All Things Fantasy

[All4fun&fun4all]

All4fun - You betcha I'll write a review! I did this itinerary on the other Charleston sailing (7 day, GT, HMC & Nassau). It was my first true solo cruise (I'd done the CTN out of Norfolk but that doesn't really count).

 

Let me find the link to my review. It won't be as entertaining as yours, but feel free to read through it.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1210460

 

Awesome! Thanks! This will help to pass the rest of this workday for sure.

 

Here is a link to park and cruise areas. I can give insight on the safety of areas if anyone has questions.

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/special_offers/packages/stay/

[riverscape1]

We just returned from our first ever cruise on the Fantasy yesterday. A 5 day to Nassau and Freeport. Mamaof3crazykids, I think I saw you from a distance but not close enough to introduce myself! You were with the only guy I saw with a red beard! I have nothing to compare with but we had a great time and did not want to disembark. We did not try to do everything on the ship so I don't have an opinion on the casino or bar scene. We did the late seating dining and enjoyed the food and our service which was entertaining and catered to our every whim. We did the dining room breakfast one morning and the buffet on the other mornings. We found the food on the buffet to be just as good, even the eggs! I had lunch most days from the Mongolian Grill, stir-fried to order. There was almost constant live music on the Lido deck in the pool area. The pool scene was not for us, too small and way too crowded. We loved the comedians in the Punchliner for the family friendly shows. Our excursions were both booked through Carnival. We did the Atlantis tour of the digs and aquarium in Nassau. It was interesting and there was plenty to look at. Our dinner friends did the dophin experience there and were very excited about their experience. At Freeport, we did the Western Heritage tour with Chad. He was so much fun! I enjoyed every part of this, we all did. But my dd and dh had the time of their lives snorkeling at Paradise Cove. They saw sea turtles, nurse sharks and fish of all types. I beachcombed and took pictures of curly tailed lizards. We tried conch fritters. The cruise weather was just about as perfect as one could ask for, except a few showers in port at Freeport.

My dh booked our cruise in January and chose a Grand Suite. He had regrets and thought he could have used the money in a better way, but found that he couldn't change without losing our perks that were offered. We left it. We are so spoiled now, that it would hurt to consider cruising in a different fashion! The VIP boarding was awesome and fast.We lived on our balcony...just watching the waves and the sky. We loved seeing the dolphins hunting their lunch as we prepared to leave port in Charleston. My dh spotted a whale early on the first morning and spent at least an hour or two of every evening sleeping on the balcony.

We spent one night at the Hampton Inn and Suites on the Isle of Palms connector and parked there, using the TNT driving service that they booked through. We were a little delayed leaving for the ship because of a mix-up where the desk clerk didn't give the service an accurate number of passengers. The biggest problem was the pickup after disembarking. We were early, #2 for relaxed disembarkation. The other family to be picked up were #18. The service would only come for both at the same time. We had to wait for the other family to come off, call the driver and then wait 25 minutes in the heat for him to show up. There could be alot of improvements to this situation all around. The terminal area should be expanded to allow space for sheltered waiting areas for pickup. Not just out by the street. I was not real impressed by this driving service.

We can't wait to plan another cruise experience and our daughter just wants to get back to Freeport to snorkel.

[NCTribeFan]

No grand suite for me. I'm perfectly happy in my nice, dark inside cabins. Thanks to all those cheapo cruises, I'm Platinum and get VIP boarding anyway! :D

 

I thought about the Hampton IOP Connector but would prefer to be closer to downtown. Had a sort of similar experience last year in Jacksonville. We did self-disembark, because I had a 7+ hour drive, and then we sat on the shuttle bus (it wasn't huge but certainly not a small van type) until it was full. Of course, they didn't mention that when we parked at the lot. :mad:

 

I loved our wait staff last time I was on her. Wonder if they're still there. Is there a way to find out if crew members are still onboard?

 

My B2B plans...

 

Leg 1 - Freeport - vonHumboldt sailing - I almost never do ship excursions but this looks excellent; Nassau - walk to Junkanoo (free beach); get the grouper fingers at the stand inside the terminal building (best fish ever!) - I have no interest in Atlantis.

 

Leg 2 - Grand Turk - probably horseback ride & swim for the 5th time; HMC - reserved my first cabana (my 6th visit there; only because we have 4 people this time); Nassau - probably the same as above or just wander around Bay Street and find a local bar - no Senor Frogs for me, either.

