Fantasy vs Pride

[digertwo]

We are looking at taking my mom on her first cruise in October. My mom is a huge gambler so I thought right away the Bahamas would be a good port...I'll also be travelling with my toddler so I'd like to be able to drive to the port which really limits it to anything east coast like Baltimore, New York, Charleston ect. I was looking at the Fantasy or Pride...does anyone have experience with these or know of a cruise that leave NYC that goes to the Bahamas.

[momof4boys]

Hi. Our family has been on the Fantasy once, and we are booked for this coming June, leaving from Charleston on a 6 day. I love the layout of the ship and I have been to all of the ports-Key West and the two ports in the Bahamas. We enjoyed them enough to want to go again.

 

I have not been on the Pride nor have I traveled with a toddler. (My youngest was 11 on our first cruise.) I can't help you there, but IMHO, I think you should pick a cruise that leaves from the closest port--that goes to the Bahamas so you can gamble. :D

 

Happy sailing. :)

[jimbo5544]

Been on the Pride twice. Love this class of ship. Newer than the Fantasy, not that this is all important. If you think a balcony might be in the plans than I would go with the Pride. Ports aside (I think they both go to the Bahamas), the other consideration is when you are cruising. Baltimore (Pride) being more north might be cooler during colder months (and longer times at sea as well). Pride does have a pool area that has a roof that can close, which might be a factor as well.

 

Love the Fantail on all of the Fantasy class. Sitting out there watching the sun set directly behind the ship will always be one of my fondest memories.

 

Carnival also has a seasonal ship (summer months) that goes to the Bahamas.

[KroozFoolz]

Carnival Miracle 8 Night cruise October 6 RT NYC to Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau with four days at sea.

[jimbo5544]

Carnival Miracle 8 Night cruise October 6 RT NYC to Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau with four days at sea.

Your right, nice itin as well

[S&LMom]

I am also considering fantasy out of charleston June 27. I will be traveling with dh, ds age 15 and dd age 8. I live just outside of Baltimore but even with gas, hotel etc by driving to charleston will save us 600.00. I am a little concerned that this is an older ship. Does anyone have advice for me? Digertwo...dont want to steal your thread but have a question that may help us both. Does anyone know of a hotel in charleson that offers free parking as well as transportation to and from the port? Thanks

[jensambo]

I am also considering fantasy out of charleston June 27. I will be traveling with dh, ds age 15 and dd age 8. I live just outside of Baltimore but even with gas, hotel etc by driving to charleston will save us 600.00. I am a little concerned that this is an older ship. Does anyone have advice for me? Digertwo...dont want to steal your thread but have a question that may help us both. Does anyone know of a hotel in charleson that offers free parking as well as transportation to and from the port? Thanks

 

Do you mean June 26th? I will be on that one. I live about an hour away from Baltimore. I chose the Fantasy because of the price. We will be staying overnight at Myrtle beach first to visit friends.

[Brizzygirl]

I am also considering fantasy out of charleston June 27. I will be traveling with dh, ds age 15 and dd age 8. I live just outside of Baltimore but even with gas, hotel etc by driving to charleston will save us 600.00. I am a little concerned that this is an older ship. Does anyone have advice for me? Digertwo...dont want to steal your thread but have a question that may help us both. Does anyone know of a hotel in charleson that offers free parking as well as transportation to and from the port? Thanks

Check out the Marriott website for hotels in Charleston. Under "promotional/corporate code", type QZR. This will give you the hotels that participate in the cruise and park specials they are offering.

The one I chose for our cruise in October is near the airport , it offers one night accomodation, parking for the length of the cruise, buffet breakfast and transportation to the port for $99.

[baercubsmom]

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/packages_stay.html?category=8

 

We are sailing out of Charleston in June and plan to spend a couple of extra days in the city. I found this website from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. I don't know how current it is, but it is worth checking with some of the hotels.

[dznymom]

Not sure if you are only looking at Carnival, but if not you might consider NCL, especially if your Mom might cruise again. The Jewel (one of my favorite ships) sails from NYC to the Bahamas, although only Nassau would have a casino. But NCL has a great Casino at Sea program which kicks in after your first cruise with them. I get a substantial discount on all of my NCL cruises now along with other perks including free drinks in the Casino, and I am not a particularly high roller. Higher rollers get many more comps including entire cruises.

 

Just something to consider :)

[S&LMom]

Do you mean June 26th? I will be on that one. I live about an hour away from Baltimore. I chose the Fantasy because of the price. We will be staying overnight at Myrtle beach first to visit friends.

 

 

Yes June 26. I am hoping to get everything together and book by the end of the month. Thats great that you will be on that one as well and we live so close to each other. I will let you know when I have booked and maybe we can meet up on the ship.

[S&LMom]

Check out the Marriott website for hotels in Charleston. Under "promotional/corporate code", type QZR. This will give you the hotels that participate in the cruise and park specials they are offering.

The one I chose for our cruise in October is near the airport , it offers one night accomodation, parking for the length of the cruise, buffet breakfast and transportation to the port for $99.

 

Thank You so much for the information. I booked the same hotel for June. $99.00 for one night accomodation, parking, breakfast and shuttle. Cant beat it.

[ILUVCRUZEN]

We just returned from the Triumph from a 5 day cruise and I have to say that I prefer the Fantasy over the Triumph. Smaller and more personable ship fits us better.

[beachgalMA]

I have been on both the Fantasy and the Pride. They are both beautiful ships. The Fantasy has the waterworks that your little one will enjoy, but the Pride has the water slide. I would say go with the one that is closest to you. The Pride is my favorite, but both cruises were great. Any ship specific questions about either feel free to ask.