Carnival Fantasy Review & Pics/ June 5th, 2010 Sailing

[macksimm]

I'm so sorry to hear about your house burning down . Was hoping after reading the reviews that you might get to sail again on this date. My hubby is super excited because he's a big Carolina Panther fan and since we have booked we were told this will be their fan fare cruise. We went on our first cruise in November 05 on Norwegin Cruise lines out of Charleston 7 day cruise to Mexico and Keywest . Last year in July we flew to Honolulu Ha and did the 7 day cruise on NCL to all the islands in Hawaii for our honeymoon and we loved it and NCL . So we are excited to get to do the carnival cruise and the Bahamas . We are only about a 2 and half hr to 3 hrs from Charleston so it's very convenient for us . All of your information is going to help us out so much so thanks they are three couples going all together and we have told the other two to read your reviews as well . Again thanks so much

What is a fan fare cruise?

[cruisechick1964]

From what we were told they will be some of the football players and cheerleaders on the cruise. Mingling around with everyone else signing autographs getting pics taken and so fourth. Like I said we did not know this at the time we booked but as the hubby was watching a game it was announced on a Sunday that they would be on the fantasy Feb 23. So him being a die hard fan he is very excited :) Think it might just be the cheerleaders LOL

[travelingchef21]

I don't know where to start! I have enjoyed reading all 21 pages of all the comments that you have posted and the ones that others have posted of recent trips on Carnival and/or planned trips. I was in tears, when after 2 days of reading this thread, I learn that your man's house burned down. He will be in my thoughts and prayers as he recovers.

 

I feel like I know you. You have really done a superb job of writing. I don't know what you do as a job, but maybe it's time for a career change? I have a friend who free-lances. Maybe something to consider? Always easy to look for a job when you have one. That's why I currently have my own resume up online. Never know in this economy.

 

I digress (sp?), I have a fully deposited cruise out of Charleston on the Fantasy March 6th. I was unbearable to my friends, family and co-workers before I started reading your thread here. Now, I'm downright obnoxious!! :D My hubby and I will be in a verandah suite (category 11).

 

I am considering only bringing carry-on wheelies and backpacks (with an empty canvas bag for souveneirs) based on what I have read from you and others. Any thoughts? It seemed like it was smooth getting on the ship but disorganized trying to get your luggage after. You guys lucked out getting yours, but it could be a pain?:confused: I would love to hear you thoughts.

 

Also, after looking at the prices you paid for drinks. I couldn't see anywhere how many beers came in a $21 bucket? Did the vernadah suite you looked at (V9) have a dvd player? I was thinking of bringing a few dvds just in case, but didn't want to waste the space if there would be no way to play them.

 

Thanks in advance! I'm so happy to have found you here:)

[macksimm]

From what we were told they will be some of the football players and cheerleaders on the cruise. Mingling around with everyone else signing autographs getting pics taken and so fourth. Like I said we did not know this at the time we booked but as the hubby was watching a game it was announced on a Sunday that they would be on the fantasy Feb 23. So him being a die hard fan he is very excited :) Think it might just be the cheerleaders LOL

 

There is a group of us going on the 23rd also. My 22 year old son and his friend will be glad for the party (and the cheerleaders) Hope it's sunny leaving from Charleston. We live in the northeast and are about to get hit with anither storm The sun will be nice

[All4fun&fun4all]

I don't know where to start! I have enjoyed reading all 21 pages of all the comments that you have posted and the ones that others have posted of recent trips on Carnival and/or planned trips. I was in tears, when after 2 days of reading this thread, I learn that your man's house burned down. He will be in my thoughts and prayers as he recovers.

 

I feel like I know you. You have really done a superb job of writing. I don't know what you do as a job, but maybe it's time for a career change? I have a friend who free-lances. Maybe something to consider? Always easy to look for a job when you have one. That's why I currently have my own resume up online. Never know in this economy.

 

I digress (sp?), I have a fully deposited cruise out of Charleston on the Fantasy March 6th. I was unbearable to my friends, family and co-workers before I started reading your thread here. Now, I'm downright obnoxious!! :D My hubby and I will be in a verandah suite (category 11).

 

I am considering only bringing carry-on wheelies and backpacks (with an empty canvas bag for souveneirs) based on what I have read from you and others. Any thoughts? It seemed like it was smooth getting on the ship but disorganized trying to get your luggage after. You guys lucked out getting yours, but it could be a pain?:confused: I would love to hear you thoughts.

 

Also, after looking at the prices you paid for drinks. I couldn't see anywhere how many beers came in a $21 bucket? Did the vernadah suite you looked at (V9) have a dvd player? I was thinking of bringing a few dvds just in case, but didn't want to waste the space if there would be no way to play them.

