I hope to have a great review of LSC and always have a good time on the Fantasy... will try to save some rum!

 

Both of these places look amazing and is exactly what we were looking for! Thanks Bob! Looking forward to our trip even more now! :D

[pb19]

We were downtown Charleston last Saturday, Dec. 21st and I took a couple of shots of The Fantasy from Waterfront Park. Thought I'd share them on here. :-)

(If I can figure out how!... Sorry, can't figure out how to make them larger than thumbnails.)

[pb19]

Well you'll be kicking off the fun a week before we do then. I'll be looking for your review when we get back since we haven't been to LSC yet. Have a great time and keep the Fantasy in good shape for us ;) I've got one more question though, but this one is about Charleston, since I've noticed you're from the area... If you had to pick a good place to eat, without it being a complete tourist trap, where would you go? We'll be staying one night in the Mt. Pleasant area and another in the North Charleston area, but will travel into town, or a little away from town, for some good eats. Thanks!

I live in N. Chas. Where are you staying? I might be able to give you some suggestions close to your hotel. What do you want to eat? Seafood? BBQ? Or just chain type food?