Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
319 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
138 |
| Food |
400 |
213 |
| Service |
400 |
262 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
73 |
| Cruise |
400 |
243 |
| |
This is the second in the Carnival Fantasy-class of eight almost identical ships for Carnival Cruise Lines, and the sixth new ship for this very successful cruise line. Almost vibration-free service is provided by the diesel electric propulsion system.
The ship, whose bows are extremely short, has the distinctive, large, swept-back wing-tipped funnel that is the trademark of Carnival Cruise Lines, in the company colors of red, white and blue. Open deck areas are reasonable (although there is no walk-around open promenade deck), but they quickly become inadequate when it is full and everyone wants to be out on deck (the aft decks tend to be less noisy, whereas all the activities are focused around the main swimming pool and hot tubs). There is also a “banked” jogging track outdoors on the deck above a large, glass-enclosed enclosed health spa that is always busy. A well-defined “topless” sunbathing area can be found around the funnel base on Verandah Deck.
Following a six month charter to the US government as emergency housing after Hurricane Katrina, the ship underwent an extensive refurbishment program in 2007 which provided a face-lift for the ship’s tired interiors. A new nine-hole miniature golf course was also added, as was a 1,600 sq.ft. (148 sq.meter) Children’s World play area, an “art” gallery, and a 1,200 sq.ft. (111 sq.meter) conference room. Additionally, all suites/cabins were completely refurbished, with flat-screen TV and remodelled bathroom. Also included was an atrium lobby bar, coffee bar, and a New York-style deli counter.
The passenger flow is good, and the interior design is clever, functional, and extremely colorful. A six-deck-high atrium is topped by a large colored glass dome.
Most of the public entertainment lounges, bars and clubs lead off from a double-width indoor boulevard – look for the vintage Rolls-Royce car located on the promenade. The library has delightful decor, but few books. The Chinatown Lounge has Oriental decor, hanging lanterns and a smoking dragon.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
