Just did our first cruise ever and was sorely disappointed. We have traveled quite a bit, Maui being our favorite place, and this was the pits. The Carnival Fascination (3-day Miami to Nassau) was a HUGE mistake, but it was a sales reward for my husband and his coworkers, so thankfully we only shelled out spending money. This ship was like a floating flea-bag hotel. When we arrived in our cabin (Empress deck, outer room), we found dirty sheets on the beds (even though the beds were made up), the bathroom light did not work, and the shower stall had not been cleaned (the previous occupant's used razors and bath scrubbie were still there). It took nearly 3 hours to get someone to come fix the light, and the man who changed the sheets complained that he didn't see what the problem was (sorry, I'm not sleeping in a bed that has someone else's hair all over the sheets).

The pools all had large rust spots on the sides and bottoms, the public bathrooms were nearly all dirty and quite disgusting (dirty floors, toilets and sinks, one had no paper towels and the spot on the wall where a hand dryer had apparently once been sported bare electrical wires sticking out-nice!).

The food was so-so and not in the abundance everyone told us to expect. The walls of our cabin were paper thin and we must have been near an area where mechanical stuff went on - at all hours of the night and day it sounded like someone had brought in a wrecking crew one floor up. Got maybe 3 hours of fitful sleep each night.

The party atmosphere was strongly encouraged. I've never seen so many obnoxious drunks in my life, and they kept the security crew hopping. Even though there were families on board, the "Fun Day at Sea" (Sunday) was nothing but a giant Animal House-like party. Clarence Carter's "Strokin'" was playing over the Lido Deck loudspeaker while some sort of dirty dancing contest went on. This was after the "Hairy Chest" contest. I'm not a prude, and neither is my hubby, but this was a bit much, especially with kids around.

If we ever do a cruise again, we will definitely pay for a nicer luxury liner. Veteran cruisers had told us that Carnival is known for its "party barges" and the Fascination sure lived up to that reputation.

Also the length of cruise has alot to do with it as well. 3 day cruises attract a different type of vacationer. Sorry about your bad time.

Sad to hear of the bad shape the Fascination is in. We sailed her on her maiden voyages from New York to Nova Scotia back in 1994. She was a beautiful ship back than.

We have the rule of "fives", we never sail on a ship older than 5 years for less than 5 days. It eliminates lots of problems!

This is typical of a 3 day Carnival cruise, but NOT typical of cruises. Even a 7 day Carnival cruise is completely different.

Don't give up on cruising perhaps?? Take a look at some different reviews and have an open mind. There are some great cruises out there.

I agree with the others. The 3 day cruises just attract a party crowd and a lot of drunks! We too have been very disappointed in these. Everyone is giving you good advice, go for a longer cruise (I'd say at least a week, longer if possible). I would avoid Carnival as well, there are so many other good options. I hope you give cruising one more try on a different ship.

Personally I think CCL gets a bad rap. Though I doubt you will ever go with them after this they deliver the most bang for the buck IMHO. In fact I have read on two or three www cruise and/or travel forums that they spend more per head on food than the other large, mass lines. Whatever you choose best of luck next time. If you go to: www.cruisecritic.com you will find scores of passenger reviews as well as profesional overviews of ships and lines. I hope the OP is reading this and simply did not want to vent and run. There is good advice here and sources to learn from. JM2C

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. Again, this was a trip that we were given as a gift, so we did not have a choice in line, ship, length of trip, etc. (but were grateful for the chance to go, regardless). I heard much of your same sentiments from others at work today. I won't say we'll never cruise again (though we have a timeshare at Marriott's Maui Ocean Club and that's hard to beat), but if we ever do, we'll definitley look into a longer cruise and a nicer ship. Just wanted to post our experience for other first-time cruisers looking for advice.

We were on the Fantacy twice, Paradise - when it was non smoking and the Imagination twice. (We must be gluttons for punishment!). My husband swore he would NEVER go on carnival again! Then........he saw a price of $379 with all taxes for Carnival's Legend, 8 days. Just could not pass that up so we went. What a huge difference with the other Carnival ships!! We enjoyed it so much we went on her again over last New Years. Also on board was Bob Dickerson and his family of about 20. He is the CEO
& President of Carnival and he chose the Legend for New Years! Went on the Glory last month, an even newer ship but like the Legend better. If your sailing Carnival, go on one of the Spirit or Conquest class, the newer ships!

Thanks Iowagirl. I hope you haven't given up on cruising. There are plenty of good times ahead if you pick the right one. Larry

Oh, I bristle every time people say that they are taking a short cruise to see if they will like it. IMO, the ONLY good short cruise is the RCCL Enchantment, which is a delight. I've taken 2 Carnival 4 day cruises and couldn't wait to leave. The smokers, the tattoos, the drunkards...okay, maybe include me, but it was a Bubba experience to be sure. Please cruise again; ask an expert to pair you with a ship that you'll enjoy!!!