By Susan J. Young
Originally launched in 1990, the Carnival Fantasy exudes a new aura of freshness.
The vessel was recently refurbished in Carnival Cruise Lines’ $240 million “Evolutions of Fun” program. All we have to say is “Wow!”
SouthernCruising.com sailed on the Carnival Fantasy’s five-night cruise from New Orleans to Progresso and Cozumel, Mexico, in 2009.
Starting in May 2010, Carnival Fantasy will offer five-, six- and seven-day voyages to the Bahamas and Key West roundtrip from Charleston, SC.
The Fantasy will operate the first year-round cruise program from that southeastern Atlantic port.
Here is our perspective on enhancements to this “oldie but goodie” Fun Ship.
Tropical Enclave
A highlight of the refurbishment is the tropical-styled pool deck which now resembles a resort pool area.
It's highly attractive with gold umbrellas and faux palm trees, which look incredibly real.
A spacious pool, whirlpools and easy access to the pool grill are all pluses.
Carnival wait staff circulate to bring guests sodas, beer, wine and tropical cocktails, which are available for purchase.
The pool grill – where dining is complimentary -- is a great spot for building your own chili dogs, hamburgers with all the trimmings, and nachos with cheese. The chicken fingers were very tasty as well.
Newly added adjacent to that area is a rotisserie. Another addition is the Mongolian wok, one of our favorite spots on the pool deck or anywhere on the ship.
Let’s just say we couldn’t wait to show up daily for our customized stir fry. Guests may choose their meat, seafood, and veggies, as well as black bean sauce, or the slightly more tangy Thai Barbecue (but still fairly mild) or the spicy Szechuan.
In my case, I told the chef to put in more peppers and the dishes were superb.
A large entertainment stage, which is a few feet above the pool deck, allows guests from anywhere on the deck to see and hear the musicians.
During our cruise, Carnival musicians entertained, guests danced and the cruise staff directed events like "The Hairy Chest Contest."
Action and Relaxation
Carnival’s signature water slide has been moved and expanded. Now called Water Works, it’s located aft and atop the ship. 
This splish-and-splash aqua park boasts one 300-foot-long water slide, and two 82-foot-long racing slides.
Loungers ring the area, so adults can relax yet keep an eye on their rambunctious kids enjoying the water slides.
On the aft end of the ship, is a totally different area focused on relaxation. This low-key, quiet area, called Serenity, is just for adults.
Serenity was fairly well-utilized on our cruise. It boasts a whirlpool and loungers for sunning. A dedicated Serenity attendant hands out towels and guests enjoy drink service.
One area is protected from sun and rain by a roof that's a part of the ship's structure. We observed guests reading and sipping drinks.
Serenity also has easy access just one deck up to the Windows on the Sea buffet.
Fitness and S.P.A. Carnival
With a soft, lovely new décor, S.P.A. Carnival is truly inviting. Colors are neutral.
Fixtures such as clear-glass sinks create a trendy and appealing look.
And the treatment rooms have a calming effect for guests undergoing a facial or massage.
Entering through the spa, guests will reach the revamped exercise facility.
New state-of-the-art fitness machines and a free weight area offer sea views.
Throughout the Ship
With the Evolutions of Fun upgrades, Carnival Fantasy definitely has a fresh, new feel in many areas – and, most importantly, in the most utilized areas of the ship.
Main dining rooms, the buffet restaurant, and 54 suites and some adjoining cabins were refurbished.
Circle C, a new club area for kids 12-14, is one new draw for families.
All that said, the Carnival Fantasy still has early 1990s structural architecture.
It's also smaller than most newly launched vessels. So, this isn’t a total transformation.
You’ll still find neon in certain areas - including blue ringing around the atrium (shown above left during the day-time*).
We disliked the dark color scheme in a few lounges. In addition, there is no alternative Supper Club on this ship. And only a few balcony cabins are available in suite accommodations.
Still, after five days on the ship, we can honestly say we truly enjoyed our stay onboard. The Carnival crew are typically quite friendly, and that was the case on this cruise. Vijay, my cabin steward, who called me by name from day one
Clientele? You will find that this ship attracts a plethora of first time cruisers, so it’s a perfect way for newcomers to cruising to get a taste of this type of vacation.
If you’re a veteran cruiser, this ship provides a fun getaway. And, for many along the East Coast of the U.S., sails from an easy-to-reach, close-to-home port.
Our Favorite Things
Besides the crew's interaction with guests, here are my personal “Top 5 Favorite Things” about Carnival Fantasy. Write and tell us about your favorite experiences onboard.
1. Top Pool Deck with its Tropical Feel and Palm Trees
2. Mongolian Wok! Your own concoction cooked fresh and as you like it by an Asian chef!
3. Water Works for exhilarating water slide fun
4. Celebration Dining Room for great food and fun (smiling waiters who provide great service, and at the appropriate time, wave napkins, dance and sing “Hot, Hot, Hot” or “The Macarena”)
5. Serenity, a relaxing enclave for adults only
Sailed on the Carnival Fantasy in the past year? If so, then write and tell us your experiences.
We suggest composing your report off-line and then cutting and pasting the finished copy and 1-3 photos into our Trip Feedback form – just to be sure you don’t get timed out. Thanks!
*Photos shown above are owned, copyrighted and used courtesy of Susan J. Young. All rights reserved. Please do not link to nor copy these photos. Thank you.