Fantasy Only Questions ...

[esmith1500]

Hi Nowendy,

 

We enjoyed visiting with you and your husband during the sail away and also meeting up with you around the ship. We had a great time on the cruise and esp. liked the two shows featuring the singers and dancers--one was about Broadway shows and the other showcased Nite Clubs and various dancing styles thru the years.

 

Hope to see you again on the next cruise. Leaving from New Orleans was so convienient and easy.

[pink roses]

Hi Everyone,

 

Well we just got back from a little 4 nt on the Fanasty. I surprized my husband and booked the cruise and picked him up from work on Thursday and said lets go. We got dropped off at the terminal @ 12:10. No line for drop off lane, the lane for the garage was about 15 cars long. Porter was waiting for us for luggage, gave it to him and we were on our way. Right inside the terminal was a lady checking your tickets before you went up the escalators. Upstairs no line again until you got into the line where you actually get your s&s and keys. We waited maybe 5 minutes and got our agent. We were on the Lido deck and eating by 1 P.M. Not bad at all.

 

I had booked an inside and we got r16 which is a porthole on the Riviera deck. I was happy and sad at the same time. Our dinner was in the back dining room so every night we had to walk from the very front of the ship to the back , but i guess the exercise was good for us.

 

This was our 8th cruise and I have never seen the water so calm. It looked like glass. We had a very smooth sailing.

 

We only went to the magic show and it was ok. I was disappointed that it was only like maybe 1/2 hour or so. We really just went to rest and relax and that's what we did. Eat and sleep.

 

If you go on the Fanasty make sure you go out the back of the Lido deck. They have tables and chairs back there and it is a nice place to kick back and relax. They also had a few tables and chairs on the side deck also.

 

Oh for all you smugglers out there........Not a problem at all. I had 2 water bottles in my carryon and they didn't even ask if it was water or not (which it was) In my checked luggage I had 2 12pks of beer and a box of wine. Eveything made it to my room and the room steward gladly iced my ice chest each night.

 

I'd be glad to answer any questions.

 

Were your portholes okay??

We have rooms M24 and M30 portholes for our upcoming Fantasy cruise and are a little curious to know if we will be okay. I guess if the water was smooth you'll probably did fine. If anyone else knows about these rooms or similar I would aprreciate your input.

Did you try to change your Dining times?

How was the staff ?

Thanks

[Rodeomomof2]

Hi...

 

I've just booked V14 for the 9/27/07 sailing. Does anyone have pics of the balcony or the "walkway" nearby/in front I've read about here? Deck plans don't show anything like that, nor can I find any photos that show a walkway...! :confused:

 

Any info would be appreciated!

 

Paul

My husband and I had V14 on the Sensation, the sister ship of the Fantasy. The balcony looks down at the walkway that goes to the "lookout" deck on the front of the ship. We spent a lot of time out there, and we felt like it was private enough, yes, people could see you; but it was not like they stopped and stared. We enjoyed the view very much, especially coming back up the Mississippi river....and laughing at everyone using their cell phones because they finally had a signal (this was in '05), because we knew they were on "off shore" calling fees...and the cruise director kept telling people at every talk about the costs/signals. I would hate to have known what some of those calls cost people! I know cell phone usuage is better now. I have pictures somewhere of the Sensation v-14 cabin, give me an e-mail address and I will send them your way if you are interested. :)

[crystal808]

My husband and I had V14 on the Sensation, the sister ship of the Fantasy. The balcony looks down at the walkway that goes to the "lookout" deck on the front of the ship. We spent a lot of time out there, and we felt like it was private enough, yes, people could see you; but it was not like they stopped and stared. We enjoyed the view very much, especially coming back up the Mississippi river...

 

I have pictures somewhere of the Sensation v-14 cabin, give me an e-mail address and I will send them your way if you are interested. :)

 

I'd be very interested in your photos! Please send them to pwatson808 at mac dot com.

 

Thanks!

 

Paul

[Rodeomomof2]

I'd be very interested in your photos! Please send them to pwatson808 at mac dot com.

 

Thanks!

 

Paul

 

They are on their way, I have dial up, so it may take a few minutes, let me know.....:)

[Travelight]

What night is formal night on a 4-day on Fantasy? Just curious. Thanks:)

[nowendy]

Hi ESMITH1500,

 

So nice to hear from you. I guess you were right, we both send plenty of time on these boards. Yes we really enjoyed your company also. It is nice to see friendly faces while you are walking around.

