First time cruiser looking for advise

[rcranf1]

Hello Everyone me and my wife are planning our first time cruise this November on Carnival. I am 33 and she is 26 and were just looking for a relaxing time in the Bahamas. We are located in NC and were wondering if we should sail from the port of Charleston on the Fantasy or take the trip up to FL and sail on the Fascination. We are just looking for the best experience. We know that the temp in SC will be colder like maybe in the 50’s and in FL a lot warmer. Not sure how this will affect the trip as we have never cruised before.

Overall what ship and port would be better?

We want to stay on the upper deck in either ship but as of now the only rooms available in the middle are by elevators and from reading don’t think we want those. Is the front upper ocean view rooms decent?

[GUT2407]

Hello Everyone me and my wife are planning our first time cruise this November on Carnival. I am 33 and she is 26 and were just looking for a relaxing time in the Bahamas. We are located in NC and were wondering if we should sail from the port of Charleston on the Fantasy or take the trip up to FL and sail on the Fascination. We are just looking for the best experience. We know that the temp in SC will be colder like maybe in the 50’s and in FL a lot warmer. Not sure how this will affect the trip as we have never cruised before.

Overall what ship and port would be better?

We want to stay on the upper deck in either ship but as of now the only rooms available in the middle are by elevators and from reading don’t think we want those. Is the front upper ocean view rooms decent?

 

Why not near the elevators?

 

It's our preferred position, never had any noise issues.

 

Sorry once we had some little darlings making a racket a quick growl and a promise to call security if they didn't chill solved that problem.

[rcranf1]

Why not near the elevators?

 

It's our preferred position, never had any noise issues.

 

Sorry once we had some little darlings making a racket a quick growl and a promise to call security if they didn't chill solved that problem.

 

I have just read that near the elevators tends to be noisy? Im willing to take a gamble if that would put me in a preferred position

[GUT2407]

I have just read that near the elevators tends to be noisy? Im willing to take a gamble if that would put me in a preferred position

 

I have been within 3 cabins of the lift lobby every cruise but one, I have a mobility issue so it is my preferred location and only once have I had a noise issue. And that was dealt with pretty quickly.

[cb at sea]

Go from the closest port...especially, if you can drive...no need to add airfaire, if you don't need to! Being near the elevators is a PLUS, IMO...makes life easier!

[OCruisers]

Don't worry about being close to the elevator ... not nearly as noisy as you might think. :)

November can we quite chilly leaving from both Charleston and Jacksonville in November and the Bahamas might be on the colder side as well. :o

LuLu

[marshhawk]

I would look for the cruise that goes to HMC (Half Moon Cay) for the best beach in the world experience, and I have checked and both are reachable by both of these ships. The Fascination is being moved soon, Jacksonville port, when working properly is an easy port, but I have also read that Charleston is wonderful. I have cruised out of Jacksonville three times, fourth coming up, all previous three have been end of October/November and I have had cold excuse me cool weather show up on two of the cruises-I mean extra blankets, everyone in sweatshirts, 60's in the Bahamas, but I have been down there and the weather is fine, the temps in the low 80's, cool at night and perfect during the day. Ya just never know about weather.

 

I am waiting for the Ecstacy to be sailing out of Charleston, til then it's the Fascination for me. :)

[rcranf1]

I have been within 3 cabins of the lift lobby every cruise but one, I have a mobility issue so it is my preferred location and only once have I had a noise issue. And that was dealt with pretty quickly.

 

ok this is good to know thanks

[rcranf1]

Go from the closest port...especially, if you can drive...no need to add airfaire, if you don't need to! Being near the elevators is a PLUS, IMO...makes life easier!

