Another froufie esp review of my double date with destiny-feb 3 & 7, 2011

[Froufie]

Froufie!!..Great review,,,wonderful pictures...gee you are pretty..congrats on Platinum..it is great you travel like this..my maternal grandpa was not much for travel..my grandma would have done much more if creative options were more ok like you guys do in her day..I did not know you really were not a solo...LOL..and congrats on the cabin and 150%..didn't we beat that subject to death??LOL

 

Happy Summer and thanks again...Sarah

 

Thanks Sarah for the lovely comments - I know I am very lucky to be able to travel as I do (and trying to convince dh to come with me on my next cruise - ha ha ha).

 

And yes I nabbed my 'final' 150% on the Liberty next january (in a porthole cabin of course :D)....travelling with a girlfriend (also solo in another 1A pt cabin) who is a cruise virgin - and am so excited to 'educate' her in the fine art of cruising - she is sick with excitment and I am begining the 'cruise tutorials' in a couple of months to get her up to speed! :D:D

 

Happy cruising!;)

[ChefSusan]

Froufie,

 

Loved reading your review - sorry that you had a bad experience at The Chef's Table!

 

Usually my husband and friends head to Nachi Cocum in Cozumel for our beach break. This year we're thinking about going to Paradise Beach - how does it compare?

 

Thanks much!

Susan :)

[Froufie]

Froufie,

 

Loved reading your review - sorry that you had a bad experience at The Chef's Table!

 

Usually my husband and friends head to Nachi Cocum in Cozumel for our beach break. This year we're thinking about going to Paradise Beach - how does it compare?

 

Thanks much!

Susan :)

 

Hi Susan!

 

Glad you like the review - and ya I did have some high expectations for the Chef's table - oh well! (it was still pretty yummy tho!).

 

As for Cozumel - Nachi cocum is much smaller, quieter with a bit more of a laid back vibe (except late afternoon after everyone has been drinking all day? ;) )....Paradise Beach is quite a bit bigger - and may be crowded (I would expect earlier in the day esp if there are many cruise ships in port). As mentioned we were in port from 1 pm to 10 pm so I did not see the value in going to NC as we would not be there long enuf to enjoy the food/drinks etc. at a cost of $49 pp (plus tip).

 

Paradise Beach is also a cheaper option - $2 for lounger and a la carte food/drinks - depends on how big a drinker/eater you are? (They do ask that you spend $10 pp on food/beverages which is reasonable and very easy to do!)

 

I would not hesitate to recommend PB - esp for families with kids - the new pool is also great!

[Can Brit]

Again dinner not well attended due to Superbowl. I finally tried the Indian vegetarian dinner which gets some great reviews (well deserved) along with smoked salmon appetizer, onion soup and a tropical fruit plate for dessert. We were sad to say goodbye to all our new friends - took lots of pics and even got candles/dessert and the ‘singing’ for Donny as his birthday was the following day!

 

 

Saying bye to Canadian firends Donny & Ellen (she loves me!)

 

Bye to Tom and Donna from Delaware

(oh ya check out my 'fancy' cruise ship shirt - lots of 'bling!)

 

We gave tips to the wait staff as we were not sure if we would be at the same table for the next cruise (but did not tip room stewards til very end). And I didn’t shed a tear when they sang the “leaving on a fun ship’ song cuz I was STAYING ON THE SHIP! So cool not to have to pack or do anything but look forward to another 5 days onboard!

 

Back in my cabin is the ‘letter’ telling us to meet at 9:40 am in Palladium lounge with customs form and passport along with details regarding staying on the ship (or you could go visit Miami if you liked as well instead of staying on the empty ship).

 

Cashed out casino winnings as well and decided to visit the Purser’s desk to check on my ‘pending’ platinum status - had a bit of a meltdown when purser chick couldn’t count - but all was finally rectified and after a few minutes of deep breathing I am sure my blood pressure was back to normal and I would be picking up a platinum card the next afternoon!

 

It was kinda cool walking down the hallways seeing all the luggage out and ready to go and knowing that I had one more cruise to enjoy! :D:D

 

Nighty night

Hi there Froufie! I am a virgin cruiser...going on my first cruise on the Miracle this summer. I have loved reading your well written review and loved all your photos...especially Grand Turk where we are going. I am also from Ottawa...but thank goodness will not be having to leave Ottawa in a winter snowstorm!!! I love your gorgeous cruise ship t-shirt..pictured in this post!! My question... Did you by any chance get it in Ottawa and if so where???? I would love to find something similar!! Thanks!!

