Mitsugirlys FASCINATION with San Juan-review & pictorial

Sounds like a great plan! I’m thinking I may splurge on those full-face snorkels for our twins and start practicing on our March trip in preparation for September. Hopefully I can turn one of them into a snorkel-lover! They don’t swim as well as Sakari at 5, but we are working on it! Maybe I can talk my zip-lining enthusiast husband into snorkeling there the next time we go...since he’s zip-lined twice there now.

 

 

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If you happen to have a scuba place around your area, I would check them out first if you can. Sakari's scuba shop allowed me to get in the water with one of theirs to test it before buying it and I absolutely hated it. I'm so glad I didn't purchase one. But, that's just me. I know a lot of people like them.

If you happen to have a scuba place around your area, I would check them out first if you can. Sakari's scuba shop allowed me to get in the water with one of theirs to test it before buying it and I absolutely hated it. I'm so glad I didn't purchase one. But, that's just me. I know a lot of people like them.

I wish I had seen this sooner! I ordered one for each kid as with twins...you can forget the concept of sharing and trying first with just one. I personally think I’d hate them too. I do wonderfully with a dry snorkel and have gone to short fins just for ease of packing. I do plan to pack their normal goggles as well as a back up.

We will try them out at Mr. Sanchos and Silcer Beach Club in March. We’ve been to Mr. Sanchos a couple of times and I know the snorkeling isn’t anything, but at least we can let them try. If I remember, I may let them test them in an indoor hotel pool this weekend when I travel for work.

Thanks for all you do for this forum! I enjoy your reviews between weekend chart catch up marathons!

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Thank you so much for all your reviews and pictures. Can you tell me exactly what beach this area is and how to get to the "steps"? Thank you!

So I was in the water with a lady and her daughter. She approached me and we started talking (she had been snorkeling too). She ask me if I knew if we were allowed to snorkel "on the other side" and pointed on the other side of the dock. She said she walked over there earlier and there was lagoon type area with steps leading down in to it. I had never heard anyone mention this and knew I had to go explore and see what she was talking about.

 

This deck part you see in the picture, that leads to the left of the picture, is the dock. The rocky area is where I was headed. It was like the property next door or something.

 

 

 

It was nothing but rocks everywhere and man it hurt my feet. But I made it and it was BEAUTIFUL over there!

 

 

 

 

 

The steps she was talking about...this area was AMAZING and so pretty. It reminded me of Chankanaabs lagoon.

 

 

 

It looked like a prime area for snorkeling (or even diving) and with all the rocks down there, I can only imagine the things to see.

 

The only problem is, the steps led down to the water and really not into the water. Once getting down in there, I'm not sure how you would get out...short of having to hoist your body up with your arms...and this fluffy girl won't be doing that any time soon.

 

 

 

I could see fish everywhere. There were just so many of them. The place just really looked amazing.

 

 

 

 

I wish I had seen this sooner! I ordered one for each kid as with twins...you can forget the concept of sharing and trying first with just one. I personally think I’d hate them too. I do wonderfully with a dry snorkel and have gone to short fins just for ease of packing. I do plan to pack their normal goggles as well as a back up.

 

We will try them out at Mr. Sanchos and Silcer Beach Club in March. We’ve been to Mr. Sanchos a couple of times and I know the snorkeling isn’t anything, but at least we can let them try. If I remember, I may let them test them in an indoor hotel pool this weekend when I travel for work.

 

Thanks for all you do for this forum! I enjoy your reviews between weekend chart catch up marathons!

 

 

 

 

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Hopefully they like them and the way they work. There's plenty of people that do, I'm just not one that did. I didn't like the way the built in snorkel worked (or was aimed I guess). If you have your head tilted kinda up and looking somewhat ahead, it's fine. But if you go to look directly down beneath you, the snorkel goes in the water. The first couple of times that happened to me I was trying to breathe and getting nothing and I freaked out and bounced up out of the water. It happened a few more times before I figured out the reason I wasn't getting any air (and when this happens the mask suctions to your face real hard) is because the snorkel had went under water. That's when I decided it just wasn't for me. Maybe I'm just one that snorkels a lot with my head looking down versus more upward. I'm not sure. :confused:

Thank you so much for all your reviews and pictures. Can you tell me exactly what beach this area is and how to get to the "steps"? Thank you!

