First Cruise: Fascination 12/14/15

[Star_Storm]

Hey all!

 

Going to be taking my first cruise with my girlfriend on 12/14 onboard the Fascination. Done some exhaustive research on rules, insider tips, planning, etc. Still working on the shore excursion planning, but I've come to the conclusion that booking through Carnival isn't as good as booking directly, if you plan properly.

 

If anyone has any advice on previous excursions/trips, I'm all ears to ideas and reviews. I'll spend some money, but I'm not a millionaire...

 

Also, if there are any others going on the December Fascination trip, it'd be awesome to make some new friends. Originally reserved early dining, but a friend of mine suggested the open dining option to meet other guests and so forth.

[pcvtmom]

Check out the Ports of Call section of the boards for lots of great ideas on excursions. Welcome to the world of cruising. Prepare to become addicted ;-)

[Vigorosity]

Hey all!

 

Going to be taking my first cruise with my girlfriend on 12/14 onboard the Fascination. Done some exhaustive research on rules, insider tips, planning, etc. Still working on the shore excursion planning, but I've come to the conclusion that booking through Carnival isn't as good as booking directly, if you plan properly.

 

If anyone has any advice on previous excursions/trips, I'm all ears to ideas and reviews. I'll spend some money, but I'm not a millionaire...

 

Also, if there are any others going on the December Fascination trip, it'd be awesome to make some new friends. Originally reserved early dining, but a friend of mine suggested the open dining option to meet other guests and so forth.

 

The fascination was my first cruise and I'm going again in January! I loved every single minute of it and I'm sure you will, too.

 

Honestly, on my last cruise I had anytime dining and my friend and I were sat by ourselves every single night. I met more people with a set dining time and could talk to them every night. I prefered that much more. (That's solely opinion though!)

 

Make sure you leave some room for the waterslide, for sure. And order as much as you want at dinner! But be careful with drinks, as they tend to be $8-10 each (expensive compared to my city). And go with an easy attitude, most people are there to have fun and relax.

 

Also, the serenity hot tubs are my favorite place on the boat and the comedians are typically hilarious.

[SkyMaster]

Hey all!

 

 

 

Also, if there are any others going on the December Fascination trip, it'd be awesome to make some new friends. Originally reserved early dining, but a friend of mine suggested the open dining option to meet other guests and so forth.

 

 

IMO, it's NOT a mistake to book early, or late dining, as I've found that they usually seat SOLO/SINGLE cruisers at a BIG table together, so you can meet each other. If you've already changed, no problem, but if not, also NO PROBLEM. You can also go to the Maitre'd on embarkation day, to check/change your dining preference. Just check with the Guest Services desk, or the "Fun Times" to see when, and where he'll be available. I know you'll have a GREAT time.

 

"SKY"

[Georgiagolfer]

DW and I have sailed on Fascination 5 times. Each was great and different. To meet people who will be sailing with you, go to the roll call boards, then look for Fascination and the date.

 

Welcome to cruising, and hope you enjoy as much as we do.

[suzycruiser2]

We have cruised on the Fascination with the last time about 6 months ago. The Fascination is an older ship, but is is well maintained and easy to get around on.

 

If Roger is still in the Piano Bar, be sure to go see his show. He is AWESOME! (We tried to see at least a part of his show every night.) The comedians are usually really good also. Since this will be your first cruise, go watch some of the shows. Be ready to be offered drinks at every venue, but don't feel bad about saying "no thank you" when you don't want to buy one.

[kiefer1130]

I am just off the Fascination Monday! Had a blast!

 

Just a word of caution, if you book an excursion with anyone other than Carnival and you are late getting back to the ship, THE SHIP WILL NOT WAIT FOR YOU!! (things happen like flat tires and traffic jams) so please be careful.

 

I have witness people running on the dock trying to catch the gangway but all we could do was wave as we pulled away! Rumor had it that our ship left 2 passengers in Nassau after they didnt return from an excursion that they didnt book through Carnival!

 

You will have a blast and yes, cruising is addicting :)

[CoastieBMC]

I agree about the booking through carnival. I know it costs more but it is a good insurance policy. I was on one cruise and the dive boat broke down and the divers were late getting back to the ship but we waited and all was good. Song only book carnival excursions that entail other modes of transportation!

