Carnival Destiny B2B Epic Review! Tons of Pics, Menus, Food, FunTimes, & Documents!!!

[dvdkndy]

We walked down toward the cruise center and stopped and snapped a couple of photos of the sign. I really liked the way this particular photo turned out. I am not a photographer by any stretch but like how the lighting, clarity, and crispness of the photo came out. After seeing everybody else talk about their experiences and seeing their photos, I was finally able to see it for myself!

 

 

We walked into the duty free shops where they sold everything you could have imagined.

 

 

I am not a smoker but the cigarette displays caught my eye while walking by them. I am not sure if it is required by their law but their packaging is rather short, honest, and to the point. Maybe we should try this in America???

 

 

[dvdkndy]

We walked through the main duty free shop and into the courtyard where we didn’t see too many people wondering around. Again, maybe too early for some but we were ready to hit the ground.

 

 

 

Meeting spots for excursions

 

 

Margaritaville is a huge place where a lot of people gather and spend their day. We tried to avoid places like this because we would rather get a feel for their country and culture. I know Jimmy has good things to do but I can swim in a pool at my buddy’s house. We were here to see the sights and not just hang out near the pool or flow rider of Margaritaville. Not saying people who do that are doing it wrong but that is just not our ideal way to spend time in a new country.

 

[dvdkndy]

We were told by Nathan to go to the gate of the cruise center just past where all the taxis were. That was all I needed him to tell me and I was certain I could figure it out. My wife and I have great street smarts and aren’t afraid to venture out. We have walked and strolled along the largest cities in America with no directions and never any problems. We know how to read a map, follow directions, ASK for directions, and keep ourselves out of danger. Maybe this is why people don’t venture beyond the gates of cruise centers but we enjoy exploring and seeing what we can get ourselves into.

 

We followed the signs that directed everyone to the taxis that were just down this pavilion/hallway.

 

 

Well what do you know? Taxis! Just like Nathan told us.

 

 

As we got to the end of the pavilion/hallway, we saw the dune buggy tour beginning to leave. I silently wished to go with them but then thought about the speeding fine and the silent treatment from my wife. Knowing a golf cart couldn’t get me in trouble, we continue on our journey to Nathan’s.

 

 

Looking to where the buggies were going, we saw the gates to the cruise terminal at the end of the driveway.

 

 

As we got to the gates, we saw the golf carts sitting there just as Nathan said they would be. We walked up to the SUV sitting there with a nice lady inside and gave her our name.

 

 

She told us that we were taking it out with half a tank of gas a needed to return in with half a tank. I asked her if half a tank would be enough for the day and she laughed and said it would be plenty. Sure enough, we only needed to put a couple dollars in at the end of the day and we were fine. She gave us a map and reminded us to stay on the left side of the road and then we were off. The golf cart seats 4 people and so we had plenty of room. The cart was in good condition but considering the condition of their roads and paths that people go down with the carts, they surely take a lot of abuse. Our cart was begging for mercy by the end of the day.

 

We asked her if there was an immigration office around so that we could get a passport stamp and she kindly gave us the directions and noted it on our map. We asked for a second map when we got back because our original one was torn and wrinkled by the end of the day.

 

The cart had a little cubbyhole where we put one of our backpacks and another by the driver that fit our bottled water perfectly.

 

[dvdkndy]

They gave us the following map which has been copied numerous times and needs to be updated to make it a little clearer. Here it is, so make of it what you can.

 

 

As we began to leave, we turned around to see the Destiny sitting there in all her glory.

 

 

It did not take long for us to see the wild donkeys, horses, dogs, cows, and chickens just roaming the island. We are definitely not in Cincy anymore!

 

 

We passed their international airport.

 

 

After passing the airport, we notice a dirt road to the left and decided to see where it would lead us. We took the left and went down what was to be the first of many bumpy dirt roads that day.

 

 

 

It led us to the beach but there was quite a bit of litter around there and we were sure we could find a cleaner place. I was taken back by the amount of litter that we saw all over the country. I wondered if it was international guests just not being respectful but I can not imagine people causing that much just from cruise passengers. As we saw more of the country, we could tell it was a way of life. Again, not in Cincinnati anymore.

 

[PathfinderEss]

Really enjoying your review, looking forward to the rest of it.

[luvmy2kids]

Glad your family is home safe. I am loving this review. It makes me look forward to doing the same trip in 31 DAYS!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!:D

[Dawgfan]

David thanks for this great and detailed review, one of the best that I have seen on these boards. My family and I are leaving on 12/29 for the western side on the Destiny and cannot wait until you get to that part of the review. :)

[kinggartk]

Is it safe to travel around a third world country like that? I was researching things to do in Nassau and Freeport, and it was recommended to not go off on you own to the more obscure areas and lesser known beaches. Apparently crime there has skyrocketed and the police mainly focus on the main touristy areas.

 

It seems like the golf cart thing (un-escorted) could allow you to get into some "off the beaten path" areas.

 

Just curious if you felt safe.

[reeree313]

I'm loving your review. It is so detailed. You guys look like such a fun couple. Keep it coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[neon706]

Thank you for sharing! Me and my wife are getting ready to book our first cruise, and we have been stuck on this thread!

[jacpan]

We are doing the golf carts! :)

[dvdkndy]

These crazy animals absolutely did not give a flip about traffic! Where we come from you worry about deer running in front of you at night, here, you worry about a cow or donkey coming out. CRAZY!!!

 

 

 

 

I have never seen a girl cow with horns. Anybody wanna educate me? Notice Destiny waving to us?

 

[dvdkndy]

Remember how earlier I said I did not want a Jeep because I did not want a speeding ticket? It is a good thing because this morning they were out in full force.

 

 

The drive to the opposite side of the island took around 15-20 minutes. We meant to go to the lighthouse but took a wrong turn at the round-about in town. We ended up just off to the west of the lighthouse but did not take the time to back track to see it closer. About the last ¾ mile of the road we were on was dirt and filled with rocks. The trusty golf cart handled it all brilliantly. When we got to the end, we found this pretty little spot to stick our feet in the water. This was the first time we had touched Caribbean waters on this trip.

 

 

 

It seemed like the water would go on forever at the mid-calf depth. We considered just going to Home Depot and building us a place right there.

 

 

I think there was a reef or sand bar out there because you can see the waves crashing in the distance. It was something that I wanted to stand there and watch for a long time.

 

[dvdkndy]

After heading back to town, we went to the immigration office and they were more than happy to stamp our passports for us. This marked a great event for my wife and I, as it was the very first stamp we ever received. Yay for us!

 

 

After we left immigration, we took a different road and noticed another little beach off the side of the road. I thoroughly enjoy clear water so I could not help but go and stick my feet in.

 

 

[dvdkndy]

We saw a neat little market down the road and decided that we would stop by and see what was being offered. There were taxis coming and going so we figured this was the small tourist shopping and we were correct. There were only a few shops there and we hit each one of them.

 

We do not buy many souvenirs or trinkets from vacations but we do buy an ornament for our Christmas tree as a memento from our travels. We were hoping to find one in these little shops.

 

 

While my wife was shopping, I waited by a little food stand that had a great smell coming from it. I decided to try the local flavor and try some fried conch.

 

 

It reminded me of calamari and my wife enjoyed it more than I did. Hey, you should just be proud of me for trying it!

 

Here is a sample of what they had to offer and the prices.

 

 

After she found her ornament, it was around 10:30am and we decided to head out and find a nice little beach to relax on. In reading previous reviews, there is one where a family had a “secret beach” next to a place called Sunset Cabana. We had a tough time finding it because Sunset Cabana had closed but we did find it. Their review said there were clean restrooms there to change in so it was right up our alley. When we arrived, the bathrooms had been torn apart on the inside and more than one person had left their “protection” behind for their rendezvous in the restroom. We declined to use the restrooms after seeing this. However the beach there was absolutely amazing.

 

Nobody to the left…

 

 

…nobody to the right…

 

 

…and nobody straight ahead, just us.

