Fascination FAQ Review – good as of 8/27/09 sail

[obx_fintoo]

It seems that folks ask the same questions over and over. I’ve been on this ship/itinerary 3 times and same itinerary on the Celebration before her 8 times, so I don’t typically write or post a review each cruise since they would mostly be the same things over and over. In the days leading up to this cruise, I got the idea for a Frequent Asked Questions review. I hope you enjoy the style. And if anyone has questions that I did not directly address, let me know and I’ll attempt to answer them for you.

Q: What is this itinerary?

A: This is for the 4 day sailing that leaves at 4pm on Thursday, Freeport from 12pm to 7pm on Friday, Nassau from 8am to 10pm on Saturday, Sunday – Fun Day at Sea, Monday – Jacksonville by 7am.

Q: What time should I arrive at JaxPort?

A: We usually get to the port around 11am. The lines are never long and we are usually on the ship by noon. We had some folks on this roll call that arrived at 9:30 and were instructed to park in an adjacent parking lot until 10:45 or so, after all previous cruisers were gone, and were then instructed to move to the “official” parking lot. They got on board around the same time as we did.

Q: How much is parking?

A: $15 per day. The 4-day cruise is $60 total and the 5-day is $75 total and you pay up front. A lot of the area hotels in Jacksonville have Park and Cruise options, so it’s worth investigating. We have done this a few times with mixed results. Since we have a long drive ahead once we get back, it’s worth it for us to get off the ship and go instead of taking a shuttle back to the hotel.

Q: How does VIP/Platinum embarkation work at JaxPort?

A: VIP has a separate line (all the way to the left) for security that is much shorter than the general line. There are 3 scanners and the next available person will wave the VIP and general alternatively. Once through the scanners, there is a VIP lounge - again all the way to the left. There are two desks for processing and if needed, you can wait on some cushy sofas until the next desk opens. When done, a terminal rep will escort you to the Zone 1 embarkation (if boarding hasn’t yet started) or directly to the embarkation photo area (if it has started). Very quick and very nice folks!

 

Q: What is going on with JaxPort/new Jacksonville terminal?

A: We were fortunate enough to get a chance to speak with Mr. Orsini, who owns, runs and designed the JaxPort terminal while we were waiting to board, so this is straight from the horse’s mouth – so to speak. He is under contract with Carnival until 2011. The MayPort terminal is still in a holding pattern because of residential opposition. He has another meeting with that planning committee in October. However, he is pursuing other opportunities that he was not able to discuss. The terminal will be moving at some point as the current JaxPort terminal is being converted to a cargo terminal and must be operational as such by 2013. He was a very nice fellow and I wish him the best getting a new alternative that can host some newer ships.

 

[obx_fintoo]

Q: What is there to eat?

A: Lots of stuff!

Lunch: Taste of Nations was as follows:

Thursday – Italian (very good fish and lasagna and the chicken dish was surprisingly moist. Eggplant was amazing!)

Friday – Caribbean (Jerk Chicken, Caribbean Pepper Pot soup, etc. – all tasty

Saturday – French (did not eat at the buffet for lunch this day)

Sunday – American (fried chicken – spicy on one side and regular on the other)

Sealover’s Buffet – always had hamburgers, French fries, hot dogs, nacho fixings and desserts from 11 – 6pm

Omelete station: Outside at the Sealover’s Buffet. Inside: Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes or French Toast, etc. etc.

Deli – 11am - 11pm: Reuben’s, grilled turkey, salmon and bagels, etc. All good.

Pizzeria – 24hrs – Always fresh. You can order a whole pie or one they don’t have ready as well as calzones and Caesar salads.

We only ate in the dining room the first night. Food was good –better than we remembered from past few cruises. Warm Chocolate Melting Cake was awesome as usual.

Q: Is there really someone serving the bacon?

A: Yes, there is, and I had a humorous (to me) experience with this. Had read some recent reviews where folks were uncomfortable asking for more bacon and went away unsatisfied. I went to get a small plate of breakfast on Saturday morning. I reached for the ham while the server had a wad of bacon in his tongs. He asks if I want bacon. I tell him “No thanks, I’m just getting some ham.” He repeats “You want bacon!” and proceeds to place said wad of bacon (about 4 pieces) on top of my ham. I was able to split with my DH but laughed about it the rest of the trip!

Q: What night is formal night?

A: This one is tricky. Most of the times we have done this route, formal night is the second night – Freeport. For some reason, this sailing was the third night while we were still docked in Nassau.

Q: What has changed for the Captain’s cocktail party?

