Just Back from Fantasy - Brief Review

[Rowan555]

We got home about two hours ago and I am just finishing up unpacking - we had a great time. Here's a brief review with the good, bad, and neutral observations I made along the way. If you have any questions I'm happy to answer them as well.

 

The Good:

 

Embarkation - we boarded shortly after 11 AM - fastest embarkation ever. There were two wedding parties and a large travel agent group touring the ship, and they all boarded first. I thought we'd be sitting there forever waiting for them, but they breezed by us and we were on board 15 minutes after we entered the terminal. Embarkation staff in New Orleans was friendly as always.

 

The Ship - love it, this is my third time on it. Carpet's looking worn, some things need attention - but it's a great ship, and I really like it.

 

Lido Dining - excellent service, headed up by Sibert, who is the best Maitre D' with Carnival IMO. He is just fabulous and will do anything he can to make you happy. Lines moved quickly, ice was replenished quickly when it ran out. Omelet station has been moved poolside which DRAMATICALLY cuts down on the congestion in the inside Lido dining area in the mornings. And not too many people seem to feel like making the short trek outside, so the omelet station line was always short when I was there. I usually give up on the omelet because the lines are too long, so this was a nice treat for me. Breakfast is served poolside until noon, so you can even get an omelet for lunch if you don't like the other selections.

 

Announcements - fewer than I've noticed in the past - a great improvement over the seemingly constant announcements on some cruises we've been on.

 

Dining Room - fast service - we were at a table by ourselves, and we finished dinner within an hour each night. We were done and out of there before the dancing and other activities began. Food was excellent for the most part, we really enjoyed our dinners. And the warm chocolate melting cake.....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......

 

Camp Carnival - not too many kids, and our kids enjoyed it as always. They've implemented a new allergy/special food requirement system which is great. If a child has an illness, food allergy, or food restriction of some kind, their nametags are written in red. Behind the nametag is a label indicating their special requirements. This is a great safety measure - particularly if your child has a food allergy, or is vegetarian, or has other issues which they might forget to mention. My kids attended the Camp Carnival dinners almost every night and found them much better organized and more enjoyable than it's been in the past.

 

The Beatles Show - I think it was called Ticket to Ride - it was on the last night, and I wandered in just as it was beginning. I swore off cruise ship shows after Formidable on the Conquest - that was a painful experience and I just decided I had no interest in seeing the shows. But this one was fabulous and it made me wish I had gone to see Nightclub Express earlier in the cruise.

 

Debarkation - Fastest EVER. The debarkation paper said self assist would begin "7:45-ish" - so I got some breakfast for the family and brought it to the room around 6:45. At 7 the social host announced debarkation was beginning and Verandah and Empress were able to get off the ship. My daughter was still sleeping! I grabbed her and said, "Get your shoes on! We're leaving!" We threw the last few things in our backpack, had the kids go to the bathroom, left our tray of food on the counter, and headed for the gangway. by 7:30 we were on our way home. Last year the hallways and lobby were PACKED with people for thirty minutes or so before debarkation began - but this time, I think no one was expecting it to be so early, so those of us who were "mostly ready" at 7 really had an advantage. It's 10 AM and I'm fully unpacked, laundry almost done, and I've picked up my mail at the post office. You can't beat that!

 

 

The Bad:

 

Smell on the Ship - There was a pretty constant sewer smell on Empress aft; you could only smell it for about a 10 to 15 foot stretch of the hallway, but it was enough to make me sick on the way back from dinner each night, and other times during the day and evening. We kept forgetting to backtrack and come up from the other direction. This was a few doors aft of E158, up until the next elevator bank.

 

Banging Noise in our Cabin - we were in E158 and it sounded like someone was hitting a large piece of metal with a hammer off and on during the entire cruise. We had our white noise machine, and I had earplugs - but we could still hear the noise. It sounded like it was coming from the side of us, not from above, but it's hard to tell with things like this. We're going to avoid Empress in the future, I think, because I've never noticed anything like this on other decks.

 

Karaoke - this isn't Carnival's fault, but most of the karaoke singers did country songs, and we hate country music! We normally enjoy watching the karaoke, but not so much this time.

 

Comedian - Tim Harkleroad SUCKS!!!!! Apparently there is another comedian, and they rotate between the Ecstasy and the Fantasy - and the other comedian is supposed to be much better. Now don't get me wrong - lots of people in the audience were laughing at this guy - but neither dh nor I even cracked a smile. If you like fat jokes jokes and jokes that have been done to death, he's your man - otherwise, avoid his show.

 

Pools - LOTS of babies in swim diapers, and not once did I see security or any staff stop the parents from putting them in the pool.

