mnsawyer

Paul - I was just thinking that I needed a cruise fix this Sunday morning - knew your trip report would fit the bill

Have to mention to you two things - we were in South Beach last April - Jerry's Deli is long gone - not sure what happened but it was empty in April 2015; lots of construction going on over several blocks of South Beach which isn't a bad thing

Secondly, due to your trip reports of staying at the Savoy we have always walked by the hotel and checked out the pool area, etc. - know how much you and your family love it there

Nice review - we too, thought that the food on Carnival has declined considerably. We sailed the Glory in 2014 on a 7-day eastern and the food was excellent. In 2015, we did a short cruise to Key West and Cozumel. Food in the main dining room in our opinion was not good. Very disappointed and it seems like many others are as well. We have sailed Carnival for many years and been loyal to Carnival. Honestly, rethinking another line next time.

Nice review - unfortunately, our cruise on the Glory in March was a disappointment - we too, felt food on Carnival in the past was very good. This year was not good at all and we are not picky.

Incredible review! Amazing photos from PEI - we live in Central Maine so assuredly feel your pain with regard to the snow and cold this winter. Hopefully, you have seen some melting and understand that the weather should start to change over the weekend. We actually had a couple inches of snow yesterday morning.

Cannot believe that you could travel direct to Miami on your flight! Wow and totally understand the cost of airfare - it is high from the Northeast especially on the weekends.

We are ready to try a different cruise line and thinking about Celebrity. So enjoying all of your photos, your family and sense of humor!

Keep posting!

We sailed the March 26th cruise on the Glory as well - we have sailed many Carnival cruises and thought this one was the most disappointing. While we have sailed on 4-day cruises once before, I thought the mix of passengers was definitely a party, party crowd. Also, I was not impressed with the DJ who said on one morning - no screaming - who is going to get wasted today!!

Also, we felt that the quality of food compared to our 7-day cruise on the Liberty last year was very poor. WE are not picky eaters and the food overall was not good. Dining room was only good one night and the Lido deck food was just a recycling of items from prior meals.

So glad we had a balcony room since we were on our balcony most of the time. Our table was right next to the waiters area so it wasn't great but at least we had a table for 2.

For the $1100 we paid for the cruise, it assuredly was not worth the money.

Time to take a break from cruising and Carnival I guess. We did have a great experience with our pre-cruise stay for 3 nights on South Beach (got out just in time for Ultra Music) and then 2 nights post before returning home.

Vacation is here just about - bags are almost packed - we fly to FLL tomorrow morning for a South Beach pre-cruise stay - leave on 4-night cruise on Glory on 26th to Key West and Cozumel

I found the e-mail information last year - e-mailed the Liberty maitre'd regarding our request for an early seating table for 2. Included date, sailing and VIP number. REceived a response with a day and the table selection and time was perfect! Am doing it again this weekend for our Glory cruise in a couple of weeks.

We had the same itinerary a few years ago on Carnival - we did eat dinner in the main dining room that night which was very empty at early seating (6:15) - lots of people did the lido deck buffet that night. Agreed that after dinner it was dark but we went back out which we were glad we did. Ithink there was a restaurant right in the port area which was packed - assumed many cruisers had dinner there instead of on the ship. Main entertainment was the bars. Not sure how late shopping at the pier stayed open but assume it was close to departing time. We were still out shopping around 9 and everything was open then.

WE didn't go into town so I can't comment on that.

Great review - if you don't mind me asking, how much was the resort for a day at the Westin inGrand Cayman?

Get to the dining room - will make a huge difference!

The Celebration was our first cruise ship in January 1990 on a trip to the eastern Caribbean - have been cruising most years since

Unfortunately, most expensive time of year in Miami - would suggest staying at an airport hotel instead of Southbeach - good luck

The last few times we have sailed out of Miami, even with waiting a bit, you are off the shop by 8:30-9; your flight time seems fine

Do luggage express with the cruise line - you'll just have your carryon - renting a car may be your best bet especially if there are 5 of you -

The Richmond Hotel is were we typically stay on South Beach - right on the beach and close by to everything - you don't need a car - it's very convenient - hotel is old but pool area is very lush and nice - would highly recommend - 17th on Collins

We were in San Juan on a cruise last year - cruise wasn't from there but one of our stops - there is a Sheraton steps from the dock - we are actually thinking about a cruise out of San Juan for this year. The only issue I would think is that you will be off the ship early on Sunday morning - am sure you could store your luggage at the hotel but won't be able to check in until later. Lots to do right there.

Wow - incredible - fabulous job - when did you take all of those pictures? The ship was pretty much empty?

You could also do a post-cruise tour - great way to spend the morning and can keep your luggage right on the bus. You'll be in port very early in the morning so 2:30 is no problem

Menus were excellent - we sailed 4/26 - tablecloths used every night - we were at a table for 2 but did see dishes that were on larger tables to share - we thought menus were so, so much better than a year ago - food was very, very good in our opinion

We were on the Liberty - my husband and I really enjoyed this cruise - loved the itinerary and four ports in 7 days - HMC and Grand Turk were new to us - beautiful places - HMC food was very poor - only negative part of the cruise in our opinion

We thought the dining room choices were a lot better than a year ago - we enjoyed the dining room for dinner and breakfast - food much better and atmosphere much more relaxed than lido food - we did eat at the Mongolian Wok a few times and enjoyed it very much

Service was good and our wait staff excellent - we tried lots of dishes and the only item I did not like was a dessert on the final night - otherwise, we liked everything but are not picky eaters

We were on the Lido deck in a lovely balcony cabin - our zone was not called on Saturday am until 9:15 so that was much later than we expected but we were in no rush - enjoyed our balcony and the room steward did not ask us to leave

Sorry if I am highjacking this thread but would be more than willing to answer any questions

Plenty of deck chairs - very few children on this cruise - we sailed much later than we typically do - we are usually late March but this time it worked out well for us especially with the long, cold winter

Hello fellow Mainer - we live not too far away from you - anxious to read your review - we are sailing the Eastern Caribbean on the Liberty on the 26th

I found the e-mail address for the maitre'd on this board - I sent an e-mail yesterday at 8:14 am and received a response at 12:30 pm indicating they would take care of my request - excellent service!

I would do a post-cruise excursion - several options and a nice way to end your vacation - store your luggage and then a ride to the airport

I would definitely stay on South Beach - so much to see and do - yes, hotels can be pricey but there are many options especially if you just want a place to sleep, shower, etc - a pool is great but you have miles of great beach to enjoy - we have stayed at the Richmond, South Seas, Marseilles and Raleigh - the Raleigh's pool is one of the best - all are right on the beach but many hotels are not which would be cheaper - good luck but be sure to stay on South Beach - I would never want to be stuck out at the airport for a post-cruise!

Thinking of you and your family - totally understand about ill, aging parents - my mom has been in a nursing home for 2 years with alz - our prayer is every night that she will just go to sleep - many things worse than death.

We always take the insurance (not only for the cruise but air, hotels, etc.) just because you never know - hoping that you can go on your trip.