Carnival Fascination
Editor's note: This ship is no longer sailing in the Carnival fleet.
The 2,056-passenger Carnival Fascination was built way back in 1994. But a major refurbishment in 2010 added the WaterWorks park, Serenity adults-only space, and 104 balcony cabins. As a result, this is one of only three Fantasy-class ships to offer balcony staterooms beyond suites (along with Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy).
What We Love
Mongolian Wok: For some of the freshest and healthiest cuisine on board, you won’t want to miss this eatery, where you choose the ingredients for the chef to cook as you watch.
Out-of-the-Way Jogging Track: Unlike on some ships, where the “jogging track” is simply part of the Promenade Deck, the one on Carnival’s Fantasy-class vessels circles the miniature golf course on the Sun Deck, away from early risers heading to the buffet for breakfast.
Best Known For
Hasbro, the Game Show: Carnival offers a fun, interactive game show in which staff members pick up to 10 contestants at a time from the audience to participate in life-size games, including Simon Flash, Connect 4 Basketball, Yahtzee Bowling, Sorry! Sliders, and Operation Sam Dunk.
Punchliner Comedy Club: Afraid the content might be inappropriate for your kids? Don’t worry, there are family-friendly and adults-only shows.
Who It's Good For
Bargain Hunters: Cruisers on a budget will like all this ship has to offer at a low rate.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
Fancy Maneuvering May Be Required: If you’re assigned to dinner in the aft Imagination dining room, you have to navigate around the Sensation dining room in the middle of Deck 8 to get there.
You Won’t Find a Steakhouse on Board: However, you can order steakhouse items from the regular dining room menu (for a $20 fee). Plus, you can take part in the Chef’s Table experience ($75 per person), which includes a tour of the galley.
The Ship is Relocating: Carnival Fascination is currently the largest cruise ship sailing out of Jacksonville, Florida. Starting in April 2016, however, the vessel will move to its new home port in San Juan, Puerto Rico.