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Sailing an older ship!

bizzybee902

By bizzybee902,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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bizzybee902

bizzybee902

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Hey guys! I'm booked on the Fantasy on Monday. I went from the Breeze to the Pride and now the Fantasy. Are there any specific things you enjoy most or secret places you enjoy when you sail an older ship? I'm looking forward to the older menu. I was not a fan of American Table. I really would like to try the Bitter and Blanc. I'm counting down the days to spring break fun. Thus far I plan to hit the piano bar also and have to Tea.

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bizzybee902

bizzybee902

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All I can offer is to tell you its 26 years old :eek:.

It will not be like Breeze.

So, go in with reasonable expectations. CCL has tried to sell it but apparently could not

 

I thought that the dry dock would fix many problems. I think that makes it more of a classic. My house is older than that, lol. While I loved the Breeze; I also loved the feel of the Pride.

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poz222

poz222

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Like others said, it's about expectations... It's akin to staying at one of the new big casinos in Vegas then going down to Freemont street for a yard of beer and some beads... Both can be a lot of fun if you have the right frame of mind.... It will be less about the amenities and more about the "vibe" onboard..

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mzloolue

mzloolue

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After muster drill grab a table behind the buffet eating area.

Some are directly behind and some to the sides.

It is my favorite spot for sailaway on Fantasy class.

 

I have sailed Fantasy class nine times.

Sensation, Ecstasy, Fantasy and Elation

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bizzybee902

bizzybee902

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Like others said, it's about expectations... It's akin to staying at one of the new big casinos in Vegas then going down to Freemont street for a yard of beer and some beads... Both can be a lot of fun if you have the right frame of mind.... It will be less about the amenities and more about the "vibe" onboard..

 

I promise I will be very open minded! That why I booked her.

 

After muster drill grab a table behind the buffet eating area.

Some are directly behind and some to the sides.

It is my favorite spot for sailaway on Fantasy class.

 

I have sailed Fantasy class nine times.

Sensation, Ecstasy, Fantasy and Elation

 

Thanks, exactly the tips I was looking for!!

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Mistyhon

Mistyhon

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We just sailed fascination last month (our first fantasy class ship.) It was nice that the lines were shorter. You did see a lot of the same people over and over again. However, it was missing some things that we really like (bigger waterpark, more pools, more food options, RFP, etc.) Overall, if not for the embarkation/disembarkation sucking major in JAX I would do it again.

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RHilla619

RHilla619

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I sailed her in December with my 2 other cruises being Splendor and Oasis, and I really did enjoy her. Like others have said it is all about expectations, the ship is far from elaborate, but I'm easy to please so as long as there's deck chairs, cold drinks, clean cabins, good food, and a casino I'm happy. I sailed her prior to the 2.0 upgrades too and still had a good time, so the ship will have a couple more bells and whistles while your on board. Have fun!!

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Tapi Great Review Rare

Tapi

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Ditto about the open decks just aft of the lido buffet. Great place to sit down and enjoy the views. Keep in mind that one side is non-smoking while the other side is smoking.

 

We are planning on sailing aboard Fantasy strictly because she's returning to Mobile, our closest port of embarkation (and because currently the pricing is very good). But as others have said, go with very realistic expectations. I've sailed on Fantasy class ships many times and every single time it's been due to convenience and/or price. Nothing more. Think of it as a cheap thrill. Kinda like going to the local amusement park. Not quite like going to Disney or Universal but still fun!

Edited by Tapi
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Micahs Grandad

Micahs Grandad

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Interesting

 

We started 20 or so years ago on Fantasy class and moved up to Spirit and than Conquest with an occasional one on the Dream.

 

Prefer the bells and whistles of newer ships but might be interesting to go back to an older ship and see how we would like it now.

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tbmrt

tbmrt

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All different experiences. Although we've never been on a huge ship, we loved the service/food/ambiance on the rather large Celebrity Equinox. However, one of my best memories is cruising on NCL Sky which is smaller. Also had a blast on the Bahamas Celebration, a really old, small ship.

 

This year it is Carnival Dream for fun and New Orleans port and I think Windjammer/Windsurf (300 passengers) for BVI.

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Savlamara

Savlamara

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Older ships have a "homey" feel to me. They may not have all the new bells and whistles, but they feel homey to me and the crew seems less stretched with lessor number of passengers so I feel i get better service. I also like its smaller and easier to navigate a smaller ship.

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Jamman54 Great Review Rare

Jamman54

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We love going on a Fantasy class ship from time to time, in fact, we will be back on the Fascination in two weeks. For us they are the perfect size for the 3, 4, & 5 day Bahamas or Western Caribbean runs. Think of it, when you are tendering into HMC or Grand Cayman, would you rather be on a ship with 2,400 pax or 4,500 pax? Sure they don't have all the bells and whistles of the newer, much larger ships, but if you know that going in, it's no big deal.

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Florings

Florings

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Love the Paradise, which is in the same Fantasy class. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the new, large ships, but we don't really need all of those things to enjoy our cruise!

 

Great spaces and entertainment venues on the smaller ships - a warm cosy feel. Usually great service and super friendly crew.

 

You will have an awesome time on your spring break!!

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uncleg

uncleg

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I just sailed Fantasy back in September. Its a great ship, have been on her at least 3 times. I am sure it is even better with the new upgrades. The best things about the older ships are they are easier to find your way around, or it could just be me. Also the gyms are a good size for the ship. I sailed the Dream a few years back and the gym was about the same size as the on on the Fantasy. The one on Dream was to small for the number of cruiser on board. Another plus for older ships are no Cloud 9 Spa, so access to the steam room and saunas are not an extra fee.

Edited by uncleg
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tandemcruzr

tandemcruzr

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Ditto about the open decks just aft of the lido buffet. Great place to sit down and enjoy the views. Keep in mind that one side is non-smoking while the other side is smoking.

 

Tapi -- is it still that way? I thought the last time we were on her both sides were non-smoking.

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trvlgirlmq

trvlgirlmq

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We did Dream and Breeze before an older ship and our family did not care for it. Not enough for kids to do and we absolutely hated that the trivia was in a smokey bar area. We found that we preferred the larger ships with lots more activities. Went back to Breeze and next up is Vista. We will stick with Dream and Vista class from now on.

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bizzybee902

bizzybee902

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We love going on a Fantasy class ship from time to time, in fact, we will be back on the Fascination in two weeks. For us they are the perfect size for the 3, 4, & 5 day Bahamas or Western Caribbean runs. Think of it, when you are tendering into HMC or Grand Cayman, would you rather be on a ship with 2,400 pax or 4,500 pax? Sure they don't have all the bells and whistles of the newer, much larger ships, but if you know that going in, it's no big deal.

 

Thank you Sir. I love your reviews by the way. I do feel excited to have a smaller place to call home!!!

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