[Cruisegirl6]

Hello I be on her AGAIN just in 16 days, she is only 35 minutes from our home so she is our little getaway cruise we love her.

 

Since its your first cruise, she is perfect, she is small and quaint compared to the other newer and larger ships, she does not have a steakhouse which we miss but she is quaint and relaxing for sure. You will find the staff to be very friendly especially the bartenders who do enjoy speaking to the passengers, it makes our cruise special. Cabin steward is a hit or miss, but if you want something done just mention it to them and they be happy to oblige, the MDR could also be a hit or miss but again, if there is something you want, a question you have or whatever it is, feel free to mention it to them....all cruise lines have cut back in its help these people work very long hours each day and work hard.

 

Food....the best thing about food on this ship and its a must do is brunch on sea days don't miss it! The buffet breakfast is your typical....you find pretty much a good assortment, lunch well the smaller and older ships do not give you the variety/seleciton as the newer larger ships but you don't starve. Late night snack is extremely limited with just pizza, the grill may be open until 11pm, what I do, I will bring zip lock baggies and at the buffet I place cheese, cookies and such for late night snack and place it in the mini refrigerator in the room for when I want a snack...you can also go to the deli and get a sandwich to bring back. The MDR dinner is ok, its the typical banquet style quality food...I am very glad to hear that we can upgrade our steak or get a lobster for an additional $20...much better steak and they no longer serve lobster on shorter cruises so you have the opportunity getting one if you like for a fee. Formal night...wear what YOU want to wear, you do not have to dress up this ship is a more casual relaxing cruise....you find everybody wearing everything. We haven't "dressed up" in years, but are presentable of course.

 

Beach/Pool towels the cabin steward should leave one for each of you in your rooms, please make sure you bring them back or they charge you for them...you can also get towels at the pool area.

 

The casino is fun and our favorite out of all other cruise ships and cruise lines.

 

There will be a live band playing outside the casino bar area which is located on the promenade....they have trivia too, bingo at times. Carnival is not known for its shows but you may want to go to one or so.....the love and marriage game is always funny.

 

As far as shore excursions...well lets say this next cruise is my 60th (I am 52) and honestly we never book a shore excursion with Carnival, we don't like to be told what time to leave and just like to have our own schedule and take our time. We also avoid the crowds getting off the ship by going into port an hour later after she docks. My daughter likes to kayak, canoe, hiking and such, if your into that where you will be in a distance from the ship, its best to go with the ships shore excursions if you do, the ship can't leave without you, they wait till you get back should you be late for any reason with their excursion. What do you like to do? I can offer suggestions if I knew whether you are into the beach, water sports, etc? Half Moon Cay is a beautiful private island....not much to see and do but if your into the beach or water sports, kayaking and such this is the place to do it. They also have complimentary chaise lounges and chairs there and a bar....if you get the Cheers package, drinks are included there.

 

Cheers Program- Now Carnival has a maximum alcoholic limit of 15 drinks, they the only cruise line to have a limit...but honestly, I haven't drank 15 drinks yet....have gotten to 13 many times and perhaps two days out of my last 7 carnival cruises to 14 lol....but if you think you going to drink 6 drinks or more it is worth getting this. If your a beer drinker, beer is less costly and a beer drinker sure can pass 15 drinks easily then I would say don't get the Cheers program, but both of you have to purchase it together. The Cheers program also includes soda.

 

Tip- If you like to have cocktail during dinner, its best to bring one with you because the bar service in the MDR is horrible, you will be asked once but if you want another we find all our Carnival cruises difficult in getting the drink server over to get another, again, they have so many people to assist.

 

You will have a wonderful time, its too bad that we aren't on the same cruise, we enjoy making friends and talking to people, I may be 52, but with all honesty, people think I look 39 and I do go out friday and saturday nights lol...just like you young ones do. LOL

 

If you have any questions feel free to ask, again, let me know what you guys are into as far as shore excursions. There isn't much to see in Nassau so I don't suggest hiring your own private cab/tour guide.