CruizCuz

Thank you ALL for the responses! I didn't think about the "glass" container issue. We could simply pour the white wine into another container, for example, one of our large insulated mugs. That way nothing to break, and nothing to throw away. It just sounds refreshing to make white wine spritzers on the island, with fruit that will be in our cabana. Also, doesn't add to our Cheers bar bill.

During embarkation, I will be bringing on my bottle of wine, and my husband will as well. We are also planning on purchasing the Cheers program. So my question is this: Can we take one or both of the bottles of wine off the ship when we debark at HMC? Wine spritzers sound nice, and since the Cheers program doesn't work on the private island, this would help, since we are already paying a LOT of money for Cheers. Has anyone done this? Thank you!

I have sailed both CCL and RCL. I absolutely have loved every cruise with both lines. That said, my expectations are very realistic. RCL does have a different feel to it, and I like their entertainment and bar areas better than CCL. I found that the food on both are about the same. I don't know if I would like RCL enough to pay $1000 more for the same type ship and same itinerary though.

I have been on both and absolutely loved both ships. I would pick the longer cruise, if the port doesn't matter. ;)

I have done an aft balcony on the Sensation, which is essentially the same ship. I loved it! Especially being on Empress deck, which is VERY close to all the action, but far enough away to also have privacy. ENJOY!

I have cruised this class ship, including the Fascination, many times. Most of these cruises were with my sons, at varying ages at time of cruising. I would highly recommend OV cabin, and connecting rooms if at all possible. If not, then go higher in the ship and closer to activities. If on Empress deck, choose AFT or Forward, because closer to midship, you will hear Atrium noises at nap times or bedtimes. Bring a fan or noise maker for sleeping easier. I didn't enjoy my balcony room when the kids were smaller. I was too nervous leaving the door open or them out there. Definitely take them to Camp Carnival. It's not necessary to sign them up on the first day, if the line is too long. You can go at any time, at least you could when ours were young. I enjoyed the first day with my kids, sitting near the waterworks area, watching them play. Embarkation day was pretty empty back there, and they got to use the slides freely. The waterworks area does not empty into the pool, so was safe for the smaller ones. We did early dining, so we could watch the shows later in the evening. Also, IF our younger ones wanted to eat with us, the timing was better. When in Nassau, our younger ALWAYS enjoyed the zoo. We would debark early, catch a cab to the zoo, and be back on the ship enjoying the waterworks area during the heat of the day. I personally would choose a cruise on the Fascination that visits Half Moon Cay versus Freeport. In HMC, I would rent a Cabana and have an entire day on a beautiful beach, complete with nap area, showers, AC, fruit and water - plenty of shade! I have never gone to Freeport with little ones. I personally don't like Freeport. If you have an questions, please feel free to ask. I hope this helps!

I have searched all over CCL's web site, as well as under my reservations. I have found where you can pre-book excursions, order room decorations, food, booze and massages, but can't find ANYWHERE that I can pre-book salon services. I know my sister and I will want hair salon services for formal night, and I imagine that so will a lot of other women. Is there anywhere that I can preorder this service? Thank you!

I just saw a new post about Sandlot Parking in Jacksonville, FL. They advertise that they are across the street from the port and are only $7/day. This sounds good, especially with shuttle service as well. Has anyone used them? Good or bad comments?

I HIGHLY recommend the Tahitian Inn in Tampa. They have a marvelous park and cruise rate, with timely, efficient shuttle service. They are a family owned "boutique" hotel, and we have stayed there several times. Each time gets better and better. I believe their web site is http://www.tahitianinn.com. We thoroughly enjoyed their onsite restaurant and the pool area was quaint and lovely.

Thank you for the helpful suggestions and tips. :D

There are waiters that stroll the beach and service the cabanas, but have found that once you get down to the quieter end of the beach and the higher numbered cabanas, service becomes spotty at best. Once you make contact with that first waiter, I find it best to slip him/her a little something and ask them to check back on you from time to time. Works like a charm! :D

Comparing the Fascination with the Glory, is like comparing "apples to oranges". True, they are both cruise ships, but that's where the similarity ends. We will be sailing on the Fascination in September 2015. We were looking for a quick get-away, with little drive time. We did not choose this ship for it's ports of call, although when given the choice, we DID choose HMC/Nassau over Freeport/Nassau. If you are looking for a larger, more luxurious ship with amazing ports of call, then cruise the Glory. If you are looking for a shorter cruise, less vacay days used, nice little ship, less travel/road time, then the Fascination is for you. It really depends on what your priorities are for this time. ;)

I have posted this question in other places, but haven't gotten an answer. I'm sorry if this has been asked already, but there are literally pages and pages of info about HMC ;), and I haven't managed to read them all yet. Is there bar service to the cabanas, or do you have to walk to a bar and get your drinks? I ask this because obviously we would rather be further away from the crowds in a higher numbered cabana, but if we have to retrieve our own drinks, that might be an issue. I am traveling with 2 people with mobility issues, and once we are there and settled, would prefer not to have to move around too much. Other than the cost of the cabana and drinks, are there any other charges incurred on the island? Thank you for your help!

I have read pages and pages of threads, in an effort not to ask a repeat question. I know that irritates some people ;). We have already reserved a cabana for our upcoming September 2015 cruise on the Fascination. We will have 2 people with us that have mobility issues. I was thinking about cabana #10? Is there bar service to the cabanas? Thank you, this thread is awesome!

Thank you ALL for the prompt replies! It seems like the general consensus is that embarkation is easy, and therefore FTTF isn't necessary. However, priority tendering, quick luggage delivery and room readiness are all reasons to consider this option. So NO arriving to the port prior to 10:30 is what I am reading as well? I will be traveling with my senior parents, so trying to make ambulating as easy as possible.

When will this dry dock occur?

We will be sailing on the Fascination out of Jacksonville in September. The deals were just too good! My question is this: When we sailed out of Port Canaveral, we had FTTF and it was DEFINITELY worth it. I am getting mixed reviews about whether it is worth it in Jacksonville. I understand that you can't get to the port before 10:30 because of debarking guests? We plan on parking at the port (advised per fellow CC guests) and usually like to board asap and start enjoying our cruise! ANY help would be appreciated. Thank you!

Our family is very interested in this program. How do you contact them? Is there an email address? Can you request certain times, or lengths of tours? Thank you!

Does anyone know how far in advance you can reserve a cabana? We will be cruising on EOS in October, and definitely want one! Thank you!

While in cozumel we hired Gerry for the day. There were 8 of us and afterwards we all agreed that was the best day of our whole trip. He listened to what we wanted to do then we were off. He gave us a guided tour of Cozumel including their churches, best shopping area, local shopping, pick up vanilla, churches, golf course, schools. Then we did the whole island, ruins, then ocean side with the wonderfully large waves and lunch on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Lunch was authentic and they had live music. Continued around island and went snorkeling. Brought us back to the ship with plenty ofntime to spare. This was deffinately our best day thanks to Gerry. Thank you!

I have to agree with the above poster! We just returned from Cozumel, and our entire family agreed this was the highlight of our trip! There were 5 of us, including dh, dd (24) and ds's (15), (11). Gerry took us to the ruins, sightseeing wonderful lunch at the same restaurant, overlooking a cliff, Coconuts Bar, pictures with large iguana (my 11 y/o's request) and a visit to the most beautiful church! Along the way, we sipped our beers and various drinks, were in an air conditioned van, and listened as Gerry sang to the music. He has a most beautiful voice! GREAT way to see Cozumel!