 

Wish they offered the 7-day cruise more frequently. It's a good itinerary and Charleston is such a great place to visit on it's own that the combination makes for a very nice vacation!

[mamaof3crazykids]

I know what you mean. I sailed on Glory last October to Bermuda then Fascination about 5 weeks later.

 

Yes, the menus have changed some but the food was still very good. I never had a problem finding entertainment (or I just made my own!).

 

Is it still the case that you should NOT arrive at the port too early? When I cruised her last, it was just the 2nd sailing after she moved to Charleston. I know it isn't the largest, newest port from which to sail and that they're pretty strict about how vehicles are allowed in both to park and as drop-offs.

 

I'm going to try Anytime Dining by myself on Leg 1. Did you do that or have set dining?

 

We got there at 11:00 and they were not letting anyone in yet. We finally started moving and was on the ship by 12:00. We did the anytime dining and never had to wait. We sat by ourselves every night but you could request to sit with others.

[mamaof3crazykids]

We just returned from our first ever cruise on the Fantasy yesterday. A 5 day to Nassau and Freeport. Mamaof3crazykids, I think I saw you from a distance but not close enough to introduce myself! You were with the only guy I saw with a red beard! I have nothing to compare with but we had a great time and did not want to disembark. We did not try to do everything on the ship so I don't have an opinion on the casino or bar scene. We did the late seating dining and enjoyed the food and our service which was entertaining and catered to our every whim. We did the dining room breakfast one morning and the buffet on the other mornings. We found the food on the buffet to be just as good, even the eggs! I had lunch most days from the Mongolian Grill, stir-fried to order. There was almost constant live music on the Lido deck in the pool area. The pool scene was not for us, too small and way too crowded. We loved the comedians in the Punchliner for the family friendly shows. Our excursions were both booked through Carnival. We did the Atlantis tour of the digs and aquarium in Nassau. It was interesting and there was plenty to look at. Our dinner friends did the dophin experience there and were very excited about their experience. At Freeport, we did the Western Heritage tour with Chad. He was so much fun! I enjoyed every part of this, we all did. But my dd and dh had the time of their lives snorkeling at Paradise Cove. They saw sea turtles, nurse sharks and fish of all types. I beachcombed and took pictures of curly tailed lizards. We tried conch fritters. The cruise weather was just about as perfect as one could ask for, except a few showers in port at Freeport.

My dh booked our cruise in January and chose a Grand Suite. He had regrets and thought he could have used the money in a better way, but found that he couldn't change without losing our perks that were offered. We left it. We are so spoiled now, that it would hurt to consider cruising in a different fashion! The VIP boarding was awesome and fast.We lived on our balcony...just watching the waves and the sky. We loved seeing the dolphins hunting their lunch as we prepared to leave port in Charleston. My dh spotted a whale early on the first morning and spent at least an hour or two of every evening sleeping on the balcony.

We spent one night at the Hampton Inn and Suites on the Isle of Palms connector and parked there, using the TNT driving service that they booked through. We were a little delayed leaving for the ship because of a mix-up where the desk clerk didn't give the service an accurate number of passengers. The biggest problem was the pickup after disembarking. We were early, #2 for relaxed disembarkation. The other family to be picked up were #18. The service would only come for both at the same time. We had to wait for the other family to come off, call the driver and then wait 25 minutes in the heat for him to show up. There could be alot of improvements to this situation all around. The terminal area should be expanded to allow space for sheltered waiting areas for pickup. Not just out by the street. I was not real impressed by this driving service.

We can't wait to plan another cruise experience and our daughter just wants to get back to Freeport to snorkel.

 

Yea, I didn't see many with a red beard:D I also thought the pool was way to crowded so we stayed away from it.

[All4fun&fun4all]

All4fun - You betcha I'll write a review! I did this itinerary on the other Charleston sailing (7 day, GT, HMC & Nassau). It was my first true solo cruise (I'd done the CTN out of Norfolk but that doesn't really count).

 

Let me find the link to my review. It won't be as entertaining as yours, but feel free to read through it.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1210460

 

I just realized that I read this review and commented on it before but it didnt pertain to my sailing that year that I read it! It was right before we did the KW, Nassau, FP in 2010. But now!!! This is really helping with my planning for our 7 day in December. Thanks for redirecting me to your wonderful review!

[jburke1566]

Awesome! Thanks! This will help to pass the rest of this workday for sure.

 

Here is a link to park and cruise areas. I can give insight on the safety of areas if anyone has questions.

