Tell me all about the Fascination!!

Thinking about booking this ship out of San Juan.

Tell me your thoughts-good or bad, about the ship. The must see's, the shows, how did you like the water park? Any hidden secrets?

Of course if you took it out of San Juan, how did you like it? Must see and do there and even a good place to stay if so. :)

We have taken it out of Jacksonville twice. It does not have all the bells and whistles of the Dream etc., but we enjoyed it. Our two kids enjoyed the water park (and me too). It really gave them something to do and we could easily sit back there and watch them. That is my big pet peeve on NCL ships - sometimes it's hard to find a place to sit and watch your kids. The food was good, but long lines for the deli and pizza at times. Overall, a solid Carnival ship and the only ship we've cruised twice.

I am interested too. Any secret decks? Is there a lower deck that is open to the outside to walk around the ship at night?

We have taken it out of Jacksonville twice. It does not have all the bells and whistles of the Dream etc., but we enjoyed it. Our two kids enjoyed the water park (and me too). It really gave them something to do and we could easily sit back there and watch them. That is my big pet peeve on NCL ships - sometimes it's hard to find a place to sit and watch your kids. The food was good, but long lines for the deli and pizza at times. Overall, a solid Carnival ship and the only ship we've cruised twice.

Yea, I'm reading that it's one of the "older" ships and I assumed since it wasn't in the Dream class that it wouldn't have as much of course. I do see that it has the water park and that's good enough for us. Looking at pictures, I notice it's on the back of the ship and there seems to be a big deck space in that area? :confused: Do they put plenty of chairs back there? I hate that there's never enough room on NCL's ships for the parents to sit and watch their kids. It really sucks.

I guess you sailing it twice says something then. You must enjoy it, even without the bells and whistles. That's fine with me too. I go on the new, bigger ships, but I can also have a great time on the smaller and older ones too. We won't have much time for anything on the ship anyhow. The cruise we are looking at has 5 :eek::eek: ports and only 1 sea day. :eek: So it will work out no matter what.

Any idea what the interior rooms are like? Are they bigger than NCL's? Everyone has always said that Carnival has bigger rooms than NCL, but when I stayed in the interior on the Dream, it definitely wasn't any "bigger" and was about the same. I think we aren't going to splurge on a balcony this time since there's 5 port days and we will be gone most of the time. It just makes sense to get an interior and save $$ this time around. We will have a huge balcony on our upcoming Epic cruise in November.

Thanks for your thoughts. :)

One of the Fantasy-class Ships. We sailed Fantasy, Ecstasy, Fascination, Paradise and our least Favorite was Fascination.

However, this may be due in part to the service we had in the dining room for early dining (SLOW!) and a couple of other factors, not the ship itself.

I have sailed out of San Juan (on the Victory). We stayed the night before the cruise in Condado, a short taxi drive from the pier. But if I had to do it all over again, I was stay at the Sheraton in Old San Juan, right across the street (if it's still there). Much more to do in this area within walking distance.

Hey Kim! I have two reviews of the Fascination which should answer any questions about the ship itself. Have fun planning!! :)

this will also be our first time on the Fascination but we did the SAN JUAN cruise 2014 on the VALOR, loved the ship. This a port intense cruise we did not have time to really enjoy the ship, one sea day 6 ports including San Juan, don't get wrong we loved everything the ship was secondary to the excursions. We stayed 2 blocks from the cruise port $85 dollars a night @ the HOTEL MILANO, we booked the same hotel for our November 2016 cruise

Yea, I'm reading that it's one of the "older" ships and I assumed since it wasn't in the Dream class that it wouldn't have as much of course. I do see that it has the water park and that's good enough for us. Looking at pictures, I notice it's on the back of the ship and there seems to be a big deck space in that area? :confused: Do they put plenty of chairs back there? I hate that there's never enough room on NCL's ships for the parents to sit and watch their kids. It really sucks.

