Carnival Fantasy departs from New Orleans for Western Caribbean cruises in October and November, 2009. Subsequent voyages depart from Mobile, Alabama, until May 2010, when Carnival begins using Fantasy's new permanent port of departure--Charleston, South Carolina. Make sure you check the departure location as you make your travel arrangements.
Carnival Fantasy's five-day Western Caribbean cruises visit two ports in Mexico: Progreso, which is located in the Yucatan peninsula, and Cozumel. Progreso is close to the Mayan ruins, which is a "do not miss" destination renowned for both history and beauty. Choose between the Chichen Itza or Dzibilchaltun archaeological sites. Cozumel boasts magnificent beaches and plenty of water sports, shopping and golf. Swim with the dolphins or drive a dune buggy down the beach; there's something fun for everyone.
By day, casual clothes are best. Feel free to wear comfortable shorts or jeans paired with a cute top, T-shirt or sports shirt, with flip-flops, sandals or sneakers for your feet. Carnival does not allow wheeled sneakers to be worn on the ship, so make sure your kids leave those at home. Bring rubber-soled, flat or low-heeled shoes for walking on deck. Bathing suits are allowed to be worn around the pool only. If you're planning to eat while wearing your bathing suit, don a gauzy cover-up, slip into your sandals or flip-flops and head to the Lido Restaurant; the main dining rooms do not serve guests dressed in bathing suits.
If you're heading to the beach in Cozumel or planned a water sports itinerary for Progreso, wear your bathing suit and cover-up, casual T-shirt, shortest shorts and flip-flops or sandals. Don't forget to bring a change of clothing and lots of sunscreen. If you're going shopping, visiting the Mayan ruins or have planned any indoor activities (restaurants, museums), dress comfortably and a bit less casual as it's considered to be disrespectful to show off too much skin in Mexico. Sundresses or longer shorts paired with a casual top and comfortable footwear are appropriate for indoor wear.
Every Carnival Fantasy cruise has one formal evening. Some men wear tuxedos, but most men will choose to wear a suit, a sports coat, dress slacks and a dress shirt. Carnival has a tuxedo rental service; book your tuxedo before you depart and pick it up on the ship. Some women wear chic evening gowns but most opt for cocktail dresses, skirt ensembles, or dressy pant suits.
For casual dinners, dress as if you were dining in an elegant restaurant. For men, khaki slacks and a navy sports jacket, dress slacks and shirts, or dressy jeans with a nice shirt are de rigueur. For women, a lovely summer dress, a crisp top and slacks, a silky pants suit or dressy jeans with a casual resort blouse are worn in the dining room on casual nights.
Shorts, flip-flops, bathing suits, cut-off jeans, men's sleeveless shirts and baseball hats are not permitted in the dining room. If you prefer dining ultra casually, visit the Lido Restaurant for dinner.
