Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
318 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
138 |
| Food |
400 |
213 |
| Service |
400 |
262 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
73 |
| Cruise |
400 |
243 |
| |
Externally angular and not at all handsome, Carnival Fantasy (previously Fantasy) was the first of eight almost identical, very successful ships built for Carnival Cruise Lines, and the company’s fifth new ship (others in the same series are Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Sensation). Except for Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, which feature pod propulsion systems, almost vibration-free service is provided by the diesel electric propulsion system (using the pod system negates the need for stern thrusters). It has proven to be a successful design for this company that targets the mainstream first-time cruise market.
The lifeboats (six of which double as twin screw shore tenders) are positioned high atop the ships in this series. Most of the Carnival Fantasy-class ships operate cruises shorter than a week (there are fewer of the much sought-after balcony cabins than in the company’s newer ships).
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. The ship has reasonable open deck areas, 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’s also a topless sunbathing area for those who prefer European-style sunning. There is no walk-around open promenade deck, although there is a short jogging track.
The interior spaces are well utilized. The general passenger flow is good, and the interior design (the work of Miami-based creative genius Joe Farcus) is clever, functional, and extremely colourful. He calls it “entertainment architecture,” and considers every part of a ship as a piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle.
Each of the ships has an interior design theme. Carnival Fantasy’s is mythical muses, and composers and their compositions (many of the public rooms have musical names), and the colors, while bright, are less so than aboard some other ships in this series.
The interior focal (and gathering) point is an “open” atrium lobby, whose balconied shape may remind you of some of the world’s great opera houses; it spans six decks, and is topped by a large glass dome. The lowest level is where you’ll find the Purser’s Desk and Shore Excursion Desk. The original neon lighting in the lobby has gone, replaced by softer, more elegant design elements; the sculpture has also gone, replaced by a lobby bar (and live music); it’s the most central place to meet.
There are public entertainment lounges, bars and clubs galore, with something for everyone (except quiet space). The public rooms, connected by a double-width indoor boulevard called “Via Marina” – with decor inspired by the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, beat a colorful mix of classic and contemporary design elements that beg your indulgence. Most public rooms and attractions lead off from this boulevard – a sort of shipboard “Main Street” which runs between the showlounge (forward) and lounge/nightclub (aft).
A large casino has almost non-stop action, as one would expect aboard any Carnival Cruise Lines ship. Conversely, there is also a fine-looking library and reading room, but few books.
Kids will, I am sure, enjoy “Children’s World”, a 2,500 sq. ft (230 sq. meter) play-area with games and fun stuff for youngsters of all ages, including Apple computers loaded with educational software, and an arts and crafts area with spin and sand art machines. A group babysitting service is available ($6 per hour for the first child; $4 per hour for each additional child of the same immediate family).
While the cuisine is just so-so, the real fun begins at sundown when Carnival really excels in sound, lights, razzle-dazzle shows and late-night high volume sounds. From the futuristic Electricity Disco to the ancient Cleopatra’s Bar, this ship will entertain you well. This ship is not for those who want a quiet, relaxing cruise experience. There are simply too many annoying announcements, and the never-ending hustling to get you to buy drinks and many other things. Shore excursions can be booked via the in-cabin “Fun Vision” television system, but obtaining advice and suggestions is not easy. In fact, getting anyone to answer your questions can prove frustrating.
Onboard enhancements for all eight of the “Carnival Fantasy”-class ships (to be completed during 2007–8 refurbishments) include: an expansive children''s water park; updated design style and features for pool areas, and the creation of the Serenity adults-only deck area; a nine-hole miniature golf course on Sun Deck as well as a new Café (a patisserie serving specialty coffees and sweets, located along the Promenade Deck); a teen club (for the line’s popular “Club 02” teen program), plus a new 1,600-sq-ft (149-sq-meter) Children’s World play area, located on Verandah Deck, to enhance the Camp Carnival children’s program.
Other additions include an art gallery, a photo gallery, an Atrium Bar, ; a New York-style deli in the Lido restaurant; a better Internet café and a 1,200-sq-ft (111-sq-meter) conference room. Suites/cabins now include flat screen TVs, new décor and remodeled bathrooms. Spa Carnival receives new private treatment rooms, updated exercise equipment, and other cosmetic enhancements to the facility. Some modifications to the layout of the aft lounge and casino area (to accommodate larger groups) are also being made
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
