Carnival Fantasy Review and More

It has been such a long time since I last posted that I’m going to try and touch on several topics in one post. 2008 has been a very unique and busy year for my travel agency. There was a definite change in the ebb and flow of bookings and travelers. I had the most travelers ever for the month of November (in part due to a destination wedding) which is unusual. Along with other travelers, I also had a “girlfriend getaway” out of New Orleans on the Carnival Fantasy. 

The Carnival Fantasy, which is one of the older ships in the Carnival fleet went in to drydock back in September to have the new Evolutions of Fun refurbishments done.  I had read some negative reviews prior to our sailing about the ship not being ready for the first few sailings out of drydock, and also about the poor embarkation and disembarkation process.  I am happy to say that we experienced none of the problems that I had read about.  We stayed at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in New Orleans the day before to enjoy a night in the Big Easy.  The concierge who was a very pleasant fellow arranged for a shuttle for our group to the pier.  We went early as I wanted to avoid the long lines I had read about. The porter at the dock gave us a briefing on our luggage (never experienced that before on any of the other cruises I have been on) and off we were to get in line for embarkation.  It was very quick and painless.  We did have to wait a short while after checking in before getting on the ship.  Our cabin was not ready, but not a problem.  Off to the pool bar to soak up some rays and have a FunShip special.  The buffet was also serving lunch when we boarded just a little before noon.  The main pool area in the center of the ship now has palm trees and bright yellow umbrellas. There’s a separate stage area for the band and any special activities going on poolside. Nice new lounge chairs and tables and chairs were added to not only the pool and deck areas, but also in the buffet. Just outside the buffet and near the pool, one can still get a burger and fries, but if in the mood for something a little more exotic, there’s a new Mongolian Grill (never got to try it as the lines were long…so it must have been good!) In the buffet area, there’s also Carnival’s fabulous pizza and panini sandwiches.  Many dining options onboard the Carnival Fantasy, including the main dining rooms, Sushi bar (limited hours), cafe with speciality coffees and pastries and room service.

Being with a group of women that were away from their husbands and children, we really appreciated that Carnival thought out the placement of the new Carnival Waterworks splash park and slides and then added an adults only deck, Serenity.  Carnival Waterworks had a nice big deck area with many loungers for parents to watch their children enjoying the splashing water toys, and 3 slides.  I must add that there were also many adults enjoying the slides as well!  On a separate deck below is the Serenity area.  It looks out over the stern of the ship, so you get the beautiful view of the wake (and nice blue water.) The loungers have nice cushions, and there are also the new yellow umbrellas if you prefer shade.  There are 2 hot tubs on this deck. No children allowed, must be 21 and over.  We spent almost the entire last day at sea there.  There were many areas on the ship that had not been refurbished. As much as I thought that Carnival did a great job with the Evolutions of Fun changes, I wish that they would have improved some other areas as well (carpeting in stairways, paintings, cabin decor, etc.)  However, the value of this cruise was awesome! The feedback I received from my group is that the low cost of the cruise and the added bonus of sailing out of New Orleans was what attracted them to this getaway. Everyone had a great time and really did not have anything negative to say.  I definitely feel confident in recommending the Carnival Fantasy to anyone who wants to combine a trip to New Orleans and a cruise.

Other news on the horizon…

For Royal Caribbean fans, the Oasis of the Seas was floated out from drydock a few days ago.  For those not in the know, the Oasis is the ground breaking 5400 passenger ship set to debut in December 2009.  It is under construction in Finland right now, with the final stages of interior work starting.  The Oasis of the Seas will truly be a destination unto itself.  Especially appealing to cruisers that prefer to stay on the ship while in port.

Disney World’s “Buy 4 and Get 3 Free” special – In this economy people are looking for a great vacation value. Leave it to “the Mouse” to give us one!  If you have been contemplating taking the kids to Disney World, 2009 is the year to do it.  This promotion runs from January to June.  Certain travel dates even get a $200 Disney Gift Card.  It truly is a Magical deal!  *Just a little aside here… I am a College of Disney Knowledge graduate and am an affiliate of an authorized Disney planner agency.  Booking your Disney vacation with me gives you the same pricing as booking direct with Disney (I do not charge extra fees)…plus you get my service and expertise.   It’s a win-win!

Whether you are considering a cruise, Disney vacation or all-inclusive resort for winter/spring 2009, there are many great deals out there right now.  Waiting for a last minute deal may work out at times, but if you are definitely going on a vacation during spring or Easter break and have a specific destination or resort/ship in mind, don’t wait to book it.  Last minute deals only work if you are very flexible in your thinking, planning and time.

For more information about other great travel specials call:

Amy at A Room With A View – Cruise & Travel today! Toll Free – 800-571-3159

Happy Thanksgiving!