What to Expect?

[ICUDOGG]

My wife and I were offered a Cruise as a gift. (don't worry it is legit)

And how could we say no. But it is on the Carnival Fascination. We have been on 3 cruise and have loved all of them, but they have all been with Royal Caribbean. (Navigator, Voyager and Freedom)

We are Ecited to see how Carnival runs compared to Royal Caribbean.

We know it is going to be a small ship and not to expect the same "Extras" we had on the newer ships. We are going to try to keep an open mind.

Anyways. My question is. Whats different?
I mean Do they have things like a pop sticker? Are their embarkation and departures different? Dinning? Formal Nights? Do you have any carnival tips and tricks?

It's an odd feeling because we know what to expect on a RC ship. Now it seems like we are first time cruisers again!

If it matters it is a december cruise, 5 days to Nassau, Bahamas(which we have been to) and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (which we have not been to)

If you guys think this should be on the carnival forum I could post it over there. Let me know.

I hope some of you have been on both cruise companies ships to help us out.

Thanks
C

[dina]

Hi.. I've been on Fascination and Granduer of the Seas. Both "smaller" ships on both lines. To be honest, the only difference I've ever noticed between the two is decor on the ships. The Carnival cabins are slightly bigger then on RCCL but no so much that you'll notice any real difference. yes you can get a pop sticker same as on RCCL. Booze prices seem the same to me. Its a free cruise. Just go have a great time. I'm sure you will.

[thecruisequeen]

Congrats on winning a free cruise!

You have been on Freedom and Voyager class ships so the Fascination is a big difference Like comparing the Dream and Monarch.
Go with an open mind and plan on having fun and you will.

There is no bad cruise some just better then others.
I'd take a free cruise on any line/ship.


8)

[Kuki]

I've sailed both several times (diamond on RCI, platinum on Carnival).

My opinions:

You won't find ice shows or flowriders, and you won't find a ship with as much eye candy. RCI ships are beautiful.

You will find larger cabins, a lively, friendly, and fun atmosphere onboard, with great (though more relaxed) service. Excellent entertainment.

You'll find better food than on RCI, particularly the buffets.

Half Moon Cay is the big win. I think it's the most beautiful of all the cruise line's private islands.

[Mike-Suz]

It took a while..... but it finally dawned on me what a "pop sticker" was!

[dave 3261]

Originally Posted by Mike-Suz

It took a while..... but it finally dawned on me what a "pop sticker" was!

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Carnival Victory, 2003
Carnival Victory, 2004
RCI Explorer of the Seas, 2009
RCI Explorer of the Seas, January 2010

[venice]

the difference will be that you are not paying for it (just taxes)...you will be surprised how much more you will enjoy that difference