My brother and I are both in the military and going on our first cruise for spring break..just trying to get a feel for who is going.. the cruise is this sunday so i guess its a little late to be putting this on here..especially any females
Also if someone can give me an idea of what the Carnival Sensation is like that would be cool too.
Answer :
Relaxing days and fun-filled nights are all part of what makes the Carnival Sensation an ideal cruise getaway. Ship highlights include a resort-style pool, Carnival WaterWorks aqua park complete with waterslide and Splash Park, and the adults-only “Serenity” area that features bar service, ocean vistas and whirlpools for relaxation. Carnival Spa is open daily for soothing spa treatments and fitness classes, and on the Sun Deck, a nine-hole mini-golf course and jogging track awaits those looking for a little action. Passengers seeking a casual setting for meals can dine alfresco at the Seaview Bar & Grille, the ship’s indoor/outdoor restaurant, or enjoy a fabulous culinary experience in one of the main dining rooms. After dinner, meet for a cocktail in Michelangelo’s Lounge, adorned with classic Roman columns, domes and statues, or try out your dance moves in the upbeat Kaleidoscope Dance Club. The Fantasia Lounge offers dynamic performances by Carnival’s talented singers, musicians and comedians. Guests will feel at home in well-appointed staterooms with Carnival’s luxurious Comfort Bed Collection, which includes thick mattresses, fine bed linens and custom pillows.
http://vacationstogo.com/cruise_ship/Car…
To find out others on the ship, join http://www.cruisecritic.com/ Go to boards, then roll calls. Then go to the cruise line, then date and ship. There you will see other folks on your ship!
Hope I helped!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
How is the Carnival sensation?
Im going on a carnival cruise next week and the ship name is called the sensation. Anyone been? is it boring or fun. Im going to the bahamas how is? And what is there to do.
P.S how is there teen center
Answer :
Sensational!! lol.. All of Carnivals ships are nothing but lots of fun. Been on the Carnival Imagination which is almost identical to the Sensation and loved it. Went to Half Moon Cay which is a private island owned by Carnival and one of the most beautiful places you can see. A great beach day! Then we went to Grand Turks and snorkeled for the first time ever..When your talking Bahamas, your talking Nassua and paradise Island and Atlantis...All one and the same...The greatest vacation ever, SO FAR!!
Answer :
i went on it about 5 years ago and it was a fun ship. im not sure if they've done any re-modeling but it was a nice ship with good food. they have certain activities designated for different age groups (you receive a paper with all of that information). have fun!
Answer :
Most carnival ships are kinda the same. I have been on the Inspiration and I loved it . All the ships have a great teen center, buffets, boutiques, and amazing food. Hope you have fun on your cruise!!
P.S how is there teen center
Answer :
Sensational!! lol.. All of Carnivals ships are nothing but lots of fun. Been on the Carnival Imagination which is almost identical to the Sensation and loved it. Went to Half Moon Cay which is a private island owned by Carnival and one of the most beautiful places you can see. A great beach day! Then we went to Grand Turks and snorkeled for the first time ever..When your talking Bahamas, your talking Nassua and paradise Island and Atlantis...All one and the same...The greatest vacation ever, SO FAR!!
Answer :
i went on it about 5 years ago and it was a fun ship. im not sure if they've done any re-modeling but it was a nice ship with good food. they have certain activities designated for different age groups (you receive a paper with all of that information). have fun!
Answer :
Most carnival ships are kinda the same. I have been on the Inspiration and I loved it . All the ships have a great teen center, buffets, boutiques, and amazing food. Hope you have fun on your cruise!!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Any tips would help. First time cruiser- me and husband- 20, and 23 ages- carnival sensation 3 day bahamas?
My husband and I (20, 23) are going on a 3-day cruise to the bahamas in a week and a half.
Any tips, advice, etc would help.
Carnival sensation to the bahamas, we stop in nassau
Answer :
Participate in many activities on the cruise.
