Carnival Glory 1/15/05-1/22/05

[barbiegirl]

We had a group of 51 people ranging from early 20's-late 80"S.This was my 6th cruise, 3 Royal Carribean, 2 Carnival and 1 Princess. I had a great cruise and enjoyed it!

We flew down to Orlando Thursday morning with a group of 13. We had a direct flight from Southwest and booked a car through Avis at the airport. A 2 day rental was $82.09 with tax and insurance. We were able to return it to Cape Canaveral. We stayed at the Comfort Suites in Kissimee. The hotel was beautiful and it was $62.99 because we booked it about a year in advance. They offer continental breakfast, 24 hour pool and jacuzzi and free shuttles to Disney and Universal. We did Universal On Friday in the rain but had a great time with a small crowd and small lines.

We drove to Port Canaveral. It was maybe 45 minute drive. We dropped the luggage and most of the group off and then returned the rental cars. It was slightly confusing finding Avis from the port. The shuttle then took the rest of the group back to the port.

Boarding was easy. We waited for the ship to board in an orderly line. Our funpass had gone through online and it was relatively easy.

We were on the ship before noon. We were given a slip of paper that asks not to go to your room until after 1:30 because of housekeeping and the lido is open for food. We went by our room to see if we could drop off our carryon bags and met our steward. He said no problem and even got us extra pillows like we asked. He never unlocked the fridge all week and we did not ask because we did not need it. We were very happy with him except the last night our bed was made very messy and we had to remake it, a minor thing. He also would take anything I threw in the garbage out, my backpack with the broken arm, etc. We had towel animals 4 of the nights. He was always in the hall waiting to clean our room and was very nice. We had an inside cabin, 2439. We both had a robe in the room and there was a small basket in the bathroom with disposable razors, toothpaste samples, a nice reach flosser. The dispenser in the shower had lever soap and shampoo. They also gave you a full bar of lever soap. There was only 1 plug and luckily I brought an extension cord and my clock. The safe is activated by a swipe card. I had brought an old gift card with a swipe from home. Many people had to get new room keys because the strip would stop working. Carnival tells you do not use your room key on the safe.

We went to the lido deck where they had the typical buffet, deli, chinese food, pizza, burgers and hot dogs. Later in the trip we found the fish and chips, deck 10. We also loved the self service ice cream. There was also a sushi bar, on a lower level and creams, the coffee bar and dessert place that had a fee. We got a chocolate shake and ice cream with peaches one day for $7.70. It was very rich.

Our luggage arrived after the muster drill but with plenty of time for dinner. I was shocked at the number of people who were drunk and I mean fall down drunk by the time of the muster drill.

Dinner was casual the first night. The biggest problem we had with the group was our dinner seating arrangements. We had given a list of who wanted to sit together. I know there are always problems but families were split up. You would think people with the last name would be placed together but husband and wives were even seated at different tables. When my dad met with the Maitre'd he said we could move amongst ourselves and sit anywhere at the group tables. We had 5-6 tables for 8. It worked out fine and we loved our waiter, George from Romania. He was going home after our cruise and was so excited to see his family. We adored George!

After dinner we did the welcome aboard show. The cruise director was Stuart Dunn from Australia. He was pretty good. I thought he was funny. We did not see alot of him as he later said he had the flu.

We finished up the night at the lido deck talking. I sat at a table in the red sail and could not get up because someone had put chewed gum under the table and it stuck to my shirt. It was disgusting!

We went back to the room and my husband ordered room service. Room service was mostly sandwiches with chips and I liked the brownie/chocoate chip cookie plate.

Day 2 was Key West. We had an advisory for strong winds so we changed and wore sweatshirts. Once you are off the ship, you must take a trolley through the naval base you dock at, into town. You get dropped off next to where you sign up for the train or trolley ride. We did not do an excursion. We walked around and shopped. There were many chain restaurants. I wanted a cheeseburger in paradise so we ate at Margarittaville. We saw the lighthouse which is right by Hemmingways house, which we did not see. I think it was $11.00 to go into either. We did not see the southernmost point. We took the trolley back to the ship and spent the rest of the day on the ship.

