Carnival Fantasy is the lead ship of the eight in Carnival’s Fantasy-class. Debuted in 1990, she is the oldest vessel in the Carnival fleet and is the first and only ship to sail out of Charleston, US. Fantasy sports the company’s trademark red, white, and blue wing-tipped funnel. Carnival Fantasy is a floating playground for the young, young-at-heart and those who enjoy a vibrant crowd and participation events. It mostly attracts families. Dress code is casual during the day, a tad dressier at night. Carnival recommends a $12.95 per person per day gratuity.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

Carnival Fantasy offers five cabin types – inside, outside with picture window, outside with portholes, Ocean Suites and Grand Ocean Suites, spread across five decks. All cabins feature Carnival’s Comfort Bed system and are furnished with an ottoman, desk and chairs, closet and sets of drawers, and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms are bright with pedestal-style sinks, bath and beach towels, and bathrobes. Some toiletries are provided. Suites enjoy more perks such as whirlpool baths, balconies, expanded living spaces and minibars. Some cabins also feature Pullman beds (folded from the wall) for extra passengers. Sleep sofas are only available in the suites.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

Fantasy has two dining rooms on board – Jubilee and Celebration. Both rooms have muted elegant decor, furnished with wooden chairs and black-marble counters. Set seating is either 6pm or 8.15pm while Your Time Dining is any time between 5.35pm and 9pm. Open-seating breakfast in Celebration is from 8am to 10am on sea days and from 7-9am on port days. Dining rooms are not open for lunch when the ship is in port. Other dining options include: the Windows on the Sea Buffet on Lido deck, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets; the complimentary Sushi Bar; and 24-hour room service. At a fee, guests can go to Bistro patisserie for pastries; or book seats at Chef’s Table, a private cocktail reception and dinner for 12 passengers.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

Spa Carnival on Deck 12 offers services such as facials, massages and slimming treatments. Discounts are usually given during port days. The gym is outfitted with locker rooms that have steam and saunas; aerobics room where classes like Yoga and Pilates are held; and a variety of Life Fitness cardio and resistance machines. Outdoor fitness facilities like a jogging track, golf cage and a mini-golf course are on Deck 14. Serenity, the adults-only sun deck on Promenade Deck is a good spot for adults to relax. It has black wicker loungers and umbrellas.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Waterworks is a zone decked with sprinklers, sprayers and water slides where both kids and adults can have a splash. Camp Carnival sorts children in age groups and offers them age-appropriate programs. After 10pm, Camp Carnival Night Owls opens and kids can continue playing and hanging out in a supervised environment until 3am. Twelve- to 14-year-olds have their own zone called Circle C where they can chill out and play video games. Club 02, for older teenagers, is where pool parties are held. Carnival also offers babysitting at $6 per hour.

Verdict

An oldie but a goodie, with a lively atmosphere and fun for all ages.

– Cruise Passenger

“Carnival Fantasy is like your favorite pair of jeans or an old pair of sneakers – a little worn out but so comfortable you just keep coming back to them.”

– Cruise Critic

“This is ultra-casual cruising for the whole family.”

– Berlitz