Fantasy New Year's Cruise notes

[mruddle]

Just some random thoughts:

This was our 4th Carnival Cruise - all on Fantasy class ships. We sailed the Fantasy in 2001, so it was neat to see the upgrade.

 

• Hampton Inn in Mobile is great place to stay if driving. We were able to drop off our bags at 11:00 on the dot and then take the car back to the hotel and park it. It is a quick walk.
  
• Ship is showing some age, but there are so many people cleaning all the time that it still looks great.
  
• Did not once meet a Carnival employee that was rude. Did observe some cruisers that were rude to the employees though.
  
• Sushi is awesome. Please tip the guys a buck or so. They got very few tips, but never stop from 5:00 - 8:30. People were kind of impatient sometimes, but the line went very quickly.
  
• Casino was fun. I don't think I like the players odds in the Fun 21 game. Those tables stayed pretty empty. Harder to play off the dealer's "bust card".
  
• We did receive chocolates every evening!
  
• Free champagne at boarding and on New Year's - nice!
  
• People really dressed up for New Year's. Actually it seemed like the entire cruise, people dressed up more than I had noticed in the past. I liked people watching.
  
• I wish they would move some of the picture people and the karaoke off the promenade. The Cats Lounge stayed pretty empty. Maybe they could move some things there.
  
• I haven't cruised for 5 years. I noticed that the price of Bingo is way too much as are the prices for pictures. I think more people would play Bingo or buy pictures if the price was a little less. Just my opinion. Same activities from my other cruises. Wish they would come up with some new things. That being said, there is always something to do. It is what you make it.
  
• Anytime Dining was great for us. It did seem like dinner took a lot longer (about an hour and a half or two hours for dinner), but it was all good. I did miss having the same waiter every night, but for us it was worth it not to be on a schedule. We only had to wait on Elegant night. That was fine.
  
• Loved Ticket to Ride show, but I also love the Beatle's music. The lady beside me hated it and let everyone know.
  
• We were able to self debark early - easiest ever.
  
• Liked Calica stop. Playa Del Carmen is a nice little town to spend a few hours. Weather was fantastic!
  
• I wish they had made some accommodations for some of the bowl games on New Year's Day. I felt really bad for the Auburn people. There were a lot of them, and the ship was unable to pick up a signal. We had to watch the Gator Bowl in the coffee bar along with the LSU/Penn State game. It was great to be able to see both games, but I think the ship could have opened a lounge or something. Maybe I just have sour grapes because WVU played so bad! LOL
  
• We had a 16 year old and a 20 year old with us. We traveled with family who had two kids around the same age. The two that could go to Club O2 missed the first night meet and greet for some reason. I can't remember why. They went the second night, but were not welcomed. They asked to join a poker tournament that they were having and were told that they were too full. The director did not introduce herself of make any move to help them meet anyone. That is really the only thing I can say negative. I hated it for her because the other kids seemed to make some good friendships.
  
• All in all a good cruise. As I said before, I can't say enough about the crew of the Fantasy (except for the teen club). We may try another line next time just for some variety, but that is not a slam on Carnival. Maybe we just need to try a larger ship to mix it up some.
  
• Last note, I have never been sea sick before, but I was pretty nauseous a few times - kept the Sail and Sign charges down LOL! I will try a patch next time.
  

I'll be glad to answer any questions. I hope I didn't offend anyone here. It is all just my own opinion.