Day 3 was a sea day and Formal night. We had 8:00 seating. The Captain’s Party was held in several bars so it did not seem overcrowded. I wanted a Pina Colada so I just walked up to the bar and ordered my drink of choice. I never saw the captain and maybe heard 1 announcement from him the entire cruise.

Day 4 was Belize. We booked the zoo excursion through the ship, I think it was $54.00 per person. Initially I wanted to do the baboon sanctuary but was skeptical after reading the boards. We took an airconditioned tour of the city and about a 45 minute ride to the zoo. The island is very poor and the dogs even looked sickly. Contrary to all the horror stories I had heard, I did not see officers with guns waiting to shoot you all over the island. I saw 1 guard in front of the bank and that was it. We enjoyed the zoo. Our guide was very good and we saw everything from various kinds of monkeys to jaguars. The guide warns everyone to stay with the group, people started wandering off when you heard a loud scream, the water cow decided to mark his territory and sprayed one of our group. It smelled and was pretty gross. Needless to say everyone stayed with the group after that.

Day 5 was Cozumel. We had a light rain that day but it was mostly drizzle. We took a cab into town. The caper tells you it is $6.00. There were 4 of us and we handed the driver $28, he gave it back and told us $6 a carload. We were pleasantly surprised that he gave it back to us. They drop you off at an outdoor mall type place. We walked around and went to Carlos & Charlies. We enjoyed lunch and Mexican Beer, Sol. It was fun and as the day gets later it gets more wild. We took another cab back and shopped in the area around the pier. There were many stores and the prices were very reasonable. We got 3 mexican blankets for $12.95.

Day 6 was Progresso Yucatan. We had booked the ruins tour, Dzibitchalan tour. It was a quick airconditioned bus ride. I think it was $62.00 per person. We saw people who took a cab and tour for about $20 per person less than we paid. I am one who will book my own excursion but feel better that we booked the ship’s tour just in case we did not make it back to the ship on time. Once you arrive you are given a bottle of water and access to a coat check type locker. The ruins were great and Yucatan was beautiful. We had a guided tour but you could wander off. We saw the Cenote, which is the famed hot springs. It looked beautiful. Walking down into it looked difficult as there were no stairs or handrails. There were lillypads and lots of fish so it did not appeal to me to jump in. One person in our group went in and loved it. He said the fish would nibble at him. There was a restaurant if you were hungry. After the tour, there were a few shops to browse in. We then took the bus back. Yucatan had a 7 mile pier. Because the water was not deep enough, they built the pier out to the ships. All along the pier were many shops. I loved Yucatan and would want to do that port again.

Day 7 was a sea day. We packed early and used the pool. It was overcast and rainy. We enjoyed the back pool with the dome. The water was cold but I had the pool mostly to myself. They opened the dome once it cleared up.

I used the back pool both times. I like to read a book so I tend to avoid the main pool. No one bothered me with drinks and they have a security guard by the pool who would tell the parents if kids jumped in the pool that there was no jumping. I used the hot tub once and it was not very hot. The soft serve ice cream was great and was always available.

My husband went to use the gym but he said it was always crowded and never actually worked out. We did not use the spa at all.

I enjoyed the massage chairs on deck 5 just outside the casino. They took cash and you could put $1, $5, $10 or $20 bills in. We used $1 bills and got 2 minutes. We used them every day. If you put a bill in you do not get change.

We did not use the casino but many people in our group won. The first night someone hit $1200. We also had a $1,000 bingo winner and my mom won $170 the one time she played bingo. Bingo was very frequent and typically $10 for 1 card or a 3 pack for $20. The bingo session my mom won was $10. They would play 1 game for $1,000. It seemed like bingo was before most shows and several times a day. They were always pushing bingo. They did not do win a cruise bingo. They sold raffle tickets for win a free cruise, $10 or 3/$20. They must not have sold many because they then sold 4/$10 if you had already purchased 1.

We used the arcade a few times. We played air hockey, $1.00 a turn and Ms.Pacman 50 cents. You can purchase tokens on the card and if you buy $10 you get $12. The arcade had a monopoly theme and it was very cool. It was not crowded and they had a good selection of games.

