Fascination questions.

[de8212]

No plans set in stone yet but I wanted to go ahead and get some general info if possible.

 

Looks like the only cruise that meets our needs (due to work schedules) is the Fascination out of Jacksonville. It would have to be the 4 day one to Freeport/Nassau. I wished the 4 day one would skip Freeport and go to HMC instead. But I digress.

 

Still don't know for sure what dates but probably Oct. or Nov. with a small possibility for early Dec.

 

So, regarding the fascination, is there a preferred Deck? Front/Back of ship? May end up with an inside cabin due to price.

 

Freeport - What do you recommend doing there? I have been once (about 13 yrs ago). I think I went snorkeling. Any "must see" attractions or "must do" excursions?

 

Same question for Nassau. When I went before, i think they might have been building Atlantis but I don't think it was complete. And all I can remember doing was going to a club at night. So, besides that, what things to you do that you liked/disliked?

 

I'll probably think of more questions but any other general info is appreciated.

[creeblee]

I'm on the Fascination in 2 days!! I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have when I get back.

[magic&buddy]

We were on the Fascination a few years ago. We were in E65 on the Empress Deck. Of all our cruises it was my favorite location on a ship. it was the level we boarded on, was close to the elevators and close to the lobby bar! Lovely to have a stop at the bar before turning in for the night.

[GAMOM4]

We are leaving on the Fascination on Saturday! Two more days - I will try and find out the answers for you also.

[lillian marie]

It's a great ship. In Freeport there are not a lot of great shopping opportunities but a nice beach and there's a casino. CCL offers several water related excursions. Look up on the CCL site the tours offered and you'll get a good idea of what is available. We're doing the 5 day on this ship again in Jan. and the 4 day in March.

[Mom2Evie]

We toured the Garden of the Groves in Nassau this past April and just loved it. Our tour guide was fantastic & we got a rich history lesson about Freeport & The Bahamas both during the tour & the bus ride over. The bus took us to the Port Lucaya straw market before we headed back to the ship. It was really a great day.

We're cruising on the Fascination out of Jacksonville this coming April but we dont' stop in Freeport. We go to Half Moon Cay instead. Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

[bguppies]

No plans set in stone yet but I wanted to go ahead and get some general info if possible.

 

Looks like the only cruise that meets our needs (due to work schedules) is the Fascination out of Jacksonville. It would have to be the 4 day one to Freeport/Nassau. I wished the 4 day one would skip Freeport and go to HMC instead. But I digress.

 

Still don't know for sure what dates but probably Oct. or Nov. with a small possibility for early Dec.

 

So, regarding the fascination, is there a preferred Deck? Front/Back of ship? May end up with an inside cabin due to price.

 

Freeport - What do you recommend doing there? I have been once (about 13 yrs ago). I think I went snorkeling. Any "must see" attractions or "must do" excursions?

 

Same question for Nassau. When I went before, i think they might have been building Atlantis but I don't think it was complete. And all I can remember doing was going to a club at night. So, besides that, what things to you do that you liked/disliked?

 

I'll probably think of more questions but any other general info is appreciated.

 

 

Decks...

We always try for an inside on the Empress...

Right in the middle of everything.

Up a couple of decks to Lido.

Down a couple of decks to bars and dining rooms and theater.

 

Freeport....

The area where you dock is very industrial and not very pretty.

Take a 15-20 minute cab ride to Our Lucaya resort and enjoy the beautiful beach there. (or get a daypass at the hotel there if you want the pool too)

Straw Market type shopping right across the street from the beach.

 

Nassau....

Been there 6 times and will be back there on the Fascination in less than a month and again on the Fascination in November....

Tons of great things to do...

Blue Lagoon Dolphin, Sea Lion or Beach day excursions are great.

 

Ardastra Garden and Zoo was alot of fun for a small, but up close to the animals, zoo.

 

Did a daypass at the British Colonial Hilton twice and loved the gorgeous grounds, pool and small beach, yet the 15 minute walk back to the ship when you are ready.

 

Did a walking tour twice there...

