spirit or destiny

[cbmagic]

hi we went on the spirit august this year and really enjoyed it . looking at the destiny for next year how do they compare ? will we like it as much would go on the spirit again but like the ports of call destiny is doing. had a deluxe cabin on spirit this year and know the cabins are small on destiny unless you have a deluxe .any advice information would be great thanks....

[kruzseeka]

hi we went on the spirit august this year and really enjoyed it . looking at the destiny for next year how do they compare ? will we like it as much would go on the spirit again but like the ports of call destiny is doing. had a deluxe cabin on spirit this year and know the cabins are small on destiny unless you have a deluxe .any advice information would be great thanks....

We have enjoyed our holidays very much on both. There are pluses and minuses though imo.

Destiny:
- I like the Oklahoma lounge better than High Spirits as it's lighter, brighter and airier - better dance area and doesn't feel so squashed.
- Pool area bigger and better and pools bigger too
- Nice bars on the pool deck
- Al fresco dining better catered for on pool deck with grill and more dedicated seating area
- Shower cubicles are smaller - but panelled so they look nicer than the mosaic tiling on Spirit
- The biggest negative for us on Destiny is the Lido restaurant as it's a bit open (at the aft) - there are awning-style temporary arrangements to help close it in - but it's draughty and although we were happy enough to have lunch there, I didn't like it for the evening meal. Others on here have said they do like it though so it really is a matter of opinion. We did like this area in the Caribbean - it came into its own - the awning type sheeting wasn't necessary and the warm balmy evenings suited the Destiny Lido much more than when we were in the Med
- it's 'fixed' dining on Destiny but you do get 'Showtime' at the end of each sitting - singing waiters - they're great!

Spirit;
- we much prefer the Lido restaurant on Spirit
- we prefer the open dining in the MDR on Spirit
- there is a cinema on Spirit should you be interested
- the layout on Spirit we find easier to navigate

Otherwise the 'Thomson product' is much the same. You have read about the cabins - we go 'steerage' so my comments are probably not really relevant to you (although others who are cheap-skates like us may be interested!!!!!!! :o). The Destiny cabins seem much more 'utility' than on Celebration/Spirit and don't have as much storage - this could be quite different in the suites though. Others will help you with those comparisons, I'm sure.

As I'm sure you know, Celebration is just like Spirit - you'd be hard pressed to remember which ship you're on at times! Good luck with your deliberations! :)

[davecttr]

I like both ships and although I only cruise in steerage the deluxe cabins on Destiny's promenade deck appear to be better located. Although they look out on the deck the windows are about 7 feet above outside deck level, so more privacy. This is because she has a extra deck forward and some 1 1/2 height public rooms. The promenade itself actually features steps fore and aft and is not level. The buffet on Spirit is much better although on Destiny there is also the pool grill and the two wings of sheltered seating alongside the pool. For some a good feature is a complete wing of tables with ashtrays!. The main dining room features 2 sittings in the evening which I prefer as there is no queuing for a table.
The normal cabins are small although fine for one!. I think the insides have a better layout with parallel beds and booked one for my next cruise.

[jacknorman]

sorry to appear thick but what is 'steerage'

[kruzseeka]

sorry to appear thick but what is 'steerage'

The cheapo cabins 'down below' - I think it harks back to the second class accommodation in the days of the great cruise liners. It's just a reference to having the 'basic' cabins and not going for an up-grade.

Much as I would enjoy the up-grade and can understand why people 'push the boat out' so to speak to make their holiday extra special by having more luxurious cabins, we just settle for a Deck 1/2 on the basis of putting the savings towards the next cruise. It's all personal choice - but that's the way we've chosen to go. When I win the lottery it will be De-luxe suites here I come!!! ;)

[Tina1uk]

For me, the itinerary plays the major influence, the ship comes second. I understand your dilemma, we were in a similar situation last year when we were deciding whether to go back onto the Destiny or try the Spirit for the first time. We opted to try something new.

I spent the first few days of our cruise making mental comparisons between the two and have come to the conclusion that I like both ships but for different reasons. They both have their lil' quirks, the Spirit has it's minor hypnotic vibration in the High Spirit lounge. The Destiny's cabins are smaller, but quite comfortable. The Spirit does have a nicer Lido restraurant. I feel that I can lose myself on the outer decks of the Destiny. I enjoy spending some of my time sitting on a deck chair just watching the world go by. I felt so cramped on the Spirit. I think you always have a special soft spot for your first cruise but don't let that stop you from broadening your horizons.

I honestly think you will have a wonderful time on either of the ships. I'd go for the one with the itinerary that interests you the most.

[adeathome31]

i dont know if the spirit is as bad as the celebration for the jerky vibration i could feel but its not on the destiny.ok around the ship as you dont notice it but in our cabin deck 4 no.318 at front it was awfull.bad enough to put me off booking her again unless i was really keen to go where she was sailing.literally shaking in bed.