Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
399 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
157 |
| Food |
400 |
218 |
| Service |
400 |
253 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
81 |
| Cruise |
400 |
253 |
| |
Carnival Destiny is the 11th new ship for this very successful cruise line. However, because of its size, the ship is unable to transit the Panama Canal, and is thus dedicated to itineraries in the Caribbean. The ship, whose bows are extremely short, has the distinctive, large, swept-back wing-tipped funnel that is the trademark of Carnival Cruise Lines, in the company colors of red, white and blue.
This is quite a stunning ship, built to impress at every turn, with the most balanced profile of all the ships in the Carnival fleet. Amidships on the open deck is a very long water slide (200 ft/60 meters in length), as well as tiered sunbathing decks positioned between two swimming pools, several hot tubs, and a giant poolside movie screen.
Inside, Joe Farcus, the designer who creates all the interiors for the ships of Carnival Cruise Lines, has done a fine job. The decor is a fantasyland for the senses (though nowhere near as glitzy as the Fantasy-class ships). The layout is logical, so finding your way around is easy. As for public areas, there are three decks full of lounges, 10 bars and lots of rooms to play in. The ship has a double-wide indoor promenade, nine decks high, and a glass-domed rotunda atrium lobby. For those who like to gamble, the Millionaire’s Club Casino is certainly large and action-packed; there are also more than 320 slot machines.
An additional feature that this ship has which the Fantasy-class ships do not have is the Flagship Bar, located in the Rotunda (atrium), which faces forward to glass-walled lifts. Another feature is the All Star Bar – a sports bar with tables that include sporting memorabilia.
Youngsters are provided with good facilities, including their own two-level Children’s Club (including an outdoor pool), and are well cared for with “Camp Carnival”, the line’s extensive children’s program.
From the viewpoint of safety, passengers can embark directly into the lifeboats from their secured position without having to wait for them to be lowered, thus saving time in the event of a real emergency.
The terraced pool deck is cluttered, and there are no cushioned pads for the deck chairs. Getting away from people and noise is difficult. The Photo Gallery, adjacent to the atrium/purser’s office, becomes extremely congested when photos are on display.
There is no escape from repetitious announcements (for activities that bring revenue, such as art auctions, bingo, and horse racing) that intrude constantly into your cruise. There is also much hustling for drinks, although accomplished with a knowing smile.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
