Information on the Carnival Fantasy.....

endowomen · June 2, 2004

Just booked this cruise, will be first time on Carnival...... I heard great reviews and some bad ones...... little scared now!!! Someone tell me somewhere to go when we go to Freeport..... cant seem to find enough information about the port and things to do besides shopping. Is there a beach withinn walking distance? Where is a really nice beach to go to??? Wondering if there is a boat cruise that shows you the islands..... any information would be of great help. Hope because we sailed the Disney Wonder, that this boat is not going to be a let down. Price is darn great though!

DaCruzNut · June 2, 2004

Grand Bahama, the island on which Freeport is located, is a small, flat island with no historical area and very little to see and/or do.

The only decent beach is at Port Lucaya. It's a very nice beach, and fun to go to.

Shopping on the island is "duty-free," but watch the prices. The Bahamas don't offer many real bargains, as St. Thomas and St. Maarten do.

The straw markets (there are several) ar fun!

One very nice stop, if you like that sort of things, is the Garden of the Groves.

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Owned, and operated, by Miami's Parrot Jungle, this is a beautiful botanical park with man-made waterfalls, and gogeous tropical plants.

As far as Carnival, fear not! They are the 31 cruise line in the world and own Cunard, Princess, Holland America, etc; etc; You don't get to be that large, and buy up all the competition, if you don't give the passengers their money's worth! Theitr food may not be the best, but they have made tremendous imporvements over the year. their entertainment is top notch. the Fantasy may be "old," in ship terms, and lack balconies, but I have sailed on several Fantsay-class ships and find them to be very well laid out and easy to navigate...

endowomen · June 2, 2004

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, you have set my mind at ease. I loved the Disney cruise, but it was way too expensive.... I have a balcony and it cost me $2,000. My main goal was to find a stateroom with a large view, and the overall footage was almost the same at Carnival for 2/3 less then Disney, crazy huh? I wasnt crazy about the food at Disney, but I am not cruising for the food, I want to see the world, not fill my stomach, but some good chocolate will do!! Thanks again!

BoatrideLover · June 2, 2004

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Fantasy; have sailed on her twice!!! She is a wonderful ship. Just like DaCruzNut said, the Fantasy has a fantastic layout; very easy to navigate and move around on the ship!! Be sure and check out the tables and chairs just outside of the buffet restaurant, on either side and aft; it is a wonderful place to sit, eat, relax and look at the beautiful scenery!!

endowomen · June 2, 2004

Thanks so much boatride lover! I am feeling better already now! I did wonder if there is a good arcade for my son, he probably wont hang with the teen groups, he is a shy guy.

BoatrideLover · June 3, 2004

The Fantasy DOES have an arcade. Our son is now 16 years old, and both times we sailed on the Fantasy, he was pleased with the arcade. He hangs out in the arcade on the first night of the cruises we take, and ends up making friends that he hangs out with during the cruise.

I hope your son enjoys the arcade as well!!

GottaCruz · June 4, 2004

We've been on about 17 cruises with our kids and it's always been with Carnival. We started cruising about 9 years ago and Carnival always had such a great kid's program with so many activities that we just stuck to it cause it worked. The arcade has always been a great place for kids to meet each other if they weren't in the camp.

endowomen · June 4, 2004

Thanks gottacruz, I can see I made a wise decision, hard part is waiting, dont you agree?

Slainte · June 7, 2004

Have to agree with BoatLover on two points...First, we love the Fantasy!! Second, I will be sailing on her for the third time this July. It's a smaller ship than the mega ones out there now, but I think that's why I like it so much. Plus they have recently done quite a bit of renovations to her. I have stayed in a Cat. 12 suite and last time in a Cat. 6C.....the suite was great, but IMHO I'd rather save the extra money and then not be so worried about my bar tab, especially when it's just a short 3 or 4 day cruise. I can't compare it to Disney since I've never sailed her, I can only guess that the decor might not be as impressive, but I don't think that will stop you from having a great time.

When are you booked for Carnival Fantasy? We booked for July 15th (3 day to Nassau)

endowomen · June 7, 2004

Thanks Slainte!

I booked for Jan 31, 05. The main reason is the price, Carnival not only beats Disney by miles, but the rooms by square footage are bigger, and that means alot to me. I wanted to go back to Atlantis

I was amazed at the beauty, one more time. I wish I could just fly there direct and stay, but that is sooo high from PHILADELPHIA, it doesnt pay. I couldnt find one plane ticket under $500, and Atlantis suites seem to run at least $400 a night..... so I booked at the Comfort Suites to gain access...... just cheaper that way. Thanks for your reply.... it truly helps!