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first time on the fantasy

paradoc1

By paradoc1,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Rowan555

Rowan555

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My parents just got back from the Fantasy. I dropped them off shortly before 11 AM and they were on board by 11:30. They had a really good time. They did self-assist to get off the ship and they were waiting to be picked up at 8:30. They began leaving the ship at 8, but it took thirty minutes to get through customs.

 

We'll be on the Fantasy on Saturday - I'll post a review when we return!

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x-cruiser

x-cruiser

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Going on the Fantasy in feb. Got any reviwes about it now that it in in New Orleans. How is the borading process. Are there any hotels that will let you leave your vehicle there during the cruise

 

We were on the Fantasy Nov 18 and found it very enjoyable. The arrival process in NOLA has changed for the better, much faster. The departure took us a grand total of 8 minutes from the time we left the Empress Deck and went through customs and to our vehicle. We we on I-10 in less than 15 minutes. We had some rough seas one day which caused some people sickness but the overall cruise was fine. I'd go again in a minute...

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Shooshoo

Shooshoo

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We just got back from a cruise on the Fantasy. We left on Monday, November 13th; however we stayed in the French Quarters on Saturday and Sunday nights prior to leaving. We stayed at the St. Louis Hotel; when we docked on the next Saturday, we stayed that weekend at the Hampton Inn on St. Charles. Neither of them have parking while on the cruise. I believe I heard someone say that if you stayed at the Hilton at the Riverwalk that you could park for free while on the cruise.

 

It took us no time to get on the boat. We were on by 11:30 and had lunch and then had plenty of time to explore the ship before it ever left the terminal. Getting off took a lot longer. Of course we were the last color they called to disembark (we didn't have any flights to catch or trains to catch). It took at least 45 minutes to get through customs and out to catch a cab. I understand that the first ones off got through a lot quicker.

 

SHIRLEY

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wolfeman40

wolfeman40

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There are several hotels that offer packages that include parking, the best one that I have found is the Holiday Inn in the French Quarter, there are actually two that offer the same package "Cruisin the Big Easy package" Holiday Inn French Quarter (Indoor pool) and Holiday Inn Chateau LeMoyne. It is much cheaper for a stay during the week which worked out well for me because I can't stay the night before we cruise so I am staying the night that we return from the cruise on Thursday Night ($109 which includes includes an upgrade and a free gift) and they still give you seven free nights parking and you can leave your vehicle there while you are on the cruise(usually $24/day parking). With parking at the cruise terminal costing $14/day the hotel/parking package greatly reduces the cost of your hotel room. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com, Maison St.Charles has a (Bon Voyage) package also. Check out the New Orleans CVB website.

 

Chris

 

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cherun

cherun

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Just booked our second cruise, first time on the Fantasy. Glad to hear good reviews, we were to go out of New Orleans when Katrina hit so really miss that we will not get to see that New Orleans, but ready to give her another try and help the economy..haha..

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crazycruzer68

crazycruzer68

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We just got back from a cruise on the Fantasy. We left on Monday, November 13th; however we stayed in the French Quarters on Saturday and Sunday nights prior to leaving. We stayed at the St. Louis Hotel; when we docked on the next Saturday, we stayed that weekend at the Hampton Inn on St. Charles. Neither of them have parking while on the cruise. I believe I heard someone say that if you stayed at the Hilton at the Riverwalk that you could park for free while on the cruise.

 

It took us no time to get on the boat. We were on by 11:30 and had lunch and then had plenty of time to explore the ship before it ever left the terminal. Getting off took a lot longer. Of course we were the last color they called to disembark (we didn't have any flights to catch or trains to catch). It took at least 45 minutes to get through customs and out to catch a cab. I understand that the first ones off got through a lot quicker.

 

SHIRLEY

 

 

 

 

We are looking at the 5-day Monday departure, what did you think of the ship?

 

What were your thoughts on Costa Maya?

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bp traveler

bp traveler

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Just got back from the Fantasy Thanksgiving cruise.

 

It was a breeze we arrived at the port at 11:30 and we were on in 10 minutes tops. It was smooth and so was debarkation.

 

It was a fun lively cruise but I must say I am so tired of the Lido deck food and its quality. It was not very good this cruise. The dining room was pretty good and we had a good wait team as well.

 

Cozumel is a tender port and this was not very organized for our cruise - we waited for over 1.5 hours in the lounge waiting for our tender to be called. They had a larger tender which was actually the ferries that go between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen that holds 450 peoplE. The ship was supposed to leave at 5:00 but we saw 3 more tenders go back to get passangers until around 5:3O.

 

Nightlife was primarily in the casino we tired several nights hitting all the night spots but there was not much going on - so back to the casino!

 

The ship was very clean and we love New Orleans and I hope others will return and spend some money there!

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Rowan555

Rowan555

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Just booked our second cruise, first time on the Fantasy. Glad to hear good reviews, we were to go out of New Orleans when Katrina hit so really miss that we will not get to see that New Orleans, but ready to give her another try and help the economy..haha..

 

 

You won't notice any difference at all. The touristy areas are just about 100% back to normal - it's only if you go into the residential areas that you'll see the continued devastation. Don't worry about it, you'll enjoy the city and have a great time! And as far as cruising goes, the terminal we have in NOLA now is LOTS better than the pre-Katrina terminal, and from what I'm hearing from everyone, embarkation is much faster and more organized now.

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cherun

cherun

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Has anyone been on the Upper Deck, Forward area? We have porthole room and very front room U-2, wanted more forward area as last trip we were very back of ship and the anchor dropping was a tad loud. Not enough to never want to be there again, but thought we would try another area of the ship. We were able to get porthole room for same price as inside (our last trip) and inside suited us find as we just sleep there, so for no extra at least will have some daylight. Do people like the Forward area of the ship and the Upper deck area? Thanks

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