With plans to give our children, grandchildren a cruise next summer we decided to check out the Fantasy since it is based so close to home. I read the reviews on this ship and thought some may be exaggerated and they probably are but here is my humble opinion on this ship. This was our second cruise out of Charleston first to Bermuda several years back and while the process has improved it has a long long way to go to be smooth. The CD did tell us that the Mayor has signed the papers for the building of a new terminal,parking north of the current location and with it they may bring in a larger ship. Hopefully this will make cruising out of Charleston much more desirable. Let me hit the positives: It was great to have all those southern accents on one ship. Half Moon Cay is an absolute beauty. White sand beach and clear waters.I could see my feet in water at my shoulders. I see why it has been porthole magazines top cruise line owned beach for four years. Loved it, loved it. Really good barbecue on the beach as well.Grand Turks was very pretty as well but the beach has lots of rocks in the water. The Miracle was in port with us and the island was very crowded. The miracle left at three o'clock leaving the island much less crowded and the pool on the island was then enjoyable. Nassau just does not do it for me. Sorry.Negatives: Food was unimpressive both in quality and quantity. With most of the cruises, we have been called by name by the second night. This seven day cruise never got our named called but hey not that big of a deal. The guys seemed to be so rushed that we quickly learned to ask for everything while they were there. Once we ran out of drinks bread etc it was a crap shoot if you would get it before the meal was over. Desserts were especially disappointing. I had read this in reviews but we noticed throughout the cruise a very strong and disgusting sewer smell in the hallways and elevator areas. Wow. We had on occasion a lot of brown water in our shower. Our room the first night was cool then hot cycling this way all night. Next day had maintenance check it and they stated it meets their standards. Entire cruise was hot then cool in the room. Not good sleeping conditions. Steward did a great job keeping our room clean. Entertainment: Universe lounge was disappointing. No show on one night and others were just disappointing in my opinion. One night we had six fellow cruisers perform and some were better than the ships own performers.One pool (approx 12'x 30' for 2600 guests, can you say sardines.bad, bad, bad idea. This ship probably needs to be in Miami where it can be used as a three day cruise. I would never cruise on it again even for those number of days but it is way to inadequate for a seven day cruise. We had to stop in Port Canaveral on the way back to Charleston due to a sick passenger and I think my wife would have gotten off the ship there if she could have.Carnival please get the new port open in Charleston and bring in a newer and larger ship.