[Froufie]

Hi there Froufie! I am a virgin cruiser...going on my first cruise on the Miracle this summer. I have loved reading your well written review and loved all your photos...especially Grand Turk where we are going. I am also from Ottawa...but thank goodness will not be having to leave Ottawa in a winter snowstorm!!! I love your gorgeous cruise ship t-shirt..pictured in this post!! My question... Did you by any chance get it in Ottawa and if so where???? I would love to find something similar!! Thanks!!

 

Congrats on your 1st cruise - been on the Miracle twice - great ship! (and I even have trouble with flights when it's nice out and no snowstorms, not even winter!- go figure:rolleyes:)

 

So glad you enjoyed the review - and Grand Turk is beautiful (will be heading out there again next january - yes leaving the cold yet again!).

 

Where in Ottawa are you?

 

The 'cruise' shirt and other fancy cruise clothes I have are made by a company called Quacker Factory - it is carried on one of the shopping site (qvc.com) but of course I found it MUCH cheaper on ebay.

 

Just did a search and found one: http://cgi.ebay.com/QUACKER-FACTORY-SUMMER-CRUISE-VACATION-SHIRT-1X-WHITE-/170664345630?pt=US_CSA_WC_Shirts_Tops&hash=item27bc63401e

 

There are usually a few for sale - if this is not your size - or you can try qvc.com. - okay just did a quick search - here it is on qvc (it's the white one - but the others are very pretty too!) http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.A200710.desc.Quacker-Factory-34-Sleeve-Summer-Vacation-Beaded-Tshirt

 

Good luck and have an excellent cruise! :D

[missemo12345]

Thank you so much for such a great review...I was glued to the screen you looked like you had a awesome time. Could you please give me some info on the Hotel in Nassua that is a great treat to spend the day..We did eat at Senior frogs and noticed the hotel not thinking of a day pass. How did you arrange it did you call ahead or just walked in and booked it? I noticed the other hotels you mentioned but that sounds like it would need a cab ride? Any info you can provide would be so helpful. Thank you again..

[Froufie]

Thank you so much for such a great review...I was glued to the screen you looked like you had a awesome time. Could you please give me some info on the Hotel in Nassua that is a great treat to spend the day..We did eat at Senior frogs and noticed the hotel not thinking of a day pass. How did you arrange it did you call ahead or just walked in and booked it? I noticed the other hotels you mentioned but that sounds like it would need a cab ride? Any info you can provide would be so helpful. Thank you again..

 

Glad you enjoyed the review!;)

 

The hotel is the British Colonial Hilton and it is in walking distance from the port - obviously head toward's senor frogs - go left around the bend and on your right will be the entrance. I believe you can book ahead (thru island marketing? $50pp http://bahamascruiseexcursions.com/NassauHiltonResortPass.htm ) but we just walked in, presented ourselves to the front desk and requested the day pass - it is $55 pp at the door - but we wanted the 'flexibility' of changing our minds if weather was bad or we had a change of heart so didn't mind paying the extra $$. (Don't forget it includes a $30 food/drink credit per person).

 

Highly recommended if you want a quiet/relaxing beach visit that doesn't involve any cabs or lengthy time to get there!:D

[Can Brit]

Congrats on your 1st cruise - been on the Miracle twice - great ship! (and I even have trouble with flights when it's nice out and no snowstorms, not even winter!- go figure:rolleyes:)

 

So glad you enjoyed the review - and Grand Turk is beautiful (will be heading out there again next january - yes leaving the cold yet again!).

 

Where in Ottawa are you?

 

The 'cruise' shirt and other fancy cruise clothes I have are made by a company called Quacker Factory - it is carried on one of the shopping site (qvc.com) but of course I found it MUCH cheaper on ebay.

 

Just did a search and found one: http://cgi.ebay.com/QUACKER-FACTORY-SUMMER-CRUISE-VACATION-SHIRT-1X-WHITE-/170664345630?pt=US_CSA_WC_Shirts_Tops&hash=item27bc63401e

 

There are usually a few for sale - if this is not your size - or you can try qvc.com. - okay just did a quick search - here it is on qvc (it's the white one - but the others are very pretty too!) http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.A200710.desc.Quacker-Factory-34-Sleeve-Summer-Vacation-Beaded-Tshirt

 

Good luck and have an excellent cruise! :D

 

Hi again! Many thanks for your incredibly fast reply and all info!! I ended up treating myself to a red cruise t-shirt directly at qvc site.Should arrive 5 days before I have to leave Ottawa...hope they deliver on time!! Really appreciated the links you took the time to post!

