We drove to the port of Jacksonville and got a bit of a late start. We had priority boarding and debarkation, which was very nice but the Port is small and having only the one ship to worry about, the lines all moved very quickly. I think we parked about 1:30 pm and were in our stateroom by 2. Our steward, Ari, introduced himself and took excellent care of us all week with fresh ice twice a day and a wonderfully clean room all the time and of course, the adorable towel animals. We were greeted with a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries from the Player's Club. I was stunned that they would be so thoughtful and we really appreciated this gesture. This was my husband's and my Christmas gift to each other and so we decided before we got on the ship that we would relax and just do what we wanted, when we wanted. We did attend the Welcome Aboard show because Al Ernst was the comedian and I had seen him doing a bit with John Heald and knew he would be worth watching. He was very funny. He gave 3 shows altogether and I would definitely recommend seeing him if you get the chance. The only other show we saw was a juggler named Tison. I can't remember his first name, but this guy was amazing and very entertaining too. A really great show. We only ate in the main dining room once for breakfast as I was craving eggs benedict and they did not disappoint me! The rest of the cruise we ate at the Lido buffet, only because we wanted to eat at odd times and there was always something available. I love the cheeseburgers, the deli, the pizza was excellent (better than I remembered-it had a nice, thick crust), the flour type nachos with cheese-and we even had steak one night. We were very lucky with the weather as it was cold when we left SC but by the time we got out to sea it warmed up and we had beautiful, sunny weather in Key West and in Nassau. We did not do any scheduled excursions. We walked and shopped in Key West-it is a favorite place for us. In Nassau we stayed on the boat and enjoyed sunning by the pool and having a couple of frosty drinks. We saw an amazingly beautiful sunset one sea day-there were no clouds to mar the view. Just gorgeous. This ship really is different from all the other ships we have sailed on. It is older and is showing a little age here and there, but it was clean in every corner and nook. The staff was what made it special. They were the friendliest crew I ever met, always smiling, greeting you, asking how your day was. I never had to look for someone to help me or for a bar server-they were always close by and yet not obtrusive-just available. We spent a lot of our time in the casino and I can't say enough about everyone in there. I wish I could remember every one's name, but from the dealers to the managers-this group was fantastic (and no-we did not come out ahead...lol...) But we had a lot of fun. I do remember Tatiana, the manager-just adorable and on top of everything. Cati was another manager who was so sweet and there were several gentleman whose names I can't recall, but they were all so nice. The dealers were all pulling for us: Mercy, Emelia, Pat and all the others.

The only complaint I have about the whole cruise is the water. I've never encountered this before so I was surprised, but I could not drink the water from the tap or even on the Lido deck. It was fine in the main dining room. So when we got to Key West, we bought some bottled water. If you are a serious water drinker, as I am, then bring some or be prepared to buy the big bottle of water in your stateroom. On the other hand-I really liked the coffee that was always available. Never had to wait-never had to search for a "working" machine. I also loved the specialty coffees and had several of them over the course of the week. One more little thing-at least to me-was that there was only one time offered for yoga. I would have gone every day had there been a time other than 8 am offered. 8 am is not on my vacation watch...lol... I think this ship will be really amazing after the upgrades, but I would sail it again even without them. If you seriously need some R&R in your life, then this is the ship for you! Well done Carnival and thank you Fascination crew for a fabulous vacation! Bon Voyage!