Our FIRST cruise... Review time....

[Hockey Addict]

After the Galley tour we split up again except Greg came with me, Steve and Jama. It was time for the boys to play volleyball.

 

 

It started with Steve on one team and Greg on another... I watched for a little bit. Jama sat on the bench behind them taping it. I decided it was time for me to sit and watch the wake.... I think I'm repeating myself because I thought we did putt putt already.... sorry if I did!

 

 

 

It was so nice to just sit there by myself and listen to the water. Even if Steve was next to me we would have enjoyed it together.

 

 

Jama came over.... so I decided my moment was over and got up.

 

The guys were almost done with their volleyball game. They insisted that they let the little guys win... I dunno!!! It ended up being Steve and Greg vs the little guys.

 

An open door... oooo something mechanical.... SMILE!!

 

 

We wanted to go up to the bow on the Verandah observation deck. So, we wandered up that way and I took a couple pics... I also took some pics set on my sports setting... if you click thru them fast you can see the waves perfectly just like you are on the ship. Just a little off, not PERFECT.

 

Greg and Steve enjoying the view.

 

 

We went down a deck to the Lido and got a little peak of the Bridge!

 

[Hockey Addict]

After peeking around in open doors and the bridge we just started wandering. I don't know how but we ended up by the sushi stand right outside the casino. I've never had sushi. Steve has never had sushi. Greg has never had sushi. Jama LOVES sushi. We told her before the cruise that we would try it on the ship. ::Gulp:: There was a pretty good line for sushi. Jama went and sat down and Steve, Greg and I stood in line. Greg was going to get some for Nicky for after her nap. So we were standing there and one of our table mates, Dr. Peter came walking by and stopped to talk to us. We chatted with him for a bit. Then I decided to get that green stuff, wasabi (I know I spelled THAT wrong) and soy sauce. The guy in line in front of me was laughing. I got too much of that green stuff. He said BE CAREFUL... I guess this stuff is super oober hot. I took his warning to heart and was careful with it. Steve ordered 3 of everything. There were just 3 things to choose from, and Greg grabbed 2 of each. We sat down where Jama was waiting for us and the fun began. Greg grabbed my camera from me.... I don't think I have to type anything else... the pictures will tell you...

 

I'm getting ready to try it....

 

 

Steve getting ready to try it....

 

 

Working up my nerve...

 

 

I couldn't stop laughing...

 

 

Here we go.....

 

 

Jama told me to put the whole thing in my mouth at once... I couldn't do it. It was a BIG piece of sushi!!!

 

Well.... you tell me.....

 

[Hockey Addict]

I have to add more pictures to photobucket. I forgot that I had to stop the other day when I was adding them. If I'm not back tonight then I will be back tomorrow to add more!

[Sioux6]

I have been reading this review for 2 days now. Like any cruise, I dont want it to end. We were on the Fasination for our first cruise ever to Key West and Cozumel. It got us hooked and we have been on 1 cruise since then and have 5 more booked (2 of them are B2B) and counting down the days. Sounds like ya had a wonderful time and is helping pass the time til we get to go again. Nice Sushi face LOL

 

Sioux

[Hockey Addict]

OK I'm back for just a little more....

 

Steve decided to get some Saki (who knows if that's spelled right... I already warned you about my spell checking problem)

 

 

Yep, pretty much the same reaction that I had to the sushi

 

 

Steve said the first piece of sushi wasn't bad... but the 2nd piece was bad. So he didn't even try the 3rd piece.

 

Ok it was getting close to show time at 7pm tonight. It's the "Far From Over" show. The 80's review... so after that sushi nightmare Greg went to take the sushi he got to Nicky.... We headed to our staterooms to get change for the show then dinner.

 

THANK YOU GREG for getting GREAT pictures! They are so funny... I love them!!

 

OK that's it for the review tonight.... I will try to finish up tomorrow. Not too much more to go.

 

Everyone have a good night! :D I need to see if I got that towel animal tonight!