A: So far on the Fascination, free drinks are still available at the Captain’s party. Our server was more than willing to bring us drinks of our choice and yes, we tipped him after he brought the second round. Peter from India – he’ll be there until November.

No hors dourves were served, but honestly, the last few times they have been slim pickings anyway. On the Fascination, there is usually only one Captain’s party – at 7:15 between the two dinner times.

[obx_fintoo]

Q: What shows are on the Fascination?

A: Thursday night there was one Welcome Aboard show at 10:30pm with the CD with comedian John Floyd and the Fascination Dancers and Singers.

Friday night was Far From Over – an 80s Revue – with two show times (8:45pm and 10:30pm).

Saturday was a magic and comedy variety show – Tony Albano and more comedy with Brad Tassel – both early and late shows.

Sunday night was Hey Mambo and again, both showtimes.

We did not attend any of the shows but heard positive feedback from other cruisers.

 

Q: Who is the Captain?

A: Captain Placido Tuminello. He is a very cordial man and will speak to you if you pass on the ship. He has been the captain for this Jacksonville route since the Celebration was sailing back in 2006.

 

Q: Who is the CD?

A: Felipe Cuoto (“Woohoo”) from Brazil. We didn’t see him much, but heard good things about him and some of those were from his staff! Spent some time chatting with a Social Host one afternoon – Stevie D. from England who is on until November – and he was so complimentary of his boss! The announcements were funny and NOT too many!

 

Q: What are drink prices?

A: DODs are now $7.50 for souvenir glass, $7.25 regular. Buckets of beer are $20.70 with 15% gratuity. If you are still within Jacksonville range, you will pay the 15% gratuity PLUS Jax Sales Tax, so it will be closer to $22.

 

Q: Do they have trivia on board?

A: Yes, we played several trivia contests and won a 24K plastic gold ship-on-a-stick each. I also caught a replay of the Game Show trivia from the first night and felt that the questions were pretty easy/fun. See above about Social Host Stevie D. – He said all of the Carnival ships have a few DVDs that they use to pull up random questions on music, TV, etc.

 

Q: What is there to do in Freeport and Nassau?

A: Freeport - Lots of people seem to love Freeport. I don’t care to get off the ship then onto a hot bus or mini-van for a 20 minute ride to the pretty side of the island. We have enjoyed a cold beer at the “Sports Bar” before at the small market at the dock and we have done a fishing excursion and a glass bottom boat excursion in the past. Both were fine with some choppy waters, so we always wait until we are certain of the weather before booking any water based excursions. Mostly we stay on board where it is quiet!

 

Nassau – Ardastra Gardens and Zoo is a quick and easy break, the flamingo show is worth seeing. It is probably best for younger kids or true animal lovers. In March we did the Dolphin Encounter which was amazing but cool water at that time of year. It was perfect weather this cruise. I have found Atlantis to be too overpriced but I have talked to plenty of folks that have enjoyed the beach excursions there. Senor Frog’s is fun for the party crowd and if you feel like traveling try out the Green Parrot bar – out of the way but a fun side trip. There is a lot more info on the Ports of Call boards here.

[obx_fintoo]

Q: Can you really bring beer back on board at ports?

A: Yes. We do this every time we go to Nassau. There is a Duty Free at the corner before you walk up to the Hard Rock. They have cold bottles available. You can purchase and walk around with them, or what we do is get 2 six packs and carry back onboard.

Q: How is the casino?

A: We weren’t very lucky on this cruise, but had a good deal of fun. The craps table was often very popular but when it went cold, it went cold fast! Roulette was pretty much a break even event and the slots were not kind to me. However, a new friend from our roll call won the Slot Tourey after we encouraged him to try. That was pretty exciting! Not too impressed with the pit bosses but the dealers were all friendly.

Q: How is debarkation?

A: We are Platinum and opt for the Priority Self Assist debarkation. You must have all of your luggage with you and meet at 7:30 in the Putting on the Ritz lounge and get a sticker showing you are supposed to be there. Once customs have cleared the group is escorted from the lounge to the aft elevators. You then go down to Rivera deck and have to carry your stuff down one flight of stairs to Deck 3 so be forewarned. We were in the car and pulling out of the parking lot at 7:55am.

Miscellaneous thoughts: Overall this was one of our best cruises. The weather was a bit choppy on Thursday evening but by the time we woke up on Friday, it was sunny and flat. It stayed that way until we got back to Jacksonville. First time in a while with such consistently good weather. We had a small roll call and ending up meeting 3 other couples that we hung out with on the cruise. Very nice folks who we plan to keep in touch with. Food was better than we remembered from last few sailings and service, as always, is impeccable. Overall grade: A+

Happy cruising!

