Destiny, Destiny..is it the ship for me?

[kabuka]

Don't blame bad cruise experiences on the nationality of the passengers! Rude passengers/vacationers come from all over the world! If you didn't like a cruise ship for whatever reason, okay. But really, are you saying ALL Puerto Ricans are rude? Are you saying the country itself is not worth visiting?

 

It is a shame that there are so many on these boards that feel the need to chastise the Puerto Ricans, but do any of you know FOR SURE these passengers were from San Juan? Just because someone speaks Spanish and enjoys life doesn't mean they are Puerto Rican and vice versa. Oh, and by the way, if you could get a great last minute deal for a cruise, wouldn't you take it??? Come on now, be truthful about that one!

 

I hope you all realize that when passengers from the US travel in Europe and on European tours, we are stereo-typed in the same way, loud, obnoxious, and "larger-than-life." I don't like that stereo-type, don't like being stereo-typed, so I won't stereo-type.

 

Now, I haven't been on Destiny - going 6/22 - but really my plan is to spend as little time as possible on the ship and in my room. The great thing about a cruise, to me, is waking up in a different place. It isn't about the glitzy (honestly tacky) decor, bars and foo-foo drinks. So like others have said before, a vacation is what you make of it.

[habby]

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. We sat with a group of people from Puerto Rico at the Captain's Party. Husband and new wife (on their honeymoon), his ex-wife, her parents and two children (ages maybe 14 and 10) from the first marriage. Had a great time. Did a conga line from the Captain's Party to the lounge where the show was held. We all sat and partied together the rest of the night.

 

We never had a problem with the air conditioning. The carpeting showed wear, especially considering having at least 2500 people on board every day, but the crew was constantly cleaning. No mold in the bathrooms. Plumbing worked fine. Nothing mechanical that would prevent me from returning to this ship.

 

Food was okay, on par with a nice restaurant at home. Service was fantastic - cabin stewards, waitstaff, bar staff and casino. Our cabin stewardess and head waiter from 2004 remembered us when we came back in 2005, and joined us for some frolicking at Carlos 'N Charlies along with some other crew members.

 

I would sail Destiny again if the itinerary was not so port-intensive. Yes, I understand that I could stay on the ship when in port, but there's so much to see out there that DH wouldn't pass it up.

 

If you're looking for something to ruin a vacation, you'll find it anywhere.

 

JMO

[Kurbanfan]

Now I do not know what to do.......

 

Because of all the controversy of the Destiny, we opted out and now are sailing on the Crown Princess.....

Have been doing alot of research....seems from what I have been reading Princess does not seem to have a problem......

Good luck!

[addicted to cruising]

Ive done Destiny...she seems to be in a class by herself. I would refer to the thread that is exclusive to this ship.

 

Boat has been refurbished since I went so that is a plus, not that I had a complaint. I found the boat alittle hard to navigate but overall it was a great time. We had a awesome matre d' (spelled that wrong) and our cruise director was the best Ive had in 5 cruises.

 

Here are the things to consider:

Pending the time of year this is usually one of the best deals going.

The check in is not like Miami...unless they have build something in the past 5 yrs...I was shocked to arrive in and check in, in an airplane hanger.

It has a great itenerary but can be very intense...days at sea are a good thing. Also there are alot of locals on board, this was not a huge deal for me but I found many were large spanish speaking familys so areas were often taken over by them..I mean groups of 10-20 and lots of them. Everything over head is repeated in spanish...that did start to wear on my nerves. But all in all I loved it, I like the different cultures and you will see alot of ports for a great fare. Suggestion: arrive in San Juan the day before, there is alot to see and with the boat leaving late you will have a whole day in SJ to explore. Alot of history there.

[habby]

The check in is not like Miami...unless they have build something in the past 5 yrs...I was shocked to arrive in and check in, in an airplane hanger.

.

 

New terminal for checking in - completed some time between April 2004 and June 2005. Air conditioned and free samples of different flavored rums!!

[addicted to cruising]

New terminal for checking in - completed some time between April 2004 and June 2005. Air conditioned and free samples of different flavored rums!!

Thank goodness..I about died when we pulled up to the old one.

Free rum samples you say....maybe the Destiny is in my future.

[idjaffe]

After all..it's only money, right?

 

Thanks for the input.....

 

IDJ

[TennisLover]

Here are the things to consider: Pending the time of year this is usually one of the best deals going.

 

I am very excited about my Destiny cruise. The itinerary is just what we wanted and it is a GREAT deal! Even got very reasonable airfare (and it's over a holiday week). We are not the type to look for problems -- I am sure we will have a fabulous time. We are also staying in PR for 2 days pre-cruise and 1 day post-cruise. Looking forward to a lot of fun in the Southern Caribbean!