[Hockey Addict]

We got ready for the show and dinner and then headed to the Palace Theatre for the last show of the cruise. "Far From Over" an 80's review. It was the best show for us. We love 80's music. It was GREAT. We got there before everyone else that we were meeting and grabbed the best circle booth that was open. No waiters tonight offering drinks. Bummer... I was thirsty... Today's DOD was the Ultimate Suntan. It was good but I think I became addicted to those Miami Vice's! :D

 

I snapped a pic of Steve before the show as we were waiting for our new buddies. We were early.... We're always early.

 

 

After the show we had a little bit of time before dinner. We went to see if we had anymore pics in the picture gallery. We did... I was amazed how the pics were always good!

 

Time for our last dinner. After my crybaby fit in debarkation I knew I was in trouble for the dining room. We looked forward to seeing "our guys" every day.

 

As soon as we sat down Charnel told us that Samson wasn't going to be there tonight. WHAAAAAAAA? :eek: NOOOOO!!!! Somebody better get his butt up here!! Then I realized Charnel was goofing with us. I told him he better be messing around. Then Samson came walking up with another plate of apples for our tablemates that were a little queezy still from the motion. The usual talk with eachother. How we had fun, we didn't want to go... talk with Samson if he was recovering from his "Mountain" fall.

 

Tonight I had the ribs.... VERY good and tender. I remember the appetizer from this meal.... crab cakes... also very good. Before I knew it Samson was making sure everyone still wanted the Chocolate Melting cake... OF COURSE! I was going to miss that too!

 

Then the lights started flashing again... ohhhh man... our last show!

 

Samson showed us another trick... he's so funny... this one was a little R rated... he made sure it was OK first of course... shoot, anything goes with us... go for it!!

 

After the trick I started taking the last pics of our guys as they were getting ready for our last song....

 

 

First the Maitre D got his trusty mic out and asked if everyone had a good time on the cruise. A roar came over the dining room. Then he asked if the meals were good and if our waitstaff were good. Another roar went thru the dining room. Then he asked which table had the best servers.... It was crazy in there... everyone at our table and Charnel and Samson's other table were standing and waving our napkins over our heads.... Our table was the last standing and when it got quieter I yelled CHARNEL AND SAMSON real loud. The Maitre D was standing just behind Charnel and Samson. Steve and Jama said that he turned our way laughed and said... I think I have a winner and smiled. Yep... hands down... our boys ROCKED. I'm so afraid that I will be dissapointed in future cruises.

 

Did I mention the night that they were dancing for us the Maitre D was watching Samson boogy and laughing? I see a good future for Samson. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a head waiter soon!

 

So after that they began to sing to us... I snapped just one pic of them singing...

 

 

 

Jama recorded the whole thing. So I will be able to hear the Maitre D on that. I didn't hear him when it happened. Not sure why...

 

As soon as they started singing I took that one pic and it was all over for me. Hello crybaby... what's your deal? WHY are you crying??? I couldn't help it. I just lost it... I did NOT want to go. I was going to miss them SO MUCH!! I barely remember the words to the song. I know it was "Leaving on a Jet Plane" But Fun Ship was the lyrics they used. I couldn't help it. It was like I was remembering everything that we did and how much fun it was. I was also thinking how glad I was that Steve had a good time. He has a stressful job and I knew that he was having fun and relaxing.

 

GEEEEZ I'm a dork!!

 

Here's a pic of our tablemates and the best guys on the ship. One of our tablemates didn't come tonight. She was taking a nap...

 

 

After the picture we finished our dessert's and just talked a bit. I didn't want to say goodbye. I asked Charnel and Samson for their email address' and they were happy to give them to us.

 

I guess it was time to go. The dining room was clearing out. We said our final goodbye's and hugs... Then it was time to say goodbye to our guys. We did our hugs and Samson handed me a piece of paper. He told me not to look at it until we were walking out. We talked a few more minutes and then we were heading for the door. Samson told me OK look at it now... and he RAN away. I looked at it and he had written.... I will miss you all. It also has a face peeking over a ledge with tears. OHHH SAMSON!!! I was balling again! Even Steve got teary eyed!! MAAAAAAAAAAN!!!