 

Thanks in advance! I'm so happy to have found you here:)

 

Thank you for the prayers. I sort of feel like I am walking around in a dreamstate right now. Cruise Critic has been a good distraction for me and seeing that people are still reading and enjoying our review makes me so happy.:)

I work for a law firm in communications. (Blackberry/landline support...ugh) I have always wanted to be a writer and would especially love a job doing travel blogs but it seems everyone is doing it now-a-days. :rolleyes:

 

As far as luggage goes we shared the largest suitcase, had the rolly-wheeled carry on and my cooler. In the past we have done self assist and it was such a pain lugging all that stuff around and waiting to be called to leave. It didnt seem like people were having too hard of a time finding their luggage and I would go this route again.

 

The buckets of beer were $21.00 for 4 Budweiser. I believe all the prices were the same regardless of brand but dont quote me on that.:cool:

 

I dont recall if the V-9 room had a dvd player and I just looked at a picture of the tv and I dont see any other electronics around it so I would say no? Eh, give Carnival a call and ask them and they should be able to give you a good reliable answer.

 

I am really glad you enjoyed the review and I hope you have a great cruise. Have a boat drink in our honor on lido deck. Continue to drive your friends, family and co-workers nuts! Just wait til you get into single digits!! WOOT!

[mebecindi]

I just came across your review yesterday. I have to say this is the best review I have ever read.....

I loved the details and all the photos. We haven't cruised yet but plan too next April. I read all 21 pages and it was GREAT....

I am so sorry to hear about Andrews home burning down.....

I have to ask, when talking about him you always said..."the Andrew". Did I miss something? lol

 

I am going to pull up your link tonight when i get home and look at all the pictures, I cant wait.

 

I wish yall guys the best of luck and as another poster said, If I should win the lottery I will also pay for you guys a cruise.....I think yall would be so much fun to cruise with......

[All4fun&fun4all]

I just came across your review yesterday. I have to say this is the best review I have ever read.....

I loved the details and all the photos. We haven't cruised yet but plan too next April. I read all 21 pages and it was GREAT....

I am so sorry to hear about Andrews home burning down.....

I have to ask, when talking about him you always said..."the Andrew". Did I miss something? lol

 

I am going to pull up your link tonight when i get home and look at all the pictures, I cant wait.

 

I wish yall guys the best of luck and as another poster said, If I should win the lottery I will also pay for you guys a cruise.....I think yall would be so much fun to cruise with......

I just read your post to the Andrew and he is teary eyed. He is so happy that folks he doesnt even know are sending him love. His burns are healing nicely and I am so happy to have him alive and next to me.

 

I started calling him "the Andrew" because I talk about him so much that I feel people get sick of hearing me talk about him. "The Andrew" seems to take the edge off of that. Not to mention, he is such a character that he is an entity in and of itself.:D

 

We are silently hoping you win the lottery. LOL

 

Additionally I am on Facebook if you are interested. :O)

Edited February 3, 2011 by All4fun&fun4all
FB

[mebecindi]

I just read your post to the Andrew and he is teary eyed. He is so happy that folks he doesnt even know are sending him love. His burns are healing nicely and I am so happy to have him alive and next to me.

 

I started calling him "the Andrew" because I talk about him so much that I feel people get sick of hearing me talk about him. "The Andrew" seems to take the edge off of that. Not to mention, he is such a character that he is an entity in and of itself.:D

 

We are silently hoping you win the lottery. LOL

 

Additionally I am on Facebook if you are interested. :O)

 

Awwww, thanks for the reply.....First off I would love to keep in touch via Facebook.... you can find me by my email at mebecindi@aol.com

I have it set to private cuz of the wierdos.....but as soon as I get a friend request I will accept it.

 

And as far as winning the lottery, I cross my fingers everyday....lol

 

As far as Andrew, I am sorry but I guess I missed the part about him being burned in the fire. Was he injured very bad..... I am happy to hear that he is healing good....

Again, I loved your review and I am going to go now and see if I can open the link and view the rest of your pictures.....

I do have one question about smoking....We are smokers but becuase our kids will be with us we wont be smoking in the room. However we are getting a balcony....My husband wants to know how difficult it is to find places to smoke.....Are the smoking areas of the ship labeled.....We dont want to get the evil eye for lighting up in the wrong areas.......

Sorry for Rambling......

[All4fun&fun4all]

Awwww, thanks for the reply.....First off I would love to keep in touch via Facebook.... you can find me by my email at mebecindi@aol.com

I have it set to private cuz of the wierdos.....but as soon as I get a friend request I will accept it.

