Dining

The 658-seat Jubilee Dining Room and 650-seat Celebration Dining Room serve dinner in two seatings. Both are swathed with light woods and strung with tiny lights that change (many of the bulbs were out). Carnival's Fountain Fun Card program, for children under age 21, provides unlimited soft drinks for a one-time fee. Dining options have been expanded on the Fantasy, along with a greatly improved quality of food preparation. For example, rack of lamb and beef Wellington are options on ordinary nights [not the Captain's dinner] and Hispanic and Oriental influences have appeared. Some inconsistencies were noted, such as a very thin slice of prime rib and an over-dried fillet of salmon. Windows on the Sea on the Lido Deck is psychedelic with purple/peach/turquoise/black tiles and swirled flooring in the same colors, metallic umbrellas and more tiny lights. It offers alternative dining: besides cafeteria-style breakfast and lunch, dinner is served for those unwilling to dress up. Complimentary ice cream and yogurt are available in the afternoon, while pizza and coffee/tea are always available. Bistro on the Boulevard--where specialty coffees cost $1.50-$3.75 and pastries run $1.50-$4--is located on the 450-foot-long Century Boulevard, along with numerous lounges. As on most cruise ships, the wait staff doesn't volunteer the information that passengers may order second helpings or that children may order from the regular menu. Additionally, there is an outdoor grill with hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken. The dining room menus also offer Nautica Spa Fare with dishes lower in cholesterol, fat, calories and sodium than regular options. Afternoon tea and a midnight buffet round out the bill of fare.

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