When you are at Carambola, facing the water, there is a dock to your right. Just walk toward that way and keep going. You can't miss it. There's just a gravel/rocky area with a dirt path for cars. You'll see the water and the steps as soon as you come up to the water. It's basically like the property right next to Carambola on the right side of it (again, when you are facing the water). :)

Thank you so much! We are a group of 14 and I'm responsible for planning our excursions. I've been to St. Kitt's once before. We did a boat snorkel trip (wasn't impressed) and then a beach break (can't remember which one, but it had a little bar on it). I think a beach day (that has a bar at it) and where we can snorkel from the beach would be a good option; any thoughts on best place for that? Are there any beaches that have water toys, such as trampolines, slides, etc.? Thanks again!

Sounds like a great plan! I’m thinking I may splurge on those full-face snorkels for our twins and start practicing on our March trip in preparation for September. Hopefully I can turn one of them into a snorkel-lover! They don’t swim as well as Sakari at 5, but we are working on it! Maybe I can talk my zip-lining enthusiast husband into snorkeling there the next time we go...since he’s zip-lined twice there now.

 

 

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I have a Down Syndrome son who loves to swim and uses goggles. He has a problem with using snorkels because it causes him to gag. When I saw a commercial for the full face masks I ordered one for him, and he loves it. He can breathe so easy in it and can just keep on swimming. He especially likes that he can talk while swimming! I tried it out, and it does work well, but I am so used to the snorkel and mask combo that I will stick to that. I think your kids will like them if they fit well.

I have a Down Syndrome son who loves to swim and uses goggles. He has a problem with using snorkels because it causes him to gag. When I saw a commercial for the full face masks I ordered one for him, and he loves it. He can breathe so easy in it and can just keep on swimming. He especially likes that he can talk while swimming! I tried it out, and it does work well, but I am so used to the snorkel and mask combo that I will stick to that. I think your kids will like them if they fit well.

Oh wow, I hadn't thought of things like that. That would be a great situation for those that can't use a regular snorkel. It's so awesome that your son can use this and still be able to see and talk while it's on. I think I have just used the snorkel and mask for so long that I just can't get used to it. I tried. I failed. :(

More of those loud light flashing games that no one played this cruise.

 

 

 

Wonder Woman was a hit or miss (more like a miss when I was on them), but I watched a guy constantly playing it and he won quite a bit. (We just got this game at one of our casino's here at home and I decided to play it the other night and hit the major jackpot...I guess I have decided I like this game LOL).

 

 

 

Fishing Bob...oh how I love Bob. He treated me well on this cruise and he also treated me well on the Breeze.

 

 

 

NOW THESE GAMES...They were the hot item of the cruise. Everyone wanted to play. Everyone waited for people to move. Everyone stood around in a group and watched people win and win and win. The bonus round seem to hit often and pay decent (even with the lowest bid, which was only .38).

 

 

 

Never seen anyone playing these this cruise

 

 

 

What's your secret when it comes to playing the slots? I've been to Vegas more than once and to many casinos at home and on vacations and I never win on the slots. NEVER! Hahaha

What's your secret when it comes to playing the slots? I've been to Vegas more than once and to many casinos at home and on vacations and I never win on the slots. NEVER! Hahaha

I'm lucky? :')

What I have always done (whether on the ship or on land)...I take a certain amount (maybe $40...2 twenties or $60). If at any time I double or get close to doubling that $20 I put in, I cash out and put it away and do not use it. I stick to the preset amount always, even if I'm on a roll or a machine is doing good (because let's be honest, when it's doing good, it makes you want to keep going because you think you are going to hit even bigger...only it will take it all away quickly). :D

On the ship, I never touch those winnings again and gather them throughout the cruise and at the end, hopefully I'll at least have what I came with and had a good time and fun playing during the cruise, or I'll have more than what I came with. I think there have only been 2 ships that I just couldn't win at any of them.

I find the machine that seems to be hitting during the cruise and it's usually my "go-to" machine when I'm not doing well.