 

And as far as winning the lottery, I cross my fingers everyday....lol

 

As far as Andrew, I am sorry but I guess I missed the part about him being burned in the fire. Was he injured very bad..... I am happy to hear that he is healing good....

Again, I loved your review and I am going to go now and see if I can open the link and view the rest of your pictures.....

I do have one question about smoking....We are smokers but becuase our kids will be with us we wont be smoking in the room. However we are getting a balcony....My husband wants to know how difficult it is to find places to smoke.....Are the smoking areas of the ship labeled.....We dont want to get the evil eye for lighting up in the wrong areas.......

Sorry for Rambling......

 

He was burned on his face, arms, hands and one foot. He was airlifted to Augusta Burn Center and spent a few days in ICU, then surgery and recovery. It was scary.

 

I friended you on FB so you can see some pics. He really is looking at least 85% better. :o

 

It isnt really hard to find places to smoke. One side of lido is smoking. Look for the sign that says No Smoking and head to the other side. Thats what we did. I know the Piano Bar is a smoking area. I just pulled up the deck plans and here is a list of the places that I KNOW for a fact are smoking areas: Club 21 Casino, Cat's Lounge, Majestic Cigar Bar (one of our favorite spots). The only place that was a pain is that the Serenity Deck was non smoking. I understand why Carnival does it since it is pretty close quarters but we didnt spend a lot of time there because the Andrew is such a heavy smoker.

You are allowed to smoke on your balcony but be aware that others in the cabins on either side of you may complain about the smell. I have read threads on CC regarding this subject and it can get quite heated. Also, make sure your man doesnt throw his ciggy butts overboard. It poses a fire hazard. (I am fire paranoid now if you couldnt tell.:o)

[kmfair01]

Wow, I fell upon your review just in time. We are cruising the identical cruise out of Charleston on Feb 23. Your review and pics were amazing and now I'm super excited. I must share a few crazy details with you. As I was looking at all your pics I couldn't help but identify because my boyfriend Andrew and I seem to have the same travel style. My second cruise and his first, I've very excited to share that with him. I was really weirded out when I saw the invitations to the past guest party. When I saw Andrew Mason I almost crapped my pants. That is my boyfriends exact name, I had to double, triple take look at it. Then I read on further to find out that your Andrew is or has cooked in the past, as silly as this sounds my Andrew Mason is also a chef. I just thought this to be so weird, cause of all the reviews I've read, this was hands down the most informative and interesting.

 

Thanks,

KIM and Andrew Mason

[All4fun&fun4all]

Wow, I fell upon your review just in time. We are cruising the identical cruise out of Charleston on Feb 23. Your review and pics were amazing and now I'm super excited. I must share a few crazy details with you. As I was looking at all your pics I couldn't help but identify because my boyfriend Andrew and I seem to have the same travel style. My second cruise and his first, I've very excited to share that with him. I was really weirded out when I saw the invitations to the past guest party. When I saw Andrew Mason I almost crapped my pants. That is my boyfriends exact name, I had to double, triple take look at it. Then I read on further to find out that your Andrew is or has cooked in the past, as silly as this sounds my Andrew Mason is also a chef. I just thought this to be so weird, cause of all the reviews I've read, this was hands down the most informative and interesting.

 

Thanks,

KIM and Andrew Mason

 

HOLY MOLY!!! That is just INSANE!! I will have to let him know that he has a double life! LOL.

We were going to be taking that Feb 23rd cruise because it would be our 7 year anniversary and his 41st birthday. Sadly, it looks like this wont happen at all this year.:(

I am glad you enjoyed the review. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

[kmfair01]

Wow, it would have been great to cruise along side the both of you. We will def. live it up for the two of you in your absence. Once again thanks for sharing your experience and hope you get to cruise again soon!!

[All4fun&fun4all]

Wow, it would have been great to cruise along side the both of you. We will def. live it up for the two of you in your absence. Once again thanks for sharing your experience and hope you get to cruise again soon!!

 

Yes please! Have a toast in our honor and take a picture of it. Then come back here and post it so I can see it.:)

[travelingchef21]

"the Andrew" is doing better. We will also have a toast in your honor:) I can't wait for my cruise to get here already!! DH is really getting excited now,too. (Not as much as me,of course) Hope you are well,

[Mike22]

This is why a like this site. 1st curise in 15days. Thanks for your story..

