Destiny Review 07/03/07 - Probably WAY too long.

[k.hill]

Destiny Review – June 3 – 10

 

Pertinent info: have cruised a bit before, Carnival and Royal Caribbean, me and my DH(both 39) no children

 

Sat. in San Juan.

 

Flew from DFW to San Juan, Puerto Rico in afternoon. San Juan has a very nice airport. We easily found a cab and had about a 15 minute ride to the Marriot Stellaris ($115 on priceline). This is a very nice place 5 star. Nice large room, king size bed, big plasma TV, great beach, and very close to many shops and a few restaurants in the Condado area. Big bonus was the Wallgreens and just a few blocks away. We went and ate at Via Appia, down the street. They have pasta, sandwiches, and pizza, ½ is fancy, ½ is deli, 1 section you can eat outside. Great meal and good service. Had to remember that you have to ask for your ticket in Latin countries or they will not bring it. Walked around a bit, but then went to bed – we had gotten up at 5:00 that morning.

 

Day 1 - Sunday – Embarkation Day

Slept late, got up and had a little breakfast at a different restaurant down the street from the hotel. Walked around, chilled out, bought some Pepsi and Gatorade for me to take on the ship. YES, there is a big difference between pepsi and coke – especially if you are a die hard Wild Cherry Pepsi drinker. Got all packed up and headed to the ship about 12:15.

 

Embarkation : First Impression – very confusing and busy pier. We weren’t sure if people were still getting off…or standing waiting…or what. There seemed to be a lot of people just standing around outside the gates. A very nice porter found us and asked if we were getting on. We must have had that desperate, pathetic, “I’ve never been here” look on our faces. He grabbed our bags, and led us through the collections of people and luggage, past the first security stop outside. (be prepared to show your Passport and Drivers License, etc. often in Puerto Rico – like 6 or 7 times to get on and each time getting on or off) He got us in the building were we needed to be, checked our bags and we headed upstairs to check in. Some line…not much…had my funpass, but it didn’t seem to make much difference. Line went fast and got checked in. Then we went around the corner and bought some liquor at the Duty free shop and then had to stand and wait till they would let us on the ship. Great ship – very similar to the Conquest. We were unable to go to our rooms till 2:30 so we went in, got some lunch on the Lido Deck and then walked around and had a few drinks. 2:30 on the dot, we headed to the room.

 

Room: Verandah Aft - #8337, Great room – I really enjoyed the bigger balcony and lido chair. Almost every morning I would head out there with a pillow and my book and read for a few hours – quality time while the hubby slept. Typical balcony room, but had a large shower – we liked that. It also had no frig. which I hadn’t known before hand, but we didn’t really care. Our steward “Don” kept us supplied in ice – both in the tiny bucket and the big beer bucket we bought the first night so no worries. Bathroom was great. I like this shower so much better than the tiny circular ones that we have done, or worse, the ones that flood the whole bathroom. Unfortunately, there is still no way to lean or sit or put a foot up to shave so ladies will still be doing the shaving dance, A/C and all facilities inside room worked well. Just don’t plug anything else in at the vanity when you are using a hair dryer in the “No hair dryer/Iron” plugs. We lost power in the plugs and the TV when we blew a fuse by using the dryer plugged into 1 and the curling iron plugged into the other. Had to call and wait for someone to reset plugs and then we were much more careful. We could definitely fell a little more motion (whether it was being in the back, or just a ship we’ve never done) and a bit of vibration and fishtailly feeling in the back, but it helps me sleep and neither of us get seasick so no worries. Somebody who can’t take motion might consider Ginger pills or drugs if they have a room in the back.

 

final San Juan - we left the ship at 2:30 to go tour San Cristobal Fort - just a walk up the street. There were major big-time lines in front of the dock at 2:30. It looked like very long wait lines in the very hot sun just to get into the port to begin getting on the ship. We are very glad we were there early. I would suggest early or late arrival to avoid what looked like crazy lines. San Cristobal is fantastic. It is full of secret passageways and is the largest fort on the island. If you have a chance - check it out - we were very glad that we did.

 

Day 2 – St. Martin

We didn’t leave San Juan till about 1:00 a.m. and didn’t arrive in St. Thomas till 9:30 a.m. (supposed to arrive at 7:00) which was too late for our reservations for Snuba, so we just grabbed a Taxi to go to the beach. Make sure your taxi driver knows where you are going and you are riding with people going the same place or something very close. We were put into a taxi with people going to shop and a couple going to the mall and had a bit of a ride more that we should have had. Also, remember to ask how much before you get into a cab, we forget and sometimes I think we get overcharged a bit. When we finally got everyone else dropped off, there was a wreck on the road to Magen’s Bay, so instead we went on to Sapphire beach. This is a great little beach, but not a ton of amenities. They had nice bathrooms, and chair rental was $7.00. There are a few rocks, but overall a very nice beach and there were very few people. There is a place to buy drinks and a place to eat in the hotel, but supposedly only burgers, etc. (we didn’t eat) In the afternoon, we headed back into town and took the sky ride up to the top. ($18.00 p/p) Great little ride, really great views. There is a nice bar/grill up top where you can get some great pics of the ship and have a drink. There was a guy playing guitar and singing – very nice and glad we finally did it. It was a great place to relax and take in the excellent views of the island. , headed back to the port, shopped a bit and headed in for dinner. This is a nice island, but we have been there before and will be again and are never completely blown away by it.