We went to some of the shows in the Amber Palace. We did the Welcome Aboard, the first adult comic, Justin Illusion and left during the sword swallower. We did not go to the Motown Show with Marcus Anthony and heard it was great! We also heard the Broadway type show was good. The second comedian we had seen before. Justin Illusion was a little fake dramatic at times but overall I enjoyed it. The Sword Swallower was beyond bad, he had no stage presence and was just bad. Most shows had bingo before, so seats were filled and many left before the shows started. The Amber Palace is 3 floors with stadium seating. We always sat in the bottom where it was cooler. We also met for 1 of the excursions there. The drink waiters were very pushy at the shows and often they would be in the way when I was trying to watch the show. After the 3rd time of saying no thank you they should realize I am not going to buy a drink.

We used the laundry room twice. There was no wait including a sea day. It was $2.00 a load for both the washer and dryer, Detergent was $1.00. They only take quarters so I had to make 2 treks to the pursers for change. It is too bad they do not have it set up to do the sail and sign or a change machine.

My biggest complaint with the Glory was the set up. It was very frustrating to have to go up walk mid ship and go down. The middle of the ship is the Golden Dining Room. It takes up 2 floors and is on deck 3& 4. We were in the back of the ship. We would have to go up to 5 walk through the middle and go down to 3 for the pursers or 4 for the photographs. Initially it was confusing but it got to be tedious because you could not just run somewhere quick and be right back. The elevators were not plentiful and had a horrible smell. At first I thought someone got sick in them but it may have been the wax they do the floors because they smelled everyday. We often took an elevator down and then back up because you could wait quite awile for an elevator to go up.

Our room was in the back of the ship. I was worried that the motion would be bad, we had no problem and I would book a back of the ship room again. The second night the water was a little rough but it was a very smooth cruise.

We used the Emerald Supper club. It was $25 per person and well worth it. Plan on 2 hours. None of the men wore a jacket , just dressy shirts. Most of the men we went with brought or rented tuxes so they did not have a suit jacket. My husband did not want to be the only guy in a jacket so he wore a dress shirt. The food was superb. They start with a cold asparagus soup (very small portion) for the ladies and some little fish/meat tower for the men. We then had appetizers, lobster bisque yum, followed by a salad, For dinner I had surf and turf, Filet Mignon and Lobster with Yukon gold mashed potatoes. They also had a pumpkin ravioli and I forget what else on the plate. For dessert I had warm flourless chocolate cake with homemade ice cream. If that was not enough they bring you a plate with more desserts including chocolate covered strawberries which I did not even have one because I was so full. It is all about presentation and it was very nice, I would definitely recommend the supper club.

I was surprised at the wear and tear of the ship. There was a broken wood base on the stairway by the piano bar that was slightly dangerous and broken all week. One of the cabins, the speaker in the bathroom was pulled out of the wall and was that way the whole cruise. There was a broken glass insert on the stairs. These were things that had not been even attempted to have been fixed. On past cruises I would see staff polishing, painting and fixing all the time. The only maintenance I saw was in Yucatan they were painting the outside of the ship. The worst complaint was our hallway, there must have been a plumbing issue because it smelled the whole trip. Towards the end of the week our bathroom had a bad small as well.

We bought about $150-$200 in photos, this is always my weakness. You can have your picture taken at any of the set ups for free. You choose which picture you want to buy. 8x10’s were $20. After you purchase the 8 x 10 you can get other packages, I think it was $5 for 4 wallets. They had a special for $10, I think it was 4 wallets a 5X7 and a 4X6 . I am not sure what it was but it seemed like a good package. They also take an embarkation photo that comes in 8X10 for $11.99 and the formal table picture at dinner was $11.99. When you get off the ship at each island they take your picture with the port and the date, they are $7.99. In Cozumel they had natives in traditional dress for you to take your picture with, they were $8.99. They also have the Carnival Mascot, Funship Freddy character, we took a picture with him, that was $7.99. If you bought a stuffed funship Freddy for $10 at the photo shop you got a free picture. The photo people surprisingly were not too pushy! There were always several stations set up and with the exception of formal night there were no lines. They had old fashioned photos one night complete with costumes and props.

