Yay for the Fantasy! Review 10/06/07

[nawlinscruiser22]

Seems as if the 3rd time is the charm…My 3rd trip on the Fantasy was by far the best in almost all aspects that can be discussed. The crew was extra friendly, the weather was perfect, the water was smooth as glass, the drinks were good, the food was hot/fresh and with the exception of a few entrees the food was exceptional this time around.

 

Embarkation was somewhat slow compared to past voyages out of New Orleans. However, once on board, everything worked out. Our room was on Empress-midship which IMO is the best cabin location. Convenient and quiet- you really can’t beat that combo! Our cabin attendant, Jocelyn, was fantastic! She was friendly, efficient and accommodated all of my special requests with a smile.

 

Dinner time was 545 in the Jubilee. Our waiters-Luka and Katrina-were fabulous! They really were the best waiters I have experienced on my Carnival sailings to date. The filet the first night was to die for! Unfortunately, not to be a Debbie Downer, the entrée quality from there on out just wasn’t quite up to par. Maybe I am just picky or perhaps it’s that they just aren’t capable of cooking fish? I wasn’t going to go there but since I am already discussing the dining mini-disaster as my traveling companions coined it—the lobster was bordering on the size of a 10-12 count shrimp, for those of you who are familiar with seafood terms. I am not exaggerating! It was ridiculous. If its quality could have made up for its lack in size then maybe I would not be mentioning it. C’mon Carnival! You can do much better than thatJ But on a more positive note, the dining staff was very good at bringing something else out right away if they noticed I didn’t care for the dish so I eventually found something edible every meal.

 

The casino was really tight this cruise. I did not see or hear of one big winner. However, the casino staff was very generous with the free drinks so that made up for it a good bit! The bartenders at the bar by the casino were fantastic and once you bought a drink from them, they greeted you by name the entire cruise. I recommend the Dirty Banana or the Mudslide [with extra cherries and whipped cream]. Yummy!

 

I did not attend the shows except for the guest talent show. That was an interesting experience as usual. From there we headed to the karaoke lounge—which was hit and miss as most karaoke sessions go. The disco was fun, especially the last night when everyone was trying out all the new line dances they had learned at the line dancing lessons earlier in the day.

 

As far as port of calls, Progreso was a new one for our group. It actually turned out to be a really nice adventure, minus the terrible heat. We did the $2 double decker bus tour. It was about 20 minutes long. It was really interesting to see the town and hear the small anecdotes about the native folks. Then, we walked around the straw market for a few before heading to the beach. The water is cloudy as some people have reported, but it was still very pretty.

 

A good time was had by all in Cozumel. Considering this was my 5th trip to Cozumel in less than 12 months, we just walked around the shops by the dock. We actually stopped by this shop that a local artist, Luis Mota, sells his original artwork. His canvas you may ask? It is a feather! His works are quite unique. I purchased a small one that had a gold fleur de lis. We talked with him about his people, his artwork and just general conversation for a good 3 hours before heading back to the ship. I recommend you stop by to visit him sometime.

 

 

Debarkation was a breeze. We did self assist. Verandah and Empress were called at 715 and we were on the interstate at 745.

 

Overall, the ship seemed to be in very good condition. I had heard reports of some heavy wear and tear since my last trip in January. In my opinion, this is to be expected for an older vessel that carries a substantial amount of people year round, but other than a few chipped tiles and a smeared window here and there, it really was immaculate. I was impressed.

 

So my general opinion for those of you who are doing research for your next cruise- the common complaints of too many first time cruisers, lots of families, hit and miss dining experiences, worn carpets, smeared windows, smoky casinos and outside decks, less than stellar revue shows, lack of all the modern "toys" and conveniences that the newer vessels have in addition to the widely varying passenger demographic are all quite true. However, this can be found on any cruise ship or line. Is this cruise experience going to have you sitting in the lap of luxury? Absolutely not! But what it can bring you are lots of invaluable memories of the friendliest crew at sea on a boat that has tons of charm. As Big Tex so eloquently put it last night, “What the Fantasy lacks in size and glamour, it surely makes up for in heart.” She surely does hold a special place in mine.

