Destiny - Post Dry Dock? Pics/Updates...

[Little Elm]

Was this the first sailing after the Dry Dock?

[boozecruise78]

I believe so...so between now and Nov. they may still be doing a lot of work.

I'm on the Nov. 22 cruise...just after you...so please post your thoughts/pics as well.

[bsdmhutch]

Was this the first sailing after the Dry Dock?

 

Yes, it was.

 

Drydock was delayed/interrupted by two hurricanes too. Hopefully the next few cruises that go will have a better review. Seems a lot of the disappointment was in the late boarding and leaving on the first day. It happens.

[falkcor]

Was this the first sailing after the Dry Dock?

 

just got back from 9/27-10/2 cruise - and unlike the apparently rough first one out of d-dock, ours went off without a hitch. no excessive work or maintenance during cruise and embarkation / debarkation were quick and painless.

[Little Elm]

just got back from 9/27-10/2 cruise - and unlike the apparently rough first one out of d-dock, ours went off without a hitch. no excessive work or maintenance during cruise and embarkation / debarkation were quick and painless.

 

 

that is great news.

[boozecruise78]

Glad to hear all went well...can you elaborate any more on the ship...can you share any pics you took?

 

Thx.

[Caliber1]

just got back from 9/27-10/2 cruise - and unlike the apparently rough first one out of d-dock, ours went off without a hitch. no excessive work or maintenance during cruise and embarkation / debarkation were quick and painless.

 

Fantastic news. Thanks for posting.

[falkcor]

Glad to hear all went well...can you elaborate any more on the ship...can you share any pics you took?

 

boozecruise - here's my comments from another thread last night... still getting stuff together now that i'm back - review, photos etc some time in the next few days:

 

i'm just back from the 9/27-10/2 sailing on the destiny, and i have to say i don't understand all the complaints and negative comments regarding this ship.

 

i do not even think that the dry dock renovations were as extensive as a lot of the rumours were alleging initially, but it didn't matter - she's still in great shape. they were still working on exterior paint in dock at miami, but i did not notice any significant renovations going on during the course of the cruise. some of the things i noticed:

 

1. big screen on the lido deck

2. seems some of the deck boards, notably on lido, were replaced

3. new carpet in some of the common areas

4. new flags (lol)

5. spoke w/ captain and he said a lot of the work was mechanical in nature

6. tons (i'm sure) of typical rm sort of work - i didn't see any rust in public areas or staterooms (though it does look like they didn't finish the exterior painting completely

 

about the tvs - we had two OV cabins - same old tube tv - though some friends with a suite on deck 7 did have a flatscreen lcd tv.

 

sure, it's an older ship, so some of the decor looks a little dated - but it was just as off-the-wall when the ship was brand new. and the extensive use of granite on this boat (walls, floors, tabletops, etc) gives it a certain substance.

 

i'll post a review in the next few days, and the capers when i get to work early next week.

 

for anyone concerned about this ship - don't be. if you have any specific questions lemme know.

[luv2cruz66]

boozecruise - here's my comments from another thread last night... still getting stuff together now that i'm back - review, photos etc some time in the next few days:

 

i'm just back from the 9/27-10/2 sailing on the destiny, and i have to say i don't understand all the complaints and negative comments regarding this ship.

 

i do not even think that the dry dock renovations were as extensive as a lot of the rumours were alleging initially, but it didn't matter - she's still in great shape. they were still working on exterior paint in dock at miami, but i did not notice any significant renovations going on during the course of the cruise. some of the things i noticed:

 

1. big screen on the lido deck

2. seems some of the deck boards, notably on lido, were replaced

3. new carpet in some of the common areas

4. new flags (lol)

5. spoke w/ captain and he said a lot of the work was mechanical in nature

6. tons (i'm sure) of typical rm sort of work - i didn't see any rust in public areas or staterooms (though it does look like they didn't finish the exterior painting completely

 

about the tvs - we had two OV cabins - same old tube tv - though some friends with a suite on deck 7 did have a flatscreen lcd tv.

 

sure, it's an older ship, so some of the decor looks a little dated - but it was just as off-the-wall when the ship was brand new. and the extensive use of granite on this boat (walls, floors, tabletops, etc) gives it a certain substance.