 

the closest port would be charleston, if we did sail from FL we would drive to the port. We just were not sure if the cold weather in charleston would dampen the mood of the first cruise

[rcranf1]

Don't worry about being close to the elevator ... not nearly as noisy as you might think. :)

November can we quite chilly leaving from both Charleston and Jacksonville in November and the Bahamas might be on the colder side as well. :o

LuLu

 

ok no worries anymore since im now hearing t so much about the elevators lol. well I hope the colder side is like 70 or above in the bahamas lol

[rcranf1]

I would look for the cruise that goes to HMC (Half Moon Cay) for the best beach in the world experience, and I have checked and both are reachable by both of these ships. The Fascination is being moved soon, Jacksonville port, when working properly is an easy port, but I have also read that Charleston is wonderful. I have cruised out of Jacksonville three times, fourth coming up, all previous three have been end of October/November and I have had cold excuse me cool weather show up on two of the cruises-I mean extra blankets, everyone in sweatshirts, 60's in the Bahamas, but I have been down there and the weather is fine, the temps in the low 80's, cool at night and perfect during the day. Ya just never know about weather.

 

I am waiting for the Ecstacy to be sailing out of Charleston, til then it's the Fascination for me. :)

ok we will have to look into HMC, the itinerary for the sailing we were looking at is nassau and freeport. we will make sure to pack for good and bad weather to be on the safe side

[GUT2407]

ok we will have to look into HMC, the itinerary for the sailing we were looking at is nassau and freeport. we will make sure to pack for good and bad weather to be on the safe side

 

Re clothes, we pack stuff that can be worn in layers.

 

Ie T shirt

Short sleeve shirt

 

Long sleeve shirt

 

Maybe a light jacket.

 

They can be worn in combination or by themselves depending on conditions.

[naz022292]

We went on a trip to the Bahamas out of NYC in January. To make it worse, we went during the Polar Vortex in 2014. We had never even heard that term before in our life! When we went to Nassau it was 70. We had purchased day passes at the Sheraton resort and they couldn't believe we planned on going on the beach! They said 70 was cold even for January! We spent the day on the beach and in the water. The water was a little warmer than the air.

 

Either port you chose you'll be in warm air by the following morning. Enjoy your cruise!

[rcranf1]

Re clothes, we pack stuff that can be worn in layers.

 

Ie T shirt

Short sleeve shirt

 

Long sleeve shirt

 

Maybe a light jacket.

 

They can be worn in combination or by themselves depending on conditions.

 

yes we will definitely pack in layers thanks

[rcranf1]

Now is the food in the dining rooms free? what about the buffet and other dining areas like the omelet stand and such are they free too? What food is not included with the cruise price while on the ship? Are there only certain time we can eat?

[Towel Critter]

Go to HMC, if it available. You won't regret it. If it were me - and it isn't - I'd sail from Florida... warm from the start. Just my two cents. Oh, and the Atlantis tour in Nassau is a nice excursion.

[GUT2407]

Now is the food in the dining rooms free? what about the buffet and other dining areas like the omelet stand and such are they free too? What food is not included with the cruise price while on the ship? Are there only certain time we can eat?

 

dining room free

 

Buffet free

 

Omelette station, at least every cruise I've been on, free.

 

Specialty restaurants will have a charge, pretty minor as a rule.

 

Lines that do a basic burger free, those with a named burger stand (like Guys) a small charge.

 

Room service normally free but limited in what's on the menu.

 

Pizza as per burgers.

 

Guarantee you won't go hungry.

 

MDR will have set hours.

[jen&samcantwait]

We've cruised from Baltimore in Dec, kind of exciting to go to bed after wearing hoodies & jeans & then be in a bathing suit the next afternoon.

However, I do have do disagree with others, by the stairs or elevators can make it noisy, I'd avoid it if I had a choice.

[singbluesilver1]

Try to go on a cruise that doesn't go to the Bahamas if you can, they aren't that great honestly . Eastern Caribbean is much better

[rcranf1]

dining room free

 

Buffet free

 

Omelette station, at least every cruise I've been on, free.

 

Specialty restaurants will have a charge, pretty minor as a rule.

 

Lines that do a basic burger free, those with a named burger stand (like Guys) a small charge.

 

Room service normally free but limited in what's on the menu.

 

Pizza as per burgers.