[jhsieh]

Wonderful review. Glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise!:)

[LABecca]

The "Lobster" was probably Langistino Lobster, which is is really not much larger than a jumbo shrimp. I never get the lobster, it never seemed worth the while.

 

I'm dissappointed to hear about the food. On our first cruise out of New Orleans aboard the Sensation, the food was fantastic.

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip.

[goLC]

I see you've also sailed on the Holiday. How do you compare the two? I'm ready to book my next (2nd) cruise - Mobile is just as convenient to drive as New Orleans for us. Just wondered if it measures up - I absolutely loved the Fantasy; I think we were getting off as you were getting on (Saturday) - I would hate to book a 2nd on the Holiday and be disappointed!

[crazycruzer68]

What are the current in room movies?

[Montycruiser]

Great review, we leave on the 29th :D can't wait. I see you will be getting on when we get off on the 3rd. We'll keep her in good shape for you.:D :D

[allyro]

Just got off the Fantasy today and I will try to list as many of the movies as I remember, they changed everyday and we would flip through at night before bed just to see what was on. This morning before debarkation, I got hooked watching Ratatouille ....I may have to rent that one to see how it ends!

 

 

Music and Lyrics

In the Land of Women

Code Name: The Cleaner

Premonition

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Night at the Museum

Spiderman 3

Because I Said So

The Holiday

Wild Hogs

The Last Mimzy

Ratatouille

Shrek the Third

Everyday Heroes

Bridge to Terabithia

[nawlinscruiser22]

The Holiday is tiny! Compared to some of the larger vessels I have sailed on, she is the little tug boat that could:p There are definite rooms for improvement on that ship. However, if you go in with a winning attitude-you won't be disappointed! In my opinion, any cruise is a great cruise! Sure there will be worn areas and some sewer smells here and there especially if you are on Riviera but these are all minor complaints as far as I am concerned.

 

One thing worth mentioning is she shimmies(vibrates) a little more than usual. This was a non-issue with me as I wear half of a patch and luckily don't get sick. However, my aunt who usually does not have to take pills or wear a patch was super sea sick on our Holiday trip.

 

So my vote is to experience a cruise on the Holiday before she is retired. She will be unlike any other cruise ship you will ever experience. Go in it with an open mind and just looking to have a good time. Yes there will be major differences from the Fantasy, some not so good, but I couldnt find any major deal breakers.

[wormfarmer]

We we got back the cruise before you guys on the Fantasy and we had a wonderful time as well. Great review.

 

Just a bit of advice regarding Debarkation in New Orleans. When you get off the ship, grab a Porter and you will save alot of time. Tip the guy and let him take you around the lines to the other side and get directly through Customs. We use them everytime in New Orleans and last week we were off the boat and through customs and in our car in about 15 minutes. Record Time.

 

In regards to the Holiday, she is not tiny by any means. We cruised her on her maiden voyage back in 1985 and have been on her 4 more times. Also been on the Celebration and the Jubilee (all sister ships). Trust me, back then except for the Norway they all 3 seemed huge. Us veteran cruisers remember the days before "mega" ships that new cruisers started out with over the past 10 years. If you think the Holiday is small, you should have been around for the Mardi Gras, Carnivale, and some old RCCL ships of the day. Or even some other lines we have cruised that have been gone for 25 years or more.

 

A little Holiday trivia. Who remembers the old days when she ran 7 day cruises out of Miami? Now for the trivia. What was served each night on the bus? Hint: Not sushi!!

 

Happy cruising!

[airdale]

Nawlinscruiser22...I noticed that you will be back aboard the Fantasy the 3rd of November which is the same cruise we are sailing on.

