NOT Fascinated!

[Cruisegirl6]

Father in law - E236 and mine E234

[nycruiser2006]

We are trying our first porthole room so we are far forward. I will report back if we hear the foghorn. I have read a lot of reviews and am expecting notice from thrusters, etc when we are pulling into port.

[cruisersunsetbrat]

Hi Lyndamr,

 

We have cruised Celebrity, RCCL & NCL, as well. Royal is also our favorite. Having said that, we like all four cruise lines. Too bad we can't take the things we like and combine them, LOL.

 

I told the girl at Guest Services that I could track down toilet paper, ice and soap. What I could not do was flush the toilet and it was a huge problem that should have been taken seriously.

 

I think that the crew is overworked and I feel sorry for them. My husband told me he was talking to the room steward (who was apologizing profusely for the issues) outside our cabin when a little boy came up and asked if they could get a bucket of ice in their cabin. Our poor room steward pulled a pen from his pocket and wrote a note on the palm of his hand. How sad...

[Rottweiler Puppy]

Since you asked:...

5- We had FTTF, our luggage was always brought to our cabin before we got on but the luggage was not there....needless to say we checked twice the next hour or so still no luggage, at 1:35 we noticed many people (without FTTF) had their luggage outside their doors we still didn't, called up guest services, finally got it later on....

 

I do not think getting luggage early is a benefit of FTTF. Just that your stateroom is ready.

 

I just had it on my cruise last week and my luggage came normally and I did not see in the paperwork that it was supposed to be early or anything like that.

[SadieN]

I do not think getting luggage early is a benefit of FTTF. Just that your stateroom is ready.

 

 

 

I just had it on my cruise last week and my luggage came normally and I did not see in the paperwork that it was supposed to be early or anything like that.

 

 

Luggage is supposed to be fast-tracked with FTTF. Make sure your luggage gets an orange sticker.

[ruachsm]

I'm glad someone else heard the mystery noise. I was on the fascination November 30th and woke up my cabin mate on night two thinking the ships horn was blowing. Weird

[SadieN]

I'm glad someone else heard the mystery noise. I was on the fascination November 30th and woke up my cabin mate on night two thinking the ships horn was blowing. Weird

 

 

What was odd in the Inspiration was that our room stewards also thought it was the fog horn. We were in M238. Never heard it up in the buffet.

[papaflamingo]

Uhhhhhh......yes I know that Celiac Disease is a disease! I am an RN. I didn't even talk about celiac disease , just the fact that people always use the term gluten allergy when in fact it isn't an allergy at all.

Gluten intolerance is not the same as celiac disease and you have never stated that you have celiac disease so idk what your point is.

 

Honestly LTS1960, you are a bit "snippy" in your remarks. No one really cares if it's "gluten allergy" or "gluten intolerance." The OP cannot have gluten. What difference does the term make? IMHO your comment made it sound like you were doubting the OP's ability to have gluten. Would it really make a difference if the OP had come out and said "celiac's?" Many people would have no idea what that means. But these days most people have heard of "gluten free diets." So the OP made it simple. These days "gluten free" for whatever reason is very common. The cruise lines are aware of this and usually have options available. It's a shame that the OP was given false information, no matter what the "term" the OP uses.

[Cruisegoer]

Since you asked:

 

1- Lifeboat drill took 1 hour 18 minutes total time

2- I am disabled, live with chronic muscle and joint pain, when they said I had to climb steps I asked if I can take an elevator up and the woman put both her hands up and shrugged her shoulders and said "oh well", you have no choice

3- We had two cabins, we could not sleep at all for two and a half nights...there was this bad constant noise that sounded like a ships horn from a distance, it constantly went on every two seconds day and night, no sleep! We reported it and a ticket was made, a few staff and maintenance came to listen and did hear it, it was also heard in the hallway, also our cabin steward heard it, nobody knew what it was and where it was coming from but constantly kept getting phone calls and letters to call guest services when we heard it, didn't want to get up all hours in the night to get dressed for them to come into our cabin...after two nights of this noise and not being able to nap due to the noise continued during the daytime (night we heard it louder as it was more quite on the ship), when we docked the third day in Nassau we took the opportunity to sleep all afternoon since the noise was gone while docked. This noise got quieter but still hearing it the last two nights.

