Fascination- May 27- Review

[JP4GA]

We are just home from a week on the Fascination. Over the next few days I will post our review and experience.

 

We arrived in Jacksonville on Sunday and stayed at the Embassy Suites, about 13 miles from port. Rooms were great, breakfast was wonderful.

 

We arrived at port around 10:30. We were directed to parking lot 3 to join a line of cars that would be permitted into the parking lot when the port was clear of the previous cruisers. We were allowed to park around 10:45. This port was a little different from others we have cruised out of, because you did not drop your luggage and then park. You parked and started to unload and porters would come and offer assistance. It seems to work for them. We were early and among the first to arrive in port so we had no issues getting help.

 

We had FTTF, which worked great for check in. Doors were well marked and we were directed to the line. We did not wait for service as there was no line. Once checked in we were directed to sit in row 3--- row 1 and 2 was reserved for Diamond and Platinum guest. The employees made sure that everyone was seated in the correct area. Once boarding began they went row by row. There was no jumping line in this port. The employees seemed well versed in the rules and how things should go.

 

Once on board we made our way to our rooms. Of course there was a sign saying rooms would be ready at 12:30 and to go to Lido first for lunch. It also said that Diamond/Platinum/FTTF rooms are ready. So we opened the door, went in and found our 2 rooms on deck 6 (connecting balcony rooms). We meet our room stewart and asked if the balcony divider could be open and he said he would take care of it and he did.

 

We then went to lido and grabbed lunch and let DD (4) play in the water works area. She got the entire area to herself for about an hour. She was so excited when other kids started arriving to play. Our DS (16) went to explore the ship. Not much to explore since it is very similar to the Elation.

 

We went back to our room to check on luggage and get ready for muster drill. 3 of 4 suitcases were there the other was MIA.

 

Muster drill went quick. Unlike our last cruise on NCL they did not take roll call or room numbers. We then headed to the upper deck for sail away. I missed going under the bridge because I needed to attend the Camp Carnival Meeting.

 

We had early dining and enjoyed meeting our table mates. One of the couples was from our home town, and the other from a nearby town. We all go along great and our kids also got along. Carnival did a great job with matching us up.

 

I was disappointed with the Chocolate Melting Cake. It was all melting and no cake. It was much more runny than I remember.

 

We did not do any shows on night one because we were tired and traveling with a 4 year old that gets grouchy after bed time is not fun. We retired to our cabin around 9:00 put DD to bed and enjoyed our balcony and a bottle of wine.

 

Day one was great.... with the exception of a lost suitcase not showing up until around 10:00 pm, but it was really not an issue since we did not need anything out of it right away.

 

Then things got bad. Our across the hall neighbors had about 5 rooms and decided it is acceptable to sit in the halls and talk loudly and scream for hours. They seemed to like to use profanity as often as possible. After repeated request from many people on the hall to quiet down, and after suggestions that they move to a public area so others could sleep they finally got the point around 4:00 am when they were told to go to bed by the adult they were traveling with.

 

We were told the next day to immediately call security if they started it up again. Apparently there were several complaints called in about these people between the hours of 12 and 4. Several of our other neighbors were also told to report any loud disruptive behavior.

[Cruizinman]

We are just home from a week on the Fascination. Over the next few days I will post our review and experience.

 

We arrived in Jacksonville on Sunday and stayed at the Embassy Suites, about 13 miles from port. Rooms were great, breakfast was wonderful.

 

We arrived at port around 10:30. We were directed to parking lot 3 to join a line of cars that would be permitted into the parking lot when the port was clear of the previous cruisers. We were allowed to park around 10:45. This port was a little different from others we have cruised out of, because you did not drop your luggage and then park. You parked and started to unload and porters would come and offer assistance. It seems to work for them. We were early and among the first to arrive in port so we had no issues getting help.

 

We had FTTF, which worked great for check in. Doors were well marked and we were directed to the line. We did not wait for service as there was no line. Once checked in we were directed to sit in row 3--- row 1 and 2 was reserved for Diamond and Platinum guest. The employees made sure that everyone was seated in the correct area. Once boarding began they went row by row. There was no jumping line in this port. The employees seemed well versed in the rules and how things should go.

 

Once on board we made our way to our rooms. Of course there was a sign saying rooms would be ready at 12:30 and to go to Lido first for lunch. It also said that Diamond/Platinum/FTTF rooms are ready. So we opened the door, went in and found our 2 rooms on deck 6 (connecting balcony rooms). We meet our room stewart and asked if the balcony divider could be open and he said he would take care of it and he did.