Sorry to read that the lobster was so small. Maybe they got the escargot mixed up with the lobster? :D

It was great to hear that each cruise aboard the Fantasy has gotten better! Thanks for the review!

Don

[nawlinscruiser22]

LABecca- The food wasnt bad by any means! No need to be disappointed! The sandwiches from the deli were good. The BLT and chicken fajita wrap from room service were delicious! In the dining room, I think they just could not get the fish dishes right but thats just my opinion! Everyone at the table seemed to enjoy the pork chop, filet, teryaki ribs, tiramisu, honey bourbon chicken, french onion soup and the grand marnier souffle. I was more so disappointed in the quality rather than the size of the lobster. I just mentioned the size because it was definitely the smallest one I had ever seen.

 

goLC and wormfarmer-- Perhaps I didnt make it clear, the Holiday is still a large ship. She is just tiny compared to the ships that I have experienced and I was just trying to let goLC know that when comparing the Holiday to their first cruise aboard the Fantasy some things will be quite different. Although there will be differences, none are deal breakers. So goLC as I said before, any cruise is a great one! Go and have a great time!

 

airdale-Yes I will be on the 11/3 sailing! Hard to believe I am going back that quickly but the timing/price were right at the time of booking. I just couldnt pass it up! Are you sailing with a large group?

[airdale]

 

airdale-Yes I will be on the 11/3 sailing! Hard to believe I am going back that quickly but the timing/price were right at the time of booking. I just couldnt pass it up! Are you sailing with a large group?

 

Just my DW, DD and I in our family, plus a cousin and her DH is the total of our group. But it must be nice to live so close that you can cruise all the time. If I lived close to a port you would find me onboard all the time too!! Are you with a large group this time?

 

Our PVP made us such a good offer using my military discount on a CAT 12 suite this time that we could not refuse. I was planning to just book a CAT 11 suite again because my DW really enjoys sitting out on the balcony in the morning and having her coffee prior to going and having breakfast. She is hooked with the wind, smell of the ocean and roll of the ship while sitting there. I think she is beginning to understand why I enjoyed the Navy.

 

I will keep your dining food recommendations in mind for when we cruise. Maybe the fish will be better this cruise?

 

I did set up a roll call some time ago for the Nov 3, 2007 cruise. You are going to have to go to that thread and make yourself known to the VERY FEW of us. :)

 

Don

[qprrules]

A good time was had by all in Cozumel. Considering this was my 5th trip to Cozumel in less than 12 months, we just walked around the shops by the dock. We actually stopped by this shop that a local artist, Luis Mota, sells his original artwork. His canvas you may ask? It is a feather! His works are quite unique. I purchased a small one that had a gold fleur de lis. We talked with him about his people, his artwork and just general conversation for a good 3 hours before heading back to the ship. I recommend you stop by to visit him sometime.

Sounds interesting! Can you tell me how to locate his shop? Cheers.

[smurfm69]

We are cruising on the Fantasy on Oct. 25th and will be a total of 15 in our group. This will be our second time on this ship and can't wait. No complaints here about the Fantasy.

[RoperDK]

Great review. I thought I'd add my two cents. This was our first cruise on a Fantasy class and we really like the layout. The ship never felt crowded and seemed very open. It showed a bit of wear and tear, but overall was in great shape and kept clean. We had our first cat. 12 and thought the balcony and extra space was worth every penny. The crew was very friendly and service was great. We spent a lot of time in the casino. I thought the slots were tight, but was rewarded with many hours of playing on their nickel on the last sea day, so the jury is out on that one.

