Sandra Goldin

Age: 47
Occupation: Technical Writer
Number of Cruises: 16
Cruise Line: Carnival
Ship: Fascination
Sailing Date: November 8th, 2002
Itinerary: Bahamas

Since my boyfriend had never been on a cruise, he wanted to begin with a short one. Unfortunately, Carnival is one of the few companies that offer these. In researching various three-day cruises, I learned that Carnival's were rated four star, whereas the others only 3. In the future, I will stay with one of those "dam" ships of Holland America, where food, service, and dollar value are top notch.

I had always heard Carnival referred to by some as "the McDonalds of the cruise line industry". Now, I can understand why. The food was VERY mediocre at best, even the coffee was poor. The desserts looked good, but that is about as far as it goes! My boyfriend commented that he had never seen so many desserts that "wobble" in his entire life; he only wanted a piece of plain cake, which was never served. You know you are in trouble when the welcome aboard luncheon is the best meal you have the entire cruise.

Embarkation was quick and easy, as we had a Category 12 Suite (U115) and thereby were automatically members of the Skippers' Club. The Skippers' Club is a courtesy Carnival offers to guests who have purchased a Category 11 or 12 suite. An embarkation representative will offer the guests priority check-in, thus avoiding long check-in lines.

As on other cruise lines, I thought someone would meet us when we stepped on the ship and show us our stateroom. Not on the Fascination! You are on your own to find your stateroom.

After lunch, we sat down by the pool where were we were bombarded by no less than 10 people asking us if we wanted a drink. We found this to be totally aggravating and obnoxious. Once is enough. It would be nice if Carnival would do something similar to other cruise lines where the server puts a napkin or something on your table indicating to other servers that you have been asked if you want a drink and you have declined.

Our stateroom was the saving grace on the ship. It was very spacious, well-appointed with a refrigerator, huge sofa, walk-in closet, and large verandah with chairs and a lounger. Our room steward, Herbert, did an excellent job and was attentive. The bath contained a small jacuzzi, but it did not work.

Tips are automatically included, but you have the option of adjusting them. We later found that the tips are divided among the room steward, head waiter, and bus boy and they are given a check every two weeks. I much prefer giving tips myself, rather than them being automatically charged to my credit card.

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