Carnival Fascination v. RCL in general

[mixplix]

we just got off the Jewel - our second RCL in two years (Adventure in 2015). Already looking for vacation for spring break 2018, which would be leaving either Sat 3/31 or Sun 4/1.

 

I see a pretty inexpensive cruise on Carnival Fascination - i will explore the holy heck out of the relevant boards on that ship, Carnival in general, etc., but can someone familiar with both lines give me their general thoughts on Carnival v. RCL, and specifically Fascination v. Jewel or Adventure (I have no idea how big Fascination is to see if its a fair comparison).

 

age of passengers in general? more or less families? food quality? annoying extras?

 

thanks

mixplix

[Clarea]

Other Carnival vs threads:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2460900

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2401456

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2378431

[cruzinlisa]

I have not sailed on RCCL yet. However, Carnival Fascination is one of their older ships. It is definitely not something to base your opinions on. I believe it has upgraded water works areas so that may draw more families. The interior will probably be a little bright- think old vegas style.

 

Despite what you may hear, I believe the passenger demographics are going to be similar. You should see all age groups, probably a little more emphasis on the mid 20s-50 age range.

 

Food quality on carnival- generally good. Its cruise ship food. Not anything spectacular but not horrible either. I have been on Carnival, Celebrity and Disney so far and I thought Carnival was better than Disney for MDR and better than Celebrity for buffet. So middle of the road. Very few people lose weight on a Carnival cruise.

 

Annoying extras- your usual stuff like Tips, shopping, drinks, photos, upgraded dining selections. I do not believe there are any pay restaurants, but the MDR has extra cost selections which would have been featured in the steak house if there was one. I found the MDR selections sufficient. And Room service is included. ;) But they usually only have table clothes on elegant nights. The rest of the time they have uncovered tables- which they bought new for that purpose (but some people have a real issue with it).

[LMaxwell]

Fantasy-class ships are not even on my radar anymore. Too old, too outdated. I don't know if Fascination has "2.0 Upgrades" but it would be several steps down from the RCI ships you have been on.

[Cruisegirl6]

There is no comparison, you must choose RC....the fantasy class ships, although I do go on them but its my second or third cruise of the year, they are quaint, the Fascination doesn't offer the Steakhouse and doesn't have all the bells and whistles as the RC ships do....I also find the buffet on Carnival Fantasy class ships to be lets say not as good as the larger Carnival ships (to be nice here). The Adventure and Jewel all received the Oasis updates last year.

[Ocean Dancer]

This is a joke, right?

 

You must compare apples to apples. Cruised on Fascination in the early/mid '90's. We were much younger then and didn't know any better. :cool:

[mixplix]

thanks - no, not a joke, just getting some insight. I liked Adventure more than Jewel, but the Adventure that works for us is 2100 per room (need 2), whereas Fascination is 1387 (all before gratuities). That's a pretty big spread and both are port intensive cruises with only one sea day (adventure actually has two - not a big fan of sea days).

 

So, we are talking about 1600 difference, which is essentially our air fare to SJU. If the Fascination is really crappy, I appreciate knowing it from those that have been on it. Will continue to research.

 

thanks

mixplix

[mixplix]

I have not sailed on RCCL yet. However, Carnival Fascination is one of their older ships. It is definitely not something to base your opinions on. I believe it has upgraded water works areas so that may draw more families. The interior will probably be a little bright- think old vegas style.

 

Despite what you may hear, I believe the passenger demographics are going to be similar. You should see all age groups, probably a little more emphasis on the mid 20s-50 age range.

 

Food quality on carnival- generally good. Its cruise ship food. Not anything spectacular but not horrible either. I have been on Carnival, Celebrity and Disney so far and I thought Carnival was better than Disney for MDR and better than Celebrity for buffet. So middle of the road. Very few people lose weight on a Carnival cruise.

