Carnival Fascination specific questions-advice please

Hi everyone, I am new here and looking for some information on the Carnival Fascination from you "experts". :)

My husband and I will be taking our second cruise, second on Carnival, but the last one was 7 years ago so I am sure many things have changed.

I have used the search feature here on the forums and tried to look these things up to see if they have already been discussed, and have found many answers, but a few questions are still remaining:

1. Hair dryers on the Fascination. Are they available in all staterooms from day 1 or do they have to be requested (so they are in limited supply). Carnival says they have hair dryers, but I wasn't sure if that meant they have some or all rooms have one. I have short fine hair, I don't need a lot of power so if I know one will be available for sure I won't bring one.

2. Are there any dining options besides the lido buffet for lunch on embarkation day? What will be the least-crowded area? We are not picky about food style. Is the rotisserie area sufficiently hidden so we can find it and grab a plate?

3. Is there any downside to arriving at 1:30 or so? Would the lines for embarkation be a lot shorter, as most people have boarded already? Or is that peak time? We are not FTTF. I don't want to get there at 11:30 and stand in line for an hour and a half to get on, then another 45 minutes at the buffet dragging our bags the whole time because the room isn't ready. Would rather arrive at 1:30 and get right on and hopefully most people will have been through the inch line and possibly our room would be ready within an hour.

4. We are not huge drinkers, so we won't be buying the cheers program. We are bringing on our two bottles of wine and we still would like to enjoy a few drinks a day. What are the most economical drink choices on board the Fascination? How do I find out about drink specials? Is there anywhere on here with a current drink menu with prices? I found one, but I don't think it was current as beer was less than $5.

5. We prepaid our tips when booking. Am I right in assuming that no gratuities should appear on our Sail and Sign account (outside of automatic drink tips)?

4. We are sailing from Jacksonville mid August. Dare I hope that most kids will be back in school by then? I figure most people drive into Jacksonville rather than flying, and most southern schools start back in August. I have children myself, but this is a getaway cruise and hundreds of unsupervised children would be a bummer.

Thank you so much, any advice about the Fascination would be greatly appreciated. I have read many of the wonderful reviews and we are so looking forward to it already!

1. Hair dryers on the Fascination. Are they available in all staterooms from day 1 or do they have to be requested (so they are in limited supply). Carnival says they have hair dryers, but I wasn't sure if that meant they have some or all rooms have one. I have short fine hair, I don't need a lot of power so if I know one will be available for sure I won't bring one.

Bring a hair dryer if you are not booked in a suite. They are only standard in suites and only have a limited number to share among other cabins.

2. Are there any dining options besides the lido buffet for lunch on embarkation day? What will be the least-crowded area? We are not picky about food style. Is the rotisserie area sufficiently hidden so we can find it and grab a plate?

The rotisserie is easy to find, it's near the pool area. The least crowded place for lunch on embarkation day is outside through the aft doors past the deli. There are two "balcony" areas above the serenity deck with table and chairs that is our favorite spot. Nice breeze, shade, great view and not so many people realize it's out there.

3. Is there any downside to arriving at 1:30 or so? Would the lines for embarkation be a lot shorter, as most people have boarded already? Or is that peak time? We are not FTTF. I don't want to get there at 11:30 and stand in line for an hour and a half to get on, then another 45 minutes at the buffet dragging our bags the whole time because the room isn't ready. Would rather arrive at 1:30 and get right on and hopefully most people will have been through the inch line and possibly our room would be ready within an hour.

This one I can't help you with. I'm sorry. We are always there before 11 and boarding before noon.

4. We are not huge drinkers, so we won't be buying the cheers program. We are bringing on our two bottles of wine and we still would like to enjoy a few drinks a day. What are the most economical drink choices on board the Fascination? How do I find out about drink specials? Is there anywhere on here with a current drink menu with prices? I found one, but I don't think it was current as beer was less than $5.

The daily drink specials will be listed in the Funtimes, Most other drinks will run you between $7.50 - $8.50 each plus tip. Beer, I think is still $5.75 plus tip. I've forgotten how much buckets of beer are, but there is a savings.

5. We prepaid our tips when booking. Am I right in assuming that no gratuities should appear on our Sail and Sign account (outside of automatic drink tips)?

On your Sign and Sail account, it will show gratuities and then where is already paid, so the two lines will be a zero.

4. We are sailing from Jacksonville mid August. Dare I hope that most kids will be back in school by then? I figure most people drive into Jacksonville rather than flying, and most southern schools start back in August. I have children myself, but this is a getaway cruise and hundreds of unsupervised children would be a bummer.

