Sam Goodson

Age: 46
Occupation: Producer
Number of Cruises: 3
Cruise Line: Carnival
Ship: Fantasy
Sailing Date: December 28th, 2003
Itinerary: Bahamas

Well, I just turned from a 4-day to Freeport and Nassau over the New Years holiday. Here are the things you need to know about Fantasy.

1. The reports about the ship being dated and run down are absolutely not true. The ship was recently renovated and is virtually brand new! It is very nice, clean, modern, and very well maintained including the cabins and public areas all were very nice.

2. The staff was courteous and helpful even when I was complaining. Our cabin steward was exceptional. He really went out of the way to make things pleasant and comfortable. One thing that happened after we got to our cabin was the dead bolt on the door would not lock. I called the steward about it and within 10 minutes a maintenance guy came a fixed it. It took him 15 seconds. Also the dining room staff (Celebration Dining Room) was very good. They really made that experience great.

3. There were a lot of kids on board. That did not bother us since we expected it. But if you are looking for a more adult atmosphere just be aware of this.

4. We did not purchase any ship excursions. They seem extremely over priced. We just took a taxi for $4-6 per person. Most of the shore excursions can be purchased directly from local operators at the ports. However, if you are interested in touring Atlantis, some areas are off limit without a waistband. The aquarium at the Atlantis is not to be missed.

5. The food. Now herein lays the problem. All the horror stories about this sorry buffet on board the Fantasy are all true! It’s pathetic. That so-call buffet in the Windows of the Sea is not a buffet at all, just an all-you-can-eat of one or two entrees. This was absolutely ridiculous! And believe me, I let them know it big time; to the extent that the head person over food services offered prepare my wife and I whatever we wanted so that we would stop complaining and talking about it. I told the Carnival people straight up that they should fix this problem and stop insulting people. However, first time cruisers or someone who has not been on Royal Caribbean and feasted at their buffet might not know that something is very wrong. The dining room and the food selection there was much better. The lobster, tiger shrimp, and mahi-mahi are great!

6. The shows and entertainment were below par. However, most people might find it okay; my wife and I are a little hard to impress. The New Years Eve parties and the overall atmosphere on board was great, we really enjoyed it.

My wife and I overall had a great time; we just hung and did our own thing, just what we wanted. We selected this cruise because of the itinerary (4-days over New Years, away from snow). We booked this cruise at the last minute, so we paid a little too much for what we got.

Fantasy is a good ship and I would definitely recommend it as a first cruise. Most people will enjoy it. It’s also great for families with younger kids. However since my wife and I are 40+ and like to pig out and feast on great food, we will stick with Royal Caribbean. Our very first cruise, years ago, was on the Fascination. I don’t recall the buffet being this bad. so we were very surprised with Fantasy. However that was our first cruise and we were impressed with the whole experience.

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