cuppettmd

I had noticed on our recent Fascination cruise, the really cheap fares were guarrantee upper/lower. They sold a bunch of them, but there aren't very many of these cabins on board. Did anyone book the $129pp and get better cabins? Just wondering. Mikey<><

We are as single digit as you can get! WE LEAVE TOMORROW!:D

It's kinda like Sam's Club at sea!:)

I book about a year out, and my boss doesn't want my vacation request until about a week before I go. So (and she has cruised with me twice) if she says no, then I have to go up one more level, and if they say no, then I am unemployed. I am using all my vacation time this next cruise, to be home with DH a few days before I leave him home alone. He lost his vacation time when he had hip surgery (which he scheduled after we paid off the cruise, and would get no money back) He's doing well by the way, but has no time off.

Hey, Ma'am; I'm in the same shape as Catmando, I was out for 11 months with my hip, Used over 500 hours of leave, so when I went back to work there wasn't much left. I've been building it up so now I have enough time for my Fascination cruise on the 25th of this month!:) Be Blessed! Mikey<><

I bought this at Target also, 2 outlets and 2 USB. Worked great on Miracle and Freedom,no problem plugging it into the vanity outlet.

I was on the Fascination. I guess the newer ships are different.:confused:

I got one of these at Target for $5[ATTACH]325785[/ATTACH]. It even has a night light. I also got one at Staples for $15 and that one has a spot for USB's too (for IPads or IPhone)

If this is the kind I'm thinking it is, it won't work as the plug is recessed into a housing so the prongs won't reach, The first time I carried one like that it wouldn't reach. I use a little "pig tail" extension cord (1 ft. X 3 outlets) this works well. Have a Blessed Trip! Mikey<><

Hey, Ma'am; The last cruise that I was on, (Fascination, you were there too), The music wasn't to bad. There was a good mix, A few cruises ago i Was on the Inspiration out of Tampa.It was a younger crowd and the Hip-Hop was deadly!:eek: The Fascination,since it is the only ship out of Jax. seems to have a good mix of people, while the Inspiration was more of a "party cruise" with four other ships available. I like all kinds of music as long as they vary it a bit. Be Blessed! Mikey<><

To me, giving extra is part of my vacation. I actually plan on it and carry cash just for this purpose. I don't do it because I feel sorry for them or to make myself feel important or that they will owe me something. I do it because I enjoy it! I look at it this way, if a dollar will put a smile on the face of someone for pouring me a soda for my soda card, that's great. I'm just saying to them that I appreciate them. I sure don't get that on my job. I always tip my steward and never really ask for anything special. The only things I ask is for them to look after my wife and leave my "animals" until the end of my cruise. I'm sure they would do these things if I didn't tip extra, but I see it as a "Win, Win" situation. They get a little extra and We get a little extra, also. I owned my own business for almost thirty years and I know what an asset employees are. Sometimes a pat on the back or a little token of appreciation went a long way in their attitude. This made it better for everybody. Maybe just a little something will make them smile and think that some folks do care. Be Blessed! Mikey<><

A few cruises back I saw a "Senior Rate" Gty that I couldn't refuse. I called Jack, (Best PVP in Carnival) and booked. I think he must have used some influence because I got my cabin assignment a month out, and it was midship. Very Pleased!:)

It may sound a little strange but, I like the Panko Eggs when they have them in the breakfast buffet. I also like the goat cheese pizza and in the MDR I love the Prime Rib and the St. Loise Ribs!:)

We had one of the "Rump-er Rooms" on the Fascination and I loved it! The weather was good, so we didn't have any issues with movement and we never really noticed any vibration. (This could be due to the good weather and smooth sailing) There was a full moon the first night and when I got up at 3 am to take care of some business, the wake was Glowing! It was beautiful! It's also handy to the buffet as the elevator is in it.:) Enjoy and Be Blessed! Mikey<><

I know Guy's Burgers are good, but I don't think I could eat $700 worth in five days!:eek:

I have been on the Fascination many times.............

As others have said the Fascination is a older and smaller Ship........

I like the small Ships............

There is two shows with the Dancers & Singers......

Comedy Show-Punchliner.. And there is Karaoke..........

I don't gamble and I don't drink.........

I enjoy being on the Ship.................

 

I think a 5-night is better.......Goes to one of the private islands.....

As you can tell by her cruise history, Barbara knows the Fascination! I've only been on it seven times but I love the Fascination. One of my favorite things is just "Chillin'" on the little deck areas behind the Coconut Grove,:) I also enjoy sitting in the window seats at Bogarts, drinking coffee and eating cheesecake! Enjoy and Be Blessed! Mikey<><

(Hey, Barbara, we met on the Halloween cruise last year. I was the one in the wheelchair out behind the Coconut Grove, I'm better now! We will probably see each other again as I'm trying to line up another cruise before the end of the year. On the Fascination, of course!:D)

Thank you Sarah. I am so glad I documented those memories. Now I will always have a journal of our trips together. Cruising without him is hard but I know he would want me to keep cruising.

I agree! Nancy, you need to be included! Like TAPI said, it was fun seeing a review of a cruise that you were on also. (Halloween '13, Fascination). I really enjoy your perspective on things. :) Be Blessed! Mikey<><

Even if they decide on a new port, it's not a done-deal. Look what happened to Jacksonville with the Dames Point bridge. They were all set for a new Jaxport and the home owners of Mayport shot them down.:eek: I think the only logical solution is Retractable Whale Tails!:) Or at least, contract with Viking River Cruises, their ships will clear!

