Fun on Rough Seas

Item: Carnival Fantasy
Rating: 4.8
Author: eghost

Carnival Fantasy Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

eghost

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 151

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5

5 Night Western Caribbean (Mobile Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 27, 2018

Ship: Carnival Fantasy

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: E137

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

The Fantasy is an old ship but in good shape considering it age. On cruises longer than a week I think it would become boring, but it is the perfect size for a 5 day cruise.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Despite reading poor reviews of the Mobile Cruise Port, we found the process and organization to be smooth and very well organized. The staff was friendly and very helpful. We taxied to the terminal and therefore did not use the parking garage.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

There was a good variety of food offered at various venues,

Blue Iguana Cantina

5 out of 5

We especially liked the Taco bowls which could be customized to our different tastes and hotness.

Celebration Dining Room

5 out of 5

This was the Your Time Dining venue and was great. We never had to wait more than a few minutes for seating and the staff was quick, friendly and responsive. The menu was large enough for every taste, featuring a rotating daily cuisine as well as a consistent option and a steakhouse option that was additional cost .

Guy's Burger Joint

5 out of 5

The burgers were juicy and cooked just right. There were a lot of toppings available and the fries were perfect.

Grille

5 out of 5

The grill was great, and the sandwiches were awesome. There are a good selection of hot and cold sandwiches. At times the line was long, but still moved at a decent pace.

Windows on the Sea Bar and Grill

4 out of 5

Decent variety of food. The freshness of the food depended on the time of day and the number of people dining at the time.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

The weather was windy, at times making it difficult to walk and on the cool side. This limited the types of activities that we could do. How had the weather been more cooperative we would have done more.

Resort Style Pool

5 out of 5

We did not use the pool as we prefer the spas, however when the weather was good the pool area was full. It is also close to 2 bars and 2 eating areas. A great place to seat and spend the day weather permitting.

Mini Golf

5 out of 5

The weather was so windy that we were unable to play, but it is a large course that looked like fun.

The Serenity

4 out of 5

This venue was difficult to get to. We had to go to the Lido, through the buffet and then down, or through the Forum Lounge. There is no direct access. Despite the opening time listed as 8AM it was rarely opened at that time. There are deck chairs, and a covered seating area as well as a towel station. It would be nice if there was a bar also. It is a small area so it fills up quickly.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

There was always something going on. Live musical performances, DJ's informational shows, theater, comedy, game shows, trivia etc. The Atrium was always hopping.

Pavillion Library

5 out of 5

This is great place to relax and unwind. There are free books to read and board games, a seating are to work on a computer. It is also a good place to play cards and just people watch in comfortable chairs.

Grand Spectrum Plaza

5 out of 5

The place was always a happening spot

Universe Main Show Lounge

5 out of 5

For a 5 day cruise there were 3 great shows that offered a variety of entertainment. The shows were Motor City (Motown Music) , The Brits (British Invasion Era) and Country Road (country music). As well through the day there were other events that were entertaining and informative.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Every staff member we encountered was friendly and helpful. Mikey the cruise director was awesome.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

This is an old ship and shows it. The design is bit chopped up and confusing, You need to know which stairs and elevators to use or you will find yours self unable to get to where you want to go. However there are maps everywhere and the staff is always ready to help. The ship was clean. The decor was dated but not bad.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Our cabin was comfortable and large enough. The bed and linens were great. We were surprised at how large the closets were and that there were 2 separate closets as well as a closet of shelves. The carpet was stained. Our cabin steward Made was great and kept plenty of towels available.

Ship tip

Get to the spas and comedy shows early to get a seat. Make sure your know which elevators and stairs go to which levels so you don't find yourself back tracking.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Mobile, Alabama Did not visit port

Our plans did not allow for us to spend time in Mobile, but from what we could see it is charming.

Thumbs Up 0

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

5 out of 5

This is an under developed port. We did the Mayan Ruins and Mexican Fiesta excursion which consisted of walking among Mayan ruins for about an hour, and then visiting a ranch were we had an all you can eat Mexican buffet which included all the beer, margaritas and soda you could drink, which was followed by a horse show with singing and dancing. This is a great option if you want to see ruins and get feel for Mexican culture. Mary, our guide was very informative. MAYAN RUINS WITH MEXICAN FIESTA &TRADITIONAL LUNCH

Thumbs Up 2

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

We did the ANCIENT CULTURE/MAYAN RUINS & ISLAND SIGHTSEEING tour. Our driver Ricardo was great and explained a lot about the local area and culture. At San Gervasio, our guide Luis was engaging and very knowledgeable. We spent about an hour or so here but could have stay for several hours because there is so much to see. Highly recommend the tour. It also included a drive around the island.

Thumbs Up 2

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

Getting off the ship was slow, perhaps because a person was escorted off the ship my the Mobile Police. Also despite a well laid out exit plan by time and deck, people coming to the gangway early slowed the process.

Traveler Photos

1 Comment

bluewater4life 6 years ago

I agree, sailed twice on her.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Disappointed in Carnival!