Carnival Destiny Review

Embarkation was frustrating but after that, smooth sailing!

Review for the Bahamas Cruise on Carnival Destiny
User Avatar
Jane2357
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2012
Cabin: Balcony

I was on Destiny back in 2008 and as she gets ready to be transformed into the new Sunshine - I was thinking that perhaps her condition had really gone south - I was pleased at the condition of the ship. The ship was very clean and looked no worse than the last time I was on her. The crew was VERY good from the room steward to the waiters - everyone was really working hard to keep us happy. This was my first time cruising with a group and as I was the coordinator, I felt responsible to make sure that all went as planned.

Embarkation was NOT a good experience. Got to the ship early and parked in the lot right in front of the ship. No crowds and breezed right through security and on up to check-in. I was sharing a cabin with a friend and as we got our Sail & Sign cards - we found out that she had been put on my credit card (we still don't know how that happened) - they claimed they couldn't fix it there and that once on board we would have to go to Guest Services. As I was in a hurry to get to Excursions (wanted to group our cabanas together for Half Moon Cay) I added this to our list of things "to do". Before leaving the check in desk I notice that our Sail & Sign says "early dining" - wrong. So I open up my binder and show my confirmed late dining on the reservation - which I had booked 14 months out. Grrrr - now I'm going to have to go to the Dining Room for a chat with the Matradee - at this point I'm wondering how many of our group's times are also messed up. My blood pressure was going up.

We were in Zone 2 and made it up the escalator in no time only to come to a halt as only one of the photo machines was working. Once past that point we went onto the ship for the 1st ding of our Sail and Sign with security. Instead of a ding - I get a aaaannnt - now I have to wait for them to print a new card in guest relations and bring it out to the security checkpoint on the deck of the ship - oh and there were 10 people in front of me all with the same issue. By this time I am pretty angry as were the others. The time I gained by getting there early was quickly being eaten up by all the problems and delays. My friends S&S worked so she headed to Guest Relations to get off my credit card, once on I headed to Excursions where one of the other cabana renters from my group and gotten them grouped so I grabbed a beer and stood, starting the line into the dining room, I wasn't going to chance a long line and being told no. An hour later (and a nice tip) the dining issue was resolved for my group and we were given a prime table in the main area of late dining.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin 8C

Not enough storage but clean, quiet and central location made this a good choice.

previous reviewnext review

Find a cruise

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.