P.S. I live in the East end of Ottawa : )

[Cinders411]

Really enjoyed your review! One night in Vegas at the Sahara, my husband started playing Lucky Lemmings and I thought we were going to be there all night. He just kept getting the bonus round over and over! :p

[Froufie]

Hi again! Many thanks for your incredibly fast reply and all info!! I ended up treating myself to a red cruise t-shirt directly at qvc site.Should arrive 5 days before I have to leave Ottawa...hope they deliver on time!! Really appreciated the links you took the time to post!

P.S. I live in the East end of Ottawa : )

 

The red one is gorgeous as well (I am hankering after the pink one myself:D).

 

Hope it arrives in time and you get to 'model' iit on your upcoming cruise - have fun!:D

[Froufie]

Really enjoyed your review! One night in Vegas at the Sahara, my husband started playing Lucky Lemmings and I thought we were going to be there all night. He just kept getting the bonus round over and over! :p

 

Lucky him! The 1st and only time I have seen the Lucky Lemmings machine was on the cruise - thank goodness I didn't find it on my trip to Vegas!!!:eek:

 

You know I will be looking for it on my upcoming cruises as well - very addictive!:p

[Jenna1983]

 

 

Close up!

 

X-rated statues???

 

 

 

These statues look much, much different sober and in the day light. LOL I've sat here for 10 minutes going through photos trying to decipher if the first woman is different from 2009 but I'm thinking it is! haha

[Froufie]

These statues look much, much different sober and in the day light. LOL I've sat here for 10 minutes going through photos trying to decipher if the first woman is different from 2009 but I'm thinking it is! haha

 

Well you obviously need to pay another visit to Key West and do an 'experiment' (sober and not sober) to ensure you are not making things up...then report back here! :D:D

[Elaine515]

Janet,

 

Excellent review...loved the writing and the pictures.. Sorry you missed Half Moon Cay. We also will be going to Jacks Shack on Grand Turk.....18 of us... should I email them in advance and let them know we're coming? Another question... you said that you emailed the Maitre'd prior to boarding. Was that ok to do? And did you know it was Desmond or did Desmond respond to you?

 

The reason I'm asking is because, as I mentioned, there are 18 of us cruising on the Destiny in August.. We want the middle dining room (do you know what the name is?) and two round tables next to each other (did you notice if they had that?)... I was told by John and Host Mach that the largest tables were for 8 which is ok and something that I would love to explain to the Maitre'd... Besides the two tables we would need one table for 2 but after the first night, the table for 2 would not be used the rest of the cruise as our 2 youngest cruisers eat dinner and then go to Camp Carnival...

 

Do you think I should email the Maitre'd directly and explain this all to him? Do you know if Desmond is still onboard and were you in the center dining room?

 

Thanks for all your help with this...

[DEBnGAB]

Hi Elaine515,

We've got 16 on the Destiny Sept 5 and wonder too about letting Jacks Shack know we are showing up.

 

We are hoping for 2 tables of 8 in the MDR.

[Elaine515]

Hi Elaine515,

We've got 16 on the Destiny Sept 5 and wonder too about letting Jacks Shack know we are showing up.

 

We are hoping for 2 tables of 8 in the MDR.

 

 

 

I'll definitely let you know how our cruise with 18 goes..doing same itinerary as you are...

[DEBnGAB]

I'll definitely let you know how our cruise with 18 goes..doing same itinerary as you are...

 

 

Looking forward to it! Have a fantastic cruise! :)

[Froufie]

Janet,

 

Excellent review...loved the writing and the pictures.. Sorry you missed Half Moon Cay. We also will be going to Jacks Shack on Grand Turk.....18 of us... should I email them in advance and let them know we're coming? Another question... you said that you emailed the Maitre'd prior to boarding. Was that ok to do? And did you know it was Desmond or did Desmond respond to you?

 

The reason I'm asking is because, as I mentioned, there are 18 of us cruising on the Destiny in August.. We want the middle dining room (do you know what the name is?) and two round tables next to each other (did you notice if they had that?)... I was told by John and Host Mach that the largest tables were for 8 which is ok and something that I would love to explain to the Maitre'd... Besides the two tables we would need one table for 2 but after the first night, the table for 2 would not be used the rest of the cruise as our 2 youngest cruisers eat dinner and then go to Camp Carnival...

 

Do you think I should email the Maitre'd directly and explain this all to him? Do you know if Desmond is still onboard and were you in the center dining room?

 

Thanks for all your help with this...

 

Hi Elaine!

 

So glad you enjoyed the review! And sure hope you don't miss HMC!!

 

I definitely think you should contact the maitre d on the destiny and explain your situation - I'm sure they would help you out if they could! I am not sure who it is right now (still desmond? or ??/). Here is the email address I have: DEMAITRED@carnival.com

 

The 'middle dining room is the Galaxy (and the aft one which is the one we were in is the Universe). Both dining rooms would have 8 tops next to each other I'm sure!

