Ecstasy Review (with photos) July 17-22, 2017

I drove by that hotel tonight so it's nice to come home and see you've written some! The round Holiday Inn has an awesome view, so I'm not surprised you saw the ship from up there. I live here so have never stayed in the hotel itself, but I have been there for a happy hour or two- and I've heard good things about their breakfast.

Good to know the boarding process was seamless too. Can't wait to read more.

The first ship we sailed on; still my favorite!

I was ready to book that Holiday Inn for my upcoming cruise until I found the hotel in the historic district. I've always wanted to stay there and figured since I had no airfare for this cruise, I could up my budget for a night. And I'll walk to the ship, so no waiting for a shuttle or Uber or taxi or tip for that service, either.

Maybe next time I'll stay at the HI.

I love how so many of us feel that boarding a Fantasy-class ship is like returning home. :)

We cruised on the Ecstasy last year and have a cruise booked on her December - I can't wait! I also love the Fantasy class ships. We have a place at Myrtle Beach so a quick 2 hour drive the morning of the cruise.

Kim

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We are torn between Harborside or Holiday Inn for our November cruise . Does anyone have any suggestions?

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We sail her Monday so no pressure but your gonna have to write quick. ☺:)

 

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lol trying... between work and sleep you know ;p

Day 1 continued

Here are photos of the walk to the ship port

We walked onto the boat and through the atrium. Simply beautiful

Our room was on the Empris Deck

Once in our room (inside cabin) we had a letter for our scheduled SPA.

We went to lunch and awaited our bags returning to our room prior to the muster drill. This was very different from my other cruises. We were assigned a location where a "talk" was given, children were given their arm bands and then we were taken to our spot. This ship even announced for passengers who tried to skip the drill, telling them their SS card would not worker until they completed the "talk". That was very different from other cruise drills I have participated in.

After the drill we went to the Guys vs Girls where was the team Captain. Girls won (of course) and I was given a ship on a stick and the 1st of 5 (count them) 5 bottles of champagne I was given or won.

Did I not say this was the BEST cruise EVER!!!!

I also played BINGO, where I won $50.00 of a $150 prize. There were 3 winners so we had to split it.

Hubby and I decided we did not want to go to dinner in the dinning room that evening (early seating) so we ate and hung out for a bit then on to the Welcome Aboard Show. It was great!!!

What I loved about it was Rock the Promade "BAR" Raffel. Basicly every one was asked to follow the CD to the atrium where we were given this paper with a number on it and "tickets" if you will, that you would rip off and give to an attendent. The Cruise director was Ryan, and he led the "march" to the locations. The music was playing and once we arrived at the location, Ryan would tell us a little about the area we were in. You gave your ticket to the staff member there, and Ryan drew a ticket and some one won a drink or some other pirze and then we were on to the next area. It was a great way to show the different bars, disco, Sing a long bar, comdey club and casino bar. Very cool way of seeing the locations and we had a blast. We had a late snack and hit the sack...we were poophed.

The first ship we sailed on; still my favorite!

I see why...it was amazing...small so you continued to see people you had met and hung out with. I loved it.

 

What I loved about it was Rock the Promade "BAR" Raffel. Basicly every one was asked to follow the CD to the atrium where we were given this paper with a number on it and "tickets" if you will, that you would rip off and give to an attendent. The Cruise director was Ryan, and he led the "march" to the locations. The music was playing and once we arrived at the location, Ryan would tell us a little about the area we were in. You gave your ticket to the staff member there, and Ryan drew a ticket and some one won a drink or some other pirze and then we were on to the next area. It was a great way to show the different bars, disco, Sing a long bar, comdey club and casino bar. Very cool way of seeing the locations and we had a blast. We had a late snack and hit the sack...we were poophed.

That sounds really fun! I'm going to remember to do this when we get on board, good way to see the different areas of the ship too.

I have had fun on every cruise I have taken. Some were better than others, but all were better than not cruising

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Following this with interest as we leave for Charleston on Wednesday, and sail on the Ecstasy on Saturday 8/19. Glad to read that you had such a wonderful time, looking forward to reading more about your trip!

Yes, MORE please!!

OP, come back! We want more! Leaving for Charleston on Tuesday and had hoped to read all about it!

Specifically, what time did you board? Earliest we could select was 11:30 but I'm sure I've boarded in Charleston as early as 10:30.

They didn't have that walkway over to the port building last time I sailed. Had to do the shuttle-around-the-block routine. Since I'm walking from my hotel, a few more steps won't hurt me (despite how heavy that carry-on bottle of wine feels after about 1/2 mile!).

Not op but we boarded yesterday and pretty sure they were taking people who parked around 10:30. Thinking we got to terminal around 11 and there was already a LOT of people there. We're platinum and boarding was nice and quick !!

Sorry It took me a while to get back at this but with some changes in work and then "HARVEY", it has been crazy. But here we go...

Day 2

Day at sea and elegant night.

Hubby and I went to breakfast after I returned from my work out.

Than it was all about the relaxing and partying

Hubby and I floated a picture of Margarita...on...our...own...needless to say, we were feeling good.

We watched the harry man contest and I let the guy borrow my hat...This is me in my hat and glasses...

and this is "HE" in my hat and glasses

Elegant Nigh Pics

Ours

Theirs

Such a fun night.

This is the day we also received a note from a member of the entertainment staff thanking us (ME) for dancing and being so upbeat. Hey what can I say, I like to have a good time!!!

Later that night we went to Karaoke. I sang " Wanted Dead or Alive" which is the best Karaoke song EVER!!!

Since I like to sing and have a good time, this young lady asked me to sing with her. We sang "Goodbye Earl", Then my hubby and I sang "Proud Mary". And I Finished up the Karaoke night with "Tyrone" as I was asked once more to accompany some one else with their rendition. :) I was having a blast.

We went to the Motown show which was awesome.

after that it was Pizza and bed for us...Port day tomorrow!!

Day 4

Nassau Bahamas!!!

We booked a tour with through Viator

https://www.viator.com/tours/Nassau/Nassau-Bahamas-Highlights-Tour/d420-28075P2

Very professional staff. Great vehicles and we had a blast. Here are some of the pic from our tour.

1st stop Rum Cake Facatory

After more site seeing we then went to Paradise Island and spent about 20 min at Atlantas

Atlantis Pics

After Atlantis, we went on with the tour and our next stop was Queen's Stair Case, Fort Fincastel and the market.

Next on to the RUM Factory and Chocolate Factory.

We returned to the boat for our couples massage. We received a $50.00 gift card, champagne and chocolate strawberries the night before. So we used the $50 to upgrade and have hot stones...I'm hooked...I WILL be doing a massage EVERY trip from now on!!!

Then we went to 80's Trivia. Our team won!! It had to be because of ME...not to brag but when you Sing "Purple Rain" and have the men on your team throwing their shirts at you...well, that means you did a good job...and I have the bottle of booze and medal to prove it...

OK so the story goes, my husband was called up on stage to sing "Purple Rain" for our team. He "said" he did not know the words but his wife, who is the BIGGEST Prince fan alive, did. So the cruise director called me up. It was a back and forth comp between me and another person from the other team. She did great...I did BETTER!!! Please see prize bottle number 4 below!!! Our team won! It was a blast.

I played bingo again tonight but didn't win. After it was on to the deck party where we received free drinks from CD for just being who we are and doing what we do....have funn...that was an amazing time at the deck party.

My husband and I were also given one more bottle along with strawberries from the member of the fun squad as well. We never ran out of chocolet covered strawberries or champagen.

It was off to bed for the next day in Free port and relaxation!!!