4- I have to be gluten free, this ship was HORRIBLE for me. I called special needs four weeks before our cruise and they assured me that because we had my time dining they take our cabin number when we enter the dining room which they did, and was told they will provide me with information what I am able to eat, this NEVER happened. I also mentioned the first night to the waiter about my needing to be gluten free...needless to say, his server asked us about dessert I asked what was gluten free he said the orange cake, after eating 5-6 bites I knew it was too good to be gluten free, I asked the waiter he took it away from me but the next day I became ill in more ways than one. Late at night we were hungry I asked the gill server whether the burgers were gluten free two said yes, ate the burger and again next day totally sick again! There was really nothing gluten free on the lunch buffet other than the salad bar with oil and vinegar and the meat carving, unfortunately the last two days the meat carving was leg of lamb which I hate and do not eat, there was only salad for me. I am able to eat potato and rice there was none....

5- We had FTTF, our luggage was always brought to our cabin before we got on but the luggage was not there....needless to say we checked twice the next hour or so still no luggage, at 1:35 we noticed many people (without FTTF) had their luggage outside their doors we still didn't, called up guest services, finally got it later on.

6- Totally disappointed with the Christmas decorations they were nice mostly around the lobby and outside the restaurant was a 5 ft tree....the decorations were not lit and could barely be seen at night with the dim lights, the trees were small, certainly disappointing, nothing compared to the beautiful christmas decor RC has on their ships.

 

The staff ALL were friendly, in fact, we knew many of them and they always addressed us by our first names and all were very friendly, they truly made the cruise nice...also we had the best cabin steward too.

 

Food thankfully we could up charge our meal to having lobster, steak and turf (lobster) or 14 oz. filet mignon, its a good thing because there was hardly anything I can eat being both gluten and dairy free. I had no dessert once...we asked for the same waiter had him 3 nights he always promised me a gluten free dessert but only offered me sherbet which of course I refused its not a good dessert why bother?

 

Any cruise is a good cruise, but this was our most disappointing cruise ever!

 

 

I'm not really sure why a seasoned cruiser would choose one of Carnivals oldest ships in the fleet. I also think you just take some responsibility in making sure you find a ship that can accommodate your needs as a disabled person. Again, comparing an old CCL Ships decorations to possibly (because we have no clue which RCL ship you meant)a megaship isn't exactly fair either. I guess there is no objectivity in a complaint, how could there be right.

[Cruisegirl6]

Thank you Papa Flamingo and Tapi.

 

FTTF indeed gives you EXPRESS LUGGAGE:

Express Luggage

"Your luggage will be expedited to your stateroom so you can unpack and get settled in for a great vacation!"

 

Cruisegoer- Why wouldn't I cruise on an older ship?! FYI, I have been on this ship a number of times, every year and I never experienced any of the issues I had on this cruise.

Yes, I did compare the decorations because on RC oldest ship Monarch of the Seas had this huge tree that went up 4 decks high and it was beautifully decorated with large ornaments and abundant of lights, the ship had many beautiful tall trees, they had holiday displays everywhere on the ship that were lit up even a winter wonderland scene and a toyland scene, gorgeous....Carnival was laid back plain and simple, just surprised. All because its an older ship doesn't mean they should slack on the decorations.

We chose the Fascination for a few reasons, first being this was our 5th trip this year and second cruise, we didn't want to fly or have a long drive to the port, this port was just 45 minutes away for us andwe booked her up just six weeks prior to the cruise, we wanted a casino getaway, the Fascination is perfect for this. We didn't cruise for the food or entertainment, a reason why I didn't review about these topics. Also have cruised on the RC newest ships and there is nothing wrong having variety in ships, the Fascination is a quaint small ship that served its purpose for us only we had major problems on her that we never had before. Being disabled doesn't mean I have to choose a larger ship, all ships accommodate disabled persons but I happen to get a worker in the muster station what didn't care about my issues.

