Carnival Fascination Review

3.5 / 5.0
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Best time ever!

Review for the Bahamas Cruise on Carnival Fascination
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spicesdenooshka
First Time Cruiser • Age 40s

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Sail Date: Jun 2009

This is my husband's and I first time cruising! We were a little wary at first due to all the reviews we read so we decided to go in without too high expectations. I will divide my review into different categories and add some 'tips' to share.Embarkation and check-inWent pretty quickly. One thing was that the luggage drop off area was not marked clearly and we walked right by it to check-in. Also, none of the staff mentioned to us that we could drop our luggage off. Until we were checked in we realized everyone else did not have their luggage on them! So we asked a staff and he told us we would have to go out and come through security again! No problem, we did that, only took about 10 mins. Otherwise, we were on the ship and eating within 45 minutes! Also, we arrived really early, a whole hour before scheduled embarkation but they were already letting people in so that was nice!We went straight to our rooms but they weren't ready yet. Our cabin guy, Yusuf, was very nice and told us to have lunch and come back. After lunch, we went back and he let us put our stuff there and let us in early.FoodBiggest con was the food line at the buffet. I think that was more of a passenger problem because it seemed like people did not know how to get their food and get going! The caesar salad was the best I ever had in my life. Not for you if you don't like anchovies though. Dinner was always good. I thought the appetizers was better than the entrees. Desserts were just OK. Our waiter, Shetty, was awesome, and always asked us if we wanted more appetizers or entrees. My husband had two entrees every night except the first! I do recommend going for breakfast at the dining rooms (instead of buffet). You get more choices and can basically order anything you want. Breakfast was always good, plentiful and FAST! We only had the buffet breakfast on debarkation day and didn't care for the scrambled eggs. Everything else was good. DrinksThe drinks were reasonably priced. We brought two bottles of wine ourselves. The first night we gave the bottle to the maitre d and told him to put it at our table. We did not get charged corkage. We did the second night. Wine prices by the bottle were actually not bad, came up to almost the same price as if we brought our own, however, did not have to pay gratuity. Pool staff was a little annoying and always asking if you need a drink. We bought a souvenier glass and used that the whole time for 'refills'. Be careful, those drinks DO add up but hey you're vacation right?!?Tip: Don't forget to go for the captain's welcome (an hour before the captain's dinner) for free cocktails! You can have as many as you wish. They had whiskey sours, daiquiris, martinis and punch for the underaged.Tip: Every specialty drink you order gets you $5 for casino play. Keep the receipts and redeem at casino counter!!!! RoomsI loved the rooms. We got an oceanview at the back of the boat. The bed was VERY comfortable and the blankets just wrap you up nice and snug! Room was always clean and made for us (twice a day).ActivitiesThe shows were better than expected. Karaoke nights were always fun but very very popular so get there early if you can! The comedians were pretty good but I preferred the non X rated ones. The singing and dancing were entertaining but don't expect Vegas quality performances! Tip: Do keep your itinerary with you so you know what's going on on the ship all the time.ExcursionsWe did not sign up for any excursions because we thought it was too expensive. After we came back I looked online and much of the Atlantis excursions can be bought cheaper straight from Atlantis. You do want to check their refund policy in case of bad weather etc. A) NassauTip: Take the #10 jitney (ask anyone where to take it) and ride around Nassau for $1.25 each time you get off. It will take you from the port to Cable Fish Fry (stop and get some fresh conch! Place might look like a dump but there's where all the locals are!) and to Cable Beach and then back.  Tip: Take the water ferry ($3 each way) to Paradise Island. There are tour guides that will talk about the vacation homes etc on Paradise Island. It's also cheaper than taking a taxi.Tip: You can always buy a day pass at any hotel on Cable Beach and use their pools, towels and beaches.B) FreeportTip: Buy a day pass at the Westin and use their awesome infinity pool and pool bar! Ask for Audley and his 'special' drink. Drinks are pricey but also a lot of alcohol in it! You can negotiate your day pass if you're only there for a few hours. We negotiated $12.50 for the 3 hours we were there.ServiceWe thought the staff was really friendly and attentive. No complaints.ShipThe ship showed some wear and tear but it didn't matter to us. We really liked the spiffy deck chairs by the pool. The pool was really too small and will try to get a ship with a bigger pool next time.Overall:We will definitely cruise again with Carnival!

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