After a long day of flying it was a relief to land in New Orleans. It didn’t hurt that the transition from airport to ship was hilarious. Bus driver and self-professed captain/cook/bartender Joey made the ride to the ship a laugh fest with his mother-in-law jokes and his contagious motto: “It’s all good!” Indeed it is as we get ready to embark the Carnival Fantasy for John Heald’s Bloggers’ Cruise.

After a painless embarkation process it was off to tour the improved Fantasy. I’ll sum it up in one word –impressive. It has been two years since I’ve been on one of Carnival’s Fantasy-class vessels and I have to say what a difference a makeover makes.

When the Fantasy was launched in 1990, it was the first of Carnival’s ‘Superliner’ ships, followed by the Ecstasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation and Paradise. Then, as now, the flashy interior delights guests. But today’s Fantasy is not the 1990 version.

As part of Carnival’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” ship refurbishment program the Fantasy now has a new expansive aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long water slide, an exclusive adults-only area, and a totally redesigned “resort-style” main pool. The result is nothing short of stunning.

I’ve only been on a few hours and can tell the passengers are eating it up. Speaking of eating it up it’s amazing that Carnival offers some of the best food of any cruise line. How does this mainstream cruise line do it? How do they offer first-rate cuisine at a budget price? Stay tuned in an upcoming blog.

Off to dinner and a show!