 

I looked around for Samson and I saw Charnel looking at us smiling as I was trying to find Samson. He was peeking at us from the little work area's they have in the dining room.

 

Over to the Piano Bar next door... I need a smoke after all of that!!!!

[lizzielady]

I am enjoying your comprehensive review--especially the excitement in your "voice."

 

Carolyn (about 40 minutes away from the port--did you see today's article in the Times Union about the proposed new cruise port?)

[Hockey Addict]

I am enjoying your comprehensive review--especially the excitement in your "voice."

 

Carolyn (about 40 minutes away from the port--did you see today's article in the Times Union about the proposed new cruise port?)

 

 

Yes I saw it! I think it would be best if they did put the port in Mayport. We'd get bigger ships and possibly other cruise lines in here. A lot of people come in the day before the cruise. It would help the hotel's in town and some restaurants! The picture of the ship was taken Thursday. The day we got back. I was trying to figure out if she was coming in or going out in that picture. In other words... was I on her in that pic!! :D

 

I wonder if they will have a open meeting about the proposal?

 

Here's a link to the story for anyone not in the Jax area...

 

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/111008/bus_353769100.shtml

[tigeringa]

Hey guys, just got back in last night.

 

I am loving your review Steph.

 

For the folks that were not on this cruise, let me tell you. Carnival should charge extra for a "ship excursion" that allows you to hang out with Steph, Steve and Jama. I have never laughed so hard for so long in my entire life. My stomach hurt from all the belly laughs.

 

Thank you to all of you that Nicky and I met on this cruise. This was the best vacation of my life.

[amberc]

:DWhat an awesome review! Thanks so much for sharing!

[Hockey Addict]

Off to our stateroom to change shoes. Steve talked me into staying dressed up tonight but the shoes HAD to go. I got them just for this dress. I tried to break them in before we left and I thought I had but I was wrong.

 

Our last towel animal..... well sorta....

 

 

Awwww.... GEEEEEZ!! A heart.... so cute... Arnel's the best!! Did I post a pic of Arnel?? I can't remember. I'll have to go back and look.

 

We didn't ask for anything but our ice to be filled in our cooler and 2 robes the first time we met Arnel. Later after HMC I asked for more Pepcid for Steve and if he could get us 2 beach towels. We wanted to purchase them. Later in the day before the final turndown Arnel had 2 brand new ones for us. Steve get's heartburn time to time and we brought a stash of Rolaids for him. The first night he had heartburn he tried the Pepcid instead. One pill is all it takes according to the commercial for 24 hours. Steve said they were right. He plans to take those from now on.

 

So I took pics of our towel heart and then realized my towel animal family was GONE! Nooooo I wanted to get a family photo!! Geeez... oh well... next time I will get the family photo before dinner the last night.

 

Off we went... We headed over to Puttin on the Ritz for our new comedian's show. The show started at 10:30. I have no idea what time it was but the place was PACKED! Since we needed a big table or booth for the 7 of us we decided to catch the midnight show.

 

Steve said... Casino one more time?? Suuuuure. Off we went to lose money. We weren't ahead anymore but it sure was fun. Steve grabbed his favorite slot and I FINALLY got to play the Garfield slot machine. There was always someone at those machines. We wanted to play Blackjack but the tables were full.

 

We ran into Diane, Diane, Mark and Paul again. Diane #2 (Not Punki) was playing the Craps table. I wanted to watch because I have no idea how to play it. I still don't understand it. From what I know about Craps, it is VERY addictive. I don't need to start that then... I know I would get hooked on it. They had a demo the first day of how to play but there were a ton of people watching so I decided not to watch.

 

Greg and Nicky came into the casino and they played a little bit.

