Melissa Grady

Age: 22
Occupation: SELF-EMPLOYED
Number of Cruises: 1
Cruise Line: CARNIVAL
Ship: FASCINATION
Sailing Date: September 19th, 2003
Itinerary: NASSAU, BAHAMAS

My husband and I had won a three day cruise aboard the Carnival Fascination to the Nassau, Bahamas. This was our very first cruise and we were excited, and nrevous at the same time! In making the reservations with Carnival, the reps were very polite and very willing to help accommidate you in any way. We flew from our home in Charlotte, NC to Miami, Florida where Carnival reps greeted us smiling and ready to tell us what documents we needed in hand and where to go.

A large, air-conditioned bus drove us all from the Miami Airport to the Port of Miami where the ship was docked.

We had all of our luggage tagged so the baggage handlers knew exactly where to drop our luggage off at. They then directed us inside to give all of our documents to the Carnival reps to embark onto the ship. If you have your passport/birth certificate, drivers licsince, and needed cruise documents ready to go it is so fast to get thru! We were at the front dasek not even five minutes! Then you get your room keys and sail and sign card (to make on board purchases) and they take your picture and you can go up the stairs to the ship! It was very quick and everyone was polite and willing to help. When on the ship, we asked how to get to our room and someone directed us to the correct elevator. The room was great, we were on the Riviera deck with a ocen view which was beautiful! The water was right there in front of your face! We relaxed while everyone boarded and the luggage was being delivered. Then they call you to grab your lifejackets and go thru the required drill in case of an emergency. Honestly it wasn't long at all they just explained where to go and what to do, all together about 15 minutes. After that we were free to go anywhere! The ship is beautiul, inside and out! There are many shops to buy souviners stand 24 hour pizza, and great buffets with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, anf fries all the time! The shows were put together well and Bingo is a must! There are so many chances to win money! We won once! The captain's dinner is awesome, you can order whatever you want and however much you want! We did get lost finding our way around the ship, but it was fun exploring! There wasn't a lot of space left for the pool either. They just had one main one open and it was crowded. But the top deck was unbeleivable! The view is enormous and just takes your breath away! Our room steward was very nice, it is cool to see where all the employees are from around the world. He even left towel animals in our room one night! Oh and they always turn your sheets down for you before bed time, it was nice being pampered! Lots of photographers taking lots of pics! We bought some good ones! Very pleased! The ship's director is funny, he was entertaining and directed everything really well. I don't really have anything negative to say about this trip, even disembarking was so easy! There are lots of people but it goes quickly if you have all documentation in hand and you don't bring exotic stuff back like food, plants, flowers, lots of alcohol, etc.

They even drove us back to the airport for only $11 a person! And if your flight is after 3:30 pm there are more tours you can attend instead of waiting at the airport all day! All together we did two tours, bought 100 dollars worth of souviners (ship and on land at the Bahamas) and we spent a total of $295.00! That's all. If you drink alcohol and like sodas that costs the most! Besides the gambling which we did but only lost $40.00 It was fun! The ship did rock a bit on Friday when we took off, but that was probably due to Hurricane Isabel's after effects, it was okay though. Finally, I just want to say that this was a awesome, pleasurable experience and I would do this all over again! I would love to try another ship next, if it is as good as this Fascination then definitly!

Hope this review was helpful, I tried to explain it in order from beginning to end! Thanks Carnival!

Melissa 7 Louis in Charlotte, NC

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