 

We are planning our next cruise already. The whole group of us are going on the Fanasty again for next Mardi Gras.

 

My email is Alhotard1@cox.net. Drop me a line every now and then.

 

Happy Cruzin!

Wendy

[nowendy]

Pink Roses,

 

Yes I guess maybe we would of felt the vibrations if the cruise was rougher. We were on the Riviera Deck and one of the things I didn't like was having to wait for empty elevators. Also being all the way in the front was rough. Long walks to dinner.

 

The porthole was nice. You have a wide ledge under the portholes. If I would of had my 7 yr old w/me I could envision him sitting there looking out at the Gulf.

 

Another thing, when we had a window room the bed was pushed all the way against the window, so to get out of the bed you had to tumble out the foot of the bed. This room had enough room by the window side to get out there.

 

Everything else in the room was the same as anyother room.

 

If you have any other questions, just ask and I'll try to answer them.

 

Thanks,

Wendy

[jetskier]

What night is formal night on a 4-day on Fantasy? Just curious. Thanks:)

 

The first sea day.

Dave

[bonniemari]

Jetskier-I was on the April 21 Fantasy-would your DW and MIL be a blonde and a brunette who smoke? I smoke so I saw these 2 ladies on the Lido smoking side quite a few times and also at the Cat's Meow in Costa Maya.

 

The reason I was hesitant to go up and ask is because they looked almost more like sisters than daughter and mother.

[pink roses]

Pink Roses,

 

Yes I guess maybe we would of felt the vibrations if the cruise was rougher. We were on the Riviera Deck and one of the things I didn't like was having to wait for empty elevators. Also being all the way in the front was rough. Long walks to dinner.

 

The porthole was nice. You have a wide ledge under the portholes. If I would of had my 7 yr old w/me I could envision him sitting there looking out at the Gulf.

 

Another thing, when we had a window room the bed was pushed all the way against the window, so to get out of the bed you had to tumble out the foot of the bed. This room had enough room by the window side to get out there.

 

Everything else in the room was the same as anyother room.

 

If you have any other questions, just ask and I'll try to answer them.

 

Thanks,

Wendy

 

Thanks so much!!

[Travelight]

Thank you, Jetskier. You have helped me out a lot with your knowledge of N.O. and Fantasy. DD has graduation on Saturday. We are both "chomping on the bit" to go on this cruise. Just wish it was longer than a 4 dayer. She will be going to Europe in June, so she still has something to look forward to after the cruise. But I have nothing but work ahead for the rest of the summer. Maybe things will work out, though, so I'll be able to take a cruise a year like so many of the others on CC:p .

The anticipation is so much fun!!!

[jetskier]

Jetskier-I was on the April 21 Fantasy-would your DW and MIL be a blonde and a brunette who smoke? I smoke so I saw these 2 ladies on the Lido smoking side quite a few times and also at the Cat's Meow in Costa Maya.

 

The reason I was hesitant to go up and ask is because they looked almost more like sisters than daughter and mother.

 

The older lady would have been the one smoking. The brunette would have been the shorter one who would have been my wife. They did go to the Cat's Meow. All you would have to have done is yell "ARE YOU JETSKIER's WIFE?"

 

Dave

[jetskier]

Thank you, Jetskier. You have helped me out a lot with your knowledge of N.O. and Fantasy. DD has graduation on Saturday. We are both "chomping on the bit" to go on this cruise. Just wish it was longer than a 4 dayer. She will be going to Europe in June, so she still has something to look forward to after the cruise. But I have nothing but work ahead for the rest of the summer. Maybe things will work out, though, so I'll be able to take a cruise a year like so many of the others on CC:p .

The anticipation is so much fun!!!

 

No problem on the help. Yes, but look how quiet your house will be over the summer. :p Enjoy your cruise and dont forget the $3.50 margaritas in the Piano Bar on the first night at 8:30.

 

A cruise a year............I went on three in just January. I am in post cruise depression at the moment as my next one wont be until Sept. I am always looking for a bargain though. The prices will drop back down in Sept so maybe you can squeeze another one in.

 

 

Dave

[bonniemari]

Dave-Now I wish I would have---would have loved to have met your wife and MIL. Compliments to your MIL-I thought they were sisters and that was what threw me. I thought no that couldn't be they look more like sisters.