 

Day 2 – Dominica (pronounced Domin-ééka)

Very poor area. This is one of those ports where you can see lots of men standing around in doorways and buildings within a few blocks from the port. We had nothing planned in the a.m., but were offered a tour of Trafalgar falls, Sulphur springs and a few lookouts for pictures. $20.00 per person and we were back by lunch. It was a neat little tour, we enjoyed it and Dominica is a beautiful island, has lot’s of vegetation and character, I can see why they used it for Pirates of the Caribbean and the new Pirate show. After a quick change and lunch, we headed out on our Carnival excursion – River Tubing. This is a fun excursion, one of the ones we had the most fun on. We were not together the whole time, each person gets a tube and you go down the river and through some small rapids. It’s actually a lot of fun, but I don’t recommend it for small children or kids that would worry if they got apart from their parents. Many couples, and groups got separated, and one little girl cried most of the way. We were able to stay together for the most part but it took a lot of paddling and some luck. You are on the river quite awhile (longer than I thought)and it is mostly shaded. We did not go all the way to the ocean, as advertised, but the water was low and it may depend a little on that. The tours were running late, and we didn’t get back to the ship until 5:45. For the people with 5:45 dinner (formal night) this was very upsetting and even for us it was a stretch to get to dinner dressed up at 6:15. Great Place – Great Excursion

 

Day 3 – Barbados

 

This was one of our favorite islands and we would love to return and stay awhile. We got up late and took a taxi downtown (very cheap ride – like $3.00). Shopped a bit, and sat at the Waterfront café and ate lunch – excellent pepper pot but not cheap. Then we took off on our Thriller Turtle and Snorkel Tour. We really enjoyed this excursion. It is a small speedboat that takes you around to a couple of neat snorkeling sites. First sight, we got to swim and snorkel with a huge hawksbill turtle. It was really neat, I wish we had been able to see more than 1. Snorkeling was not very colorful, but there was 1 old shipwreck that was really cool and we saw some neat fish. We also got to do some beach time that was nice. There was plenty of punch, beer, etc., and chips and dip. Great price and an excellent tour. Stephen and his helper do a great job.

 

Day 4 – St. Lucia

 

Had a tour booked through Serenity Tours – really impressive outfit. John is doing an excellent job and we were very impressed. We took off with our own driver and ambassador “Sherma”. As we rode along, she told us all about the island and answered any questions we had. We visited a waterfall, a few scenic overlooks and through 2 large fishing villages on our way to Soufriere to see the drive-in volcano. The volcano is really a huge crater, and in the center there are still craters, etc. The smell of sulpher is intense, but it is so cool to see the steam rising from the large crevices and holes and know that you are standing on an active volcano. After, we went to Ti Kaye village for lunch and some beach/snorkel time. Ti Kaye is hidden away down a steep and windy road. It is a hidden gem of a resort and we would return to stay anytime. The lunch was very good and was a good price (excellent Alfredo) and the service is impeccable. Unfortunately, it was raining very, very hard by the time we were done with lunch, so we chose not to go down to the beach to swim and snorkel. Many catamaran tours, etc. stop at this resort to snorkel, it is supposed to be very nice, but we didn’t want to do it in the downpour. It had not rained like that for weeks – we just got a very wet day. We headed back to the ship to shop, etc., and by 4:00 or so it had completely quit raining and the sun was out.

Awesome island – excellent tour. They are a small, growing tour company in St. Lucia and I would recommend them to anyone interested in touring the island – they have several different tours available.

 

Day 5 – Antigua

 

We had not booked anything in advance, planning to be tired and simply go to the beach, but since we were not able to swim/snorkel in Antigua we decided to splurge and book something cool from the ship. The excursion we decided upon was Antigua by Sea (99.00 p/p) Expensive, but turned out to be really worth it. We left from the dock on the Excellence. Biggest Catamaran I have ever seen. Holds 100, and I don’t think we had that many but it was not the least little bit crowded. There is a bar offering punch, rum punch, etc., very nice and plenty bathrooms on board. The boat cruises all the way around Antigua. On the way, we stopped at Sandals to pick up a few more couples. We got some great pics of that resort from the boat. Headed around to green island for snorkeling and beach time while the crew cooked up an excellent lunch. The island had very good snorkeling, very large, very shallow reef and great sand beaches. After a few hours, they served the awesome lunch and then there was about another hour of relaxing, beaching before we headed off again. There was Music playing, drinks all around, and very exciting time of speeding around the island on this huge boat. One crew man was on the speakers telling us what we were seeing from resorts of the rich and famous – (the rehab center where Brittany went) to favorite beaches of locals, etc. The catamaran is set up so everyone sits on the edge with their feet out and it really is fun – Right side is the best view of the island. They then took us into Nelson’s Dockyard and we got a view of it from the water. We had some extra time, so we got about another 20 minutes on another beach on our way back to the dock. This was a little more that we usually spend, but it was first class all the way and we loved to see the entire island this way. Great Excursion – felt very pampered and had a great, relaxing day.

 

Day 6 – Day at sea – we are boring – we didn’t do much but walk around – do a little trivia, etc, and relax – it’s been a busy 5 days.

 

Day 7 – Disembarkation – SAD, but all good things must come to an end

 

(will finish later)

[SouthernCaribbean]

Thanks for sharing, looking forward to reading the rest

[Stircrzy]

Wasn't even remotely considering this ship...until now.

 

Great review. Looking forward to more!

[luv2cruise777l]

Just reading your review is making me excited for my upcoming cruise on the Destiny in 12 days! Thanks again for the great review!:)

[rebeljohn]

Enjoyed the review.................thanks for posting it...........

[scapino]

Nothing about the ship???????

[Taleci]

Great review Karla! Thanks so much for sharing. I am even more excited now for week on the Destiny to get here!:)

[k.hill]

Continued

 

Day 7 - Disembarkation

 

Got up late, had breakfast at the Lido (Hint - if it's busy and loud, go upstairs for cleaner tables, and usually quieter surroundings) Headed back and got our stuff to go down to 5 and wait to be called. For the first time ever, we were the very last to be called @ like 11:00. It was a rather long wait. We should have stayed in our room till 10:00, but couldn't hear announcements in there and they always seem a bit eager to clean. Finally, we were called to the lounge and then after 30 min. or so of Americas Funniest Home Videos, we were escorted out to get off the ship. We found a taxi and headed to our final hotel - The Caribe Hilton. This is a very nice, family friendly 5 star hotel that does show it's age, but only in the rooms. The pools, hottubs, swim-up bar, and private beach and lagoon and private shaddy hammocky area are wonderful. Only problem - very expensive. We got the room for $115 on priceline, but were totally surprised at the $34 p/p buffet and a bit shocked by the $7 a bottle corona and $10 nacho chips with cheese. This is not some place we would return because all the food and drink at the Hotel were unreasonably expensive. There was, across the street a subway and a little store that carried snacks/drinks/beer that we found handy. I only wish we had found another restaurant and been able to skip the $90 buffet lunch that really wasn't that good. Anyway, the resort is amazing and very family friendly - play areas for kids/toddlers/activities, etc, just a bit expensive for any extras.

 

We had reservations to go to a Biobay tour at 6:00, but I had been having trouble confirming with the company and on the day we arrived, I was told that they don't do them on Sunday. I wish they would have told me that 6 months ago when they confirmed me for the day - it was the main reason that we stayed an extra day. After several phone calls, the lady was trying to book us through another company (the only one that does it on Sunday) but we were frustrated and tired and gave up. Biobay will have to wait until our next visit. I had already done such cool things and neat places that I really wasn't that upset to cancel. We used all the cool facilities, swam a bit, etc. - Great bartenders There - Hey Hiram!! - Had a good final night - got up early the next a.m. and headed back to TX.

 

Overall a great cruise - such neat and wonderful ports, especially for me - I get a little bored @ sea days.

 

It was, however different than any other cruise I have taken. The busy days led us to skip formal dining more, especially since it was impossible to get late dining unless you booked wayyyyyyy early. As far as I'm concerned - the people couldn't have been more friendly. The staff was excellent and tried hard to use your name each time they helped you, but they seemed a bit short handed at time (hard to find a clean table a couple of times).We did not really have any experience with rudeness, like I have read on other reviews, but there was definately a different feel. There are a large population of Puerto Ricans on the boat (imagine that!) and it does change things a bit. Instead of a rock band, there is a latin band. Much of the activities, music, parties are geared towards the latin crowd since that is the majority. I have always heard that Puerto Ricans are a loud and fun and this was the majority of the case. Everyone we met was very nice, but the whole ship just seemed louder, and a little looser, and the lines for food, pictures, etc. seemed busier and a little crazier. This was not anything that would put us off from another cruise out of Puerto Rico, it's just something that people should know. For us typical white folk, it is sometimes uncomfortable for us to be the minority and surrounded with other languages and different types of folk - I actually believe it is really neat to get to experience and be in the mix. After all, Puerto Ricans are Americans too, even it I'm totally jealous that they have the caribbean and the islands so close. There were also very few older people on this cruise. This was a ship of young people, big Puerto Rican families, 30's and 40's somethings from the states and even a few couple from other countries. For those friends of mine and others who I know believe that cruising is for white folk - this is the cruise for you - lots of color and diversity and great caribbean fun. We will do this cruise again - it was an excellent way to check out the islands and get away from it all. Viva la Destiny!!

[shonandsuzie]

Destiny Review – June 3 – 10

Room: Verandah Aft - #8337, Great room – I really enjoyed the bigger balcony and lido chair. Almost every morning I would head out there with a pillow and my book and read for a few hours – quality time while the hubby slept. Typical balcony room, but had a large shower – we liked that.

Wonderful review.

We will be in a cabin 8332. Did you have problems with noise from above or things dropping on the balcony as others have reported? Any pluses/minuses that you had due to your cabin location? We've never been all of the way aft before.Thanks

[k.hill]

No, we did not have any trouble with anyone dropping anything from the deck - there is a bit of an overhang, so I think that might be more trouble for aft cabins lower down. You will get used to going up to Lido or down to 5 to get anywhere in the front. There is a little more motion in the aft, but we really liked it. We never heard much noise from above, except some talking on the first night as we were waiting to leave San Juan, it seems like very little happens just above these cabins at night. You can see your neighbors when you are standing at the railing, but we made friends with one neighbor on the first night and never really saw the quiet couple on the other side.

We also, have never been that far aft, but the space and ability to lay out and read, etc. is a big plus. I think you will really enjoy it - just a bit of a walk to the shops, front lounges, etc.

 

karla

[feistytigger]

thanks so much, k hill! i am very excited about our trip - and also a bit nervous about the dining situation. hopefully it'll turn out alright.

[shonandsuzie]

Thank you. We like the movement,too. It looks like there is a stairway in that back hall that goes right up to that pool/pizza area. Is that true?

[k.hill]

That's one of our favorite parts. You can do stairway or elevators and you are straight 1 floor below the Lido buffet and the Pizza, pool, etc.

[kabuka]

Finally! I am crazy excited for my cruise just a few days away.

 

My only concern at this point is needing a vacation after my vacation with all the activities planned. :) Thank you for your details of each island. I too have been to St. Thomas a few times, so I think the sky tour might be something nice to do.

 

I look forward to checking out islands I haven't visited, and the latin music in the bars. Where I live, there isn't much opportunity to enjoy anything but country and rock. It will be a nice interlude.

 

Thanks again for the great review.

[CruiseCentric]

Great Review! Thanks for sharing. Do you remember when they let off self assist pax?

[Ashleezmom]

Wow what a great review! Can't wait to be there in 9 days.

 

Oh and can you tell me the reason why the ship didn't leave Puerto Rico until 1:00 am???

[excalwop]

K-HILL,

Thank you for the info on the Caribe Hilton. Will be going a post cruise stay over DEC.2 and for the same reason the Biobay tour.(? ) which Biobay tour you tried to sign up for? And which one ran on Sunday?

Will be on deck, cabin 7330 Our 2nd aft cabin and we too enjoyed the movement . DW now demands that all future cruises must be in Aft cabins;) .

OH yes your write up was not that long just right to cover all the main points

Paul

[pacerzfan]

Thanks for sharing your Great review, k.hill.

[Brenkel]

Thanks for the review! We are very excited about our Destiny cruise. Last year we went on our first cruise. We had a great time except that the cabin next to us had loud vulgar college guys. Our kids got to hear all kinds of colorful phrases at 3:00 in the morning! We hope that this cruise is a little quieter around our cabin in the wee hours of the morning. Could you tell me if there were a lot of kids on the cruise? Our Valor cruise had the lowest number of kids ever on the Valor. Our kids had a great time and loved Camp Carnival, but would have liked a few more kids.

[k.hill]

We never found out why the ship left Puerto Rico so late, or why they arrived in St. Thomas so late - it's not a long trip.

 

I booked through Island Kayaking Adventure (they have a web site). I had read some reviews that were good, but was SEVERELY dissappointed when we showed up and they said they didn't have our reservation and are closed on Sunday. I had emails in my hand that confirmed the date. My personal suggestion would be to look elsewhere, although I found it hard to get booked. I got no response from several different email addresses. According to the woman on the phone, the only one to do it on Sunday was a kayak rental place, she did not(almost would not) give me their name. Good Luck. I know we will go back and get a chance to do it in the future. It sounds like an amazing excursion.