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Relaxing cruise by
Gayle K from Amelia Island, Fl Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: Time in the sun Cons: Specific times to eat We have been on many cruises on different cruise lines. This particular cruise leaves from Jacksonville, which is about 30 miles from where we live. It could not have been more convenient. The food was very good. The weather for our cruise was perfect. The ship itself is older but is in very good shape. Ship Quality
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  A Great Cruise by
Gregory E from Lexington, SC Sailing date: Aug 2009Pros: the pool, the dining room Cons: not enough selection at the buffets We loved the ship, all the crew were very friendly and the amenities were great, made for a great cruise. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThe food was great but not enough selections Stateroom Quality
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Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Nassau, Bahamasdon't waste your time or energy taking the water taxi to Atlantis, they do not go to atlantis or the beach, 20 minute walk to atlantis and 45 minute walk to the beach which they state they take you to.
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  Carnival Cruise - Jacksonville by
A Traveler from New Hampshire Sailing date: May 2009Pros: relaxation/sun Cons: itinerary While the ship Fascination is older, it was comfortable, clean and well appointed. Most of the staff were wonderful and helpful. Ship Quality
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Stateroom QualityOur room was tiny, but clean. The beds were very comfortable. Ship Staff QualityOur room steward was fantastic and it was nice to have staff you pass in the hall all say hello and wish you well. Our dining room waiter was not pleasant and rather haughty - not what I would consider a good customer service person. I had a problem on the last night of the cruise and the information desk staff eventually rectified it, but it took three trips to the desk and no "I'm sorry for the inconvienience" was ever offered. Entertainment & Activities
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Key West, Florida
Nassau, BahamasWe arrived at 12noon and booked a shore excursion for 1pm. We returned from the shore excursion at 5:30 and ALL the shops were closed. So although we were in port until 10pm, there wasn't anything to do after we returned from the shore excursion. 5pm-10pm was wasted time.
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  Another great cruise by
Bob Mielde from Boston, MA Sailing date: Mar 2009Pros: The travel time Cons: ? After travelling on other lines, I find the Carnival ships harder to negotiate. For example, the ship map does not include all attractions. Then, once you do find the particular place of interest, you must use certain elevators, but not others to get there. Often times you must go to a different level, then go across to get to my location. I don't want to feel that I am in a human game of Frogger. That is a minor detail though.
BIG issue - in the informal dining area....time to replace the trays. They are badly warped and thus your dishes and drinks are on a "teeter-totter". Ship Quality
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Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)This was awesome! Gorgeous beach! Great setup.
But, be sure to walk down the beach just a bit for great privacy. The people tended to hover around the beach chairs just as they had been set out...right on top of each other.
Don't Miss: Just kick back on the beach.... Nassau, BahamasGo see Atlantis...this is a must see. But, be sure to see the Aquarium...so cool.
Shopping is just o.k. ~ watch out for Senor Frog....he will mess up the rest of your day ;)
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  Our first cruise by
Angie G. from Hutchinson, MN Sailing date: Sep 2008Pros: Ship was awesome! Cons: Couldn't find anything wrong with this, even my sister said so, and she finds soemthing wrong with EVERYTHING! This was a first cruise for all of us, and we were all amazed at how nice everything was. It was awesome to explore the MANY open decks and to get lots of different views of the ports when you were coming and going. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThe buffet lines had a nice variety of foods, but maintained the "staples" each day such as hot-dogs, hamburgers, etc. It was nice to be able to have those in case the more unique foods were not in your interest for a quick lunch, since you had such wonderful, elegant options in the dining room in the evenings. Stateroom QualityWe had an oceanview stateroom wtih balcony. I wouldn't want to cruise any other way! The privacy of the balcony was perfect in the wee hours of the morning when I couldn't/didn't want to sleep. It was a nice get away during the day as well, as I had miserable sinus headaches much of the trip, so to avoid all the noise of the Lido deck, it was exactly what I needed! Ship Staff Quality
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  Awesome adventure by
A Traveler from Londonderry, NH Sailing date: Aug 2008Pros: So many things. Especially the stage shows. Cons: the rocking of the ship! This was our first time on a cruise. It was all that I expected and more. I was awestruck when we walked into the Atrium. The decorating and overall looks of the area was so wonderful to the eyes. Every employee was wonderful and helpful from the Cruise Director to the maids. There was so much to do and to eat! I enjoyed the variety and availability of the food. Everything I ate was delicious. What I enjoyed the most was the stage shows. I was in awe watching the professional, energetic dancers. The cotumes were impressive as well as the sets. The band was fantastic. I wanted to get up and dance too! We watched one show (The 80's) twice in one night.
The state rooms were comfortable. I expected there would be a hair dryer so that was a little disappointing. Fortunately the weather was warm enough to dry my hair naturally. The beds were especially comfortable and we enjoyed having a window to look at the ocean and the stars.
We had a great time at Land Turk. Never heard of the island before so that was fun. The water there was the best part. So warm and clear and inviting. I was thrilled to see a star fish and a stingray. Had a very relaxing time laying in the lawn chairs and swiming in the wonderful water.