To me the best thing about early saver is that you can pick your exact cabin. Pack-n-go, you get what's left. Also I love checking the price everyday to find that deal! Be Blessed! Mikey <><:)

Hey, we were in #265 last Oct. for the Halloween cruise. I loved it, but my DW, not so much. The room is a little larger, which was nice. No real problems with vibration or noise. My wife didn't like the room because the A/C didn't work that well. (It was fine for me, hot woman!) The first night I got up about 3am and the wake was actually Glowing in the moon light! I love the fact that you can take the elevator and come out in the Coconut Grove. For me the only downside was that when we took this cruise I was in a wheelchair and the hallway to the room was very narrow, so I had to fold my chair to enter, but I did not want to give up my "Rumper Room" for a handicap room.

Random Thoughts and Pics.

 

Our steward took good care of us until the last night, no ice, and didn't see him at all on that last night, but we are easy to please. Some stewards recreate the towel animals, some just get new towels. We had a recreator, and none of our towel animals had eyes. Very sad. Blind towel animals.

 

For some reason I find that very disturbing.

 

 

I dont drink, but thought I would let you know the bars are well stocked.:D

 

 

The chair hogs were in full form. But they left these out early in the morning, and it began to rain, and then pour, and all I could do was smile.:)

 

We had rain, and we had sun, and that makes for rainbows

 

 

 

Hey, Ann; Loving your trip down "memory lane"! Our buds had the same steward as you. No Eyes! How wierd Is that? Sister Cindy made a game out of re-designing the critters with eyes and accesories. Cool! Since I was in my rolling anchor (wheelchair), I didn't get around near as much as I usually do. I had a Blast anyway! Honey-Bun is already planning for our next cruise! Be Blessed! Mikey<><

Mikey,

sounds like you got awesome service until debarkation!

 

My daughter and husband a going with us on the Legend in 8 days :D She is in motorized wheelchair. We'll be on the lookout for any problems. Maybe they'll let her leave with us since we are platinum!

 

Thanks for the heads up on the raised toilet seat too. She has a handicapped cabin (with a huge balcony) if she doesn't have that we'll know we can ask for it.

 

Looking forward to your complete review.

 

Happy Sails!

It's good that she has a handicap cabin as she will have to keep it inside while not in use. It was funny to see all of the scooters outside of the MDR at dinner time. Kind of like a parade!:D Have A Blessed Trip! Mikey<><

There were some balloon tire beach wheelchairs on Little Stirrup Cay. You'll need someone to push you in it. I don't think Carnival has the crew to spare on the island for that.

I saw the beach chairs, but as I'm 300 lbs:eek:, I didn't want to "Cripple" my wife or friends!:rolleyes:

hi mikey! too bad we never met on that cruise. :( embarkation, they tell everyone that you have to be able to carry your baggage down to level 3-for self assist debarkation, but only once, and it is said quietly. we found a bunch of peeps trying to press the "3" button, which was turned off, just not believing they had to carry suitcases. :eek::D

 

it was a nice cruise, weather was great!

Yeah, It was a great trip! Maybe I'll see you next time. Mikey<><:)

After dinner, we walked back to our hotel and after chatting for a while, we headed off to dream about boarding the ship in the morning. I was so excited and nervous but that bed was nice and comfy and before I knew it, I began stirring around 6:30am. The day has finally arrived! Too excited to sleep anymore, I got up, got dressed, packed my overnight stuff away and went to the lobby for breakfast.

 

Ready to board with my orange lei for Halloween! Can you see the impractical wedges I am wearing? They will play a part much later. Ladies, wear practical shoes at embarkation...you can thank me later. Oh and I am so very sorry about the toilet in the background. Poor form on my part.

 

Hotel lobby breakfast, sausage and gravy, it was MEH! And some coffee!

 

I left the hotel around 8:10am to pick up Sheryl who lived really close by....but I got lost on the way to her house. Did I say how horrible I am with getting lost? I pulled up in the driveway and we loaded up the suitcases. After a quick stop for some gas and a little McDonalds, we were on our way to the ship! I followed Trace and Sheryl's mom who were travelling in the car in front of us. This was perfect since I would no longer have to think about getting lost.

 

HOORAY! It's almost cruise :30!

 

We made good time on the road and made it to the Florida Welcome Center around 10:50am

 

Florida Welcome Center

 

Almost there!

 

Go inside and get you a little cup of free orange juice. I couldnt figure out why Sheryl was talking about getting orange juice so I followed her inside and then realized...DUH! Sunshine state, oranges free orange juice. I am a total ditz sometimes.

Free Orange Juice

 

Yum

I could tell that you were worried about the toilet picture, "You Looked A Little Flushed!" Mikey<><

Thanks for posting your experiences. I am in a similar situation. My dad and I are leaving on back-to-back cruises in 24 days but I am starting to believe that he will require the use of a wheelchair during our vacation due to some unforeseen medical issues :(

Don't Fret The Small Stuff, and It's all Small Stuff! Have Fun! Mikey<><:)

Thank you for posting a good balanced review of the Good and the Bad. I am glad that you got mostly good service with your unexpected wheelchair issue and glad that you had a good cruise despite the few hiccups you had. Hope you get well soon!

Thank You, Donna! It's gonna be fine! Mikey<><:)

Where did the other people in wheelchairs go? I didn't think someone in a wheelchair had to move their own and get onto an elevator themselves.

I think that they were just sitting in them as they were Carnival chairs. They left as their zones were called. Mikey<><