 

Guarantee you won't go hungry.

 

MDR will have set hours.

 

ok awesome,

 

what about gratuity, I read they charge you 12$ per person per day? If so do i still need to tip on does that cover my tips for the day? Still confused on how this works

[rcranf1]

Go to HMC, if it available. You won't regret it. If it were me - and it isn't - I'd sail from Florida... warm from the start. Just my two cents. Oh, and the Atlantis tour in Nassau is a nice excursion.

 

HMC is off the menu for the dates we can go in november. We will prob check out atlantis seen nice reviews on it

[mike1954]

Been on Fantasy 10 times, 8 out of Charleston. Great ship with great people. We usually book upper deck mid-ship, or 2nd level is good also. We will be on it again Nov. 28 for Nassau. Grand Turk, and Half Moon Cay.

[naz022292]

I loved the Bahamas. We enjoyed the beautiful beaches is nassau and Freeport was fun. Oh, we have stayed RIGHT NEAR the elevators on all 3 of our cruises and haven't had any noise at all. The elevators are actually in a little partial walled in area.

 

Most of the food is free. If you order room service there are a few items that you need to pay for (also, tip is not included in room service). Some ships also have snack type foods at one of the bar and that is $3.33 each. The Main Dining Room is free, the buffet, pizza, ice cream, etc is all free. Even Guys Burgers are FREE!!! Omlet stations, deli, etc... all free. There is free coffee, milk, juice (at bfast), iced tea, lemonaide all FREE.

 

You would need to pay if you went to the specialty coffee shop, candy shop, steakhouse, sushi restaurant (if avail), italian restaurant (charge at dinner - free at lunch).

 

The buffets are opened most of the day - they post the times in a sort of newsletter each day in your room. The dining room you will either be assigned early (6:15) or late (8:00) dining - or Your Time Dining.

 

Finally, tipping is $12 per person per day. It includes tips for your room steward, dining, etc... there is a breakdown of who gets what on the Carnival site. You don't need to tip extra. Many will give a little extra to their room steward and to the wait staff team if they eat in the dining room each night.

 

If your budget isn't too tight, you should book the steakhouse one night (you can do it when you get on the ship). It's $35 per person and includes a tip and is delicious and great service.

 

There are definitely ways to spend money like the Casino, Bars, Bingo, Specialty Restaurants, and of course... pictures! But you can actually keep the bill down pretty low and still have plenty of food and a great time with the included stuff!!!

[Honolulu Blue]

dining room free

 

Buffet free

 

Omelette station, at least every cruise I've been on, free.

 

Specialty restaurants will have a charge, pretty minor as a rule.

 

Lines that do a basic burger free, those with a named burger stand (like Guys) a small charge.

 

Room service normally free but limited in what's on the menu.

 

Pizza as per burgers.

 

Guarantee you won't go hungry.

 

MDR will have set hours.

 

Generally good advice, but let me clarify and amplify some things:

 

* Guy's is FREE, but is on neither the Fantasy nor the Fascination :(.

* Pizza is also free, but can't be delivered. You have to go get it.

* Neither the Fascination nor the Fantasy have any specialty restaurants, but you can get a steakhouse-quality cut of meat in the MDR for $20.

* As far as for-pay food outlets go, those ships don't have many. You can get the better steak mentioned above, you can get java and snacks from the coffee bar (a la carte), or you can attend the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast ($5 per person). The gift shop will offer some overpriced snacks, and there will be a separate shop with sugary stuff.

* Room service and the pizza outlet are open 24/7. You can also grab ice cream 24/7. The buffet is open much of the day, but not 24/7. Other outlets have their own hours.

[rcranf1]

Been on Fantasy 10 times, 8 out of Charleston. Great ship with great people. We usually book upper deck mid-ship, or 2nd level is good also. We will be on it again Nov. 28 for Nassau. Grand Turk, and Half Moon Cay.

 

once were ready to book here soon looks like we can get upperdeck front of the ship, or main deck or rivera deck middle ship