 

i'll post a review in the next few days, and the capers when i get to work early next week.

 

for anyone concerned about this ship - don't be. if you have any specific questions lemme know.

 

 

Thank you thank you thank you! We are sailing the Destiny in 13 days and this is the best post I've ever read! Thanks for the positive comments!

[falkcor]

Thank you thank you thank you! We are sailing the Destiny in 13 days and this is the best post I've ever read! Thanks for the positive comments!

 

i think some people need to put their comments into perspective. destiny's no queen mary 2, and not the carnival splendor (their newest ship sailing)...

 

but destiny is the first big ship with ample balconies, etc. to sail regular 4-5 day cruises, out of her new miami homeport. and she's one hell of a value, too (and on that note, 1 week out watch for a price drop - there was before our cruise and we got upgrades from inside to ocean view on both our staterooms for free). and she's no ecstasy, fascination or any of the rest of the fanstasy class ships, either. she's better than that - 'evolutions of fun' or not, she's a better boat with more comprehensive offerings.

 

destiny was the first carnival ship to debut the 'big ship' experience, serves as the template in terms of ship layout that every carnival ship since (except the skinnier panama-canal-capable spirit class) has adhered to (right through to the dream - seriously, check the deck plans) and so you get all the benefits in that - AMPLE bars, lounges, dining choices, and some of the carnival classics like the piano bar (if you go - tell him mark & rob - the jersey boys say hi, and ask him to play radiohead creep for you - i made him learn that) which you can't find on the smaller ships. in short, there's something for everybody.

 

the staff was great and service awesome, and a big ship like this inevitably has a lot of other cool people (we made so many friends, i swear this boat misses us already). are there some not-so-cool people? sure, but they're everywhere. don't let it bother you.

 

a vacation is what you make of it. set yourself up to have a good time, and you will. i sure as heck did. i can't wait to go back, and wouldn't hesitate to book again on the destiny for a heartbeat.

[crzfrnds]

Anyone have updated photos of the pool areas? Does Destiny have the kids waterpark that they're showing on the website? Is the adults only serenity deck complete? Just tonight I'm hearing conflicting stories and would love to know what IS done and what's NOT done. Sad face because if the water park isn't done, my three yeard old granddaughter is going to be very disappointed and I'm going to be very angry with Carnival for posting that feature on their website before that feature is available. :(

[falkcor]

Does Destiny have the kids waterpark that they're showing on the website? Sad face because if the water park isn't done, my three yeard old granddaughter is going to be very disappointed and I'm going to be very angry with Carnival for posting that feature on their website before that feature is available. :(

 

to my knowledge, there was no sizeable renovation to the waterpark area. this photo from webshots is how it still looks today (i'm still sorting through my photos, i just got back last night):

 

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2763488650098669841dUokLx

 

however, i'll add that an 8 year old with our party had a BLAST with that waterslide and didn't know any difference.

 

also, to my knowledge, carnival never declared anything regarding a waterpark for the destiny. the evolutions of fun page, here:

 

http://carnival.com/cms/fun/eof/default.aspx

 

makes no mention of the waterpark for destiny either. the evolutions program is only for the fantasy class ships. dry dock (which destiny just emerged from) does not imply this upgrade. and same goes for the serenity deck.

 

even the newest ship sailing right now, the splendor, doesn't have the waterworks, but instead a slide like destiny's, but does have the serenity deck. the dream has both.

[debster11]

Anyone have updated photos of the pool areas? Does Destiny have the kids waterpark that they're showing on the website? Is the adults only serenity deck complete? Just tonight I'm hearing conflicting stories and would love to know what IS done and what's NOT done. Sad face because if the water park isn't done, my three yeard old granddaughter is going to be very disappointed and I'm going to be very angry with Carnival for posting that feature on their website before that feature is available. :(

 

This is from Carnival's website:

 

Ready to get wet? Spectacular new WaterWorks aqua parks – featuring a thrilling, four-deck-high Twister Waterslide -- will be introduced on the Verandah Deck of our FANTASY-class ships. These will be the biggest, longest and most elaborate slides in cruising.

 

The Destiny still has a water slide and should make any child happy. It seems the serenity deck is also only on the Fantasy class ships.

