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The purpose of my cruise was an inspection of the ship,
it’s crew, its food and facilities for a full ship charter in 2007. I
had three clients on board to evaluate the ship and experience the ship
for the 1st two days of the itinerary. The clients had to
disembark the ship on the third day in Cozumel to look at all of the
options for their participants on land during their day in Cozumel.
Things could not have gone better! The ship looked great
just coming out of dry dock after it’s charter by FEMA for Hurricane
Katrina Relief. The cabins were completely re-done, and the New Camp
Carnival was added, the Spa was completely restyled and all of the
carpeting and soft goods had been replaced. The best part of the new
cabins were the bedding had been completely changed to reflect the new
“Carnival Bed” with Duvet Cover, 200 thread count linens and new fluffy
whit towels and bathrobes in all cabins. The new wall mounted flat
screen TV also added more space to the cabins. The bathroom was the
same large shower bath as before, but new bowl and sink and new fixtures
added a nice clean touch. It is amazing what you can do for a mere
$35,000,000.00.
The Hotel Director and his Staff were outstanding. Of
course, our little group was definitely on the VIP list, but I had the
feeling all guests on this cruise were VIPs. I had reserved a table for
four so we could talk business over the dinner table. The Fantasy Class
ships have a number of booths for four persons…perfect. Our waiter and
assistant waiter were outstanding. The Maitre’d and his assistant were
always available to answer any questions and make my clients feel
special. The purser’s desk and front office staff were knowledgeable
and helpful. We did not have much contact with the Shore Excursion Desk
or the Entertainment Staff, but based upon the staff we did encounter I
am sure they were pleasant and efficient. My cabin steward was quiet,
quick and out of the way. I never had any special needs, but I feel
confident that had the occasion presented itself he would have responded
positively.
The entertainment in the main show lounge was excellent.
The 1st night was the traditional introduction of what to
expect during the next evenings and the 2nd night was the big
Production Show..”Dreams” which featured a cast of 14 well-rounded
singers and dancers. The costumes, the music, the background scenery
were all first class. The final night show was a Country and Western
Theme, perfect for this Texas and Mid-South audience. The other
entertainers in the lounges, bars, pool deck and comedy clubs were also
first rate and provided a large variety of music for all ages and
preferences. Every night was Karaoke Night in the nightclub. This
particular cruise had quite a few family and affinity groups and there
was definitely talent on board.
I really cannot be more positive about the strides
Carnival has made in their food quality and preparation. To steal a
phrase…You’ve come a long way baby”. Not only were the selections
varied and plentiful, the plates were attractively presented and the
food was prepared to perfection. This was true in the Dining Rooms, the
Lido, the Sushi Bar, the Pizza Stand and the Coffee Bar. It had been
quite awhile since I had cruised on Carnival and over 10 years since I
had been on a Fantasy Class ship and I was impressed.
My clients were amazed the ship could prepare 10,000
meals a day and maintain the quality. Carnival deserves a big WELL DONE
for their improvements in food.
The clients were not experienced cruisers and although
responsible for major dealer incentive programs had never operated a
cruise incentive…much less a full ship charter. They were amazed with
the flexibility of the staff and the customization available when you
“own the vessel” for 4 days. My purpose was not only to point out all
of the advantages of chartering a cruise ship, but showing the quality
and the value they would be receiving on the Ecstasy. Between the Miami
office and the on board officers and crew they were convinced this would
be the perfect venue for their 2007 dealer incentive.
The contract is not signed (we only returned 2 days ago),
but I feel very confident the staff and crew made my job easier and we
will have a very satisfied client..once again.
This just goes to prove the Fantasy Class vessels from
Carnival are still viable incentive quality ships which offer service
value and quality.
When you are looking for ships with fun, great food and
service, quality and value consider the Fantasy Class ships from
Carnival. Eight ships were built in the 1990’s and each is going through
a transformation. If balcony staterooms are not required and your group
or charter is on a tight budget…These ships will please and satisfy.
Ship Report:
Ecstasy from Carnival
July 20-24, 2006
Galveston- At Sea-Cozumel-At
Sea-Galveston
Ship: Fantasy
Class Vessel Built in 1991
Refurbished March –April 2006
70,000 Gross Tons
1026 Cabins
920 International Crew
Facilities:
Two Main Restaurants plus Lido Poolside Grill and Sushi Bar
Pizza Parlor, Ice Cream
Station and Coffee/Dessert Bar
Two Outdoor Swimming
Pools plus One children’s Wading Pool
Six Bars and Lounges
City Lights Boulevard
with Shops and Entertainment Venues
Completely Renovated Spa,
Beauty and Gymnasium with
Modern Locker Rooms with
Sauna and Steam Rooms
Spa Treatments/Massage
and Rejuvenation Treatments
Art Gallery/Auctions
Daily
Crystal Palace Casino
with Full Gaming/Poker/Slots/
Roulette/Blackjack/Craps/Caribbean Stud Poker
Camp Carnival with
Children and Teen Programs
Las Vegas Style
Entertainment in Main Showroom
Karaoke Nightly
Adult Comedy Late night
Three Show Bands
Daily Activities
Conducted by Competent Social Staff
Internet Café and “Hot
Spots”
Duty Free Shopping
Photographer and Photo
Shop
Special Events: Sail
Away Party
Captain’s Formal Night
Welcome Party
Singles Party
Past Passenger’s Party
Farewell Deck Party
Report submitted by Jim Huff, 7/26/06
The views expressed are solely those of the author and do
not necessarily reflect those of WWTCA. |