Overall we had a great time. There were several things that could have been improved, however a bad day on a cruise (which we did not have) certainly beats a good day at home. W had a great time. I would do Carnival again. I was disappointed with the continous commercials to buy things from Carnival. I expect the onslaught of bar waiters with drinks and bingo to an extent. However the whole cruise was like one big commercial. They pushed the carnival credit card at every chance, the return cruise party, at shows, in your room, the casino, it was everywhere. Bingo was often and seemed to be a priority. I think because the cost of a cruise has gone down that they have to make up for it somewhere, but I was turned off by the constant selling by carnival. Feel free to as k questions!

[AllenF]

Thanks for your review we enjoyed the Glory also.

[lilsonicfan]

Great review!

What night did you choose for the supper club?

[barbiegirl]

We chose Tuesday night at 7:00 the day we were in Belize. Monday and Thursday were formal nights, we did not want to miss those in the dining room. One of the first things we did was make a reservation for the supper club once we boarded. They had someone down by the Piano Bar with the menus and a tray of wrapped meat, lobster etc to see the portions. We tried checking with the dining room first to see if there was a theme night that we would want to miss. In the past we have always gone on Caribean night because we did not care for the food in the dining room. The Maitre'D said they did away witht the theme nights and had some entertainment some of the nights. We made a reservation for a party of 8, I think you could make it for up to 10 at a table. They sent one invitation to the person who put their name in for a reminder the night before. I was surprised that the supper club was not crowded when we went. When we were on the spirit , it was filled rather quickly and people were turned away. There were several empty tables. The only disapointment was when we were on the spirit there was live entertainment and dancing, there was only soft background music playing. They had a special the first night if you booked the supper club, I think you got a free 8x 10 picture.

The food was excellent and my mom got a 23 ounce Porterhouse.It was definately worth the money.

[barbiegirl]

I forgot to post that on the Monday night of the cruise there was a fist fight in the dining room. It was about 10 tables away from us, so we only saw the crowd and herad the yelling. I do not know what they were fighting about but when the wait staff tried to break it up they almost got punched. They escorted the 2 couples out of the dining room. Apparently they got into another fight just outside the dining room in front of the elevator. Rumor was this was witnessed by the captain and they were put off the ship the next day. I did not see any of this but I did see luggage by the gangplank as we departed for our tour in Belize.

[Girlsnightout]

Thanks for the very detailed and thorough review, we are going on the Glory (eastern) in April. I have to say that it is disappointing, especially WRT the behavior of the passengers..falling down drunk? fighting? Doesn't say much for the Carnival cruisers. Hopefully we'll find more of a family atmosphere as our cruise is over the childrens spring break.

 

And what about that dining assignments? I have to admit that right now I'm very concerned about whether we are going to get the time (6:15) and tables (we're also a big family group, but with different last names) we booked so long ago. On our invoice from the TA it says first seating, and the TA insists that first refers to the 5:45 and 6:15. I have a hard time believing that Carnival will know that we only want 6:15 seating when it isn't specified anywhere....can anyone explain this, cause my TA sure can't, just tells me to "trust her"..:rolleyes:

[mnsawyer]

I hate to say it, but your TA can only request dining room times, it's not a guarantee and that is printed in the Carnival brochure. But, don't dispair. We wanted to change our table assignment to 2 on our Triumph cruise two years ago. Once you get your sail and sign card when you board, you'll know if you need to see the mait're d. Go to the directed dining room in your capers when you first board. It's typically in the dining room in the atrium lobby. Just ask to make a change. We had no problems changing and were about the 4th people in line. He definetely got a tip from us at the end of the week.

[PelicanBill]

Thanks for your review, we were on the same sailing and it's fun to see the perspective of others from the same trip. Which group were you with? Our neighbors were with a group that did home improvements, and I know there was a radio station group called "rock the cruise." Did they do anything for the group other than mix up your dining?

 

I heard stories about the fist fight but they were all second hand. What a strange thing!

