Welcome!!
Our last 2 cruises have been on the Fantasy and we are booked again on her in August.
She is a good size ship with a good floor plan.
Since your children are over the age of 2, they will enjoy Camp Carnival. We have always received excellent care by their staff. Our 2 boys have literally grown up in their program.
This gives some real much needed "adult time" for Mom and Dad while still knowing the kids are well cared for.
You will love the port of New Orleans. If you are driving, parking is $14.00 a day (56.00 for a 4 day and 70.00 for a 5 day). You can pay cash or credit card. We use our credit card but always have cash available incase the credit card machine is down or something silly.
Be aware that if you are driving in, the parking garage turn off is a little "odd". It is to your right as you are approaching the terminal. You will see folks unloading ahead of you before the turn and it is tempting to go straight"...but that area is for taxis and drop offs!
Once you get inside the parking garage, they will direct you into an unloading lane and the porters will take your checked luggage. $1 tip per bag is customary. They will then tell you which level to park on. The entire process is covered, so even if it is pouring down rain...you will not get wet.
If you are flying in, the taxi is around $28.00 one way.
Once you arrive and have given your luggage to the porters, you will proceed through security and have your carry ons x-rayed. They will direct you to the check in counters and then (after having your embarkation picture taken) they will direct you to be seated to wait for embarkation. There is a small food and beverage kiosk inside the terminal to purchase any goodies if you want to while you wait to board.
If you arrive around 11AM, (and there are no problems) you should be aboard shortly after noon.
Some tips:
We take about $50 in one dollar bills to tip room service (which is free except for the $1 tip) and tip the guy/gal in the piano bar if we request a song. Take small bills into Mexico since change will probably be in pecos.
The food and water in Cozumel are fine. The beach clubs and restaurants use purified water.
Pizza, ice cream and room service are 24 hours a day. You can order as much or any combination of things in the formal dining room. (2 lobsters...no problem). Also the fancy coffees like Cappucinos and expressos (which cost extra at the coffee bar on the promenade) are FREE in the formal dining room!!
There is karaoke every night in the back lounge. It is smokefree, but there is a smoking area just outside the door in the other bar if needed.
You will get a Caper for the kids that have their entire cruise listed....where the adult Capers are daily. The Camp Carnival orientation is on the embarkation night (usually around 7PM) where you fill out on sheet of paper listed allergies etc. Then they have a get together later that night for the parents and kids to get to know their counselors. The full service Camp Carnival starts the next morning at 9AM...so the very first night the kids will be with you.
If you have any specific questions, just ask. It has been awhile since mine were that little.
Have a great cruise...and welcome to cruise-chat!!
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