Amy White

Age: 45
Occupation: Hospital lab manager
Number of Cruises: 2
Cruise Line: Carnival
Ship: Destiny
Sailing Date: January 16th, 2005
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean

We went on our second cruise in January on the Carnival Destiny. Our 1st cruise was 2 years ago, on the Carnival Sensation. We enjoyed the Sensation so much that we decided to cruise Carnival again, this time for 7 nights.

We found the Destiny to be a great ship, although it did seem a little worn and in need of some updating. We had 2 teenagers in an inside cabin with us and although the cabin is not large, we found it to be satisfactory. Plenty of storage space and enough room in the bathroom. The ship was somewhat confusing at first to get around in - but we eventually figured it out. The band that played on the Lido deck was great – could have sat and listened to them longer. The food at dinner was very good – many choices and something that everyone liked. Out waiter and assistant waitress were great – the maitre’d was great (Jusef) - and the nightly entertainment at dinner was fun. We enjoyed the talent show, and the Newlywed game, and the Hairy Chest contest on the Lido deck was funny.

Our favorite port was St. Thomas. We have been there 2 previous times and took an excursion to St. John – it was a Carnival excursion to Trunk Bay on St. John for snorkeling and beach time. Decidedly one of the most beautiful places we have ever been - have been to St. John twice and will someday go back and just spend time there.

I read many pre-cruise reviews about Dominica- while I did not go on an excursion, 3 members of our party went to the Emerald Pool on a Carnival excursion. While they found the island to be pretty, they were not overly impressed with the tour. My daughter and I planned to walk around the town (Roseau) and maybe do a little souvenir shopping. However, the ship did not dock in town, but somewhere else (?) and we would have had to take a taxi. We declined, and returned to the ship.

Barbados was next- we had planned on going to the Boatyard Beach, but our taxi driver convinced us to let him take us on tour of the island ($120 for all 5 of us) and then drop us off at Malibu Beach. He then picked us up and returned us to the Destiny after 3 hours. While Barbados is a beautiful island, I felt the “tour” was somewhat of a sham, especially the drive into the mountains to “see the monkey.” (A green monkey in a little hut tied up, and they wanted donations to help feed it.) While at Malibu Beach we did pay $20 each to go on a short boat ride to swim/snorkel with the turtles. Big turtles!!- very cool.

Aruba is a beautiful island – the beaches are awesome. We booked a 4 hour trip in the morning on the Jolly Pirates – snorkeling at 3 sites, including 2 shipwrecks. Also provided drinks and food, a rope swing, and diving platform. This was booked on-line; not a Carnival excursion. Everyone enjoyed it immensely. In the afternoon we took a drive around the island – very beautiful scenery and the Natural Bridge is really something to see.

Had no problems with embarkation or debarkation - took a short tour of Old San Juan on Sunday before flying home. Very enjoyable – would recommend seeing Old San Juan if you have the time.

Overall, a great cruise. Can’t wait to cruise Carnival again!

Ask a Question About Carnival Cruise Lines