You're probably going to want to stay longer =)
Go to the Casino.
In Nassau, Bahamas, you should take a tour. Tour guides will be there when you get off the cruise. I took a tour there and they take you nice places. They also take you into the hotel Atlantis. That was cool.
HAVE FUN!
Answer :
Me and my husband will be going on our first cruise also on the Sensation to the Bahamas for 3 days. I beleive we will be in freeport 1 day and Nassau 2 days. We leave this Saturday I will let you know how it went when I return. I also read on the carnival sight that you can bring your own pop with you this will save tons of money but it did say to unpack it out of original box and put in a box and just slap one of your luggage tags on it for it to be taken right to your room rather than lugging it, and if you want to drink take a beach bag with you and buy your liquier in ports and just pour it in different bottle to get back on ship. (I probally won't do this but I've read tons about ppl gettting away with this with no problem and a bottle of rum is like $4)
If you smoke wait until you sail to buy cigerettes on the ship b/c they have no state tax.
These were just some money saving tips I have found through the blogs on Carnival.com.
Answer :
Take a taxi over to Paradise Island and spend the afternoon at the beach. It is quiet and you won't be hassled by the people trying to sell you stuff. If you want to experience that just get off the ship and walk through the straw market.
Answer :
Go to cruisecritic.com and read all the message boards there. You will learn far more from that site than this one for cruising.
Answer :
The time will go by extremely fast and you will wish you had taken at least a week. You will become addicted. I have gone on 7 cruises with number 8 in June. Here is some general info on expenses.
The basic cruise fare includes your room, meals in the regular dining rooms and buffets, room service, shows, and most ship facilities. Many ships also have free pizza, ice cream at various times. sushi, and hot dogs and hamburgers.
There are usually 3 choices for free dining. There is traditional dining where you are assigned a time and table for dining. They range from 2 to 10 seats and you have the same diners each time. There is anytime dining which allows you to go dine any time and you are seated with others dining at the same time. Both are held in large dining rooms with waiters. Then there is the buffet which is usually on the top deck. It is open to all and many people always use it for breakfast and lunch.
The extras are first tips. Figure about $10 per day per person for the tips to the room steward and wait staff. This is optional and some cruise lines automatically charge you. It can be adjusted or reversed at the end of the cruise. You should also tip a few dollars if you use room service. All bar drinks will have 15% added for a tip.
Many ships have alternate dining facilities that have a service charge of $15 on up. It may be a steak house or an Italian restaurant for example. There are also specialty coffee bars that have a charge. All bar drinks including sodas have a charge. The only free bar drinks are at the Captains Reception and the Repeat Cruiser Reception. Do not assume that the drinks being offered when you board are free. They are not. Bar drinks are $6 and up. Some ships are even charging for juice at any meal other than breakfast.
Some cruise lines sell a soda card for about $4 a day. It is only for fountain soda. Unless you have 3 sodas a day it is not worth it. You can also buy a specialty coffee card which gives you 15 for about the price of 12.
There is a charge for any personal service such as laundry, salons, private trainers, etc. Spa treatments are very expensive, $50-$100. There is also gambling which includes the casino, bingo ($10-$20 per session), and sometime deck games such as horse racing. A ship photographer will be taking pictures all over the ship and at special occasions. They cost over $10 each. Phone calls in the room are about $8 a minute. Some ships have cell phone service. You are charged for international roaming by your phone service at about $2.50 per minute. There is also a charge for using internet service on a ship but it is cheaper than phone calls.
Sundries are very expensive. Figure at least double the normal price. If you need a watch you will find no better prices anywhere.
Off ship excursions are expensive. They start at about $30 and can be in the hundreds. You can book them on the ship or go on your own. The ship will not leave without you if a cruise excursion is late. With one you did on your own they will not wait.
Any tips, advice, etc would help.
Carnival sensation to the bahamas, we stop in nassau
Answer :
Participate in many activities on the cruise.
