All Things Fascination

Ok, so that title was a bit misleading. The only thing I know about the Fascination is that I"ll be on her soon!

That said, there isn't nearly enough information about her on this board. Thought I'd follow in the footsteps of the other "XYZ Ship Only" threads, and just cross my fingers and hope that those of you who are in the know will add content. I can't be the only one who wants to know!

Ok, so that title was a bit misleading. The only thing I know about the Fascination is that I"ll be on her soon!

 

That said, there isn't nearly enough information about her on this board. Thought I'd follow in the footsteps of the other "XYZ Ship Only" threads, and just cross my fingers and hope that those of you who are in the know will add content. I can't be the only one who wants to know!

OK.I'll pipe in here. I love the crew on the Fascination...I think it's one of the friendliest. Also, if you want to be in the pool but away from the crowds, go to the aft of the Lido deck and up one deck. Alot quieter up at that pool!

When do you go? Which itinerary? We did a B2B2B on this ship last year and and two 4 day cruises this year.

We're looking at the Fascination again in Jan. when it goes out of Jacksonville. Even tho' I love being able to have a balcony cabin (and you can only get one on the older ships by booking a suite), I'd give up a balcony anytime to sail on this nice ship again.

I agree there is not enough info on this ship.:cool: We sail on her March 12, 2009 out of Jax. I'm sure we'll be on her more as Jax is so convenient. We cruise more for the ship's atmosphere than the ports. I hope this thread will bring a wealth of information:)

OK.I'll pipe in here. I love the crew on the Fascination...I think it's one of the friendliest. Also, if you want to be in the pool but away from the crowds, go to the aft of the Lido deck and up one deck. Alot quieter up at that pool!

 

When do you go? Which itinerary? We did a B2B2B on this ship last year and and two 4 day cruises this year.

 

We're looking at the Fascination again in Jan. when it goes out of Jacksonville. Even tho' I love being able to have a balcony cabin (and you can only get one on the older ships by booking a suite), I'd give up a balcony anytime to sail on this nice ship again.

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! Love the tip about the aft pool....I didn't know, and I'll make note. AND...I've never heard of anyone doing B2B2B. You must really like this ship!

I'm not going until April for Spring Break. Chose it because it's out of JAX, and so only a 5+ hour drive for me instead of 11+ to FLL or MIA. Goes to Nassau (which I've been to several times, but my kids have not) and Half Moon Cay, which I've never been to but have heard great things.

Oh...and did I mention I booked a 12A? Looking forward to it for sure. Thanks for the information!

We have 5-suites booked (1-cat.12 & 4-cat.11) on the Fascination for the November 1 sailing. Will let you know how the 12 suite is. This particular cruise will have the "Cruising to Mayberry" group on it so we are really looking forward to joining them for the activities scheduled. We also have booked the Fascination for March 12, 2009.:)

Can't wait to hear your review!

We have 5-suites booked (1-cat.12 & 4-cat.11) on the Fascination for the November 1 sailing. Will let you know how the 12 suite is. This particular cruise will have the "Cruising to Mayberry" group on it so we are really looking forward to joining them for the activities scheduled. We also have booked the Fascination for March 12, 2009.:)

You'll be on her with us. Can't wait, but have the Legend in January:D I look forward to your review.

im rolling out on 9/12 ill post a review too...

I have a Cat 12 and 3 ocean view cabins for 9/25/08, if I am not mistaken this will be the 2nd trip out of Jacksonville which is 20 min from my front door, so I am VERY excited about that. No there is not alot of info on this ship, I know we will still have a good time because anytime we can be away from real life it is good. I will make sure to post pictures of the CAT 12 when we return.

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! Love the tip about the aft pool....I didn't know, and I'll make note. AND...I've never heard of anyone doing B2B2B. You must really like this ship!

 

I'm not going until April for Spring Break. Chose it because it's out of JAX, and so only a 5+ hour drive for me instead of 11+ to FLL or MIA. Goes to Nassau (which I've been to several times, but my kids have not) and Half Moon Cay, which I've never been to but have heard great things.

 

Oh...and did I mention I booked a 12A? Looking forward to it for sure. Thanks for the information!

Well, we had to fly down to FL anyway and it got us 3 cruises closer to platinum :D

You'll love Half Moon Cay.....it's gorgeous there!

We have 5-suites booked (1-cat.12 & 4-cat.11) on the Fascination for the November 1 sailing. Will let you know how the 12 suite is. This particular cruise will have the "Cruising to Mayberry" group on it so we are really looking forward to joining them for the activities scheduled. We also have booked the Fascination for March 12, 2009.:)

I will be on that same cruise also!!!! Love Mayberry- how did you find out about all their activities and do you know how we can join in....

We were on the Fascination in July. We had a ball. We had a catagory 12 suite. Very nice. There were 4 of us in the room. 2 Adults, our teenage son and his teenage friend. The sleeper sofa had enough room for 2 people however they had a cot in the room when we arrived. Each boy had their own place to sleep on. Hubby and I had the king bed. Beds were very comfortable. Our bathroom had a tub in it. Kind of small but nice. Our cabin steward always had this big smile on his face everytime we saw him. Our dining room waiter was name Dennis and the bus boy named Ed. Those guys were alot of fun.