 

Progreso - if you're going to Progreso, do a tour. The beach is awful. And I mean really awful. I thought people were being mean or overly picky, but no, they were right - it's bad. The water is super murky, to the point that you can't see ANYTHING when you're in it. My kids got stung by something in the water, but we never did figure out what. You are also CONSTANTLY harrassed by vendors - we were asked to buy something over 75 times in the 3 hours we were at the beach. Next time we'll do a tour. Auto Progreso is a shore tour company, and they are the people that sponsor the busses that take you from the ship to the end of the pier. You can sign up for a shore tour with them right there at the pier, and they have lots of things to choose from - MUCH cheaper than the ship. If anyone wants prices and list of tours, let me know and I'll find the paper and post the information. There are lots of opportunities in Progreso - so don't waste your day on the beach like we did!

 

Camp Carnival - the counselors just didn't seem as enthusiastic and friendly as they have in the past. My kids had a great time, but not nearly as much fun as they've had in the past. Also, the Camp capers would often list activities, but then they would not do those activities, they would just have "free play" instead. My son is very "intense" about planning out activities and knowing what to expect, and he literally memorized the activity schedule on the first night. 3 or 4 of his "favorites" were just skipped and they would play on the computer or watch a movie instead. He was quite bummed about that and didn't feel it was fair. There were very few kids on board, but IMO that's no excuse to just blow off the activities.

 

Past Guest Party - It was at 5 PM on the last day - bad time, bad day! I really enjoy the past guest party, but my kids do not. It's usually held at a time when they're at Camp Carnival, but this time they had to join us. Also, on the last sea day we're in "packing up and getting ready to go" mode, and I wish it had been earlier in the cruise.

 

Other Observations -

 

Dining Room Attire - LOTS OF JEANS AND SHORTS! I went on this cruise planning to pay attention to this, because usually I don't notice what other people are wearing. I'd say about 1/3 of the Jubilee first seating diners wore jeans each night, and I saw at least 15 people wearing shorts each night at the first seating dinner. And I don't mean dress shorts - I mean khaki shorts with tennis shoes or flip flops. On formal night I saw 3 men wearing just a polo shirt (strangely enough, all three men were wearing turquoise polo shirts, but none of them were together). I did see one woman turned away from the dining room on formal night because she was wearing jeans. But no one was turned away on the other nights for wearing shorts, even though there was a sign that said "proper attire required."

 

Behavior of the Pax - I didn't notice any rude behavor by kids or adults. I was very impressed, as usually the 5 day cruises will have an abundance of rude/drunk/obnoxious/otherwise irritating people. Lots of people were complaining about the smokers, but IMO the smoke problem has gotten much better in recent years than it used to be before Carnival implemented additional non-smoking areas. It seemed many people felt smoking shouldn't be allowed anywhere in public areas. As a nonsmoker with an athsmatic child, I even think that's a little extreme.

 

Okay, it's time for me to get ready to go, the kids have martial arts class in a little while. I'll be home this afternoon to answer any questions you guys have. We had a FABULOUS time on the Fantasy and look forward to sailing on her again next April and October. We'll be on the NCL Spirit in December, and I kept telling my husband all week that I just don't think NCL will be able to match Carnival in terms of the friendly staff and the kids' program. But we shall see!

[dustymoss]

Loved your review! I'll be on her in 4 more days for my first cruise and can't wait!

 

Just a few questions: Did you attend Shop Talk? Did they give out freebies? How was the food? Did any of your group get seconds?

 

TIA

[carm225]

Thanks for the review :) Glad you had a fabulous time...I love Fantasy and can't wait to sail on her again!:D

[poptart]

Fantasy was my 1st so I've got a soft spot for her. Glad she is still in good shape and a lot of fun.:D

 

BTW I LOVE Country music so I would have loved karoke--different strokes!:D

[connergirls]

Welcome back and thanks for the review. I would love the Progresso tour info whenever you get the time:)

[izzyvet]

Great review, thanks so much. Am leaving in a couple of weeks for the Fantasy and this is getting me so excited!!!

 

If you don't mind answering, but do you recall if there was Sushi on board, and if so where and when it was served??

[Rowan555]

Loved your review! I'll be on her in 4 more days for my first cruise and can't wait!

 

Just a few questions: Did you attend Shop Talk? Did they give out freebies? How was the food? Did any of your group get seconds?

 

TIA

 

Food was great - our server offered us seconds many times, but we always declined. I don't attend the shop talks, but I think they gave out some free things and your capers will have a HUGE assortment of coupons and raffle tickets for free things at the shops in Cozumel.