Thanks so much for making my first cruise a dream come true. Ship Quality
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  A most exciting family cruise!! by
Mark C. from Arkansas Sailing date: Jul 2008Pros: Our room was "always" tip top Cons: Needed more for 13-16 years old to go together, making more inviting for them. This was our first family cruise trip and we were blown away. We had a wonderful
time. From the time we stepped into the terminal to prepare getting onto the ship, to
staying on board for our trip to getting off the ship. It is amazing that everything is so
together and organized. We enjoyed the trip so much. The ship was so clean and
has so many warm smiles from your crew. We will for sure try hard to save enough
money up so that we can take another cruise as a family before our children leave home and go off to college. We decided that this is a much better vacation than any other we
have ever taken. Just being together but still having some space away from each other.
The activities were wonderful. However, I do think someway/somehow you should
have a way to attrack the younger 13-17 years old to go try out their age group thing.
My children looked in and saw kids that looked lots younger than them and did not want
to go, they didn't go. I think if there was something given to them before hand and
really inviting, they might have tried it. This is a tough age, they are still kids but feel
more grown up then they really are.
The dancing was great, the group put on wonderful shows. We especially liked the
break dancers and wished they had put on more of a show. What talent these young
kids have.
I wouldn't think twice about getting back onto your ship for another wonderful trip.
You all did a great job. Ship QualitySometimes the public bathrooms were not up to par. But I believe it was because some
younger boys used the womens bathroom and the mother didn't clean after them. I sure
don't blame the staff on your ship. But it is never good to go to the bathroom and find that. Dining/FoodWonderful, all kinds of food, but at the sametime food that you know the children will
always like. The only thing I wished was that the ice carving could have been at two
different times. I really wanted my kids to see this, but some how we missed it. Stateroom QualityOur room M235 was amazing. Our room keeper was on top of it at all times. We never
had a dirty room or never had to ask for anything. He was more than just doing his job,
he was caring and always with a smile. I think he should be patted on the back or something better. What a great worker. Ship Staff QualityOur room keeper, excellent. Our dining room waitters were exceptional. Hari and Budi
were great. They were so friendly and made sure we were happy with all that we had.
They did all they could to make us feel good. They did not miss a beat. They seemed to work together so good. Entertainment & ActivitiesJust as I said in my review, something for ages 13-17 needed to be more inviting for them. This is a tough age and they need some talking into doing with their age groups.
More comedy for younger groups would be great, not just for adults. Some of us like
good clean comedy, that way the family can share in this together. Children's ProgramsSee my comment from above. 
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Cozumel, MexicoWe took our kids snorkeling, I think everyone should try swimming with the
dolphins or snorkeling, the water there is beautiful. We shopped some, but not lots.
We really didn't go to shop, we wanted to see the pretty clear water and just enjoy the
new experience.
Key West, FloridaWe just did some walking and shopping. We really did not do much there.
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  Thoroughly enjoyable cruise by
A Traveler from Boston, MA Sailing date: Jan 2008Pros: The variety and quality of food served Cons: Elevators are dimly lit making it difficult to find correct button I was very impressed with the cleanliness level maintained all over the ship. Ship Quality
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  A great time! by
A Traveler from Baltimore, Md Sailing date: Nov 2007Pros: Treated like a queen on cruise Cons: My daughter didn't have her luggage All the employees on the ship were very freindly and accommodating. the shows were excellent.
I thought the pools could have been bigger. Ship Quality
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  Cruise was Good by
Paula D. from Arlington, MA Sailing date: Sep 2007Pros: The dinners - food and staff were superb Cons: We were seated with a couple with a 2yr old & we were two single women in our 40's -- not a good match We sailed on the Carnival Fascination. The ship was refurbished and spotless. I was very impressed that I never saw a stray piece of paper or litter anywhere on the ship. I was also very impressed with the bartenders and wait staff. The cabins were roomy, bright and clean. The beds were incredibly comfortable much to my surprise and satisfcation. Ship Quality
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Ship Staff QualityExcellent as far as the sit down dinners -- however we did meet with one or two surly waitresses (yes - I hate to admit it but they were both women) in one of the restaurants. Seems sarcasm was a strong point with these two. Entertainment & ActivitiesI was disappointed in the activities. I didn't feel there was enough of activities to draw interest from the particular cruise guests. It was not a very young or fit crowd and the way they split the ship into teams certainly didn't turn out equal. Unfortunately I don't have any idea how to make it any better so I can't judge too much. 
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Calica, MexicoThis port offered nice beach, availability to see Mayan ruins, Playa del Carmen, etc. with enough time to enjoy an afternoon in the sun and then a little nighttime partying as well before having to be back to the ship. I loved stopping in Calica - I wish we had even more time to spend there. Perhaps offering scuba diving as an excursion for those of us who love to dive.
Key West, FloridaI was disappointed that Key West was a chosen port for early morning to early afternoon -- I have heard this place really sparkles at night with lots of energy and action. Unfortunately -- 7:30 - 1:30 isn't the right time for this port.
Don't Miss: Never really found one.  0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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