It only goes a few blocks inland, then over and winds up back at the BCH right at the pier. (takes about 2 hours)

Fort Fincastle and the Queen's Staircase below it are not to be missed.

 

The only things we have done and NOT enjoyed in Nassau was Atlantis (too expensive, fake and Vegasy. I can do that at home) and the shopping area on Bay Street. (always overcrowded with lazy cruisers who never walk more than a block inland, then bitch that Nassau sucks, when that was all they saw.)

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Bill

[gatour]

For Freeport head to the beach at the hotels or take kayak tour. Otherwise stay aboard the ship.

[KroozFoolz]

Still don't know for sure what dates but probably Oct. or Nov. with a small possibility for early Dec.

 

So, regarding the fascination, is there a preferred Deck? Front/Back of ship? May end up with an inside cabin due to price.

 

 

 

Porthole cabin on Upper Deck - window at inside price.

[ImmortalxKiss]

I have been on the Fascination twice. Didn't care for the porthole window cabins. Too close to the front, too rough and loud. She's a great ship though!!

 

We did the Nassau city tour which was really cool.. definitely would reccomend :D

[cruz.n.carebear]

Went on the Fascination in July. We were in an OV on Riviera midship (near the elevators) and saved a lot of $$ being there. I was very nervous about being on Rivera, because I was afraid it would be loud (with both crew noise and partyers). Couldn't have been happier. We decided right then that if we are going to book OV or inside, it will always be on Riviera now. Why pay more?

 

You will enjoy the ship. The refurbishments are great. Never been to Freeport, but I've been to Nassau 3 times and enjoyed each time. I can highly recommend Blue Lagoon and Stuarts Cove as excursions. (Stuarts Cove snorkeling was awesome, but if you are in port for only a short time, it won't work). Breezes day pass was fun, but can't see myself going back there.

[herewego]

Take a 15-20 minute cab ride to Our Lucaya resort Any info on the price of the cab?

[bguppies]

Take a 15-20 minute cab ride to Our Lucaya resort Any info on the price of the cab?

 

I think it was $5 pp each way...

 

The return cabs were located at either end of the shopping area across the street from the beach.

 

Try checking the Bahamas boards in here for great info on Nassau and Freeport and the most up to date info and prices for each.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

 

Bill

[czechgal]

Decks...

We always try for an inside on the Empress...

Right in the middle of everything.

Up a couple of decks to Lido.

Down a couple of decks to bars and dining rooms and theater.

 

Freeport....

The area where you dock is very industrial and not very pretty.

Take a 15-20 minute cab ride to Our Lucaya resort and enjoy the beautiful beach there. (or get a daypass at the hotel there if you want the pool too)

Straw Market type shopping right across the street from the beach.

 

Nassau....

Been there 6 times and will be back there on the Fascination in less than a month and again on the Fascination in November....

Tons of great things to do...

Blue Lagoon Dolphin, Sea Lion or Beach day excursions are great.

 

Ardastra Garden and Zoo was alot of fun for a small, but up close to the animals, zoo.

 

Did a daypass at the British Colonial Hilton twice and loved the gorgeous grounds, pool and small beach, yet the 15 minute walk back to the ship when you are ready.

 

Did a walking tour twice there...

It only goes a few blocks inland, then over and winds up back at the BCH right at the pier. (takes about 2 hours)

Fort Fincastle and the Queen's Staircase below it are not to be missed.

 

The only things we have done and NOT enjoyed in Nassau was Atlantis (too expensive, fake and Vegasy. I can do that at home) and the shopping area on Bay Street. (always overcrowded with lazy cruisers who never walk more than a block inland, then bitch that Nassau sucks, when that was all they saw.)

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Bill

 

My family and my sister's family are going to Freeport and Nassau in December and were looking for suggestions. Your ideas are wonderful for us, we like to explore and not just hit the touristy areas!

 

Thanks again!

[Princess:)]

I love the Fascination. I sailed on her out of Miami and stayed on the Riveria deck and now out of Jacksonville and stayed on the Main deck. Both times were an OV. You will love the shows in the Palace. Ben is not that great of a singer but the dancers make up for it. I just got back Aug. 21 so any questions feel free to ask.