Nope, there will be kids in mid August. Lots of kids. Serenity Deck is your best bet. The crew of the Fascination does a pretty good job of keeping it a kid free zone.

Have a great cruise. We love the Fascination.

Everything above is accurate except the advice for dining options. There is no "outside aft past the deli" on fantasy class ships. The deli and pizza place run along the back of lido. We were most recently on the fascination in February and have Sauls on her 4 times as we live 20 minutes from the port. Unless I'm misunderstanding the directions...

I think I know what is meant by "outside aft past the deli". Just got off Saturday. At the back of the lido buffet/grill area on each side adjacent to the pizzeria and deli are two sliding doors to take you to a sitting area where you can eat. There was hardly anyone eating there the entire trip.

Thank you all, this is very helpful!

The only other cruise we have been on was this exact cruise 7 years ago, same dates almost (except back then it stopped in Key West instead of Freeport). It was the on the Celebration then. We had a wonderful time and found plenty to do, even on that smaller ship.

I don't remember it being too badly overrun with kids then, or maybe we were just hanging out in different parts of the ship. We don't hang out by the pool or on Lido deck that much. Would rather do trivia/enrichment or be in the casino when we aren't in port.

Does anyone have any suggestions for "must do" things on or off the ship? We are pretty easy to please and can have a good time almost anywhere. We are already planning on doing the Hilton resort for a day in Nassau.

What about Freeport? None of the Carnival excursions sounded very exciting to us (at least at a price we wanted to pay). We thought about just walking around a bit and then going back on the ship to enjoy Serenity or the pool that day.

Wait, are pools open on the ship while we are in port?

Thanks for so much great advice so far!

p.s. I think I am making us sound pretty boring, we aren't! We are just more go with the flow, away from too many crowds. We like meeting new people and learning new things. That is our ideal vacation.

I think I know what is meant by "outside aft past the deli". Just got off Saturday. At the back of the lido buffet/grill area on each side adjacent to the pizzeria and deli are two sliding doors to take you to a sitting area where you can eat. There was hardly anyone eating there the entire trip.

This. Thank you.

I did say balcony type areas, yes? There is one on either side.

One used to be smoking and one non smoking. Now with the new rules, I do not know.

This. Thank you.

I did say balcony type areas, yes? There is one on either side.

One used to be smoking and one non smoking. Now with the new rules, I do not know.

We always say that this is the best kept secret on the Fantasy class ships.

Lar & I have our evening coffee out there every night. Private balcony watch the water & if there is someone out there they are normally out there for the same reason. QUIET ;)

We were on the Fascination last week & didn't know there were that many kids until the last sea day & Dr Susse parade LOTS OF KIDS LOUD. But that was a quick trip with the cat in the hat. Really cute. Poor MOM & OH THE DADS that got stuck. funny. :D

Enjoy your cruise we did. Great staff & crew.

Char

I'd highly recommend arriving at the port later (like you said, around 1:30pm). The lines will have died down and your cabin will be ready by then. We arrived around that time when we sailed from JAX and we breezed through check in. From car to cabin in 15 minutes! :)

JAX doesnt even allow people in until the inbound passengers start clearing the parking lot. When we debarked, the line of cars waiting to get in was out to the main road. It kinda looked like a tailgating party, with people out of their cars, milling around and talking to people in other cars. Some may find that appealing but that's not my idea of a good way to start a vacation.

Hey; Another thing on the drinks. If you go to the Taste Bar, they have a daily special for $5. Enjoy! Mikey

That's great to know about embarkation and the Taste Bar drink special. That price ($5) is definitely a bargain! They are only open 5-8, right?

I am getting so excited already! I can't wait!

I will definitely check out the aft lido deck balcony, that sounds really nice.

Oh, I thought of another question!

Which of the spa activities are free? Is there a free sauna or steam bath for example, or is there a charge for everything?

I believe on embarkment day u go to the spa and " volunteer" for free things. There will be ppl watching the demonstration but what the heck, you'll be getting a free service. Also I've read that on port days they offer 1/2 off deals. Go to the spa as soon as u can to find out all there specials etc.

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Also the showers in the spa are very nice. The showers and sauna are free the entire cruise !!

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Wow! It has been almost a month since I posted this originally, down to less than 60 days!!! So excited!

We enjoyed the Behind the Fun tour last November on the Fascination, but it is an extra fee and you should sign up when you arrive on the ship since space is limited and can fill up quickly sometimes.

Another fee item that was completely worth it was the Chef's Table. Chef Remy is a delight to talk to and you can ask him anything and he's as open as possible to answering your questions. Great guy and fantastic food and drinks during the dinner.....we had six adults and one child for the Chef's Table and everyone would do it again!

