Roughness on Fantasy Bahamas?

[Peaseblossom36]

My last cruise on the Fantasy was a 7 night Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, there was a lot of movement most nights (the last night was the worst). I was curious if anyone who has done that itinerary had also done the 5 night Bahamas and had a comparison movement wise? I know this will vary but just wanted an idea.

 

[RedHead0186]

My last cruise on the Fantasy was a 7 night Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, there was a lot of movement most nights (the last night was the worst). I was curious if anyone who has done that itinerary had also done the 5 night Bahamas and had a comparison movement wise? I know this will vary but just wanted an idea.

It will partially depend on time of year. The Caribbean can be a little rough during hurricane season (or really, any time when there's storms).

An itinerary that only goes to the Bahamas might be smoother (all other things being equal), because it stays more in 'sheltered' water and not out in open water as much. But again, lots of factors go into that, so it's hard to make a blanket statement/guarantee.

 

[Peaseblossom36]

It will partially depend on time of year. The Caribbean can be a little rough during hurricane season (or really, any time when there's storms).

An itinerary that only goes to the Bahamas might be smoother (all other things being equal), because it stays more in 'sheltered' water and not out in open water as much. But again, lots of factors go into that, so it's hard to make a blanket statement/guarantee.

Our prior cruise was in December and this one February. I'm already planning on wearing patches this time, so it should be better regardless.

 

[MickeyD]

I have done both and in February. The first and last night for both is rough because you are going through the Gulf Stream(?) I forget what they call that channel down the coast of Florida. The ship tends to sail faster in the Western Carib because the ports are further apart, however, I have always felt the Eastern itinerary (and going to the Bahamas) was rougher sailing than the Western in February. I guess we have lucked out with smooth seas and great weather each time in the West. Hoping for the same this Feb.

Lisa

 

[Peaseblossom36]

I have done both and in February. The first and last night for both is rough because you are going through the Gulf Stream(?) I forget what they call that channel down the coast of Florida. The ship tends to sail faster in the Western Carib because the ports are further apart, however, I have always felt the Eastern itinerary (and going to the Bahamas) was rougher sailing than the Western in February. I guess we have lucked out with smooth seas and great weather each time in the West. Hoping for the same this Feb.

Lisa

Yes, that’s what I was thinking of but couldn’t remember what it was called. I was hoping that since it doesn’t travel as far the ship doesn’t need to go so fast. I think it was the second to last night that we had a pretty rough time, I remember a lot of people ended up sick. I actually left dinner before any food was served that night. It was pretty rocky.

Ours is next February but I’m still very excited. It will be our first cruise since 2019, we had to cancel two so are more than ready to go again!

 

[OKW Lover]

My last cruise on the Fantasy was a 7 night Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, there was a lot of movement most nights (the last night was the worst). I was curious if anyone who has done that itinerary had also done the 5 night Bahamas and had a comparison movement wise? I know this will vary but just wanted an idea.

The movement you felt on the Fantasy, especially for the first/last nights, happens mostly when you cross the gulf stream. You'll feel the same thing on any cruise leaving Port Canaveral, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) or Miami.

 

[MickeyD]

Ours is next February but I’m still very excited. It will be our first cruise since 2019, we had to cancel two so are more than ready to go again!

It will be a lot of fun, I am sure. Our cruise this Feb is our first since 2020. We were on one of the very last cruises before shut down. We have had to cancel a few as well. Sure hoping we can make this one a go. I can understand your excitement completely. Not sure what you use for motion sickness, but I used to use Bonine and continued it through the first few days at home as land sickness used to get me as well. Also staying up on deck or on a veranda and out in the fresh air helps.

Lisa

 

[Calantha]

My last cruise on the Fantasy was a 7 night Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, there was a lot of movement most nights (the last night was the worst). I was curious if anyone who has done that itinerary had also done the 5 night Bahamas and had a comparison movement wise? I know this will vary but just wanted an idea.

I've done 3 Eastern Fantasy trips out of PC and 2 Bahamas (Dream and Wish) - I think the Caribbean crossing is always rough and then clears up in the Virgin Islands. Never had issues in the Bahamas, but I suspect that there is always a chance for a bad weather event.

Coming back to Castaway on the 3rd from St. Thomas was pretty bad - I'd say the worst I've experienced. Things cleared up once we were there though (although it stayed cool and windy).

