Carnival Cruise????

Question

Hey guys,

my family is palnning to go on a 4 night/5 day vacation on the Carnival Cruise Fascination. But i've read alot of rip off reports about the Carnival Company. Our port of call is Miami to Key West to Cuzumel Mexico then back. If you have gone on this same type of vacation, did the boat """"acidently"" take u to Depresso or ssoemthing like that in Mexico instead due to """"Engine Trouble"""""??

Also how was your cruise?

Goods??? Cons????

If you have a teenager or are a teenager (me!!!) did they enjoy the cruise?? how bout the kids???

thanks!, these companies are leaving me curious so im sorry for asking so much

Answer 1

I went on my first Carnival cruise this past year and I loved it!  I was on Elation and we went to the Bahamas.  The only complaint I had about it was the last day when you are leaving the boat, it gets really hectic and it was very unorganized.  But the cruise itself was very fun.  They had a teen dance club, a piano bar, tons of shows, a pool with a huge slide...there is so much to do, I'm jealous that you get to go!  :)  We went for my younger brothers high school spring break, and he and all his friends loved it.  Have fun!!!

Answer 2

Hi,

The Fascination is a good ship and you should enjoy it as a teen.  In the cruise contracts for all cruise lines, they do put in a clause stating that they can substitue ports for whatever reason.  It's not just Carnival.  My best advice would be to check out cruisecritic.com and read the message boards.  Usually if there is a ship that is chronically changing it's ports such as the NCL Dream was last year, you will be able to get alot of info from the message boards. Most of these routes are long term routes and are repeated weekly so the cruise lines really try not to change them unless it is unavoidable and even with 'engine problems' coz is close enought so that you probably wouldn't get diverted.

Answer 3

Well,we went on a Carnival cruise recently.That was a different route though.It was from NY city to Canada.

  I don't think there was anything like rip off.Infact,they have the best deals.All meals included.Services like baby sitting,spa are quite reasonable.

They have good shopping too,Except jewellery.BE CAREFUL NOT TO BUY JEWELLERY AT THEIR DUTY FREE SHOPS.

I bought a gold bracelet which they marketed as gold and after returning,I found out that it was just gold plated.I paid a good amount for a nice looking ring and it rusted within a month.

Apart from shopping,they will also have your pictures taken & try to sell you(optional).Don't buy them.They are not worth the money.

I have to say , cruise was not great for teenagers.90% of the passengers were senior citizens.But that's ok too.

And lastly the tips,you must clarify that from your travel agent before you sail.

So good luck & Enjoy your trip!

Answer 4

theres carnival cruise reviews here

http://allcruiselines.info

Answer 5

i went on the same cruise but we went 2 costa maya instead of key west and our cruise was amazing it was so fun and they have night clubs 4 teenagers so its very fun!!!!!!!

Answer 6

I have been on Fascination twice, although both trips were to the Bahamas, and on the Elation traveling to Key West and Cozumel. I have never had any issues with Carnival rerouting but would assume if they did it was a legitimate reason. I have taken my teens on a few cruises and they have an awesome time. If you have any questions you can always check out cruisecritic.com, its a website for people who cruise, alot....lol and you can probably have every question you can think of answered there.

Answer 7

We cruise on Carnival with our teen and 'tween.

We have only been re-routed once to Progresso and it was due to a hurricane.  Yes, Progresso is a developing city so it is a bit unpolished but we had a good time shopping in the open air market and the beach is OK.

My kids love the 24x7 pizza.  My teen even eats it for breakfast.

The kids love the teen parties at the disco, the arcade and running around with vacation friends.  Be sure to sign up for the kids club when you arrive.  They will give you the scoop on when/where of the teen events.

Recommendation for traveling with teens....get a set of the 2-way radios to keep in touch while on board.  This gives the teens freedom to enjoy their vacation and gives the parents peace of mind.  No missed check-ins or waiting around for someone.  You can find them at Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, Target.

Don't separate while in port.  Stay with your parents/group.

Answer 8

Normally, IF a cruise line changes course it's for a good reason such as severe weather or potential for it (hurricane) or damage to a port due to weather.  We originally booked Key West, Cozumel, Bellize and Nassau Bahamas.  Due to hurricane damage the previous season they dropped Cozumel and added Costa Maya...closer to the cruise the port in Cozumel reopened and they added Cozumel back, but dropped Key West.  We ended up with Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize and Nassau...none of which I could drive to if I wanted (Key West I can) was I upset?  Heck no we had an awesome time.  Cruise lines don't make money by cutting corners or "ripping people off," they make money by keeping you happy.  Therefore, I feel pretty comfortable saying IF the itinerary changes it's usually for a valid reason and they do try to compensate for it.