Hi,

I am new to this forum and don't know ho to start a new post. I will be taking Fascination for a Bahama cruise late August. I live in Maryland so will need to fly in. I have an urgent question regarding how to choose my returning flight from the Jax airport. I know the ship will return to port at 8AM. There is a flight leaving Jax airport at 10:30AM so that leaves me two and half hours time. Is it too risky for me to take this flight?

I would greatly greaty appreciate anyone's comments here. Thanks in advance!

Jack

Hi,

 

I am new to this forum and don't know ho to start a new post. I will be taking Fascination for a Bahama cruise late August. I live in Maryland so will need to fly in. I have an urgent question regarding how to choose my returning flight from the Jax airport. I know the ship will return to port at 8AM. There is a flight leaving Jax airport at 10:30AM so that leaves me two and half hours time. Is it too risky for me to take this flight?

 

I would greatly greaty appreciate anyone's comments here. Thanks in advance!

 

Jack

Welcome! For future reference, in each sub-board, there's a blue and white button near the top that says "New Thread". Click on that and you can start your own thread. Here's the direct link for the Carnival sub-board if you're feeling ambitious: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=215 .

As for your question, I think the simplest answer is what Carnival recommends for the earliest departure that are allowed to go on one of their shuttles. In your case it's 11 AM. You can look at more details here: http://www.carnival.com/cruise-transfers/jacksonville.aspx .

I think a 10:30 flight would be a bad risk, though you would PROBABLY make it. You'll have to do a cost-benefit analysis of your situation to see if it's worth it to catch this flight or if it's better to get a later one.

1. Hair dryers on the Fascination. Are they available in all staterooms from day 1 or do they have to be requested (so they are in limited supply). Carnival says they have hair dryers, but I wasn't sure if that meant they have some or all rooms have one. I have short fine hair, I don't need a lot of power so if I know one will be available for sure I won't bring one.

 

Don't bother with the hair dryer - you're on VACATION!!!

 

2. Are there any dining options besides the lido buffet for lunch on embarkation day? What will be the least-crowded area? We are not picky about food style. Is the rotisserie area sufficiently hidden so we can find it and grab a plate?

 

The farther you get from the line, the more likely you will be to find an empty table. If you embark at 1:30, there will be plenty of space everywhere.

 

3. Is there any downside to arriving at 1:30 or so? Would the lines for embarkation be a lot shorter, as most people have boarded already? Or is that peak time? We are not FTTF. I don't want to get there at 11:30 and stand in line for an hour and a half to get on, then another 45 minutes at the buffet dragging our bags the whole time because the room isn't ready. Would rather arrive at 1:30 and get right on and hopefully most people will have been through the inch line and possibly our room would be ready within an hour.

 

Great idea. In Jacksonville, the bottleneck is getting down the access road. You'll probably whiz right through at 1pm.

 

4. We are not huge drinkers, so we won't be buying the cheers program. We are bringing on our two bottles of wine and we still would like to enjoy a few drinks a day. What are the most economical drink choices on board the Fascination? How do I find out about drink specials? Is there anywhere on here with a current drink menu with prices? I found one, but I don't think it was current as beer was less than $5.

 

If you play tables in the casino, order one of the classic cocktails at the casino bar. Get a duplicate receipt, and trade it at the casino cage for a $5 fun play. It has no actual value, but you can use it on blackjack or roulette (even money bets only) to double your $5 bet.

 

4. We are sailing from Jacksonville mid August. Dare I hope that most kids will be back in school by then? I figure most people drive into Jacksonville rather than flying, and most southern schools start back in August. I have children myself, but this is a getaway cruise and hundreds of unsupervised children would be a bummer.

 

Sorry, there will be SWARMS of kids. It's a classic triple whammy between cruise line, short cruise and time of year. If you want to be as kid-free as possible, cruise when school is in session, choose a cruise > 7 days, and maybe a different cruise line.

Don't forget to go outside to see the Fascination squeak under the Dames Point bridge.

Enjoy!

Wendy

I cruised the fascination back in 2011 and I loved it. It definitely isn't as crowded as the newer and more updated ships on the fascination, so that was a plus. For lunch, you can always just order room service. They have good deli options, small sides, and desserts(: I'm going back there on the 20th!

In reference to the cocktails someone mentioned above, the "classic cocktails" and match play offer were discontinued this year. The drink menu changed slightly and they are no longer referred to as "classic." Such a bummer too because I loved those match plays!!! :cool: