9 Night Destiny B2B Review - 5/8-5/17

[deej696]

Well, after 6 months of planning and excitement, we just returned from our 9 night B2B on the Destiny. In a nutshell, it couldn't have been better!

 

First, we visited for Miami the 2 nights prior to sailing. We stayed at The Epic downtown, and it was awesome. There is a reason why it ranks #1 on Tripadvisor!

 

The first leg of our B2B was the 5 night western. We had booked this leg along with some close friends of ours. The 4 of us arrived at the port around 10:30, and were on board within an hour. Check in was smooth and easy.

 

Having done my research here on CC, we both reserved 8A balconies 6363 and 6371 (we had 71). These are the 2 "L Shaped" rooms at the aft of the ship. Everyone raved about the size of these balconies, and they were all right on! Each was 50% bigger than the standard, and the extra room was great, especially having a lounge chair out there also. We had them open the divider between the rooms, and the combined area was over 40 feet in length! They probably weren't supposed to open the divider, as it blocked one of the doors out to do so, but a few bucks to the steward and voila!:)

 

Our first stop was Ocho Rios where we did the Falls/Skylift/Bobsled excursion. This was awesome. I hadn't done the falls in almost 20 years, and man it was a blast. The views from the chairlift were great, and the bobsled was a lot of fun also.

 

Another bit of fun in Ocho Rios were the pier runners:) I've seen plenty of people drag to the ship, but never heard the bridge actually blow the horn as if to say "Hurry your butt up!" It was good for a laugh, as it was clear their tardiness was self inflicted. We also had a group of 4 people get removed from the ship. Not sure exactly what happened, I can speculate, but the crew literally took their bags off the ship and we left them all sitting on the pier....

[deej696]

Our next stop was Grand Cayman where we had signed up for the Buccaneer snorkeling excursion. Unlike the one in Ocho Rios, we had booked this one with the tour company directly. Upon our arrival at port, we were told that all the excursions to that side of the island (stingray city, etc) were all canceled for the day due to high winds. We were skeptical that this may not have been the full story, but upon talking to others who booked with other companies, we learned they were all canceled as well. We made the most of it and took a cab down to the beach where we had a great day.

 

The tender process went about as good as could be expected. There were 5 ships in port that day, so I had expected the worst, but things all went smooth. We did a bit of shopping after the beach, and then returned to the ship.

 

The sea days were great as well. The typical activities, so no surprises there, but still fun. Granted, I spent most of my time on the balcony reading a book:D We also continued our losing streak at bingo to 5 cruises (We've only been on 5).

 

Upon our arrival in Miami it was time for our transition to the 2nd leg of the B2B. After everyone was off the ship, we were escorted with about 10 others to customs, and led right back on board. The entire process took about 30 minutes. It was awesome having the ship to ourselves. We took lots of pics of an empty Lido, Casino, etc. Good fun, and then a couple hours later the next guests began to arrive.

 

A note on the end of the first cruise. I was shocked to see how many people had to be retrieved and essentially told to leave the ship. About a half dozen people were simply hanging out in their cabin, before I heard the CD finally send someone to get them off. I would find that to be so frustrating if that's what the debarkation crew goes through every week...

[deej696]

First stop on the 2nd leg was Key West. We were looking forward to this stop as my family has a rich history on the island. My grandfather was born in "The Banyan House" on Whitehead and 7 generations are buried in one plot in the cemetery. In addition, I proposed to my wife 3 years ago on another cruise, so Key West is a special place for us.

 

Its an early arrival, and early departure, so we just walked the island, did some shopping, and finished with some conch fritters and drinks at Sloppy Joes. We did have to take the shuttle downtown, as we docked at the Navy Pier, but as with the tender in Grand Cayman, it was seamless.

 

When it came time to depart, it was apparent we were running late. About a half hour after our departure time, the CD came over the speaker and advised there was a maintenance issue that was being worked on. This concerned me a bit, having known the issues the Destiny had in the past, but about an hour later we set sail. Would not have been a big deal if there was a problem, as we had no plans at next stop of Cozumel, but I was worried for others. All was fine, and we arrived in Cozumel on time the next day...

 

We were originally planning on doing Chakanaab in Coz, but decided after our beach day in Cayman, to simply spend the day shopping. We took a cab downtown, bought a few things, stopped for some food at a restaurant on the water, and then headed back to the ship. There were 4 ships in port that day, but downtown didnt seem any busier than I've seen it in the past...

[deej696]

On our last day, we did the Behind the Fun tour. I was looking forward to this more than just about everything else on the cruise. It was so great to see all of the crew areas down below, and see how things really work on board. I have a new appreciation for making requests in the dining room. Sure its their job to please us as their guest, but having seen what is involved simply in requesting something after the meal arrives gave a new light to things. The bridge was great..I've always wanted to stand on the wing that the captain uses when docking the ship, and I wasn't disappointed. After a few pleasantries and a photo with the Captain, the tour was over. Worth every penny, and I would probably even do it again.

 

Some things overall from the 2 cruises....

 

As expected, the food was great everywhere. Yes there was quite a line on the Lido each day, but as I don't really eat at the buffet, this wasn't much of a problem. One somewhat frustrating thing was that a few days as the cheeseburger station was opened at noon, the cooks had no burgers ready. It was as if they started grilling at noon, as opposed to preparing some in advance. No biggie really, just an observation.

 

All of our servers were fantastic. We had requested a 2 top table for our 2nd leg from the Maitre D' during our first cruise. This was our first experience with this, and it was great.

