My Carnival Fantasy Review: Charleston to Bahamas 5/4/11

[scarolinagrl23]

My hubby and I just got back last week from the carnival fantasy out of Charleston, SC as our 5th wedding anniversary cruise. Here is my review!

 

Tuesday:

We only live 3 1/2 hours away from the Charleston, but decided to go a bit early to get our vacation started. We started our trip at Isle of Palms, SC (where our first date actually took place) and had lunch at Coconut Joe's beachfront. They have a wide range of food with prices under $20 bucks. We had the lunch special of coconut shrimp. Afterwards, we spent some time on the beach, with gorgeous weather.

 

Alas, it was time to check into our hotel, Shem Creek Inn. We took the short drive to Shem Creek, where our hotel was situated on the banks of the waterway. Our room overlooked the parking lot, but it had two queen beds, microwave, small fridge, and balcony. I checked with the hotel front staff to see about parking our car at the hotel, and they said we were more than welcome to do it FREE OF CHARGE! They even arranged for a shuttle to come get us the next morning. Talk about a wonderful surprise! We didn't want to get back into the car so we decided to eat at Vickery's Bar and Grill, which was right next to the hotel. They have outdoor and indoor dining and a variety of food options. Definitely try the fried green tomato tower and calamari...delicious! If they are not suited for you, there are a few restuarants around the hotel and Charleston is only about a 15 minute drive across the bridge. After dinner, we went back to the room to rest up for the trip tomorrow!

[scarolinagrl23]

Wednesday:

 

We got up and took advantage of the hotel's continental breakfast (bagels and doughnuts) before checking out and catching our shuttle to the terminal. The shuttle service arrived at 10:55, loaded up our bags, and headed to Charleston. We were the only passengers and it was $20.00 to the terminal, much better than the $90 bucks to park the car! There were some roads blocked off, but we arrived at the entrance, which is at the backside of the customs house and a short walk to the slave market, at 11:15. We could see the Fantasy and were getting really excited! The entrance is a bit different than we experienced in Fort Lauderdale, but there is a man waiting to check your passport to your boarding pass(so have them ready!). Then there are luggage racks where you drop off your checked luggage and get in line for a shuttle to take you the 100 or so yards to the terminal. Great for those who have issues walking a long way, but really you could walk up there with no problems. I assume this is to keep just anyone from walking up. The security checks were a breeze, medical forms filled out and soon we were receiving our sea pass cards and getting our photo taken in front of the backdrop! The gangway to the ship is enclosed with a series of elevated ramps and people there to assist you with your luggage or any other issues that you might have. The entrance to Fantasy is deck 7, Empress, where our room was actually located at and unlike Royal Carribean, they had those hallways sealed off to prevent early room arrivers! We were in the elevator to Lido at 11:30. First review of the ship: the interior is a bit dated, though everything was clean as a whistle! There was always someone to direct us to the Lido deck with a smile. If you can stand the stairs, definitely take them! The main elevator was slow at times which is understandable with 2,000 people on board!

Our first stop was the bar right outside the pool deck doors, where I obtained the drink of the day (I think it was a bahama mama) in a plastic keepsake glass that could be refilled for $6, jack and coke for the hubby and phone calls to tell family we were there. If you have never been to Charleston, definitely take advantage of the Top deck picture opportunities of the city and the bridge!

