07/07/08, 05/13/20
2008 Cruise, Page A

We sailed on the Carnival Destiny from San Juan, Puerto Rico to St. Thomas, Dominica,
Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Kitts.  The 7 day cruise began June 29th and ended July 6th.

Though I had visited Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Kitts before, I enjoyed them very much.  
They appear to be more developed than when I first visited them but the development appears
to blend in with the island rather than over power it.

It rained as we docked in Barbados, Dominica, Antigua and St. Kitts.  Though most were brief
showers, the rain that fell while we were docked in Barbados was continuous.
The morning
routine on the
Lido Deck for
breakfast.
The upper deck of the Sun and
Sea Restaurant on the Lido Deck
The Rotunda as seen
from deck 8 (Verandah)
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
www.visitusvi.com
After we docked, I stood on the balcony of the cabin.  
I was shocked to see another ship zooming by us.  
The Miracle docked in front of the Destiny.
Sea birds
came
close to
the ship
and
passengers.

It appears
someone
was
feeding
them.
Magen's Bay
Romar, Jasir and Jade

Bernissa not
too comfy in
the sun!  
Havensight
Mall.  
She
is wearing
the t-shirt
made
specifically
for the
cruise!
Getting back on board!
Leaving St. Thomas
A Royal Caribbean ship (Grandeur) was docked in
Crown  Bay.  It can be seen here as it left St. Thomas.
Looks as if the Grandeur of the Seas is about to
turn over!  It was turning to go out to sea.
Here you can see the Rotunda: Decks 3, 4 and 5.  
On 3 were the Purser and Information, the main
entrance to the Galaxy Dining Room; on 4 were the
photo displays and library; while on 5 were various
stores, the casino, the disco, etc.
The Palladium Lounge, which was in the forward
part of ship, Decks 3, 4, and 5.
For more information about Carnival, please click here.
June 30, 2008
Part of the group at Magen's Bay.
Update, 07/23/13 - The Carnival Destiny is now the
Carnival Sunshine.

Additional Information  - On January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia (owned by Carnival) collided with a
rock close to Isola del Giglio, Tuscany, off Italy's coast, and partially sunk.  There were a few deaths.  
In July 2014, the ship was refloated and taken to Genoa to be dismantled.  On 11 February 2015, after a trial
of more than eighteen months, Captain Schettino was found guilty of manslaughter of 32 passengers and
sentenced to 16 years in prison.

The beginning of 2013 was not good for Carnival.  There were a few malfunctions/fires on some of their ships,
the worse being the Triumph (February 10, 2013 - engine room fire).  In May 2103, there was a fire in the  
back of the Grandeur of the Seas (Royal Caribbean).   The list goes on.  The Triumph returned to service on
June 13, 2013, after being refurbished at a cost of $115 million.  

However, I don't think any of this has deterred people from cruising.  It won't stop me!

The Carnival Destiny, after a $155 million overhaul, became the Carnival Sunshine.

May 13, 2020 - The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused havoc to the cruise industry.  
Will any of the lines go bankrupt?  Many passengers became ill on cruise ships.  
Ships were barred from entering various ports.  Some ships were allowed to dock but passengers
were not allowed to leave until they were tested.  Everyday it was a different story.  
Will the cruise line ever recover?   Will the ships begin cruising again?
Who would have known this would happen to my favorite means of traveling?
God help us all.