Carnival Fantasy Cruises | CruiseHuddle - CruiseHuddle

Carnival Fantasy: Your Gateway to Ocean Adventure

Connect with fellow cruisers who've sailed this beloved Fantasy-class ship and discover what makes her special.

Carnival Fantasy

The Story

The Carnival Fantasy holds a special place in Carnival Cruise Line's history as one of the original Fantasy-class ships that helped define the modern cruise experience. Launched in 1990, this 70,367-ton vessel has welcomed 2,467 passengers per sailing across more than three decades of ocean voyages, creating countless memories for families, couples, and friends.

While Carnival Fantasy has completed her service with Carnival Cruise Line, her legacy lives on through the thousands of cruisers who experienced her signature "Fun Ships" atmosphere. The ship featured classic Carnival amenities that became hallmarks of the Fantasy class, including multiple dining venues, entertainment spaces, and the casual, welcoming vibe that made Carnival famous. Her size struck an ideal balance—large enough to offer plenty of activities and amenities, yet intimate enough that guests could easily navigate the ship and run into familiar faces throughout their voyage.

Carnival Fantasy appealed to a wide range of ocean cruisers, from first-timers testing the waters of cruise travel to seasoned sailors who appreciated her straightforward, fun-focused approach. Families found her layout convenient and her activities engaging for all ages, while couples enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and value she represented. The ship's decades of service created a devoted following of repeat guests who returned voyage after voyage.

At CruiseHuddle, you can connect with cruisers who sailed aboard Carnival Fantasy, share stories and photos from past voyages, and learn from their experiences. Whether you're reminiscing about your own Fantasy cruise or researching other Carnival ships for future adventures, our community is here to help you navigate your ocean cruising journey.

Onboard Highlights

🎰

Vegas-Style Casino

Try your luck at slots and table games in the ship's lively casino.

🍹

Atrium Bar Scene

Sip cocktails in the dramatic multi-story atrium, the social heart of the ship.

🎭

Broadway-Style Shows

Catch high-energy production shows and live music in the main theater.

🏊

Lido Deck Pools

Cool off in multiple pools and whirlpools on the sprawling Lido Deck.

🥩

Steakhouse Dining

Indulge in prime cuts and fine wine at the ship's specialty steakhouse.

🎳

Nightclub & Lounges

Dance the night away or relax in themed lounges scattered across the ship.

By the Numbers

Ship Specifications

📅 Year Built

1990

👥 Passengers

2,467

👨‍✈️ Crew

920

🏢 Decks

13

🛏️ Cabins

1,028

⚖️ Gross Tonnage

70367 gt

📏 Length

260 m / 853 ft

↔️ Beam

31 m / 102 ft

⚡ Speed

21 kn / 39 km/h / 24 mph

🔧 Builder

Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Helsinki, STX Finland)

🏷️ Ship Class

CCL FANTASY

🎀 Christened By

Tellervo Koivisto

⚓ Sister Ships

Carnival EcstasyCarnival ElationCarnival FascinationCarnival ImaginationCarnival InspirationCarnival ParadiseCarnival Sensation

Questions

Carnival Fantasy was the lead ship of Carnival's Fantasy class. Built in 1990, she was part of a revolutionary design that became the template for several sister ships and helped establish many features that became standard across the modern cruise industry.
Carnival Fantasy had a passenger capacity of 2,467 guests. This mid-sized capacity made her large enough to offer diverse amenities and activities while maintaining a more intimate atmosphere than today's mega-ships, allowing guests to feel comfortable and connected throughout their voyage.
Carnival Fantasy has completed her service with Carnival Cruise Line and is no longer operating scheduled passenger cruises. After more than 30 years of service, the ship has been retired from the fleet. Guests looking for similar experiences can explore other Carnival vessels.
Carnival Fantasy was beloved for embodying the classic "Fun Ships" experience that defined Carnival's brand. Her manageable size, straightforward layout, and focus on casual enjoyment made her accessible to first-time cruisers while her reliable service and friendly atmosphere kept guests coming back for repeat voyages.
At 70,367 gross tons, Carnival Fantasy was a mid-sized cruise ship by today's standards. While smaller than modern mega-ships that can exceed 200,000 tons, her size was considered substantial when she debuted in 1990 and remained popular with guests who preferred a more intimate cruising experience.
Beyond the fare

What Carnival Cruise Line actually costs

These rates apply fleetwide across Carnival Cruise Line.

Verified July 2026
Gratuities
$17
per person, per day
Couple, 7 nights
$238
before a single drink
Service charge
20%
bar · dining · spa
Wi-Fi from
$15
per device, per day
Drink packages run roughly $60–$85 per person, per day — and on most lines every adult in the cabin must buy one if anybody does.

Raised gratuities $1 on Apr 2, 2026 (first since 2023). Quietly moved the service charge from 18% to 20% in late 2025. Bottomless Bubbles (soda) is $11.99/day, over $14 with service charge. IMPORTANT: fund your Sail & Sign account before boarding or you will queue at Guest Services mid-cruise.

Published rates, not a quote. Cruise pricing changes frequently — confirm with the cruise line before booking.

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