We just got back from our five day cruise on the Carnival Destiny to Ochos Rios, JA and Grand Cayman, BWI, and I would have to say it was pretty good. This was our second cruise and our first with our three year old son. From doing much research before and after we booked this cruise, we kind of expected quite a bit less than our first nine day cruise on NCL. For me this cruise was all about keeping my expectations in check. This was a budget friendly itinerary on a 16 year old ship. The food was not great and maybe even bordered on less than satisfactory,( ei ordering chateaubriand and getting fancy looking pot roast and powdered scrambled eggs for breakfast)

I think for what shortcoming the ship had, the experience was balanced out by the great service we received, especially with the Camp Carnival program for kids. This was GREAT! The facility for the young ones was very secure and the staff was top notch. Our little one couldn't wait to go to "Kids Club" every day. At dinner we ordered Prime Rib for our son, and without hesitation our head waiter trimmed and cut up the piece of meat into small bite sized portions, I was impressed!

Our fellow sailors were your typical jersey wearing red blooded Americans. It did not take long to realize that this was more of a blue collar cruise, which was fine. Everyone seemed nice and had a good time. Read more