[barbiegirl]

We found out about the dining romm assignments while we were all checking in and waiting to board. It was almost comical because the families were so scattered. My mother has always given a detailed list to the TA, we use the same one each time. Luckily we all had the same seating (1 couple chose the early seating). I think we had 6 tables of 8 and they were all along the back wall of the dining room. My father went to see the maitre'd immediately. He was very nice and said just move about your tables however you would like. My dad asked what if the wait staff gets mad and he said, "Tell them I said go to Hell." and laughed. Once my dad saw that the tables were all together and it no longer became an issue. I really wonder how Carnival does the seating. I can understand the when putting names in the computer that my married name does not match my parents so I could be seperated from them. But a husband and wife and the tables were not even next to each other. One family had 6 of the same last name and 3 different tables. It all worked out but people were getting upset when they were not seated together.

As a group we got a great rate from the TA and a $75 onboard credit per room. They sent my dad the group leader a bottle of champagne. They sent him a note about the group being entitled to an internet discount, maybe 20 free minutes if you bought a package. In the past we have gotten a group party from our TA, similar to the return cruiser party but everyone wanted the credit instead.

We wanted to get a group photo and they could not schedule us until Friday. The photographer did not show so we had to call and wait for a new one.

[barbiegirl]

Our group was just a group from Albany NY that cruises each year with no particular common thread. The group grows and grows, people tell people and more come each year. It is great to have such a mix in ages and interests. I like going with a group becuase you can do your own thing but if I want to do a galley tour and my husband wants to go to the arcade we can find others to do things with. We usually go every other year but went the past 2 years in a row. The group seems to prefer Carnival. I like the food on Carnival and have always defended them when people would call it a party ship. I definately think they cater to families and I hear great things about camp carnival. I think we just got a sailing that people really let loose.

[SoCalCruiseguy]

"I have to say that it is disappointing, especially WRT the behavior of the passengers..falling down drunk? fighting? Doesn't say much for the Carnival cruisers".

 

A bit of a snobbish and presumptuous statement wouldn't you say? I mean noone including myself likes to be hassled, impugned upon or exposed to people acting like that, especially when my kids are in tow. But... with that said, I can say that in my lifetime I have had the unfortunate "pleasure" of witnessing people acting stupid in public on more than a few occassions. Yet, when this has happened, I have never indicted everyone else in the same zip code as being guilty of the same indiscretion. Inappropriate conduct while at sea is not exclusive to CCL and I would bet that CCL is probably tougher with the penalties for this kind of stuff when it occurs than many other cruiselines if only to combat that type of sterotyping.

[RRCRUISE]

My wife and I were on the 1/29 sailing on the Glory and we were surprised to see what Barbiegirl mentioned during her cruise. This was our sixth cruise with Carnival and in past cruises---we had to get to the shows early to get a decent seat...not on this cruise. Most would leave after the bingo game and there was plenty of open seating for the show. This was the "oldest" group of passengers that we've ever sailed with...even on RCCL also. My wife and I got a kick out of a husband and wife that was trying to save 4 sets of bench seats on the second level in the Amber Palace. One sat at one entrance and another at the other to block the section and told everyone that the seats were saved and they couldn't sit there. Finally an older group of passengers were told "NO" and they told them they couldn't save seats and they stepped by them and said they were sitting there. The couple didn't say a word and people sittng around them chuckled as they watched them turn away about 15 people trying to sit there.LOL Some of the Lido deck games were cancelled due to lack of guests wanting to participate. Unlike Brabiegirl, we did see them cleaning the ship as they were setting new floor tiles on the lido deck, varnishing the deck railing, and steam cleaning they hall ways on some floors.

[Girlsnightout]

A bit of a snobbish and presumptuous statement wouldn't you say? .... Inappropriate conduct while at sea is not exclusive to CCL and I would bet that CCL is probably tougher with the penalties for this kind of stuff when it occurs than many other cruiselines if only to combat that type of sterotyping.

 

No, I wouldn't say.....let's face it, Carnival does have a certain reputation, and apparently there's some basis for having earned it. Stereotypes usually get that way for a reason. That being said, I would be including myself as a Carnival cruiser, because I am sailing with them. I've been on 7 cruises and have never witnessed inappropriate behavior. It will be my first cruise with Carnival, and if I do see any of the behavior that barbiegirl did, it will also be my last.

[mnsawyer]

With over 3000 passengers on board, you are bound to once in a while have a problem or two especially when there is alcohol involved. It could happen on any cruise line. Don't base one incident on the entire line. If you got with a good attitude, you'll have a great time. If you go with a poor attitude, you probably won't have a good time. Enjoy and relax!!