We drove down 2 days early. Stopped in Boca Raton for 2 nights then got on I-95 for the drive to a Cracker Barrell for breakfast. All was well on our way to Cracker Barrell. However once we left there and got back on I-95 we came to a stop. We were stuck in traffic for 1 1/2 hours on I-95. We arrived in Miami at 11:30am. It was probably the right time to arrive because as soon as we got rid of our luggage we walked right on in and went directly through security. Before we knew it we were on the ship enjoying lunch.

On Elegant night we left for the palace lounge at 4:45pm. I was thinking that there would be a crowd waiting to get in. We went in down by the gift shop. However once we arrived we were the first ones there. It was good too because we were the first ones to get our pictures taken. After that we were able to watch others get their pictures taken. We walked around the gift shop some while waiting for the doors to open. They opened and we walked in. Found a place to sit and enjoyed the Captain's cocktail party.

Casual nights people wore whatever they wanted. We saw t-shirts, jeans, capri's, sneakers, shorts. Our table just happened to be close to the front doors so we were able to see what most people were wearing.

I played in the casino each night. Since I have played in Carnivals casinos before I received a welcome back letter. I had to bring that letter with me to the casino and I would receive a free drink. I took advantage of that.

I started out winning and playing with their money. However by the third night I started to put it all back in. I tried playing the slots, but kept on loosing. So I switched to the video poker machines and had good luck. By the last night I switched video poker machines and started to win again. It did not last long. I started to loose and put it all back in. However I did have fun playing.

The shows were really good. I missed the one they had on the last night. We just ran out of time and did not get there.

I'm sure there is more I can share with you. Let me think on it and get back to you all. We had a fantastic time.:)

I too, have chosen Fascination for my next cruise. Although it won't be till May '09, any info is greatly appreciated.:)

Also, any comparison to Sensation would be helpful.

We were on in May and had a ball. If you'll be on her after she moves to Jax, I believe that will be after her refurb. If so, you'll really enjoy her then!

The staff were great, I love that the ship is smaller and the rooms were fine.

Here's a link to my review:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=41726

Thanks for starting this thread, there isn't much on this ship. We are also traveling on Nov 1st out of Jacksonville. We don't have a suite though. :( We have adjoining rooms with our 9 and 11 year old sons. so we're happy about that!

I don't think the Fascination has a specialty restaurant which is too bad, we were on the Valor a fews years ago and the meal at Scarlets was one of the best we've ever had.

See you onboard.

I sail August 29...I'll keep you posted!

First time cruiser here; so no added value except to say I will be on the fascination the week before you. 3/30-4/4

Later

Dan

When does the fascination get the WATERWORKS upgrade? Anyone know, as well as the other refurbishments. Thanx

Her cabins are sooo much nicer after they got the refurb, especially the bathrooms.

When does the fascination get the WATERWORKS upgrade? Anyone know, as well as the other refurbishments. Thanx

I just checked cruisedeckplans.com, and it doesn't appear that they have it scheduled yet.

We'll we on here over Christmas. Jacksonville is the perfect location for us since we have family down there to stay with before and after. Looking forward to reading any other information people add!!

Kristen

elon mom: If you are interested in joining in with the "Cruise to Mayberry" group activities (private reception, concerts, variety shows, etc.) call the coordinator, Sharon Euliss, at 1-800-832-7993. This is in Burlington, NC. She will explain all the activities in detail. If you like the show on TV you will love participating in this.:)

I actually live in Burlington....thanks for the info. Can't wait to cruise!!!

Actually, there was a thread that was supposed to be a comprehensive Fascination thread, but it wasn't very active and probably has dropped into cyberspace oblivion. I know that I posted in it and can't find it now.

I always park myself up on the Verandah deck on sea days. I'm not a main Lido pool area sort of person. There's a bar up there, restrooms, and it's simple enough to go down the stairs and into the buffet dining area for a snack and/or non-alcoholic beverages.

When I booked in February (I was really calling to book my May Glory cruise but went ahead and booked Fascination while I was on the phone), my PVP assured me the pool upgrades would be done just before we sailed.

He lied. I emailed him and told him he lied to me. Not that I would cancel because of it, but I wanted him to know he was giving out incorrect information. I really wanted the Serenity area.

One of my favorite areas on Fantasy-class ships is the eating space outside the buffet. I can always find somewhere to sit, either in the shade or in the sun, if I want. It's a great place to sit and watch when pulling out of port.

LOVE the Fantasy class. Can't wait to do this cruise in December. It will feel like I'm coming "home" after my two 7-days on bigger ships.

I specifically booked it because it goes to Half Moon Cay. It is absolutely the most beautiful place ever.

I've always sailed for the ports, but I've now been to Nassau several times. I plan on finishing the walking tour I started last December, when we sort of got lost and ended up back in the main shopping area!

I've always wanted fewer sea days, because I've had problems with motion sickness in the past. But since starting ginger + bonine before we sailed in December, I've had no problems. I'm pretty confident that I've solved that issue and am looking foward to a very relaxing cruise.

Two sea days plus Half Moon Cay on a 5-day, very inexpensive, sailing from a fairly-nearby port? Can't beat that!

If I love it as much as I think I will, I'm tentatively hoping to book a B2B next spring. After that, I'll be Platinum!

Oh, and totally OT, but I belong to the Burlington Royals Booster Club. Naturally, 2 years after I move to Durham (had been in Boone for 15 years but grew up in Cleveland), the Indians pull out, so I now have to cheer for a rival AL Central's team.

It's OK. They're pretty good kids playing this year, even if their record is awful.