All Things Fantasy

[CaryN8V]

No hair dryers in our inside cabin last week.

 

Thank you!

[All4fun&fun4all]

I can't remember how long the ramp was since it was 2 years ago but I do know that you have to go up alot of steps. Although I'm pretty sure there was an elevator there somewhere.

 

They have a different ramp now. We used to board below Riviera deck but Charleston got an actual gangplank system now where you enter inside the atrium instead of going straight into that elevator up to lido. Much nicer and I love the sound it makes when your luggage rolls across it! :)

 

It was kind of steep. Not sure of alternative boarding but perhaps contacting the special needs department at Carnival will help out.

[NCTribeFan]

As of last week.....yup.

 

Boo. Don't want or need them, especially on a B2B. Guess I'll take bids from others in my Roll Call. Maybe can pay for a few drinks. :p

 

EDIT: NYrunner - what (if anything) did you have in the goody basket in the cabin bathroom?

 

OK, my friend is driving down and picking up DD and her hubby at the hotel. I'll already be on board (neener neener).

 

She wants to know when she should arrive at the port. I know they do not start parking early because of the limited facilities. I don't want them to arrive too early and sit around in the car in a line. But I don't want them to wait until 2 pm, either.

 

Anyone know of a "good" time to arrive when you're parking at the pier? DD will be Platinum, and since buddy is joining me in my cabin, her FunPass also says VIP. But I know that none of that matters until after security.

 

I just want them all on board as quickly and as early as possible without them getting up at the crack of dawn only to end up sitting because they can't even park.

Edited September 3, 2012 by NCTribeFan

[jovifan78]

They have a different ramp now. We used to board below Riviera deck but Charleston got an actual gangplank system now where you enter inside the atrium instead of going straight into that elevator up to lido. Much nicer and I love the sound it makes when your luggage rolls across it! :)

 

It was kind of steep. Not sure of alternative boarding but perhaps contacting the special needs department at Carnival will help out.

 

 

Can't wait to test it out next Saturday! Ohhh that sounds so good......next saturday! :D

[Pinkfloydfan]

Can't wait to test it out next Saturday! Ohhh that sounds so good......next saturday! :D

To answer the question about the long inclined ramp. You get your S&S card walk up a long flight of stairs or take the small elevator to the second level of terminal. Then go around corner to have photo on your card. Then you walk up the long inclined ramp. It has several "switchbacks" where you can stop and rest. Last month while taking the ramp I noticed Carnival employees pushing people in wheelchairs into the side of ship where you get off in port. This deck has an elevator and is almost level with the dock. Enjoy your cruise on the Fantasy. Pink

[kjeanne2001]

When you go in the door at the terminal there is a place to the right where you let them know you need wheelchair or special assistance. If you have difficulty walking I would suggest letting them take you in the wheelchair. We did not have to wait long. They have several staff that assist you and a family member gets to go with you. You wait there and will be taken to the atrium where you can meet up with the rest of your party. You can also let them know when you debark and you can go down the elevator and do not have to stand in line on the ramp. If you contact special needs department they will put your name on a list. This is especially helpful if you have a problem with steps because during the drill some areas have to go up stairs but if you are on the list you can stay in the lounge. I found them to be very accommodating for persons with disabilities. They also have shower chairs if you feel you may need one for the shower.

If you go to Nassau there is a "bus' that runs on the pier that will take you to the customs house there. I don't think it starts running until 10. We walked in the morning but it is a long walk if you are berthed in the far berth. We caught it coming back and I asked when it started running and they said about 10:00 am

[landonsnanny]

I understand there's a long ramp to board Fantasy in Charleston. Are there any alternatives for the handicapped? I'm not sure my DW could hand the ramp. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

yes, on there in may. mil in wheelchair. they take you in on a bottom deck, no long walk. she will be fine. have a wonderful cruise

[landonsnanny]

yes, on there in may. mil in wheelchair. they take you in on a bottom deck, no long walk. she will be fine. have a wonderful cruise

well, not bottom deck.lol the deck right outside check in door!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nickymjw1]

Wasn't there a hair dryer in the vanity drawer? About time to get to port to park. By 11am is a good time, right at start , before lines get long

[kjeanne2001]

There were no hair dryers in any of our rooms in January of this year.