I'm lucky? :')

 

What I have always done (whether on the ship or on land)...I take a certain amount (maybe $40...2 twenties or $60). If at any time I double or get close to doubling that $20 I put in, I cash out and put it away and do not use it. I stick to the preset amount always, even if I'm on a roll or a machine is doing good (because let's be honest, when it's doing good, it makes you want to keep going because you think you are going to hit even bigger...only it will take it all away quickly). :D

 

On the ship, I never touch those winnings again and gather them throughout the cruise and at the end, hopefully I'll at least have what I came with and had a good time and fun playing during the cruise, or I'll have more than what I came with. I think there have only been 2 ships that I just couldn't win at any of them.

 

 

I find the machine that seems to be hitting during the cruise and it's usually my "go-to" machine when I'm not doing well.

We always do the same thing. I just wanted to say thanks for all the in depth reviews Kim. You are my cruise Wikipedia. Great reading and beautiful pictures.

We always do the same thing. I just wanted to say thanks for all the in depth reviews Kim. You are my cruise Wikipedia. Great reading and beautiful pictures.

Aww, thanks so much. (I'm currently working on my review on the RC boards from my recent cruise). I appreciate it when people are able to get some information on places to go when they visit. It's the reason I do them.

After grabbing our things and heading up to the meeting area, they informed us that we would not be able to take our fins because they were afraid that we might hit the turtles. We could take our mask/snorkel tubes. They would provide the snorkel jackets. They gave us a briefing of the do's and donts and we headed out to the dock.

 

 

 

 

 

I managed to get some pictures from up high while on the dock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have the same camera. What is the setting you use to get these last few photos? So cool, looks like doll furniture. BTW I love your reviews. We are doing the Fascination in Sept. We were booked for last Dec but Carnival cancelled because of the Hurricanes. We did the Splendor and the Mexican Riviera in Feb. Instead.

I have the same camera. What is the setting you use to get these last few photos? So cool, looks like doll furniture. BTW I love your reviews. We are doing the Fascination in Sept. We were booked for last Dec but Carnival cancelled because of the Hurricanes. We did the Splendor and the Mexican Riviera in Feb. Instead.

This is one of my favorite settings. It does an in camera tilt-shift <---that's the original name that photographers do to create it with dslr cameras.

Go to your P setting and it's under Art 6-which says Diorama. :)

Oh and btw, if you are on the ship, put it on this setting and take a picture looking down into port at the people walking at the pier. It'll look like a miniature village setting. (Look up tilt shift online and you'll see what they are really supposed to look like. It's pretty cool).

Hello, I have read your reviews before, but this one, in regard to the Fascination, since I have been having computer problems, I was not able to read very much, only the first part of you staying at the nice hotel.

I have seen your postings before, and just happened to come along of this one on the Fascination, and thought I would ask you a question or two, even though it has been a while since you have been on this ship.

It has been "years" since I have been to St. Kitts, and that is on the itinerary for next year for the Fascination. Since I was unable to read very little of what you did at the different ports/island, what would you suggest that two older ladies check out? I am very familiar with San Juan as well, and some of the other ports, especially St. Lucia, where I fell in love with it! That is why we are planning on doing it, because of St. Lucia, and taking the Cosol tour, which is top in my book.

Can you tell me other than the dining rooms and main buffet, what are the areas or names called where we can get free food? I know this is an older ship, and we just got off the Magic, so I don't expect it to have all that the large Magic ship had, but was just wondering about the free food areas.

Hello, I have read your reviews before, but this one, in regard to the Fascination, since I have been having computer problems, I was not able to read very much, only the first part of you staying at the nice hotel.

 

 

I have seen your postings before, and just happened to come along of this one on the Fascination, and thought I would ask you a question or two, even though it has been a while since you have been on this ship.

 

 

It has been "years" since I have been to St. Kitts, and that is on the itinerary for next year for the Fascination. Since I was unable to read very little of what you did at the different ports/island, what would you suggest that two older ladies check out? I am very familiar with San Juan as well, and some of the other ports, especially St. Lucia, where I fell in love with it! That is why we are planning on doing it, because of St. Lucia, and taking the Cosol tour, which is top in my book.