Of course the buffet was open, with a buffet on the outside and inside. The outside buffet consists of made to order hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and mongolian dish where you can pick your own veggies and meat and they will cook it for you. Ice cream and unsweet tea, lemonade, and water available 24/7 here as well. The inside part was a themed buffet each day: Italian, Mexican, American, and French is all I can remember with the basic salad bar and lovely dessert table. (I'm sorry I didn't get any food pictures!) After we ate and took some pictures, it was time for us to find our room. If you have cruised with Carnival before, then you know there are even and odd corridors for every floor. Unfortunately, we did not and it took us about 10 minutes to realize that we were on the odd one and not the even! E138 was eventually found and it was an interior room, middle of the ship, and on a high level because I do tend to get motion sickness. (I control this fairly well with the patch and a few dramamine!) Nothing special about the room, though we did notice the bigger bathroom and good amount of closet space. Note: Beach towels, robes, shampoo, bath gel, razor, and lotion is provided so if you want to save luggage room.....all noticeably different that Royal Caribbean. I will warn you though, the closet doors tend to shake out at sea and we had a horrible clicking sound on some nights that seemed to come through the walls. This was noticed by our next door neighbor whom took it upon himself to bang on the wall the first night. E140, it wasn't us! This noise was also noticed by another couple that was staying on the same floor as us and you got used to all of it.

 

After a few walks around the ship, time for the lovely muster drill! They gather you by letters, ours was lucky enough to be on Lido deck and walk through the drill. If you are fortunate enough to have the letter we did, we didn't have to be transported to our lifeboats, just stood around until the all clear was sounded. Finally, Fantasy was off! We did have a close encounter with a cargo ship, but the ride out to see was nice, especially with the hubby and I betting on which way the ship was going to go! The photographers were in full force as well, taking sail away pictures at the back of the ship near the slides.

I don't remember what we did past that, but we did eventually make our way to Jubilee dining room for dinner at 8:15pm. Our table had three other couples, all from either SC or NC, and our waiter was German from Hondurus. If you have German, please tell him hello for us! The man was wonderful and really made our dining experience one that we will not forget! The Jubilee dining room was very entertaining as well, with a song or dance every night by the waitstaff. I do believe we saw a show this night as well, perhaps a welcome aboard show with our southern cruise director, where they pulled people on stage for a game or two that was hilarious and a sneak peek at the comedians. On to Day Two!

[bonniemari]

Keep it coming SCgirl-we leave Tuesday for a couple of days in Charleston before our May 19th cruise to Bermuda on the Fantasy. I have been on the Fantasy several times-but this is my first time to Bermuda and first time sailing out of Charleston.

 

Thanks for posting your review.

[scarolinagrl23]

Day Two: Sea Day

 

Thursday was a day at sea for us, with me being up at the crack of dawn! I enjoyed breakfast at the buffet, which is our usual breakfast fare. On the outside, they do make made to order omellettes, but the line was always too long for me. Today was also pool day for us, where we snagged chairs near the bar and the pool at about 9:30am and parked our butts there for a long time! I even ate lunch by the pool if that tells you anything. Two things that I noticed: every 5 minutes someone is asking you if you want a drink and someone is always cleaning. I took advantage of both of course! This was also the master mixology contest day, where Willie Nelson made its appearance on the drink menu! Warning: they only pick 8 or so contestants so be ready to run up there for any of their contests! For the hairy man, I think it was 9. I will tell you that we had some characters on board as well that really made these games fun. If you like frozen drinks, you have to try the Mango Daquiri....it was a fav of mine! We also hit up the casino a bit and found out a few things about it as well: They use your sea pass card for your winnings and for some point system and you HAVE TO cash that out before you leave the ship (the last night) or Carnival gets all of your winnings (we learned the hard way!). I did notice they had a slot, blackjack, and poker tournament on different nights. The casino is located on deck 8, along with my favorite place the sushi bar! At 5:00 until 8:30pm you can get fresh sushi with different varieties each night. They usually had 3 different types for each night and you can get as much as you want for free. Just get there early!

Thursday night was also formal night in the dining room, which is not really all that formal. Most people were wearing nice dresses and some suits, I wore a dress and the hubby a shirt and tie. This was lobster tail night as well and order more than one if you really like alot! I think we saw a show that night as well, perhaps the ticket to ride with a variety of musical numbers. Not bad though it is hard to find a good seat on the second level of the theater so try the first level for the best views. Our shore excursion tickets were waiting when we got back for Nassau so to bed we must go!

[reched]

We love the sushi bar too, saki was also excellent and at a good price.

[scarolinagrl23]

Friday was our anniversary day as well as our first port of call: Nassau. We had a shore excursion planned to Blue Lagoon Island, which did not leave until 10:45am, so plenty of time to get breakfast. I had brought a small foldable beach bag with me, so we used the carnival towels, sunscreen, and our money. The interesting thing was that the Disney Dream was at port already when we went to top deck, which was twice the size of our ship and 3 decks bigger. That was the topic of everyone that morning. By the time we left, Carnival Destiny and Sensation was also at port. Anyway, we exited the ship on deck two(stairs are the best way to go) and found our guide, who directed us to our wristbands and lunch vouchers. I would say we waited about 20 minutes before we were on the move, making our way down in front of the ship and into the port. The walk was about 10 minutes to a smaller boat that would take us to the island. This boat has seating in the shade and on top, with some shade up there as well, and a bar with 2 for $5 bahama mamas in your typical plastic cup. I will warn you, it was a pretty rough ride out of port so take your pills, apply your patch, whatever you must do! The ride itself was nice, we rode past Atlantis with great photo opportunities and the trip itself took about 35 minutes.

Blue Lagoon Island is in a cove with gorgeous blue water, plenty of things to do and is also home to the dolphin encounter as well (which we did not do). Our pilot dropped us off after drilling into our heads the departure time, and we were allowed to roam the island. Upon arrival, there is a small gift shop and changing facilities, then the palm trees with hammocks for that perfect nap. It is not near the beach however. Then you pass the bar, where cash or card is accepted, but not your sea pass card! The bartender was very friendly and made some very strong drinks. They also had Karoke there toward the end of our stay. The next building is where they serve food as well as where you turn in your lunch vouchers. Then there is the beach. Plenty of chairs, not alot of umbrellas. They have one section dedicated to the inflatable fun course, where you must wear a life jacket to participate. The rest is where you can snorkel or just enjoy the water and there is a lifeguard on duty. The water was a bit chilly, definitely crystal clear, and not very deep but deep enough. I didn't go but up to my shoulders so I don't know how much deeper it went. There are beaches on both sides but the other side is rocky and we did hear the lifeguard waving people back over. There were about 3 to 4 kinds of fish swimming in there as well, close enough to touch and constantly around, though not in a bothersome way. Lunch consisted of hamburgers, salad, fruit, bbq chicken, and baked beans and was enough to make you full. Our time was short, but it was definitely a nice, lazy excursion. There was another side of the island that you could go that was a bit more quieter, but a limited amount of chairs, no umbrellas so we didn't choose that one. At 2:30 we were back on our boat and heading to the port. Our pilot was feeling abit touristy, so he took us another way to the ship, which allowed us to see some of the massive houses in nassau, such as oprah's, michael jordan's, and tiger wood's ex's house. It was informative and there was free rum punch to cool you off! Back at port, my hubby was cocered into buying a huge conch shell for $5(they are everywhere). I forgot to tell you that prior to boarding the boat for the excursion, they walk you through the shops inside the building so you can start scouting out the souvenirs. I suggest you wait and go outside and to the right, where you can find some handmade ones (We got some beautifully painted rocks) and also the straw market. We only went in for a few minutes because it was horribly crowded with all the ships at port. After buying a few things, we had to go back through the shops and get in line to have our license checked against our sea pass card before we were allowed to go where the ships were docked. It moved rather quickly but be prepared for a crowd. Back on the ship, we took a nap and then got ready for our dinner.

Dinner was a lively affair. I had ordered a cake for my hubby some months back, which they served at the table and we were able to share with our fellow dinner guests. We also had some ribbing from the waitstaff and a "dance" for entertainment that night. We also had a spa coupon waiting in our room when we got back from our excursion and a few other surprises that were planned by the hubby. After dinner, We enjoyed a great comedy show that is held in the forum lounge, which is past the majestic bar(the only smoking bar). Warning: It is very small and limited seating so get there early if you are going to any of the comedy shows there. We had to stand that night but it was well worth it!

