Fantazy 5/22 to 5/27 - Very long..

[luvmy2kids]

This was my first Carnival cruise. (my first was with Disney). I was traveling with my husband, two kids (6 and 23 mo.), my mom, dad, brother, his girlfriend, friend with husband and two older daughters (17 and 20). We all had oceanview rooms on the Main deck, except for my parents who got upgraded to Empress deck due to his need for a HC accessible room.

 

This might be long so bear with me. We live in Central Florida so it was about 45 min - one hour ride to the pier. I wanted to leave home around 11:30, but of course, when traveling with so many, that wasn't about to happen. Somehow we ended up leaving at 1:30. We got to the port and dropped off our bags. The cool thing is that the parking is right across from where the fantasy is docked so my brother and my husband drove right across the street and got a golf cart ride back to the entrance. Quick and painless. No lines in the terminal either. We had our funpasses filled out (although we did not need a printed copy) so we walked right up to the counters to check in. Walked right on the boat, got the kids their muster wristbands, and off to our rooms we went. We looked in all the closets. We personally had a quad. We ended up leaving one of the bunks closed and having the baby sleep with us cause it was pretty crowded in there.

 

We headed over to the Universal lounge for the drill. They made us put on the life jackets, but made an announcement that the drill was over and we didn't have to walk out to the actual lifeboats.:confused: Anyway, up to the Lido we went for a hamburger and our first drinks. :D I don't know about all of you, but the drink of the day was pretty strong. Hamburgers were really good. Didn't eat much so we could have an appetite for dinner which was at 6:15. We got all dressed up for dinner and then read the handout that said first night would be casual.

 

Our dinner team was Sabio and Edmundo. Great guys! We really got to become friends and enjoyed seeing them at dinner every night. Also got to meet Herdawati. She was our drink server. She served us at dinner and also at the casino. By the second night she knew all of our names! Herda was really cool.

 

I was so amazed at how hard these people work. Especially the day at half moon cay. These people are on their feet most of the day, yet they always have a smile or a friendly word. I felt truly honored to meet them and get to know them.

 

Second day was our formal night. I don't know how the time just flies. I honestly can't tell you what we did all day. (that might have had something to do with the drink of the day. :o ) But somehow slept so late that i missed the captain's reception. Got there as they were saying goodbye. Oh well, on to dinner.

 

Wednesday was Grand Turk. This was the day my dad was getting dialysis on the island. So I woke up early and nervous hoping everything would go smoothly. My dh and my brother were taking a cab to the hospital with mom and dad to be sure they got there ok and that our cell phones worked on the island and they were going to come back and go to Margaritaville with us. Well, while there, my dh called the carnival emergency number to make sure that they knew my dad was getting dialysis and to get them to try to call me on the ship so we could be sure we had a line of communication. I guess the lines of communication were a little mixed and they must've thought my dad felt sick and had to be taken to the hospital instead of having a pre-arranged dialyisis appt. Well, after that, they sent a carnival rep to check on my mom and dad and told them they did not have to take a taxi that carnival could have dropped them off and picked them up and made sure they got back to the ship on time. I was pretty impressed with that. And let me just add that the nurses at the hospital (whom i had communicated before hand) are absolute sweethearts and treated my parents like royalty. My mom said the island is very small and very poor.

 

All I saw there was Margaritaville. ;) I LOVED IT! We had decided since our other two ports would be beach days that we would spend the time at the pool. It was awesome! They had good music played by a dj, the pool was gorgeous and huge and with the beginning of it starting like a beach, with no actual depth, it was perfect for my little ones. Honestly, leaving at 2:30 from this port was very sad. I would have loved to stay longer. It looks almost fake. Like someone plopped an oasis in the middle of a desert, but it was so cool. (if you like relaxation - there wasn't much action that i could see)

 

Well, back to the boat. We played bingo that day. It was cool. I kept trying to make it to the midnight comedy, but somehow was delayed either by the kids or by the casino. :eek: I only took the kids to camp carnival after 10PM for babysitting, but the counselors were very caring and sweet.

 

Half Moon Cay. Beautiful. Gorgeous. I will say that the workers on the island don't know much about anything. We tried asking about rentals for the beach and not one could direct us. I also have to say that there are not enough clamshells. There should be plenty more. And also more choices for the barbecue lunch. But the beach is one of the most beautiful pure beaches I have ever seen and we had a wonderful time there. There was a rainshower while we were there, but we just went for lunch and by the time we finished, the sun was back out like it never happened. The tendering process went quickly for us but that's because we got there so late, that we only had to wait like 10 minutes or so to get on a boat to take us to the island. The tender back we had to wait like fifteen minutes.

 

Bahamas. We had booked the Blackbeard Beach Break. It was horrible for me. There was cement block, lots of grass and several glass pieces in the beach water and there were sand "gnats"! (AKA "fleas") I got bitten over 60 times and of course did not notice all of them while there. I bought a bottle of OFF at the gift shop for ten bucks, but the damage was done. If I had a chance to do it again, I definitely would not have booked this excursion. If you decide to go there, please, spray yourself with bug spray. Often. I have been itching so bad, i've had to use benadryl for two days.

