scchasgal

Nancy I am glad that you and The Andrew got to take this cruise and had such a wonderful time as usual.

We live close to you off Bees Ferry, I think if we sailed with ya'll our sail and sign card would get a work out :D

Does RCL run their own stores with their own employees and products? Just asking since I don't know. If no, then I would think the scenario remains unchanged.

No RCL uses the same company as Carnival so changing cruiselines would not help if you like to buy jewellery onboard and don't want to deal with Starboard Stores.

Great review!!

 

Question about the Port in Charleston. How is it coming along? Loved sailing out of Charleston and want to do it again soon.

They haven't really started yet if you are talking about the new cruise terminal.

Delays due to still being in court.

confirm your cabin numbers-

the deck is between cabin space-- so that is good- but there is one section on the starboard side I would say avoid because of the room service pantry- which could get noise fromt he plates, glasses-- etc

This is incorrect information. On deck 8 you have all the bars, theatre and it will be noisy.

Hi! I have followed your review and I find it really interestinf! It's actually the best review I've ever read!!!!

 

My boyfriend and I are going on the Fantasy on December 3rd to the Bahamas, cabin M248. We're arriving in Charleston the day before (the 2nd). I booked the Embassy Suites near the airport, since they have a cruise package and the hotel seams nice, and the reviews are pretty good on TripAdvisor... Can you tell me about this hotel? What do you think of it? Have you heard good, or bad things about it?!

 

Thank you very much!!!

 

Genevieve

It is a nice hotel that is connected to the convention center. Across the street is the Tanger Outlets, Walmart and plenty of places to eat.

Have a great cruise.

Yep- and we weren't bothered by the sound of the water at all. Less than in the back by the wake. Poor reporting I'm afraid.

We weren't either by any sounds like that by waves crashing

Just a little input on Cove Balcony....Dallas Morning News did a "mini-review" of Magic and mentioned the Coves. They offer great views and the writer suggests that if you like the whole ocean feel and being close....these are great. But the down sides mentioned were the noise....apparently being only 2 stories from the ocean, waves hitting the side of the ship can get loud; and the writer mentioned that there is a bit more feeling of movement, again, being close to the water line....so if you are prone to sickness, might want to consider that.

 

Sounds like a good option, I, personally will avoid the coves and go for the "full" balcony.

 

Hope this helps some.

Sounds like the reviewer has never been in them and is regurgitating something they heard. Lower less motion.

Nope never had any water on the balcony, a fine mist yes soaking no

Collection from another poster

If you want brewed sweet tea you will have to get a tea bag, hot water, sugar put in a cup for the coffee and brew it. Then get a glass with ice in it and pour.

Pain in the butt but will be closer to the real deal.

We let Carnival pick our Balcony and they gave us room 2277 on the Dream it's a cove balcony any info if this is going to be an issue?

 

Thanks

Arlo

No issue you are below the guest service a carpeted area. Lucky they didn't put you further aft since under the galley can be noisy.

Have a great cruise we loved our cove.

Hmmm. I am not sure why they would say that. I dont remember that at all. Mostly it was downhill from the building. There is no way I could climb the equivalent of 7 staircases...I would probably pass out.

 

There was a flight of stairs inside the port after you check in and take your embarkation photo. But it was just one flight.

Us too DH asthma me a smoker I would never make it. One flight of stairs it all

. In some cases, if the weather gets extremely rough, some of these hull balconies have storm closures that the crew will close to protect the ship. Then you won't even have a window....

The storm closure just seals the door not the balcony itself so you still have a window.

Compared to a standard balcony the cove balcony is larger 35 standard balcony 40 cove balcony

I have been corrected it is 45 sq feet

We're in 2393. :D I think it's under the Galley inbetween the 2 Dining Rooms. I figure that it'll be ok since late seating is over by 10:30 at the latest so it should be quiet after that. What do you think? Do you all think I have anything to worry about?

 

I can't wait to be so close to the water especially when the ship is at sea!!!! :D

 

 

 

What hammocks? Sounds great!!!! :D :D

There are two hammocks in the Serenity area. If you are right under the galley depending where you may have noises all night with the dishwasher and prep going on. We chose 2349 so we would be under the front of the dining room and we didn't hear a peep as it was carpeted.

PS yes you can smoke on all but spa balconies so the coves you can.

Could you talk a bit about cove balconies? I think that they sound wonderful! Do they have as much space as regular balconies?

Compared to a standard balcony the cove balcony is larger 35 standard balcony 40 cove balcony

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a cove balcony?

It is a balcony that is cut into the hull see Carnval Dream, Magic or Cunard.

Cove is the only way we go if available on the ship.

Just so you know yes it was RCL and they have already sailed so save your breathe on the no iron policy.

Has anyone done the your time dining on the Dream? What restaurant is it in? We are going to give it a try on our up coming cruise any info would be appreciated

We did YTD on the Dream and it was in the upper midship dining room Crimson on Deck 4.

Husband, daughter, son in law and 2 grandchildren age 9 and 15 are sailing on Fantasy. This is a first time cruise for all except hubby and I-will be our 4th cruise. Any one have access to Carnival Cappers from a recent cruise that would be so kind as to share with us. So we can start our plans on what to do while on board. We have booked with Blue Lagoon for Dolphin Encounter in Nassau, but not sure of what to do in Freeport. Any ideas?

We were on the Fantasy for Christmas this past year. We struggled with what to do in Freeport since the port area is nasty and nothing to do there. We got in a taxi and headed over Port Lucaya there is shopping there, restaurants and across the street you can use the beach. Cheap for a family excursion. Don't pay the Carnival prices to do the same thing.

Only remember snippets of it but I sailed the Mardi Gras PRIOR to being the MD. Empress of Canada transatlantic sailing.

I am not really sure about the restaurants after Christmas or New Years since I am typically eating with mom and dad on those days. :o

 

Scchasgal? What say you??

Yes restaurants will be open. I just checked and Magnolia's, 82 Queen, Peninsula Grill are defintely open. High end stuff but if that is what you are looking for :D

I don't gamble or party but had a great time. I generally read but the ship was rocking. Still plenty to do both on and off the trip.

Did they do anything special during drydock or just the usual bedding, carpeting, painting deal?

This review was awesome! Going on the Fantasy out of Charleston in December. I read it as a lurker, but decided to register just to tell you how informative this review was for a first time cruiser like me!

 

Two questions, since you live in Charleston.

 

We are staying overnight at the Hampton Inn Historic Downtown the night before the cruise, and the Hampton Inn Patriots Point the night after the cruise.

 

Do you know approximate taxi fares to the port from the downtown one, and then from the port to Patriots Point after the cruise?

The Historic District one is less than two miles so it will be very inexpensive about three or four dollars. The one at Patriots Point will cost you more since the cab has to go over the Ravenel Bridge to get to the hotel. The cab rates are 2.15 per loaded mile.

Awesome photos worthy of framing.