Just back from the Fascination 4/8/12 Sailing

[rdrseller]

The family just got off our ship today. I will say that on a scale of 1 - 10, with 1 being awful and 10 being WONDERFUL, I would give this cruise a strong 7.5.

 

Embarkation was a breeze! Love boarding in Jacksonville, it is always easy and the staff are awesome. In the door and on the ship in less than 30 minutes. Now, that being said we were Platinum so we were escorted one first. But it was a quick embarkation.

 

We had an ocean view room for 4 and it was crowded, but we made it through. Now I know why we have always had two rooms or a suit when the entire family goes...... But our room steward was awesome and he kept our room clean and our towel animals were awesome!

 

 

Once on the ship, we did as everyone usually does...went straight to the Lido deck and had a little lunch and our first DOD! I always love my first DOD...I know the cruise is actually under way. This was my step son's first ever cruise. This made everything more fun, as he was so excited with every activity. He is 13 and I can tell you, he is hooked! Can't wait to help him get to Platinum as well:). More to follow shortly.

[rdrseller]

We didn't get to leave port at the designated time, as they were refilling the water supply. So we didn't pull out until 6:00pm, which happened to be our dining time. Step son was mortified, because he was going to miss his first sail away. Of course we didn't let that happen. We allowed him to stay on deck and watch the sail away for about 15 minutes and he met us in the dining room. We ordered his beverage and meal...so we didn't make our wait staff get behind.

 

This photo is of the Lido, but was taken while we were in Nassau!

 

Our son, just before we boarded the ship.

 

The food on this trip was only about a 6.5, not really up to the usual! I have done this same sailing just 7 months ago and was a little let down in the food. But, it wasn't bad, just not as good as I am used to.

 

Our head waiter was so much fun. Chandana had the best disposition and just a pleasure to be around. So, he got a big 10 in my book and some extra gratuities! I always prepay my gratuities and never hesitate to give a little extra, when I feel it is earned. This head waiter earned it! Thanks for making our dinner so enjoyable every evening.

[rdrseller]

Our sea day was great. One little bitty show and then sun for the remainder of the day. Dress up night was this night and with dinner at 6:00pm, we went in early so we could all get dressed and ready in time. We went to dinner with everyone all dressed up and looking good. It was lobster night and man it was not a great choice. The lobster was just not great. The rest of the dinner was good, but the lobster was off. My daughter ordered the prime rib and she was a little let down as well. As I said earlier, the food was just a little bit off the mark on this one. After all of my cruises, I know that it is sometimes its a hit and sometimes its a miss... This was a miss.

 

Played in the casino, didn't really have any luck this trip. But that is nothing that I rated the cruise on. Just not my lucky gambling trip this time.

 

The comedians on this ship were just so so this time. I was so empressed, I actually will have to look in the fun times to remember their name. The welcome aboard show was like expected, but went for the son. The 2nd show on Sunday night was much better.

 

The weather was great in Nassau. We didn't do anything planned. Walked around and visited the "New and Improved" straw market. Nice new digs, same old crap...:p. But the son had a blast and picked up a few things.

 

 

 

Had a pretty good time in Nassau, then returned to the ship for lunch. Then out to the pool for the son to swim and me to grab some rays. Everyone was happy.

[dferencz]

I was in Nassau with you (in port on the Fantasy) on Saturday!! I can see the huge Disney Dream in the background, we were just past her. The Imagination and the RCCL Monarch were also in Nassau that day, 5 ships in Nassau at once!