I'm not aware of any other cruise line that does this. The others all utilize the available Jetways and embarkation/disembarkation is normally via the main deck which makes for a wonderful first impression since this is always a beautiful area (usually an atrium) on these ships with plenty of space to handle the number of inbound or outbound passengers. Having the passengers embark and dissembark via a skinny gangplank onto the crew deck represents a major design flaw on Carnival's part. This is the least impressive and least spacious location they could have selected. At least we were aware of this issue prior to booking and therefore psyched up for it. It does make the disembarkation process needlessly and painfully slow.
I wonder why Carnival designs their ships in such a way that cruise terminal Jetways cannot be used? They need to get with the program on this one!
Our Millenium Cruise on the ‘old’ Holland America Westerdam still remains our cruising highlight (and I know that my son is eyeing the “new” Westerdam with considerable interest) .... but this cruise onboard Destiny was a good runner-up. We were especially pleased by the service levels in the dining room and with our cabin steward (Oliver). Oliver always had a warm smile and genuinely friendly greeting for us and he kept our cabin impeccably from the first day to the last. While the plane taxied back to the gate, Ryan said, "Well, Mom, you've just experienced a Rejected Take Off". Only much later did I realize how unusual an event this is. Speaking with all of the frequent flyers in our office, many of whom have logged over 1,000 flights, I encountered no one who has experienced a RTO. Just as well that as it was occurring, I did not realize quite what a rare event it is to reject a take off.
The dining room menu had its shortcomings sometimes, and some of the dishes that seemed overly complicated were not especially well-executed by the kitchen. It might be worth considering less complex dishes but doing a better job with them. Nonetheless, any shortcomings were compensated by the very capable and friendly serviced we received each time we dined in the Galaxy Restaurant. Everyone seemed genuinely to want to please (not just going through the motions) and we felt they enjoyed what they do.
Although I recall having paid quite a lot for our RCI cruise back in December 2000, I would rank Enchantment at the back of the pack, at least for our family. The food on board never impressed us and the service, while professional, didn’t seem especially caring. I felt that Carnival delivered quite reasonable value for the money paid and with a few tweaks here and there could probably achieve exceptional value. We plan to cruise again in 12-24 months and Carnival would be on my list of itineraries and ships to examine.
Cruise Review Submitted by: Lynn Holliday