[elaineb]

Boy, it has been a while since the San Juan controversy has reared its ugly head again. We did S. Caribbean out of San Juan on RCCL's Nordic Empress and AOS. But same tone/comments about it on their boards too!!! We loved it - have done it 2x and would do it again in a heartbeart! If you are not an open minded person who is afraid of diversity, then you ought to think twice about this cruise. Yes, announcements are in Spanish, too, and some entertainment is geared to Spanish speaking people. So??? You are on a cruise leaving from Puerto Rico! What did you expect? We have been on cruises where American teens have been very unruly. Yet we had a whole group celebrating their Quince Anos (15yr old birthdays) on our floor on the AOS, and they were very respectful and nice. Go with an open heart and mind and you will be rewarded with a wonderful cruise!:)

[ShedQueen77]

I am very excited about my Destiny cruise. The itinerary is just what we wanted and it is a GREAT deal! Even got very reasonable airfare (and it's over a holiday week). We are not the type to look for problems -- I am sure we will have a fabulous time. We are also staying in PR for 2 days pre-cruise and 1 day post-cruise. Looking forward to a lot of fun in the Southern Caribbean!

 

I am looking foward to our cruise as well. I've come to realize that most of the complaints people post about Destiny are about matters that are subjective. What is "terrible" to one might not be to another!

 

We're sailing on Destiny during New Years. We got an awesome air deal as well. I was quite surprised considering it was over the holidays. Carnival air beat any price I found though, oddly enough. Now only hoping it's not a matter of getting what you pay for! :D I'll still keep checking around though. It's not in my nature to sit and let a good deal pass me by!

[Ashleezmom]

I am looking foward to our cruise as well. I've come to realize that most of the complaints people post about Destiny are about matters that are subjective. What is "terrible" to one might not be to another!

 

We're sailing on Destiny during New Years. We got an awesome air deal as well. I was quite surprised considering it was over the holidays. Carnival air beat any price I found though, oddly enough. Now only hoping it's not a matter of getting what you pay for! :D I'll still keep checking around though. It's not in my nature to sit and let a good deal pass me by!

 

Lorna..Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and cruise. Just wondering if you are being married prior to sailing, on the ship or in port? I love your timeclock by the way...."until I marry my best friend."

[Ashleezmom]

Don't blame bad cruise experiences on the nationality of the passengers! Rude passengers/vacationers come from all over the world! If you didn't like a cruise ship for whatever reason, okay. But really, are you saying ALL Puerto Ricans are rude? Are you saying the country itself is not worth visiting?

 

It is a shame that there are so many on these boards that feel the need to chastise the Puerto Ricans, but do any of you know FOR SURE these passengers were from San Juan? Just because someone speaks Spanish and enjoys life doesn't mean they are Puerto Rican and vice versa. Oh, and by the way, if you could get a great last minute deal for a cruise, wouldn't you take it??? Come on now, be truthful about that one!

 

I hope you all realize that when passengers from the US travel in Europe and on European tours, we are stereo-typed in the same way, loud, obnoxious, and "larger-than-life." I don't like that stereo-type, don't like being stereo-typed, so I won't stereo-type.

 

Now, I haven't been on Destiny - going 6/22 - but really my plan is to spend as little time as possible on the ship and in my room. The great thing about a cruise, to me, is waking up in a different place. It isn't about the glitzy (honestly tacky) decor, bars and foo-foo drinks. So like others have said before, a vacation is what you make of it.

 

You go girl!!! You said all the things I was thinking...I knew we were going to get along well...see you on our Roll Call. :D

[ShedQueen77]

Lorna..Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and cruise. Just wondering if you are being married prior to sailing, on the ship or in port? I love your timeclock by the way...."until I marry my best friend."

 

Thank you! :) We're getting married on Foul Bay Beach in Barbados. After seeing all the gorgeous pictures of Barbados, there was no way I could pass that location up for the beach wedding we wanted!

 

Yep, he's my best friend! :) I know we'll have a marriage to last a lifetime because when the lust and excitement fizzles (IF it does! lol) and the old body goes downhill (and I KNOW that will happen! lol); we'll still be best friends. I'm looking forward to great conversation; whittling away the hours together on the porch swing!

[Ashleezmom]

Thank you! :) We're getting married on Foul Bay Beach in Barbados. After seeing all the gorgeous pictures of Barbados, there was no way I could pass that location up for the beach wedding we wanted!

 

Yep, he's my best friend! :) I know we'll have a marriage to last a lifetime because when the lust and excitement fizzles (IF it does! lol) and the old body goes downhill (and I KNOW that will happen! lol); we'll still be best friends. I'm looking forward to great conversation; whittling away the hours together on the porch swing!

