Number of Cruises: First Cruise
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Fantasy
Sailing Date: September 23rd, 2001
Itinerary: Bahamas

Let me start by saying that perhaps my expectations were too high. Unfortunately, very few were met.

I was in a group of 9 couples that departed on September 23rd from Port Canaveral. We arrived at the dock at approximately 11:00 am. There was quite a long line for the initial check in, and it took some time since all but 2 clerks were out to lunch, but after we got through that we went to the Skippers Club (and yes, there is one in Port Canaveral) From there we were the 2nd group (after a wedding party) to be allowed on the ship).

Out of 9 couples, 8 of us had suites. We were escorted to them, and given a very quick but nice run down.

I had suite U84. The room was very comfortable size wise, and was very clean, although in need of an update. We had a bottle of champagne and a chocolate tray waiting for us, courtesy of our travel agent. Nice start.

After everyone found their rooms, we all started to congregate on the Lido deck. Everyone kind of scattered, which was fine.

Luggage came in shifts. One of my bags came very late. The one with the beer. It was obvious that it had been opened and searched, but they left my beer. Works for me! I think there is a lot of other things more important right now.

We had a very diverse group. Everything from a 25th wedding anniversary to a 29th birthday. Out of 18 people, none of us will sail Carnival again. Why? Where do I start..........

Very dirty. Even though I appreciate that this ship had just unloaded 2 thousand passengers to take on two thousand more, it was dirty. I'm not a prude, but old gum and wrappers should be picked up. The windows were horribly filthy. The only time any windows were cleaned was in Freeport, and then only the bottom 3 decks.

I realize that, growing up in the Midwest, I am used to the very best in corn fed beef, but UGH! The lobster was very undercooked, and the rolls would make excellent hockey pucks. Desserts? obviously frozen food, and the "excellent pizza?", well, once again, perhaps I have been given too good of food for too long, but I'd rather suck cardboard. If you want excellent pizza, come to the Quad Cities. No comparison.

Breakfast was "soup eggs", (otherwise known as scrambled), or lukewarm EVERYTHING else. The omelets were marginal, if you can swallow egg beaters.

Our room steward, Maria, was very sweet, although obviously overworked.

The waiters in the dining room were very good, with one glaring exception. The entire reason behind this cruise was one of the couples 25th wedding anniversary. This was not until the 3rd night of our cruise, so all were very aware of it. The big night comes and, voila! Everyone else gets their meals except them. Yes, they got their cake, just no main course. By the time it was realized, the had no desire to eat anything. Who could blame them?

Even though I was with a very rowdy group, I felt sorry for the other passengers. None of us would have been surprised to be told to quiet down, but no one ever was. They should have been, and I offer my apologies to anyone else on that ship.

Debarkation was painless, we were the 2nd group called.

After all is said and done, I have realized that this is not the cruise line for me. Although I can party with the best, it won't be on Carnival.

For all you who have had great experiences, I am happy for you. And sorry for me.

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