 

We popped into the elephant bar and listened to Kristen sing for a bit for the "Final Party" and Steve wanted to go get a table for the Comedian. Jama went with him and I hung out listening to her sing a bit longer. Next thing I know Tanya our dining room barmaid was there handing me a drink. We talked a bit. I listened some more and decided I better start heading over to the show. Tanya came over and I told her I had to go so I need to sign for my drink. She brought it over and had me sign... yep... she remember our # for our sign and sail card. She gave me a hug goodbye and she would miss me. I told her to stop because I didn't want to cry again. She laughed and told me not to cry. We all might see eachother again.

 

Off to the comedian... we ended up walking outta the show. He was funny but there was a group in there ruining it for everyone. You know, laugh before the punch line VERY loudly. The comedian wasn't funny anymore. So we got up to leave and the comedian, Roman, even told them that they were scaring us away. We played it off that Steve wanted to hit the slot's that he was having withdrawl's.

 

Time to look at our last photo's from dinner. In the capers it said that if you purchased your photo from dinner that night you would get a free picture frame. The picture turned out nice as usual so we grabbed it. We headed to our stateroom. Jama was tired. Steve and I decided to go up again just the two of us and bum around.

 

It was nice. Just taking our time looking around, watching the water for the last time at night. So relaxing. We ended up in the Coconut Grove area and it was a little chilly out when I spotted the Hot Chocolate machine. I remembered from Cruise Critic that Carnival is suppose to have the best hot chocolate so we got a cup. Yep... it's the best we've ever had. Carnival has Swiss Miss beat! I wish I had remembered it sooner.

[kayjo]

I agree with Greg and Nicky- Carnival should hire Steph as their PR person! My sister and I had the best time on this trip hanging out with such fun people.

[Hockey Addict]

We ended up back in our stateroom pretty late.

 

Thursday, the last morning, as soon as I woke up I looked out the window. I was pretty bummed to see Mayport cruising by us heading to the port. All good things must come to an end they say. They're right.

 

I was NOT motivated this morning as I had been every other morning.... geeee wonder why!?!?!? Uggggg.... I really don't want this to end!

 

Shower, and pack the last minute stuff in our carry on's. Yea... it's over.

 

We left our carry on's... I guess I should call them carry off's in our room and headed to breakfast one last time in our dining room.

 

Guess who! Yep... Samson and Charnel were there. Samson took us to our table and told our waitstaff they better take good care of us. I told Samson that I didn't want to leave. He told us we could stay in his room. That would be interesting!! Samson left to seat more people but kept coming back to check on us. Our Maitre D came walking by and said hi. He shook Steve's hand and Steve told him how awesome Samson and Charnel is. He appreciated it.

 

Earlier in the week the 3 of us went to the pursors desk to tell him how great those guys were. They said they would pass the info along to the supervisor. We even told them we had originally planned on going to the dining room twice at max and we were in there every night. I'm glad we brought appropriate clothes for each night. Well when Steve was shaking the Maitre D's hand Steve told him we went to the Pursor to compliment our guys. He knew all about it. So I was glad that they DID in fact pass it along. The Maitre D asked if we put Samson and Charnel on our comment cards and of COURSE we did!

 

After we were finished eating I couldn't find Samson. I told the Assistant Maitre D (I can't remember his name but he was always there too as we came in and greeted Charnel and Samson with a big HEEEEY!) that I couldn't find him. He scanned the dining room for him but couldn't see him either. I told him to tell Samson and Charnel that "lucky number 7" said bye and we would miss them. He smiled and said... of course I will.

 

We went next door to our usual stop off for another bad habit and just hung out there.

 

They started calling zones 1-8.

 

I don't know if it was just me or if this is normal but it seemed like a long time after they called self-debarkation until they started calling zones for non self-debark.

 

About 15 minutes Trevor called zones 1-13. We're number 9... we're not going anywhere yet. We live in Jax. We'll let everyone off that has flights to catch.

 

Another 15 minutes and Trevor announced that there were only about 600 of us left on the ship that he was going to "Go for it" and let all remaining zones go now.

 

As I was sitting in the Piano Bar I noticed that the crew was starting to hang Christmas Garland from the Atrium's rail. I wanted to get a picture of it. But I forgot. :(

 

We ended up going to our stateroom and grabbing our stuff. Arnel stopped in to say goodbye. Wanna come with us Arnel??

