smplyblessed619

Great review and pictures! I'm sailing on her in November. I'm anxious to see what the weather is going to be like in NOLA in November versus back home, warmer I'm sure but not anything like Miami was in November for my first cruise.

When my husband graduated with his Doctorate, we did a big family cruise to Hawaii to celebrate (well, big by our standards) with 4 generations. I put a huge "Congratulations Dr. So and So" with his graduation date on it. I strung a sharpie on it and by the end of the trip there were hundreds of congratulation messages on it. That was in 2002, and we still talk about how wonderful that trip was, and how lovely everyone was to write such nice messages to a "stranger" -

Wow! What a FABULOUS idea! I'm hoping to do a big cruise to celebrate each of my college graduations and I'll have to remember your idea when that time comes!

I didn't decorate the door on my first cruise with my mother but I do believe I'll do it for this next one with the boyfriend. We aren't celebrating any anniversary or birthday so I'll have to figure out something clever to decorate with. I'm pretty crafty so the real challenge will be to KISS---Keep It Simple Stupid, lol.

PS - I found the page on social media. I'm looking forward to seeing others decorations!

I appreciate the review! I've sailed on Destiny and have been seriously considering sailing on Sunshine as a result, but there's been some hesitancy (like you mentioned because of reviews). I have yet to spread my wings and check out any other cruise lines - yet :D

Hi! Glad you are enjoying my story! I remember reading your review before I left for my cruise. I love yours! Your pics are awesome :)

Aww, thank you Mountainbreeze!! As I kept reading your review I realized I read your honeymoon review on the Destiny before my 1st cruise. I'm glad to see you writing (and enjoying another ship) again! :) I collected sand at each port as well. My plan is to put some in a shadow box with a picture of each beach in the background... Something like this I found on pinterest -

PS-I think I want a balcony now because of this pic:

I'm only on page 1 and I just want to say I'm going to love this review!!!! It's detailed and jammed full of pictures. You're bringing back some fond memories of Miami & the Intercontinental :) We stayed there post-cruise and I LOVED it! Especially with having Bayside so close... Okay, back to reading now :)

What a great review! I'm looking at taking this cruise in November 2014 (this or the one on the Glory). Thanks for taking the time to post! I'll have to come check out your other photos of the ports & ship if that's okay on FB. Thanks again!

I am LOVING your review!!! I had to take notes so that by the time I got to the end and could comment I wouldn't forget anything...

First things first, what a heartfelt beginning to your review. I am very sorry for your losses and hope that this trip with you and your family helped commemorate your Dad's memory. You and your family will be in my prayers.

You have a lovely family!!! Your daughter is full of personality, you can certainly tell from all of the pics!

I think doing a B2B is one of the coolest things ever, thank you for your review and photos of the empty ship. Also, you have some awesome shots from sailaway and Miami!

I am looking forward to more...

I left a comment on your youtube video but THANK you for sharing! I loved this video...and like others, I liked the "welcome" portion with each island. You can tell you guys had a great time. I'm trying to plan something for a big group as well... :)

I loved your review and pictures! Thank you for taking the time to post...the excursion in Jamaica looked like a lot of fun but you lost me at spiders! lol.

This has been a great review so far!! I'm loving your photos...thanks for taking time to post!! **Subscribed**

This has been one of the best reviews I've read and I have no plans on sailing on her or out of San Juan any time soon...but after this review, man oh man!! You have some amazing pictures and it looks like you had a great time! I'm glad you were refunded, and I'm sorry you had a bad experience with that company.

Also, happy 15th anniversary!!

I'm loving your review!! Happy belated birthday and thanks for taking the time to post...

Prayers going up for you and your family as well as safe travels.

Awesome review so far. Let me add...

*65 days and I can't wait to see her!

*I shared this review with my Mother b/c she'll be joining me.

*You and your wife are ADORABLE!

*I loved her pedi-cute flower.

*Awesome lightning shot, I love catching those myself...