 

Annoying extras- your usual stuff like Tips, shopping, drinks, photos, upgraded dining selections. I do not believe there are any pay restaurants, but the MDR has extra cost selections which would have been featured in the steak house if there was one. I found the MDR selections sufficient. And Room service is included. ;) But they usually only have table clothes on elegant nights. The rest of the time they have uncovered tables- which they bought new for that purpose (but some people have a real issue with it).

 

 

I know people concerned about some really important things, but table cloths? that's a first for me..

[Cruisegirl6]

Ok before I answer your last question a few questions I need to ask you:

 

What are your ages, any children and what are their ages

What do you enjoy doing most on cruises, choose the first top 5 things

Do you go to specialty restaurants, if so, why

Is food important to you and what time do you generally go to sleep on cruises

Are you into any activities, what do you like to do in the day and at night

[mixplix]

What are your ages, any children and what are their ages - wife and I mid 40s, kids 13 and 15 for next cruise

What do you enjoy doing most on cruises, choose the first top 5 things - eating, drinking, gambling (except for RCl's crappy crap odds), meeting people, exploring beaches, etc.

Do you go to specialty restaurants, if so, why - no - WJ for breakfast and lunch if on ship (or snacks or pre-dinner dinner), MDR for dinner

Is food important to you and what time do you generally go to sleep on cruises - food very important - like lots of free options and want it available at different times - sleep after midnight

Are you into any activities, what do you like to do in the day and at night - need good fitness center or track, work out every day, wife likes Karaoke, i like bars and gambling, kids like doing something that doesnt involve us until midnight curfew, no shows for us, occassional trivia - if sea day, will find somewhere to read (we did the sushi making on Jewel, that was pretty fun), also kicked butt in the adult dodgeball

[sparks1093]

thanks - no, not a joke, just getting some insight. I liked Adventure more than Jewel, but the Adventure that works for us is 2100 per room (need 2), whereas Fascination is 1387 (all before gratuities). That's a pretty big spread and both are port intensive cruises with only one sea day (adventure actually has two - not a big fan of sea days).

 

So, we are talking about 1600 difference, which is essentially our air fare to SJU. If the Fascination is really crappy, I appreciate knowing it from those that have been on it. Will continue to research.

 

thanks

mixplix

 

I haven't sailed on RCI yet but we just did Fascination and my review is in my signature. For such a port intensive itinerary I couldn't justify to myself spending that much more to sail with RCI.

[Cruisegirl6]

Your teens will be bored on the Fascination for sure.

the Adventure teen area looks a lot larger than the Jewels

Johnny Rockets if they like that is on the Adventure

The Adventure has Cafe Promenade for late night snacks and open 24 hours

The Adventure has the large outdoor screen for movies not sure whether Jewel has one

 

Since food is very important (let me just say this, when I cruise a Carnival ship I know I am not going for the food, and the very reason why we dine at the Steakhouse for dinner each night)

 

RC shows are much better quality if you go to them and the ice show is available on the Adventure, not to be missed but since your not into shows (and we aren't either!) the kids may like to go, give them something more to do.

 

Fascination past 10:30-11:00 pm only offers pizza where the Adventure has the Cafe Promenade open 24 hours for a more assortment of late night snacks in addition to the pizzeria.

 

Windjammer has more variety and better quality of food than the Fascination, in fact we find the Fantasy class ships on Carnival to offer the worst lunch buffets, very limited and not good quality. (sorry for the folks who think its good, we all have the right to our opinions and food is important to me and Carnival does to deliver in the buffets at all to us)

 

RC has the self serve soda machines

 

Gambling- My other half always get the drinks on us card immediately upon boarding, they use a point system, and we get goodies from the casino each night, chocolate covered strawberries, box of nice cookies, wine, etc, but unsure if you qualify for these. Both RC and Carnival casino's similar

 

Karaoke. definitely on the Fascination not sure on RC cruises, I am unsure as I don't do karaoke, maybe somebody else can answer this better for you.

