Carnival
Fantasy
Has The Fun
From Charleston
by Linda Coffman
Summer 2010: Designed in the
1980s and introduced one-a-year starting with Carnival Fantasy in
1990, the eight nearly identical Fantasy-class ships belong to one
of the most successful classes of vessels in Carnival Cruise Lines’
fleet. Ideally suited for year-round 5- to 7-day cruises from her
present homeport in Charleston, all that the 2,056-passenger Carnival
Fantasy required to bring her up to the standards expected by
today’s passengers was a bit of pizzazz and her “Evolutions of Fun”
enhancements have accomplished just that.
Fun Inside
While most of the original décor elements remain,
all public spaces have been refreshed. A popular Lobby Bar anchors
the atrium and large flat screen televisions have been added in
lounges that are mostly smoke-free.
An improvement in the bright and airy formal restaurants is the
removal of booth-type seating, resulting in a more spacious look and
feel. Numerous tables-for-two are a romantic—and welcome—addition.
For guests who prefer dining in a casual setting, expanded food
selections on Lido Deck include a New York-style deli, Mongolian
stir-fry, and rotisserie chicken. Along Promenade Deck a specialty
coffee café offers pastries and treats for a nominal charge and a
Sushi Bar is complimentary.
Rebuilt and outfitted with state of the art amenities, the fitness
center features treadmills, cycles, resistance machines, free
weights, and an area devoted to exercise classes. Locker rooms
feature chic glass basin sinks and a steam room and sauna.
Passengers awaiting spa treatments find a spacious relaxation area
complete with refreshments and calming, neutral decor.
Fun Outside
One of the most popular additions to Carnival
Fantasy, Carnival WaterWorks is also the most visible of the
“Evolutions of Fun” features. Four decks high, the 300 feet of
spiraling slide and 82 foot long side-by-side racing slides are the
centerpieces of shallow splash pools that feature multiple fountains
and water sprays. Set in a deck surrounded by chaise lounges, it's a
cool place for the entire family. It may look like kid stuff, but
parents seem to have just as much fun as their kids on the slides.
For those whose tastes run more toward the traditional, the Lido
Pool area (pictured above) has been transformed with a resort-like
“island” look. Quirky palm trees dot the deck and faux thatched
canopies cap the outdoor food service area, pool bars, and one of
two hot tubs.
Purists
need not fear that the changes have spoiled the fun of a Carnival
cruise. There’s still a lot of energy poolside, including music and
traditional pool games. Pools and hot tubs open at 8am and don't
close until 11pm.
With the former aft pool area devoted to families, it's only fair
that the secluded children's pool deck is now the exclusive realm of
adults. The new Serenity Deck retreat (left) is a haven of
calm, with cushy oversized loungers, two hot tubs, umbrellas, a
shaded relaxation area, bar service, and endless ocean vistas.
Prepare to chill out in the totally kid-free area.
Fun For All
Carnival Fantasy’s Camp Carnival facility for kids
aged 2 to 11 was previously expanded and a Club O2 for teens aged 15
to 17 was also in place before the most recent upgrades. All new is
the “Circle C” facility that fills the need for 12- to 14-year olds
to have their own custom designed gathering space. For family fun, a
miniature golf course on the top deck challenges “kids” of all ages.
Accommodations
Although packing a hairdryer is still a must, the
Carnival Comfort Bed system insures everyone a good night's sleep on
plush mattresses with fluffy pillows and duvets. Despite Carnival
Fantasy‘s lack of abundant private balconies—only suites feature
them—a bonus for families is the addition of doors that create 50
connecting cabins where there previously were none. Regardless of
category booked, all passengers enjoy flat screen televisions,
wireless Internet connectivity in their accommodations, and the use
of robes during their cruise.
Itineraries
Carnival Fantasy offers a diverse set of itineraries
from Charleston. Five-day cruises departing Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays call at Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas. Six-day cruises
departing Saturdays visit Freeport, Nassau, and Key West, Florida.
Seven-day cruises departing Saturdays feature Grand Turk, the
private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau. For 2011, a
series of once a month six-day cruises to Bermuda call at King’s
Wharf between April and October.
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