 

You may also wish to contact Jack's shack (via their website) and let them know your group is coming!! (and don't forget to sign up for the free shot of rum :D)

 

Good luck with your plans and have a great cruise! :)

[NCTribeFan]

Froufie! I can't believe I never saw this review!

 

Guess it's obvious I haven't been on the Carnival board very much for the past year.

 

So sorry you missed HMC. I actually did a repeat cruise (Elation) just because I fell in love with HMC. I think we very nearly missed it, because we sat waiting to tender for nearly two hours and the tender over was very rough. I would've been crushed, since I did the repeat specifically for HMC. I've been lucky, I guess - three stops and haven't missed yet.

 

Seriously considering more HAL cruises just because they offer so many itineraries that go there. AND they also offer <200% for singles on most cruises.

 

Welcome to the Platinum Club! :D

 

Keep me in mind if you're looking for a solo to join you some time (as long as it isn't during tax season).

 

Does Destiny really have deck chairs down on the outside promenade? I've whined/griped/complained about the lack of them on Carnival ships forever! Had them on my RCI cruise and that was one of my favorite places on Zaandam (except it was a bit too cold out there), but never seen them on a Carnival ship.

 

And since I whined/griped/complained about NOT getting return VIP tender service (especially at HMC where it is Carnival running things, not the port authorities), it appears that it is now available!

 

See what whining/griping/complaing can accomplish? :p

 

Great review, as usual.

 

Maybe you, me, Laura & Wendy can get organized and cruise together again some time!

[Froufie]

Thanks to all your 'griping' Joan - seems to have paid off! (and I guess you too will reap the benefits!).

 

And the Destiny does have lounge chairs outside on deck 3 - not a lot tho - and again I was there at the end of the cruise - so possibly someone had asked for some previously? In any case it was a nice respite from the noise and sun on the Lido, esp for those who just wanted to read, nap and look out at the ocean!

 

Ya it was a bummer missing HMC - but my next cruise (booked before the 200% solo increase) is coming up in January with another (and hopefully successful) attempt at making it to the island for a fabulous beach day (and I already have my 'dollar store' floats ready to go :D).

 

If you also 'note' I am doing the Breeze TA in November 2012 and am already sick with excitement (everyone welcome....) - prices are really good right now (even with the 200%) and the Breeze looks AMAZING!

 

I am hoping all those days at sea and the length of the trip will possibly cure me of my 'cruising fever'? :)

[NCTribeFan]

Know what? I might have to think about that Breeze TA!

 

I'm already looking for a "special" cruise since I turn the big 6-0 in November 2012!

 

And since I couldn't even get anyone to go with me for the Paradise Panama Canal repo in late November, I really doubt I'd be able to get anyone to go with me for a TA!

 

But by the time you add air, and pre-cruise days in Spain, it could get really expensive. But it wouldn't really hurt to put down a deposit, would it? ;)

 

Did you read my Hawaii review? I was worried about all those days at sea. I thought I'd get bored. I thought I'd be seasick. Blah, blah, blah.

 

It was wonderful! That ship was small enough that you really got to know the crew and staff and other pax. I was just settling into my daily routine when they threw me off the ship! :p

 

And, no, it didn't cure my Cruise Fever. Just made me realize that the longer the cruise, the better! Yikes!

[Froufie]

Hmm...no cure? I guess I will have to find out for myself! :D

 

Yes - doesn't hurt to put down that deposit! (of course it's such a long way off that who know what will be?) - in any case I can dream about it for now! :) and I think it would be a wonderful way to celebrate the big 6-0!

[SooNet]

Maybe you, me, Laura & Wendy can get organized and cruise together again some time!

 

I haven't been on here for quite some time as I haven't had the funds to travel much lately. I would love to go on another cruise sometime as I am really missing my winter vacations. I can't complain too much as we had a fabulous summer vacation this year. Joan - I wish I lived as close as you do to the Outer Banks - I just love it so much.

[Froufie]

I haven't been on here for quite some time as I haven't had the funds to travel much lately. I would love to go on another cruise sometime as I am really missing my winter vacations. I can't complain too much as we had a fabulous summer vacation this year. Joan - I wish I lived as close as you do to the Outer Banks - I just love it so much.

 

Just tell me when and where - ha ha ha.

 

I am SOOO looking forward to my January cruise and know I will be happy to be away from the cold and snow if even for a week! :)

[irish_scouter]

Froufie

Thanks so much for the awesome review and pictures. My wife and I will be doing our first B2B on the Destiny. We have a question, after you reboard for you second leg can you go back to your room?

 

Again Thanks

 

Irish:cool: