Just off the Fascination (3-23), Awesome - What are your questions?

[Sooner01]

Fascination looked great after the refurbishing. New room decor and the bathrooms were major improvements, and really looked great. Shows (Fiesta and 80's Show) were awesome. Food was great.

 

Yes, F-Deck is just a regular open deck now.

Yes, did bring my own soda on board.

Yes, did get a free deck of cards just by asking at the Purser's desk.

Yes, had the Warm Chocolate melting cake each night.

Kids loved the Camp Carnival activities and Club O2.

Cruise Director was Danny Blake, but he indicated he was going on vacation starting Saturday.

Yes, DOCKED in Cozumel, did not have to Tender. Between the two ports, they can now hold 5 ships, and there were 5 in Cozumel the day we were there.

Soda Card for me was a bargain and my Son also (drink lots of sodas).

 

IF you have an specific questions, feel free to ask and I'll try and answer them.

 

Sooner

[Cruise-Crazy]

I was just on the Fascination on 3/12, it was I had a great time too!

[LNNLNNLNN]

Hi Sooner,

I have a few quick questions. We opted out of using the carnival transfer service from the airport in Miami because we are getting in at 9am and don't want to wait fir the bus to fill up- what time was the earliest person able to board? 5 if us are 1st time cruisers and we would rather wait in front of the ship than at the airport!!Also, what was the dining seating situation? They have 4 of us at one seating and the other 2 at another and my PVp hasn't gotten back to me about changing it- will it be a problem once we are onboard??Last but not least- did you do any shore excursions? We are sailing on June 4th!

:cool: :p :D

[TennisLover]

We were on Fascination in December. We got to the port about 10:45 am; there was hardly anyone there. We had VIP boarding but it didn't even matter. We did have to wait a bit -- perhaps till about 11:40 -- to board.

 

I would wait at the port too, rather than the airport. You are that much closer to the begining of your cruise!

 

More Fascination info in my review (link below).

[popsec]

Fascination looked great after the refurbishing. New room decor and the bathrooms were major improvements, and really looked great. Shows (Fiesta and 80's Show) were awesome. Food was great.

 

Yes, F-Deck is just a regular open deck now.

Yes, did bring my own soda on board.

Yes, did get a free deck of cards just by asking at the Purser's desk.

Yes, had the Warm Chocolate melting cake each night.

Kids loved the Camp Carnival activities and Club O2.

Cruise Director was Danny Blake, but he indicated he was going on vacation starting Saturday.

Yes, DOCKED in Cozumel, did not have to Tender. Between the two ports, they can now hold 5 ships, and there were 5 in Cozumel the day we were there.

Soda Card for me was a bargain and my Son also (drink lots of sodas).

 

IF you have an specific questions, feel free to ask and I'll try and answer them.

 

Sooner

 

We're going on 3 B2B's on the Fascination in May. Did you do any excursions at the ports? What did you think of the bands? casino? Any other hints or tips you can think of for this ship?

[Sooner01]

LNN,

 

We also made our our transfer arrangements and got to the Port around 11:00. We were through check in (regular) and on the ship by 1130. They ask we not go into the rooms, but we dropped our carry on's at the room in the closet, said hello to our Steward (Yu, awesome) and went to the Coconut Grove for lunch and toured the ship. By 1:00 we were in our rooms, and luggage actually began arriving at 2:20. Had all our luggage by 5:00.

Dinner, just see the Matre De when you get on, and he'll arrange for you all to sit together at the same seating. It's not difficult.

Shore Excursion. We did not do a Carnival Excursion, but went to Chaakanaab National Park. Family of 6, cost $20 for a Taxi and 72$ total to get into the park. Has beach and snorkelling available, Dolphin swims, good food. Now of course, the dolphin swim cost extra from the entrance fee, but still cheaper than through Carnival. My Daughter absolutely loved the Royal Swim.

 

Have a great time. We certainly did.

 

Sooner

[Sooner01]

The Casino was good, enjoyed the dealers a lot. They have fun, and try to ensure you do also.

 

The bands were great, especially Music to Asia. They are awesome. They play during the Captain's Cocktail hour, and in the lounges. They are quite good.

 

We go early for the shows to get good seats on the first floor in the middle of the Palace Theater. You will have a much better view of the show. Upper seats are all somewhat difficult to see from.

 

Late night Mexican Buffet was great. Listed to start at 11:30, but they were actually serving at 10:30.

[buddyjo143]

So jealous:p

 

It snowed here last night (again). I would love to be back on the Fascination. It was my favorite ship and itinerary so far!

[popsec]

The Casino was good, enjoyed the dealers a lot. They have fun, and try to ensure you do also.

