Fantasy Review 2/18/08 Cruise

[LynneL]

CARNIVAL FANTASY: 2/18-2/23 SAILING

 

Prior to Cruise: My husband, sister and I (all in our early 50’s) flew into New Orleans a day early & checked into Harrah’s Hotel & Casino. My husband gambles in their casinos in Atl. City so we had previously arranged for a comped room. Harrah’s came thru big time with a suite, which was beautiful. Thanks Harrah’s! We spent our first afternoon walking around the French Quarter, checking out the bars, almost all had live great music coming from them, & shops on Bourbon Street. Found it fun for a day & I am sure there is more to NOLA than that, but one day there was enough for us. Very short ride to the pier - could have walked if not for the luggage. Cabs pre-priced (forget exactly how much but twenty-something $ for 2 people and around $8 per person for 3 or more).

 

Embarkation: Unbelievably fast & easy. Arrived at the pier shortly after 11:00 a.m. Both my husband & I are Carnival Platinum cruisers (10+ cruises); my sister, who also came with us, is not but they let her stay with us throughout check-in. No lines for security for any guests, then on to a private room for those with VIP boarding passes (Platinum & Suite guests). After a minimal wait, we were checked in, escorted to a seating area & by 11:30 a.m. we were on the ship & finding our way around. Rooms were not ready this early & doors to the cabin areas were closed but I only carried on a tote bag containing my purse & a few items so no problem there.

 

Cabin: We had booked a 1A guarantee with hopes of being upgraded to an inside room with 2 lower beds. Really didn’t care if we were on lowest desk. This was just a little get-a-way for us. The Carnival PVP had stated we would probably be upgraded, especially since we were frequent Carnival travelers. Documents arrived and we were assigned the 1A (upper & lower bunks). Although I do understand that is what we paid for so always a chance that’s what you get, the ship was not sold out so very surprised not even a minimal upgrade. What’s the purpose of booking a guarantee if there are open rooms (that are interior, we certainly weren’t expecting OV) but they aren‘t upgrading people? Prior to sailing, we paid to upgrade ourselves to a 4A and I believe we were charged a higher rate than if we had done so earlier at the time of booking with our original discounted rate. Live & learn. My sister did keep the 1A since she was traveling solo and it actually was a nice somewhat roomy cabin, located in a nice quiet corridor between the corridors on the port and starboard sides. The 4A was fine, though the bathroom was smaller on this older ship than on we have found on the newer ones we usually sail on. Our cabin steward, Sunshine, was so sweet and so efficient…beyond belief. Best we’ve ever had.

 

Ship: For an older ship it is kept in wonderful condition. I believe it did have a refurbishment, but not the total one with the water play area yet. Always appeared clean. Since it was a smaller ship, we found either limited or no lines for various things. It felt similar to some of the larger ships in terms of lounges and space since there were the same general areas, just smaller in size to be proportionate to ship’s size. Made me wish that a couple of the new Carnival ships would be built smaller and a bit more intimate. Getting to the dining required one of those pesky manuevers of going up a deck, across and then down, but the additional stair walking did us good!

 

Food: One area where I felt a bit disappointed. I am not a very picky eater, but the beef dishes were the worst quality beef I have ever had. Extremely tough. One cut was to the point where I chewed, and chewed, and chewed, finally having to spit the piece out into my napkin. Other dining room food good and our waiters were terrific. Also found the food, except for dinner, was generally lukewarm. Although this is a common complaint for the buffet, breakfast in the dining room everyone at our table found their food to be cold. At the Lido grill area, the cook would do about 12 plates with burgers, then pass them out one by one as guests on line requested them. In the past, they always kept the burgers on the side of the grill, keeping them warm until each person stated if they wanted grilled chicken, cheeseburger, etc. This time if you wanted a cheeseburger, a cold slice of cheese was placed on the burger sitting on the plate & that was it. I certainly didn’t go hungry this week but, as said, was disappointed generally in the food. That’s a first for a Carnival cruise.

 

Entertainment: I thought the cruise director, Butch, was very good. The highlight show, “Ticket to Ride,” was a Beatles tribute and excellent. There was a passenger talent show, some with more talent than others, but I always give credit for people just getting up. One was an elderly gentleman who basically shook his butt around on stage, but you couldn’t help but smile. He was so proud of himself and when I later spoke to him, he, in all seriousness, told me he really needs about 3 shows to showcase his repertoire. Just too cute! The other Carnival show wasn’t as glitzy as shows on the newer ships, as I’m guessing space for costumes and sets is limited. The comedian & entertainers who were not Carnival singers & dancers were so-so. The also had a Mardi Gras night where you met in the piano lounge and followed staff through varies bars, stopping in each to do a sing-along, limbo contest, etc. and having a drink, if you wished. That was a lot of fun, but not sure it they do that all the time or only during the Mardi Gras season.

