LONG! Carnival Destiny Review & Photos ~ 6-14-10 ~ 5 days to Grand Turk, HMC & Nassau

[NetGoddess]

Thank you!!! I don't know about a book... but I was thinking of starting a blog! My second favorite hobby is cooking. (Can you guess the first? Cruising, of course!) I have started taking pictures when I cook, so I can remember all the great (and not so great!) concoctions I make! Maybe I could combine the food & travel into one blog!?

 

You should consider both! I LOVED your review! I was going to finish the entire thread before I replied (and I still will with my other comments) - BUT I really think you should consider both the blog and the book. It was very descriptive and sucked me in for HOURS!

 

I see you went on the Western Caribbean Destiny cruise in August and wondered if you did a review of that cruise or those ports too. I'm going to have to search for all your posts now!

 

I am getting married April 13th in Key West and have a large group coming with me on the Destiny Western Caribbean cruise and I will share this review and others if you have them.

 

Thanks again for all your hard work. I'll post again when I finish reading the rest.

 

Laura

[NetGoddess]

Here is link to Destiny menus from Oct 2009, 4 night Key West, Cozumel port stops:

http://travel.webshots.com/album/575373017niJgfv?vhost=travel&vhost=travel

 

Here are the Destiny Capers or Destiny Fun Times:

 

http://travel.webshots.com/album/575393757nKdbdy?vhost=travel

 

Thought information would be a helpful add

 

I am getting married on the Destiny (same itinerary) with a large group. I would guestimate that over 20 people have never been on a cruise before. I am putting a link up on my wedding website so they have an idea of what to expect. I think that not only will they find this valuable, but it will increase their excitement.

 

So THANK YOU! Between you and Queenie (and other CC members) - I am giving my guests LOTS of information.

 

Give it a day or so, but feel free to check out my website and how you helped - the link is at the bottom of my signature.

[NetGoddess]

 

So glad you enjoyed the review! FYI ~ we've recently booked another cruise on the Destiny... this time sailing to Key West & Cozumel... we leave in 2 weeks! :) Hope to post a review of any ship updates!

 

Happy Sailing!!!

 

PLEASE tell me you did a second review on this itinerary!!! I will be searching and already have your Carnival Inspriation 8-5-10 review up ready to read.

 

First of all... AMAZING review does not do justice to the hard work you put into your review! THANK YOU!

 

I took down (no kidding) NINE pages of notes that I am going to share with my wedding guests on my wedding website. I hope you don't mind, but I will share my notes here so I can "pay it forward".

 

Also, I want to thank you for helping me. I have at least 20 guests that NEVER wanted to cruise but are going for our wedding and I am able to give them insight and get them excited about their decision to join us based on tips from CC members, but most of all YOU and a another user (forgive me that I don't remember the full user name) that has the name ???Buffett??? (he had the links for the daily papers, menus, photos for my same itinerary a couple years ago).

 

I'm in SWFL and would take advantage of the close ports more, but work and the economy impedes on that... I'm a tiny bit jealous at all the great cruises you go on. My fiance would NEVER have gone on a cruise but I dragged him a couple years ago and now we are doing a cruise wedding. We were going to go on one a couple years ago, but cancelled because one customer service rep made me furious (sorry, it was Carnival and I swore to never sail with them again). I got over it... I'm not going to let one person ruin it for me forever. Now I have a fantastic rep at Carnival that I cannot sing enough praises about... Frankin Valentin. So all is well in the world again.

 

I did a late booking because I couldn't decide on Valor or Destiny, but family school schedules won out (my brother's family would not be able to go because of school rules on attendance) and I was worried that I was settling. I actually booked Destiny two weeks ago for my wedding in April because we stalled on which cruise. I have 7 cabins booked already and haven't received my formal invitations to send out yet. Immediate family is booked and extended family and friends are waiting patiently for the invitations I hopefully will have next week to send out. I grimaced as I sent out a private event update in facebook but let them know the hard copy is coming in the mail and gave them the wedding website. SOOOO 7 cabins in less than two weeks is not bad. I have a private cocktail (reception... shhhh) booked for 6:30 in Key West in the Downbeat Lounge (can you PLEASE tell me if that is the piano bar or what it is like?) but I did a DIY wedding because I am doing quirky things. So far it is working out perfectly. Now I am just collecting information to give to my guests so they have an idea. If you were to want all the info... click my link at the bottom of my signature. However, I apologize in advance for this lengthy reply, but I will add some of my tips I collected thus far by you and other cc members (and a little of my experience).

 

Thanks again for helping SOOOO much! without further ado... here are my tips and I hope they help others. Paying if forward begins:

 

• READ YOUR DAILIES and highlight items that interest you. There are freebies like slots or blackjack tournaments, free art, free raffles for spa treatments and liquor tastings. There are LOTS of freebie signups or specials on the first day.

• IMPORTANT!!!! Do not drink the tap water on the ship or get salads from the buffet if you have a tendency to suffer from swelling feet. The water still has a high salt rate even after cleansing and although it tastes fine… you will have MAJOR feet swelling. Bring and drink bottled water. If you are still concerned have your doctor a prescription for a "water pill" and "potassium pill" for you to take as needed.

• Eat at the secret buffet on the Destiny in the aft pool area, to avoid the long lines in the main buffet (or get there early!)

• Eat at the Deli at the beginning of the cruise; lines get longer as the word gets out and their sandwiches are out of this world. You can also pack a sandwich to bring into port.

• Take advantage of the Sushi bar every night – especially if you are a late diner for a snack

• Room Service and pizza are available 24 hours.

• Fill out your breakfast order and time you want it for delivery and have breakfast in bed and a wakeup call… even if it is just Coffee/Juice and then go to the dining room. This is ESPECIALLY good to do if you have an inside cabin because you have no idea what time of day it is.

• Pack bottled water and/or sodas in your suit-cases to drink in your cabin (12 pack per person). If you have multiple cabins, bring packaged cases for easier handling and have one case of water in one room and one case of soda in another room, etc. Sodas are expensive so if you are on a 7 day or longer cruise, you may want the soda card. However if you are on a shorter cruise the 12 pack per person should be enough.

• If you drink, you can order a bottle from Bon Voyage Services at extension 70039 up to two days before you sail and have cocktails at a discount.

• Bring a collapsible or small cooler that you can fill with ice to cool your drinks. You can still use the ice from the ice bucket for your glasses then.

• Save your receipts from “Signature Cocktails” each drink gives you $5 Match Play Cards for the casino. You can collect the Match Play Cards throughout or bring all your receipts at once; in effect your drink is $5 less. If you don’t gamble give them to another passenger to use.

• Buy drink ticket packages before you board and save even more money.

• Get to the port early, to avoid long lines

• Visit the forward verandahs on Deck 6 & 7

• After you board, take a self-guided tour of the entire ship, to familiarize yourself with the layout.

• Limit your carry-on items because you don’t get to go to your room until around 1:30pm.

• Check out the shows – they are awesome!

• Take the Behind the Fun Tour to see all the behind-the-scenes action! Sign up as soon as you board at Excursions Desk ($55 pp)

• Bring an open mind and good attitude... some passengers may behave rudely (cut in line, hog pool chairs, bad elevator manners, etc), so ignore them!

• Snorkeling tips- bring dog bones and voila - no fish turns into tons of fish!!!! They were nibbling on my DB in the food frenzy. So if you want to see some fish, pack dog bones.....or if you forget, maybe a box of cereal from the buffet would do.

• Bring a power strip for charging your items!

• Don’t lose your beach towel – you will be charged.

• Feel free to take the book as a keepsake –it is allowed! (verify with your steward)

• Bring a travel clock. You have no idea what time it is in the cabin. Plus it is great to bring when you go to the beach so you can leave your watch and cell phone in the safe.

 

 

I want to make sure I clarify what does cost extra on the cruise. If you don’t drink, gamble, shop or indulge in spa treatments – it is possible to not have any charges other than gratuities. Shows and most activities are included in your fare. This is not a complete list, but some activities you can expect to be available to you on board (most are no charge) are listed below:

• Miniature Golf

• Sauna/Steam room

• Pools/whirlpools

• Bingo - small fee but it does pay out in jackpots and free future cruises

• Art Auction – FREE and includes free champagne, a free print and opportunity to win original art.

• All shows are free and recommended. They include Broadway style, comedy club and game shows that are interactive with the guests. The interactive ones have prizes and are TONS of fun.

• Free spa seminars/treatments (usually first and last day but can include other days) and you can win longer spa treatments. I will be heading up there at the beginning of the cruise.

• Free seminars (ice sculpting, making towel animals, etc)

• Parties on deck and elsewhere – they can be a lot of fun.

• Free liquor tasting events

• Free makeup/makeover at the stores on the promenade at certain times

• Slot/Blackjack/Poker tournaments and giveaways. Most cost money (about $20 on average) but I have won some stuff (including the first two on the list) T-shirts, champagne, cruises, money, shipboard credit.

• Movies and concerts on the big screen in the pool area.

• Kid and Teenager clubs that have tons of activities – highly recommended and separated by age groups.

The list goes ON and ON and ON. It is never a problem of there is nothing to do… it is what do I want to do more. I have a hard time just chilling out and lying by the pool to read a book because there are so many fun things available. I have been on cruises as short as 2 days and as long as 16 and never ONCE have I been bored (or hungry).

 

 

This is a GOOD tip if you drink cruise cocktails!!!

 

Click the following link to get bar credit at a discount – paid for prior to cruise:

http://www.carnival.com/bonvoyage/addtocart.aspx?pid=bar

 

Bar Credit (4 Drink Coupons) $23.00 – this equates to $5.75 per drink INCLUDING gratuity. So if you get these tickets AND get the signature drink AND use the Match Play Cards --- you are in effect paying $0.75 for each drink. This is the best way to cut down costs on drinking and gambling. Otherwise you are paying around $8 to $10 a drink on average.

 

Same thing applies for soda credit

http://www.carnival.com/bonvoyage/addtocart.aspx?cat=specialty+items&pid=500

Soft Beverage Credits (4 Drink Coupons) $7.75 (also includes gratuity). This comes to $1.94 each, which is better than regular prices but NOT NEARLY as good as bringing a 12 pack on per person.

 

You can also order a bottle delivered to your room (Wine, Rum...etc) by calling Carnival and using extension 70039 (Bon Voyage). I have not seen it on their website, but it can be done via phone.

 

Both of these options need to be done no later than 2 days prior to departure.

 

What is the "Bottomless Bubbles" Unlimited Soda Program ?

Carnival Cruise Lines will offer all guests the option to purchase a “Bottomless Bubbles” unlimited soda program which will allow the guest unlimited soft drinks and juices for the duration of the cruise at a one-time purchase price. Prices are as follows – a 15% gratuity will be added.

Child Rate Per Day $4.50 (17 years of age and younger)

Adult Rate Per Day $6.00 (18 years of age and older)

 

I hope some of this helps.

Laura

[ladyj3641]

I did this cruise in 2009 (my first cruise) and I'm repeating it in July! Reading this made me even more excited. And now I'm seriously considering a cabana in HMC and the golf cart in GT.

[boowaaccaa]

Thanks for your review - 2 years later and people are still reading it!

[hockeyluver]

Thanks to boowaaccaa for bringing this review to the front page. Although we arent doing the Destiny we are doing the same itinerary on the Victory. Thanks for all the awesome pictures. Thanks to your review we are going to book the golf carts for our day in Grand Turk.