My husband and I booked the carnival fantasy as a late honeymoon. This was our first cruise. We liked the itinerary the best after researching all of the other cruise lines. We had a good time but there was definitely a lot more cons than pros.
First, We booked a balcony suite number V23, so that we would be able to enjoy the ocean air. We were very disappointed because there was a lifeboat obstructing half of the balcony. The people in V21 had an entire lifeboat in their balcony. Who wants to just sit and not be able to see out? I understand the need for lifeboats, but they should have put them on the rooms without windows or balconies like the other name brand cruise ships. We were also disappointed with limited activities onboard and for shore excursions you had to wait in a huge line when you first get onboard. Why can't they have reservations for shore excursions when you make your cruise reservations to eliminate the lines? It makes more sense to me. My husband and I are both in our early 20's and were surprised at the groups of people onboard. Many were single 30-40 year olds that only liked to party and get drunk. We were surprised there weren't many people in their 20's.
I also do not recommend the spa onboard. I had a pedicure and a body wrap/massage. During the pedicure the lady lectured me about being out in the sun because I had gotten sunburned the first day. (Excuse me, I am a nurse, I think I know the harmful effects of the sun's rays). She also pressured me to buy the Elemis products and then when I did buy a couple she said I had to tip her the total of the products and the pedicure. Even though I didn't think she even deserved a tip, I gave her 20% of the total costs of the pedicure. What a rip off when you are going to relax to be lectured and pressured into buying things!!!!