 

We headed down to deck 3 and here's another surprise. Before we went up to have our cards scanned guess who was standing there? G-MEN! He got a big smile on his face and said.... ooooooooooo Steve.... Steph.... I asked these guys on the ship and they wouldn't answer me... HOW DO THEY REMEMBER OUR NAMES???? So G-Men gave us hugs and said it's been fun... We had already asked earlier what ship he was going to and he didn't know yet. Maybe someday we will run into him again.

 

We went up to have them scan our cards and off we went. Ohhh man. We walked into the terminal and there was a black lab checking everyone out as we entered the building. There was our zone number right in front of us. And there was our bags. We grabbed them and headed over to the line to show our birth certificates and our declaration cards. We stood in line for maybe 5 minutes and handed the customs guy our declaration card. He glanced at it and said thank you. He didn't even look at our birth certificates.

 

We made it out of there in no time.

 

I'll give you guys some random funny things that I was thinking of last night later today. And a final thought.

[Cool Breeze Cruiser]

Really enjoyed your review! It is always great to see a cruise through a 1st timers eyes. We are leaving Sat. to go on the Fascination. Hope we have as great a trip as you did. Of course how can it not be great when you are cruisin'?

[Hockey Addict]

Hey guys, just got back in last night.

 

I am loving your review Steph.

 

For the folks that were not on this cruise, let me tell you. Carnival should charge extra for a "ship excursion" that allows you to hang out with Steph, Steve and Jama. I have never laughed so hard for so long in my entire life. My stomach hurt from all the belly laughs.

 

Thank you to all of you that Nicky and I met on this cruise. This was the best vacation of my life.

 

Awww you're so sweet... Thanks again for all of the Sushi pics.... they are so funny!!! I really wish all of us could cruise again next year. We had so much fun hanging out with you guys. I just wish you weren't missing in action the first 2 days!!

 

Nicky could take her daily naps and you could hang with me and Steve again. It was great... I'm up for another round of windy rocky putt putt! Not to mention those Miami Vice's!!!!

 

 

I agree with Greg and Nicky- Carnival should hire Steph as their PR person! My sister and I had the best time on this trip hanging out with such fun people.

 

 

I'm really glad we met you guys... it was a blast! I'm serious... wanna cruise with us next year??? I put my countdown clock up today....343 MORE DAYS!!!! ;) :D

 

I can't say enough about our roll call. Everyone was great. It really is crazy how we kept finding eachother. And who knows how many times we saw the others from our roll call who didn't make it to the funnel!

[punkidoodle]

Steph.....You told me you're not a crybaby....I am...as you could probably tell when I saw you guys on the Lido Deck the last morning. I HATE goodbye's. Anyway, I'm reading your review of the last night in the dining room and you had me crying all over again. I've been on several roll calls and have met a lot of people as a result but I have to say, YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST, and I would love to cruise with you again....What a great roll call group. Here I am, all teary again. :o Thanks so much for your review and thanks to all of you on the 11/1 roll call for making this one of the most memorable cruises I've been on....and this was my 16th.

 

Hugs to all :D.

Diane

[Hockey Addict]

Ohhh geeeez... I forgot that part... after breakfast Thursday morning we went up to the Lido and ran into Diane and her gang. Diane started balling and I told her to stop... she had me in tears again... funny thing is... the other Diane, said... STOP it you guys, you live in the same town for CRYIN OUT LOUD!!

 

That was funny.... :D

 

I'm still trying to talk Steve into joining you guys!

[woodey]

Thanks for the review Steph...One of the Best of many that i have read....you have a talent of sucking us into your adventure. I look forward to reading all of you future Reviews....:)

[Hockey Addict]

Thanks everyone for your kind words. It was fun to re-live the cruise. I wish I could do another cruise tomorrow!

 

Just a couple random things....

