Overall, our cruise on The Destiny was quite enjoyable. I know nothing is free, but I always hear that cruising is cheap and that wasn't my experience. I booked 2 cabins, 1 interior, 1 w/balcony, cost $4000. Then, Southwest Airlines wouldn't take my Rapid Rewards coupons and plane fare for 4 to Miami, roundtrip, was $2300. So, I'm in for $6300 before we've stepped foot on the boat. Even that would be fine, but I went up to the first bar on board, ordered 2 Miller Lites and got a bill for $13.00. Later, I ordered a margarita and it was $8.75. Now, come on, you've already got our money, there's no reason to rob us at the bar, too. After 5 days, we got our final bill for onboard charges and it was $1000, for drinks, $200 in gratuities and $200 for photos. OK, so, I chose to take a family cruise on a family-oriented cruise line, but if that's the case, why am I paying so much for everything?

But, on the positive side, the food was magnificent. Every night in the dining room was wonderful. The service was fantastic, the wait staff definitely aims to please. I don't know why you're supposed to tip the maitre'd, though. I don't think we ever saw him. I did extra-tip our head waiter, though. He did all the work, plus magic tricks at the table every night, dancing on the rails, remembered our names, our drinks, etc. His name was "K", stood for something hard to pronounce.

The entertainment onboard was fantastic. Vegas-style shows, dancing singing, all first class. Great comedians, especially John Wesley Austin, hilarious. They did put on a "Return Passengers" party, in the theatre, with free drinks, so I guess I shouldn't gripe about drink prices. LOL. The cruise director, "Noonan" was great. Next to the captain, he runs the whole darn show. You see him emceeing contests, doing comedy routines, turn on your TV and he's telling you how to embark, disembark, what's going on every day. You see him all over the ship helping people, talking to everyone. He tells you to greet everyone you see with a big "Hello", and says to greet him with "Hello, Noonan!", ala "Hello Newman!" Read more