[Micahs Grandad]

As a thought to OP, why not buy and keep with you some ear plugs. They will stop all that noise and let you sleep. They are inexpensive and can be found at your local pharmacy.

 

That doesn't excuse the noise or lessen the blame but if it happens to you again hopefully it will allow you to sleep.

 

As to the food issue I have no doubts that your deception is accurate, but I am appalled that Carnival was so negligent as to allow this to happen. As bad as gluten allergies are can you imagine what would have happened if someone went into anaphylactic shock because the kitchen couldn't get a meal correct.

 

Hopefully your next cruise is better.

 

DW has unusual food allergies. We discuss with head waiter the first night and they usually do a good job.

 

Last cruise she kept getting foods on her plate she couldnt have.

 

On the third night we had enough spoke to MD and asked to speak to head chef. He took notes and no problem from than on.

 

OP should write out a card with what she cannot have and hand it to the MD the first night and than as needed.

 

The waitstaff English skills are limited and their writing things down may or may not work.

[Cruisegirl6]

Thats a good thing but the problem mainly is what I could eat since I have celiac can't have gluten and have dairy intolerance also, so very limited but I won't starve.

 

I had to be gluten free the past three years and been on a number of Carnival ships before even this past May we took the 8 night southern caribbean cruise and never had any issues and problems with the food, I really didn't expect it but perhaps its meant to teach me a lesson to be more on the ball. lol

[RuthlessBoss]

Thank you Papa Flamingo and Tapi.

 

FTTF indeed gives you EXPRESS LUGGAGE:

Express Luggage

"Your luggage will be expedited to your stateroom so you can unpack and get settled in for a great vacation!"

 

Cruisegoer- Why wouldn't I cruise on an older ship?! FYI, I have been on this ship a number of times, every year and I never experienced any of the issues I had on this cruise.

Yes, I did compare the decorations because on RC oldest ship Monarch of the Seas had this huge tree that went up 4 decks high and it was beautifully decorated with large ornaments and abundant of lights, the ship had many beautiful tall trees, they had holiday displays everywhere on the ship that were lit up even a winter wonderland scene and a toyland scene, gorgeous....Carnival was laid back plain and simple, just surprised. All because its an older ship doesn't mean they should slack on the decorations.

We chose the Fascination for a few reasons, first being this was our 5th trip this year and second cruise, we didn't want to fly or have a long drive to the port, this port was just 45 minutes away for us andwe booked her up just six weeks prior to the cruise, we wanted a casino getaway, the Fascination is perfect for this. We didn't cruise for the food or entertainment, a reason why I didn't review about these topics. Also have cruised on the RC newest ships and there is nothing wrong having variety in ships, the Fascination is a quaint small ship that served its purpose for us only we had major problems on her that we never had before. Being disabled doesn't mean I have to choose a larger ship, all ships accommodate disabled persons but I happen to get a worker in the muster station what didn't care about my issues.

 

I think you've enhanced your memory of Monarch. I'm looking at my pictures from December 2012, there's no 4 story tree. A nice almost 2 story one was there, lots of boughs on railings, a gingerbread village. I don't do DR's so can't speak to that as far as decorations.

 

As for your issues, they likely were not visible if you were walking around. You've had past postings about not wanting to use any devices. I'm sure many others have requested elevator use to avoid the stairs.

[Cruisegirl6]

Oh no, I didn't enhance my memory in fact I went back online and looked at all the beautiful photos I took on that ship and the trees which had huge huge christmas balls, large ornamental snow flakes and smaller christmas balls too and was high in the lobby and went up three decks worth. The Fascination had a 6 ft tree, white lights yes but no decorations and very skimpy skinny tree, it reminded me of a tree purchased at Big Lots.

