Great ports.

Carnival Fascination Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 35

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Fascination

7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 12, 2017

Ship: Carnival Fascination

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: R81

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

This was a 7 day cruise with 5 ports and one day at sea which was phenomenal and you get more bang for your buck. In looking at other cruises there were more days at sea with fewer ports. St. Kitts and St. Maartens were my groups favorite but the other islands were just as beautiful. There weren't many people on this cruise I presume because it was February or the boat itself is a bit dated. Not many small children or teenagers. Pretty good mix of all age adults. Plenty of activities to do on board and service was impeccable.

 

Some of the activities were late at night i.e. comedy show. We decided to do the 8:15pm dining. We were too tired afterwards to stay awake for anything and mostly went to bed thereafter. Would have liked more of the nights shows to start a bit earlier for us early birds. Casino was great but was only open while at sea (laws). Pool area was great. Plenty of areas to relax and look out at sea. 

 

Food was not the best. We understand food costs are always high and food must be pre-cooked hours before in certain circumstances. However, service was impeccable. Not much they can do about the food. They tried their best. 

 

I would recommend this cruise for first timers. Not sure if I would do it again only because I would like to see other ports. 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Small but that is typical. We rarely spent time in the room because there were so many ports. However it was pretty cool to be able to wake up and just look out your window and see the water and/or ports.

Ship tip

Swimming with the dolphins was our favorite. Bring extension cord, clothes pins, couple sunblock bottles, and beach towels. GoPro's are amazing during excursions and on the beach. If not, water camera will work also.

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5
Went to a beach behind the Marriott. Credit cards only but we felt safe and it was beautiful.

Bridgetown, Barbados

5 out of 5

Castries, St. Lucia

5 out of 5
Stay in the tourist area.

Basseterre, St. Kitts

5 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5
Maho beach was beautiful and couple restaurants and beer places with awesome food.
Was this review helpful? 35

6 Comments

Feenux    7 years ago

Geaux: What did you do in St. Kitts and St. Maarten?

ctav    7 years ago

I'm not a first timer and I've been on Fascination and want to cruise on her again.

hillgirl    7 years ago

Want to do this one in dec sounds like the fantasy we just went on without guys :( the stops sound amazing! Did I read this right you get on the ship then can get off until late night when you leave port first day?

Dutch3901    7 years ago

It's all relative, concerning the food. My wife and I travel to 3rd world countries and the majority of their citizens will never in their lives eat at, or even see, a buffet. It puts things in perspective and it all seems good to us...

amberhayes5    7 years ago

My husband and I went on the fascination last year, and I do agree with you that the food wasn't that tasty! We definitely ate a lot of pizza and ice cream lol. But it's still an amazing experience, and it's not like I starved. Haha ❤️

captainandtennell    7 years ago

Thank you, I'm doing this cruise in April and I guess I'll be eating Pizza every day..

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