 

I guess you sailing it twice says something then. You must enjoy it, even without the bells and whistles. That's fine with me too. I go on the new, bigger ships, but I can also have a great time on the smaller and older ones too. We won't have much time for anything on the ship anyhow. The cruise we are looking at has 5 :eek::eek: ports and only 1 sea day. :eek: So it will work out no matter what.

 

Any idea what the interior rooms are like? Are they bigger than NCL's? Everyone has always said that Carnival has bigger rooms than NCL, but when I stayed in the interior on the Dream, it definitely wasn't any "bigger" and was about the same. I think we aren't going to splurge on a balcony this time since there's 5 port days and we will be gone most of the time. It just makes sense to get an interior and save $$ this time around. We will have a huge balcony on our upcoming Epic cruise in November.

 

Thanks for your thoughts. :)

Yes the waterslides are at the back and there are a lot of deck chairs. It still gets crowded but with only one sea day you should be fine. I don't think the interior rooms are noticebly different from NCL. But I did notice that when we got an Oceanview this month on the Elation, it was bigger. I would look into the price difference for an oceanview.

We are on the Epic in December so I'll be looking for your awesome review!!

Thinking about booking this ship out of San Juan.

 

Tell me your thoughts-good or bad, about the ship. The must see's, the shows, how did you like the water park? Any hidden secrets?

 

Of course if you took it out of San Juan, how did you like it? Must see and do there and even a good place to stay if so. :)

It's an old clunker.

We're booked on this ship and itinerary in August. I am thinking the ship is like the NCL Dawn, and we were fine with the smaller ship since that was our first cruise; I read your Dawn review and know that there were things you didn't like, but as we haven't cruised on the larger, newer ships in any fleet, it worked for us. I'm not all that worried about the Fascination being small and old, since (1) we don't know any better (yet) and (2) there is only one sea day.

I promise to come back and tell you about it. :) I have three kids, one who is S's age, so I'll have that perspective as well. We will be in San Juan for three days leading up to departure, so there will be a bit of information about that as well.

One of the Fantasy-class Ships. We sailed Fantasy, Ecstasy, Fascination, Paradise and our least Favorite was Fascination.

 

However, this may be due in part to the service we had in the dining room for early dining (SLOW!) and a couple of other factors, not the ship itself.

 

I have sailed out of San Juan (on the Victory). We stayed the night before the cruise in Condado, a short taxi drive from the pier. But if I had to do it all over again, I was stay at the Sheraton in Old San Juan, right across the street (if it's still there). Much more to do in this area within walking distance.

Yea, service can sometimes really put a damper on your thoughts of the ship. Hopefully they have improved in that deparment.

I just looked up the Sheraton. $180 for a night. :eek: Any other places around there?

Hey Kim! I have two reviews of the Fascination which should answer any questions about the ship itself. Have fun planning!! :)

I did skim one of them earlier today. I'll have to check the other one out. Did you like the Fascination?

this will also be our first time on the Fascination but we did the SAN JUAN cruise 2014 on the VALOR, loved the ship. This a port intense cruise we did not have time to really enjoy the ship, one sea day 6 ports including San Juan, don't get wrong we loved everything the ship was secondary to the excursions. We stayed 2 blocks from the cruise port $85 dollars a night @ the HOTEL MILANO, we booked the same hotel for our November 2016 cruise

Yes, very port intensive! That's why I'm thinking it really doesn't matter too much about the ship since we won't be on it but early mornings to eat and get off the ship and in the evening. With only 1 sea day, we'll have to spend our time on that day trying to enjoy the ship. :p

I just checked the Hotel Milano, it's $132 for the date we're looking at. Did you walk to the port with your luggage? Was it an easy walk?

Yes the waterslides are at the back and there are a lot of deck chairs. It still gets crowded but with only one sea day you should be fine. I don't think the interior rooms are noticebly different from NCL. But I did notice that when we got an Oceanview this month on the Elation, it was bigger. I would look into the price difference for an oceanview.

