FuturzMinion Posted February 10, 2015 #26 Share Posted February 10, 2015 4 out of my 5 Carnival cruises have been on Fantasy class ships, most recently the Paradise. What brings me back is the less amount of people, so the crew can bond more with you, the shorter getaways, and the atrium. On newer ships you do get an atrium, but it does not ascend up to a humongous, beautiful skylight, as on the Fantasy class. But, the Spirit class does still have a nice skylight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnaNimitee Posted February 10, 2015 #27 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Part of the reason I chose the Elation is actually because it is one of the most "old school" ships in the fleet. For better or worse, I figured it would be interesting to try one of the ships that isn't 2.0 and is a little bit outdated. After all, I'll have years to cruise on the Breeze or Dream, but how much longer will the Elation be around in her current configuration? (I know, I purposely chose one of the most outdated ships in the fleet. Crazy huh?) My sole concern about this ship is the lumpy beds, but I guess I'll just drink margaritas until the bed feels good and cozy! You appear to have a really fantastic attitude, and I have NO doubt you'll have a blast, no matter the class of ship! My first cruise was on the Fantasy, and my second was on the Dream when she was the biggest/newest ship in the fleet. Both quite different experiences, but I loved each for what it was. I've been on the Sensation a couple times most recently (with Valor and Liberty in between), and had forgotten how nice it is to be able to find my way around (I share the lack of direction-sense with some of the previous posters here. Like, bad). After the Liberty (with her 2.0 upgrades), the only thing I missed was the Alchemy Bar. Guy's Burgers didn't impress me at all, and Blue Iguana was good, but not terribly important. Up next is the Paradise, and I'm absolutely looking forward to checking her out! It'll be a first cruise for two of the people in our party, and I've no doubt it won't be their last. Have a great time! Look forward to hearing about your first cruise experience! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spleenstomper Posted February 10, 2015 #28 Share Posted February 10, 2015 (edited) Our first carnival cruise was on the fantasy and we are really looking forward to our Elation trip. We have fond memories of the Fantasy experience: small crowd and the most laid back cruise too.... Kinda felt like you were cruising with family members-- you'd see the same cruisers and employees. We disliked (i mean as far as one can actually dislike a cruise) the Conquest if we had to rank them-- great employees but wrecked layout, traffic jams, too many people, lines too long, people complaining. Just too much of everything. We are hoping for a more laid back crowd (i mean about complaints, not about partying) Edited February 10, 2015 by spleenstomper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahoys Posted February 10, 2015 #29 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I love the Fantasy class ships. After sailing the Holiday, Jubilee, and Celebration, I was excited to try the Fantasy when it was brand new, then the Ecstasy when it first sailed as a 7 day trip. I've had multiple sailings on Inspiration, Paradise, Sensation (our honeymoon cruise), etc. I have only one Fantasy class left and then I'll have the collection--the Elation. My DH and I will be sailing on her in June. I do like the other classes of ships. The Breeze had way too many people for my comfort. If I'm in the mood for big and busy, I'll go back to the Dream class. I love the Spirit class--it's my favorite size. Conquest class is a good mixture of Fantasy class layout and lots of choices. Alas, the Destiny class can't be called that anymore, but I like the size of the Triumph and Victory. But I'm heading back on the Sensation next month, and then the Elation in June. I'm looking forward to relaxing cruises, with fewer people and a hopping Promenade deck at night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indytraveler83 Posted February 10, 2015 Author #30 Share Posted February 10, 2015 You appear to have a really fantastic attitude, and I have NO doubt you'll have a blast, no matter the class of ship! ... Have a great time! Look forward to hearing about your first cruise experience! I haven't had the ability to go on vacation for the last six years, so I'm just very much looking forward to getting away. Lumpy bed, dinged up cabinets, lukewarm food? Well... that is part of my everyday life. Nothing new there. Any improvement will be welcome! As long as I'm not at work, I can see the ocean and someone lets me have a drink or ten, I'll be one happy cruiser! On another note, I saw posted on John Heald's Facebook page that if the bed is worn out to notify guest services or your room steward and they will remedy that situation. I shall try this if the beds aren't very good. I will certainly be doing as extensive of a review as I can on here. Planning on taking a lot of pictures. So be ready for a review laced with lots of pictures, lots of satire and if I'm any good at it, a little bit of humor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjn911 Posted February 11, 2015 #31 Share Posted February 11, 2015 (edited) I think the Elation is just pretty..the atrium rails etc..my only Fantasy class cruise has been the Paradise and like the Elation..6 years later, I still hear fabulous service things..the movie in the secondary lounge was one of my favorite things and the karaoke there and the great fixed seating dining at a big table with people who worked. OP..my bed was too hard and they but on a comforter under the top sheet for me...the sheets and duvet's and pillows are comfy. I had the old bathroom style and pink cabinets but loved the old ship nightlight panel in my inside room and old storage in bathroom above the sink..lacking in the remodeled rooms and old tile in shower made it seem bigger to me. They will keep a bucket of ice for you if you ask..you are going to have a blast..that Paradise cruise was after no vacations for a long time like you..I love your reasoning..you will love it even more the decor (some) is to copy a lot of even older styles...20's to 40's often ..Sarah Edited February 11, 2015 by sjn911 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bingo3 Posted February 11, 2015 #32 Share Posted February 11, 2015 What brings me back? It would be a port that is 2 hours away. I would come back more though for a bigger ship..... :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portocaller Posted February 11, 2015 #33 Share Posted February 11, 2015 They still feel like a ship. I found the Destiny (Sunshine) to be too crowded in the public areas. If I want a hotel experience, I will book one. When I want a cruise I prefer not to be piled up like sardines all the time. I really miss the Holiday size. Sent from my SPH-L720 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingCruiserNJ Posted February 11, 2015 #34 Share Posted February 11, 2015 I wouldn't say I swear by the Fantasy class ships, but they are good for what they are good for. They often do shorter long weekend-type voyages and are offered at rock bottom prices, so it is possible for me to cruise up to a half dozen times a year if I like, for what it would cost for one longer cruise on a mega ship. I like the character that the ships have, and from my feeling, many crew members enjoy working on these smaller ships and that is proven by the fact so many of them with lots of seniority continue to renew contracts on these ships instead of going to the larger vessels. They seem to have better attitudes also and provide better service. Although the bells and whistles of the new ships aren't there, there is still plenty of stuff to and enjoy on the smaller ships. They also are great ships for taking cruise newbies on, as they still are in awe of these giant things because they have nothing to compare the experience to and if they don't like it, they are not stuck on the ship for more than a few days anyway. Food-wise, at least for dining room sake, all ships are the same, minus the specialty stuff and things like Tandoor and Blue Iguana and Guy's but I can live without those places for a short cruise. I guarantee when these ships are finally retired, people will miss them even if they don't now. It's like an old airliner like a 727 or DC9/MD80 or 747. People complain that they are old, outdated, etc but they are vintage and unique and once they are gone, they are gone and all we are left with is the cookie cutter, very similar new ships that just don't have that same character and feel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goduckies05 Posted February 11, 2015 #35 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Cheap and close to home. Wish they would move one to SF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emtnmare2 Posted February 11, 2015 #36 Share Posted February 11, 2015 I enjoy being able to get some food and sit outside watching the wake and feeling the breeze, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petesweet Posted February 11, 2015 #37 Share Posted February 11, 2015 On another note, I saw posted on John Heald's Facebook page that if the bed is worn out to notify guest services or your room steward and they will remedy that situation. I shall try this if the beds aren't very good. This brings up an important point. When something is wrong, we need to report it, not just complain about it. The room stewards don't lie down on your bed (hopefully;) and don't know if the mattress is not just right. Some things that are broken are obvious; some are not When I was on my recent Serenade of the Seas cruise, there was one computer panel (that gives menus, etc.) that was not working. After the second day, I reported this and it was immediately fixed. That is the sort of repair that is not obvious to the maintenance people. Happy sails. Kathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyeman27 Posted February 11, 2015 #38 Share Posted February 11, 2015 price is lower and we like smaller ships... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncleg Posted February 11, 2015 #39 Share Posted February 11, 2015 I love them, they are much easier to Navigate. I will be going on 2nd 7 Day on Fantasy this year, I think that will a a total of 4 on that ship, I have probably done 3 on the Fascination. Also sailed the Glory, Sensation, Dream and first Cruise was on the now retired Celebration. I find the crew to be the best on the Fantasy, my favorite bartender told me it was the most desirable ship to be assigned to now that it cruises out of Charleston, because of the friendliness of passengers. I admit I do like the atrium's on the larger ships, but with the Fantasy being so close and offering 7 day cruises, I can't justify flying or driving to Florida....gas, hotels, transportation, parking fees...I don't have to deal with any of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted February 11, 2015 #40 Share Posted February 11, 2015 (edited) 80% of my cruising with Carnival has been in Fantasy class ships. Easy deck plan to figure out, except for that aft MDR. Took 10 cruises to figure that one out. Just off the Inspiration. Met up with two waiters that we've met in previous years on her. One we met four years ago and try to get her section every time. Edited February 11, 2015 by SadieN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmptrwiz Posted February 11, 2015 #41 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Our first cruise was on the Paradise several years ago. We have some very fond memories. Hey it's a lot better than being at work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dd2355 Posted February 11, 2015 #42 Share Posted February 11, 2015 How else can you enjoy telling friends/family that you and your spouse literally have "Two Tickets to Paradise".... :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank12 Posted February 11, 2015 #43 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Close to home and short cruise for a weekend getaway is why we go on Fantasy class. Personally, I prefer the larger ships but the shorter cruises on these are very limited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adriennerm Posted February 11, 2015 #44 Share Posted February 11, 2015 How else can you enjoy telling friends/family that you and your spouse literally have "Two Tickets to Paradise".... :D LMBO, That is a good one :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indytraveler83 Posted February 28, 2015 Author #45 Share Posted February 28, 2015 For those that were interested, I've started my review. It can be found here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=45768286#post45768286 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzzza Posted February 28, 2015 #46 Share Posted February 28, 2015 For those that were interested, I've started my review. It can be found here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=45768286#post45768286 Great! Thanks for posting to let us know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molly5673 Posted February 28, 2015 #47 Share Posted February 28, 2015 More often than not our Fantasy class cruise is going to be crazy and fun. I love the smaller size and the feel of the ship. The crowd is always out to have as much fun as possible in the short amount of time they'll be on board. I also love the layout of the public areas. Finally, the $10 store is fun to go through. I don't know when we'll be on the Inspiration or Imagination again, but I do know we're overdue! $10 store? I'm intrigued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFNC cruising Posted February 28, 2015 #48 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Firstl cruise was on Fantasy and have enjoyed many since then. No bad ships :) just some we like better than others. Hope to continue to visit my old friends regularly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynthe66 Posted February 28, 2015 #49 Share Posted February 28, 2015 My favorite part is the "wings". You know that little space on both side of the lido deck at the back where you can sit and eat. Less people but to me it feels crowded, being they are smaller. My favorites are the Conquest class and the Victory. Bigger and more people but more spread out. Sensation is my favorite fantasy class, she's our go to ship for short cruises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterbean1000 Posted February 28, 2015 #50 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Carnival Fantasy cruises out of Charleston, SC which is an extremely convenient port for us. We would not fly or drive a long distance to cruise on a Fantasy Class ship. LuLu Totally agree. My daughter lives in Charleston, so that makes it extremely convenient for us. That is the only reason we sail the Fantasy. We are balcony people and we really miss it on these cruises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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