[scarolinagrl23]

Saturday: Freeport

 

We did our usual breakfast routine and with nothing planned for Freeport, we took our time getting off the ship. I was a bit disappointed with Freeport at first glance and really wonder why this is a port of call. Everyone was waiting for excursions, but there was a guy standing at the taxi pickup to try and get rides since there is very little to do where the ship docks. Actually there are only a few shops. We took a jitney with some fellow cruise passengers for $5 bucks a head to Our Lucaya marketplace and beach as recommended on here. Our driver was actually a college student who gave us a bit of history on the island and answered our questions. The ride took about 15 minutes and he dropped us off at the casino, where we could be picked back up at 2pm. The marketplace was across the street and the beach down the block. We opted for the beach first, and found it to be small, though pretty, with locals selling jewelry, t-shirts, and everything else. My hubby was even approached about buying cocaine upon our arrival. No one was aggravating and a simple no seemed to appease them. After our busy day the day before, we really did not want to just hang out on the beach so we went in search of souvenirs at the marketplace. There are shops were you can walk in and then there are stalls that seem to all sell the same thing. You can bargain with these people for this is their livelihood. We found more unique souvenirs here than Nassau. After about an hour or so of shopping and a few dollars at the casino, we were ready to head back. Not a problem. There is a bench where you just sit and wait for a taxi to fill up. We probably waited 20 minutes or so there and ended up sharing a van with a few other people for the same price. As with the first driver, this one was informative and interesting, pointing out places of interest. We arrived back at the ship about 2pm, where lunch was on the agenda.

A few hours in the casino and on top deck, we went to dinner then went to Lido for the deck party. The band was awesome and they had a conga line, every line dance under the sun, and break dancing by the crew. It was nice to cut loose and of course, it was all shown on the carnival channel in the early hours of the morning. They also had a mexican buffet that night, which was pretty good.

[scarolinagrl23]

Sunday: Sea Day(Sad day!)

 

Sunday was sea day, though we had scheduled the behind the fun tour to take up some of the day since we were sunned out at the moment. The Behind the Fun tour is $55 bucks a person, paid on the ship, and highly recommended if you are curious about the ship. I will tell you they do not show you the crew private quarters. They do show you the galley kitchen, the backstage show area, the I 95 corridor, the control room, the storerooms, and the bridge where you get to meet the captain and take photos that are delivered to your room. It is a lot of walking, one set of very steep stairs and you must wear sneakers and no cameras are allowed. There is a break halfway through with something to drink and we had strawberries, a hat, and lanyard waiting for us when we finished. It was very informative about the crew on the ship, the different areas, and really neat to meet the captain and see the bridge. It took us about 3 hours to take the tour. Afterward, we ate lunch and sat on top deck for a little bit before trying to pack our luggage. The Embark process was explained that morning but we missed it, so we watched it on TV. It was simple: self assist begins at 6:30am, starting with deck 7 (Empress). The other one is the same as with other ships: luggage tagged the night before, left out where it is transported to the terminal by zone. The first embark was at 7:30am. We chose the self assist. After a while, we went to the shops for a bit, then the liquor was delivered to our room about 6pm and then we went to dinner, where we were serenaded by the waitstaff once more and pictures were taken. They even had a sweet surprise for mother's day. In the disco bar, they had a Michael Jackson Dance Competition, which we stayed and watched before off to bed.

 

Day 6: Disembark day

 

I hate this day! 6:30am came all too early and we waited briefly in line before they started letting people off the ship. Luckily, the disembark starting point was on deck 7 so we didn't have to go far. We ended up getting off the ship, through customs within 20 minutes and it was a 50 or so yard walk to the street, where a group of taxi's and shuttles waited for us. We found a $15 fare to our hotel and we were back in our car by 7am.

