Andrew Dumont

Age: 37
Occupation: Hi-Tech Engineering
Number of Cruises: First Cruise
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Fantasy
Sailing Date: November 22nd, 2001
Itinerary: Bahamas

This was the first cruise experience for myself, my wife, and our two kids (14 & 16).

Departure: Relatively painless. Arrived at Port Canaveral at about 12:30 to long lines. Surprisingly, the lines moved relatively quickly, and we were on the boat by 2:15. By 4:15 the boat pushed off and we were under way.

The boat: Not what we had expected. Even though it was built in 2000 [it was actually built in 1990 – editor’s note], the décor (carpeting, walls, etc.) seemed much older. The two pools were very small and completely occupied by unsupervised children. The elevators were a nightmare with waiting times in the 5+ minute range – good thing the stairs were close by. Seeing other boats next to the Fantasy in Nassau, the relative small size of our ship was apparent, along with the lack of balconied rooms. Our room, an inside one on the main deck aft, was fine, but if I cruise again I will pay the extra $$ for a window or balconied room.

The food: The ONE thing everyone we talked to spoke highly of. Apparently they were speaking more towards the quantity rather than the quality. The quality of the food was mediocre at best, particularly in the dining room.

Dining Room: We had the late seating (8pm) in the Jubilee dining room. While the menus were varied and provided plenty of promise, we were disappointed in the quality. Warm, wilted salads; bland, barely warm entrees; boring deserts, were the norm.

Windows on the Sea: We actually preferred the buffet food over that in the dining room. Jerk chicken, ham, and roast beef, all typical buffet quality items. The deserts seemed better, and all you can eat ice cream really interested the kids. Breakfast could have been better – the sausages were completely submersed in some type of liquid (water??), the scrambled eggs were soup, and the omelets were lumpy eggbeaters. Stick with the pastries.

Midnight buffets: Not that we needed to, but we attended each and every one. Again, the food was acceptable, but not fantastic. The creativeness of the displays of the Gala Buffet were phenomenal! It was fascinating seeing the artwork that can be created with food. Descriptions on the items would have help eliminate wasted food.

The drinks: The prices for cocktails, beer, and wine were appropriate and similar to nightclub prices ($4-$6). The exception here was for sodas – at $2.50 each for a 20oz bottle! We went for the fountain soda card that allows unlimited fountain drinks for about $9 per person (great for the kids).

The Entertainment: Lounge shows: The main “Vegas Style” shows were not bad. The comedy acts and other “fun shows” (game show, dance lessons, newlywed game, etc.) were all fun.

Lido deck party: Very fun and addictive!

Children: Absolutely nothing for 14-17 year olds! Camp Carnival activities sounded good for younger kids, but only offered N64 for the older ones. Late night “Teen Parties” in the disco yielded maybe 5-10 kids at the most. Throughout the cruise there was a constant stream of teenagers “cruising” the ship, all floors, all decks, just looking for something to do (and personal experience tells me that bored kids tend to find trouble easily). There should be something earlier in the evening for them, and more activities in the main lounge geared towards teenagers.

Shore Excursions: Very disappointing. We took the Athol Island snorkeling trip and were disappointed. 70 people in a very small area of water trying to look at the same fish is ridiculous. I would strongly recommend venturing out around the island on ones own schedule, timeline, and itinerary (something we will definitely do if there is a next time).

The Spa: I opted for a total body massage in the ships’ spa. This turned out to be a mistake as the therapist used a heat pack, which resulted in 2nd degree burns to my back! Apparently this had never happened before. The minimal was done (refunding the price of the massage) in response to this, but I got another experience to comment on….

The Infirmary: After I realized how bad the blistering on my back had become, I contacted the pursers’ office and they sent me to the infirmary. The on call nurse arrived quickly and after filling out a few papers, she treated me quickly and professionally. I was slightly taken aback by the attendance of the ships 2nd in command security officer during the visit, but I got over it. The subsequent, nurse requested visit to the doctor the next morning was a disappointment as he was “in a meeting” and could not see me.

Overall: Not what we had expected. If we do cruise again, which is a big if; it will likely not be on Carnival. Do your homework before going.

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