 

Disembarking: Extremely well organized and quick. We didn’t take advantage of the Platinum early disembarkation since we had a later flight, but even waiting for our assigned number to be called was easy and painless.

 

All in all it was a fun cruise. This was our first time sailing from NOLA, usually out of NY or Florida. Crowd on this sailing generally middle aged to senior. At dinner we were seated next to 2 large tables of women aged 70+. I thought it was nice to see these ladies living it up and even flirting a bit with the head waiter when he would stop by their table...you go girls! It was also a treat to meet so many people from the mid-section of the US, since cruises we generally take have a large eastern seaboard population. Now we’re looking forward to our sailing on the Freedom for New Year’s Eve! Enjoy your cruise fellow Fantasy cruisers!

[Kris7562]

Thanks so much for your review! I am sailing out with a girl friend on 4/28. Any thoughts on the ports or things to do while you were there? (Progreso in particular - I've been to Cozumel several times already!)

 

Thanks again!

: )

[LynneL]

In Progreso, we took a Merida city tour with AutoPregreso. They are the tour company that provides the free shuttle to Pregreso town area. There is a sign with a bus stop area just thru the shopping area when you get dropped off from that long 6 mile pier. We found those little stores, around the outdoor bar area selling beers, had the best prices. On the ship they tell you those people are the most expensive...not what we found. When you are on the shuttle to town, the tour rep. hands out flyers with prices. He has a desk set-up right where the shuttle leaves you off. Nice people. I sort of forget the price but I'm thinking the cost was around $25. - $28. per person. I orig. planned on taking the city bus, as suggested by CC members, but I'm glad I didn't. I was under the impression Merida was close to the docking area. The bus ride was prob. about 45 minutes and with this tour we were in a nice air conditioned coach bus and heard some highlight facts as they drove. There is a beautiful cathedral in Merida, as well as the Govenor's bldg. The tour guide took us through both giving info. We really did not see a heck of a lot more than that there. Local type stores that were interesting but high priced tourist shops.

 

In Cozumel, we took a cab to the downtown shopping area. I really wanted to go to Paradise Beach, since we've been to Cozumel shopping about 4x already, but neither my husband nor sister are beach people. On the shopping note there - we found that the prices were the most expensive at the spot where the cruise ship tells you to have the cab drop you off (furthest point on the strip). The closer you walk along the avenue, in the direction as if heading back to the ship, the better the prices were. This was the first time in Cozumel I found shopkeepers to be nasty and trying to make you feel low for bargaining. If you didn't agree to their price some would yell after you, "OK...I'll give it to you for free...are you happy." and remarks to that effect. Mind you, my sister was looking to buy a number of Mexican blankets, which we previously purchased on past trips for $4. each. One of the snippy people "bargained" down to $16. A store further down the strip priced them at $4. on their sign - no bargaining needed. Same with string name braclets. One person nasty because we didn't buy at $8. each - another vendor selling at $3., no bargaining...so, shop closer to the vendors that are near the opp. end of the strip.

[can't hardly wait]

Thanks for your review. Hopefully the food issue was just a fluke.

 

I, too, am on the 4/28 sailing on Fantasy. I also booked a 1A guarantee cabin on Riviera deck and was happily upgraded to Empress. My first ugprade. :) I think it is still an upper/lower bunk cabin but fine by me. Just happy to be on the ship.

 

Thanks again!

[Kris7562]

We're also in a 1A - SO cheap!!! : ) Come over to the Roll Call Board - there are a few of us there already

 

Can NOT wait!!!!!!

[TexasDan]

LynneL, thank you for your review as I'll be sailing on the Fantasy on 4-10. I can't believe CCL didn't upgrade you especially being a Platinum member! On my 7th CCL cruise I also got what I paid for, which was also a 1A, but I was by myself so no big deal. I usually order beef entrees but maybe I won't after what you reported.

 

Kris7562, I've been to Progresso twice. If you like historical things, an excursion to the Colonial City of Merida is worth it IMO.

[Kris7562]

LynneL, thank you for your review as I'll be sailing on the Fantasy on 4-10. I can't believe CCL didn't upgrade you especially being a Platinum member! On my 7th CCL cruise I also got what I paid for, which was also a 1A, but I was by myself so no big deal. I usually order beef entrees but maybe I won't after what you reported.

 

Kris7562, I've been to Progresso twice. If you like historical things, an excursion to the Colonial City of Merida is worth it IMO.

 

 

Thanks - I do like historical things, but have decided to keep this vacation strictly relaxation! Too often I come home from vacation having booked too many excursions and things to do, and just don't feel fully relaxed. MAYBE will book a snorkeling excursion this time, but not even sure about that. Give me a beach, some cerveza, and good book, and I'm good to go this time! : )

[can't hardly wait]

On my Victory cruise a tablemate ordered the beef entrees a few times before realizing it was all of similar quality. Poor. Maybe because I live in the midwest I am used to really nice cuts of beef and opted for the seafood or more unusual entrees.

