Review of June 9th Destiny cruise to KWest/Cozumel w/pics!!!

[Snookie415]

anxiously awaiting the rest of your review! My family is on this same cruise & itinerary in 28 days! We have aft OV cabins, no balcony! I loved your sunset picture!

[cruisebound2011]

Day 2---Key West

 

The night before, we decided that since we had been so sleep deprived and wanted to hit Key West early, we would try room service for breakfast. It was delivered around 7am and was delicious! We ordered muffins, pastries, fruit, and salmon along with our drinks. We enjoyed our breakfast on our balcony while we pulled into Key West. Here's a sunrise picture I took while eating.

 

 

 

We quickly finished breakfast, but decided that maybe we didn't get quite enough food to hold us over. So, we grabbed everything we needed for the day and headed to the Sun and Sea restaurant to check out the buffet. There were plenty of people already eating, but there was no line. We walked right up to the plates and started getting food. Well, I wouldn't say fill up since we had just eaten before, but we did get some more fruit, grits, and bacon. There was a guy handing out bacon, but he was happily giving people more if they asked. I also noted how there were constantly people cleaning every little crumb and morsel off the buffet and I never saw tables sit with dirty dishes for long. There were always available tables. The crew was definitely on top of things for the entire cruise. I was very impressed! The food was very yummy as well. I am a very picky eater, and I have also never been a fan of buffet food. But, the food on the buffet throughout the entire cruise was tasty. We never had breakfast in the MDR.

 

Breakfast was over and off we went. After we found the place to get off the ship (go all the way forward, take the elevator to 1st floor, then walk down to 0) They usually have the elevators blocked off on floor 0 while they are checking people leaving the ship, and won't let people off).

We were one of the first ones to leave the ship in Key West, so it wasn't crowded. Of course, there are a few photo ops while leaving.

 

We had already decided that we were going to rent a scooter to quickly see the island before it got crowded. Key West is one of our favorite vacation spots! I've been to KW on a cruise once before, but most of our visits have been by car. There was a scooter rental hut as soon as we got off the ship, and the rate was decent ( I had researched prior to the cruise), so we booked with them.

 

The scooter was the best thing we could have done! We saw most of the island and everything we wanted by 10am! We made it a point to visit southernmost point, Smathers beach, Higgs beach, milemarker 0, and then we rode around the neighborhoods, many times up and down Duval St, and all of the other various streets and side roads. It was so much fun and much cooler than biking or walking.

 

Southernmost point (For some reason, the way my husband is standing cracks me up!)

 

 

 

On the pier, looking at Higgs Beach (the girl on the steps is not with us, lol)

 

 

 

 

 

A couple of pics on Smather's Beach (our favorite KW beach)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had lunch at Margaritaville, shopped for souvenirs, rode the scooter around more (streets were very crowded by lunch time), and really enjoyed ourselves. We decided to walk around Mallory Square and nearby streets, so we turned our scooter back in around 12:30. The money we spent renting it was worth every penny! After walking around more and buying more souvenirs for kids and family members, it was time to get back on board. Oh, how I wish we could have stayed longer. I love the atmosphere in KW and definitely love to watch the sunset at Mallory Square. We will be back soon though! We started back to the ship at 1pm and there was a fairly long line, but it didn't take a long time. Just have your ID and S&S card in hand. Once back on the ship, we hit our balcony and made a last cell phone call to our kids before we would be out of reach until Monday. We were a little late leaving KW and I heard others on their balcony saying the line to get back on ship was very long. So, I am glad we got back on when we did. We enjoyed sitting on our balcony watching the jet ski tours, catamaran tours, parasailers, etc come in and out of the port.

We finally set sail and we enjoyed a glass wine on our balcony while we pulled away from KW.

[cruisebound2011]

Here are a few more KW pics......

 

An empty Duval St early in the morning

 

 

 

A pretty Banyan tree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cruisebound2011]

And more pics..............

 

 

Leaving KW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KW was now in the distance and it was time to focus on formal night. By the time we relaxed on our balcony for a while (did I mention how hard it was to tear myself away from that darn balcony? lol), and showered, it was time to eat. We had Your time Dining, and we arrived around 6pm. It was not crowded and there was no wait at all. All of the dining room staff in the Galaxy were really friendly and the food arrived super fast. As soon as we placed our forks down, they would bring our next food out. I had the salad for an appetizer (delicious), lobster tail for entree (delicious) and before we could order dessert, the entire wait staff came out with a candle lit piece of cake to sing to us. It was our anniversary, but we had not really told them! When the chatty hostess sat us at our table, she asked us when we last went on a cruise and we told her on our honeymoon 10 yrs ago. We were just making conversation (and talked to her about many other things) and didn't think anything else about it. We were totally surprised! They also brought us more dessert on top of that anniversary cake. I was stuffed, so I just ordered the sherbet. It was very good though.