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/special_offers/packages/stay/

 

I'm scared....I booked a room at the Radisson with shuttle service (flying in the night before) and I'm afraid it's in a bad part of town....it was like only $103......Here's the address...think it's bad?

 

5991 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston SC 29406, USA

[NCTribeFan]

I think the Isle-of-Palms-Guy (bobsfamily) had commented that North Charleston was doing a good job of getting their act straightened out. Maybe ask in the Charleston thread on the East Coast Departures board, too.

 

This thread. It was also recently revived, so you might want to just start with the last couple of pages and read through the recent posts.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=628998&page=12

 

I have enough points that I could stay at one of the Holiday Inns. That would make taking a cab not so bad. My friend is driving down the morning of sailing and parking at the pier, so she could haul me back over to the hotel when we return. Anyone have an idea of what a taxi would be from over on US 17 West Ashley area?

 

All4Fun - glad it was of some help to you. That was a great cruise. I was only mildly concerned that sailing solo for a week might be dull, but I really enjoyed myself. But I'm used to doing things on my own. This will be nice to do the solo portion, then have company for the 2nd part of the cruise.

[mamaof3crazykids]

mamaof3crazykids, Glad you enjoyed the Fantasy. Did you happen to hear Music Boardwalk while onboard? Pink,PS if I didn't already have my screen name I would of used "daddyof3crazykids" (all girls:eek:)

 

Yes, and they are awesome!

[NCTribeFan]

Music Highlights was the name of the band when I was on her last. They were the best Filipino pop band yet.

 

Music Boardwalk sounds really familiar, though. Wonder if I heard them on another ship or if I've just read about them here.

[petesweet]

We got there at 11:00 and they were not letting anyone in yet. We finally started moving and was on the ship by 12:00. We did the anytime dining and never had to wait. We sat by ourselves every night but you could request to sit with others.

Our experience has been to get there between 11 and 11:15 (if driving, that is) and get near the front of the wait line. They seemed regularly to get the car line started through the process at about 11:30.

 

Kathy

 

P.S. I love B2B cruises. Will have to try one on the Fantasy. It's so convenient for us - 5 hours to the port, timeshare about a block from the pier, and free parking at the port since DH is handicapped.:)

[All4fun&fun4all]

I'm scared....I booked a room at the Radisson with shuttle service (flying in the night before) and I'm afraid it's in a bad part of town....it was like only $103......Here's the address...think it's bad?

 

5991 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston SC 29406, USA

 

Rivers Ave can be a little sketchy but since you arent leaving your car there overnight, it should be fine. Definitely not an area to walk around in. Perhaps order a pizza or something for dinner that night.

[jburke1566]

Rivers Ave can be a little sketchy but since you arent leaving your car there overnight, it should be fine. Definitely not an area to walk around in. Perhaps order a pizza or something for dinner that night.

 

Why would they plop a Radisson in the middle of a sketchy area??? I thought I could trust that name! UGH

[All4fun&fun4all]

Why would they plop a Radisson in the middle of a sketchy area??? I thought I could trust that name! UGH

 

It wasnt all that sketchy when it was first built I believe. It has been there for as long as I remember and I am 39 years old. I wonder when it was built. Hmmm.

 

Ha, I just checked. It was built in 1973...the same year I was born. That explains it.

Edited July 15, 2012 by All4fun&fun4all
Year built

[bobsfamily]

Rivers Ave can be a little sketchy but since you arent leaving your car there overnight, it should be fine. Definitely not an area to walk around in. Perhaps order a pizza or something for dinner that night.

 

Why would they plop a Radisson in the middle of a sketchy area??? I thought I could trust that name! UGH

 

It wasnt all that sketchy when it was first built I believe. It has been there for as long as I remember and I am 39 years old. I wonder when it was built. Hmmm.

 

Ha, I just checked. It was built in 1973...the same year I was born. That explains it.

 

The hotel calls itself the Airport Radisson... well it's not that close to Airport and it is right on Rivers Ave. I would NOT walk around at night (not really during the day either). There is a gas station that is surrounded by the Radisson's parking lot and that gas station is somewhat sketchy.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=radisson+near+North+Charleston,+SC&hl=en&ll=32.903792,-80.020509&spn=0.004777,0.006968&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=51.708931,114.169922&oq=radisson,+north+charlest&hq=radisson&hnear=North+Charleston,+Charleston,+South+Carolina&t=h&z=18

 

If you can I would find somewhere in Mt. Pleasant/Downtown/West Ashley... Just re-read your first post and if you have the shuttle service it's fine for a night.

