You should have a great time. I've been on two of their cruises. There are many things to do while on board. For you, there is a mini casino, shows, pools, and exercise options. For kids, your son is old enough for Circle 'C'. They do supervised parties and activities geared for the 'tween'. However, you might see if you can authorize his participation in Club 02. He might be more comfortable being the oldest in the group instead of the youngest though.
When we first boarded the ship, we went up on the deck just to watch all the activities. There is always a band up there, exotic drinks, and a party atmosphere. Besides, you don't want to watch leaving port from your cabin window. I think you'll find you honestly don't spend much time in your stateroom. Getting out and meeting others is half the fun!
See their website for a listing of more activities. Enjoy!
2007-09-03 10:07:39
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answer #1
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answered by Cambria 5
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Food is a personal issue and you will get several answers for this from the food is great to the food is lousy. It's all a mater of opinion, just as some people will love restaurant while others dislike it. There are a lot of menu choices and if the food isn't to your liking, then order something else. Remember, while I have enjoyed many of the meals I have had on Carnival cruises, the food is made in mass for large groups of people, the quality often suffers when this occurs. There are daily fresh choice offerings on Carnival, where you can choose your selections and they make them individually, these are very good.
As far as your son is concerned, depending on the number of teens on the cruise, the 12-14 and 15-17 groups often are mixed together. Technically, you son is too young for the Club O2 group, this is done because normally the upper high school age kids don't want the younger teens around. However, the younger teens are mixed in at the music hangs and the dance club. Regardless of age group, kids have a great time with the children and teen programs on Carnival. My kids are 13 and 14 and request Carnival over the other cruise lines because of the kid's programs.
The ocean view staterooms on the Fantasy are about 185 sq ft. The Carnival have the largest`staterooms in the large cruiseship class. Most staterooms are about 175 sq ft. In the suite size rooms other cruise lines will often have larger staterooms for a price.
Unless the attendent is in your stateroom cleaning, you have access to your stateroom as soon as you board. Most people, however, go to the Lido deck for food and music and to watch the ship leave port.
As far as what you can do onboard, there will be a daily bulletin in your stateroom with a long list of activities everyday. You can stay as busy or as laid back as you like. The cruise director will have literally hundreds of activities scheduled during your cruise. Golf lessons, go to the gym, see a show, go to a casino, go shopping, listen to music, see a show, go to the spa for a massage, and of course eat and drink. There are art auctions on every cruise, there is an internet cafe, etc... I like to get a cigar and a book grab a drink and sit on deck reading, while my wife runs all over the ship playing bingo, and going to every activity there is. My kids generally leave after breakfast and we never see them until 1 am. They also have teen only excursions and the teens often like to go off with the other kids instead of with Mom & Dad.
Bon Voyage
2007-09-03 10:28:03
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answer #2
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answered by US_DR_JD 7
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I was on the Carnival Elation, and it was WONDERFUL! You do have to wait until later in the afternoon to get into your stateroom but the Lido Grill will be open so you and your son can get something to eat. Also, wandering around the ship is plenty entertaining as they are HUGE! I recommend finding a bar to purchase "Fountain Fun Cards" for the whole family, otherwise specialty juice drinks and soda cost additional money (cards are $4/day for kids and $5.50/ day for adults). Oh, and note that the "Welcome Aboard" drinks in the bright plastic containers are NOT FREE! Your Sail & Sign account will be charged if you get them.
Speaking of Sail & Sign, I recommend de-activating this ability on your son's card as they can just hand it over to pay for specialty coffees, gift shop items, and anything else that isn't free. I watched a teen boy across the hall from me page through his Sail & Sign statement on the last night with a look that clearly said "my father is going to kill me". You can de-activate the card (making it only a room key and pass on and off the ship at port) during the initial embarkation process.
My 12 year old step son had his 15 year old sister "sneak" him into Club O2. The staff are mainly guarding against adults gaining access to the club, and if you're ok with your son saying he's 15, they won't question it.
Staterooms are nice, bathrooms are rather small, but the stand-up showers have adjustable height heads, everything is clean and works well. Rooms can be configured as either having twin beds, or combining them to form a queen (also making room for a twin cot if you have more than 2 people in a room). There are 2 maid services daily, one in the mid-morning and a turn-down service during your dinner seating (this is when you get the "Carnival Capers" for the next day which detail all the cool activities on board or on shore).
2007-09-03 13:01:04
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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The ships have a GREAT kids program and separates all the kids out by age groups. They have a ton of activities and you will meet A LOT of friends!! I have been taking my son cruising since the age of 6 and he has NEVER had a bad time or lack of someone to play with. He used to set his alarm for 7am to wake up to be there when they opened!! They have activities planned and free time planned for the entire day! Now, he is 17 but still participates in the teen program so its different but still a great way to get to know everyone the first day. Because your 12, you will be allowed to come and go as you want from the program. So if you want to play basketball with a friend instead of a pie eating contest, go do it! Have a great time! Cruises are the BEST vacations!!! Take a lot of pictures and make sure you buy the Carnival autograph book (or get one before you go from Office Max or Target) so friends can give you phone numbers and emails!
2016-05-20 05:23:03
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answer #4
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answered by ? 3
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the fantasy was actually my first cruise a few years back. i loved it and the food is really good except for the diet desserts i couldnt tell u anything good i just remember not liking the dessert. they also have 24 hr pizza that ur son will love. the state rooms are big compared to other lines. the beds are comfy and they do show first run movies. the bathroom is small like anouther person said. we stayed in a inside room though..
the club issue... they only check ids for adult clubs and if he looks 15 he will be fine.
im trying to remember what there was to do on the ship.. i was in college when we went so we were more focused on sun bathing and drinking. the shows are decent.. the dancers arnt very good to be honest but they do have alot of activieties during the day and there are alot of teens that go on
have fun
2007-09-03 14:18:04
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answer #5
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answered by stephanie s 3
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just did the fantasy 2nd week of July. for food cooked for the masses it's not bad. the dinner's in the evening are pretty good. you shouldn't have a problem getting him into the older club. my daughter participated in the teen club and she's currently only 11 and she had a blast. worse case scenerio, bump his year of birth up one.
2007-09-07 04:59:05
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answer #6
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answered by mommydst5 3
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I'm curious, what kind of fantasy? Like world of warcraft style? With midevil setting?
2007-09-03 10:07:20
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answer #7
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answered by Karan K 2
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Your search ends at below site. Have a look at it. It will definitely help you out
http://lnk.in/4tas
2007-09-06 01:36:39
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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