 

We then went to lido and grabbed lunch and let DD (4) play in the water works area. She got the entire area to herself for about an hour. She was so excited when other kids started arriving to play. Our DS (16) went to explore the ship. Not much to explore since it is very similar to the Elation.

 

We went back to our room to check on luggage and get ready for muster drill. 3 of 4 suitcases were there the other was MIA.

 

Muster drill went quick. Unlike our last cruise on NCL they did not take roll call or room numbers. We then headed to the upper deck for sail away. I missed going under the bridge because I needed to attend the Camp Carnival Meeting.

 

We had early dining and enjoyed meeting our table mates. One of the couples was from our home town, and the other from a nearby town. We all go along great and our kids also got along. Carnival did a great job with matching us up.

 

I was disappointed with the Chocolate Melting Cake. It was all melting and no cake. It was much more runny than I remember.

 

We did not do any shows on night one because we were tired and traveling with a 4 year old that gets grouchy after bed time is not fun. We retired to our cabin around 9:00 put DD to bed and enjoyed our balcony and a bottle of wine.

 

Day one was great.... with the exception of a lost suitcase not showing up until around 10:00 pm, but it was really not an issue since we did not need anything out of it right away.

 

Then things got bad. Our across the hall neighbors had about 5 rooms and decided it is acceptable to sit in the halls and talk loudly and scream for hours. They seemed to like to use profanity as often as possible. After repeated request from many people on the hall to quiet down, and after suggestions that they move to a public area so others could sleep they finally got the point around 4:00 am when they were told to go to bed by the adult they were traveling with.

 

We were told the next day to immediately call security if they started it up again. Apparently there were several complaints called in about these people between the hours of 12 and 4. Several of our other neighbors were also told to report any loud disruptive behavior.

OP, I can relate, Late night blood spattered fights outside our door, plates turned into Frisbees ,calling security was entirely a joke.:rolleyes:

[saltybones]

Looking forward to more!

 

Bummer to have neer do wells, causing problems. That is so uncalled for.

 

 

Sent from my VS950 4G using Tapatalk 2

[JP4GA]

We are early risers, so we were up and about by 6 and on our balcony enjoying the ocean view. We got ready for breakfast and enjoyed a relaxed one in the Sensation Dining Room. So much better than the buffet.

 

DD (4) was begging to go to kids club but they did not open until 10:00. So we went up on deck and played a game and waited for Water Works to open at 9:00. DD wanted to try the bigger slides but was disappointed to find out that she was about an inch too short so she could not ride. The attendant even made her take off her swim shoes to take the height measurement. Even with the swim shoes on she would have been too short. So we went back to the mini-works and she still managed to have fun. Our son enjoyed the twister slide.

 

At 10:00 we took DD to CC. She loved it. When we arrived to pick her up for lunch she did not want to leave. We told her that she could go back later in the day. So we went to lunch and then she took a nap. If she does not get a daily nap she is a grouchy bear. I hope that by our next cruise she will have outgrown the need for a nap.

 

After nap we went back up to waterworks and played for until dinner time. Dinner in the MD was not fun for DD, so we decided to let her eat with CC and then go to the night time activities. She was super excited that she would be able to eat with the other kids in CC.

 

After dinner we enjoyed the family comedy show with our son. I love it that a comic can ask a person two questions and then make some jokes about what ever they say. If you don't want to be the subject of jokes, don't sit near the front. Our son was the subject of a few jokes--- 16 club O2 is a joke and too young for bar scene-- that type of thing.

 

We then went to the fun shops to see what they had that we might want on sale day. DS then headed to Club O2 and we went to the piano bar for a drink. It was nice and relaxing. DH now has the task of learning to make a Chocolate Getaway.

 

We went and picked up DD around 9:45-- paid care starts at 10:00 it is $6.75 an hour +15% tip. We would have paid that but our DD is a grouch when she is tired and it would not be fair to the other kids, parents, and employees to have to deal with her.

 

More wine and relaxing on the balcony.

 

Not a peep was heard from the rooms across the hall. I did hear them coming in around 3:00 am, but the noise was common door opening and light talking which could not be heard once they got into their rooms. We all got a much better night of sleep.

