Carnival Fascination has five main cabin categories: interior, oceanview, balcony, junior suite and grand suite. (Some cabins connect, so consult your deck plans closely).
Inside, oceanview and balcony cabins are all 185 square feet, slightly larger than some of the standard variety found on lines billing themselves as premium. Balcony cabins add either 35- or 55-square-foot balconies, depending on category. Most feature twin beds that can be turned into a king. In all, the ship features 1,026 staterooms, 152 of which include a private balcony. Even with the addition of 98 balconies during the 2010 overhaul, the small balcony percentage is one of the downsides of booking a ship from the pre-balcony era of 1994.
Cabins feature flat-screen TV, writing desk, telephone, safe, convenient in-bed lighting mounted on the headboard, ample closest and drawer space, and directory complete with stateroom services guide round out the modest in-cabin touches.
TV programming includes both network and cable favorites, complimentary movies and seven Carnival channels that run 24/7. Look for the Cruise Director's channel, a shore-side shopping channel, Carnival brand commercials, Fun Ship films, and tour videos.
All cabins have private bathrooms, a pair of bathrobes and shower-mounted soap and shampoo. If you're looking to have that well-coiffed look before meal time think again -- hair dryers are not part of the decor. Your cabin steward will locate a standard, no-frills hair dryer for you, but you should really plan to pack your own.
Carnival has long taken a unique approach when it comes to providing toiletries beyond the wall-mounted soap and shampoo. Look for sample sizes of well-known brand items -- Bic his/her razors; Crest toothpaste; Tylenol; deodorant; and even vitamins -- in a basket in the bathroom.
For those looking for a little more room, there are 220-square-foot junior suites. Oddly, the juniors, which are located atop the ship, feature paltry 30-square-foot balconies.
At the top of the line are the 330-square-foot Grand suites, which have either 70-square-foot (category GS) or 115-square-foot balconies (ES). All Grand Suites feature flat-screen TV's with DVD player; a wet bar area (not stocked); refrigerator/mini-bar (stocked); a sitting area with sectional sofa (double sofabed); two armchairs; twin beds that convert to a king; walk-in closet; and wall safe. The dressing area features a vanity table with sink and chair. The bathroom, meanwhile, includes a combination shower/whirlpool, double sink and hair dryer. The decent-sized balcony features a lounge chair, patio chair and table.
Great room, loved the balcony and even though it was a little small it was enough room for 2 people to sit comfortably on. Room steward was wonderful and we had everything we needed in the room. I slept great every night.
* State Room: We had cabin M257, Deck 5 Main. The cabin was just perfect. Size and accommodations were more than we expected. The beds were comfortable and the TV was clear and placed in a good location for viewing. This cabin has a balcony and was so relaxing to have...continue