[Rowan555]

Great review, thanks so much. Am leaving in a couple of weeks for the Fantasy and this is getting me so excited!!!

 

If you don't mind answering, but do you recall if there was Sushi on board, and if so where and when it was served??

 

Sushi is available every night except formal night from 5 PM to 8:30 PM - 4 different selections each night, all at no charge. Saki is available at a fee. The sushi station is located across from the casino as you're walking towards the photo purchasing area. The lady that works the sushi station is VERY friendly and makes great sushi! My kids and I enjoyed some nearly every evening.

[Rowan555]

Welcome back and thanks for the review. I would love the Progresso tour info whenever you get the time:)

 

Here it is - you can also visit http://www.autoprogreso.com

 

Merida City Tour $25

Visit Cathedral, Main Ave, Historic downtown, Colonial buildings. One hour of shopping

 

Dzibichaltun Ruins $29

Includes ruins tour, museum entry, and time to swim in the cenote

 

Resort/Ruins Tour $45

All you can eat and drink at the Reef Club private beach resort

Includes a short trip to the ruins (I believe it's Xcambo) 2 and a half hours

 

Flamingo Tour $18

Visit the downtown area bird sanctuary, local fishing harbor, and Mayan site of Xcambo

 

 

It says: All tours include air conditioned bus, English speaking guide, and insurance. All entrance fees to ruins, museums, etc included.

[pacerzfan]

thanks for the review.

[Rowan555]

I forgot to mention that Carnival had a plate of chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us when we arrived in our stateroom. What a nice surprise!

[connergirls]

Thank you for the info :D

[beccadoby]

I forgot to mention that Carnival had a plate of chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us when we arrived in our stateroom. What a nice surprise!

 

How nice it is to find a unexpected suprise!

 

 

Pools - LOTS of babies in swim diapers, and not once did I see security or any staff stop the parents from putting them in the pool.

 

Progreso - if you're going to Progreso, do a tour. The beach is awful. And I mean really awful. I thought people were being mean or overly picky, but no, they were right - it's bad. The water is super murky, to the point that you can't see ANYTHING when you're in it. My kids got stung by something in the water, but we never did figure out what. You are also CONSTANTLY harrassed by vendors - we were asked to buy something over 75 times in the 3 hours we were at the beach. Next time we'll do a tour. Auto Progreso is a shore tour company, and they are the people that sponsor the busses that take you from the ship to the end of the pier. You can sign up for a shore tour with them right there at the pier, and they have lots of things to choose from - MUCH cheaper than the ship. If anyone wants prices and list of tours, let me know and I'll find the paper and post the information. There are lots of opportunities in Progreso - so don't waste your day on the beach like we did!

 

 

I dont have babies anymore :o but I thought they were allowed in the pools as long as they had swim diapers on- -- ?

As far as Progreso, the beach does sound awful! I would be :mad: if I had paid for the excursion. The non cruise excursions are really affordable. ;)

[LHP]

Glad you had a good time (with all the pros and cons). Sorry I wasn't cruising with you....because while I do a lot of country....I can also do Elton John, Celine, 60's and 70's R&B and Rock.

 

The Fantasy is not set to drydock for the Waterworks refit until the end of next year. I hope they have some kind of interior facelift scheduled before that. If not, I fear we are going to be hearing more and more about how "tired" she is looking.

[Rowan555]

The Fantasy is not set to drydock for the Waterworks refit until the end of next year. I hope they have some kind of interior facelift scheduled before that. If not, I fear we are going to be hearing more and more about how "tired" she is looking.

 

This is a concern of mine because we have a big family cruise next April, and my inlaws are a bit.......finicky. On the last day I started to sort of "look through their eyes" in anticipation of next April, and I noticed a lot of peeling paint, rusty bits on the bathroom doorframe, worn and torn carpet, etc. These are things I totally ignore/overlook myself, but I'm keenly aware that they can be quite noticeable and bothersome to people with pickier sensibilities. 12 more months is a LONG time, and they're going to need to pay attention to some of these areas.

 

The current word is that Costa Maya will be up and running next September - so my cruise on the Fantasy next October will be like a whole new experience. First time cruising on my birthday, newly refurbished ship with the water activities and fabulous slides, and a "new" Costa Maya (and hopefully Cha Chi will be re-opened as well). I can't wait! Wish you guys could join us for that one.

[ThePinkSuperhero]

On formal night I saw 3 men wearing just a polo shirt

 

JUST a polo shirt?:eek: Oh my word! Maybe they, too, forgot to pack pants:p !