 

 

We swam, snorkeled, laid out, and napped on the beach there by ourselves for every bit of 1.5 hours. It was awesome and extremely relaxing. Never did we see anybody walk by, swim by, or even boat by. It was secluded, quiet, and just what we were looking for. Yes there are times to do huge excursions and have fun with everyone but then there are also the times when you just want to be all by yourself. This day, that was where we needed to be, just us.

 

After checking the time and our hunger level, we decided it was time to pack up, do a little more aimless driving, and grab some lunch at the famous Jack’s Shack near the cruise center.

[dvdkndy]

Is it safe to travel around a third world country like that? I was researching things to do in Nassau and Freeport, and it was recommended to not go off on you own to the more obscure areas and lesser known beaches. Apparently crime there has skyrocketed and the police mainly focus on the main touristy areas.

 

It seems like the golf cart thing (un-escorted) could allow you to get into some "off the beaten path" areas.

 

Just curious if you felt safe.

 

It is all a matter of your comfort level. In Turks and Caicos, we felt completely safe and never uncomfortable. The people were so kind and really seemed to appreciate you being there. However, I would not venture out in Ochos Rios like we did in Grand Turk.

 

It all depends on where you are at. Hey, there are even some places in Cincinnati that I will not even venture out into so it is not just a thrid world problem. At the end of the day use common sense, don't go where you feel uncomfortable, and research the areas as best as you can. Just remember that not everyone is out to hurt you. There is no place in the world that I want to see that is worth risking the safety of my family.

[flounder315]

Loving your review and pictures. Great Job!!! Thanks for posting. Love the wifes pedi. I will be getting one exactly like that next Tuesday for my Thursday embarkion day.

[sewut]

I hummed "How great Thou Art" every time I see His wonderful creations during the cruise.

 

 

Me too. Sitting on my balcony, watching the sunrise, reading my devotions, it's hard not to sing it out loud.

[Buffettfan 225]

Me too. Sitting on my balcony, watching the sunrise, reading my devotions, it's hard not to sing it out loud.

I read in Yancy it is good to have a "prayer closet" ...now a cruise balcony seems quite fitting.

[txmom11]

It is all a matter of your comfort level. In Turks and Caicos, we felt completely safe and never uncomfortable. The people were so kind and really seemed to appreciate you being there. However, I would not venture out in Ochos Rios like we did in Grand Turk.

 

It all depends on where you are at. Hey, there are even some places in Cincinnati that I will not even venture out into so it is not just a thrid world problem. At the end of the day use common sense, don't go where you feel uncomfortable, and research the areas as best as you can. Just remember that not everyone is out to hurt you. There is no place in the world that I want to see that is worth risking the safety of my family.

 

 

We would venture out on our own in Grand Turk or Grand Cayman, but not Ocho Rios or too far in Nassau. Crime is very low in Grand Cayman, but Dave will tell you about that later. :rolleyes:

[dvdkndy]

As we began to leave, you could see that we pulled our cart in as close to the beach as we could. This was the benefit of the cart versus the jeep. No signs said “no“ so we took the liberty to drive as close we could.

 

 

Before leaving, my wife decided to leave our mark on a place that we only dreamed about visiting before today.

 

We began just driving and finding out where we would end up. As we were driving, we began to notice the country and the condition of many of their homes. Many buildings were in rubble or dilapidated at best. Here is one example.

 

 

We passed by a schoolhouse and stopped to take a photo of the kids in class. See them in there trying their best to learn?

 

 

As we were driving down the road, we saw a group of older kids walking back from school. We asked them if my wife could take a photo with them and they were more than happy to.

 

 

Out of all the ports we visited, the people of Grand Turk were by far the kindest. They all waved, said hi to us, and genuinely were happy to see us. Beautiful people live on that little chunk of land!

[wrigley80]

I just can't get enough of your review. I think I had read through it twice.....haha :D Can't wait to see more

Edited September 28, 2012 by wrigley80

[rtw68]

Awesome review so far! Really enjoying your pictures and words.

 

Looking forward to more! :D

[MattandMarksMom]

Great review and beautiful pictures, I can't wait to read more.

[formerlivaboard]

Great review! Really enjoying it!