 

I am sure I will run into them again-although I swore I would not cruise in the summer I am planning on taking my grandaughter on the Fantasy (or maybe the Holiday) in June or July. We took her on the Fantasy to the Bahamas 3 yrs ago and when my DH asked her what she wanted for her birthday she said to go on another cruise-my DH said he would speak to the "cruise director/AKA Bonnie" so guess we will be cruising this summer.

 

Its not a long drive from Memphis to NOLA or Mobile (waving to the nice officer who gave me my nice ticket in Magnolia, MS) so I haven't decided on which one yet. Have a funny feeling that officer in Magnolia will be looking out for me-I am sure I helped pay his salary this month.

[jetskier]

Dave-Now I wish I would have---would have loved to have met your wife and MIL. Compliments to your MIL-I thought they were sisters and that was what threw me. I thought no that couldn't be they look more like sisters.

 

I am sure I will run into them again-although I swore I would not cruise in the summer I am planning on taking my grandaughter on the Fantasy (or maybe the Holiday) in June or July. We took her on the Fantasy to the Bahamas 3 yrs ago and when my DH asked her what she wanted for her birthday she said to go on another cruise-my DH said he would speak to the "cruise director/AKA Bonnie" so guess we will be cruising this summer.

 

Its not a long drive from Memphis to NOLA or Mobile (waving to the nice officer who gave me my nice ticket in Magnolia, MS) so I haven't decided on which one yet. Have a funny feeling that officer in Magnolia will be looking out for me-I am sure I helped pay his salary this month.

 

At least the ticket was in Mississippi, much cheaper than in Louisiana. I just got one Saturday night at a roadblock up near Philidelphia, MS for an expired inspection sticker. It had expired last month. There went the $100 I just won at the casino. I am hoping they will wave the fine as I sent proof Tuesday that I have a new one.

 

I would go with the Fantasy again as sailing down the river on a warm night would be enjoyable.

 

Dave

[robomom]

At least the ticket was in Mississippi, much cheaper than in Louisiana. I just got one Saturday night at a roadblock up near Philidelphia, MS for an expired inspection sticker. It had expired last month. There went the $100 I just won at the casino. I am hoping they will wave the fine as I sent proof Tuesday that I have a new one.

 

I would go with the Fantasy again as sailing down the river on a warm night would be enjoyable.

 

Dave

 

Just curious, were you playing table games or slots when you won at the casino? Thanks!

[jetskier]

Just curious, were you playing table games or slots when you won at the casino? Thanks!

 

Blackjack. It is the only game where I feel you have half a chance at winning. All those empty $10 tables with dealers at them at both of the casinos and only one $5 table at each place. People were standing in line to sit at the $5 table. Common sense would tell you to open up another $5 table to try and get these people's money. They look at it as if you wait long enough you will eventually sit down at a $10 table.

 

Dave

[robomom]

Blackjack. It is the only game where I feel you have half a chance at winning. All those empty $10 tables with dealers at them at both of the casinos and only one $5 table at each place. People were standing in line to sit at the $5 table. Common sense would tell you to open up another $5 table to try and get these people's money. They look at it as if you wait long enough you will eventually sit down at a $10 table.

 

Dave

Thanks for the reply. How many decks in the shoe? Did you notice if they were continuous shoes (did not bring in new shoes with a new dealer)? Just curious.

 

Casinos at sea are not regulated to much, if any extent, to you are correct....that's got to be the only game with you might have a statistical chance of any kind to win.

[jetskier]

Thanks for the reply. How many decks in the shoe? Did you notice if they were continuous shoes (did not bring in new shoes with a new dealer)? Just curious.

 

Casinos at sea are not regulated to much, if any extent, to you are correct....that's got to be the only game with you might have a statistical chance of any kind to win.

 

 

The casinos in Philidelphia are using an auto shuffler and I believe 6 decks. One shoe is in play while the other is being shuffled. If a new dealer comes in, they just burn a card.

 

The problem with the shufflers on the Carnival ships is that it constantly shuffles the entire time. There is no cutting of the deck. There is not a shoe like you would normally see. The cards are drawn directly from the shuffler. After each hand, the dealer places the used cards in the shuffler. There is a wheel inside that holds cards in different slots. The cards are shuffled into different slots in the wheel.

 

Ocean Players Club (Carnival) uses the same regulations/rules and accounting that you would find in Las Vegas. The only exception is that the payout on slots is much lower.