No it wasn't four stories, I see I did make that error, honestly it was a gorgeous tree so beautiful when I came home I went to vista print and had my christmas cards made up with the photo of that tree...thought this year I do the same, I did't even take a photo of the tree it wasn't anything worth taking, now I have to order Christmas cards, thanks for reminding me.

 

The woman in the muster drill surely could see my limping and having difficulty walking but its ok, I do believe in karma.

[LTS1960]

I thougth she also was a bit "Snippy"!! She could of statement of different way.

 

 

? What does she could of statement of different way mean?

I was not even talking to the OP, again I was directing my statement to the person that stated the term "gluten allergy".

I'm sick of people on the gluten free band wagon!

Yes, the OP has celiac disease but most people in this country don't even know what gluten is and they say they have a gluten allergy! There is no such thing.

It's either celiac disease, wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity.

[quickrate]

? What does she could of statement of different way mean?

I was not even talking to the OP, again I was directing my statement to the person that stated the term "gluten allergy".

I'm sick of people on the gluten free band wagon!

Yes, the OP has celiac disease but most people in this country don't even know what gluten is and they say they have a gluten allergy! There is no such thing.

It's either celiac disease, wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity.

Who cares whether it is caused a gluten allergy or sensitivity?! You may be tired of people being on the gluten free band wagon but it is a problem for many and the sensitivity is increasing! thru GMO and hybrids, wheat has become an intolerance in a large % of the public, it is estimated 1 in 7 people have a gluten intolerance. My husband went years with strange symptoms that no doctor could diagnose until we went to a naturopath who figured it out, this was almost 20 years ago. took him off of gluten, all the issues went away. He is not celiac, just very sensitive to gluten.

[ladygal4.4]

Burgers have no gluten...they are MEAT! You were probably still ill from the cake you ate.

 

 

It depends on whether they were handled correctly. Cross contamination is just as bad as eating the wrong thing.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[moniquet]

? What does she could of statement of different way mean?

I was not even talking to the OP, again I was directing my statement to the person that stated the term "gluten allergy".

I'm sick of people on the gluten free band wagon!

Yes, the OP has celiac disease but most people in this country don't even know what gluten is and they say they have a gluten allergy! There is no such thing.

It's either celiac disease, wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity.

 

I wish we had a like button:)

[Mikew0805]

? What does she could of statement of different way mean?

I was not even talking to the OP, again I was directing my statement to the person that stated the term "gluten allergy".

I'm sick of people on the gluten free band wagon!

Yes, the OP has celiac disease but most people in this country don't even know what gluten is and they say they have a gluten allergy! There is no such thing.

It's either celiac disease, wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity.

 

WOW! Fellow RN's never cease to amaze me.

[momof3cruisers]

OP, did you ask about a special needs muster? I am just wondering if they have one. I would have passed out if I had to stand for over an hour. I simply can't do it.

 

Also curious why the regular steak in the dining room or the grilled chicken wouldn't work.

 

Hope your next cruise is a better one!

[iamsteph]

? What does she could of statement of different way mean?

I was not even talking to the OP, again I was directing my statement to the person that stated the term "gluten allergy".

I'm sick of people on the gluten free band wagon!

Yes, the OP has celiac disease but most people in this country don't even know what gluten is and they say they have a gluten allergy! There is no such thing.

It's either celiac disease, wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity.

 

As an RN, maybe you've forgotten that lay people aren't always up to date on terminology. I have celiac disease. When I eat out, if I say I need gluten free because of celiac disease, they look at me like I have two heads - they have no idea what I'm talking about, nor do they realize I will be sick for days if they handle my food wrong or aren't careful with the ingredients.

 

If I say I have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, they cop the same attitude you just took - tired of people on the gluten free bandwagon, tired of people who are gluten free because it's a fad diet - and they do take me seriously. I've been sickened a couple of times because of that.

 

But lay people understand "allergy" and if I say I have a gluten allergy and that I will get extremely sick if I ingest it, they get it and are careful.

