All Things Fantasy

[pb19]

What kind of food are you wanting? Shem Creek Bar and Grill (Mt. Pleasant) is touristy but has a local flavor, same with most restaurants on Shem Creek.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Shem+Creek,+Mount+Pleasant,+SC&hl=en&ll=32.790585,-79.881238&spn=0.007405,0.013937&sll=32.848248,-79.81622&sspn=0.2368,0.445976&oq=she&t=m&z=17

 

North Charleston has lots of "national" chains that are fine to eat.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=restaurants+near+Tanger+Outlet+Boulevard,+North+Charleston,+SC&hl=en&ll=32.871658,-80.01714&spn=0.014796,0.027874&sll=32.873046,-80.011926&sspn=0.014796,0.027874&oq=restaurants+near+tanger&hq=restaurants&hnear=Tanger+Outlet+Blvd,+North+Charleston,+Charleston,+South+Carolina+29418&t=m&z=16

 

Jim & Nicks is good.

 

I hope to have a great review of LSC and always have a good time on the Fantasy... will try to save some rum!

 

We also like Shem Creek Bar & Grill! It is a little more of a restaurant than a Bar & Grill but NOT fancy...and directly across the "Creek" is Red's Icehouse if you like to hang out in a real bar type atmosphere...bar food and drinks but same wonderful view as Shem Creek Bar & Grill. R B's is right next door to Red's if you want seafood in a "fancy" atmosphere...still same view.

 

Jim & Nick's BBQ in N. Chas. is good, it's not NC bbq or Texas bbq but it is it's own southern type bbq. I love their loaded baked potato that is "loaded" with all the regular baked potato fixins PLUS bbq. YUMM...

[cruise_gal21]

I live in N. Chas. Where are you staying? I might be able to give you some suggestions close to your hotel. What do you want to eat? Seafood? BBQ? Or just chain type food?

 

Great pics of the Fantasy btw. We'll be staying at the Radisson in North Charleston, haven't seen the greatest reviews on it, but it's the only thing that fit our budget and offered free parking for the week along with free roundtrip shuttle to the cruise port. DH seems pretty excited about Jim & Nicks on that side of town so we'll probably end up there that night. And I'm always looking for local seafood when on the coast and willing to try any local spot with a decent catch :)

[cruise_gal21]

We also like Shem Creek Bar & Grill! It is a little more of a restaurant than a Bar & Grill but NOT fancy...and directly across the "Creek" is Red's Icehouse if you like to hang out in a real bar type atmosphere...bar food and drinks but same wonderful view as Shem Creek Bar & Grill. R B's is right next door to Red's if you want seafood in a "fancy" atmosphere...still same view.

 

Jim & Nick's BBQ in N. Chas. is good, it's not NC bbq or Texas bbq but it is it's own southern type bbq. I love their loaded baked potato that is "loaded" with all the regular baked potato fixins PLUS bbq. YUMM...

 

Shem Creek it'll be for us then! Not looking for fancy, just good eats with a local atmosphere. Thanks for all the help!

[pb19]

Great pics of the Fantasy btw. We'll be staying at the Radisson in North Charleston, haven't seen the greatest reviews on it, but it's the only thing that fit our budget and offered free parking for the week along with free roundtrip shuttle to the cruise port. DH seems pretty excited about Jim & Nicks on that side of town so we'll probably end up there that night. And I'm always looking for local seafood when on the coast and willing to try any local spot with a decent catch :)

 

I don't think you'll regret staying at that Radisson. It won't be fancy, probably will show some wear and tear but at least you'll be in a good area. There are plenty of shady places I'd tell you NOT to stay in and around N. Chas. but you should be okay in that area near the airport. And it sounds like they are offering a good deal. Shouldn't take long for the shuttle to get to the port if it isn't rush hour on a week day! Jim & Nicks is right there and so is The Tanger Outlet Mall if you like to shop and have time. Enjoy your trip. I'd love to hear about it when you return.

 

P.S. I think you'll enjoy Shem Creek Bar & Grill, we enjoy all the food in that area.