[mikenhe]

We are early risers, so we were up and about by 6 and on our balcony enjoying the ocean view. .

 

 

I think that 6am would have been a very reasonable time to sit in the hallway talking , shouting and being really loud.... :D

[JP4GA]

I think that 6am would have been a very reasonable time to sit in the hallway talking , shouting and being really loud.... :D

 

I really thought about it..... I also thought about not reminding DD to be quiet while leaving our room so early in the morning. She can be loud after a long night of sleep.

[Keith1010]

Thanks for taking the time to write this review.

 

Keith

[JP4GA]

Just a quickie about our balcony neighbors. Those on the right were an older couple that hardly ever used the balcony. They were mostly out only when going into port.

 

The couple on the left were 1st time cruisers and were hysterical. The 1st night the guy scared me when he came out on his deck and was so excited to see all the water. I was sipping my wine and looking at the sky and his deep voice made me jump. His wife refused to come out on the balcony because it was dark and she did not want to fall off.

 

We loved having our balcony divider between our two rooms opened. In the past we had not done that. It made for a much more comfortable area and did not feel as "boxed in." I hope we can do that on the Dream next summer. The carnival booking agent said the rooms we booked can do that.

[jbhcw]

Just a quickie about our balcony neighbors. Those on the right were an older couple that hardly ever used the balcony. They were mostly out only when going into port.

 

The couple on the left were 1st time cruisers and were hysterical. The 1st night the guy scared me when he came out on his deck and was so excited to see all the water. I was sipping my wine and looking at the sky and his deep voice made me jump. His wife refused to come out on the balcony because it was dark and she did not want to fall off.

 

We loved having our balcony divider between our two rooms opened. In the past we had not done that. It made for a much more comfortable area and did not feel as "boxed in." I hope we can do that on the Dream next summer. The carnival booking agent said the rooms we booked can do that.

 

We were on the dream in november...deck 7 I think and had our dividers opened:)

[cookiejarvis]

We are booked on Fascination for New Years Eve cruise. Imtrying to read as much about the ship as possible. How did the FTTF aid you other than at embarkation? Did you realize any benefit at the ports? We are early risers too. How were the chair hogs? How was the food? Great Review.

[Express Man]

Great review so far.. We were on in Easter had a blast going back in July to try LSC..Last cruise we did HMC. We also stay at Embassy Suites place is really nice and breakfast is great there.

[CruiseHealing]

Then things got bad. Our across the hall neighbors had about 5 rooms and decided it is acceptable to sit in the halls and talk loudly and scream for hours. They seemed to like to use profanity as often as possible. After repeated request from many people on the hall to quiet down, and after suggestions that they move to a public area so others could sleep they finally got the point around 4:00 am when they were told to go to bed by the adult they were traveling with.

 

I love calling the room of these types of people around 6 or 7 am and asking them how they were enjoying the cruise. I then wait another 30 minutes and ask them when they are going to breakfast. I just want them to enjoy a lousy night sleep, like they shared with me.

[JP4GA]

We are booked on Fascination for New Years Eve cruise. Imtrying to read as much about the ship as possible. How did the FTTF aid you other than at embarkation? Did you realize any benefit at the ports? We are early risers too. How were the chair hogs? How was the food? Great Review.

 

Unfortunately we were unable to make our tender port... so in port FTTF did nothing to help us. We were in the lines with everyone else to leave at the ship. However, at the end of the cruise we were given #1 and got off the ship after the self-debarkation. I think FTTF would have been well worth the money if our tender port was not canceled.

 

We spent most of our time at the Water Works area and were almost always able to get a chair in the front row. They did have signs up saying belongings would be moved after 45 minutes but we did not notice unattended items being left for long periods of time. There seemed to be plenty of loungers for everyone with the exception of the Serenity area.

 

Food was good most days, and only great on a couple of days. The crab cake on the last night was AWESOME. Chocolate Orange cake was also really good. Smoked salmon bagel was my morning breakfast. Missing it today.

 

I found the pizza to be okay, nothing great. The salad bar was almost always out of ranch dressing, and the blue cheese dressing was nothing to write home about.

[JP4GA]

Great review so far.. We were on in Easter had a blast going back in July to try LSC..Last cruise we did HMC. We also stay at Embassy Suites place is really nice and breakfast is great there.

 

 

We were so disappointed that LSC was cancelled due to weather. We had a cabana booked and were really looking forward to snorkeling and relaxing in the sun.

