This Christmas, just as last year, found us aboard a cruise ship. This year we chose the Carnival Fantasy. Our cruise was a bit special as we brought along Stan's mom and older sister, their Christmas gift from us.
Arriving at the Port of Mobile went without a hitch. The embarkation process was smooth and quick. Aboard ship around noon we went directly to the lunch buffet. Then we proceeded to our cabins. Our cabins were adjoining, first time we ever had adjoining cabins. The cabins were rather roomy as was the head (bathroom). Usually the heads are small closets with very little maneuver room. The rooms were equipped and laid out nicely, no complaints.
Surprisingly our luggage arrived within an hour of getting to the cabin. So we emptied our suitcases and awaited the mandatory life boat drill. We toted our life vests up to the muster station as we were always instructed to do so. We were the only ones there with vests!!! We were told life vests were not required and had we read the in cabin instructions we would have known this!
The weather in Mobile was cold and very overcast with a forecast calling for rain. So after the drill we headed to one of lounges, found a window, and settled down to watch our sail away. We were to sail around four in the afternoon. The time passed and were still alongside the pier. Five o'clock, six, six-thirty passed. Finally an announcement stating Mobile was under a severe weather alert and the Captain decided to wait out the storm. About six-forty the storm hit. Oh my gosh, the rain, wind, lightening, and thunder came with a fury. A tug pulled alongside the ship, bow pressing against the Fantasy at wide open throttle, holding the ship against the pier so the wind would not do damage! What a way to start a cruise. We finally sailed around eight p.m.
Christmas Eve aboard the ship was rather exciting. Lots of children running about; many adults in ridiculous holiday garb! Figured they knew they'd never see any of us again so what the heck.
The ship was decorated very nicely for the holiday, I'll post a link to photos at the end of the review. I did not take a bunch of photos, never even took pics of our cabin. Sorry!
We spent the first night exploring the ship. My sister wanted to particiapte in Karoke so we hung out to endure that!!! Actually she did rather well. We donated a few nickles to the casino and then finally around midnight headed for bed.
The ship was fairly easy to navigate, only a few decks were tricky. The dining rooms were very nice. We chose traditional sitting and did late dinner (8:15) in the Jubilee Dining Room. The menu was okay, nothing to knock your socks, but nothing to complain about either. Our server seemed overwhelmed and a few nights got our orders out of sync and they ended up being less than hot. Still nothing that one doesn't experience in a local retaurant from time to time.
Breakfast in the Celebration Dining Room was superb, as was lunch. The Lido deck buffet was rather difficult. Too many different venues. On the outside they served burgers and hot dogs as well as freshly prepared meats, i.e. ham, roast, chicken etc. By the time you got through the line and made your way inside to sit, the food was less than hot. Inside housed the salad bars, the ethnic buffets, pizzaria, desserts etc. Eggs/omlets/waffles/pancakes to order in the mornings were also offered here. Again, the food was good with a very nice menu to choose from. The wait staff were great. Coffee and juice carts being pushed around refilling your needs.
The cruise staff were terrific. The activities were great. We participated in several activities. We walked away with 100% genuine fake gold plated trophies worth "far less than one thousand dollars," along with several medallions. Mom won a rubber bracelet inscribed with "Carnival Funships." She was so proud. As we were disembarking, Lewis, one of the staff, yelled, "Lee come back and see us." An indication of how many activities we participated in.
Bingo was a bust, I think mom managed to get three numbers on her card.
The weather in Cozumel was great, probably mid to high seventies. We piered at the far away pier so a cab to town was necessary. The line was so long we opted to take a horse and buggy. My bad, I should have negotiated price prior to us getting on. When we got to the city dock and got off, I asked how much, ugh $40. No sense to argue, like I said my bad! Headed to Pancho's Backyard for lunch and then shopping. Mom hung in there very well, but by three she was getting tired so we made our way back to ship.
The ship was very clean and the entire very friendly. Disembarkation was a breeze, we did the self assist, we were in the car on the way out of the parking deck by eight-forty-five.
Worse part of the trip was Lee losing an earring that Santa gave her Christmas morning:(
All things considered it was a good cruise. The weather did not totally cooperate as our first day at sea was windy and cool with eight foot sea. Our sea day from Cozumel greeted us with terrible rain storms and six foot sea. Surprisingly the ship maintained a fairly smooth balance. Did not observe anyone really suffering from sea sickness, however bags were provided at every elevator. Probably a good idea.
Will we do this venue again? You betcha!!
Christmas Aboard the Fantasy Album
No comments:
Post a Comment