[CruiseCrazyCouple0611]

Thanks so much for a great review of the Fantasy. We will be sailing on her March 6th. We also live in Charleston and love the idea of not having to go very far to "sail the tail". Your narrative style was really fun to read and the pics allowed us to get to know you both a little bit, so we were moved by the house fire and more importantly that Andrew was hurt. We hope that he continues to get better. I'm so sorry you lost your home, and possessions Andrew, but thank God you're still here! We will think of you when we sail and promised to toast our first DOD to you guys;).

 

Belinda

 

P.S. I happened to love the food porn....LOL:p

[All4fun&fun4all]

"the Andrew" is doing better. We will also have a toast in your honor:) I can't wait for my cruise to get here already!! DH is really getting excited now,too. (Not as much as me,of course) Hope you are well,

 

Thank you so much. The Andrew will be pleased to know so many people will be thinking of him on their cruises.

Some fine folks in the town of Meggett, SC donated 3 containers and a trac-hoe and tore down what remained of the house this weekend. It was a bit traumatic but it will be better than seeing that burned out shell of a home.

Have fun on your cruise! I am optimistic that maybe by February next year we can cruise again.

[All4fun&fun4all]

This is why a like this site. 1st curise in 15days. Thanks for your story..

Mike, there is nothing in the world like that 1st cruise. You will never forget it and then begins the addiction. :)

[All4fun&fun4all]

Thanks so much for a great review of the Fantasy. We will be sailing on her March 6th. We also live in Charleston and love the idea of not having to go very far to "sail the tail". Your narrative style was really fun to read and the pics allowed us to get to know you both a little bit, so we were moved by the house fire and more importantly that Andrew was hurt. We hope that he continues to get better. I'm so sorry you lost your home, and possessions Andrew, but thank God you're still here! We will think of you when we sail and promised to toast our first DOD to you guys;).

 

Belinda

 

P.S. I happened to love the food porn....LOL:p

I am glad you enjoyed the review and we are truly touched that you were moved by our tragedy. It really just sucks in every possible way. But ya know what? We will remain strong and just press forward. Now that the house has been demolished and that constant reminder isnt there anymore, maybe we can look to the future.

 

Enjoy your cruise and take tons of pictures!

 

We are gonna head to Manny's tonight for Valentines dinner. Cant wait to celebrate this holiday with my Andrew. It is extra special this year. So glad he made it out alive and I have him to be silly with.

 

The food porn makes me soooooo hungry!

[CruiseCrazyCouple0611]

I Love Manny's! I used to work in that same shopping center and went there all the time. The Gyros and Hummus are the best! The beers always good and cold. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to the both of you!

[krtr716]

Thank you so much for your review. I have been looking for a really good review of the Fantasy and you gave it! We are taking the same cruise on 3/12 and cannot wait! This will be our first Carnival cruise, looks like fun!!

 

I was so sorry to hear of the fire and of the Andrew's injuries. So glad to hear he is healing quickly.

 

We will be sure to take down a bucket of beer in his honor and I cannot wait for the eggs benedict YUMMM!!!

[vaca_queen]

I read your review when you first did it and it made me get excited for my Fantasy cruise March 6. I saw the thread again and thought Oh I'll look at this again because it was so good and get refreshed for my upcoming trip then I started reading all the newest comments.

 

I'm so sorry to hear about the fire but GLAD Andrew is doing better. Keep your head up high!!!

[All4fun&fun4all]

I Love Manny's! I used to work in that same shopping center and went there all the time. The Gyros and Hummus are the best! The beers always good and cold. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to the both of you!

We love the stuffed grape leaves. YUM!

[All4fun&fun4all]

Thank you so much for your review. I have been looking for a really good review of the Fantasy and you gave it! We are taking the same cruise on 3/12 and cannot wait! This will be our first Carnival cruise, looks like fun!!

 

I was so sorry to hear of the fire and of the Andrew's injuries. So glad to hear he is healing quickly.

 

We will be sure to take down a bucket of beer in his honor and I cannot wait for the eggs benedict YUMMM!!!

 

Glad you enjoyed the review. I really wish we were cruising this year but alas it is not to be. Thank you for your kind words. Have several buckets of beer in his honor...dont stop at one! LOL :p

[All4fun&fun4all]

I read your review when you first did it and it made me get excited for my Fantasy cruise March 6. I saw the thread again and thought Oh I'll look at this again because it was so good and get refreshed for my upcoming trip then I started reading all the newest comments.

 

I'm so sorry to hear about the fire but GLAD Andrew is doing better. Keep your head up high!!!

 

Thank you vaca queen! Enjoy your cruise and have a drink in the Andrew's honor! Oh, and some midnight pizza! ;)