 

 

Can you tell me other than the dining rooms and main buffet, what are the areas or names called where we can get free food? I know this is an older ship, and we just got off the Magic, so I don't expect it to have all that the large Magic ship had, but was just wondering about the free food areas.

I'm not the person who did the post, but here's my take... We did the Cosol tour in January 2017 and loved it!! The next day my husband and I were tuckered out! We are in our early 40's and active people. The tour just takes a lot out of you. We didn't have any gumption to go get a cab on St. Kitts to do anything, so we stayed on the boat and for once had pool side loungers :D

As far as free food, at the back of the ship on the Lido deck is a place to get sandwiches and pizza. Then outside by the pool area was a place that had omelets for breakfast and at lunch it was a Wok place. I believe next to that they did burgers and stuff like that. We never ate there, so I'm not sure about that.

Have a wonderful time!! We loved that particular cruise, you get to see so many beautiful islands.

Irule7, thanks for your reply. So the area at the back of Lido, is that like a deli where you get the sandwiches? I do love Carnival's pizza.:)

Well were both 75, and my friend cannot get around like I do (most people think I look 65, and get around like a person that age, so we'll see, since we only have the 1 sea day), but I'm sure we will be on the go, or just maybe stay on the ship when most people get off, and check it out more.:) I haven't been to St. Kits in years, and at that time I was not impressed, but I have a feeling things are better there now. The main reason I am going is because of St. Lucia, where I fell in love with it, and if I could afford it, go every year. Yes, I am planning on booking the Cosol tour as well. They did a wonderful job before, and for the price, it is more than worth it.

Irule7, thanks for your reply. So the area at the back of Lido, is that like a deli where you get the sandwiches? I do love Carnival's pizza.:)

 

 

Well were both 75, and my friend cannot get around like I do (most people think I look 65, and get around like a person that age, so we'll see, since we only have the 1 sea day), but I'm sure we will be on the go, or just maybe stay on the ship when most people get off, and check it out more.:) I haven't been to St. Kits in years, and at that time I was not impressed, but I have a feeling things are better there now. The main reason I am going is because of St. Lucia, where I fell in love with it, and if I could afford it, go every year. Yes, I am planning on booking the Cosol tour as well. They did a wonderful job before, and for the price, it is more than worth it.

Yes at the back of the buffet area there is a place to get deli sandwiches and pizza.

I went on the Carnival site to look and it looks like they changed the wok place I was talking about. Now there’s a Guys Burgers and a Blue Iguana Cantina and both are included, so that’s exciting!

Thanks for your reply back. I do like Guy's burgers, even though I am not a hamburger person, but they do give you plenty to eat, when you get one of them.:)

We just got off the Magic a much larger ship than the Fascination the first part of April of this year. The reason I ask if the Fascination had a deli, I just loved the BLT sandwiches they would make for me at the deli, so good. Carnival's pizza is good as well.

Hello, I have read your reviews before, but this one, in regard to the Fascination, since I have been having computer problems, I was not able to read very much, only the first part of you staying at the nice hotel.

 

 

I have seen your postings before, and just happened to come along of this one on the Fascination, and thought I would ask you a question or two, even though it has been a while since you have been on this ship.

 

 

It has been "years" since I have been to St. Kitts, and that is on the itinerary for next year for the Fascination. Since I was unable to read very little of what you did at the different ports/island, what would you suggest that two older ladies check out? I am very familiar with San Juan as well, and some of the other ports, especially St. Lucia, where I fell in love with it! That is why we are planning on doing it, because of St. Lucia, and taking the Cosol tour, which is top in my book.

 

 

Can you tell me other than the dining rooms and main buffet, what are the areas or names called where we can get free food? I know this is an older ship, and we just got off the Magic, so I don't expect it to have all that the large Magic ship had, but was just wondering about the free food areas.

Hi besheers. Sorry I'm just now getting back to you. I haven't been on the boards too much lately and life has been busy.

It looks like others have answered you on the foods. All Carnival ships have the pizza and deli (or made to order sandwiches) on them. So, you're in luck. Yes, Fascination has the Guys Burgers and the Iguana for food during certain times of the day.