 

 

Wow Barbados...that sounds wonderful!! I hope your family & friends are able to go with you. I wish you all the happiness and success in your marriage!! Been married 25 years myself and it is a friendship that holds it together :)

[ShedQueen77]

Wow Barbados...that sounds wonderful!! I hope your family & friends are able to go with you. I wish you all the happiness and success in your marriage!! Been married 25 years myself and it is a friendship that holds it together :)

 

Thank you so much. 25 years?! How wonderful! That is something I've always looked forward to; years of happiness. My parents, God bless them, have been married 36 years through the good and bad. I use their marriage as a role model.

 

My parents are up in the air about coming along because of financial responsibilities. I offered to pay their way, but my Dad is a stubborn, stubborn man! I've talked to my Mom about creating a conspiracy and paying for them without my Dad knowing. We're still working on it! :)

 

My future MIL is in her 70's and isn't physically up to the trip. My fiance's nephew and his wife (who is coincidentally one of my good friends) are taking their honeymoon a year later and coming along with us as our attendants.

 

Not that many coming along, but the most important ones will be if I have anything to say about it! :D

[Ashleezmom]

It would be nice if your family could be there...and they would probably love the cruise. I would just die if I couldnt be at my daughter's wedding. Please post lots of pictures on your signature when you come back. Is a wedding in Barbados recognized in US or do you have to remarry when you return?

[luv2cruise777l]

Don't blame bad cruise experiences on the nationality of the passengers! Rude passengers/vacationers come from all over the world! If you didn't like a cruise ship for whatever reason, okay. But really, are you saying ALL Puerto Ricans are rude? Are you saying the country itself is not worth visiting?

 

It is a shame that there are so many on these boards that feel the need to chastise the Puerto Ricans, but do any of you know FOR SURE these passengers were from San Juan? Just because someone speaks Spanish and enjoys life doesn't mean they are Puerto Rican and vice versa. Oh, and by the way, if you could get a great last minute deal for a cruise, wouldn't you take it??? Come on now, be truthful about that one!

 

I hope you all realize that when passengers from the US travel in Europe and on European tours, we are stereo-typed in the same way, loud, obnoxious, and "larger-than-life." I don't like that stereo-type, don't like being stereo-typed, so I won't stereo-type.

 

Now, I haven't been on Destiny - going 6/22 - but really my plan is to spend as little time as possible on the ship and in my room. The great thing about a cruise, to me, is waking up in a different place. It isn't about the glitzy (honestly tacky) decor, bars and foo-foo drinks. So like others have said before, a vacation is what you make of it.

 

You couldn't have said it better! Can't wait until we sail in June. I'll talk to you soon on the Destiny roll call.:)

[ShedQueen77]

It would be nice if your family could be there...and they would probably love the cruise. I would just die if I couldnt be at my daughter's wedding. Please post lots of pictures on your signature when you come back. Is a wedding in Barbados recognized in US or do you have to remarry when you return?

 

Why of course I'll post pictures! :) Yes, the marriage will be legally recognized after we receive the certified (raised seal, etc..)copy of our marriage license from the Ministry.

 

My mom is very upset about my Dad being a butthead. He'll come around, I'm sure...especially after I squeeze some tears in his direction. 30 years later, I still can work him! lol

[Ashleezmom]

Why of course I'll post pictures! :) Yes, the marriage will be legally recognized after we receive the certified (raised seal, etc..)copy of our marriage license from the Ministry.

 

My mom is very upset about my Dad being a butthead. He'll come around, I'm sure...especially after I squeeze some tears in his direction. 30 years later, I still can work him! lol

 

 

That is too funny! I guess we will always be daddy's little girls.......;)

[addicted to cruising]

I am very excited about my Destiny cruise. The itinerary is just what we wanted and it is a GREAT deal! Even got very reasonable airfare (and it's over a holiday week). We are not the type to look for problems -- I am sure we will have a fabulous time. We are also staying in PR for 2 days pre-cruise and 1 day post-cruise. Looking forward to a lot of fun in the Southern Caribbean!

 

 

You will have a blast...and be tired this is alot of ports, but tons of fun.

Ihear the rain forest in PR is awesome. Ya know I agree with you, if you just cruise with the intent of having fun, not getting bothered by little things that you cant control things will be fine. Ive never been anywhere that things are perfect...I just roll with it.

 

Have fun

[kabuka]

You go girl!!! You said all the things I was thinking...I knew we were going to get along well...see you on our Roll Call. :D

 

Kelly,

 

Sometimes I just can't help myself :) I figure I can complain about work 'cause it is - well - work. I would rather find the fun in my vacation.

 

See you around the boards - and of course onboard Destiny, June 24th.