Fun, port intensive cruise

Carnival Fascination Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 101

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Fascination

7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 12, 2018

Ship: Carnival Fascination

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: R190

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

This is a great itinerary, but it is busy! Only one at-sea day, so not a lot of down time. If you like to keep going, this is one to pick. The ship itself is smaller, so not as much going on, less variety, and less opulent than bigger ships, but it works on a port intensive cruise.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Embarkation was quick and easy. The reserved arrival time really helps keep things moving.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
This is a smaller ship, so the buffet options are limited. There is one themed buffet, plus burgers, pizza and tacos. In the dining room, however, food and service was excellent, as usual on Carnival.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Typically what you would expect - bingo, trivia, hairy chest contest, etc.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Stage shows are about what you'd expect on a small ship - meh. Piano bar and comedy were our go-to's. First set of comedians were so-so. Second set were better. Musicians around the ship were actually very good.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
This is Carnival's strength. Staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and they really seem to want you to enjoy everything. They go out of their way to make your vacation special.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
The cabin seemed smaller than we are used to, but we booked an Oceanview, and we usually get a balcony, so that may be why. We had 3 people in each cabin, so space was tight. Biggest complaint is that there was only one electrical outlet in the room! We had to take turns charging our phones at night! But our cabin steward did keep everything clean.

Ship tip

This was our 12th cruise. We have cruised 5 different cruise lines, and this was the most basic ship we've been on. It's smaller, and doesn't have all the glitz and variety of bigger ships, so don't expect that. But on a port intensive itinerary, it works. Bring a double outlet charger!

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5
Puerto Rico is beautiful. Stay an extra day, and go see the biobay!

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5
Went to Magen's Bay beach. Beautiful, clear, calm water.

Bridgetown, Barbados

5 out of 5
Swam with the turtles and shipwrecks - a unique experience!

Castries, St. Lucia

5 out of 5
St. Lucia is one of our favorites. We did a resort day this time and it was a nice change from the usual excursions. Make sure you get a mango!

Basseterre, St. Kitts

5 out of 5
We hired a taxi to take us around the island. A great way to see a lot, with a personal touch.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5
Horseback riding in the sea was an experience! Again, another beautiful island.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
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2 Comments

GeminiMa0601    6 years ago

Thanks for sharing your experience, really helpful for a 1st timer,:-)

IkeDeb    6 years ago

Interesting

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