 

After dinner, we had formal pics made. We didn't quite make it in time to have them done before dinner. We then browsed through all of the pictures on display for purchase. We didn't purchase any yet though. We wanted to see them all on the last night of the cruise before deciding. We saw the introduction of the ship's Captain and the Senior officers.

 

Captain Roberto Leotta

 

 

 

We made a quick trip back to the cabin to change into more comfortable clothes and saw our first towel animal. (We were so tired the first night, we were in our cabin for the most part, so we just asked our steward for ice and he didn't have to turn down our bed.)

 

 

 

We headed back out, walked around a while, and got to the Palladium lounge early for the 8:45 Nightclub Express show. We had time to spare, so my husband went and got us two yummy drinks to enjoy. It took him a while b/c the atrium bar was hopping. Here are a few pics I took while we waited. No photos allowed after the show begins.

 

 

 

Continued on next post.......

[vanislandcruisers]

Enjoying your Review........Thanks for sharing

[cruisebound2011]

 

The Nightclub Express show was absolutely wonderful! I was so impressed with the talent of the singers and dancers as well as the costumes and quality of the backdrops and scenery. Very entertaining!!! Not sure what I expected, but I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did!

 

After the show, we walked around a bit and then decided to head to the comedy club. This was a little after 10pm and the show started at 10:45 (adult show). The line was super long to get in and most of the people already in there for the previous comedian were not leaving. So, we decided to ditch the comedian. Wish we had gone a little earlier! We went to Lido deck and they were having Karaoke Under the Stars until midnight. Let's just say that it was very, ummmm, interesting. lol Most of the singers were teenagers. There was one little girl (maybe age 9) that sang a Beyonce song and she blew them all away! But, for the most part, it was painful to listen to, but we had a few laughs. We stayed for a while then decided to get an ice cream cone before turning in for the night.

 

We were excited about Cozumel the next day. We sat on our balcony for quite a while before going to bed.

 

 

Here are a few more pictures from our day in KW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up Cozumel!

[itstime]

Great review! Do you know if all the aft cabins have a lounger on the balcony? We have the 3 cabins to the right of yours booked and would love to have a lounger on each of them.

[cruisebound2011]

Great review! Do you know if all the aft cabins have a lounger on the balcony? We have the 3 cabins to the right of yours booked and would love to have a lounger on each of them.

 

From what I could tell, they all have loungers. Now don't hold me to that, but I am pretty sure they do. :)

[brickergirl]

I'm so excited about going to Key West. I've been researching, but I'd like to know what you think I shouldn't miss. What is your favorite thing to do?

 

Thanks!

[spideyfam]

Thank you for bringing back the momory of my Destiny cruise from last december!!!

[cruisebound2011]

I'm so excited about going to Key West. I've been researching, but I'd like to know what you think I shouldn't miss. What is your favorite thing to do?

 

Thanks!

 

Well, my favorite thing to do is watch the sun set in Mallory Square and enjoy the festivities that go along with that! Unfortunately, most cruises aren't around for that. :(

 

But, I know you were asking about things to do during the day! lol Honestly, there is so much you can do and see in KW. We've been many times before so didn't really spend much time doing anything other than quick sightseeing this go around.

 

Depending on what you like (and what you may be doing in Cozumel):

 

The best beach in KW (in my opinion) is Smather's. But, if you are going to be at the beach a lot in Cozumel, I would do other things in KW.

 

If you aren't going on any snorkeling excursions in Cozumel, you can take excursions out of KW. They have great snorkeling in the area. Jet Ski tours, parasailing.

 

Renting a scooter (or something similar) is very helpful to see the sights that aren't right there around Duval St---if that's an option you would consider. You have to go to the SouthernMost Point and Mile Marker 0! They are both a good walking distance, especially in the heat! Having that scooter allowed us to see the typical KW sights before it got too hot and crowded. A lot of people take the trolley tours too. There is one that allows you to hop on and off.

 

There is always the Mel Fisher museum. It's interesting to see treasures and stuff found in sunken ships.....if you like that sort of thing.

 

Ernest Hemingway house, the original Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe....although there are tons of other better places to eat if you are looking for lunch! Blue Heaven for one.

 

There's an aquarium, but I can't say how great it is b/c we've never been.

