Our Fabulous Fascination cruise (with pics!!) 8/2/14

[AidenandCasensMommy]

To be continued…..

 

A couple of views of the Water Park Lagoon…..

 

 

 

To be continued…..

 

I am loving your review! We will be on the Fascination going to the same ports in 2 weeks. We've never been to HMC.

 

Are those blowup things part of an excursion? My boys would a LOVE that!

Edited August 30, 2014 by AidenandCasensMommy

[Jamman54]

I am loving your review! We will be on the Fascination going to the same ports in 2 weeks. We've never been to HMC.

 

Are those blowup things part of an excursion? My boys would a LOVE that!

You would have to book the Atlantis Aqua Adventure tour, which is pricy.

[Jamman54]

Patti decided that she needed to do a little shopping, so she left me to head to the shops. We agreed to meet back on the ship. I used the time to have a couple more of their signature drinks…..

 

 

Sadly, soon it was time to leave……

 

 

I am sure that we will be back again……

 

 

Once back on board, as I was heading down the hallway to our cabin, Patti and Ryan were coming towards me from the other direction. Ryan’s left knee was a bloody mess. Ryan said that he was talked into renting a moped, and while riding near Junkanoo beach, he was cut off, and fell off. Two Bahamian women who were in a passing car, saw him fall, and came to his aid, eventually bringing him back to the people that rented the moped to him. Once they recovered the moped, they said he was ok to go back to the ship, but they kept his security deposit. Once back on the ship, he tried to go to the medical center, but they were closed until 3pm, so he went back to the cabin to wait for us.

 

He had some pretty bad abrasions on his left knee and wrist, so when Patti got back to the cabin, she knew he needed to go to the medical center, which now was open. This way to the medical center, which is located on Deck 3 forward….

 

 

The medical center…..

 

 

Medical center charges……

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

Ryan received very good care for his injuries. His examination showed no broken bones, or other serious injuries. They cleaned and bandaged the abrasions, and gave him some antibiotics to prevent infection. He wound up having three follow up visits to check and redress his wounds. The cost of all of this was $225 dollars, which was very fair for the amount of treatment he was given IMHO.

 

Ryan was very upset with himself over the whole incident. He felt bad that he had been talked into the rental, even though there were warnings all over the ship and in the Fun Times, NOT to rent scooters or mopeds. He was madder over the money he wasted. Seeing that he had truly learned a valuable lesson, we gave him back the money he had spent.

 

This could have turned out much worse. Just the thought of what could have happened, makes us shudder. Thankfully, Kevin must have been watching over him! We are also grateful to the women who stopped to help him. Thank you, whoever you are!

 

Here’s Ryan all bandaged up…..

 

 

Shortly after he got back from the medical center we sailed from Nassau…..

 

 

 

A view of the Straw Market…..

 

 

Leaving the Disney Dream behind…..

 

 

The Nassau pilot boat about to pick up the pilot…..

 

 

To be continued…..

[wrigley80]

Wow!!! That's a scary story with Ryan. So fortunate and relieved that he was OK. That could have been very bad. God Bless those women who came to his aid during a time of need.

 

The only port of call where we even consider renting a scooter is Key West (we always rent an electric car to get around).

 

Happy to hear that everything turned out ok

[Jamman54]

After sail away, I went to the casino to play a little blackjack before dinner, winning a little bit, so now I’m up a little for the cruise.

 

Dinner tonight was very good with outstanding service once again. I had the fried shrimp…..

 

 

Spring rolls…..

 

 

Jerked pork…..

 

 

I also had the flat iron steak…..

 

 

Patti had the fried shrimp, salad, and salmon, while Ryan enjoyed the fried shrimp and fries. We all had the apple pie a la mode for dessert…..

 

 

The waiters danced to Low, low, low tonight. Great fun!!

 

Afterwards, we went to the 10:30 adult comedy show, and James Sibley was very funny again.

 

After the show we were all tired, so we decided to call it a night and head back to the cabin. Here is tonight’s towel animal…..

 

 

Coming up: Our favorite port of call, Half Moon Cay!!

Edited August 31, 2014 by Jamman54

[Crusin Karen]

Oh, Jamman, you and Patti must have been beside yourselves. Thank goodness everything turned out okay, and I agree, those women were very thoughtful to stop and help Ryan. I also had "an incident" in Nassau in February on the Splendor going down the gangway. It was TOTALLY CCL's fault, tho I never "blamed them" but I was brought to the medical center immediately and seen by a very nice and competent dr. who looked like he should still be in high school! :eek:The whole episdoe was handled very professionally and I was very lucky also. Hope the rest of your trip goes without trouble!

