Three Cruises, Three Fantasy-Class ships. What are we REALLY missing?

First one was back in '97, on the Fantasy. It was neato, loved every minute of it.

Second one - 2015 - Carnival Sensation. I had just as great a time. This was right after dry dock, but before they put in stuff like Guy's and Blue Iguana (they did that, right?)

Anyway, third cruise is coming up in January 2018, on the Carnival Paradise. Right before dry dock.

Seeing as how the cruises I've been on (and am currently going on) have essentially all been the same ship...what else is out there? I have to say that I do like the familiarity aspect, but I have to wonder...are the bigger and newer ships all that?

We like a little rocking and rolling when the water gets choppy, and I fear that we'd lose that on one of the leviathans that are out now.

Don't gamble, so casino action isn't a selling point for us. We're not into jewels or watches or things like that either, so bigger shops wouldn't be a draw.

We love food, but don't think we'd want to pay for specialty restaurants - part of the appeal is that it's already paid for and we don't have to worry about nuthin' for a few days of bliss. (Caveat: we're doing Chef's Table because we'll never get the opportunity to eat like that at home unless my Distant Uncle from Liberia's Inheritance ever gets sent to us from Mr. Roger Imouye, Reverend.)

Last cruise, I skulked about with a rinsed out can of Foster's that I'd refill with Lemonade so that I always had a drink in hand and didn't have to refuse service when offered drinks. This time, we got Cheers! (and I intend to use the hell out of it). Is, for instance, the Alchemy bar just what they have on the menu, or will they go crazy with it?

I guess what I'm asking is: Should we bother with a newer flashier ship, or is it, as I seem to figure, same ship but bigger and with more ways to spend money? Thus far, content is a very, very good word to describe the experience, but I have to admit, I'd love to be WOWED.

I'd love to see your opinions on it!

If you really want the WOW factor, you need to go with a newer ship. If your sticking with Carnival, try the Vista. The newest ship before the Vista was the Breeze. We've sailed the Oasis class on RCCL, and that was WOW! But our most recent cruise has been on NCL Getaway. LOVE THAT SHIP! Heading back on her this January! So, if it's WOW you are looking for, you need to broaden your search away from Carnivals older ships. Not that they are bad, but there just isn't that WOW factor.

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Completely depends. Any cruise I'm on is a fun cruise because of what we like to do on the ships. Yes, the bigger ships have more and I think it's a great experience, but the smaller ships do have a lot of charm. For us, we look for ships with a Guys Burger, comedy club, and waterslides. Depends on what you like.

Fantasy class ships are a great way to see what cruising is all about, and I've taken several cruises on these ships. However, there is definitely A LOT more out there. Think of it as going to the same restaurant and ordering the same exact entree every time because you enjoyed it the first time. You won't know what you're missing until you try others.

It's not only about the ship and the amenities onboard. Sailing on a larger ship also means that most likely you'll be visiting new destinations commonly not visited by the older Fantasy class ships which are mostly relegated to short, cheap itineraries out of secondary drive to ports and visiting the same old destinations. Get out of your comfort zone, try new things and see what else is out there, even if it costs more.

And take it one step further. Try other cruise lines besides Carnival. While I have some wonderful memories from my many sailings on this cruise line, one of the best cruise related decisions I've ever made is choosing to try as many different cruise lines as possible. Each one offers something different which makes them unique.

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Yes there are somethings that are better on a larger newer ship but do they out weigh the Fantasy class ships no they really dont. For me it's about the ports and embarkation port. Lately for me it is cities like Charleston or New Orleans great cities to visit in themselves.