[JP4GA]

We docked in Nassau and woke to rain. YUCK. We had breakfast in the MDR- the smoked salmon bagel is so GOOD. I miss it now that I am home.

 

We got in line to disembark around 8:45 and made it off the ship around 9:15. We had purchased tickets to Atlantis through the cruise line, so we found our meeting place. While we were waiting they offered to down grade our tickets to only the tour and The Dig. We decided to keep the water park because it was was not pouring and we figured that maybe the lines would not be so long for the slides. We were given colored bracelets to wear that let the staff know our access levels.

 

The shuttle ride to Atlantis was only about 10 minutes not too bad. The driver gave a brief history of the area and pointed out a few land marks. We were dropped off in front of the casino and given a map.

 

The rain cleared and we were able to do most of the slides with little to no waiting. We also did the lazy river. Then the bottom fell out and the rain started. We headed to The Dig and toured around. My DD loved that. She could have spent hours just looking at the fish and sting rays.

 

We found a location for lunch. Our tickets included a free lunch. It was okay, just fast food. We made our way over to the kids area to let DD play while we sunned. Our son (16) went to ride some more of the slides. A couple of times during the day they pulled everyone out of the water. They have a rule that if lighting is 5 miles or closer everyone has to come out of the water.

 

The grounds of Atlantis are very pretty. Well maintained. There were lots of staff roaming around that could answer questions, however, most of them were unable to give basic directions to different sites within the park. The map was a little confusing.

 

*** Good to know for parents*** They do have life jackets for your use for free. They have several sizes available. These are the industrial kind and a little hard shelled but will do the trick if you don't want to pack your own. We brought our own for our daughter and used it because we did not know this was provided at the park. Could have saved some packing space.

 

***Towels*** are provided. No need to pack your own. The ship will tell you NOT to take theirs off ship to go to Atlantis because they are not needed. They are right. We were able to exchange towels as often as we wanted to, which was a lot because of the rain.

 

We headed back to the ship around 3:00, put DD down for her nap and started getting cleaned up for our 6:00 dinner. Dinner was pretty good. I had a clam, shrimp and scallion pasta. It was very good. Also had the spring rolls, and was not impressed.

 

After dinner we went to a show- Divas. It was pretty good.

 

Over all we had a great day, it would have been perfect had the rain stayed away.

 

Shortly after dinner it was announced that we would not be able to make Little Stirrup Cay. We instead would go to Freeport. We were informed we would have a credit for our shore excursions we had purchased. Within an hour of the announcement they had delivered shore excursion sheets to every room so people could make decisions about what to do in Freeport. We were so looking forward to LSC. But Carnival can not control the weather.

[cookiejarvis]

Unfortunately we were unable to make our tender port... so in port FTTF did nothing to help us. We were in the lines with everyone else to leave at the ship. However, at the end of the cruise we were given #1 and got off the ship after the self-debarkation. I think FTTF would have been well worth the money if our tender port was not canceled.

 

We spent most of our time at the Water Works area and were almost always able to get a chair in the front row. They did have signs up saying belongings would be moved after 45 minutes but we did not notice unattended items being left for long periods of time. There seemed to be plenty of loungers for everyone with the exception of the Serenity area.

 

Food was good most days, and only great on a couple of days. The crab cake on the last night was AWESOME. Chocolate Orange cake was also really good. Smoked salmon bagel was my morning breakfast. Missing it today.

 

I found the pizza to be okay, nothing great. The salad bar was almost always out of ranch dressing, and the blue cheese dressing was nothing to write home about.

 

 

Thanks so much for your answers. Enjoying the review:)

[kml2000]

Enjoying your review. We sailed the first part of May.

 

When we got to,port, right around 10:30 also, we drove up and dropped our luggage. After that we drove around to the lot and parked, something must have changed. The porter did get our luggage and take it to the lot when we got back. It is a very short walk to the parking lot.

[cruiseclues]

Thank you for all your review details. :):):):)

[LadyinRedkp]

It's always great to read other reviews from people who were on the same cruise. Neat to see the different view points.

 

We had the FTTF and we thought it was well worth it...

 

1. It was great not to have to take our carry-on luggage and two cases of water with us everywhere. We went straight to our cabin and dropped it off.

 

2. I used the customer service line a few times. The time it really helped was the last night. There was a long line but no one in the FTTF line.