[luv2cruz66]

i think some people need to put their comments into perspective. destiny's no queen mary 2, and not the carnival splendor (their newest ship sailing)...

 

but destiny is the first big ship with ample balconies, etc. to sail regular 4-5 day cruises, out of her new miami homeport. and she's one hell of a value, too (and on that note, 1 week out watch for a price drop - there was before our cruise and we got upgrades from inside to ocean view on both our staterooms for free). and she's no ecstasy, fascination or any of the rest of the fanstasy class ships, either. she's better than that - 'evolutions of fun' or not, she's a better boat with more comprehensive offerings.

 

destiny was the first carnival ship to debut the 'big ship' experience, serves as the template in terms of ship layout that every carnival ship since (except the skinnier panama-canal-capable spirit class) has adhered to (right through to the dream - seriously, check the deck plans) and so you get all the benefits in that - AMPLE bars, lounges, dining choices, and some of the carnival classics like the piano bar (if you go - tell him mark & rob - the jersey boys say hi, and ask him to play radiohead creep for you - i made him learn that) which you can't find on the smaller ships. in short, there's something for everybody.

 

the staff was great and service awesome, and a big ship like this inevitably has a lot of other cool people (we made so many friends, i swear this boat misses us already). are there some not-so-cool people? sure, but they're everywhere. don't let it bother you.

 

a vacation is what you make of it. set yourself up to have a good time, and you will. i sure as heck did. i can't wait to go back, and wouldn't hesitate to book again on the destiny for a heartbeat.

 

I agree! I didn't think we'd get to cruise this year but when I saw the price on this one back in July we couldn't help but book it! I got a balcony for less than I have ever paid for an oceanview! And...we got a call from the "upsell" fairy and are now in a suite! So going from an oceanview on the Fantasy class (I love the Fantasy Class ships....that is all we've ever sailed!) no matter what the Destiny looks like it is an upgrade for us! We are really looking forward to trying out the piano bar for the first time on this cruise......i'll be sure to mention your name! Thanks again for the positive comments!

[falkcor]

Anyone have updated photos of the pool areas? Does Destiny have the kids waterpark that they're showing on the website? Is the adults only serenity deck complete? Just tonight I'm hearing conflicting stories and would love to know what IS done and what's NOT done. Sad face because if the water park isn't done, my three yeard old granddaughter is going to be very disappointed and I'm going to be very angry with Carnival for posting that feature on their website before that feature is available. :(

 

crzfrnds - here's my pic of the waterslide / pool area on the destiny from last week. since the webshots photo i posted yesterday, i think the tile was replaced in drydock, but the slide is the same as before (but still very fun). see below:

 

[falkcor]

btw - there's another thread on this, but it is relevant to the 'post-dry-dock destiny' so i'll repost here for anyone following this thread.

the spa deck cabins (all 16 of them) WERE converted to balconies during dry dock. it is now reflected on the carnival deck plans, and i verified via older versions that they used to be cat 6E family staterooms with floor to ceiling windows.

 

take a look at this pic of the destiny exterior from last week to see the spa deck balconies, clearly, while docked in ocho rios (pic from the sky explorer)

 

 

you can see the 8 'bays' (balconies) on the top deck, left from the waterslide, and below the doppler radar golf balls.

good news for anyone booked on the spa deck!!!!

[gaylensgigi]

Falkcor, thanks for all this good info. Since you did go to rhe piano bar..Who is th piano guy. We have been trying to find out as that is one of our favorite places on the ship.Radio Creephead? Well, if he could do that he must be good.

[falkcor]

Falkcor, thanks for all this good info. Since you did go to rhe piano bar..Who is th piano guy. We have been trying to find out as that is one of our favorite places on the ship.Radio Creephead? Well, if he could do that he must be good.

 

gaylensgigi -

 

the pianoman made my cruise. i spent every night there, and had a blast.

 

the pianoman's name is martin kaye. he's a hoot! he gets up on the piano and dances around, ad libs with the audience, and knows a good number of songs. i don't remember what i wrote earlier in this thread, but some of the nightly favorites were: hotel california, rocketman, sweet caroline, leaving on a jetplane, candle in the wind, and a bunch of others.

 

my request was radiohead creep. he didn't know it, but like i said, he can get lyrics for anything if you ask nicely. and fyi, he hates singing pianoman (sometimes) lol, but we made him do it nightly.

 

here's a pic of him:

 

 

excuse my drinks... they said last call, i obliged. a hint on that note - they stop drink service in the piano bar earlier than they close the bar. we'd typically get him to sing to us until 2.30-3am, and the point after disco's bar across the hall is open later than drink service in the apollo (piano) bar. and hint number 2 - drink service in the apollo bar can sometimes be less than quick because there is no specific bar - so you can order the 'big glass' which holds 2 cocktails (see left most screwdriver) hehe.

 

this is martin's website:

http://www.martin-k.com/

 

he's got several of his own compositions on his website (i bought the cd, too - he was good):

http://www.martin-k.com/clips2

 

take a listen - i guarantee you he'll be wowed if you request one of his own songs - he does typically play a song or two of his own during the night.

 

and tell him mark & rob aka the jersey boys say hi. he'd announce every night when we walked in 'aalllright, my boys are here!'

 

we had some of our own fans and by the last night, people were asking to take pictures with US! soooo much fun.

 

and bring plenty of dollar bills to throw into the fish bowl. it's fun!

[gaylensgigi]

Thanks for the link, he has a great voice and I definatly will request one of his songs and tell him you say Hey! The piano bar is always a great part of my cruise, and it seems we will not be let down. Not always so lucky as I am sure you know. Thanks again,happy cruising!

[clgcrusier]

I agree, Bonnie-this is one of my favorite areas and I was so afraid we'd get a dud! Now I'm really psyched up to go there! Wait'll Laurie reads this!:D We didn't think anyone could beat Ron Pass!

 

Falkor, thank you again for all your info and the pics! We've heard so many downer stories-I'm glad to hear from someone objective, that was just there. Too bad you're not going to be with our group! We'll try to pass on your message!

[falkcor]

I agree, Bonnie-this is one of my favorite areas and I was so afraid we'd get a dud! Now I'm really psyched up to go there! Wait'll Laurie reads this!:D We didn't think anyone could beat Ron Pass!

 

Falkor, thank you again for all your info and the pics! We've heard so many downer stories-I'm glad to hear from someone objective, that was just there. Too bad you're not going to be with our group! We'll try to pass on your message!

 

ladies -

 

and i assume gaylensgigi is bonnie - you are so very welcome! i got so much great information from this site, and i see this as my way of paying it forward. if you haven't noticed, i'm trying my best to give everything i can from my experience - and the long and short of it - i had a blast!

 

fyi, i think martin's favorite song is 'about you'

http://www.martin-k.com/Media/about%20you.mp3

 

he played it every night. and it's longer than the 1 minute clip on his site. but, i think this one in particular, dictates that he is no dud.

[url=http://www.martin-k.com/Media/about%20you.mp3z][/url]

if there is anything in particular you want to know - just ask, and i'll do my best to oblige!

 

i'll post the outline i made for my 'full' review - let me know if you want to know about anything else!

 

BTW - i WISH i could come along with your group - and for that matter - cruise 3 times in a month! lucky ladies.

[falkcor]

here's the outline for my review... wanna know anything else? let me know.

 