You're probably going to want to stay longer =)
Go to the Casino.
In Nassau, Bahamas, you should take a tour. Tour guides will be there when you get off the cruise. I took a tour there and they take you nice places. They also take you into the hotel Atlantis. That was cool.
HAVE FUN!
Answer :
Me and my husband will be going on our first cruise also on the Sensation to the Bahamas for 3 days. I beleive we will be in freeport 1 day and Nassau 2 days. We leave this Saturday I will let you know how it went when I return. I also read on the carnival sight that you can bring your own pop with you this will save tons of money but it did say to unpack it out of original box and put in a box and just slap one of your luggage tags on it for it to be taken right to your room rather than lugging it, and if you want to drink take a beach bag with you and buy your liquier in ports and just pour it in different bottle to get back on ship. (I probally won't do this but I've read tons about ppl gettting away with this with no problem and a bottle of rum is like $4)
If you smoke wait until you sail to buy cigerettes on the ship b/c they have no state tax.
These were just some money saving tips I have found through the blogs on Carnival.com.
Answer :
Take a taxi over to Paradise Island and spend the afternoon at the beach. It is quiet and you won't be hassled by the people trying to sell you stuff. If you want to experience that just get off the ship and walk through the straw market.
Answer :
Go to cruisecritic.com and read all the message boards there. You will learn far more from that site than this one for cruising.
Answer :
The time will go by extremely fast and you will wish you had taken at least a week. You will become addicted. I have gone on 7 cruises with number 8 in June. Here is some general info on expenses.
The basic cruise fare includes your room, meals in the regular dining rooms and buffets, room service, shows, and most ship facilities. Many ships also have free pizza, ice cream at various times. sushi, and hot dogs and hamburgers.
There are usually 3 choices for free dining. There is traditional dining where you are assigned a time and table for dining. They range from 2 to 10 seats and you have the same diners each time. There is anytime dining which allows you to go dine any time and you are seated with others dining at the same time. Both are held in large dining rooms with waiters. Then there is the buffet which is usually on the top deck. It is open to all and many people always use it for breakfast and lunch.
The extras are first tips. Figure about $10 per day per person for the tips to the room steward and wait staff. This is optional and some cruise lines automatically charge you. It can be adjusted or reversed at the end of the cruise. You should also tip a few dollars if you use room service. All bar drinks will have 15% added for a tip.
Many ships have alternate dining facilities that have a service charge of $15 on up. It may be a steak house or an Italian restaurant for example. There are also specialty coffee bars that have a charge. All bar drinks including sodas have a charge. The only free bar drinks are at the Captains Reception and the Repeat Cruiser Reception. Do not assume that the drinks being offered when you board are free. They are not. Bar drinks are $6 and up. Some ships are even charging for juice at any meal other than breakfast.
Some cruise lines sell a soda card for about $4 a day. It is only for fountain soda. Unless you have 3 sodas a day it is not worth it. You can also buy a specialty coffee card which gives you 15 for about the price of 12.
There is a charge for any personal service such as laundry, salons, private trainers, etc. Spa treatments are very expensive, $50-$100. There is also gambling which includes the casino, bingo ($10-$20 per session), and sometime deck games such as horse racing. A ship photographer will be taking pictures all over the ship and at special occasions. They cost over $10 each. Phone calls in the room are about $8 a minute. Some ships have cell phone service. You are charged for international roaming by your phone service at about $2.50 per minute. There is also a charge for using internet service on a ship but it is cheaper than phone calls.
Sundries are very expensive. Figure at least double the normal price. If you need a watch you will find no better prices anywhere.
Off ship excursions are expensive. They start at about $30 and can be in the hundreds. You can book them on the ship or go on your own. The ship will not leave without you if a cruise excursion is late. With one you did on your own they will not wait.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Have you traveled on the Carnival Fascination, Sensation?