As for St Kitts, we are not tour people and usually only head to the beach when in port. We just love the beach and ocean, which...if possible...will include snorkeling if available. We have only been to Reggae and Carambola in St Kitts...both for a beach day. I'm honestly not too impressed with St Kitts. I guess the highlight of St Kitts is usually taking a drive to Timothy Hill. It's on top of the mountain and overlooks both the Atlantic ocean on the left side and Caribbean ocean on the right. But it's only a small 5-10 stop on the side of the road that you either get to see on a tour of the island or on your way to one of the popular beaches. :)

Hi Kim!

We will be doing this cruise in Oct 2018. Thank you for writing this review. Gives us lots of info what to expect at these new ports we will be going to.

One of the new ports is St. Lucia. We are beach cruisers and need to ask you, what is the easiest, cheap & fastest way to get to pitons/Jalousie Beach?

We are not into touring the island. Just want to hang out at the beach.

Thanks Again!

Thank you for your answers back. The main reason I ask about St. Kitts, I really didn't find much that I liked about it, and thought, perhaps things were better there, but it doesn't sound that way too much. Yes we like the beach as well, so that may be what we do.

Thank you for your answers back. The main reason I ask about St. Kitts, I really didn't find much that I liked about it, and thought, perhaps things were better there, but it doesn't sound that way too much. Yes we like the beach as well, so that may be what we do.

We loved St Kitts. We toured with Javin of My Islands. Here is a copy of my review of the day.

We saw so much. Javin also brought along his monkey Peaches. We started the day in an open safari vehicle. We went to his old neighborhood to see an old cotton mill where he and his friends played as kids. On the way, my husband told me something didn’t sound right with the truck. Shortly after, Javin advised we would stop by his house to switch vehicles after we go to the rainforest. The rainforest hike is a workout. Everybody was sweaty after that. Next we stopped at his house to switch vehicles. David said Javin was holding out. This was a nice bus with plenty of room to spread out and air conditioning. Next we went to Black Rocks. Javin had a picnic with different types of empanadas from the Island Bakery. He also had water and soap so we could wash our hands. From my research about St Kitts, only a few vendors go down on the rocks. Javin set up a safety rope and took us down. It was nice to get up close to it. Our next stop was a rocky beach area for snorkeling. I am not a great swimmer and struggled to keep up. The three girls are great swimmers and later admitted to struggling as well. They said he moved through the water like a mermaid. The monkey snorkeled with us. I thought of retreating to shore at one point but I eventually caught up because the group reached one of the spots and were heading back closer to my direction. My advice on this one is to snorkel on your own near the shore, if you are not a strong swimmer. After snorkeling, Javin took us to Frigate Bay (I think that was the name) for some beach time. There was also some close to shore snorkeling at this beach. Javin set out some more empanadas. We headed back to the ship at 3PM. It took less than 30 minutes to get back. This was a packed, fun, tiring day.

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Hi Kim!

We will be doing this cruise in Oct 2018. Thank you for writing this review. Gives us lots of info what to expect at these new ports we will be going to.

One of the new ports is St. Lucia. We are beach cruisers and need to ask you, what is the easiest, cheap & fastest way to get to pitons/Jalousie Beach?

We are not into touring the island. Just want to hang out at the beach.

Thanks Again!

We absolutely loved St Lucia and going to the Pitons. I'm not really sure about the cheapest way but it was pretty easy and fast using Spencers and we had an amazing time! If you are only going to the beach (and not doing the mud bath or anything) you'll get prime seating at the beach since you'll get there first. It's amazing snorkeling for sure! Have a wonderful time :)

Thank you for your answers back. The main reason I ask about St. Kitts, I really didn't find much that I liked about it, and thought, perhaps things were better there, but it doesn't sound that way too much. Yes we like the beach as well, so that may be what we do.

Yea, we aren't too thrilled with St Kitts either. If I ever go back, I'll head to the same beach as Carambola and go to Discovery or Ship wreck. I absolutely loved the black sand. It was so pretty and sparkled like diamonds in the sun. :D

Is everyone else seeing the news about Little French Key? I got an email about their buildings being set on fire and then this morning saw news that their animals have been removed. Yikes. We loved going here last time we were in Roatan - the kids keep asking to go back next time.