[Jamman54]

Wow!!! That's a scary story with Ryan. So fortunate and relieved that he was OK. That could have been very bad. God Bless those women who came to his aid during a time of need.

 

The only port of call where we even consider renting a scooter is Key West (we always rent an electric car to get around).

 

Happy to hear that everything turned out ok

 

Thanks Brianna! I didn't know whether to hug him or kick him in the butt! Of course I chose to hug him. :)

[Jamman54]

Oh, Jamman, you and Patti must have been beside yourselves. Thank goodness everything turned out okay, and I agree, those women were very thoughtful to stop and help Ryan. I also had "an incident" in Nassau in February on the Splendor going down the gangway. It was TOTALLY CCL's fault, tho I never "blamed them" but I was brought to the medical center immediately and seen by a very nice and competent dr. who looked like he should still be in high school! :eek:The whole episdoe was handled very professionally and I was very lucky also. Hope the rest of your trip goes without trouble!

 

It wasn't that bad in the sense that when we first saw him back on the ship, we basically knew he was ok. Hearing the story of how it happened freaked us out a bit, because we knew this could have been much, much worse. He is a bright kid, and we know he learned a valuable lesson. Thankfully, there were no further incidents for the rest of our vacation, though Ryan had to miss a few activities, due to his injuries.

 

Sorry to hear about your incident on the Splendor. Hope it didn't hinder you any way for the rest of your cruise.

[cruisinpips]

Hey Jamman, great review and pics. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

I have a question about the Fascination. We were on the Breeze in April, and met a young solo musician and singer named David. Our cruise was his last on the Breeze, and he indicated after a few weeks off he would join the Fascination. Did you see him? Not sure what venue he would play in as we have never sailed Fascination. He sang a wide variety of songs, and we really liked him, would love to know how to find out what ship he is on now. Thanks again! :D:D

[Jamman54]

Hey Jamman, great review and pics. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

I have a question about the Fascination. We were on the Breeze in April, and met a young solo musician and singer named David. Our cruise was his last on the Breeze, and he indicated after a few weeks off he would join the Fascination. Did you see him? Not sure what venue he would play in as we have never sailed Fascination. He sang a wide variety of songs, and we really liked him, would love to know how to find out what ship he is on now. Thanks again! :D:D

 

There were singer /musicians named Jonathon, Gregg, and Rob, but no David.

[sjn911]

I agree about Chihuly glass..just love it..turned sister onto finding some in Seattle and she found a park..went to lots of exhibits up there and in Portland.

 

"I love the Chihuly glass, I think that would be the only reason to go over to the other side." (Paradise Island)...from friend Marshhawk

 

I think a back to back on Fascination would be affordable and is really growing on me.

 

For me would only be second visit there before Atlantis days..I love people who have a repeat loop and get an idea of just easily enjoying a place..You guys are so great..your photos just so realxing, informative and happy..LOL one nephew when young informed me of the whole Sr Frog thing..they have a great gimmick with the behinds on the chair and ceilings..LOL

 

Your Angel helped Keven and some earth angels stick with the good helping jobs...

 

You child is very responsible..you can tell..and still a kid..which is so good with all you all have been through...it is a delight to see you enjoying each other,,Sarah

Edited August 31, 2014 by sjn911

[Msbabynurse]

Can't wait for you to continue !!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Jamman54]

Can't wait for you to continue !!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Thanks for reading. I'm uploading the photos for the HMC segment now. Will be posting them tomorrow.

[Kfoot]

Really enjoying your review. I notice from your signature that you will be doing the Splendor repositioning cruise NY-SJ in October. We will be on the 2nd leg of the repositioning. SJ to Miami in November. Can't wait, as those are some great first time port for us.

[Jamman54]

Welcome to paradise!!!

 

 

We were up at 7am to a beautiful day. The sun was rising over Half Moon Cay as we approached the island…..

 

 

 

Here are our plans for today. If you remember from earlier in the review, that because we booked so late, and because we boarded the ship too late to make the waiting list, we didn’t have a cabana booked for today. This was the first time in many visits to HMC that we didn’t have one. My plan was to get on the first tender over to the island, and stake a claim under a shady tree.

 

Ryan would be staying on the ship. Because of his injuries, he is not allowed to go in the water, plus he was still feeling a little sore. He was disappointed because he had booked the Aqua trax, (jet ski), Adventure excursion, and was really looking forward to it. Patti will be taking Ryan back to the medical center for a follow up visit, put some bags of laundry together to be sent out for washing, then join me on the island.

 

The Fascination anchored off the island at 7:30am, and shortly thereafter, the first tender arrived to take supplies and crew ashore…..