[gatour]

Thanks for the great information. Have you done the longer cruise that stops in Key West?

[tootsiebit]

Thanks for mentiioning favorite Carnival ship...the Celebration...we sailed on her while she was till in Galveston and I loved that ship...I actually have a pic just like yours at the Trolley bar....thanks for the little bit of time to reminese (sp?) about that wonderful Celebration!!

[obx_fintoo]

Thanks for the great information. Have you done the longer cruise that stops in Key West?

 

Yes, we did the Key West itin last April. It's nice getting to visit KW, but I much prefer going there for a few days instead of a few hours.

 

Thanks for mentiioning favorite Carnival ship...the Celebration...we sailed on her while she was till in Galveston and I loved that ship...I actually have a pic just like yours at the Trolley bar....thanks for the little bit of time to reminese (sp?) about that wonderful Celebration!!

 

Yes, our fave too! Like going back to your small home town everytime!:cool:

[NeverTakeItForGranted]

I've seen reports about the Fascination getting a new water park area in early 2010, but the Carnival website shows a waterslide. Does it have a slide currently?

 

Also, I'm pretty new at the cruising thing, and I just stumbled on this website. (Yay!) What a wealth of information! I saw some postings about being on the deck below the gym and how noisy it is on some ships. Have you had any experience with whether that's so on the Fascination? We're debating between a cabin below the gym on the Fascination or a cabin below the pool area on RC Majesty of the Seas. The only other cruise we've been on was below the pool, and the noise of the chairs scraping across the floor drove me crazy for about two days until I got used to it.

 

Thanks for answering some questions from a rookie!

[ohitssunshine]

I've seen reports about the Fascination getting a new water park area in early 2010, but the Carnival website shows a waterslide. Does it have a slide currently?

 

Also, I'm pretty new at the cruising thing, and I just stumbled on this website. (Yay!) What a wealth of information! I saw some postings about being on the deck below the gym and how noisy it is on some ships. Have you had any experience with whether that's so on the Fascination? We're debating between a cabin below the gym on the Fascination or a cabin below the pool area on RC Majesty of the Seas. The only other cruise we've been on was below the pool, and the noise of the chairs scraping across the floor drove me crazy for about two days until I got used to it.

 

Thanks for answering some questions from a rookie!

 

I can answer that it does have a waterslide right now, but that is it!

 

[obx_fintoo]

I've seen reports about the Fascination getting a new water park area in early 2010, but the Carnival website shows a waterslide. Does it have a slide currently?

 

Thanks for answering some questions from a rookie!

 

No problem! That's the one thing I meant to post and forgot!:o There is another thread floating around about this now, but short answer is... yes, there is a waterslide now. See above pic! Thanks sunshine! :cool:

 

They will be adding the Evolutions of Fun upgrades in either late Jan or early Feb 2010 and currently there is no shipped planned to cover the dry dock sailings. New Serenity area in the back, a few more balconies, and the Waterworks big yellow slides. If you go to the Carnival site, you can see pics of what it will look like.

[bguppies]

Leaving on the Fascination on Saturday. (Nassau and HMC)

 

Just curious if the cabins (inside) have DVD players?

(they did on our Feb. Freedom cruise, but I assume the Fascination might not get them until it's drydock later this year)

 

Thought I might bring a DVD or two with, if it did have a DVD player.

 

Thanks,

Bill

[obx_fintoo]

Leaving on the Fascination on Saturday. (Nassau and HMC)

 

Just curious if the cabins (inside) have DVD players?

(they did on our Feb. Freedom cruise, but I assume the Fascination might not get them until it's drydock later this year)

 

Thought I might bring a DVD or two with, if it did have a DVD player.

 

Thanks,

Bill

 

Well, you are gone already (sorry!:o) but....

 

A: No DVD players in the rooms - Maybe in the suites?? They do have 1st run movies that alternate every few days. There are 3 channels one of which plays G or kids movies only.

[slang1272]

Thanks for the review. We are only a couple hours from JAX so we have been on this ship and the Celebration too. Even though we've been on it already I still enjoy reading the reviews. I like to get other people's thoughts of the ship. We'll be on her again in Feb (after the evolutions of fun is complete)...I can't wait!

 

I like the FAQ format, too!

[obx_fintoo]

Thanks for the review. We are only a couple hours from JAX so we have been on this ship and the Celebration too. Even though we've been on it already I still enjoy reading the reviews. I like to get other people's thoughts of the ship. We'll be on her again in Feb (after the evolutions of fun is complete)...I can't wait!

 

I like the FAQ format, too!

 

Thanks! Be sure to let us know how she is after the upgrade!:cool: