I thought after Carnivals issues the past couple of years they would be sensative about mechanical problems on board that caused discomfort for guests, I was wrong. My wife, daughter and I took our third cruise overall and our first on the Fascination.
We drove to Jaxport from Atlanta with my sister-in-law and her family from Michigan the day of the cruise. Although a little cramped in their SUV, It saved us the $75 parking fee an additional car would cost. Baggage drop-off at the terminal and parking were easy. Carnival staff at the terminal were very friendly and the entire embarkation process was smooth.
We had three cabins between the seven of us on the Empress deck. My wife and I in E 82, my daughter and her cousins in E 134 and my sister-in-law and her husband in E 132. Our cabin although not as nice as a simular one we had on Carnival Liberty (a newer ship) in the fall, was fine. Our cabin steward was nice and did a good job.