We are planning a cruise to the Bahamas for November. We have found mixed comments about the Carnival Fascination and Sensation cruises, so we're wondering if anyone has traveled on either one of them, even more so if you have done so with children. We have a four-year old.
Also, if you know much about any of the the Royal Caribbean International cruises, I would appreciate any comments.
THX!
Answer :
Wife and I went on our first cruise for our honeymoon on the Sensation I believe. It was okay for the money, but from what I hear the Royal Caribbean line is far better. My experience was that while the decor was very dated and in bad need of some revamping, the staff was excellent, especially those down in the cabin areas. The on board entertainment was awful and not at all what is pictured in the commercials. Basically there was dumb stuff like fake game shows, bingo and the world's worst magician. The food was great in the dining room but the cafeteria areas were a little lacking and only some section were always open for snacking, and god help you if you wanted a calzone. You would literally have to stand there and wait while they thawed one and heated it. If you walked away to come back after they said it would take 15 minutes they would just stop making it for you.
As far as kids, they did seem to have a good setup for that. There were dedicated camp counselors types who had activities every day for the little ones and they had their own section of the ship where only they could go. A lot of the parents I talked with said the kids were never bored and they gave parents pagers so they could be reached at any time if the kids needed them.
So, I think if it's in the budget to go Royal Caribbean, from what I've been told it's worth it, but Carnival is okay too, just lower your expectations a bit.
Answer :
I cruised on the Sensation during April of 2001. I was part of a single's cruise group; the second largest on board. The largest group was Richard Simmon's Cruise to Lose. They had the most people. I'm also pretty sure they were evenly distributed among the ship or it would have listed. I ended up pair off with a nice Korean woman after the second day.
The ship was a lot of fun, pure and simple. The entertainment was good, the pools and hot tubs nice, and the food great. The parties were also nice. I had an inside cabin on Empress deck which while not the nicest cabin I've ever had, was enough for my needs. The ship staff was friendly and the service good. The buffet upstairs had a really nice salad bar (Richard led his group through that!). The midnight buffets were nice and a lot of fun.
In terms of ships, I've been on smaller ships, and I've been on larger ships. I tend to prefer the larger ships, though to be honest I mostly look for bargains when it comes to cruise travel. Carnival just has had the best bargains, except for my upcoming cruise on the Dawn Princess.
In short, I would cruise on that ship again if everything was the same.
Answer :
Well I have been on over 30 cruises and i can say from experience that carnival cruises are the WORST for little kids...there are so many drinkers its not good at all for kids...here are some links of info:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/crui…
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/revi…
http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview…
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/revi…
http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview…
http://vacationstogo.com/cruise_lines/ca…
Royal Carribean is a fantastic cruise line for kids....
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/crui…
http://vacationstogo.com/cruise_lines/ro…
Hope this helps, and if you have
Answer :
royal carribean is a nice experience.
i don't know about the carnival fascination.
try here
cruiseclues.com
cruisecritic.com
carnival.com
rcci.com
Answer :
The Sensation and Fascination are two of Carnival's older ships. The Sensation went into service in 1993 and the Fascination in 1994. Many first-timers get their initial taste of cruising on the Fascination and Sensation and are, for the most part, younger than passengers on other lines with a high concetration of couples due to the short cruises. However the days of T-shirt-clad crowds are gone; today's cruisers are honeymooners, young families and singles as well as veteran travelers who like the Carnival ambiance. Dancing is a popular pastime for all, and late night adults-only comics bring out huge crowds.
Families are a major market for Carnival and the minimum passenger age is 4 months with no ship maximum on the number of children allowed on a particular sailing. Parents should pay "tips" on children aged 3 and up.
