Disappointed

Carnival Fantasy Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

AT581

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 8

Overall rating:

1 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 11, 2007

Ship: Carnival Fantasy

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 17 years ago

Review summary

This was obviously not the cruise for our group. I found the constant sales pitching completely annoying and unneccesary. This trip with all of the 'add ons' ended up being much more expensive than a 'nicer' cruise. A 'nicer' cruise does not constantly charge you for every little thing and sock you with tip money that may or may not be deemed appropriate. The over abundance of photo opps was completely went completely overboard. It was downright tacky. There was never an opportunity for a nice, 'real' setting photo. Mainly tacky back drops. The time in the ports of call was far too short and controlled. Seeing pictures of the on board sales maven in the stores on shore was completely revolting. This was not a warm, fuzzy in my book. A sales push is more like it. A section not included in your cruise review form is disembarking in New Orleans. An important item here- Make your luggage tags for disembarking with an adhesive. We were concerned putting our luggage outside of our door by midnight with an easily removable/reusable tag since our tag number was much lower than the rest on the floor as we had a New Orleans excursion planned. We were concerned because there was so much activity going on that evening and some human nature is to take what is not theirs. Our tags were stolen and when we got off the ship with our tour group- our bags were no where to be found. We had to search through all the luggage from the ship to locate ours. Absolutely avoidable with a better tag system.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

The only evening with any appeal at all was the midnight buffet with the downside of being at midnight after having already had a full dinner. The other buffets were dismal. We planned our trip many months in advance and asked to be seated with the other two parties we were traveling with making it a party of 6 adults and 1 child. Upon arrival, we were disappointed to learn that not one of us was seated together. We had to have two meetings with the Maitre'd to have this corrected. One to explain the problem with the promise he would do his best and the second time to confirm that one of the parties was accommadated. The other two parties received a note in their cabin. My party did not however we were actually accommodated. However, we were seated in the very back next to a serving station. It was completely unfortunate and avoidable.

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Very mediocre entertainment. And, a hairy chest contest? My oh my. This is not what I expected from this cruise. Bingo was expensive and annoying. The first half of the gathering was a sales pitch.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

We were happy with everyone except our dining room waiter. He waited until the last evening to turn on any charm or give any special attention. In fact, his behavior upto that point was erratic and sometimes gruff. We were traveling with a child who he did not even acknowledge till the last day. We expect consistency and proper attention.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Outdated decor.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Our stateroom was kept very clean and was obviously cared for.

Ports of call

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

1 out of 5

Obviously created specifically for cruise lines. A big tip for the snorkeling tours... give people proper instruction for snorkeling when on land and not having to yell over a very noisy boat engine. Also, the kind of guidance necessary for a safe snorkeling tour. Most on this excursion were brand new to snorkeling. They thrashed around trying to swim over coral and sea fans - just destroying everything in their path. If they have just been given a few pointers on the art of snorkeling their excursion could have been much more enjoyable for all. The guides were great. Please don't get me wrong. But snorkeling is not 'swimming'.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: can't think of one. it was such a short trip and completely contrived port of call.

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

We will visit Cozumel again. Just not by Carnival Cruiseline. My comments regarding proper snorkeling instruction also apply here. There must be proper snorkeling guidance given. Not just the safety briefing. We enjoyed our Rhino/Snorkel tour very much. However, I must say that traveling on a proper road is not what I call a jungle path.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: El Toro restaurant. Off the beaten track and out of Carnival's 'hold'.

Pros: Being with my family. Our cabin steward.

Cons: Food, Excessive Photography set ups, The constant sales pitch on and off board.

Disappointed

Overall rating:

Review summary

Ship experiences

Ports of call

Recommends Carnival Fantasy? No.

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