 

Fitness center probably more updated on RC and definitely larger than the Fascination, both have running track.

 

Bars....more on RC but because they are larger than the Fascination

 

Drink packages, Carnival has the maximum 15 drink where RC is unlimited

 

Carnival offers the live band at night, RC has the pub with an acoustic guartarist and Schooner Bar has music nightly and both have the disco at night for late night music with dj.

 

No outdoor adults only area on Fascination

 

No sports court on Fascination

[sparks1093]

Your teens will be bored on the Fascination for sure.

the Adventure teen area looks a lot larger than the Jewels

Johnny Rockets if they like that is on the Adventure

The Adventure has Cafe Promenade for late night snacks and open 24 hours

The Adventure has the large outdoor screen for movies not sure whether Jewel has one

 

Since food is very important (let me just say this, when I cruise a Carnival ship I know I am not going for the food, and the very reason why we dine at the Steakhouse for dinner each night)

 

RC shows are much better quality if you go to them and the ice show is available on the Adventure, not to be missed but since your not into shows (and we aren't either!) the kids may like to go, give them something more to do.

 

Fascination past 10:30-11:00 pm only offers pizza where the Adventure has the Cafe Promenade open 24 hours for a more assortment of late night snacks in addition to the pizzeria.

 

Windjammer has more variety and better quality of food than the Fascination, in fact we find the Fantasy class ships on Carnival to offer the worst lunch buffets, very limited and not good quality. (sorry for the folks who think its good, we all have the right to our opinions and food is important to me and Carnival does to deliver in the buffets at all to us)

 

RC has the self serve soda machines

 

Gambling- My other half always get the drinks on us card immediately upon boarding, they use a point system, and we get goodies from the casino each night, chocolate covered strawberries, box of nice cookies, wine, etc, but unsure if you qualify for these. Both RC and Carnival casino's similar

 

Karaoke. definitely on the Fascination not sure on RC cruises, I am unsure as I don't do karaoke, maybe somebody else can answer this better for you.

 

Fitness center probably more updated on RC and definitely larger than the Fascination, both have running track.

 

Bars....more on RC but because they are larger than the Fascination

 

Drink packages, Carnival has the maximum 15 drink where RC is unlimited

 

Carnival offers the live band at night, RC has the pub with an acoustic guartarist and Schooner Bar has music nightly and both have the disco at night for late night music with dj.

 

No outdoor adults only area on Fascination

 

No sports court on Fascination

 

There is karaoke. The drink package includes specialty coffees, milkshakes, and bottled water. And they do have an adults only Serenity area with two hot tubs aft on the Promenade deck.

[Cruisegirl6]

Yes, RC drink package also includes the coffee, bottled water and fresh OJ!!

[lusyrsgirl]

Just got off the Fascination a couple of weeks ago. My teen loved it- made a lot of friends. The food was pretty good- we ate in the MDR nearly every night. Loved the itinerary. The crew was fantastic. The ship itself was worn and rusted. Not as many amenities as we would have liked.

 

We sailed a similar itinerary years ago on Serenade and if I had to compare the two would say that RCCL wins. Just a nicer classier feel IMO.

 

Is it worth the price difference? Perhaps not. The itinerary keeps you off the ship so factor that in.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Mr. Click]

Our very first cruise was about 10 years ago on the Fascination. We had fun, we decided we liked cruising. At the time it seemed nice but after trying RCI and Celebrity we would not go back. Very few balconies on the Fascination, it was an older ship 10 years ago.

[richstowe]

I haven't sailed on RCI yet but we just did Fascination and my review is in my signature. For such a port intensive itinerary I couldn't justify to myself spending that much more to sail with RCI.

San Juan is the best home port in the Caribbean because , as the real estate people say , location, location , location . So many great islands so close .Therefore the ship is less important as the itinerary is the star . So I agree that Fascination , which has had the 2.0 upgrades is more then fine . If you want a balcony , they are very limited but the oeanview cabins are great as they comprise the overwhelming majority of non-insides .