Camp Carnival operates on sea days from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., and is divided into four categories: Toddlers (2 - 5), Juniors (6 - 8) Intermediates (9 - 11) and Teens (12 - 15); there's a playroom for children under the age of 3. On days in port, Camp Carnival offers supervised free-play from arrival until 2 p.m.; scheduled activities run from 2 until 10 p.m. Group babysitting is available on sea days and port days; cost is $6 for first child and $4 apiece for additional children (available from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. in the children's play room. The dining room features a "daily junior special" each day plus a regular kids menu with the usual staples (chicken nuggets, hot dogs, pizza, peanut butter and jelly). On formal nights, counselors host a kids-only dinner at the buffet. Diapers are sold in the infirmary, and there's a turndown service featuring fresh baked chocolate chip cookies at bedtime. A Fountain Fun Card ($9 to $23 depending on length of cruise) is available for the under-21 set.
I have not sailed on either of these ships, however, I have sailed on the Jubilee, Celebration, Ecstasy, and Elation. All Fantasy Class ships similar to the two above except for the theme of the ship.
These ships lack some of the glitz and glamor of the newer Carnival ships. In a review of a Fantasy Class ship an expert wrote "the ship is still more of a tribute to the old days of cruising. Even with all of its upgrades and updates, this may not be the best ship for passengers who have grown accustomed to modern-ship amenities that aren't found here, such as a high ratio of balcony cabins, supper-club style alternative dining, high-tech fitness facilities and swank spas."
We have always enjoyed our cruises on the Fantasy Class Ships and have great memories. Of course any cruise is what you make of it. Incidentallly, we have taken 15 cruises on 7 cruise lines in the past 5 years and our kids always request we go on Carnival because they find the "Camp Carnival" kids entertainment best. Also, in a show I saw recently on the Travel Channel, where they were awarding the best of each area to different cruise lines, Carnival was selected as best onboard entertainment.
www.carnival.com
I have also sailed on RCCL. Of course I always enjoy every cruise and try to make each cruise fun. My family, however, chose not to sail RCCL again based on that one experience. My kids did not enjoy the kids activities and were constantly asking if they could just stay in the stateroom and watch TV. My wife found the food bland.
Me I just like a clean deck and a place to read, and found both cruise lines acceptable.
RCCL has 2 ships to the Bahamas
Majesty of the Seas which was reviewed as follows:
Standard cabins (inside and out) are contenders for the industry's smallest. At a claustrophobic 122 square ft., fulfilling Royal Caribbean's marketing theme ("get out there") won't be a challenge. And Majesty of the Seas received no additional balconies, so those cabins that do come with verandahs will be priced at a premium.
Still, Majesty of the Seas -- with the help of the refurbishment, to be sure -- wears its years well. I'd sailed on the ship when it originally launched in 1992, and at that time it was considered beautiful and innovative with large lounges, bars, show rooms and sun deck. Its casino was huge and sprawling, its kid facilities adequate (remember this was in the pre-rock climbing walls-skating rink-surf boarding era). Some of the newer bells and whistles may have passed Majesty of the Seas by, even now (there's nary a skating rink, bungee trampoline or surf park aboard) but, with its ever more contemporary decor -- and it's perfectly suited three- and four-night itineraries -- the ship shines.
Also The Sovereign of the Seas:
Indeed, there is no question that the newly reborn Sovereign of the Seas has a whole new look and a young, vibrant attitude. Big verandahs were added to 62 of its cabins, the dark and closed-in buffet area was scooped out and expanded, soft goods were replaced throughout the ship, lounges were rearranged to maximize space, some a la carte food options (Johnny Rockets, Seattle's Best Coffee, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream) have been provided, and two incredible teen and children's areas have been created.
Sovereign now sails three- and four-day Bahamas itineraries from Royal Caribbean's handsome new port in Cape Canaveral, and is a shining example of what can be accomplished in a successful ship refurbishment.
Most of the cabins on Sovereign are, in a word, tiny. The new fabrics and carpeting can't do anything to make them bigger, but they are clean and new looking, and efficiently designed with great storage spaces and surprisingly roomy bathrooms. Superior oceanview categories are slightly larger than regular oceanview, with more storage options. Each cabin has a small television, newly renovated bath with shower, and two twin beds that can be made into a queen.