[landonsnanny]

There were no hair dryers in any of our rooms in January of this year.

no hairdryers in May

[petesweet]

I understand there's a long ramp to board Fantasy in Charleston. Are there any alternatives for the handicapped? I'm not sure my DW could hand the ramp. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

We had a beautiful experience on Fantasy with regard to treatment of the handicapped.

 

First of all, do you have a placard for your car? If so, parking is free. How nice is that?

 

Then they direct you to a special parking place for the handicapped. When they see you in line waiting to check in, they escort you out of the line and to the desk immediately.

 

Then when the others have to walk up that long ramp, you will be allowed to go into the entrance the crew uses and go up the elevator.

 

Then when it is time to leave, you get the same beautiful treatment.

 

We were SOOO impressed. This same care was exercised throughout the entire cruise--at the muster drill, in the dining rooms, etc.

 

Enjoy your cruise.:)

 

Kathy

 

 

P.S. If it matters, you should know that you do miss the welcome aboard picture.

[SpecialEd]

Boo. Don't want or need them, especially on a B2B. Guess I'll take bids from others in my Roll Call. Maybe can pay for a few drinks. :p

 

EDIT: NYrunner - what (if anything) did you have in the goody basket in the cabin bathroom?

 

OK, my friend is driving down and picking up DD and her hubby at the hotel. I'll already be on board (neener neener).

 

She wants to know when she should arrive at the port. I know they do not start parking early because of the limited facilities. I don't want them to arrive too early and sit around in the car in a line. But I don't want them to wait until 2 pm, either.

 

Anyone know of a "good" time to arrive when you're parking at the pier? DD will be Platinum, and since buddy is joining me in my cabin, her FunPass also says VIP. But I know that none of that matters until after security.

 

I just want them all on board as quickly and as early as possible without them getting up at the crack of dawn only to end up sitting because they can't even park.

 

If no one takes the binos just give them away as Christmas presents or trade them for some thing at the Straw Market.

 

Regarding when to get there I know that they say to not get there until 12 but the ship arrive in port usually by 0700. Most of the folks depart by 0930 and have heard people getting on as fast as 1030. If you're platinum your room is ready at least ours was by 1200 but it was missing a few things (platinum pins, laundry bags). Of course you won't get your luggage until later on. We didn't rush to get on and arrived in line (shorter line than usual) around 1100. By 12 we were having lunch.

[kjeanne2001]

We had a beautiful experience on Fantasy with regard to treatment of the handicapped.

 

First of all, do you have a placard for your car? If so, parking is free. How nice is that?

 

Then they direct you to a special parking place for the handicapped. When they see you in line waiting to check in, they escort you out of the line and to the desk immediately.

 

Then when the others have to walk up that long ramp, you will be allowed to go into the entrance the crew uses and go up the elevator.

 

Then when it is time to leave, you get the same beautiful treatment.

 

We were SOOO impressed. This same care was exercised throughout the entire cruise--at the muster drill, in the dining rooms, etc.

 

Enjoy your cruise.:)

 

Kathy

 

 

P.S. If it matters, you should know that you do miss the welcome aboard picture.

 

We took a shuttle last time - when you park is it close to where you get on or is it in the parking deck?

[petesweet]

We took a shuttle last time - when you park is it close to where you get on or is it in the parking deck?

It's in the parking deck - close to where you board the shuttle bus.

Kathy

[beverly62]

We just got back from our Fantasy cruise and it was amazing. I was really nervous after reading all the bad reviews and this being our first cruise. The ship was very clean and well taken care of. Our stateroom was very spacious and Davis our attenent made sure we never needed anything. Embarkation and debarkation was quick and easy. The advantage of going this time of year is there are hardly any kids onboard, and the few that were was very well behaved.

The only complaint I have is the food. Though it is plentiful, it's very bland. Maybe it was just our menu choices, but that was our opinion. We chose your time dining and ate in the Celebration dining room all but one night. The food on the buffets was cold a lot of the time. Our favorite was probably the omlet station at breakfast. It was made to order and very good.

Nassau was very crowded due to five other ships being here at the same time. We took a sightseeing tour with a nice lady at port. She was charging $40 but we talked her down to $30. We we all over the city and ended with Atantus. In Freeport it was much more layed back and relaxed. We took a Glassbottom Boat tour for $40 and saw some amazing sea life and beaches. Though I was very seasick afterwards.

