Carnival Destiny Review
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Forced myself to suspend my general dislike of cruise ships and Carnival in particular. Sailed on the Fascination in 2004. Always been one who prefers spending time at the destination rather than on getting there, which is why I prefer air travel. Nevertheless I love the sea, was brought up on an island and been boating since early childhood. I enjoy roller coasters and rough seas. I enjoy the camaraderie travelers form during a journey.
My daughter, a first-timer, deserved a major reward after an outstanding fourth grade year, so I booked us to Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman, two places I'd visited before and knew my daughter would like. Thanks to "Cruise Critic" our Destiny cruise was everything I thought it would be (no surprises)--and my daughter was blown away.
This ship is sorely in need of its planned renovation. Worn out, old and tired, a lot like me. Armrests and upholstery show the wear of millions of guests' body parts. Wear and tear on carpets, handles, plumbing and electrical. Computer and other systems in Engine Control and on the Bridge need updating. Unbelievably odoriferous in certain areas as others have said, particularly in the casino. Mini-golf fairways peeling off of deck. Dents in decorative metalwork caused by falling drunken passengers. Art, interior design, lighting and furnishings that are noteworthy in their gaudy tastelessness as I anticipated.
Cabin Review
9136 was excellent.
Requested an inside cabin, as always. I prefer to spend my money everywhere BUT on the room because I'm only there to sleep, not host parties.
Spacious enough for an adult and a child. I'm no Jack Sprat, so I loved the wide doors. Corner rooms are the best, only noise from ONE side. Malodorous area of Lido Deck was further aft, fortunately.
Air conditioning was fine. Television was horrible old CRT, took up space and lousy picture. Glad that's going.
Laundry nearby. Food close. This cabin must be near a dumbwaiter or kitchen because Room Service came really quickly.
Bathroom was large, making me happy. Came with stuff I always bring along anyway and didn't use their bath freebies. Lazy old besotted curmudgeons like me will appreciate the pull-down seat and grab bars. Plentiful hot water. One good thing about going into drydock--the exterminators get to come aboard and do their thing. Yep. I saw one. In the bathroom. Got the sucker on video, too, crawling right up to the ceiling.
Robes were a nice touch. I think the safe and life jackets can be relocated either higher or under the bed to open up a bit more storage space. There were sufficient drawers and hanging space for a pair of loaded suitcases.