In a quick comparrison the two Carnival and the two RCCL ships are about equally rated and all have been refurbished to some extent. The Fantasy Class Carnival cabins are 185 sq feet, and except for suite are the largest on major cruise lines. The RCCLs cabins are about 122 sq ft, about the smallest seen on a major cruise line and 63 sq feet smaller than Carnival.
As the cruises to the Bahamas are all short the older smaller ships are generally used, thus the choices above. The newer larger ships usually sail 7 day or longer cruises.
I have found Carnival to be, generally, less expensive, and the value for dollar is at least comparable.
Everyone will have their own opinion based on their experiences, now you have mine.
Any cruise is great!
You haven't lived till you've cruised!!
Have a great trip
Answer :
In August, I completed my 5th cruise on the Fascination. She is a beautiful ship (recently completely refitted). The food is great as is the entertainment. Wonderful service, beautifully laid out, great pool and lido area and spacious cabins.
I have already booked my 6th.
I was on the inaugural for the Sensation - but that has been a LONG time ago. I have seen her next to or hear us in port many times and she still looks perky but I haven't cruised on her since the inaugural.
I think you will like the Fascination.
Oh, and I do cruise on other ships. I take at least 3 a year but always take my grandson on the Fascination before he goes back to school. He has been onboard 3 times.
I can't tell you about Camp Carnival as I have no young children. However, Carnival is known for their great childrens programs.
Answer :
Hi, I havent on none of the cruises you specified but what I have done when I need a little inside experience is I go to www.youtube.com and believe it or not there are people who actually put videos or slide shows of their trips and if you specify in the search area like Carnival Sensation or Fascination maybe if your lucky enough people have gone to the same place you want to go and you can see a little of the ports and the cruise ship itself. I do that when I've been on my cruises it really helps.. like that you can see what you like and what you dont like =)
Anyway just a thought... I hope you find what your looking for.
Have a great time!
Also, if you know much about any of the the Royal Caribbean International cruises, I would appreciate any comments.
THX!
Answer :
Wife and I went on our first cruise for our honeymoon on the Sensation I believe. It was okay for the money, but from what I hear the Royal Caribbean line is far better. My experience was that while the decor was very dated and in bad need of some revamping, the staff was excellent, especially those down in the cabin areas. The on board entertainment was awful and not at all what is pictured in the commercials. Basically there was dumb stuff like fake game shows, bingo and the world's worst magician. The food was great in the dining room but the cafeteria areas were a little lacking and only some section were always open for snacking, and god help you if you wanted a calzone. You would literally have to stand there and wait while they thawed one and heated it. If you walked away to come back after they said it would take 15 minutes they would just stop making it for you.
As far as kids, they did seem to have a good setup for that. There were dedicated camp counselors types who had activities every day for the little ones and they had their own section of the ship where only they could go. A lot of the parents I talked with said the kids were never bored and they gave parents pagers so they could be reached at any time if the kids needed them.
So, I think if it's in the budget to go Royal Caribbean, from what I've been told it's worth it, but Carnival is okay too, just lower your expectations a bit.
Answer :
I cruised on the Sensation during April of 2001. I was part of a single's cruise group; the second largest on board. The largest group was Richard Simmon's Cruise to Lose. They had the most people. I'm also pretty sure they were evenly distributed among the ship or it would have listed. I ended up pair off with a nice Korean woman after the second day.
The ship was a lot of fun, pure and simple. The entertainment was good, the pools and hot tubs nice, and the food great. The parties were also nice. I had an inside cabin on Empress deck which while not the nicest cabin I've ever had, was enough for my needs. The ship staff was friendly and the service good. The buffet upstairs had a really nice salad bar (Richard led his group through that!). The midnight buffets were nice and a lot of fun.