 

One day we went back to our room for a bit and Steve was laying on the bed. All of the suddon the overhead lights came on. I was like... what the heck??!?!?!! Then they turned off. Steve didn't see the lights pop on. The drapes were open and it was bright in there. So a few seconds later they popped back on. Steve said.... uh ohhh I hope there isn't anything wrong with the wiring! Then I thought... are they going to make an announcement, do I need to go into the hall? So I opened the door and there wasn't anything going on. I hit the switch by the door but nothing happened. Then the lights went off about a minute later.... WAIT A MINUTE! Steve.... sit up... what's behind you???? DUHHHHHH We didn't notice the overhead light switch on the "headboard" or whatever you want to call it. We knew about the reading lights there because Arnel always turned them on when he did his turndown. I felt like a dork... but it was funny.

 

Greg, Nicky, Heather and Kristi were making their own lists of phrases they had heard on the ship. I can't remember any right now but Steve said his phrase was.... "I'm not addicted leave me alone..... gimme more money!!!!" Yep, you guessed it for the casino.

 

It was a awesome time and it would be a pleasure to sail with everyone that we met while on the cruise. You guys made it extra special. For that I thank you.... don't forget.... October 19, 2009..... read the countdown timer below! :D Come and join us.... or if you want us around let us know when you are going again...... Steve's already talking about 2 cruises a year now, not one!

 

And to those of you going before I do... have some Chocolate Melting Cake for me!!! ;)

[jwjax]

Steph, did you keep your daily Capers? We have been looking for someone to scan them and post in the Fascination forum, so far no one has. Any chance you could?

 

 

jw:cool:

[Indiansbaseball]

We are going on our first cruise in March and this review has me longing for time to fly...yet dreading it at the same time. I hope that we have great people like you all on our ship when we go !!!

 

Beautiful pictures and wonderfully descriptive words..... great job !!!

 

Jen

[Hockey Addict]

I have them all but my fax/scanner isn't hooked up to my computer.... I will work on it for you though. I pulled off the little at a glance part on most of them though.

[Hockey Addict]

We are going on our first cruise in March and this review has me longing for time to fly...yet dreading it at the same time. I hope that we have great people like you all on our ship when we go !!!

 

Beautiful pictures and wonderfully descriptive words..... great job !!!

 

Jen

 

 

Thanks!! Make sure you join your roll call! That's where I met all these knuckle heads!! Just kiddin... I couldn't have asked for anyone better then these guys!

[Jeans*Fanatic]

After peeking around in open doors and the bridge we just started wandering. I don't know how but we ended up by the sushi stand right outside the casino. I've never had sushi. Steve has never had sushi. Greg has never had sushi. Jama LOVES sushi. We told her before the cruise that we would try it on the ship. ::Gulp:: There was a pretty good line for sushi. Jama went and sat down and Steve, Greg and I stood in line. Greg was going to get some for Nicky for after her nap. So we were standing there and one of our table mates, Dr. Peter came walking by and stopped to talk to us. We chatted with him for a bit. Then I decided to get that green stuff, wasabi (I know I spelled THAT wrong) and soy sauce. The guy in line in front of me was laughing. I got too much of that green stuff. He said BE CAREFUL... I guess this stuff is super oober hot. I took his warning to heart and was careful with it. Steve ordered 3 of everything. There were just 3 things to choose from, and Greg grabbed 2 of each. We sat down where Jama was waiting for us and the fun began. Greg grabbed my camera from me.... I don't think I have to type anything else... the pictures will tell you...

 

I'm getting ready to try it....

 

 

Steve getting ready to try it....

 

 

Working up my nerve...

 

 

I couldn't stop laughing...

 

 

Here we go.....

 

 

Jama told me to put the whole thing in my mouth at once... I couldn't do it. It was a BIG piece of sushi!!!

 

Well.... you tell me.....

 

 

ROFL!!! I absolutely loved this part!!! LMBO!!!!

[WinnipegCruiser]

I can't believe this was your first cruise. So far you did all the right stuff. You must have spent a lot of time on Cruise Critic. You have all the right moves!