[cruise_gal21]

I don't think you'll regret staying at that Radisson. It won't be fancy, probably will show some wear and tear but at least you'll be in a good area. There are plenty of shady places I'd tell you NOT to stay in and around N. Chas. but you should be okay in that area near the airport. And it sounds like they are offering a good deal. Shouldn't take long for the shuttle to get to the port if it isn't rush hour on a week day! Jim & Nicks is right there and so is The Tanger Outlet Mall if you like to shop and have time. Enjoy your trip. I'd love to hear about it when you return.

 

P.S. I think you'll enjoy Shem Creek Bar & Grill, we enjoy all the food in that area.

 

This is good to hear from a local. We don't mind some wear on a hotel as long as it's clean and properly maintained (working air, toilets, etc.) Some old comments on the Charleston thread had me a little concerned, but from what I understand the area has been doing better the past few years, as well as the hotel being under new management and undergoing renovations. I'm also glad to know it's so close to the outlets and restaurant we want to visit. Thanks, pb19 for all your helpfulness and suggestions!

 

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[cruise_gal21]

And I'll definitely be writing a review when we come back :)

 

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[bobsfamily]

This is good to hear from a local. We don't mind some wear on a hotel as long as it's clean and properly maintained (working air, toilets, etc.) Some old comments on the Charleston thread had me a little concerned, but from what I understand the area has been doing better the past few years, as well as the hotel being under new management and undergoing renovations. I'm also glad to know it's so close to the outlets and restaurant we want to visit. Thanks, pb19 for all your helpfulness and suggestions!

 

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Is this the Radisson off of Rivers? The hotel has been updated but the area can be iffy at night...

 

Some samplings for 5/11/13 with parking:

Shem Creek Inn - $129

Days Inn Mt. Pleasant - $85 (I think may be lower)

 

Check out this website:

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

Edited December 29, 2013 by bobsfamily

[parisienneatheart]

Any locals know if Aquarium can be done morning of cruise? We are headed your way tomorrow to get on Fantasy on Tuesday. Would like to do Aquarium in the morning. Staying at Springhill Suites by Marriott Downtown River Charleston.

[cruise_gal21]

Is this the Radisson off of Rivers? The hotel has been updated but the area can be iffy at night...

 

Some samplings for 5/11/13 with parking:

Shem Creek Inn - $129

Days Inn Mt. Pleasant - $85 (I think may be lower)

 

Check out this website:

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

 

It is that Radisson. We are staying at the Days Inn Mt. Pleasant for our first night of the trip because of price and area, but I searched and searched and only found that the Radissin provided both parking for the week and free roundtrip shuttle for all of us within our budget. We really don't want to pay to park at the port or for cabs because that can be nearly just as expensive for a family of 3 plus 2 friends. The only thing I can see us going out for anytime near night would be to eat and that will be done as a group, so I think we'll be ok. Thanks for the suggestions though, Bob :)

 

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[bobsfamily]

Any locals know if Aquarium can be done morning of cruise? We are headed your way tomorrow to get on Fantasy on Tuesday. Would like to do Aquarium in the morning. Staying at Springhill Suites by Marriott Downtown River Charleston.

http://www.scaquarium.org/tickets-hours

The above gives you times and tickets prices/purchase. If there at 9am, couple of hours then drive over would be fine... Not far from Aquarium to line for ship.

Have a wonderful cruise!

[bunny1954]

Daughter's MIL is dropping us off at the port for our cruise. They live in Summerville, SC. Can anyone provide me with the best information of where we need to enter the port and where to go for her to drop us off? I want to make it as easy as possible since she is kind enough to drop the 4 of us off.

[bobsfamily]

Daughter's MIL is dropping us off at the port for our cruise. They live in Summerville, SC. Can anyone provide me with the best information of where we need to enter the port and where to go for her to drop us off? I want to make it as easy as possible since she is kind enough to drop the 4 of us off.

When you get downtown (see link below) follow the signs to the entrance of the "maze" where you will drop off checked luggage (make SURE you have everyone's Passport/BC and printed "ticket"). You will be directed to another person that will ask again about documents, tell them you are just being dropped off and you will be directed to the right line. You also might ask to go to the "drop-off lane" if there is one.

http://www.port-of-charleston.com/cruises/passengers/getting_to_charleston.asp

 

Charleston is very different from any other port.. you have to take a "shuttle bus" to the entrance of the terminal, no walking up. So where you will be dropped off will have a "gate" in a fence that you go thru and then wait for a bus to take you to terminal.