The last day at sea I stayed in our room most of the day due to rough waters and high winds. My Bonine wasn't working very well on 50 mile an hour gusts.

I'm not sure if I'm ready to book another cruise right away after being so sick that last day, but we really enjoyed it up to that point.

[NCTribeFan]

Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've never had cold food on a cruise. But I never go through the regular buffet line - it's either a deli sandwich or a hot dog & fries for me.

 

What cabin did you have? Location can make a big difference on the not-enormous ships. I've had issues with forward cabins on Fantasy-class ships before.

 

And I highly recommend Ginger Root. Since I started taking it (after discovering Cruise Critic before my Miracle 2007 cruise), I have had virtually no problems. This is coming from someone who has suffered from motion sickness her entire life.

 

But even so, I doubt I'd take a glass-bottom boat tour. Or go deep-sea fishing. Now that I don't turn green and spend 1/2 my cruise sitting up on deck trying to get fresh air, or in my bed, I'm not going to push my luck! ;)

 

Love the omelet stations. I have one every morning on my cruises. I'm trying Anytime Dining on Leg 1. A recent review raved about Thompson, so I'm going to see if I can get seated at one of his tables.

 

Hoping that late October will not have many kids, either. I wouldn't think so.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[otiscruiser]

We are going on Fantasy Nov 13 and am trying to get a meet and great set up... Any ideas where and when on this ship? Thanks

[NCTribeFan]

These aren't the greatest ships for sailaway Meet & Greets, imho. Most people like to be out on an open deck AND have a bar handy, and this class ship doesn't really accomodate that.

 

We've decided (Leg 2 10/27 7-night sailing; Leg 1 10/22 sailing Roll Call is dead) to have one on the first sea day. We did this on my last Fantasy sailing, across from the coffee bar, along the Promenade deck. That gave everyone a chance to do their own sailaway thing. I think we met at around 11 am. That way people could sleep in, or do some sunning, or whatever and it didn't interfere with much of anything that day.

 

We're also in the process of setting up an "official" party with an open bar, which will be wherever and whenever Carnival tells us.

[otiscruiser]

Thanks for the thought on the M & G... I will suggest that one too....The official party is when you have how many cc pp? We did that on Azamara and it was great!

I can't remember how you signed up for that.... I am sure it is something simple but can't remember the process... thanks

mary

[otiscruiser]

Just read another site that carnival charges for official m&G so may just keep it simple and meet at the coffee bar the next day as suggested.... thanks

Edited September 14, 2012 by otiscruiser

[NCTribeFan]

You can check out our 10/27 Roll Call thread. I think you need 20 people, and it's something like $11.50 per person for an hour of open bar. That may even include the tip. Considering the price of drinks (and I don't even drink the fruity frozen stuff), that's a good deal. I think I could force down a couple of margaritas, couldn't I? :p

 

But don't rely on me for this! I wasn't really paying attention as I didn't think I'd attend (since I have people joining me for Leg 2), but we need a minimum of 20 people so I threw my name in, too.

[otiscruiser]

Thanks... I will look into it!

[missdebi]

Off point but otiscruiser do you work for Otis?

[NCTribeFan]

I continue to be amazed (although I shouldn't be by now) by some of the reviews I read on the main Review board - not usually the ones posted here.

 

Just read several recent Fantasy reviews over there. Most were very positive. But there was one where she started off griping about arriving at the port at around 10 am and having to (gasp) sit in the car in line because they couldn't enter the parking! And it was hot so they had to run the car to run the a/c so wasted gas.

 

Well, anyone who has done ANY reading about Fantasy or embarkating in Charleston realizes that they have a unique situation there at the pier and that although it seems rather convoluted, the passenger traffic actually moves fairly well, given the contraints.

 

I just don't understand that people can find Cruise Critic to gripe about something AFTER the fact, but they couldn't be bothered to do any research BEFORE they cruised.

 

In this information age, there is absolutely NO reason to not be informed. About anything! But I guess it's just easier to do no homework and then complain later when things don't go the way you expected, although you couldn't be bothered to do any work to make your own expectations realistic. :mad: