Port of Miami - Eastern Carribean Carnival Cruise Review 2012

                                                                                    

Advice
It's best to book your cruise as a package if you are coming from Quebec, Canada, since some airlines (Air Transat) will allow you to bring an extra few kilos (20kg) of luggage knowing that you will be boarding a cruise.   As a plus, every effort will be made to assure you don't miss your flight back home in case you are late.  More expensive though.  Also remember carry ons are limited to 10lbs.

If you are like the many Canadians that book a flight, than a cruise seperately, and spend some time in Florida afterwards, you are not entitled to the extra weight in your luggage and you will pay dearly if you bump into a not so nice person.  Buy one of those hand gizmos to weigh your luggage, they are pretty accurate.

If i were you, bring the minimum and leave lots of extra room for all the shoes and clothing items you will buy in Florida.  ;)  You just can't beat the prices.

Don't forget the one bottle of wine and 12 softdrinks/water per person limit, you are entitled to bring onboard. 

Rental Car
ACE Rental Car in Fort Lauderdale has good rates.  I even got a free upgrade, to a Nissan Altima.  I guess they didn't have enough compacts!!  There is a bus that takes you to their location from the Fort Lauderdale
Airport.  Book Online.

Parking
Premiere Parking for good deals when you have to leave your rental car in a parking area while you are on your cruise.  Cheaper per day charge than cruise port, and minutes away. 
Transportation to cruise terminal is included.  Great Service.

The Ship - The Destiny
This ship will be undergoing a makeover in 2013 and eventually it will be sailing Europe.  If you remember Miami Vice, that's it's present styling. 

Embarkment was super fast, maybe 20 minutes in total and we were inside the ship.  Take advantage of this time to go to the casino and get yourself setup.  They will give you a landyard and punch a hole in your card so you will not lose it in your pockets since you will now be able to hook it to your pants or bathing suit. 

Inside StateRoom on the LIDO DECK was nice and comfortable.  Since it was right above the gym and spa, it was quiet in the evenings.  We were on the 9th floor.  Food at the sit down restaurant was good.  Don't be afraid to ask for more than one appetizer or more than one main course.  As long as it's on the menu you can have it anyway you like it.  On one night we ordered alot of dessert, but I won't go into that!! lol  We had 2 nice couples with us, which made our experience more enjoyable!  Great matching Carnival!  or was it by chance?  hmmm  Kudos.

On the ship, spend some time in the spa or in the gym, both of which I enjoyed or just chill out on the outside deck chairs at the back of the ship for some peace time. 

Entertainment was good, two comedians performed on various days. Cruise Director was also great!
Sushi was good!  Don't miss out,  since they only serve it for a few hours before dinner time,  next to the casino bar.  Try your luck on the vault!  It looks easy, but I can assure you it's not! The Deli bar was fabulous and one way to avoid the long lineups for food!  Fresh salad is always available at the buffet, for those watching their caloric intake. No lineup here.
 

Nassau, Bahamas
As soon as you disembark go to your nearest scooter rental and rent a scooter.  Do not bother thinking that you will get better rates outside the port area, it's not worth the time you will waste. All the scooter companies are basically lined up waiting for your money.  I negotiated a rate of $50 for 3 hrs, but I can tell you it wasn't the best scooter! Most were at around $75 for 3 hours.  Make sure it has automatic start, and mirrors that are functional since you will need them if you are not used to driving on the left side of the road!

Shut the scooter off and try to start it before leaving on your discovery tour of the island. unless you want to get stranded somewhere and waste your day waiting for a lift!  What I noticed in Bahamas was there was lots of traffic on the main road, but after departing the cruise ship port area, the traffic was okay.  If you are shopping for Diamonds, this is the place.  Do not settle for the listed price, bargain!  Diamonds are substantially cheaper in the Bahamas.  What surprised me is the vast amout of jewellery stores, be prepared to shop.  For those that just want to walk around, a 5 minute walk will get you to the main street, just head north. Prepare to do lots of walking!  The people are very friendly here, so don't be afraid to chit chat!  Beaches are easy to find as well, but you will need some sort of transportation to get there.  If you don't know where they are, head left on the main road.  You will see tour buses leaving people off.  It's not one of the most beautiful beaches but it's okay.  Don't forget to visit the Paradise Island Atlantis Hotel.  The aquarium is quite nice.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands
Walk to the Taxi Stand, and ask to go to the quiet beach which is very peaceful and you will get a ride back no problem from any of the taxis going back to port when you have had enough.  Aroundtrip fare is close to 9$ pp.  I can't tell you anything about Governor's beach because I didn't go there.
Another option, if you want a club atmosphere or plain just want to get hammered and meet people, go to MARGARITAVILLE.  Here it will resemble a rap concert with loud music, loud people and lots of booty.  For those seeking action, go there, it's an amusing place filled with food, music, dancing and pure entertainment.

Half Moon Cay

This was my favorite destination! The pirate ship visible from the shore is a nice way to cool down with a few drinks, or your potential shipmate. ;)  Other than that, the beach is beautiful.  Bring your snorkeling gear since there are tons of fish in the water. Snorkeling was a giant plus! The reef is to the left facing the Pirate Ship Bar.  Swim a little deeper I would say 50 yards from shore, and following the contours of the reef,  where you will see the water a little bit darker.  It's really something to see, tons of aquatic life.  Bring a camera!!   For those of you that don't like snorkeling, there are plenty of schools of fish swimming near the shore!  Don't be scared, they don't bite!  Bring bread if you want to get the up close and personal treatment. The buffet that Carnival offered on the island was just right.   

This was my first cruise and I was very satisfied with the overall experience.  This will not be my last.  With an abundance of things to do while on the ship, you are never bored! and time seems to fly by!  This is meant as a quick guide to give you a taste of what to expect.  There are many ways to spend your time on the ship, and off the ship, and by no means did I do it all.  Enjoy your cruise!