 

3. Debarkation was very easy although we had to wait a while before Customs allowed anyone to leave the ship. As soon as we were allowed it took us almost 10 minutes to get to the parking lot. WELL worth it.

 

We would purchase it again.

[JP4GA]

It's always great to read other reviews from people who were on the same cruise. Neat to see the different view points.

 

We had the FTTF and we thought it was well worth it...

 

1. It was great not to have to take our carry-on luggage and two cases of water with us everywhere. We went straight to our cabin and dropped it off.

 

2. I used the customer service line a few times. The time it really helped was the last night. There was a long line but no one in the FTTF line.

 

3. Debarkation was very easy although we had to wait a while before Customs allowed anyone to leave the ship. As soon as we were allowed it took us almost 10 minutes to get to the parking lot. WELL worth it.

 

We would purchase it again.

 

I must agree that debarkation was very easy with faster to the fun. It did seem to take a while before we were called, but at least we were in the front of the line when they did start the process.

 

We are planning to purchase the program again for our next cruise on the Dream in 2014. Hoping to cruise again before then if we can find something at the right time and the right price.

[JP4GA]

Enjoying your review. We sailed the first part of May.

 

When we got to,port, right around 10:30 also, we drove up and dropped our luggage. After that we drove around to the lot and parked, something must have changed. The porter did get our luggage and take it to the lot when we got back. It is a very short walk to the parking lot.

 

They told us the port was closed and we had to go to lot 3 to wait. However, when we were walking in later we saw people dropping off luggage at the doors. Guess we were a little too early to take advantage of the drop off option. It all worked out.

[JP4GA]

So Freeport was not on our original plan, but we were determined to make it work. We went to the shore excursion desk only to find that many of the snorkeling tours were canceled due to wind and choppy waters. They had a few options but none that were of interest to us.

 

We had been to Freeport before so we made a few calls to some tour providers we had used and they too were not offering snorkeling early in the day, but might be later in the day. Later in the day would not work since we were only in port a short time.

 

We caught a cab and went to a nearby beach, and ran into some of our table mates. It was a windy day, not much rain but some on and off. The waters were a little rough but a good time was had.

 

We went shopping at the port straw market and the vendors were not in the mood to bargain. Usually, you can express interest in an item put it down and start to walk away and they will reduce the price for you. I tried to bargain with a few of them, but they were not in the mood that day. We did pick up a few items for the kids but not much.

 

Back on ship DD begged to go to kids club so we took her. She had a blast and really enjoyed her time in the club. She is a social butterfly and loves to play with other kids. DS spent his time with a few boys he met on ship. They spent time playing cards, going down the slides, and playing xbox in the O2 club.

 

Nothing on the dinner menu was of interest to me so I ordered the fried chicken off of the "every night menu." It was actually pretty good. Not greasy like fried chicken can be at times. I had the cappuccino pie for dessert and it was really good.

 

A lot of people on board that we ran into acted like the day was ruined. Sure it was not the day we planned but all you can do is make the best out of the situation.

 

We hit up guest services to ensure that our Cabana rental had been refunded, then we proceeded to the picture gallery to see if we wanted to purchase any of the photos and purchase we did.

[JP4GA]

Parents beware.... The ship has an excellent photographer that will show up to Camp Carnival and they will take wonderful pictures of your child. As you are walking the the photo gallery you will spot these photos and want to buy ALL of them. We found 4 wonderful black and white 8X10's of our DD.

 

They were running a deal and the CC photos were a little less than the regular ship photos and came with 4 free wallets.

[LadyinRedkp]

 

A lot of people on board that we ran into acted like the day was ruined. Sure it was not the day we planned but all you can do is make the best out of the situation.

.

 

That really is amazing!!!!!! WTG on making the best of it!

 

Parents beware.... The ship has an excellent photographer that will show up to Camp Carnival and they will take wonderful pictures of your child. As you are walking the the photo gallery you will spot these photos and want to buy ALL of them. We found 4 wonderful black and white 8X10's of our DD.

 

They were running a deal and the CC photos were a little less than the regular ship photos and came with 4 free wallets.

 

Did you get the Club O2 photo? We purchased one and have it scanned if you are interested private message me.

[JP4GA]

Did you get the Club O2 photo? We purchased one and have it scanned if you are interested private message me.

 

I did not see the Club 02 photo.... guess I missed that one. I would love a scanned copy of it, not sure how to private message. Will try to figure that out after my class today.