Your kids will have a blast after all, they will be on a cruise . :)

[LeeW]

San Juan is the best home port in the Caribbean because , as the real estate people say , location, location , location . So many great islands so close .Therefore the ship is less important as the itinerary is the star . So I agree that Fascination , which has had the 2.0 upgrades is more then fine . If you want a balcony , they are very limited but the oeanview cabins are great as they comprise the overwhelming majority of non-insides .

Your kids will have a blast after all, they will be on a cruise . :)

 

Typical San Juan cruise has one or maybe two sea days. Pick the ports you want and go with that line (although for me I would go with the cheaper option).

[Cruisegirl6]

Honestly, your on the ship 90% of the time and only a few hours a few days in ports so choose for the ship. As far as the RC ships being more costly, I would suggest if your going to spend the extra money go for the Adventure as she offers more than the Jewel (skating rink show, Johnny rockets, cafe promenade, the pub, etc).

 

Now you have to think...is it worth saving $1300 and going on the Fascination where you probably are going to compare your last RC cruise the Jewel to the Fascination and quite honestly, I think your going to wish you chosen RC, so with that being said, only you know is it worth spending the extra money and having more and better or are you the type to just go with what you have and still make it a very enjoyable cruise with no regrets in thought even when your on the cruise. Something to think about.

[cruzinlisa]

I know people concerned about some really important things, but table cloths? that's a first for me..

 

Trust me. You know the thread about room service charges on this board, there was a similar type thread about the table cloths back when the decision was made. Polls, debates mostly between the "a table cloth makes my dining experience" group and the "I don't give a rat's xxx" group. People swearing off Carnival forever. It was interesting.

 

OP, I have not sailed Fascination, but on Imagination and Elation, which are in the same class. Neither had water works - which Fascination does so its probably a little more updated than what we did. But we still had a good time. Fascination is not a dump, but its not going to compare to a mega ship by any means. You will have good food, good service and some stuff to do. As far as entertainment, it really depends on what you are looking for. Karoke for sure, comedy shows. The production shows leave much to be desired, but its also not my thing, so maybe its me.

[Cruisegirl6]

Life can be too short, anything can happen anytime, if you can afford the extra money go out and do it right RC if not, your still getting a cruise.

[nursemommy7578]

Fascination will be drydocked in early 2018. We expect the 2.0 upgrades (Guys Burgers, Blue Iguana etc...)

We are booked to sail on her and cant wait:)

It is a port intensive cruise. We are not worried about all the bells and whistles. We have sailed Carnival several times and have enjoyed the food!

 

Good Luck!

[deliver42]

I've enjoyed my Carnival cruises also, but much prefer Royal. Their ships are laid out much better, and aren't as garish. My first cruise with my wife was on the Fantasy back in 1993, and she wasn't new then. I had to talk my wife into taking another cruise. She hated it that much.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

I would choose Jewel or Adventure 100 times over any of Carnival's ships, let alone their Fantasy Class.

[Rogueperson]

I've not been on the Fascination, but I was on the Paradise which is a similar class ship (Fantasy Class).

 

I find them very similar to the Vision class ships. The ships are smaller and lack the bells and whistles of the newer ships. Also, Royal Caribbean's ships start to depart from comparison after the Voyager class (Adventure of the Seas) and up. There is no comparison with the promenade and the stuff they offer.

 

However, my take is that Royal Caribbean relies a little too much on these bells and whistles to entertain the guests. Their activity staff is a lot more low keyed then the ones on Carnival. Carnival pushes more to get their guests involved. The result, in my opinion, is a more social, "fun" active cruise. I put fun in quotes because it can also be a little draining. If you're looking for a more active cruise, I'd say do it. But if you just like to lay back and not really do anything, I'd go with RC where you are more on your own time and not feel like you're missing something if you're not doing something.