Carnival Fantasy Review

First Time Cruise

Review for the Bahamas Cruise on Carnival Fantasy
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zagoins
First Time Cruiser • Age 40s

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Sail Date: May 2015
Cabin: Junior Suite

I am in my early 30's and this was the first cruise for my wife and I. We enjoy traveling but had never considered a cruise until a spur of the moment decision. We had our honeymoon in Charleston and figured we would spend a few days around town before our cruise. We didn't stay downtown, and opted to stay in the Best Western Sweetgrass Inn in West Ashley (about 5 minutes from downtown and much lower prices for a decent hotel).

We arrived at the cruise terminal around 11AM and got in the luggage/vehicle check-in line. Everyone was friendly and directed us where to go, although the current system of cones/barricades can be a little difficult to navigate at times. Being our first cruise, we didn't have any expectations except to have fun! We knew the Fantasy is the oldest ship in the fleet, but we were surprised at how clean and maintained it is (with the exception of my next comment). One major turn off for us, and it may be this way on all ships, but the hallway that goes down by the casino to the aft of the ship, and where you get pictures taken, reeks of smoke. Just passing through makes you smell like a stale cigarette.

We were on a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas (Freeport, Nassau) and I think that if you were on a much longer cruise than this, it would get kind of boring, unless you just want to drink/gamble. We chose to relax and just enjoy the sun and open air of the ship on our sea days.

Cabin Review

Junior Suite

Cabin JS

Our cabin was nice and clean. We were impressed with the size and amount of space we had for our clothes. The bed was a little firm, but overall was not bad for a nights sleep. The balcony was great for sitting outside with a wonderful view of the ocean/port without all the noise of the normal decks.

Port Reviews

Charleston

Charleston is a great historic city. I recommend spending a day or two in town before you go on your cruise! Don't stay downtown, unless you want to spend a lot of money. There are good hotels in Mt. Pleasant across the bridge or in West Ashley (on the other side of the Ashley River. I also recommend checking out the pier/park on the Mt. Pleasant side. You can walk out on the pier and watch the container ships pass under the bridge or if the Fantasy is in port, see the ship across the harbor.

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