 

Dave

[robomom]

The casinos in Philidelphia are using an auto shuffler and I believe 6 decks. One shoe is in play while the other is being shuffled. If a new dealer comes in, they just burn a card.

 

The problem with the shufflers on the Carnival ships is that it constantly shuffles the entire time. There is no cutting of the deck. There is not a shoe like you would normally see. The cards are drawn directly from the shuffler. After each hand, the dealer places the used cards in the shuffler. There is a wheel inside that holds cards in different slots. The cards are shuffled into different slots in the wheel.

 

Ocean Players Club (Carnival) uses the same regulations/rules and accounting that you would find in Las Vegas. The only exception is that the payout on slots is much lower.

 

Dave

Thanks, Dave. Actually, I live in Mississippi and we are Gaming state. I have close connections to the regulatory agency that enforces gaming rules in the state, and I know that our regs are based largely on those of Nevada's. I'll have to inquire about what you describe about the shuffler and/or shoe device. What I've been told about casino's at sea is that there is no true regulatory body who oversees them. If you think about it, who would it be?

 

Thanks for the info, nonetheless. I had a discussion just today about your odds with a continuous shoe. It makes counting impossible, but only the true card shark would be doing that, anyway. I prefer to believe that it may actually improve your odds a bit.

[bonniemari]

At least the ticket was in Mississippi, much cheaper than in Louisiana. I just got one Saturday night at a roadblock up near Philidelphia, MS for an expired inspection sticker. It had expired last month. There went the $100 I just won at the casino. I am hoping they will wave the fine as I sent proof Tuesday that I have a new one.

 

I would go with the Fantasy again as sailing down the river on a warm night would be enjoyable.

 

Dave

 

He clocked me doing 87 in a 70 mph zone. That's what happens when you get 4 women yaking in a car-needless to say I used the cruise control on the way home.

 

I can call tommorrow and find out how much the ticket is and what additional ransom I need to pay to keep it off my record. This is my first ticket in 30+ yrs of driving so I don't feel too bad-I am guilty as charged.

[jetskier]

Thanks, Dave. Actually, I live in Mississippi and we are Gaming state. I have close connections to the regulatory agency that enforces gaming rules in the state, and I know that our regs are based largely on those of Nevada's. I'll have to inquire about what you describe about the shuffler and/or shoe device. What I've been told about casino's at sea is that there is no true regulatory body who oversees them. If you think about it, who would it be?

 

Thanks for the info, nonetheless. I had a discussion just today about your odds with a continuous shoe. It makes counting impossible, but only the true card shark would be doing that, anyway. I prefer to believe that it may actually improve your odds a bit.

 

There are actually two casino groups. Casinos at Sea (NCL) and the Ocean Players Club (Carnival) Both follow the International Council of Cruise Lines recommendations. Here is the link for them. http://www.cruising.org/industry/gambling_guidelines.cfm

 

For me, I play with a simple rule. I go in with a set amount that I am prepared to lose. If I lose it, I walk. If I double it, I walk. So far it has treated me well. I have won more than I have lost.

Dave

[jetskier]

He clocked me doing 87 in a 70 mph zone. That's what happens when you get 4 women yaking in a car-needless to say I used the cruise control on the way home.

 

I can call tommorrow and find out how much the ticket is and what additional ransom I need to pay to keep it off my record. This is my first ticket in 30+ yrs of driving so I don't feel too bad-I am guilty as charged.

 

My last speeding tickets were in 1992 (Sulphur, LA) and 1993 (Liberty, MS). Would you believe on my birthday each time. The only reason I didnt get one in 1994 was because my oldest daughter was being born, on my birthday.

 

Dave

[robomom]

There are actually two casino groups. Casinos at Sea (NCL) and the Ocean Players Club (Carnival) Both follow the International Council of Cruise Lines recommendations. Here is the link for them. http://www.cruising.org/industry/gambling_guidelines.cfm

 

For me, I play with a simple rule. I go in with a set amount that I am prepared to lose. If I lose it, I walk. If I double it, I walk. So far it has treated me well. I have won more than I have lost.

Dave

 

Thanks, Dave. That is, of course, the prudent thing to do. I guess, what I mean about oversight is no one REGULATES THEM...i.e. AUDITS and levees penalties for non compliance. Therefore, they could follow recommendations, but no one forces their hand (oooo, pun intended). At any rate, I'd like to play some black jack, but $10 minimums are a bit steep for me. What time do they open/close?