Have a great cruise!

[michelle1836]

Just got off the Fantasy yesterday and it was one of the best cruises!! I'll write a review soon and post the link here. we stayed on the ship the whole time. what made this cruise for me was the staff. especially TJ (entertainment crew- does lots of the trivia) and Rob in the piano bar. I would absolutely book the Fantasy again.

[cruise_gal21]

Just got off the Fantasy yesterday and it was one of the best cruises!! I'll write a review soon and post the link here. we stayed on the ship the whole time. what made this cruise for me was the staff. especially TJ (entertainment crew- does lots of the trivia) and Rob in the piano bar. I would absolutely book the Fantasy again.

 

Can't wait to read the review! Sounds like you had a great time!

 

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[gritsnc]

Just got off the Fantasy yesterday and it was one of the best cruises!! I'll write a review soon and post the link here. we stayed on the ship the whole time. what made this cruise for me was the staff. especially TJ (entertainment crew- does lots of the trivia) and Rob in the piano bar. I would absolutely book the Fantasy again.

 

YAY! I'm so glad to hear this since it will be our first time on this ship!

[michelle1836]

YAY! I'm so glad to hear this since it will be our first time on this ship!

 

4 days! im so jealous! have a great cruise

[clinthi]

Are there other hotels offering cruise packages who are not listed on the charleston visitor site? Is there a taxi or shuttle service who offers transportation to or from the port for a flat fee?

[cruise_gal21]

Are there other hotels offering cruise packages who are not listed on the charleston visitor site? Is there a taxi or shuttle service who offers transportation to or from the port for a flat fee?

 

You can try 123staydotcom. Might dind something there, we did.

 

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[NCTribeFan]

Just got off the Fantasy yesterday and it was one of the best cruises!! I'll write a review soon and post the link here. we stayed on the ship the whole time. what made this cruise for me was the staff. especially TJ (entertainment crew- does lots of the trivia) and Rob in the piano bar. I would absolutely book the Fantasy again.

 

Good to hear. I'll be booking the 5/6 sailing soon since I just discovered I have a casino offer that knocks about 20%.

 

Are there other hotels offering cruise packages who are not listed on the charleston visitor site? Is there a taxi or shuttle service who offers transportation to or from the port for a flat fee?

 

Have you read through the Charleston threads on the East Coast Departures board? That's where I asked for (and received) a lot of really useful info before my sailings. Bob, Nancy and others have provided a whole lot of info there.

[michelle1836]

Can't wait to read the review! Sounds like you had a great time!

 

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working on the review now. however, my computer crashed yesterday :( so will post it as soon as it is fixed.

I can answer any questions in the meantime

 

Good to hear. I'll be booking the 5/6 sailing soon since I just discovered I have a casino offer that knocks about 20%.

 

.

 

my booking finger is getting itchy! I may need to book another one on the Fantasy soon!!

[peggyo]

Are there other hotels offering cruise packages who are not listed on the charleston visitor site? Is there a taxi or shuttle service who offers transportation to or from the port for a flat fee?

 

In November we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on Johnnie Dodd's Blvd. We were parking at the port so were not interested in park and cruise. It is about 4 miles from the port. We were up very early( too excited to sleep) and spent a lot of time talking to the night desk lady. She told us you can leave your car there and get a taxi.

We were very happy with this hotel. Very clean and the staff could not have been better. The breakfast was better than some I have paid for. Our total for the room with all taxes was $112. I very highly recommend this hotel.

Edited January 2, 2014 by peggyo

[clinthi]

Thanks! DO you remember how much the taxi was? (if she said)

Edited January 2, 2014 by clinthi

[peggyo]

Thanks! DO you remember how much the taxi was? (if she said)

 

She didn't say but maybe you could call them and ask

[All4fun&fun4all]

working on the review now. however, my computer crashed yesterday :( so will post it as soon as it is fixed.

I can answer any questions in the meantime

 

 

 

my booking finger is getting itchy! I may need to book another one on the Fantasy soon!!

 

michelle1836 book the May 6th one! The Andrew and I are booked!

[michelle1836]

michelle1836 book the May 6th one! The Andrew and I are booked!

 

Peer pressure!! Everyone is going this week! I will have to check it out and mAybe take a Few sick days!

 

 

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