[SoCalCruiseguy]

No, I wouldn't say.....let's face it, Carnival does have a certain reputation, and apparently there's some basis for having earned it. Stereotypes usually get that way for a reason. That being said, I would be including myself as a Carnival cruiser, because I am sailing with them. I've been on 7 cruises and have never witnessed inappropriate behavior. It will be my first cruise with Carnival, and if I do see any of the behavior that barbiegirl did, it will also be my last.

 

 

Well its news to me that CCL is famous for onboard fights. I find that extremely hard to believe. In fact you know why I know its not true? Because if it was CCL would have figured out how to make money from it already! No sometimes people simply WANT to believe certain stereotypes are true to justify there particular position. But in the spirit of dialogue I would still say that your "take" although your absolute right to do so, is still a pretty illogical attitude (I'm being nice), since there is absolutely no cruiseline in existence where you can be totally insulated from stupid people or even decent people doing stupid things now and then. If you sail enough IT WILL happen. I don't care if your on the QM2 in the Queens Grill. So why set yourself up for failure and/or disappointment in advance? STUFF happens at times, when you least expect it in fact, you need to deal with it and get on with life (or the cruise). Because the only one who gets penalized in all of this seems to be you and if your not the one making trouble, I must ask whyyou would penalize yourself? Not like CCL or the other 2700 are going to miss one person or couple. Just a thought

[halos]

Thanks SoCal & mnsawyer!

Stuff happens on every line. There was a thread going a few months back about X cruisers who brought paint with them and drew graffiti all over the walls of the Panama Canal. A passenger took photos of the culprits, reported them to the crew and the crew shrugged their shoulders. It amazes me because had that happened aboard a Carnival ship, it would have been front page news on all the boards.

 

Carnival's 'reputation' is what it is because of people who want to feel superior.

[mnsawyer]

We're sailing the Glory in early April (not school vacation!) so am anxious to see the "mix" of passengers. We typically sail in March which is assuredly spring break for most of the month.

[halos]

We're sailing the Glory in early April (not school vacation!) so am anxious to see the "mix" of passengers. We typically sail in March which is assuredly spring break for most of the month.

 

 

Ooooh...not sure about early April not being school vacation week. Where I live, spring break for the school district is the week of 4/19. Not all spring breaks are during the easter holiday....although I do think college spring breaks are earlier.

[mnsawyer]

I'm sure there will be lots of kids but at least it's not the 4/19 week. Any idea what time generally we will be able to disembark from the ship? Trying to arrange for transportation back to the airport. We're on upper deck.

[OCruisers]

barbiegirl .... Really enjoyed your review! Thanks for taking the time to tell us all about it! Very Helpful!

 

Question Please: Noticed, you mentioned TWO Formal Nights. Will the REST of the be nights casual? So, my DH needs to take his tux ... but will NOT need a sports coat and tie on any other nights? :confused:

 

Thanks again for the wonderful review and would very much appreciate your answer on the dress question above.

 

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[amyw92]

We're sailing the Glory in early April (not school vacation!) so am anxious to see the "mix" of passengers. We typically sail in March which is assuredly spring break for most of the month.

 

We are cruising on April 2nd during our child's spring break week.

[OCruisers]

barbiegirl .... Really enjoyed your review! Thanks for taking the time to tell us all about it! Very Helpful!

 

Question Please: Noticed, you mentioned TWO Formal Nights. Will the REST of the be nights casual? So, my DH needs to take his tux ... but will NOT need a sports coat and tie on any other nights? :confused:

 

Thanks again for the wonderful review and would very much appreciate your answer on the dress question above.

 

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

 

HELP! GLORY Cruisers! Please, please help me out on this dress question!

[MrsTiggerNH]

On a 7 night Carnival cruise there should be 2 formal nights (suit and tie or tux). Other nights are 'Casual Resort wear'. Slacks and sports shirt are given as example on the FAQ page. Anything but shorts or swimswear.:p

[OCruisers]

Thanks! Great! DH already has a tux so he won't have to also take a sports coat! :)