Carnival Fantasy is a Fantasy Class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. She entered service in 1990, measures 70,367 gross tons, and carries approximately 2,056 guests at double occupancy.

This memorial page covers the history and legacy of this retired Fantasy Class ship.

Carnival Fantasy (1990-2020) was the revolutionary lead Fantasy Class ship. First cruise ship with glass-topped atrium. 70,367 GT, 2,044 guests. Scrapped Aliaga Turkey July 2020.

A First Look at Carnival Fantasy

Carnival Fantasy exterior view
Photo: Mahon2000 via Flickr

Carnival Fantasy dining venue Dining Venues

Carnival Fantasy featured classic Fantasy Class dining venues including the Celebration Main Dining Room, the Sensation Buffet, and specialty additions from Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades including Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. The ship offered traditional dining times and Your Time Dining flexibility.

"Ships die. Their innovations live forever." — In loving memory of 30 years of service (1990-2020)
70,367
Gross Tons
2,044
Guests
920
Crew
30
Years of Service
11
Decks
855
Staterooms

The Revolutionary Pioneer

Carnival Fantasy wasn't just a cruise ship — she was a revolution floating on water. Launched in 1990 as the first of the Fantasy Class, she introduced the glass-topped atrium that would define modern cruise ship design for decades.

Designed by the legendary Joe Farcus, Fantasy's interior flooded with natural light through her revolutionary glass ceiling. Every cruise ship with a soaring atrium today owes something to this pioneer. She proved that cruise ships could be cathedrals of joy rather than floating hotels.

Godmother: Tellervo Koivisto, wife of Finnish President Mauno Koivisto — honoring the Helsinki shipyard that built this revolutionary vessel.

Ship Timeline

1990Maiden voyage — First cruise ship with glass-topped atrium
1991Began establishing Fantasy Class design standards
2004Homeported in Mobile, Alabama — transforming the Gulf Coast port
2016Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades: Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina
2020Final sailing March 14 — COVID-19 ends 30 years of service
2020Arrived Aliaga, Turkey July 29 — scrapping begins

From the Logbook

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Carnival Fantasy Deck Plans

View the official deck plans to explore cabin locations, dining venues, pools, and entertainment areas.

View Official Deck Plans →

Accessibility Notes

Fantasy's 30-year evolution made her increasingly wheelchair-friendly. Each refurbishment brought improvements — better pathways, roll-in showers, enhanced elevator access. Her intimate Fantasy Class size meant manageable distances and crew who remembered returning guests across decades.

Carnival Fantasy Videos

Archival ship tours, cabin walkthroughs, and passenger memories from Carnival Fantasy's 30-year career.

Ship Status

Carnival Fantasy was retired in March 2020 and scrapped at Aliaga, Turkey in July 2020. Live tracking is no longer available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnival Fantasy

When was Carnival Fantasy retired?

Carnival Fantasy was retired in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic after 30 years of service. She was scrapped at Aliaga, Turkey.

What made Carnival Fantasy revolutionary?

Fantasy was the first cruise ship with a glass-topped atrium, flooding the interior with natural light and establishing design standards every modern cruise ship follows.

Who was Carnival Fantasy's godmother?

Tellervo Koivisto, wife of Finnish President Mauno Koivisto, christened Carnival Fantasy — honoring the Helsinki shipyard that built this revolutionary vessel.

How many ships were in the Fantasy Class?

Eight ships comprised the Fantasy Class: Fantasy (lead ship), Ecstasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation, and Paradise. Only Elation and Paradise remain in service today.

What was Carnival Fantasy's final voyage?

Carnival Fantasy's final sailing was on March 14, 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic halted cruise operations. She never returned to service and was sold for scrap.

Sources & Attribution

Ship specifications from official Carnival Cruise Line materials and maritime records. Historical data verified against industry sources. Memorial content compiled from passenger testimonials and cruise archives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnival Fantasy

What dining options are available on Carnival Fantasy?

Carnival Fantasy offers complimentary dining including the main dining room and buffet. Specialty restaurants vary by ship and may require reservations or carry an additional charge. Check the dining section above for specific venues available on this ship.

How do I find the deck plans for Carnival Fantasy?

Deck plans are available through the links on this page. You can also find official deck plans on the Carnival Cruise Line website or in the cruise planner app.

Where does Carnival Fantasy sail?

Ship deployments vary by season. Check the Carnival Cruise Line website for current itineraries and departure ports for Carnival Fantasy.

How can I track Carnival Fantasy's current location?

Use the live ship tracker section on this page to see the ship's current position, speed, and next port in real-time when available.

Is this information official?

This page provides planning resources and community insights. Always confirm details with Carnival Cruise Line or your travel advisor before booking.

Sources & Attribution

Ship specifications from official cruise line materials. Photos credited where shown. Data verified against industry sources.

Plan Your Cruise

Helpful resources to prepare for your voyage: