Ship of the Month:
Carnival Destiny
By Patrick Soran
Carnival Destiny’s new look is as fresh and exciting as its Southern Caribbean itinerary.
Every Sunday evening in San Juan, Puerto Rico, after the sun has set over the western sea,
Carnival Destiny hauls anchor and sets sail. Off to starboard rise the rugged rock walls of the El Morro fortress in Old San Juan—but aboard this “Fun Ship” everything feels new.
Carnival Destiny recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation, and on January 7, 2007, she launches a fresh, new itinerary of 7 adventure- and relaxation-filled days in the
Southern Caribbean.
Fresh Fittings
Twenty-one days in dry dock in Freeport, The Bahamas, resulted in a range of new features for guests on Carnival Destiny. In the
Sun and Sea Restaurant on the Lido Deck, look for colorful new tile, new lighting and chairs, plus an espresso bar. The
Millionaire’s Club Casino won a new poker pit and sparkling new furniture. And the new teen club sizzles with a dance floor, a high-tech sound system and three plasma-screen televisions. Almost all of the
public spaces got some attention from the decorators, and the
suites have been upgraded with fresh carpets and wall coverings.
Southern Charms
Carnival Destiny’s interiors may be new, but it will still call
San Juan home. From here, the ship can breeze easily into more southerly ports with plenty of time for a leisurely visit in each.
The first stop on the ship’s
current and
new itineraries is
St. Thomas/St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Stroll among the pastel-shaded houses or book an
exploratory excursion.
The next morning finds you pulling into the island of
Dominica. Covered with lush green rainforests and rising nearly 5,000 feet above a bright blue sea, this is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands.
Day trips take visitors up into the hills or out into the briny blue.
Next up, a full day in
Barbados. This British-influenced island features miles of gorgeous white sand beaches. Explore your choice of more than two dozen
excursions.
On sailings between now and January, your final destination is
Aruba, a charming island with a Dutch flavor, only 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. The ship stays here for 14 hours, providing you with an extra-long
play day. Enjoy a
submarine ride, a glimpse of
natural wonders or a romantic
sunset sail.
Beginning January 7, instead of stopping in Aruba, Carnival Destiny will visit two intriguing new ports, the unspoiled tropical retreat of
St. Lucia and the island of
Antigua with its natural harbors and barrier reef.
New interiors, new ports and new ways to have fun—you might say that it’s your destiny to enjoy a week on
Carnival Destiny in the Southern Caribbean.