Carnival

[HW tenpin]

Carnival Cruise Line

is part of a huge group formed from the likes of, Cunard, Costa, Holland America, Princess and Windstar to name a few I think others have joined since my last update.
Our one and only cruise with them was in 97 on the Inspiration ( Alaska ) which was absolutely awesome, certainly without a shadow of doubt we would have sailed with them again, but! And this is purely personal we did not like not having a set table for dinner, we just love sitting at the same table each night thus making the meal, as well as making new friends, but then we are old fashioned cruisers.

Prior to 9/11 it was possible to obtain day passes to visit other ships in port, and being cruise ship nutters we took a look at the Destiny during its inaugural year.

The Destiny is, along with others of this fleet geared towards casual eating, although boasting of one formal restaurant, by prior booking. At this point I could wax lyrical about all the wonderful things on board this ship, but lets stop and consider what you want from any cruise.

First choose your Itinerary, then your preferred cabin choice, checking that you can pre-book your cabin number, price and then lastly what ship.
Strange you may say, but all modern (built within the last 10 years) super liners are sheer luxury floating resorts that boast of every amenity known to holidaymakers. All are vying to give you the best service, amenities, high standards of food and the like.

Do join the cruise line club, all benefits soon add up and are transferable within this group, do be flexible with your dates, avoid if you can the American holiday season if doing the Caribbean.

So to finish, the Destiny is a fantastic ship, but no more or less than any other in this group, whichever one you choose will give you the best holiday you have ever taken.
Be warned though cruising is very addictive.

(Brian if you want any specific questions answered let me know.)

[brian121]

Tenpin, nice report, we have only done one cruise and that was on the nile last new year ,It has left us with the urge to try a real cruise.We are looking to book a new year trip 2006 that takes in the island of Dominica, flying direct to the carribean rather than the states.At the moment the only two i can find are the Destiny @�1550 each for one week, and the ocean village, 2006 prices not out till dec. I know these two ships are poles apart but they both look good in their own way. If you find any others please let me know.
Oh i lied i have been on another cruise, but it was the Devonia and i was at school so i dont think it counts,bunk beds in dorms etc
Cheers Brian.

[woodster]

Hi Tenpin its Woodster again im just searchin the MASSIVE cruise market and have looked at many operators itineraries and ships am wanting a reasonably priced Med cruise departing anytime between 19 jul 08 to around 15 aug 08 for maybe 14 nts if at all poss i want as few kids as possible just a nice relaxing ship with friendly people who make an effort considering they are on a cruise! not really interested in climbing walls,ice rinks, shopping malls that they seem to be offering nowadays just good service in a friendly environment.
Ive looked at Olsen,MSC,Costa,Thomson, (who we love but may be too many kids in school hols....50% according to a waiter we spoke to on Destiny),Island,Holland/America, and am now looking at Carnival and read your forum contribution so can you help out an inexperienced young-ish cruiser( im 43 my wife is 46) our budget will be a MAXIMUM of �1000 pp inc return flights.....sorry to be a pain and i know you're not a travel agent lol but hope you can help in any small way
Thanks

[HW tenpin]

Blimmy Woodster where did you dig this one up from?

Give me a couple of days and I'll take a look, your bugget is quite low for a 14 day cruise during Jul/Aug.

Best deals of late have been Costa, but free kids places during that time.

I'll post any findings in this thread.

[woodster]

Thanks Tenpin your efforts are much appreciated already considering 1 or 2 i have seen thanks again

[HW tenpin]

Few to take a look at use the web to get best prices. These came from 1st4cruising and Gills, both who will give you a price over phone or by e-mail. Prices current up to yesterday..

Thomson Celebration �Magic of Iceland' although not in your requirements a great cruise 24.8.08 12 nights inside �849.
MS Noordam top class ship from Holland America 28.8.08 10 nights'Roman Empire cruise' inside �989.

You might also try for late booking with the many cruises with Royal Caribbean the Independence of The Sea out of Southampton during the summer, as well as the Legend, Brilliance and the Navigator of the Sea all sailing from Med ports this summer.

Some dates & prices Legend 13 nights 22Jul & 16 Aug starting �859 from Rome.
Brilliance From Barcelona 12 nights 28 Jul & !4 Aug (price unconfirmed0 but under �1000 expected.

Also try for late booking on Sea Princess out of S'hampton to Spain

Your best bet is to phone any cruise broker and give them details, then play one against the other till you get best deal.