 

My brother and his girlfriend rented a jet ski there.

 

Once we went back to the dock area, we had a great time shopping for two hours before it was time to go back. I didn't find that I was harrassed too much by the vendors. Also, I did find that the alcohol on the ship is either similar in price to the liquor at the port, or even cheaper! So check if they have your favorite brands before buying it at port and carrying it all day.

 

Back to the ship we went. I was tired, but not going to miss my last night! No nap for me.

 

The ship photographers took so many great shots that I spent about $125 in photos. I only lost my $50 limit to the slots. I met lots of great people who worked for Carnival. I had a bunch of great meals and if some were not to my liking, there was always something I could order that would be. The workers were so nice (with the exception of one or two bad ones in the bunch), the drinks were good, there was plenty to do (except on sea days).

 

My advice would be to pick a few things to do and do them. If you wait too long to think about it, you'll lose the opportunity. I wish we would have stayed longer in port, but other than that, my first Carnival experience was awesome! My parents were so excited that they can't wait to do it again.

 

On the day we were leaving, my parents were stuck in the Empress room cause they could not leave due to a line blocking their room (my dad has a scooter). Dad called room service and they sent an employee to help them out.

 

My advice, have carnival take your luggage the night before, have a nice leisurely breakfast up on the lido, before you try to leave. By the time we got downstairs, it was about 9:45-10:00 and we were off the ship in five minutes. We grabbed a porter to help with our bags and she zipped us right through customs and out to the parking lot. Piece of cake. But people who got up really early and carried their own luggage were waiting for hours.

 

Anyway, sorry so long, but just wanted to put this out there and answer any questions anyone may have....I might have forgotten some stuff because its late, but if you ask, I can try to answer.....

 

Happy sailing! by the way, the ship did not seem old to me at all. It was very clean and people were always working to keep it that way....

[luvmy2kids]

I forgot to add that my daughter was turning two, two weeks after the cruise and even though i was told that it would be up to their discretion if they would let her participate in camp carnival, they did not. She did go to the babysitting at night so that was good.

 

oh, and capuccino and expresso were complimentary in the dining room every night. no one in our party had any problems getting more than one entree or appetizer or dessert...

 

We were in cabin M55 and we heard a bit of a hum from the engines, but it was like white noise to help us sleep. We did hear the anchor when we got to Half Moon Cay, but it was late morning so no big deal. We were near the elevators but had no problems with noise. The ship was rocking and rolling on two nights, but as long as i didn't over indulge in the drink of the day (hahaha) and took my bonine, i was fine. I did get the dizzy spells for two days when i was back on land. All gone now.

 

Any Fantasy questions that I did not cover?

[cruisy-suzy]

Thanks for posting your great review! We are going on Fantasy 8/28, and your information really helps us with our plans!!

 

I'm so glad the dialysis experience went so well for your dad. Was your shopping at Nassau right by the pier, or did you go to the straw market?

 

Suzy

[dmwoodbine]

We are going on the fantasy 6/29 with a group of 13 including 3 kids 3,5,7

 

How is the kid'c club/activities?

 

thanks

[beaming90]

Thanks for the great review! We loved the Fantasy last year and would love to sail her again someday! :p

[rhcruzer]

Thanks for posting the great review. We'll be sailing the Fantasy on the 15th of June. 1st cruise ever. Sea sickness is the only thing worrying me at this point. But these boards have been so helpful. Also only live about 45 minutes from Pt. Canaveral. Just doing the 2 week countdown & can't wait to get on board.

[cvrap]

We are going on the Fantasy 6/29 also. I was looking forward to hearing your report on the Camp Carnival as I have a little girl who will turn 2 a week after. I also have an 8 yo daughter who absolutely loved the kids activities on Royal Caribbean. She's really looking forward to this time but she's a little apprehensive this time about having someone to play with. She's a little shy. But I don't think she'll have any problems.

 

Tell me what you think about the babysitting. Also, I thought I read where they offer it from like 12 to 2, which is a great naptime. Also, how was your little one with the dinners at night? Any suggestions on taking a toddler would be great!!! Did you take a stroller? Thanks, Vicki

[luvmy2kids]

I'm at work right now. (unfortunately;) ) but promise to answer all your questions tonight. so check back, ok?

[pacerzfan]

Thanks for the great review

[edrobjr]

Very nice review. I was on the same cruise!! And I will be putting up my review in the next couple of days. Stay Tune!!

[luvmy2kids]

i'm back. still trying to recover so i fell asleep early last night.

 

ok, for the questions.

