FuturzMinion

81 days until I head from Sarasota to Port Canaveral, to go on an 8 day Eastern on the Sunshine.

Pretty much all ships going in for drydock in the coming months is getting "Funship 1.5" instead of Funship 2.0, meaning that they aren't any good upgrades included, like JiJi's, Guy's, Blue Iguana, ETC. I was annoyed they deemed it 2.0 on the ships they applied it on (Victory and Paradise, for example).

Tough choice. I'd go with the Sunshine. You get more days and better Ports, plus the great ship. Don't let the bad reviews get to you, your vacation is what you make it.

You guys are right, my mistake.

No, they'd probably sell the Fantasy first.

BUMP-

I think I found the camera I'll buy, a Fujifilm FinePix S8300. Looks good in almost every aspect, a 16 MP sensor, viewfinder, maybe HDR, panorama, and a couple other things. Usually a 310$ camera, it is on sale for 139$.

I cant speak to the quality of the Sony H300, but looking at the specs, I am slightly (ok, probably more than slightly) put off by the lack of a viewfinder. Holding a camera (or any object for that matter) closer to the body allows is a more comfortable position. Using your head as a contact point (along with your two hands) allows for a more stable platform. Some may say that image stabilization fixes the stability problem with using the LCD, but it does little for the comfort problem. Holding an object away from the body for a length of time puts more stress on your back. I know a small camera like the H300 may not weigh that much, but in situations where you are trying to capture a fleeting event, you may not have time to bring your camera to the shooting position...thus you are constantly at the ready, which in the case of an LCD only camera, is with your arms out front. With a viewfinder equiped camera you can tuck your elbows in and rest a bit while at the ready.

 

I like the suggestion of a used purchase. I have seen Nikon 3100s and Canon XSs for as low as $200. They may be a couple generations old and may lack wizbang features (wifi, HDR, Panorama...), but they still can produce amazing shots in tough situations. Plus, they make great platforms for learning DSLR photography. In addition, they are all compatible with the best lenses from Nikon and Canon (respectively). There are merits in buying a cheap camera body and buying expensive high quality lenses.

 

Good luck!

I'd prefer HDR, considering I like to take night shots of the deck. HIJACKING- would HDR fix the rope light color blur on the deck?

I must also add that I am sailing with someone in a Wheelchair, so FTTF is important to me.

Hi,

I'm sailing the Sunshine on the 6th of June out of Port Canaveral. I was wondering how would one check if FTTF has sold out for this voyage?? I'm trying to snag it ASAP!

Thanks,

Futurz

Though not a DSLR, the Sony DSCH300 is a very capable camera for the price and will significantly outperform a smart phone. Phones have come a long way (I have a Lumia Icon) and are more than sufficient for daily photography, but for situations where you need more zoom or the light is bad, an actual camera is still the best choice.

 

Dave

Thank you for your input, I meant DSC. I was thinking of the camera my school uses for work, while thinking of that Sony camera.

Hi,

I was wondering what would be a good, cheap camera I could buy before my cruise on the Sunshine. I absolutely love taking pictures, and I was going to make a review using those pictures? I've been looking at the Sony H300 DLSR. If not, I'll probably end up using my LG G3's 13 MP Laser Autofocus camera. [emoji6]

Thanks,

Futurz

TL;DR: I want suggestions on a good camera under 200$. Thanks.

Damn.

Looks like we've got a Florida hater. Chill out, it was an opinion.

???

More Aussies than west coast but true.

It made me sad seeing that I can't take the Legend anymore. That is why Tampa should get a year round Spirit class ship, they are almost always filled. You West Coasters are always asking for a lot, IMO.

Tampa used to have a year round Spirit class, and then the Aussies/West Coasters took it from us.

Fantasy, or Spirit!

:0 No Escargot!!

*Edit* I looked up Escargot in my browser searcher (Ctrl. + 4) and it didn't find it, which is why I posted that. But searching over it again, I found it spaced apart. I am happy now.

As long as they still have my Escargot, Alligator Fritters, Lobster and Prime Rib.

Maybe in October they send her to charleston or Tampa since she has a few balconies. I hate this guessing game. Lol it is fun and aggravating at the same time.

If so, what about the Paradise and Fantasy? I personally would be extremely happy if they would switch the Paradise with the Fantasy. Like I said before, based on pics of it, I absolutely LOVE the Carnival Fantasy's interior design!!

Not gonna happen.

Why do you always reply with your Tampa hate? Seriously, I'm sick of it, get out of here. Any time someone brings up Tampa options you always shoot it down instantly.

Aside from the over-the-top Joe Farcus interiors, a Ship like Fantasy is not really that old. 25 years is not old for a ship, and 70,000 tons is not small for a ship. Not everyone thinks that bigger is better. QE2 had a fabulous career from 1969 to 2008, 70,000 tons, and almost 40 years, only SOLAS regulations killed her off. The same with Regal Empress, 20,000 tons, with around 56 years in service.

 

Both of these ships were converted to Diesel propulsion during their lives.

 

With a proper itinerary and maintenance, Fantasy class could easily run for another 20 years. Of course, Carnival might want to consider an interior makeover!:D

 

They'll get Jon Taffer, and do a new TV show, "Cruise Ship Rescue".

THREAD HIJACKING!!!

Did Joe Farcus design the Fantasy's interior? I absolutely LOVE the marble pillars and the grey and purple atrium!

I wouldn't want the Miracle to leave Long Beach anytime soon. At first I wanted a new ship here to replace the Miracle, but after seeing that other ports don't even have a ship as big as miracle, im thankful we even have the Miracle here on the west coast. I have yet to sail on her, which will most likely be next March. I've seen lots of pictures and videos of her and she's a beautiful ship. Sure she isn't like the Breeze or a Conquest class, but it could be worse. Tampa doesn't even have a ship for 7 days, so it's nice Carnival sent us the Miracle back in 2013, I do miss the Splendor, but it could've been worse and Carnival Could've just sent us and old ship for the 7 days like they just did for San Juan

We did have a year round 7 day ship until the silly Aussies took my Legend :( .

Thank you so much for posting this review, and all the photos. In fact, thank you for posting all of your reviews. They are amazing, and must have taken you forever. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

 

All the very best.

Umm... You're 4 1/2 years late... lol..

 

I wonder where Fascination will go if it's not leaving from San Juan. Maybe they'll give it 2.0 and send it to Tampa?

Yes! I would love a new Spirit AND Fantasy class ship in Tampa! No Spirit year round anymore (Silly Aussies...) and the Paradise is bland, but still nice. It would be lovely to have a 2.0 AND EoF ship in Tampa!!