Destiny vs. Inspiration

[CruiseBunch5]

My family and I are considering the following 4 night western Caribbean cruises, sailing 07/07/11:

• Inspiration out of Tampa, oceanview cabin, port is Cozumel.
  
• Destiny out of Miami, balcony cabin, ports are Key West and Cozumel.
  

I'm a bit concerned about the intermittent propulsion issues that the Destiny has been experiencing.

 

We will be travelling with our 3 kids (14, 10 & 7). Are the oceanview cabins a bit bigger that the balcony ones? Which ship would offer more for the kids? Our 2 younger ones may not be interested in the kid's club, but our oldest will probably be venturing off on his own to explore the ship and the teen areas.

 

Does Key West offer anything anything that the kids would be interested in?

 

We've been on one cruise so far (Disney - inside cabins) and are looking forward to a Dec. sailing on the Oasis of the Seas (balcony).

 

Thanks for your help.

[Crazy4Koko]

I feel like either one is a great choice.

 

No, cabins are usually the same size. We were just on the Miracle in a 4k ( obstructed view..but you could call it an 'ocean view' for comparision sake)..it was tight with 4 of us, but we survived.....

 

have you considered the Destiny to Grand Turk, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay? Our girls LOVED Grand Turk for snorkeling and a few hours at Jacks shack..there is also a beautiful pool area for cruisers..a great family day!

 

Cozumel is a lot of fun, and there are quite a few 'all inclusives' to choose from..I've never been to Key West, but walking tours seem to be the norm..not sure if it would be a favorite...

 

as for the kids clubs? Our 13y/o and 16y/o did have some fun in the clubs, and also enjoyed just doing their own thing..we had two rules..you must have dinner with us, and you must in at midnight..UNLESS there is a kid event you want to take part in..then just check in before midnight and ask..it worked out well for all of us!

[jakoblovesships]

Is this cruise before or after the Oasis??? I think that it would be hard not to compare the ships and be disappointed with one of Carnival's older ships if you go on the Oasis first.

 

If I had to pick out of the Destiny and Inspiration, I'd pick the Inspiration with kids. The Destiny I feel is more set up for adults. The Inspiration has the water park.

 

We would love to try the Oasis, but we can do two Carnival cruises for the price of one on the Oasis. Wishing you happy sails!:)

[mouche]

I love the Destiny!!! Balcony cabins rock!!!:D

[MikenMarie]

I am going on the Destiny Monday to Bahamas, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay. This is our 9th cruise but the first on the Destiny. We travel with our family (16 of us) and the kids range from 9 to 20. The teens are always out and we set the same rules as Crazy4koko so it works out great and everyone has a great time. If you have never sailed on the Inspiration, then I say go with that one (I'll have a better comparison next week), but we have sailed on it twice (second time by choice) because although it is a smaller ship, the staff is terriffic and they go out of their way to ensure that you have a great time. it is an easy ship to "Navigate" and one meal with George as your Maitre'd and you'll feel at home.......(for those that have already..........OOOOPAHHH!!)

 

 

Oh....by the way........Ocean views are larger than interiors, by about 40 sq. ft.

[CruiseBunch5]

Thanks for your responses.

 

The Oasis is before the Carnival cruise. I'm just wondering if we will be spoiled with the balcony cabin and disappointed with the oceanview.

[beach410]

I have sailed Inspiration many times and have enjoyed it everytime. I have never sailed the Destiny, but I would gladly do so, even with its reputation, its always a luck of the draw. And I look forward to sailing the Oasis one day as well.

 

The Inspiration will be much smaller, I have only sailed the Fantasy class with CCL, the size is comparable to the smaller RCL ship we did sail. Its small enough you dont have to walk to far to get to places. They have the new water park, mini golf and ping pong as well as the main pool, which can get very crowded, but I can always fiind room to cool off in it. I have always been happy with our service, food and the condition of the Inspiration. Paradise beach in Cozumel is a great beach for kids, they have lots of watertoys and the charge is very reasonable. If you decide to go Key West, they have a trolly that takes you on a tour or you can rent these little electric cars or ride bikes, to tour the area, the kids might enjoy that. If you do a search on Trolley tours, it will highlight areas of interest that your kids might like to visit. We rented an electric car, drove to the Southern most point and then climbed the lighthouse, its a cool town.

 

Good luck deciding and I am sure either will be fine!

[f7prez]

I would pick two stops and a balcony over one stop and an ocean view.

 

 

We would love to try the Oasis, but we can do two Carnival cruises for the price of one on the Oasis. Wishing you happy sails!:)

 

And I can buy three pounds of chuck steak for the price of one pound of Rib Eye. Apples and Oranges, Six Flags and Disney.

[dixiediva761]

I have cruised on both and loved both, Inspiration in fact was one of my favorites. The plus for it is the 2 sea days and one port, the plus for Destiny is the balcony. After having had a balcony it is tough to sail without one. You have to decide what makes for a better experience for you, but as far as ships go I enjoyed both. We did your time dining on Destiny in April and I would do that always. On the Inspiration I won enough in the casino to pay for my trip so that helped my experience there. The staff on both ships were great and the food the same. You cant go wrong with either actually but for me I guess the balcony wins out.

[camorelli]

I wouldn't base your decision on the itineraries on this one because I haven't found that there is much for kids to do in Key West. It's usually a short stop. You could always enjoy pool time while others are off the ship if you don't find a lot to do in Key WEst. It's mostly a place to do walking, shopping or trolley ride.

 

So I'd base it off the reviews of the ships. And I agree with another poster above about the 5 day on Destiny to Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau, if that works for your schedule. Great beach days at all three! Many people don't like Nassau. But my husband and I went over to Paradise Island and had a beach day at Cabbage Beach. Best beach day ever!

 

Have a great cruise, no matter where you go!:)

[CorbinCatFan]

We've been on both and I can tell you that I would go on the Destiny just for the balconies. ;)

[SavFam06]

Key West isn't the most fun place to go with children. My 2 cents!

[livonwater]

We always take a hammock. We love the balcony!

[arpie05]

My son at 14 only sails for the kids clubs and hopefully will be in allowed in Club O2 on our next sailing as he is one week before 15. If not he won't care - he loves hanging out with kids and playing the video games. He also prefer sea days. He also prefers Insides. We sailed Dream - didn't go down the slides once. Your kids like mine are too old for the Evolutions of Fun. So I would think Destiny. Also, Fantasy class will seem so small after Oasis.

 

Talk to your kids. Ask them their thoughts. They know what they would rather have. Mine would rather have more sea days. (He can't walk on the beach due to mobility disability, too painful to walk on sand and barefoot. --- and more Kids "club" activities on sea days) Also, he would rather take a cheaper cruise and cruise more often than spend more on a nicer ship.

 

As far as inside cabins - he's at Circle C activities until 1 am. He likes the room dark so he can sleep in.;)

[Ilikebigboats]

We always take a hammock. We love the balcony!

 

You take a hammock. Please explain!:D