Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Review: Carnival Destiny, April 12-16, Short

desertskies

By desertskies,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

Recommended Posts

desertskies

desertskies

Posted
Posted

Quick observations:

Embarkation: We were booked in a suite so had VIP check-in. We arrived at port about 10:00. We were one of the first ones checked in. Nice and relaxing in the lounge area. We boarded at 11:15 right behind a group of wedding folks. (Five couples were married throughout the cruise)

Ship: Showing its age but clean and well kept up. Wasn’t a fan of the copper but the stain glass sculptures throughout the ship were impressive. Even though the layout of ship was similar to the Freedom (which we sailed in 2010) I still kept getting turned around and had to repeatedly go back up and floor and walk to next stairway to get to the right place on the third and fourth deck. The Elevators were SLOW with a capital S. We ended up walking up and down stairs most of the cruise. (Which probably helped to compensate the food and adult beverage consumption that occurred)

Cabin: Had an ocean suite. We really enjoyed it. Liked the extra vanity room and closet space but probably wouldn’t spend the extra cash on it again. Balcony is fine with us. One big disappointed: we were on the wrong side of the ship. Wish we had been on Port instead of Starboard side. However, we did get some great sunset pics from our balcony. Just wish we had a better view for sail away.

Food: Was ok. We ate in the MDR for dinner two nights and the food wasn’t that great. Melting Cake was awesome as usual though. Best food option: The Deli. The Reuben is awesome. Banana Crème pie on the buffet was also pretty darn good. We did have a good breakfast in the MDR one morning.

Entertainment: Didn’t go to any shows. Played Bingo. Won $250 the first night. Spent a little bit of time in the casino. Won about $120 in total. Both winnings helped to pay off our Sign and Sail account. We spent WAY too much money. But had a hell of a time spending it. J

Itinerary: We had been to both places before. For us it wasn’t about the itinerary but about getting away and having a good time. We enjoyed Key West and for Cozumel we actually stayed on the ship and enjoyed the pools/hot tubs all by ourselves. It was QUIET and RELAXING.

Weather: Was awesome throughout the cruise with the exception of the last day. Was very windy throughout the day. Couldn’t enjoy the lido deck as much as we wanted to. And then that night the seas were ROUGH. We had to take some Dramamine because we both were feeling pretty sick.

Fellow passengers: What can I say about our fellow passengers? Well they certainly liked to have a good time. There were a lot of groups. And the groups enjoyed themselves immensely. However, we didn’t enjoy them as much. Don’t get me wrong we met some really nice people. But everything was just a bit more rowdy then we like.

Staff: Were very nice but some seemed a little unprepared and clueless. And some I hate to say I don’t think they understood English very well. Our room steward was great and actually got a nice extra tip from us. Someone was always cleaning and picking up after others. And I have to give them credit because they handled the drunks surprisingly well.

Debarkation: We had an early flight and were lucky enough to get number 2. We were in the Galaxy dining room at 7:30 and off the ship at 7:45. Waited about 5 minutes for our two bags and quickly got through customs and into a taxi and on our way. Very well organized. Sadly we did see one passenger being carted away in handcuffs. Not sure what he had done but I'm sure it wasn't good.

Overall impression: We had a good time. It was a vacation and we both desperately needed one. Will we go in April again? NEVER. Will we sail a 4 day cruise again? NOT LIKELY. Will we sail on Carnival again? YES but probably on a newer or 2.0 ship.

I have lots of pictures and will try to post some later.

Questions? Comments?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
K1mmyD

K1mmyD

Posted
Posted

I am cruising the same Itinerary in May. I think our room is also on the starboard side, I was hoping to see some runners. I guess that may not happen. :( I am looking forward to this little getaway. I wouls love to see some pics! Thanks for sharing. :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites
desertskies

desertskies

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I sail on the Destiny on Aug 2nd and I am looking forward to seeing your pictures.

 

How about a dumb question....how can you tell if your cabin is on the starboard side and why does it matter if you are on port or starboard?

 

Port is the left hand side of the boat or the even number cabins and Starboard is the right hand side or odd number cabins.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
desertskies

desertskies

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Some of my favorite pictures.

 

For those that want to watch the dock runners. Outside of the lobby area is a great viewing area. And I love the cool lights at night.

 

IMG_0203-1.jpg

 

IMG_0209.jpg

 

A couple of sunset pics:

 

IMG_0154.jpg

 

IMG_0169.jpg

 

Luggage ready to be brought on board:

 

IMG_0082.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
desertskies

desertskies

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Amazing! Only 147 (?) days to go, I can;t wait - what were some of your favorite foods, drinks, etc

 

 

Favorite Foods: Reuben at the Deli

Banana Creme Pie at Buffet

Chocolate Melting Cake in MDR

Ham and cheese omelet in MDR

 

Favorite Drinks: Strawberry Daiquiri's everywhere :)

Funship Special on Lido deck

Bahama Mama at Atrium bar

Castello de Proggio(sp) Moscato wine in MDR

 

Atrium bar area was a favorite place of our almost every night. The bartenders there are great and have wonderful personalities. The performer on the acoustic guitar there is fabulous as well.

 

The casino was also a very hopping place almost every night.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
TGHRS

TGHRS

Posted
Posted
Yeah!!!! We are going on the same itinerary in September and I can;t wait! please please please post lots of pictures. Its my 3rd cruise, his first, any suggestions on how to best get him hooked?

 

First. He should already be hooked because he is going with you!

What does he like to do?

This goes back a long time but if he would like to snorkel, we took the Catamaran Fury years ago (actually twice) the first time I had seven marguerites and a shot of mescal before lunch. The second time the deck hand was so good at getting us Cerveza that we were two fisting it all day. He got a $20 dollar tip from each couple.

Can't speak of Key West. Only have been there once and we spent it looking for a half slip for my wife. We did find the ship and a bakery that had her favorite key lime pie. I had a 16 oz chocolate chip cookie!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
deedle7544

deedle7544

Posted
Posted

awwwwww, thank you :)

 

he wouldn't mind snorkeling but he has been to Key West and Cozumel on land vacations, so he is okay with not doing those. We are hitting the bars in both ports! No kids, no cell phones, I can't wait

Link to comment
Share on other sites
teetee6263

teetee6263

Posted
Posted

Thanks for the review & pictures.....sailing on her in 61 days & can't wait:D. Really happy to see photo of the MDR, as I was told there were no tables for 10 & was afraid we were gonna be slpit up.

 

Also, do you recall if there was a chocolate buffet?

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...