In terms of ships, I've been on smaller ships, and I've been on larger ships. I tend to prefer the larger ships, though to be honest I mostly look for bargains when it comes to cruise travel. Carnival just has had the best bargains, except for my upcoming cruise on the Dawn Princess.
In short, I would cruise on that ship again if everything was the same.
Answer :
Well I have been on over 30 cruises and i can say from experience that carnival cruises are the WORST for little kids...there are so many drinkers its not good at all for kids...here are some links of info:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/crui…
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/revi…
http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview…
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/revi…
http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview…
http://vacationstogo.com/cruise_lines/ca…
Royal Carribean is a fantastic cruise line for kids....
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/crui…
http://vacationstogo.com/cruise_lines/ro…
Hope this helps, and if you have
Answer :
royal carribean is a nice experience.
i don't know about the carnival fascination.
try here
cruiseclues.com
cruisecritic.com
carnival.com
rcci.com
Answer :
The Sensation and Fascination are two of Carnival's older ships. The Sensation went into service in 1993 and the Fascination in 1994. Many first-timers get their initial taste of cruising on the Fascination and Sensation and are, for the most part, younger than passengers on other lines with a high concetration of couples due to the short cruises. However the days of T-shirt-clad crowds are gone; today's cruisers are honeymooners, young families and singles as well as veteran travelers who like the Carnival ambiance. Dancing is a popular pastime for all, and late night adults-only comics bring out huge crowds.
Families are a major market for Carnival and the minimum passenger age is 4 months with no ship maximum on the number of children allowed on a particular sailing. Parents should pay "tips" on children aged 3 and up.
Camp Carnival operates on sea days from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., and is divided into four categories: Toddlers (2 - 5), Juniors (6 - 8) Intermediates (9 - 11) and Teens (12 - 15); there's a playroom for children under the age of 3. On days in port, Camp Carnival offers supervised free-play from arrival until 2 p.m.; scheduled activities run from 2 until 10 p.m. Group babysitting is available on sea days and port days; cost is $6 for first child and $4 apiece for additional children (available from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. in the children's play room. The dining room features a "daily junior special" each day plus a regular kids menu with the usual staples (chicken nuggets, hot dogs, pizza, peanut butter and jelly). On formal nights, counselors host a kids-only dinner at the buffet. Diapers are sold in the infirmary, and there's a turndown service featuring fresh baked chocolate chip cookies at bedtime. A Fountain Fun Card ($9 to $23 depending on length of cruise) is available for the under-21 set.
I have not sailed on either of these ships, however, I have sailed on the Jubilee, Celebration, Ecstasy, and Elation. All Fantasy Class ships similar to the two above except for the theme of the ship.
These ships lack some of the glitz and glamor of the newer Carnival ships. In a review of a Fantasy Class ship an expert wrote "the ship is still more of a tribute to the old days of cruising. Even with all of its upgrades and updates, this may not be the best ship for passengers who have grown accustomed to modern-ship amenities that aren't found here, such as a high ratio of balcony cabins, supper-club style alternative dining, high-tech fitness facilities and swank spas."
We have always enjoyed our cruises on the Fantasy Class Ships and have great memories. Of course any cruise is what you make of it. Incidentallly, we have taken 15 cruises on 7 cruise lines in the past 5 years and our kids always request we go on Carnival because they find the "Camp Carnival" kids entertainment best. Also, in a show I saw recently on the Travel Channel, where they were awarding the best of each area to different cruise lines, Carnival was selected as best onboard entertainment.
www.carnival.com
I have also sailed on RCCL. Of course I always enjoy every cruise and try to make each cruise fun. My family, however, chose not to sail RCCL again based on that one experience. My kids did not enjoy the kids activities and were constantly asking if they could just stay in the stateroom and watch TV. My wife found the food bland.
Me I just like a clean deck and a place to read, and found both cruise lines acceptable.
