Public Areas & Facilities

Bathed in neon and fiber-optic light, glitzy Fantasy-class interiors add expansive six-deck atriums and a new dimension to the original superliner concept. To keep the fun going, these ships offer an almost wearying assortment of places to have a good time. As times and tastes have changed, the ships have evolved as well, with new lobby bars (except Fascination and Imagination) and Internet centers.

Only one level below the Lido deck, the Indoor Promenade connects major public rooms on a single deck, with only formal dining rooms, shops, and other small spaces one deck below. Large in size and ideal for a short itinerary, these ships have sprawling outdoor pool and sunning areas, but they can feel cramped when sailing at maximum capacity. Cabins provide calm oases from sensory overload, although you'll have to book a suite if you want the solitude of a private balcony.

Generously proportioned fitness centers include huge exercise rooms and two indoor whirlpools.

Restaurants

Two formal restaurants serve open-seating breakfast and lunch; dinner is served in four assigned evening seatings. The Lido restaurant serves buffet breakfast and lunch as well as pizza and serve-yourself ice cream; it's transformed nightly into the Seaview Bistro, a casual dinner alternative. Room service is always available.

What Works & What Doesn't

Central atriums are simply stunning when sunlight streams in through skylights -- they only take on a flashy air when artificially lighted after dark.

Make no mistake, though, there's a lot of glitz throughout, which can be somewhat overpowering until you become accustomed to it. The children's playrooms are almost hidden, and the small spaces may disappoint when you finally find them. They are chock-full of games and toys and, thankfully, an adjacent deck area is available for extra play space; the splash pool is good-size.

Accommodations

Cabins: Fantasy-class ships have a higher percentage of inside cabins than the fleet's newer ships, and only the top two suite categories offer balconies. Every cabin has adequate closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves. Light-wood cabinetry and simple decor are the norm for all cabins, while suite embellishments add the convenience of a sitting area and small refrigerator. In addition to the extra space, a whirlpool tub is a deluxe appointment in Penthouse suites. Inside cabins have ample room, and their curtained faux windows mimic those in the more expensive standard ocean-view accommodations. High thread-count linens and plush pillows and duvets add a touch of luxury to all accommodations.

Bathrooms: Extras include shower-mounted shampoo and bath gel dispensers and an array of sample toiletries, as well as fluffy towels. Bathrobes for use during the cruise are provided for all.

Other Features: Oddly, as with earlier Carnival vessels, there are no connecting cabins on Fantasy-class ships. Bring your own hair dryer. Twenty-two staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Category	Size (square feet)
Penthouse Suite	330
Suite	220
Ocean View	185
Interior	160-185

Favorites

Best Place to Escape the Crowd: Head for the libraries, which are ideal retreats for reading or playing board games. There are plenty of games, but you'll want to bring your own reading material. Surprisingly, the library spaces are as large as the piano bar.

Best Added Value: Sushi bars earn high marks for their complimentary creations, although you'll have to pay if you want a glass of sake to drink.

Best Spot for a Snack: Lido restaurants are spacious and cheery, with banks of windows on three sides.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: These are ships designed for partying, so unless you want to party, it may be difficult to find a late-night hideaway offering peace and quiet. Although it may sound odd, the seating area on the promenade adjacent to the coffee bar might be the ticket, depending on what's scheduled for nearby lounges.