Edited July 15, 2012 by bobsfamily

[NCTribeFan]

I asked on the Charleston thread on the East Coast Departures...

 

any idea what a taxi from the HIE West Ashley might run?

 

I have enough points for a free night, and since friend will be parking at the pier, when we return she can just shuttle me back over for my car.

 

Or how about the Hyatt Place by the airport? I really liked the two I've stayed in - one in FLL and one in Jacksonville. Nice, reasonably priced hotel, good breakfast.

 

I'm assuming the hotels that are actually close to the airport would be OK for a solo female? I'll have my car and plan on eating at Fleet Landing, so I won't be wandering around the area at night.

 

Anyone done a B2B on Fantasy and gotten off on turnaround day? Just wonder what the procedure is if you aren't immediately re-boarding.

[MaidMirawyn]

We are freshly-returned from the Fantasy. We chose it because we love Charleston, and it's only a five-and-a-half hour drive from Atlanta. Here's our short version of a review.

 

We love the Fantasy! The carpet in the corridors and other public areas is the type of stuff you would see in a hotel or conference area, but that's what we expected. The central area is glitzy, with marble, neon, and shiny, shiny surfaces. But it was fun. The Celebration Dining Room was tasteful, and my husband loved the Universe Lounge. The Electricity Disco was also fun, and I liked that it was a bit small.

 

Cleopatra's Piano Bar was a great setting for tea time. Small tables for two or four, plus the round "piano" bar (which wasn't used at tea). The windows are large enough that even people sitting at tables that aren't directly in front of them can see out. The Pavillion Library had a nice, if basic, set of games, and a strangely diverse collection of books. It was very pleasant, with plenty of seats and tables and a great view out of large windows.

 

The food in the Celebration Dining Room was excellent. Nothing disappointed. The staff was wonderful, friendly and helpful. The head hostess knew our name before the end of the five-day cruise, which I didn't expect. Serenity and Lido aft were exceptionally pleasant and relaxing. The port side Lido area past the tables was a pleasant spot to hang out at the railing, and we only encountered smokers there a couple of times. (Starboard is for smokers; port is non-smoking.) We spent very little time on the rest of the Lido, but everyone seemed to have a blast.

 

The Promenade was a favorite indoor spot, but not as much once the photographers set up. We loved the long, cushy lounges facing padded window seats, and even napped there our first sea day.

 

Our cabin was pleasant. With an interior room, it is small, but that's to be expected. There's very little drawer space—think underwear, socks, swimsuits, and tees—but plenty of closets, both hanging and shelves. They make good use of space. The faux window (a curtain on the wall where a window would be) does help it feel less closed in. We had an Empress port-side aft cabin, and loved the location. Not at all noisy, and we were around the corner from the stealth stairs to the Serenity deck, then on up to port aft Lido. Perfect!

 

When I write a real review, I'll link it.

[NCTribeFan]

Thanks for the summary!

 

No piano during afternoon tea? I think maybe that's best. On past cruises on various Fantasy-class ships, there was a piano player. In a room that small, you just ended up with everyone shouting over the piano music and the atmosphere ended up being rather more boistrous than how I like my tea time.

 

Celebration DR is for anytime dining now, right? I've selected that on Leg 1 as a solo, so it will be interesting to see how that goes. Did you have a favorite wait team you would recommend?

 

I've gotten to the point that I avoid the Promenade when the photographers are set up. After dinner (I've always been in aft MDR on this class ship), I'll drop down a deck and walk forward, then climb the stairs up and to the casino or theatre to avoid the hallway mobs! :p

 

The aft and port-side Lido tables are my favorite place to eat breakfast and lunch. Love it out there.

 

Looking forward to you full review! :D

[petesweet]

Thanks for the summary!

 

No piano during afternoon tea? I think maybe that's best. On past cruises on various Fantasy-class ships, there was a piano player. In a room that small, you just ended up with everyone shouting over the piano music and the atmosphere ended up being rather more boistrous than how I like my tea time.

 

 

I suppose Maid Mirawyn will pop in and correct this if I'm wrong. I read her remarks to mean the piano BAR was not used. When we enjoyed the afternoon tea, part of the enjoyment was the lovely BACKGROUND piano music. Never intrusive (unlike much of the other music on this and other cruise ships:eek:). Afternoon tea was such a treat.

Really enjoyed the Fantasy, and I can see us going again from time to time. We have cruised on her three times already.

Kathy

[dustanltye]

Just got off the Fantasy as well and I wouldn't change a thing.