 

Does the poor beef quality seem to be on all of Carnival ships?

[LynneL]

We're also in a 1A - SO cheap!!! : )

 

Frugal just sounds so much nicer - lol. Hey, no shame in getting value for your buck, especially when it enables you to cruise more often that you would otherwise.

 

TexasDan - order the beef and try it. I usually order so much beef when I'm on my cruise that I'm sick of it by the end, so this was a first for having such a lousy experience with it. Maybe a low grade shipment was received for this cruise.

 

As far as the entertainment, there was some variety - comedian (just OK on that sailing), Carnival singer/dancer show, the "Ticket to Ride" show, and passenger talent show; but, honestly I can't quite remember what the other night's show was, so my thought is it probably wasn't that outstanding. I also feel the passenger talent show shouldn't count as your sole entertainment for the night. Make that a before dinner type show & do a professional show that night. Bit of a cost saver on Carnival's part I guess.

[martinchem]

My wife and I just took two cruises back to back on Carnival (Freedom & Triumph) our 21st and 22d cruises. I will say that Carnival's steaks improved ten fold from our last few cruises, give them a break, you may be suprised!

[Jsme]

On our NYE Fantasy cruise we upset our waiter the first night and our party of 5 felt like he took this out on us the rest of the cruise. We were given the wrong dining time then what we had booked over a year in advance. We went to have it changed and were told we could go to the dining room up to 30 minutes late and still be served. We went 5-10 minutes late the first night and had terrible service the rest of the time, mind you, DH and I were never late another night.

I agree the beef entrees leave something to be desired. I stick to the chicken, fish or other seafood entrees. I love the Mushroom appetizer they offer. It is very good. I was not impressed with their Chocolate Melting Cake.

[rangerdog]

LynnL: Did you meet Thuli and/or Adrianna (casino hosts) in the casino? They were by far THE BEST on any Carnival ship I've been on.

 

Also, we stayed at the Harrah's casino the night before we sailed too and they also gave us a "comp" suite. It's nice to be spoiled, huh ;) ;)

I think when you have a "comp" room, they will upgrade you most of the time.

 

Were you lucky in the casino? We just gave them our generous donations and had fun doing it! :D

[LynneL]

LynnL: Did you meet Thuli and/or Adrianna (casino hosts) in the casino? They were by far THE BEST on any Carnival ship I've been on.

 

Also, we stayed at the Harrah's casino the night before we sailed too and they also gave us a "comp" suite. It's nice to be spoiled, huh ;) ;)

I think when you have a "comp" room, they will upgrade you most of the time.

 

Were you lucky in the casino? We just gave them our generous donations and had fun doing it! :D

 

I'm not the gambler in the family - my husband does enough for both of us - lol. He didn't mention any of the casino hosts names but I think I remember them. He was too busy getting depressed on the constant losses I guess. When I went for the slot tournament it may have been Adrianna hosting it. That name sounds familiar. Very attractive girl with an accent...well like that really narrows it down - aren't they all! Thuli tall, darker skinned girl and - of course - very attractive? - lol

 

Yeah that suite at Harrah's did spoil us. They call it comp but paid for that in the long run. Machines were very tight at Harrah's. I tell my husband it's all a psychological ploy - they give beautiful room & you say, "Well I really have to give them more action than I planned on since they gave us this great room!" I would have been happy with a regular room & spending less of our money in the casino...but then again...go back to my first sentence...

[map70065]

They call it comp but paid for that in the long run. Machines were very tight at Harrah's. I tell my husband it's all a psychological ploy - they give beautiful room & you say, "Well I really have to give them more action than I planned on since they gave us this great room!" I would have been happy with a regular room & spending less of our money in the casino...but then again...go back to my first sentence...

I wish that was true, but they take your money whether you stay there or not - I've never gambled enough at Harrah's to be comped a room - and can't see spending what they charge when the room isn't comped. I've only been there with friends who HAVE had comped rooms. Living here I have dropped my share of $$ at the casino - just not enough for a room

[dommer573]

Thanks for your review, I also remember the steaks not being the highest quality. I hope you asked for something else for your entrée.

[JBDigitalphoto]

OK This may sound like a stupid question. But I have never stayed in a casion hotel and was wondering what a Comp room was? And how you go about getting one?

[map70065]

Comps are pretty easy to get usually. You get a player's card - no charge, just giving them information and use it when you gamble. You get points while you play - whatever you play. When you have enough points you can get comps. Comps can be anything from merchandise (with the casino name on it) to meals at their restaurants to a room in their hotel. The more you gamble (win or loose) the bigger the comps you get. You get points for both the amount of money you're betting and the time your gambling - so you do get points when you're playing the penny slots, but not as many as when you're playing $100 a hand blackjack, craps or poker.

[JBDigitalphoto]

I was shocked at the price of the Casino hotel. A friend told me casino hotels were cheaper because they wanted you to spend less on the room and more on the floor drinking and gambling. Was I miss informed