 

Our only negative on this cruise was the food in the dining room at dinner. This was our 12th Carnival cruise, so we are familiar with the selections and preparation and we felt things weren't up to par. Now, the buffett food was very good in our opinion. Pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and most of the taste of nations selections we tried were great. I liked the salad bar, fresh veggies all week. Room service was good and fast! We ate breakfast in the dining room most mornings and it was just fine. But something was amiss at dinner. Now, I don't expect perfect meals every night when you are feeding hundreds of people at once. I can get over a tough cut of steak or something overcooked now and then, but someone at our table had a problem with their dish every night. The servers were quick to replace things, but it shouldn't have to be done that way. We really aren't complainers, I promise! Carnival is very responsive to comment cards, so I'm sure any issues will be corrected. Maybe it was just a bad week. It didn't ruin our cruise, but it was a definite departure from normal.

 

Now, for those of you who are cruising on the Fasntasy soon, don't let my negative comment get to you. We had a great cruise and never went hungry. We enjoyed the Fantasy so much, we have another booked on her next April.

 

Dawn

[crayphish]

Thanks for the great review. I'm leaving in the morning to cruise on the Fantasy and am very excited.

 

Is there splenda on the boat? I'm bringing my coffee pot and some CDM and am not sure about what else I need to tote for my fix.

 

Thanks!

[nawlinscruiser22]

I am glad I am not the only one who thought something was up with the dining room food! I really am not much of a complainer either but I just found it a bit odd that we had at least 3 people at our table of 10 send back their food every night. But despite that one minor issue, a great time was had by all! Guess it didnt bother me too much...Only 20 more days till my next round:p

 

As far as Splenda, I am not sure. Maybe someone else can remember for certain? I know they have sugar, Equal, Sweet n Low, and the brown raw sugar crystals. I bring some from home because Splenda is a must in our family. The other day I picked up this neat little dispenser that has Splenda tablets. It looks like a mint/gum container. Perhaps you could pick one up. It may come in handy one day, if not on this cruise:)

 

[crayphish]

Ah, I will pack my Splenda bag then. No big deal, just trying to pack as light as possible!! I hope they don't take my coffee pot from me, LOL, I'll be in trouble!!

 

Food is so hard to get right when on a large scale. We from NOLA are pretty picky anyway regarding expectations. I wasn't too impressed with the Holiday's food in 2004 but nothing deterred my having an outstanding time. It just won't let it happen. I am really looking forward to the sushi bar. I'm bringing some quick brown rice to see if I can convince them to make some brn rice sushi!! I guess they see it all so what the heck!!

 

:-)

crayphish

[yuyi64]

So have you finished packing yet crayphish? Ready for tomorrow?

[Big Jay]

:D I had a great time! I was really impresed with the Fantasy! Being that i cruised the Destiny 3-06 & The Liberty 1-07! I had my doubts about the smaller Fantasy, But boy was I wrong! Similar layout to Destiny & Liberty, but this ship had way more open deck space which i love! U could walk forward to aft on this one & Can't do it on the others! For those who were looking forward to going to Costa Maya, Progresso (IMO) is better, lot of pushy vendors, but way more to see & do here! I think i found my Class of Ships I loved the Fantasy & looking forward to sailing her sister ship the Imangiation in August!! Have no fear folks you would love the Fantasy!!

 

 

Neworleanscruiser I spend 2 wonderful nights in your city & had a good time!! Who wouldn't enjoy New Orleans??? I was in your city before the huracaine! (5-2005) & had the oportunity to cruise the Fantasy which was'nt my first choice The Truimph was, but Carnival Cancelled the 7-nite Cruises! I also did the Katrina Tour! I suggest to those who can do it & love NO like i do, Leave the FQ for a little while & see the Devestaion & Rebirth of NO!!!:cool:

 

EOS 10-01

AOs 4-02

Norwegian Dawn 10-03

VOS 9-04

Amtrak Across America 5-05

Destiny 3-06

Liberty 1-07

Fantasy 10-07

Norwegian Pearl (ALASKA) 5-08!!!

Imanigation 8-08!!:eek:

[nawlinscruiser22]

I love love love the Fantasy too! Glad you enjoyed your time in New Orleans. Its a great city...even if I am a bit biased:p