 

 

The first passenger tender waiting for the crew tender to depart…..

 

 

At this point, I went upstairs to the Lido for a quick omelet breakfast. Afterwards, I grabbed our beach bag and towels, and because I am Platinum, went to Guest Services for Priority tendering. A small group of us were then led down to the tender loading area on Deck 3 forward, and boarded the first tender. After a short 10 minute ride, I was back on Half Moon Cay…..

 

 

To be continued…..

Edited September 1, 2014 by Jamman54

[Jamman54]

Can’t you tell that I’m VERY happy to be back……

 

 

Once you run the gauntlet of photographers, you enter the Pirates Cove courtyard. The information desk is there on the left…..

 

 

This is the Rumrunners bar, which comes into play at the end of the day…..

 

 

The water sports hut and locker rental…..

 

 

The Carnival Fascination, anchored off of HMC…..

 

 

The Oasis. You can rent it for $1,500, which includes open bar, personal cook, huge hot tub, etc for up to 15 or more people. Great if you have a small group…..

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

This is the beach in front of the water sports hut…..

 

 

Here is a view of the kid’s water park. The tide was very low at this time…..

 

 

The I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar. This used to be the most popular bar, until Captain Morgan’s Pirate Ship bar was built a few years ago…..

 

 

Looking down beach at cabanas 1 through 5. The cabanas cost $230 to rent and include soft drinks, water, fruit, snacks, floats, snorkel gear, mister, and shower for 4 people. You can pay for extra people, but since they really don’t check, well you can figure it out…..

 

 

The massage hut. Notice the clam shells in front that are available for rent…..

 

 

A view of cabana 5 and the Pirate Ship bar…..

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

One of the tenders picking up more passengers to bring to the island…..

 

 

Here is another view of the Fascination anchored off of HMC…..

 

 

I have picked our spot between Villa “C”, and cabana 6. In an hour, we would be completely in shade the rest of the day. Once I bought a bucket of beers and rented some floats, I was all set…..

 

 

Speaking of rentals, here is the latest list of on island rentals…..

 

 

Here is a view of Villa’s A, B, & C. It costs $500 to rent one, and can accommodate 8 to 20 people, with the same amenities as the cabanas, plus a hot tub and private bathroom…..

 

 

Looking back down the beach towards the entrance…..

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

Looking the opposite way, up the beach towards the highest numbered cabanas…..

 

 

Patti has arrived on the island…..

 

 

Patti enjoying the water at HMC…..

 

 

This is one of my favorite photos that Patti took. The Carnival Fascination, between Villa’s A & B…..

 

 

This is the back side of the Pirate Ship Bar…..

 

 

Around Noon, we started feeling hungry, and the smell of BBQ was in the air. Just follow your nose and the signs…..

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

This is a view of the Island BBQ…..

 

 

The Island BBQ menu…..

 

 

Selection of fruits and cookies…..

 

 

Good choice of salads and veggies…..

 

 

Cooking up the burgers…..

 

 

Burgers, hot dogs, island rice, & jerk chicken…..

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

The Bell Bar, which is near the Island BBQ…..

 

 

The Fascination and me…..

 

 

Island Map…..

 

 

This way back to the beach…..

 

 

That’s me floating around with the Fascination in the background…..

 

 

A beer, a float, I’m in heaven! Notice that I’m wearing a T-shirt to prevent sunburn. We spent a lot of time in the water…..

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

Much too soon, it was time to head back to the ship. As far as the tender process back to the ship, I can offer you some advice. If you are hell bent on getting back to the ship early, you will need to grab a tender two hours before the last scheduled tender. After that time, a line will begin to develop, getting longer and longer as time goes on. Here are a few views of the above mentioned lines. Nothing like standing out in the HOT sun…..

 

 

 

 

I stay on the island until the bitter end, and I have NEVER waited in a line for the tender. Remember how I told you that the Rumrunners Bar would come into play? About a half hour before the last tender, I plop myself down at the bar, and enjoy a “few” beers. This is how I “wait” for a tender…..

 

 

The bar will stay open until the crew is ready to leave. When they leave, we just join them and walk right on the last couple of tenders back to the ship. Once we were on, and heading back to the ship, Patti snapped a few pictures…..

 

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

Here are a few more pictures taken on the tender ride back to the ship. The back side of the Oasis…..

 

 

Just about the whole beach…..

 

 

Captain Morgan’s…..

 

 

The Fascination and me…..

 

 

Approaching the Carnival Fascination…..

 

 

 

To be continued……

[wrigley80]

Love the pics of Half Moon Cay....they look very familiar. Haha