 

 

A few words about Carnival Fantasy:

 

Ship: We liked it. It was our first carnival cruise, picked out of the convenience to our home and have to say we really enjoyed it. The ship was big enough, very clean and had enough to keep us busy. We are easily satisfied people, though I did notice the smoke smell in the corridors that others have mentioned. It did not travel into the room or in the main areas of the ship. There were about 4 bars on the ship with different themes and such, plenty of entertainment if you caught it on time (we missed a good bit of it) and plenty of smiling faces. There was always someone cleaning or straightening up. I did not notice the movement of the ship as much this time, though I think it was more because of nerves the last time. We did play the putt putt course on freeport day a few times, which was fun but did not try out the slides or serenity deck. The pool deck was very crowded in the afternoon, but with the different dinner times you could walk out there and find chairs on a whim. Towels were available at poolside as well, you just had to sign them out along with the putt putt equipment. I thought the layout was good, easy to find things.

 

Entertainment: Entertainment was good(what we saw of it). The shows in the lounge were good, your typical cruise ship shows and I will tell you that try to sit on the first level of the lounge if possible. It is difficult to see the entire stage on the second level without something blocking your way. The forum lounge is smaller and has limited seating, but they do allow standing room. The comedy shows were great and well worth the time. The pool games were interesting, though a bit unorganized at times and we did have a few things that did not start on time or at all. We did end up catching a game of bingo while waiting for another show and it seemed to move fairly fast.

 

Food: Food was in abundance. I did take part in a good bit of it as well :D. The buffet was good for breakfast and lunch, with something different everyday for both along with your usual cruise fare. I am a salad and dessert person so I was happy! The lines tended to move quickly and the food replaced in a timely manner with tables cleared away quickly. There was always someone standing at the dessert table to serve you instead of having to do it yourself. The dining room was wonderful, great enough that we spent each night in there. A lot of it had to do with our waiter and table guests, but we did enjoy the food. Some of the things I had was: Tomato and Mozzarella, all the salads, French Onion soup, escargot, lobster tail, flank steak(excellent!), mahi mahi, salmon, filet mignon, shrimp, melting cake, apple turnover, cheesecake, etc. Everything I had was great and I will be more than happy to provide my exact menus each night lol.

 

Overall: We would definitely take the ship again, spent more money ($542.00 worth) than we did on our first cruise. Comparing it with Royal Caribbean, I would have to go with Carnival again. The crowd at this time of year is more of a laid back but not stuffy group and our experience was excellent. Any questions I will be more than happy to answer them!

[angiegal]

We were on the ship with you! What did you think of the silent debark?

[Bradpinksc]

Loved the review..we are leaving on Thursday for Bermuda..

[kjeanne2001]

Glad you had a great cruise! Sounds like our paths crossed many times as we got on and off the ship at about the same times. Sure was an easy process. We also did the Behind the Fun Tour. I really enjoyed it!

[scarolinagrl23]

Angie, I liked the silent embark, especially since we were the first deck to leave. Had we been anywhere else, it would have worked for us to stay on the ship. I was amazed at how fast we got off of the ship.......What did you think of the cruise?

 

kjeanne, which one did you do the 10 or 1030? We did the 10am one...I had the pink tank top on....we really enjoyed the tour, a very different prospective of the ship itself! I really enjoyed Fantasy, can't wait to go back!:D

[kjeanne2001]

We did the 10:00. I am on the other side of the Captain with the purple and white stipped top.

I am sooo ready to cruise again. It was so nice to be able to drive back home in what we felt like was a short drive. We have always drove to Florida before and I always dreaded the drive back. I've looked for May of next year out of Charleston but didn't see anything posted yet - maybe they are waiting for the new port info. It just shows through April.

[wannago35]

Loved your review! Thanks so much for sharing we cruise in July & really looking forward to it!

[LUVMYGSDOG]

Thank you for the review! We are sailing on Fantasy in October and I can't wait!