RCCL has 2 ships to the Bahamas
Majesty of the Seas which was reviewed as follows:
Standard cabins (inside and out) are contenders for the industry's smallest. At a claustrophobic 122 square ft., fulfilling Royal Caribbean's marketing theme ("get out there") won't be a challenge. And Majesty of the Seas received no additional balconies, so those cabins that do come with verandahs will be priced at a premium.
Still, Majesty of the Seas -- with the help of the refurbishment, to be sure -- wears its years well. I'd sailed on the ship when it originally launched in 1992, and at that time it was considered beautiful and innovative with large lounges, bars, show rooms and sun deck. Its casino was huge and sprawling, its kid facilities adequate (remember this was in the pre-rock climbing walls-skating rink-surf boarding era). Some of the newer bells and whistles may have passed Majesty of the Seas by, even now (there's nary a skating rink, bungee trampoline or surf park aboard) but, with its ever more contemporary decor -- and it's perfectly suited three- and four-night itineraries -- the ship shines.
Also The Sovereign of the Seas:
Indeed, there is no question that the newly reborn Sovereign of the Seas has a whole new look and a young, vibrant attitude. Big verandahs were added to 62 of its cabins, the dark and closed-in buffet area was scooped out and expanded, soft goods were replaced throughout the ship, lounges were rearranged to maximize space, some a la carte food options (Johnny Rockets, Seattle's Best Coffee, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream) have been provided, and two incredible teen and children's areas have been created.
Sovereign now sails three- and four-day Bahamas itineraries from Royal Caribbean's handsome new port in Cape Canaveral, and is a shining example of what can be accomplished in a successful ship refurbishment.
Most of the cabins on Sovereign are, in a word, tiny. The new fabrics and carpeting can't do anything to make them bigger, but they are clean and new looking, and efficiently designed with great storage spaces and surprisingly roomy bathrooms. Superior oceanview categories are slightly larger than regular oceanview, with more storage options. Each cabin has a small television, newly renovated bath with shower, and two twin beds that can be made into a queen.
In a quick comparrison the two Carnival and the two RCCL ships are about equally rated and all have been refurbished to some extent. The Fantasy Class Carnival cabins are 185 sq feet, and except for suite are the largest on major cruise lines. The RCCLs cabins are about 122 sq ft, about the smallest seen on a major cruise line and 63 sq feet smaller than Carnival.
As the cruises to the Bahamas are all short the older smaller ships are generally used, thus the choices above. The newer larger ships usually sail 7 day or longer cruises.
I have found Carnival to be, generally, less expensive, and the value for dollar is at least comparable.
Everyone will have their own opinion based on their experiences, now you have mine.
Any cruise is great!
You haven't lived till you've cruised!!
Have a great trip
Answer :
In August, I completed my 5th cruise on the Fascination. She is a beautiful ship (recently completely refitted). The food is great as is the entertainment. Wonderful service, beautifully laid out, great pool and lido area and spacious cabins.
I have already booked my 6th.
I was on the inaugural for the Sensation - but that has been a LONG time ago. I have seen her next to or hear us in port many times and she still looks perky but I haven't cruised on her since the inaugural.
I think you will like the Fascination.
Oh, and I do cruise on other ships. I take at least 3 a year but always take my grandson on the Fascination before he goes back to school. He has been onboard 3 times.
I can't tell you about Camp Carnival as I have no young children. However, Carnival is known for their great childrens programs.
Answer :
Hi, I havent on none of the cruises you specified but what I have done when I need a little inside experience is I go to www.youtube.com and believe it or not there are people who actually put videos or slide shows of their trips and if you specify in the search area like Carnival Sensation or Fascination maybe if your lucky enough people have gone to the same place you want to go and you can see a little of the ports and the cruise ship itself. I do that when I've been on my cruises it really helps.. like that you can see what you like and what you dont like =)
Anyway just a thought... I hope you find what your looking for.
Have a great time!
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