 

Hmmm, there are tons of other places I am forgetting. My two girls are hovering and talking, so I can't think too well right now. :) I know I am just naming things to do, which probably isn't helping too much. But, honestly, you can't go wrong doing any of it.

[DEBnGAB]

Hi Cruisebound....great review and pics! Cant wait to read more!

 

Any pics of the dining room and atrium area?

[Snookie415]

I am anxiously awaiting the rest of your review! Great so far!! You have made me so jealous of your balcony cabin! Makes me want to call & see if I can upgrade but since my parents and siblings are all around us, I guess we better stay put! LOL

[sobern2003]

Great review!! Im looking forward to seeing more! I took a cruise on the imagination in November of 2009 that had this exact same itenerary,so some of it looks familiar in Key West.except the Imagination docked at the Navy pier. We are going to be on the Destiny in a couple years doing the same itenerary so my sister and her family can enjoy it. I cant wait!!

Becky

[berwyn]

From what I could tell, they all have loungers. Now don't hold me to that, but I am pretty sure they do. :)

They have one lounger and one straight back chair. If you don't have one just ask your cabin steward.

[BJ84014]

Thank you so much for posting this review. I am getting married in October on the Destiny and have so many questions. We have 30 people about our rooms are on the 7th floor.

 

I saw the pictures of the Onyx, this is our top choice for the wedding ceremony - would you suggest this location? The wedding coordinator said it is dark - what did you think? Could you picture a small wedding there? The other option is the Piano Bar but the decor did not seem to compliment a wedding there?

 

Can't wait for the rest of the review. Also if anyone has any suggestions/comments to help aid my planning it is greatly appreciated. My email is bj84014@comcast.net

 

THANKS!

[cruisebound2011]

Thank you so much for posting this review. I am getting married in October on the Destiny and have so many questions. We have 30 people about our rooms are on the 7th floor.

 

I saw the pictures of the Onyx, this is our top choice for the wedding ceremony - would you suggest this location? The wedding coordinator said it is dark - what did you think? Could you picture a small wedding there? The other option is the Piano Bar but the decor did not seem to compliment a wedding there?

 

Can't wait for the rest of the review. Also if anyone has any suggestions/comments to help aid my planning it is greatly appreciated. My email is bj84014@comcast.net

 

THANKS!

 

 

The Onyx is a very large, nice place. I agree that it is a little dark in there, but I'm not sure it's so dark it would ruin a wedding.

[DEBnGAB]

Did you go into the Piano Bar? What did you think of Seth Gibson?

[portocaller]

Looking forward to more! :D Great job so far.

[cruisebound2011]

Did you go into the Piano Bar? What did you think of Seth Gibson?

 

The times that we were near the piano bar, there wasn't anyone playing. Sorry I can't give you any details about Seth Gibson. He played late at night and we were usually at the vegas style shows or comedy club during that time. There were too many options! :) We needed a couple of more days to see and do it all!!!

[cruisebound2011]

Sorry it's taking me so long to finish this review!!!! My son went to stay with a cousin and took the laptop. Argh. So, now I am stuck trying to finish this review on my old desktop. It's soooo slow. Anyway......

 

 

Day 4, Cozumel!!!

 

We weren't arriving in Cozumel until 1pm, so we decided to sleep in a little. We got up, dressed for the beach, and went to breakfast in the Sun and Sea restaurant. Again, it was busy, but the buffet line was not very long, food was good, and we found a clean, empty table easily. After breakfast, we walked around the ship for a bit to check things out. Then we went back to our room to grab the camera, and headed all the way to the front of the ship on our floor (deck 7) to go out the "hidden" doors and view the ship arriving and docking in Cozumel. I forgot to mention that we went out there the night before and really enjoyed the solitude. If it weren't for these boards, I would have never known about that special area!!! We sat out there watching Cozumel come into closer sight over an hour and stayed while docking and only a handful of people joined us. It's a really great spot!!! I waved at the Captain and other officers and they waved back! lol Ok, pictures I took there.....

 

 

 

 

[cruisebound2011]

Oops, my 5 yr old just put her elbow down on the enter key and somehow it submitted the post before I was finished!!

 

Pictures arriving in Cozumel......