 

All of the staff we encountered were great. Everyone was really happy and pleasant. Maybe not anymore so than our other cruises, but there wasn't a negative encounter the whole trip.

 

My only complaint from the cruise: The blackjack table was incredibly cruel to me personally:D

 

Overall, we had a great experience and would do it again in a heartbeat. We have lots of pictures if anyone has any requests. If there is anything I can help with to you future Destiny sailors, just ask!

[patrice1]

Thanks for the review! We have 6371 booked for October & had a similar cabin on Triumph and Liberty. Does the cabin have a sofa? Is the bed against the window wall or the inside wall? Any pics? TIA!:)

[deej696]

Yes there is a sofa, and the bed is on the wall between the two windows. If you are standing in the front door, the sofa is straight ahead, bed, balcony door, and bath to the left. I am working on pics as we speak and will put one up soon...

[deej696]

Here you go Patrice. This is standing in front of the balcony door. Bath is to my right, and front door is down a little cubby to the right of the dresser.

 

[patrice1]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!:D

[KCTravel]

Great Review! We are thinking of doing a B2B in October. When looking at the deck plans, your cabins show next to steps. Did you find these cabins relatively quiet?

Thanks!

[ticka1]

How did you book the "behind the scenes" tour? Can you do it before-hand?

 

Just curious if they do this tour on all the ships?

 

Great review.

[meatloafsfan]

Great review.

 

Did you get a gift sent to your stateroom for doing the B2B?

[Cruisinini]

Enjoyed reading your review! That's really neat about your history with KW, I took a photo of the banyan tree and it's really a spectacular tree! I just might have to consider doing the Behind the Fun tour in the future, it sounds really interesting and enlightening!

[deej696]

Great Review! We are thinking of doing a B2B in October. When looking at the deck plans, your cabins show next to steps. Did you find these cabins relatively quiet?

Thanks!

 

Yes the rooms were very quiet. The entry door sits in a little cubby hole off the main hallway, so that cut down on the usual noise from there. The stairwell is rarely used and when it is its by staff only.

 

How did you book the "behind the scenes" tour? Can you do it before-hand?

 

Just curious if they do this tour on all the ships?

 

Great review.

 

Technically, you have to book the behind the fun tour when you get on board, however since we were on the previous leg I called the excursion desk and they put us down for it, and I simply went and paid once the next cruise started. They only have 16 slots, so it usually fills up fast. That said, we only had 7 people on our tour. I can't say for certain if its on all of the ships or not, but I believe it is on most...

 

Great review.

 

Did you get a gift sent to your stateroom for doing the B2B?

 

Yes, we got a bottle of champagne that made lousy mimosas one morning:D

[Sarah@Sea]

On our last day, we did the Behind the Fun tour. I was looking forward to this more than just about everything else on the cruise. It was so great to see all of the crew areas down below, and see how things really work on board. I have a new appreciation for making requests in the dining room. Sure its their job to please us as their guest, but having seen what is involved simply in requesting something after the meal arrives gave a new light to things. The bridge was great..I've always wanted to stand on the wing that the captain uses when docking the ship, and I wasn't disappointed. After a few pleasantries and a photo with the Captain, the tour was over. Worth every penny, and I would probably even do it again.

 

Some things overall from the 2 cruises....

 

As expected, the food was great everywhere. Yes there was quite a line on the Lido each day, but as I don't really eat at the buffet, this wasn't much of a problem. One somewhat frustrating thing was that a few days as the cheeseburger station was opened at noon, the cooks had no burgers ready. It was as if they started grilling at noon, as opposed to preparing some in advance. No biggie really, just an observation.

 

All of our servers were fantastic. We had requested a 2 top table for our 2nd leg from the Maitre D' during our first cruise. This was our first experience with this, and it was great.

 

All of the staff we encountered were great. Everyone was really happy and pleasant. Maybe not anymore so than our other cruises, but there wasn't a negative encounter the whole trip.

 

My only complaint from the cruise: The blackjack table was incredibly cruel to me personally:D

 

Overall, we had a great experience and would do it again in a heartbeat. We have lots of pictures if anyone has any requests. If there is anything I can help with to you future Destiny sailors, just ask!

 

How much was the Behind the Fun tour...and how many flights of stairs would you have to go up at one time....I'm good with stairs..but have about a 2 flight limit at one time...or when keeping up with a group.

[pmoniz]

We were the large group who did the B2B along with you guys! We had a great time as well! The ship - although older - is in pretty good shape in my opinion. We noticed crew members painting, polishing, waxing, etc. constantly.

 

The only thing that I believed could have been cleaned better was the bathrooms - especially on the 2nd leg! Some of them were just disgusting and I never saw anyone in there cleaning them as I had witnessed in the past! Also on lido, trays and plates were left on tables when in the past as soon as you put your fork down they were there to take it away! I'm sure it's because of cutbacks in those areas. But all in all it was a great ship!

 

The crew that we had the pleasure of meeting were excellent! They were always happy and smiling and, as always, made our cruise experience terrific!

 

Can't wait to do it again!

[deej696]

How much was the Behind the Fun tour...and how many flights of stairs would you have to go up at one time....I'm good with stairs..but have about a 2 flight limit at one time...or when keeping up with a group.

 

The tour was $55 pp. As far as stairs, I remember having to go up 3 flights one time, and maybe 2 flights another. They go really slow, as not everyone moves as fast as others, so I wouldnt let this hold you back from doing the tour, as its really great!