Carnival Fantasy's newly refurbished top deck exudes a tropical flair.

I’ve covered the cruise industry for nearly a decade as a journalist. And, I’ve written about the cruise lines’ and the travel industry’s efforts to attract more first time cruisers. So, this week, onboard the refurbished Carnival Fantasy on a sailing from New Orleans, I was pleased to interact with these newbies first-hand. I’ve learned a lot about what first timers expect and why they view cruising as such a great value.

My first clue that this five-night voyage to Progresso and Cozumel, Mexico was a first timer’s favorite was at the required lifeboat drill. As we sat holding our brightly colored orange life jackets in the Universe Lounge (Muster Station A) I found myself among people not exactly sure why they were there and wondering why the bars were closed. I held my tongue — not asking if the movie Titanic had any meaning.

Later, I helped a friendly woman next to me understand how the life jacket worked. She and her husband were from Minnesota. They’d driven to New Orleans to board the ship. Now that’s quite a hike. It’s easy to forget in this jet age that to many Americans, a vacation is still a drive vacation. This couple was most excited to be aboard. As we sat facing the Universe Lounge’s sparkling curtain, the female guest asked “how do I find out about shows.” I explained that she should check her Carnival Capers newsletter each evening.

As a veteran of 60-plus cruises, it’s easy for those of us who’ve been there, done that to realize that newbies have a slew of questions. They’ve taken a “huge step” in their minds to try out a cruise adventure. On this cruise I met a middle age man who seemed to live at the soft serve ice cream machine (just incredulous that you could get it over and over again). To him it was one of the joys of his cruise, apparently. Don’t ask what I was doing there to see him that much?!

Overall, people loved the food on Carnival, especially the Carnival Fantasy’s new Mongolian Wok station where Asian chefs stir fry the veggies, meat/seafood, and sauce of your choice. The guests also loved the waiters parading around the dining room at night singing “Hot, Hot, Hot” with guests in tow waving their dinner napkins.

And they loved the onboard activities – from bingo to a hairy chest contest (give the guys a few beers and they’re prepped to go!), from art auctions to trivia. Shore trips too were a hit. And Carnival’s pricing for the shore trips was better than on some lines I’ve sailed with.  

I met many new cruisers ready to explore the world. It was exciting to see people who — in some cases — had never set foot outside the U.S. before and were eager to explore. The more Americans go abroad, the more all of us understand we’re part of something bigger than just our own borders. And the more foreigners get to know us. I spoke a few words of Spanish to shop keepers and tour guides. It went a long way toward building that friendship bridge that we seem as a country to have lost of late.

But my main point here is that all of us in the cruise industry, including travel media, travel agents and the cruise lines themselves must do a better job of educating people who have taken the step to book a cruise. Once onboard, we shouldn’t assume the newbies know everything. And on cruises that appeal to first timers, perhaps even more in the way of education should be accomplished.

I encountered dozens of couples waiting in stairwells and at elevator platforms upset that they’d miss their tour. Their tour ticket said “Be on the pier by 7:15 a.m” so they thought they absolutely must be there at that time – even if no one would let them off the ship.  My attempts to explain to some of them that the delay was because the ship had not yet been cleared by Mexican Customs and Immigration, fell on deaf ears. But to these folks, the whole process simply was confusing. Their view? They felt Carnival was “late” (actually not the case as veteran cruisers know – one cannot always hurry government officials).” Finally, the announcement came that the ship had been cleared. All were happy to get to their motorcoach and begin their tours. Later in the day some of those same folks had long forgotten the early morning hiccups. 

On this cruise, I met folks — many first time cruisers — from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Oregon, and even Germany and Australia. All mentioned the great value of the cruise – almost too good a deal to pass up. There’s no doubt cruising is a fantastic value — with food, entertainment and accommodations (including turn-down service and daily cleaning/servicing of your stateroom) included in the cruise fare. Right now the prices are low, which is leading to more and more new cruisers coming onboard. And that should bring a slew of people into the cruise marketplace for years to come. Once people sail, they usually repeat.

Carnival Fantasy is a good example of the value out there in the cruise industry. For $300-$400 per person (my estimate – talk with your travel agent about specifics),  consumers can snag a five-day cruise to two exotic ports and enjoy pampering days at sea, fun entertainment and comfortable accommodations.

Carnival Fantasy is perfect for families, with a Camp Carnival program and a new Carnival Water Works area with water slides.  Adults will appreciate the totally refurbished spa and fitness area. The new tropical look to the pool with gold umbrellas, a stage for entertainers and palm trees add the island flair many consumers seek. See my Web site, www.southerncruising.com and view the Photos of the Week for a slew of new original photos of Carnival Fantasy. 

Bottom line: I was impressed with the ship and the upgrades. The multimillion dollar investment made by Carnival should keep people coming onboard for years to come. And the ship’s size and price points should attract more first timers.

I was thrilled at the high number of first timers I met onboard. It’s a good sign for the cruise industry – even in tough times – that the product is inherently good. And with the great deals right now, it’s easy for those who haven’t taken the plunge to say, “Let’s try it.” But for all of us veterans, let’s just remember we were first timers once too. We’ve figured it out, and I’m sure they will in time too – cruising rocks.