beckiej

My husband and I really like the itinerary of Carnivals's southern cruise route on the Destiny. We are middle aged professionals and this will be our first cruise. Has anyone taken this one? Please send feedback.

Paul Therault

Hi Beckie,<BR><BR>I sailed the Destiny in November and it was great. It would be too difficult to describe the entire cruise. Both itineraries are great but I believe the Dutch Treat is a tad better.<BR><BR>You will be sailing out of San Juan and will find many Puerto Ricans on board. They are fun to talk to and associate with. Many affluent business people with many intersting stories to tell. The Latino dance shows late in the evening are lively and exciting.<BR><BR>Remember Carnival is the "fun" cruise line so do not expect "church."<BR><BR>The ship is clean and well maintained. The food is very good and the service is average (depending on who is serving you). The entertainment is diverse, exciting and professional.<BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Paul

beckie

Paul,<BR>Thanks for the info. I know the summer cruises in the carribean are limited but, unfortunately, that's the only time we can get away. I've noticed there are a FEW more choices for the eastern carribean. Since you seem to be very experienced at this, what do you think-are we better off doing an eastern one? Do you have a preference?

Cathy

Hey Beckie!<BR>I did the Destiny last summer and although there are many Puerto Rican families, I didn't experience any problems on my cruise. The only difficulty was getting to the pool because all the pools and whirlpools were filled with children. But that can easily happen with a summer cruise on any line.<BR><BR>I am a teacher and I can only cruise in the summer as well. Which cruise you go on depends on what you are more interested in. Some people are ship fanatics and are most interested in the ship. I love ships and sailing but I am first and foremost a traveler. Cruising is the greatest ( and cheapest) way to island hop in the Caribbean.<BR><BR>I did the Dutch treat and liked it very much. If you like those ports of call, then go to the islands that interest you. I would go with the Destiny. Another alternative would be to sail the Adventure of the Seas, another nice ship that has about the same itin. I found the Destiny to be a bit ugly and dark, but the staff was great. The "junk" food was great but the dining room food was inconsistent. Ship was clean rooms were nice and large.<BR><BR>I am doing an eastern Carib sailing this summer but the Southern Caribbean is my favorite. Such a diversity of cultures and climates...eastern Carib is typically St. Thomas, St. Martin, Puerto Rico, Bahamas - trust me - you are not missing much by missing Nassau. You will go to St. Thomas and or St. Martin on a Southern Caribbean cruise, so given a choice, I would do Southern Caribbean.

Paul Therault

Hi Beckie,<BR><BR>Since it is your first cruise any itinerary would be fine. Just choose the least expensive. <BR><BR>Cathy's post was great but I (and maybe I am the only one) like Nassau. You can swim free of charge at the beach in front of the Atlantis Resort and at the Radisson (both on Paradise Island). Can be reached by a reasonable van ride from off the ship. The Lost City of Atlantis and the Digs is a multi-billion dollar water park and aquarium. There is a charge but it is well worth the money. You will not be able to physically use the water park. Just to walk around the casino and hotel is quite spectacular. Most passengers do not like Nassau because it is not the cleanest of islands but the shopping is fun and the straw-market is cool.<BR>The ship also offers some fun tours.<BR><BR>Paul

Hiho

Message to Cathy - what?!?!?<BR><BR>Usually people use the word "traveller" as opposed to tourist to to describe one who is really into culture etc. or goes off the beaten path, compared with one who just visits the main tourist spots and doesn't immerse onself int he destination. So, I am sure that you really immerse yourself on your 6 hour stops in St. Thomas, Aruba, etc. <BR><BR>Also, as to liking the "diverse" climate of the southern Carib. - you must have had one to many margaritas. (not that it doesn't rain more in say Trinidad than in Aruba)

Cathy

Message to HiHo...<BR><BR>I am not simply a "cruiser". I love the Southern Caribbean because I have spent extended time staying on St. Lucia, St. Thomas and other islands, visiting the islanders homes, eating the cusine, working intimately with the people, etc. Have you done that?<BR><BR>Maybe that is why I know that each island DOES have a unique and diverse culture. Do you know the difference between reggae and ska? Where did steel drums originate and what are the roots of them? How are the creole cultures connected across the Caribbean and how are they different?<BR><BR>What kind of travel experiences you have depends on what you take with you when you travel. I have gotten the feel of a place within a few hours that the locals marvel at, while I have had friends spend months in Europe or other destinations and still not experience the place.

Linda

Hi Beckie,<BR> My husband cruised the Destiny last spring with his college-age children. He loved the ship, food, entertainment but said he would NEVER cruise Carnival again in March or April because of the college spring breakers. He said they were lined up 10 deep around the pool and bar and the noise got to him, eventually! Just wanted you to be aware of that!

Paul Therault

If one wants quiet on a Carnival ship do not ever hang out at the main pool when the band and pool games are held. Don't forget it is the "fun" ship. Go to the rear of the ship and use that pool. Ditto for any mass-market cruise line in the spring and summer. It's not church you know.<BR><BR>Paul