This was our sixth Carnival cruise, the third on the Fascination. We are a couple in our early 60's who live in the Atlanta area. We chose this cruise because friends asked us if we would go on a cruise with them, and since they had never been on a cruise we thought a five day would be the perfect length for a newbie. A three day is not long enough to get relaxed, and a seven day might be too long if they didn't enjoy it. We know that cruising is not for everyone, but for those who love it, you just cant get enough!

We drove down to Jacksonville the day before the cruise and stayed at the Holiday Inn Blount Island. This is a completely non smoking hotel, the closest to the port, with shuttle to the port, a free breakfast buffet, and proximity to no restaurants except Wendy's. Not so great if you dont have a car. We did notice people ordering pizza delivery. But we had a car, so for dinner we headed up to Sandollar restaurant on the river, and had an excellent meal. Watched the huge freighters leaving the port, they have a band on the deck of the restaurant, and they were playing music from my youth, the sky was clear, the temperature warm, the food very good-a great way to start off the vacation.

Our hotel room had some issues, like the smoke detecter was dangling from the ceiling, and when we made comment to the desk staff, they said someone would get to it tomorrow, But the room was clean, the shower worked, the staff was nice and friendly and helpful, so we were fine with staying there. Except we smoke. So when we wanted a cigarette we went outside, but why in heavens name do they put the smokers out by the front door? It just irritates the non smokers. Read more