 

 

 

 

Carnival Elation already in port

 

 

 

 

Carnival Inspiration

 

 

 

Pulling up beside the Inspiration......it was beginning to sprinkle and was STORMING towards the southern end of the island.......the direction we were planning on going. Ack!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting off the boat was quick and easy, but it would have been a lot better if it had not been raining. It was coming down pretty hard by the time we got off the boat. But, it was ok. We live in the south and are used to quick summer storms. We proceeded on and hoped the rain would end soon. We went straight to the taxis and told the driver to carry us to Mr Sancho's Beach Club. It was $15 one way for up to 4 people. We had an entire van to ourselves and our driver was very friendly and played some great Mexican music during our drive (all the while I was praying the rain would stop!). He had a brochure about Mr Sancho's for us to look at and told us all about the options. I had already researched the various beaches beforehand, and knew we were going to buy the all inclusive. After a fairly quick ride (10 min maybe?), we turned into Mr Sancho's and the skies cleared and the sun was shining brightly!!!! Yes!!!!!!

[cruisebound2011]

We arrived at Mr Sancho's and the taxi cab driver actually escorted us all the way in and showed us where to pay. We handed the lady our cash ($49/person for the all inclusive) and she made sure the taxi cab driver watched her count the money. It was like he was making sure they knew he brought us there too. I am wondering if the cab driver gets some kind of bonus or incentive for bringing people there. I don't know....it was all kind of odd, but whatever. LOL The place was absolutely wonderful!!!!! They gave us wristbands, introduced us to our waiter for the day, and he escorted us to our palapa and table and chairs. He gave us a menu and we immediately ordered a margarita and guacamole and chips. The Mr Sancho's margaritas (as well as the guac/chips) were yummy (tamarind margarita with chili pepper rim)!!!!! I think they were the best drink we tried off the menu. We moved to the lounge chairs closer to the water and we stayed there and in the water the remainder of the day...until about 5:30. They waited on us hand and foot and we always had a cold drink and food without even asking. It was heaven. The waiters were wonderful and funny. We had many, many drinks and enough food and got more than we paid for. It was worth every penny. The all inclusive side was not very crowded, but we chatted with everyone and even made some friends. Another couple that was also on our cruise sat on the beach beside us and we ended up hitting it off with them and had a nice time talking. Ok, pictures.............

 

The view from our palapa

 

 

 

My view for most of the day! I was in heaven. (Hopefully this pic doesn't fall into the hands of someone with a foot fetish! lol)

 

 

 

View to the right

 

 

 

View to the left....as you can see, the a' la carte side was more crowded (past the tents). On that side, you pay as you go, don't get the palapa tables, and you don't get to use the new swim up pool.

 

 

 

 

 

The hut to rent kayaks and snorkeling gear (included in cost), jet skis, banana boat, etc were extra.

 

 

 

Mr Sancho's was awesome! If you are debating on which beach club to visit in Cozumel, you can't go wrong with this choice. It took me forever to decide. There is so much info on the CC message boards and they all sound great. We also didn't think we would eat/drink enough to justify the all inclusive price since we didn't get in port until 1pm and the beach clubs all close at 6 local time. But, we added it all up and we ate/drank more than our share! lol The mixed drinks were weak, but yummy. It was a nice beach and there weren't any loud, obnoxious people around either. We were very pleased with our choice. There is also a small shopping area for souvenirs.

The new pool with swim up bar was very nice, but we didn't ever use it. We have a pool at home, so I was more focused on the beach. There were plenty of people using the pool though. Loved the swings at the bar too.

 

Continued.............

[cruisebound2011]

More pics taken at Mr Sanchos

 

 

Water toys (extra $12 I think?) Quite a few kids playing on them while we were there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our chairs for the day.....beach is empty now since close to closing time and other two Carnival ships had left port already.

 

 

 

[cruisebound2011]

Bar and pool area

 

 

 

Pool (and my husband's tamarind margarita to go! lol)

 

 

 

We ended up riding back to the port with our new friends (they had rented a jeep), but not before stopping in the shops at Sancho's and picking up a few souvenirs. After returning their jeep, they invited us for drinks and food at Panchos backyard....they were buying. So, how could we refuse good company and free drinks/food? They were such a nice couple (from Texas) and we enjoyed chatting with them.

 

Enjoying the sunset views near the water at Pancho's

 

 

 

Our friends.....I hate to share this without their permission (sorry guys if you are seeing this!), but it's such a great picture with the ship in the background.

 

 

 

Pancho's Backyard had a wonderful view and atmosphere, and they had excellent food and drinks too! Yummo. After all of the food and drinks from the day, I was stuffed! We all headed back to the ship (I guess it was about 7:30 by now), parted ways, and made our way back to our room. Getting back on the ship was quick. We had no desire to eat back on ship, so we freshened up a bit and headed back to look around the port shops. It was raining when we arrived earlier in the day, so we didn't get a chance to look around for souvenirs.

 

Here's our towel animal that greeted us in our room.