*** Monday, January 17, 2011 Embarkation – Charleston, South Carolina ***
We woke up to overcast skies this morning but we were not going to let that damper our moods. We had shuttle service booked for 11am and it could not come fast enough. Finally the shuttle arrived and we made the journey to the port. Our shuttle driver seemed more than confused as to where he was supposed to go, but eventually got us to the right place. The embarkation process in Charleston is so much different than the experience we had at Port Canaveral. Our passports were checked before we were even allowed into the passenger drop off area. You are then dropped off in what looks like a rental car return area and you leave your bags. You then proceed to another queue to board a bus for a roughly 2 minute ride to the terminal. You then go through security screening, fill out your health form and then stand in another line for the actual check in process. The process alone once we were inside the terminal took about 10 mins. After our embarkation photo and then our picture for our sail and sign cards we were on the ship. The whole process probably took no more than 20 mins.
Our first view of the ship.
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| From Carnival Fantasy/Charleston, SC |
Our first order of business was to secure reservations for the Chef’s Table. We had originally requested this through John Heald’s (Senior Cruise Director) blog, however we never received confirmation of the reservation. We were told that there would be a table to sign up at so we waited what seemed like forever, but was only 15 mins. During this time we also had our first Carnival Funship Special. This is the most popular drink on embarkation day.
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| From Carnival Fantasy/Charleston, SC |
With Chef’s Table confirmation in hand, we headed up a couple of decks to meet a couple from our roll call and then on to Lido deck to secure some lunch. It was a mad house. We found some food and then the hunt for a table was on. We finally found a table and enjoyed our lunch in the chilly weather.
Our view of historic Charleston during lunch.
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| From Carnival Fantasy/Charleston, SC |
After we ate, we headed down to check on our cabin and was happy to see that it was ready for us. We dropped off our carry-on’s and then headed out to explore the ship. While the Fantasy is a much smaller class then the Dream we actually found ourselves getting more turned around then we ever did on the Dream. Luckily we had the portable deck plan to carry with us.
During our exploring we decided to take a break and participate in the Sound Clips Trivia in the 21st Century Bar. We had some pretty strong competition but sadly did not come away with the Ship on a stick. We continued on with our exploring and then headed up to the Lido deck to wait for our muster drill. Sail away was very cold and dreary, but we found ourselves cheering as we saw the pier moving further and further away.
Waiting for sail away to start.
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| From Carnival Fantasy/Charleston, SC |
After the sail away we headed down to our cabin to freshen up for dinner and made our way to the Celebration dining room for our first dinner of the cruise. Eric started with the shrimp cocktail and I had the Cream of Sun Ripened Tomato soup (fancy name for tomato soup). It was very delicious. For our entrees Eric had the Flat Iron Steak and I had the Linguini with sausage, peppers and tomatoes. It was not as good as I remembered it being on the Dream, but still delicious. Dessert is always my favorite as I get to have the amazing Warm Chocolate Melting Cake. Love that stuff.
After dinner we went to the Casino as they were offering lessons on some of the games. Unfortunately they weren’t offering a lesson on the game Eric was interested in so we ventured on. We explored some more of the ship and then headed to the Universe Lounge (theater) to wait for the Welcome Aboard Show. We did participate in Name That Face while waiting and watched the Game Show Mania show. After much waiting, the Welcome Aboard Show finally began.
It left much to be desired in my opinion. It was presented by the Assistant Cruise Director and we have heard, but have not seen the Cruise Director for this sailing. Best Part of the Welcome Aboard show was an audience participation segment that Eric was a part of. What a hoot.
A quick stop at the midnight buffet and we are all tuckered out. We have a full day at sea tomorrow and here’s hoping that we have some calmer seas.
Some shots from our exploration of the ship.
Cat's Lounge.
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| From Carnival Fantasy/Charleston, SC |
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| From Carnival Fantasy/Charleston, SC |
Cleopatra's Piano Bar
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| From Carnival Fantasy/Charleston, SC |
(more to come...)
3 comments:
Heh, we've had rain and overcast clouds on embarkation day the last two cruises we took; it must be mandatory. What's great though is that within a few hours it is sunny and the cruise is on its way!!! It sounds like you guys really had a fun and busy embarkation day. We can't wait to read more.
Love,
A&J
We had AMAZING weather when we sailed on the dream (for embarkation). It took about a day and a half before we hit warm weather. Embarkation day was busy but worth all the headaches. lol
Hi Joelle, we are sailing in July and I'm loving your review thus far. Had two quick questions.
1. Cupcake: we are cruising to celebrate my cousin's bday. We leave on Sat. but her bday is actually Sunday, does Cupcake give out free cupcakes to folks celebrating their birthday or something?
2. You mentioned taking a shuttle from the hotel. I'm in the process of trying to find a hotel with shuttle where we can leave the car for the week - is this what you did? What hotel did you stay at and was your car safe?
Thanks, this will be our first cruise and it's nice to read a recent review. Many I've found are much older.
Kimi
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