 

 

cvrap - They do offer the babysitting from 12 to 2. I did not use it because we were all usually running around together. I only used the babysitting at night. Its offered from 10-3. My son who is six loved it. They had playstations, and movies, and cookies and milk. Unfortunately, my baby girl is going through some major separation anxiety and I had to wait for her to go to sleep to drop her off, but they made her really comfy in a pack and play with blankets and a pillow right near the door where they could watch her. One night I left her awake and she played for a while and they beeped me when she was crying and couldn't be consoled. One other night, she woke up when I dropped her off and they rocked her to sleep for me. They do change diapers. THe counselors were very very nice. You really feel the movement of the ship back there. My daughter went to the dining room with me every night. The servers were great with trying to entertain her. They brought out the kids' meals with the appetizers and that kept her occupied, plus she picked a lot off my plate. I took an umbrella stroller with me. It was lightweight and very useful on the trip. Only bad thing is that it does not recline and for a nap its not very comfy. I wish I would have taken my other lightweight combi stroller since it reclines. A stroller is a must. Even if just to keep her in one place. I did not want to chase her all over the ship.

 

I had the room steward keep me stocked with ice and i ordered two milks at a time from room service. One for her to drink and one to keep on ice in case she wanted it later. Also those little cereal boxes are great to stick in a beach bag for a snack in port. I had her sleep with me because I thought she might fall off the bunk bed. There was no room for a pack and play in our room, unless you put your luggage under the bed. Its tight space, and our bed was really big, so that worked out for us. We brought some cheap sand toys ($3 in walmart) and they were priceless for hours of fun on the beach. Don't forget your baby spf 50. The sun is brutal. Your eight year old daughter and dmwoodbine's kids are going to love camp carnival. I had their capers and it looks like a fun activity packed day. Things wind down at the night babysitting. We rented a gameboy for my son and that was also a great entertainer for him in the dining room. It was $25 for the entire cruise.

 

cruisy-suzy - there is a yellow building right at the pier if you want to stay really close to the ship for your shopping, but I did not shop in there. We went to all those little souvenir stores across the street. They pretty much carry a lot of the same, but sometimes you find other stuff. I had a stroller which made the straw market practically impossible, so I didn't even try to maneuver in there. We walked a few blocks where they had all the fancy stores, but did not go in there. If I want Gucci (which I can't afford;) ) I'll get it in the states. hahahahaha....

 

If you want to buy cigars, buy them from a store. They are usually legit in a store as opposed to on the street. If you want Malibu coconut rum, they don't usually carry it at the regular liquor stores. They had Cruzan, and Bahamian coconut rum. For Malibu, go to Bristol's. It has a pretty big sign. Can't miss it. Oh, and the rum cake is delicious!

 

rhcruzer - take your bonine (take 2) before you sail and take it daily at around the same time. i also took zantac for acid at the same time. I was dizzy a bit one night, but that's it. most of the time, you don't even feel the ship moving.

 

oh my goodness, how can i forget to talk about the bedding? the MOST comfortable bed i've slept in ever. out of town or at home. really. you will sleep so good.

 

i'd love to sail the fantasy again. it was a great ship. my dh wants to try a bigger ship next time. can't wait to go again!

 

edrobjr - can't wait for your review! hope you had a great cruise!

 

let me know if i can answer any more questions!

[luvmy2kids]

one more thing - my daughter usually drinks whole milk, but there is no whole milk on the fantasy. it was 2%. she got used to it after a few days, but just a heads up.

[luvmy2kids]

one more thing. my daughter drinks whole milk. there was no whole milk on the fantasy. it was all 2%. she got used to it after a while, but i wanted to give you guys a heads up.

[rhcruzer]

Thanks luvmy2kids, good advice. Already bought the bonine.

[cvrap]

Luvmy2kids, I'm glad to see you're still watching. I have been reading your posts because I have a little girl who will turn 2 the week after our cruise. I had seen where people said that she might be able to participate in Camp and then I read where yours wasn't. Can you give me more info on that? What happened? Was it just too full? If you'd like to email me privately, let me know and I'll post my email. Thanks

[luvmy2kids]

i don't mind posting here. i was also told that they might let my daughter join since her birthday was only two weeks away. the camp director said that since theirs is an activity based program, its not the one on one attention that a child below two might need. to which i replied, well what if my cruise would have been in 14 days? i mean, how much growing can you do in two weeks. :rolleyes: but nope, they did not budge. no camp carnival for my 23 1/2 month old daughter. they were great with the babysitting though. but i could not drop her off until she was asleep because she would not stay without me. she's going through a clingy stage right now. they weren't full either. there were barely any kids on the cruise because it was the week before school ended here in florida. maybe you'll have better luck. the director when i was there didn't let her join. please update when you return and let me know how it went for you.

[krisj]

I have a daughter who will turn 12 a few days (5 or so) after our cruise. Do you think they will let her move up to the 12+ group? She says she will feel too old for the 9-11 crowd. Do you think they didn't allow your daughter to move up because of her being younger? or do you think that they are very strict with age no matter what their age?

[luvmy2kids]

I think they are stricter about the little ones. I think that 2-5 is a very diverse age group and the smaller the child, the more one on one attention they need and i think they don't want to take away from the activities of the others. I do think that a child who is two weeks away from her 2nd birthday is no different from a child who just turned two. But I guess they have to draw the line somewhere. I just wish the line was more defined. That won't be a problem for next year for us. As for your 12 year old, I hope they let her move up. Five days is certainly no big deal. Good luck! THere were a lot of fun activities that I could see from the Capers. Next time I plan to take more advantage of the daytime activities.