 

The bands were great, especially Music to Asia. They are awesome. They play during the Captain's Cocktail hour, and in the lounges. They are quite good.

 

We go early for the shows to get good seats on the first floor in the middle of the Palace Theater. You will have a much better view of the show. Upper seats are all somewhat difficult to see from.

 

Late night Mexican Buffet was great. Listed to start at 11:30, but they were actually serving at 10:30.

 

Thanks for the info...I'm looking forward to trying a different ship!

[Sooner01]

Buddy Jo,

 

I agree. This was our second trip on the Fascination. Mar 2006 and Mar 2007. Loved the first trip, and the loved this one. With the recent room refurbishments, it was like being on a new ship. They did a nice job with the rooms.

I would go on the Fascination again. Even though it was Spring Break, didn't see drunkfest, or people puking. It was all ages.

Camp Carnival was great. We have 4 kids, 3, 12, 15, and 17. The 15 and 17 year olds enjoyed Club O2, the younger loved Camp Carnival. My three year old ate so much Pizza I thought he'd turn in to Pizza.

[HockeyMom44]

LNLN....

 

 

we're sailing on her June 4th also!!!

My DD will be getting "Married" on sail day!!!:D :D

[Sooner01]

Make sure they participate in the Newly Wed, Not so Newly Wed Game. If married that day, they'll for sure be chosen to play. Then a 11-20 year old couple, and a older couple (40 years or more). It was fun.

[TennisLover]

Do not miss MUSIC ASIA in the Passage to India lounge -- AWESOME!

They are there till July.

 

The piano bar is on the deck below Passage to India. James was in there when we were there -- please check it out and let us know if James is still there. We all like to keep up with the piano bar entertainers!

[Spacebo]

Do not miss MUSIC ASIA in the Passage to India lounge -- AWESOME!

They are there till July.

 

The piano bar is on the deck below Passage to India. James was in there when we were there -- please check it out and let us know if James is still there. We all like to keep up with the piano bar entertainers!

 

We're sailing on the Fascination on July 2nd! Did you happen to see if Music Asia was there until the end of July or the beginning? I've read so many great reviews of them here that I would hate to miss them :)

[TennisLover]

We're sailing on the Fascination on July 2nd! Did you happen to see if Music Asia was there until the end of July or the beginning? I've read so many great reviews of them here that I would hate to miss them :)

 

I thought they said their contract was until July 1. Maybe someone who has cruised more recently has more up-to-date information.

[Zipliner 1968]

We're leaving for Key West/Calica on the Fascination TOMORROW. The anticipation is K I L L I N G us. We're all packed and just sitting here. (We leave for St. Louis in a few hours for an overnight so we can catch the early flight Monday.)

 

Good to hear that the refurb looks great. We're looking forward to Music Asia too - heard a lot of good stuff about them and we love live music. I'm also excited to hear about the Mexican buffet! Husband not so much, but I'M excited - I love Mexican. May have to nix the dining room one night and do that instead. :)

 

Thanks for the mini-review. :)

[popsec]

We're leaving for Key West/Calica on the Fascination TOMORROW. The anticipation is K I L L I N G us. We're all packed and just sitting here. (We leave for St. Louis in a few hours for an overnight so we can catch the early flight Monday.)

 

Good to hear that the refurb looks great. We're looking forward to Music Asia too - heard a lot of good stuff about them and we love live music. I'm also excited to hear about the Mexican buffet! Husband not so much, but I'M excited - I love Mexican. May have to nix the dining room one night and do that instead. :)

 

Thanks for the mini-review. :)

 

You'll be getting on as my sister and her husband are getting off. This is their first ever cruise and I can't wait to hear what she thought of it.

[LNNLNNLNN]

HockeyMom44

Congrats to your D's wedding. We'll look for you on the ship!!!

 

LNNLNNLNN

[cgc33a]

Did you see or hear of any connecting staterooms? The Fantasy class doesn't have any in general, but I read in an article on the refurbishment, they put some in. I have yet to see any on any deck plan. Nor has Carnival responded to my email about their availablity. Thought I would ask here to those inthe know.

 

TIA

[LNNLNNLNN]

Call a pvp- when we 1st booked we were offered that option. Don't know if it is still available or if he was just blowing smoke- but we went with 2 adjoining instead because of a free upgrade that was available when we booked.:cool:

[GotDrums]

Anyone go on Xcaret from Calica.

What was the cost and could you walk to Xcaret?

Does Carnival offer Xcaret plus which includes food and admission?:cool:

Ive heard its right next door to the port.

Thanks

Tim