Also, thanks for taking the time to write & post this review. I plan on doing one myself :)

Yayyyy!!! A Destiny review...just what I needed 67 days out :) Thanks for taking the time to post and I'm looking forward to more.

Yay I just love reviews!!! Thanks for showing Destiny too ((my 1st cruise...265 to go!! lol)) Great start...enjoy your evening & thanks for taking the time to post!

Ship Name:

Carnival Victory

Sailing Date(s): June 10, 2012 Balcony $1,049

Ports of Call: Departs From San Juan, Puerto Rico visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas >> Bridgetown, Barbados >> Castries, St. Lucia >> Basseterre, St. Kitts >> Philipsburg, St. Maarten

**I went over to a travel site & found the above cruise with your specific leaving date. I'm one that likes more bang for my buck...but that's just me.**

***I re-read & tried to get a gist of where you'd be coming from...but from the reviews on the Carnival board, this seems to be a winner, winner chicken dinner.***

****I wouldn't pick a cruise based on food, but that's just me. With ample amounts/variety/24hr room service there's BOUND to be something you both would enjoy. I haven't cruised *yet* (1st one is in the signature) however I am looking into the Chef's Table as well. ****

What a lovely review! My first cruise this fall will be with my Mother...I'm really looking forward to this experience :). Thanks for taking the time to post.

We finally ended up at the Southernmost Beach. It's a very small beach and nothing too impressive, but it was pretty cool to know you were at the Southernmost Beach in the continental USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just wanted to say - These were some pretty cool shots. I'm not done with the review yet, so please forgive me if I post a 2nd time....didn't want to forget! :) **going back to continue reading** :D

Yeah, I'd definitely be looking to shuttle or taxi...nice pics though!!

So I've noticed what you're talking about...and I think it's a bunch of bull-arrrr-KEY! :) Loved your review and as I'm getting more familiar with the site, your input on other posts....

Oh and I have just LOVED looking at everyone's countdowns...and my goofy self got excited when I saw ones that were coming up like tomorrow or next month even...

I'm excited for my 1st cruise like it's really close...

*takes deep breath and looks away from the computer screen*

Alright, now that I've read all of the pages for this thread...where do I start?! I am new to cruising and just as new to this site but your review was my 1st subscription. I have been walking around my office (since yesterday) and on FB talking about it...lol.

A) I pray you're feeling better!

B) You have such an amazing talent - and yes your site is aaaawwwwessssome!

C) I even looked up to see about getting on the Breeze instead of my 1st cruise (11/26/12-Carnival Destiny to Nassau, Half Moon Cay & Grand Turk) however for my 1st, I think I'll stick to the budget-friendly option ;).

D) My fav: definitely the tiger and then the monkeys.

E) I'm hoping to purchase a pretty nifty camera soon...I'm known around my area as the "Media Ministry" and snap shots, videos, etc and blast everyone's events so it's time to invest in that, especially before my cruise. But it most certainly won't be anything close to what you and other photogs have mentioned here in earlier posts.

F) Did I mention I loved your review?! hahaha

G) ((I feel like I'm singing the alphabet, sorry for being so long winded)) And I looked into the Chef's Table, but I'm still deciding (I have a while)...I have a few food allergies, including shellfish so I didn't want to be rude and turn something away not knowing it's ingredients.

H) Shore Excursions - I know you said you're a seasoned cruiser, and it seemed like your days were planned pretty well (I'm an avid planner, so I'm sure I'll have an itinerary as well) however I haven't really found any excursions that tickle my fancy. Should I look outside of the Carnival site? The whole thought of laying on beach, watching men and drinking liquor was the most appealing thing to me...but maybe some horses?! lol Horseback riding that is....Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading my alphabet...

Also --- Thanks for taking the time to post...and then to reply to everyone as you've gone along is just awesome as well. Again, praying for a speedy recovery and repeating Steve's sentiments (and preaching to myself) slooooowwwww down! :)

Smplyblessed619