This was our third cruise on the Fascination and second in six months. Our past experience had been very positive so we were looking forward to another trip on a ship we were very familiar with. It was a disappointment from the time before we boarded. Two days prior to departure (1/25-1/30) we received an e-mail telling us the ship would not board until 1PM so don't arrive early. We got to the park and cruise location we use in JAX at 1245 and were taken to the port a little after 1. When we arrived the port was not open even for parking and cars were being turned away. We waited till 2:30 to even get into the port area and stood in the security line till nearly 4PM. We went right to the check in and on to the ship but they should have done a better job of at least letting people into the terminal instead of having to go to a convenience store and Wendy's.
The people at Guest Services acted put out when I showed up to ask a question and really didn't respond to my inquiry. We normally don't eat in the dining rooms so are use to the buffet and have always enjoyed it. This time the food was poor and in some cases cold. In the morning the coffee pots were empty a lot of the times and when I told a person they acted like it wasn't their job. I looked for someone who appeared to be a supervisor but found none. We always enjoy the Deli and this time was no different. I do eat a lot of cheese and after getting our sandwiches I would go by the salad bar to add some cheese and more often than not found it empty.
Our cabin attendant spoke to me when we got there only to ask if everything was alright. That was the only conversation we had. He never put ice in the room the entire time. On the last night he didn't provide luggage tags or customs forms in the room. I went to guest services and they weren't happy that I asked them for it. Our room was clean but not much else.
Cabin was great as usual. Do enjoy Carnival oceanview cabins. Cabin attendant seemed to do the minimum however.