[Rowan555]

I failed to mention one more thing - I somehow managed to gain 11 pounds in 5 days. That's GOT to be a lot of water weight, though. Ack! I'm 128 pounds, 5'8", so 11 pounds is a LOT on me. I'm afraid to look in a full length mirror - I'll be living on Atkins bars and water until the scale shows me something closer to 130. Perhaps it's a GOOD thing I don't cruise more frequently...

[Rowan555]

JUST a polo shirt?:eek: Oh my word! Maybe they, too, forgot to pack pants:p !

 

I meant no jacket over it. Doh! Some men had on polo shirts and blazers, some men had dress shirt with no tie, others had dress shirt and jacket, but no tie, and still others had dress shirt and tie with no jacket. I saw ONE tuxedo and lots of suits and blazers/dress pants with dress shirt and tie.

 

I would like to point out that I do not care a bit what other people wear to dinner - I was just making this observation due to the many threads here regarding dress codes, and what people do and do not wear to dinner. I'd read quite a few threads indicating that very few people wear jeans/shorts to dinner on non-formal nights, and this didn't seem right to me based on my recollection of previous cruises. Perhaps the 5 day cruises are more casual, or perhaps it's a Big Easy thing, but the Fantasy (and the Sensation when it was here) cruises have always seemed quite casual.

[Carolinamamasita]

I just want to say THANK YOU for your review !:)

 

Did you take any photos of Progresos ugly beach ?:o

 

We are scheduled to go there next month and were hoping to hear more about it .

Thank you so much for the link for AutoProgreso that is much appreciated:D

[Rowan555]

I just want to say THANK YOU for your review !:)

 

Did you take any photos of Progresos ugly beach ?:o

 

We are scheduled to go there next month and were hoping to hear more about it .

Thank you so much for the link for AutoProgreso that is much appreciated:D

 

I will post some photos when I get them uploaded. I mostly took photos of the kids playing in the water and a few shots up and down the beach. One also of Le Saint Bonnet, which is the restaurant we sat across the street from.

 

I just got a notice that Carnival is making Progreso the permanent stop through April 2009. 2009!!!!! I was really hoping to get back to Costa Maya next October, I'm quite bummed right now. Of course next October we'll just hang out on the ship while everyone else is in Progreso - we'll enjoy the new water slides and the Serenity area (after dropping the kids off at Camp Carnival, of course). I think we'll plan a ruins tour with the inlaws next April in Progreso.

[LHP]

This is a concern of mine because we have a big family cruise next April, and my inlaws are a bit.......finicky. On the last day I started to sort of "look through their eyes" in anticipation of next April, and I noticed a lot of peeling paint, rusty bits on the bathroom doorframe, worn and torn carpet, etc. These are things I totally ignore/overlook myself, but I'm keenly aware that they can be quite noticeable and bothersome to people with pickier sensibilities. 12 more months is a LONG time, and they're going to need to pay attention to some of these areas.

 

The current word is that Costa Maya will be up and running next September - so my cruise on the Fantasy next October will be like a whole new experience. First time cruising on my birthday, newly refurbished ship with the water activities and fabulous slides, and a "new" Costa Maya (and hopefully Cha Chi will be re-opened as well). I can't wait! Wish you guys could join us for that one.

 

That is exactly my concern....especially after the abuse I saw that poor ship endure on our cruise from morons who purposely set out to do permanent damage.

 

As for the October 08 cruise....you never know!! :cool:

[rangerdog]

Did you try your luck at the casino? If so, do they lots of penny/nickel machines? How is the casino host?

 

Did you visit the kids' arcade? If so, do you use quarters or your sign/sail? How much were most of the games?

 

Thanks!

[Rowan555]

Did you try your luck at the casino? If so, do they lots of penny/nickel machines? How is the casino host?

 

Did you visit the kids' arcade? If so, do you use quarters or your sign/sail? How much were most of the games?

 

Thanks!

 

 

The arcade on the Fantasy is VERY small - like a short hallway with games on either side. The selection is not great, and the games are expensive. I believe you can use quarters or your s/s card.

 

Regarding the casino, my husband won $250 playing blackjack last night, but I didn't check out the slots. I did hear a woman saying she won $70 on the nickel slots, but I don't know about penny slots.

[Rowan555]

As for the October 08 cruise....you never know!! :cool:

 

That would be awesome!

[pink roses]

Thanks for the review. We will be on her in two weeks, we got a wonderful deal and are taking the 4 day. one reason we did not even try to go for the 5 day is because of the ports offered. We like Cozumel but were not crazy about any of the others.

We were just on the Fantasy in July and she really seemed to be in good shape, but their were soooooooo many people that I think that was what I noticed more.

Was it crowded????