I'm scientifically educated. I know there is no so such thing as a gluten allergy. But it puts it in terms that others understand.

[Cruisegirl6]

I would of thought if there is a special needs area in the muster drill it would of been told to me, I always seen people in wheelchairs on various muster drills so not sure whether there is one or not?

 

They only offer that flat iron steak, have had it in the past to try and never could eat it...very very tough piece of meat. The surf and turf is very good, the 14 ounce NY Strip was very very good and the full lobster tail was also very good, so why would I want a flat iron steak when I have the option to pay $20 for a better type of meat? I am not really a seafood eater unless it a mahi mahi or other white boneless type fish and I can't eat chicken, I get sick from it as I also get sick from eggs (I have celiac need to be gluten free, have dairy intolerances along with intolerance to chicken and eggs--I have a few autoimmune diseases). I also noticed the prime rib that people were eating around me looked disgustingly fattening and appears to be a low grade quality beef, wished I tried it just to see for myself but I chose the up charge meals for4 out of 5 nights.

 

We are currently booked on the Carnival Magic for April 30th and honestly having reservations about going and were thinking of changing to RC Oasis of the Seas which is also out of Pt. Canaveral....but I can't judge Carnival by one recent cruise as I never had any problems so I probably will remain with the Magic.

 

I agree, saying a gluten allergy people understand and relate to more.

[momof3cruisers]

I would of thought if there is a special needs area in the muster drill it would of been told to me, I always seen people in wheelchairs on various muster drills so not sure whether there is one or not?

 

They only offer that flat iron steak, have had it in the past to try and never could eat it...very very tough piece of meat. The surf and turf is very good, the 14 ounce NY Strip was very very good and the full lobster tail was also very good, so why would I want a flat iron steak when I have the option to pay $20 for a better type of meat? I am not really a seafood eater unless it a mahi mahi or other white boneless type fish and I can't eat chicken, I get sick from it as I also get sick from eggs (I have celiac need to be gluten free, have dairy intolerances along with intolerance to chicken and eggs--I have a few autoimmune diseases). I also noticed the prime rib that people were eating around me looked disgustingly fattening and appears to be a low grade quality beef, wished I tried it just to see for myself but I chose the up charge meals for4 out of 5 nights.

 

We are currently booked on the Carnival Magic for April 30th and honestly having reservations about going and were thinking of changing to RC Oasis of the Seas which is also out of Pt. Canaveral....but I can't judge Carnival by one recent cruise as I never had any problems so I probably will remain with the Magic.

 

I agree, saying a gluten allergy people understand and relate to more.

 

It has been my experience that you have to ask about the special needs muster drill. When you board the ship, go directly to the guest services desk and ask them about it. As for Magic, I am not certain if it is all Dream class ships that have indoor musters or just Breeze, but I am sure someone here knows. :)

[RuthlessBoss]

It has been my experience that you have to ask about the special needs muster drill. When you board the ship, go directly to the guest services desk and ask them about it. As for Magic, I am not certain if it is all Dream class ships that have indoor musters or just Breeze, but I am sure someone here knows. :)

 

For some reason, I think there is a special needs area on ships. I've not used the area, but I simply go to my area before the drill so I can ride the elevator before it shuts down and lurk in the area before it starts.;)

[BARBARA J.W.]

Since you asked:

 

1- Lifeboat drill took 1 hour 18 minutes total time

2- I am disabled, live with chronic muscle and joint pain, when they said I had to climb steps I asked if I can take an elevator up and the woman put both her hands up and shrugged her shoulders and said "oh well", you have no choice

 

 

The staff ALL were friendly, in fact, we knew many of them and they always addressed us by our first names and all were very friendly, they truly made the cruise nice...also we had the best cabin steward too.

 

 

I am guessing the Woman-Staff person must have been new on the Ship...

 

I have been in some Muster Stations,,the Staff member in-charge will say,,,,,if you can't climb stairs just stay seated...

 

 

I am looking forward to seeing those friendly Staff Members....