This cruise started on Sunday, December 18 and ended on Monday, December 26. Flew to San Juan from Orlando, FL and picked up by Carnival provided service. We (wife and I) were "faster to the fun" members, so getting on board was quite easy and painless (and quick!). Explored San Juan after we ate lunch. Left port about 10:00 PM. I read several reviews about this ship being "old" or needing repair, but we didn't see anything wrong with the ship. Our room was small, but well maintained by our cabin steward, Nickolus. We had room E148 (not a balcony room). Window was large and we enjoyed looking out while in port or early mornings.

We visited St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Croix. Only one "fun day at sea." We did have one diversion with rescuing a small sailboat at sea. It caused us to be about an hour late to port, but the captain allowed us an additional hour on shore. No other interruptions. Actually, we didn't find the ship dated or anything. It was quite festive and well decorated for the holidays. Service in the dining room was exceptional. We had early dining and each meal was delicious. We were seated with 3 other couples and we all enjoyed being together at meals. Meals in the "Coconut Grove" was good as well. Desserts didn't seem to be "overly sweet" in the Coconut Grove, but they weren't bad. Service was a bit slower in cleaning up, but otherwise fine.

Entertainment could have been better planned. Hasbro show was planned twice, but the second show (which was different from the first) was after 10:00 PM. Even the trivia games were an hour apart instead of being 30 minutes apart like on other cruises (some people didn't want to "wait around" for the next game, so they left). Comedy was good although we didn't like the later (in the cruise) comedians. Would I return to the Fascination? Sure! It IS a smaller ship, but that only makes it better to get to know the people aboard. Read more