 

[Peaseblossom36]

It will be a lot of fun, I am sure. Our cruise this Feb is our first since 2020. We were on one of the very last cruises before shut down. We have had to cancel a few as well. Sure hoping we can make this one a go. I can understand your excitement completely. Not sure what you use for motion sickness, but I used to use Bonine and continued it through the first few days at home as land sickness used to get me as well. Also staying up on deck or on a veranda and out in the fresh air helps.

Lisa

I used sea bands and Dramamine the entire trip, they worked well for most of the trip. I only really struggled at dinner and during the tasting class we did. I have video of our drinks shaking pretty violently and a glass dancing across the table at animators palette

The night that really got me we heard that even some staff was getting sick. I had to leave almost as soon as we sat down at Enchanted Garden (I was really disappointed since it was the only time we ate there). Our head server sent my husband off with crackers, ginger ale and a dessert since I missed dinner and another passenger saw him and gave him their spare seasickness patch. I will never try to cruise without again.

 

[auntlynne]

I have done both and in February. The first and last night for both is rough because you are going through the Gulf Stream(?) I forget what they call that channel down the coast of Florida. The ship tends to sail faster in the Western Carib because the ports are further apart, however, I have always felt the Eastern itinerary (and going to the Bahamas) was rougher sailing than the Western in February. I guess we have lucked out with smooth seas and great weather each time in the West. Hoping for the same this Feb.

Lisa

I had to look up the name - the Florida Straits (Florida Strait, Straits of Florida - take your pick) are part of The Gulf Stream that flows from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic.

It gave me trouble with seasickness for years that first and last night of Port Canaveral cruises (especially the smaller Magic and Wonder ships). Scopalomine patches gave way to seabands and now only occasional Bonine if the weather is truly rough. The cure seemed to be lots of cruising (because I still can’t turn my head while in a car going around a curve). I hear ginger can be helpful.

If you forget your pills - Guest Services has a supply at the desk.

 

[tvguy]

Weather is the determining factor.
My first cruise in the region was on a small ship (450 passengers) that did not have stabilizers. That got interesting a few days, but I don't get sea sick. All the Disney ships, and probably all modern ships have stabilizers and to be honest, even in the roughest seas they are pretty stable.

 

[MickeyD]

used sea bands and Dramamine the entire trip, they worked well for most of the trip. I only really struggled at dinner and during the tasting class we did. I have video of our drinks shaking pretty violently and a glass dancing across the table at animators palette

The problem with the Fantasy is that it shakes so terribly in the aft. I have been in Animators many nights with glasses dancing on the table as well. It certainly does not help the people that get motion sick to have that vibration.

 

[MickeyD]

I had to look up the name - the Florida Straits (Florida Strait, Straits of Florida - take your pick) are part of The Gulf Stream that flows from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic.

Thank you for looking that up! I just was being lazy. LOL
And yes, ginger should work as well, but some people get so sick that it won't be as effective quickly enough.
I don't get seasick anymore, but then I haven't cruised now since 2020, so we shall see. I used the Bonine strictly for the land sickness that comes afterwards.

 

[Peaseblossom36]

The problem with the Fantasy is that it shakes so terribly in the aft. I have been in Animators many nights with glasses dancing on the table as well. It certainly does not help the people that get motion sick to have that vibration.

I'm hoping that a shorter trip and that they've said they worked on the vibration it doesn't bother me so much. I thought about trying to go on a different ship but liked itinerary and we did enjoy the ship itself, so I'll just do patches the whole trip and should be fine.

I used to have no issues with motion but now sometimes even have trouble swinging on swings at the park

 

[MickeyD]

It hadn't been fixed as of 2020, but it hasn't deterred us. We love the Fantasy and I think you are right that a shorter cruise won't be as bad because they don't have to sail as fast.

 

[RedHead0186]

I'm hoping that a shorter trip and that they've said they worked on the vibration it doesn't bother me so much. I thought about trying to go on a different ship but liked itinerary and we did enjoy the ship itself, so I'll just do patches the whole trip and should be fine.

I used to have no issues with motion but now sometimes even have trouble swinging on swings at the park

Just got off the Fantasy and can confirm the vibration is still there (they may have worked on it, but it is not fixed). I do agree a shorter trip where they don't have to go as fast will probably help, it's when the ship is moving fast that the vibration is really a big issues.