 

We are on the Epic in December so I'll be looking for your awesome review!!

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure we'll have much time to enjoy the water slide but the 1 sea day we'll have. I have never been on such a port intensive cruise before. I'm going to need a vacation after this vacation. :p

It's an old clunker.

Care to elaborate? If not, it's not a valid point. ;) :D

We're booked on this ship and itinerary in August. I am thinking the ship is like the NCL Dawn, and we were fine with the smaller ship since that was our first cruise; I read your Dawn review and know that there were things you didn't like, but as we haven't cruised on the larger, newer ships in any fleet, it worked for us. I'm not all that worried about the Fascination being small and old, since (1) we don't know any better (yet) and (2) there is only one sea day.

 

I promise to come back and tell you about it. :) I have three kids, one who is S's age, so I'll have that perspective as well. We will be in San Juan for three days leading up to departure, so there will be a bit of information about that as well.

Well...that's when we plan on going so not sure that will work out for me. :D :p

You will be there 3 days prior to departure, what are your plans? I'm seriously thinking about going 2 days ahead of time this time around. I want to go to bioluminescent bay so bad!

My wife and I (In our upper 30's) just got off the Fascination yesterday. The cruise is amazing and one of best trips of our lives. The ship is older and smaller..but we hardly noticed or cared because everything else was so awesome! Unfortunately the water park was only open for a few days, they started resurfacing the landing area for some reason and they still were not finished yesterday. Looks like they are installing a soft foam type surface. The slides are a lot of fun, though. There are a ton of chairs in that area. The Serenity deck at the back of the ship is a 21+ area and was really nice. We spent our day at sea back there. Bring plenty of sunscreen/cover if you don't get under an umbrella! Breakfast, especially the omelet station, was great. We only ate breakfast in the dining room once and got huevos rancheros, which were fantastic. We had late dining, 8:15, which looking back was a bit late since we had to be back on the ship by 4:30pm at every port. We usually grabbed some chicken nuggets, chips and salsa and other snacks to tide us over. We only caught a few shows, but we heard the Motown show was pretty good and the marriage game was hilarious. That probably depends on the couples they pick, though. The evening pool party towards the middle of the cruise was a really good time. The assistant cruise director led a ton of group dances that he added his own moves to. With the high population of Puerto Ricans that attended our cruise, it was a huge party!! The casino seemed to be the prefect size, was never too crowded or too empty. Our dining room servers were fantastic, remembered our names and food preferences. Their short little dance numbers were a lot of fun.

Hope this answers q's about the ship. We really like the Promenade deck..the taste bar had samples of food from 5-8pm 4 nights of the cruise and that was a cool little happy hour spot. The ports are all amazing. I highly recommend booking your own tours. Ships are overpriced.

 

I did skim one of them earlier today. I'll have to check the other one out. Did you like the Fascination?

We sailed on her 4 times so I guess you can say we like her. :) We like that class of ships for the short Bahamas runs that stop at HMC. Less people! The ship should be fine on that port intensive itinerary. The Fascination did that run for years when she was brand new. I feel that with the Evolution of fun upgrades she is even better now.

mitsugirly

we booked our hotel early in the year since we know where to stay it has a roof-top restaurant the best MOFONGO and MOJITOS. Yes you can walk to the cruise port just 2 blocks, pick-up you wine @ the CVS across the street from the port, and this is not a place to rent a car very,very,very, congested traffic. We will be there 2 days pre. cruise and will be stay @ the Embassy Suites and Casino 5 days post cruise.

It's an old clunker.