[tmchoney]

Hello Everyone!

I am a former Disney Cruiser. Unfortunately, they have out priced themselves! My mom and I are scheduled for a Carnival Cruise this October and have a few questions I hope you can answer!

 

1. Is there a charge to use fitness area/classes?

2. Is there a charge to use the Sauna/Steamroom?

3. I've read about 'bar drink tickets', how much are they? I've read $17 for 4 and $23 for 4. Are they cheaper to purchase online beforehand or do they offer a discount for the tickets onboard?

4. Is there fresh fruit / ice cream/ snacks readily available and free of charge?

 

Thanks so much!!

[dustanltye]

Hello Everyone!

I am a former Disney Cruiser. Unfortunately, they have out priced themselves! My mom and I are scheduled for a Carnival Cruise this October and have a few questions I hope you can answer!

 

1. Is there a charge to use fitness area/classes?

2. Is there a charge to use the Sauna/Steamroom?

3. I've read about 'bar drink tickets', how much are they? I've read $17 for 4 and $23 for 4. Are they cheaper to purchase online beforehand or do they offer a discount for the tickets onboard?

4. Is there fresh fruit / ice cream/ snacks readily available and free of charge?

 

Thanks so much!!

 

Just returned off the Fantasy and can anwser a few of you questions.

1. The gym is free and there showers are amazing I wound up using them while my gf got ready in the cabin. The had a few fitness classes free and a few for charge.

 

2. Don't really recall the sauna

 

3. I bought 3 bar/drink tickets at $23 each and they were no cheaper ordeing earlier and they save you no money but it is a convenient way of having things already paid for.

 

4. any of the buffets had a variety of fresh fruits on them and was very good and there is usually one going on up until about midnight. There is also Ice cream and pizza available 24 hrs a day.

 

Any other questions I will be happy to answer.

[lauraezzell]

We are freshly-returned from the Fantasy. We chose it because we love Charleston, and it's only a five-and-a-half hour drive from Atlanta. Here's our short version of a review.

 

We love the Fantasy! The carpet in the corridors and other public areas is the type of stuff you would see in a hotel or conference area, but that's what we expected. The central area is glitzy, with marble, neon, and shiny, shiny surfaces. But it was fun. The Celebration Dining Room was tasteful, and my husband loved the Universe Lounge. The Electricity Disco was also fun, and I liked that it was a bit small.

 

Cleopatra's Piano Bar was a great setting for tea time. Small tables for two or four, plus the round "piano" bar (which wasn't used at tea). The windows are large enough that even people sitting at tables that aren't directly in front of them can see out. The Pavillion Library had a nice, if basic, set of games, and a strangely diverse collection of books. It was very pleasant, with plenty of seats and tables and a great view out of large windows.

 

The food in the Celebration Dining Room was excellent. Nothing disappointed. The staff was wonderful, friendly and helpful. The head hostess knew our name before the end of the five-day cruise, which I didn't expect. Serenity and Lido aft were exceptionally pleasant and relaxing. The port side Lido area past the tables was a pleasant spot to hang out at the railing, and we only encountered smokers there a couple of times. (Starboard is for smokers; port is non-smoking.) We spent very little time on the rest of the Lido, but everyone seemed to have a blast.

 

The Promenade was a favorite indoor spot, but not as much once the photographers set up. We loved the long, cushy lounges facing padded window seats, and even napped there our first sea day.

 

Our cabin was pleasant. With an interior room, it is small, but that's to be expected. There's very little drawer space—think underwear, socks, swimsuits, and tees—but plenty of closets, both hanging and shelves. They make good use of space. The faux window (a curtain on the wall where a window would be) does help it feel less closed in. We had an Empress port-side aft cabin, and loved the location. Not at all noisy, and we were around the corner from the stealth stairs to the Serenity deck, then on up to port aft Lido. Perfect!

 

When I write a real review, I'll link it.

 

Thanks for the positive review of the Fantasy! Going on her in December and can't wait!

[All4fun&fun4all]

3. I've read about 'bar drink tickets', how much are they? I've read $17 for 4 and $23 for 4. Are they cheaper to purchase online beforehand or do they offer a discount for the tickets onboard?

 

Check out post #17 on this thread for a breakdown of the savings you get by using the drink coupons. It isnt HUGE savings but every little bit helps.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1655679&highlight=drink+coupon

 

We are going to order them ahead of time for our next sailing so that at the end of the cruise, our S&S bill wont hurt so much.

[dustanltye]

Rum Runners work too!...lol