Summertime is Here! School is out and that means it’s time for the Family Vacation. My family and I just returned from the Best Vacation I’ve ever been on, a 5-day cruise to the Bahamas. This being my first cruise, I’m going to discuss the “Hotel on Water” experiences only.
Now let me begin by saying we cruised on the troubled cruise liner, Carnival and we chose the Fantasy ship which had not been under the dreaded and beleaguered brand of ships. Our daughter graduated high school in June and this was a present to her that had been planned for 2-years.
I must admit I was very nervous leading up to our voyage to the Bahamas because of the difficulties Carnival had been having over the last few months. And needless to say, ALL that water out there and NO land around didn’t give me ‘warm, fuzzy feelings’.
So, last week, our very 1st cruise began at the Port of Charleston, SC at 4pm departure time. Security was very similar to the airlines with bag checks and going through the metal detector. Once through security, it was time to board or in Cruise terms, Embarkment began. When my family and I got on board and put our bags in our assigned rooms, we met on the Lido Deck and looked over to see others boarding. The view was spectacular but somewhat unnerving for a beginner like me. I’m not a big fan of heights so add to the idea of being on water as well…not a good mix. But things were about to change, For the Better!
Four o’clock pm. Like clockwork, we began to move. Tug boats were pushing us out and we were off. Out to the Atlantic, on our way to the Bahamas! From the moment we set foot on the Carnival Fantasy until we got back to Charleston, SC, the entire Crew – from the room attendants, the dining staff, the drink attendants, the show and entertainment staff, the excursion personnel and the store employees – were the BEST I’ve ever had pertaining to hospitality! Top-notched Service All the Way!
Pictures were taken at every moment it seemed. And that was just from the ships photographers. Drinks were offered continuously and the guest were buying them up. I must admit, my family and I had our share as well. On the entire voyage, this was the smoothest ride ever. Again, my first cruise, I was thinking it would be rough, bouncy, turbulent, nauseating but to my surprise, None of the aforementioned. I purchased Dramamine for that very reason but never needed it.
Our first port of call was in Nassau. Beautiful. Scenic. Tranquil Beaches. Gorgeous Blue Waters. It is definitely the Island of Paradise. From there, we journeyed up to Freeport. That day, we decided not to venture onto the island but to enjoy the ship’s activities. We enjoyed a broadway show, a comedy show (Adults Only), Bingo with up to $3000 at stake, karaoke and clubs for our generation to the teen-agers.
Then there’s shopping on board, casinos, eating, putt-putt, swimming pools, eating, a walking track on the very top of the ship where the putt-putt course is located, eating, ping pong, eating, sun bathing, eating, eating, Eating, a gym, a masseuse and EATING! OMG, I ate and Ate and ATE! But it was GOOOD! Yep, I gained 5-pounds but it was a GOOD 5-pounds.
To sum it up, The BEST Vacation my Family and I have EVER Had. I’ve been to Disney a number of times, a Washington, DC trip twice, Myrtle Beach, SC countless times, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Va. and other locations, but a Cruise? Wow! There’s Nothing that compare. Kudo’s to Carnival Fantasy Cruise Line! They made our Vacation one of the most Memorable Ever! And as Arnold said in the “Terminator”, I’ll Be Back!