You are so helpful :rolleyes:

Of all the Fantasy class ships we have sailed on (3), Fascination is my favorite. The balconies look a little strange, but they are worth booking! :D

My wife and I (In our upper 30's) just got off the Fascination yesterday. The cruise is amazing and one of best trips of our lives. The ship is older and smaller..but we hardly noticed or cared because everything else was so awesome! Unfortunately the water park was only open for a few days, they started resurfacing the landing area for some reason and they still were not finished yesterday. Looks like they are installing a soft foam type surface. The slides are a lot of fun, though. There are a ton of chairs in that area. The Serenity deck at the back of the ship is a 21+ area and was really nice. We spent our day at sea back there. Bring plenty of sunscreen/cover if you don't get under an umbrella! Breakfast, especially the omelet station, was great. We only ate breakfast in the dining room once and got huevos rancheros, which were fantastic. We had late dining, 8:15, which looking back was a bit late since we had to be back on the ship by 4:30pm at every port. We usually grabbed some chicken nuggets, chips and salsa and other snacks to tide us over. We only caught a few shows, but we heard the Motown show was pretty good and the marriage game was hilarious. That probably depends on the couples they pick, though. The evening pool party towards the middle of the cruise was a really good time. The assistant cruise director led a ton of group dances that he added his own moves to. With the high population of Puerto Ricans that attended our cruise, it was a huge party!! The casino seemed to be the prefect size, was never too crowded or too empty. Our dining room servers were fantastic, remembered our names and food preferences. Their short little dance numbers were a lot of fun.

 

Hope this answers q's about the ship. We really like the Promenade deck..the taste bar had samples of food from 5-8pm 4 nights of the cruise and that was a cool little happy hour spot. The ports are all amazing. I highly recommend booking your own tours. Ships are overpriced.

Thanks so much for all the info.

I don't think I'll mind much either since it's so port intensive. The only thing I worry about is finding food in the evenings (we ran in to a lot of problems on the Breeze a few months ago and their dining and buffet schedules just don't work with our schedule or the hours they have the kids club open).

I'm sure they'll have the water pad area completed by the date we want to go. So that shouldn't make a difference. Glad to hear they have plenty of chairs back there (the hubby is usually the only one sitting while me and the daughter are playing and sliding).

We never use the Serenity since we have a little one with us.

"We usually grabbed some chicken nuggets, chips and salsa and other snacks to tide us over." Where did you get this at to tie you over? Like at the buffet or something? What hours did you find the buffet open?

We LOVE the huevos rancheros! But they only have the brunch during sea days right? So that would mean it's only offered on 1 day during this particular cruise right?

We always do my time dining because we eat when we are hungry and not when we are told to eat. I just can't do that. LOL So, we always miss the shows they have in the MDR plus we do a lot of buffet too with our daughter and I just love buffets because I like to see the food I'm trying and if I like it, I want more. :D

Glad you liked the cruise and ports so much. I'm looking in to what to do when we are in the ports. I'm super excited. :)

We sailed on her 4 times so I guess you can say we like her. :) We like that class of ships for the short Bahamas runs that stop at HMC. Less people! The ship should be fine on that port intensive itinerary. The Fascination did that run for years when she was brand new. I feel that with the Evolution of fun upgrades she is even better now.

Thanks so much for your opinion. I think we'll be fine too...especially with this itinerary. :D

mitsugirly

we booked our hotel early in the year since we know where to stay it has a roof-top restaurant the best MOFONGO and MOJITOS. Yes you can walk to the cruise port just 2 blocks, pick-up you wine @ the CVS across the street from the port, and this is not a place to rent a car very,very,very, congested traffic. We will be there 2 days pre. cruise and will be stay @ the Embassy Suites and Casino 5 days post cruise.

That sounds really cool with the restaurant on top. I will definitely have to check it out and consider it. I'm good if we can get there by walking. We never rent a vehicle when in a different country. I would freak out. :eek: :p I guess you don't read any of my reviews...or you wouldn't have put the "wine @ CVS" part in it. LOL! :p Don't worry, it's been a joke around here for quite some time about me and wine. :D

I would like to be close enough to wander around San Juan when we are there. When we were in port for the day a few months ago, we did not have time to look around at all. Then the only thing on my "to do" list is a trip to the bioluminescent bay at night. I MUST see this! So, I'll have to find a vendor that offers this.

You are so helpful :rolleyes:

 

 

Of all the Fantasy class ships we have sailed on (3), Fascination is my favorite. The balconies look a little strange, but they are worth booking! :D

Tell me more about these balconies and what makes them so strange? I was planning on getting an interior because of it being so port intensive and we really don't spend much time in there anyhow.

My wife and I (In our upper 30's) just got off the Fascination yesterday.

Curious how debarkation went. We have a somewhat early plane to catch (11:40) and hoping we don't run into any problems. Sure, anything can happen, but if there was no obvious delay, what time were you off?

Thanks.

I just meant the balconies look a little funny the way they stick straight out of the ship, but they are the exact same (wonderful!) balconies that are on the newer ships. :)

Also, we really like the decor, but that is a personal preference ;)

Hopefully they have their stuff together more so than when I was on, but I would get off as early as possible. It was a mess.... I had a later flight so I was in no hurry to leave, but even at the end it was not a well run debarkation.

they were taking us out the small area on level 3 which with luggage and stuff was VERY cramped. Hopefully they may have changed that.

Also consider that the airport can have very long lines through security.

Hopefully they have their stuff together more so than when I was on, but I would get off as early as possible. It was a mess.... I had a later flight so I was in no hurry to leave, but even at the end it was not a well run debarkation.

they were taking us out the small area on level 3 which with luggage and stuff was VERY cramped. Hopefully they may have changed that.

Also consider that the airport can have very long lines through security.

We are thinking of doing self-debarkation, but I'm not sure we'll be able to do that with kids in tow.

I also know about the airport security. I guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

Curious how debarkation went. We have a somewhat early plane to catch (11:40) and hoping we don't run into any problems. Sure, anything can happen, but if there was no obvious delay, what time were you off?

 

Thanks.

It was pretty smooth! We had two big suitcases we put outside the room the night before. They give you group tags and then you debark when they call your group. We were number 3 and we were off the ship by 9:15am and at the airport by 10am!! It all seemed pretty well organized. I think if you get a porter in the baggage area you get through customs faster. We took a Carnival bus to the airport.

I don't think I'll mind much either since it's so port intensive. The only thing I worry about is finding food in the evenings (we ran in to a lot of problems on the Breeze a few months ago and their dining and buffet schedules just don't work with our schedule or the hours they have the kids club open).

 

I'm sure they'll have the water pad area completed by the date we want to go. So that shouldn't make a difference. Glad to hear they have plenty of chairs back there (the hubby is usually the only one sitting while me and the daughter are playing and sliding).

 

We never use the Serenity since we have a little one with us.

 

"We usually grabbed some chicken nuggets, chips and salsa and other snacks to tide us over." Where did you get this at to tie you over? Like at the buffet or something? What hours did you find the buffet open?

 

We LOVE the huevos rancheros! But they only have the brunch during sea days right? So that would mean it's only offered on 1 day during this particular cruise right?

 

We always do my time dining because we eat when we are hungry and not when we are told to eat. I just can't do that. LOL So, we always miss the shows they have in the MDR plus we do a lot of buffet too with our daughter and I just love buffets because I like to see the food I'm trying and if I like it, I want more. :D

 

Glad you liked the cruise and ports so much. I'm looking in to what to do when we are in the ports. I'm super excited. :)

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for your opinion. I think we'll be fine too...especially with this itinerary. :D

It seemed like there was always food available somewhere!! There was always a lunch buffet available until like two or 3..and then a "Grill" by the pool that was open until 5pm or 6pm....that is where we snacked a lot. Then of course there is a 24 hour pizza station in the bar a the back of the coconut grill. There is also a deli in the same area available 11am-11pm!

As for the ports...I used some of your reviews to help me decide on beaches!! So thanks to you I found some great snorkeling! You rock!!