Carnival Ecstasy

Carnival Ecstasy Tour
By Mike Miller

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take tour of the Carnival Ecstasy here in Jacksonville. The Ecstasy sails 4 and 5 night itineraries to the Bahamas including stops in Freeport, Nassau and Princess Cay. 
Stats
Carnival Ecstasy

• Fantasy Class
• 70,367 Gross Tons
• 2,056 Passengers
• 14 Decks

Staterooms
This ship was originally built with only Interior, Ocean View, Junior Suits and Suites but with renovations, they added balconies and extended balconies. The balconies in the balcony staterooms are wider than the balcony in the Junior Suites so keep that in mind when booking. 

Other than the Junior Suites located on deck 11, all the cabins are located on decks 4-7 including balconies. Extended Balconies are located on deck 6 & 7 and Grand Suites are located on deck 6.

The Although the Ecstasy is older and smaller than the ships built in the last several years, she looks great. 

One thing I want to mention to those who have sailed from Jacksonville before. No longer do you board on Deck 3, you now board on Empress Deck 7 directly into the Atrium which is a much better welcome. The atrium extends all the way from deck 7 to deck 12 where it is topped off with glass allowing natural light to enter. 

Carnival Ecstasy was renovated not too long ago so she has some of the staples Carnival cruisers have come to love.  Guys Burgers, Red Frog Rum Bar, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar and the Blue Iguana Cantina. Now I sailed on Carnival Elation in January and she did not have one of my favorite venues the Ecstasy does have, the Alchemy Bar. I love the way this is situated in the back of the promenade with its own sitting area. And from there you can go directly downstairs into the main dining room after a pre dinner drink. The dark woods and the old apothecary feel is what makes Alchemy such a great venue. 

The promenade deck 9 is lined with the Casino, a night club a couple of shops including a Everything is $10 Store. I gotta check that place out if I get a chance to sail on Ecstasy. There is also a Cherry On Top candy store and a coffee bar. Located one deck below on Atlantic Deck is the Neon Piano Bar and boy is it neon. There are windows in the bar so I was not able to get the full effect like you would at night. Looks like a fun place to hang out. 

Beyond Alchemy on Promenade is the Starlight Aft Lounge where you would see comedians. If you walk all the way through the lounge on either side, you will find doors to the Serenity Adult Area.  This area is for ages 21 and up and provides seating in the sun and shade plus two hot tubs. There are other ways to get to this area, specifically from the deck above. I would recommend this rather than walking through the lounge to get there. Still seems strange to do that. 

Deck 10 us Lido Deck so here you will find the pool, a couple hot tubs and of course the food. Forward you have the Red Frog and Blue Iguana Bars. Towards the aft is the food. Guys Burgers, Blue Iguana Cantina and the Lido Buffet, Panorama Bar and Grill.  A little tip about the Lido Buffet. Grab your food and head all the way to the back and exit through the doors on either side, there is usually plenty of seating and a great view.  

Up one deck from the Lido Deck is Carnival Waterworks. Waterworks has a splash park for the kids, a twister water slide and 2 racing slides. There is also are large deck area where you can spread out and watch the kids play. 

Areas I did not explore but know it has is the Spa, a mini golf course, kids area and jogging track. 

Overall the Carnival Ecstasy is a great ship and I would love to sail sometime next year. I will say the Fantasy class ships like Ecstasy are not for those looking for the adrenaline fun you find on bigger ships or the loads of attractions. The Ecstasy is perfect the guest looking for less crowds, lost of area to lay out in the sun and like to eat and party. I say all of this just to set exceptions for those interested in the Carnival Ecstasy. The one thing that would improve this ship would be the outdoor movie screen but I believe space is a reason they have not added this feature. 

If you are interested in sailing on the Carnival Ecstasy or needing assistance with any other ship, hit me up at the contact information below 

Freedom to Roam Travel
Mike Miller
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com