1. CARNIVAL DESTINY

a. OVERALL

b. DRY DOCK RENOVATIONS

i. LIDO DECK BOARDS, LARGE MOVIE SCREEN, COMMON AREA RENOVATIONS, CABIN UPGRADES, TVS, PAINTING, TILE WORK, MECHANICAL

c. COMMON AREAS

i. LOBBY & BAR

ii. PURSERS DESK

iii. DESTINY SHOPS

d. BARS & LOUNGES / INCLUDING ENTERTAINMENT

i. PIANO BAR

1. INCLUDING MUSIC / MARTIN

ii. POINT AFTER DISCO

iii. DOWNBEAT LOUNGE

1. INCLUDING KARAOKE

iv. LIDO BAR AREAS

v. PALLADIUM LOUNGE

1. INCLUDING COMIC

vi. DESTINY BAR

1. INCLUDING LIVE MUSIC

vii. CASINO

1. INCLUDING GAMBLING

viii. OTHERS

1. CHEERS – NOBODY WAS EVER THERE

2. CRITERION LOUNGE – HAD OFF SCHEDULE

ix. GENERAL TIPS RE: ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

e. DINING OPTIONS

i. GALAXY DINING ROOM

ii. LIDO BUFFET / SUN & SEA RESTAURANT

iii. GRILL AREAS

iv. HAPPY VALLEY ASIAN

v. PIZZA

vi. ICE CREAM

vii. ROOM SERVICE

f. SHIP EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

i. CAPTAIN’S RECEPTION

ii. HAIRY CHEST CONTEST

iii. DESTINY’S ALL-STAR

iv. DVD

v. ON SHIP PHOTOGRAPHY

g. CABINS

i. AMENITIES

ii. ROOM STEWARDS

iii. OV RIVIERA

iv. DECK 7 SUITE

 

 

2. OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

a. DEBARKATION

b. CARNIVAL TRANSFER TO DUNNS & SKY EXPLORER

c. SHOE RENTALS, ETC.

d. ARRIVAL AT DUNNS RIVER FALLS & PRE-TOUR

e. TOUR OF DUNNS RIVER FALLS

f. AFTER-TOUR EXPERIENCE

g. TRANSFER TO SKY EXPLORER / MYSTIC MOUNTAIN

h. SKY EXPLORER TOUR & RELATED FACILITIES

i. EMBARKATION

 

3. GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS

a. DEBARKATION VIA TENDER

b. MOBY DICK TOURS – TRANSFER, BOAT RIDE

c. SCUBA

d. STINGRAY CITY

e. PORT & LOCAL SHOPPING

f. EMBARKATION

 

4. FINAL THOUGHTS

a. OVERALL EVALUATION OF DESTINY – GOOD SHIP

b. DESTINY SET THE MOLD FOR CURRENT BREED OF CARNIVAL SHIP

c. VALUE OF A 4-5 DAY MIAMI CRUISE

d. ANSWERING THE NEGATIVE ALLEGATIONS

e. PEOPLE ON BOARD

f. SERVICE EXPERIENCE

g. TIPPING

h. CRUISE CRITIC

i. COMMON TERMS/ SLANG

ii. GREAT RESOURCE

[gaylensgigi]

ladies -

 

and i assume gaylensgigi is bonnie - you are so very welcome! i got so much great information from this site, and i see this as my way of paying it forward. if you haven't noticed, i'm trying my best to give everything i can from my experience - and the long and short of it - i had a blast!

 

fyi, i think martin's favorite song is 'about you'

http://www.martin-k.com/Media/about%20you.mp3

 

he played it every night. and it's longer than the 1 minute clip on his site. but, i think this one in particular, dictates that he is no dud.

 

if there is anything in particular you want to know - just ask, and i'll do my best to oblige!

 

i'll post the outline i made for my 'full' review - let me know if you want to know about anything else!

 

BTW - i WISH i could come along with your group - and for that matter - cruise 3 times in a month! lucky ladies.

 

Well, if you are interested, we are sailing with Saints and Sinners, a great group. It may be to late for you this year but we are sailing out of Tampa next Oct. Check out the S&S 5 thread,we would love to have you join us. And yes Gigi is Bonnie

[luv2cruz66]

btw - there's another thread on this, but it is relevant to the 'post-dry-dock destiny' so i'll repost here for anyone following this thread.

the spa deck cabins (all 16 of them) WERE converted to balconies during dry dock. it is now reflected on the carnival deck plans, and i verified via older versions that they used to be cat 6E family staterooms with floor to ceiling windows.

 

take a look at this pic of the destiny exterior from last week to see the spa deck balconies, clearly, while docked in ocho rios (pic from the sky explorer)

 

 

you can see the 8 'bays' (balconies) on the top deck, left from the waterslide, and below the doppler radar golf balls.

good news for anyone booked on the spa deck!!!!

 

oh my gosh...the couple we are cruising with booked a spa deck oceanview for 409 and now they're in a balcony! They are going to flip when I tell them!

[falkcor]

oh my gosh...the couple we are cruising with booked a spa deck oceanview for 409 and now they're in a balcony! They are going to flip when I tell them!

 

i think the easiest way to post the deck plans is before and after, because they're so long... here's the spa deck before drydock... with floor to ceiling windows in family staterooms