GLORY BE to COZ! Review 16 Mar

[jacketnation5]

GLORY Review Spring Break Western Carib -16-23 March 2014 – It may take a couple of days to finish this complete review!

 

Background: My Family of 5 (kids 9, 11, and 13) really enjoyed our cruise on the GLORY. We have cruised about 7 times, mostly Carnival, but also NCL and Princess. I doubt I’ll have time to add photos, but I’ll try to add lots of detail to give a little something back to Cruise Critic, which I have enjoyed as a source of good cruise info for years.

 

Pre-cruise: Enjoyed the research and anticipation. Lots of drama these days on the boards, though, about Carnival, the new menus, entertainment, etc. More on those subjects later. We live in South FL so the Sunday drive to Miami was easy. Got to POM at about 11:20 or so, dropped the bags and family at the curb, tipped the porter and double checked the bags and tags, and ran the van back around the loop to park nearby. Regrouped with the family, past the Lemonade stand and in we go! Beautiful day in Miami, though quite windy.

 

Embarkation: Could be a new world record. Not sure how they do it, 3000 people on a full cruise and we breezed through. Quick checks of our docs (have your boarding pass copies and passports ready for the pre-screener), through the scanner and bag scan (no naughty table for me with my carry-on water case, soda case and wine bottles). DW grabbed a Zone number (I missed noticing that), short line to a Sign and Sail agent for photos, card issue and passport re-checks. By the time we used the bathroom, they already had called our zone. Cued up the escalators and walked aboard into the busy Ship Lobby. Punched our cards aboard and up the glass elevators to the Lido! HOORAY, the Adventure has started! Checked the watch and I think it was 12:05, Amazing. Big choice now, what to eat first! Walked by the Deli with no line and went with the Grilled Rubin’s, Hot Pastrami, Cole Slaw and pickles, Nice Start, delicious and fresh…Grabbed a couple of Guy Burgers, fries and potato sticks, a little later to sample (Had to try, and Yes, y’all were right, they are REALLY Good, much better than the old ones, and the fries are sinful…so begins the inevitable cruise over-eating!) as we relaxed above the pool to enjoy the music, port scene, and ship.

 

Ship: Our first 2.0 experience, I have to say, I was fairly impressed. The food and bar options were handy, clean, and updated. Never waited long in any lines (again not sure how they do this on a full Spring Break crowd ship). More on the food and drinks later. The color theme on GLORY is pretty well -done, made each lounge and area unique, and not too gaudy. GLORY is a Big Ship, impressively clean, and handled the windy seas quite well. There was some fairly heavy seas and wind to get through the first two days, till we rounded Eastern Cuba, but the ship handled it well. There was some vibration Aft, but it is a Long Way to Central America, and the Captain had to push it to get there and back, when he could slow a little bit, the vibration went away. Had researched the floor plans, so never got blocked or lost (though other cruisers were sometimes getting stuck between floors)…Use Deck 5 Promenade (or Deck 2/6, if you have to) to go forward and back while downstairs. Never did we feel crowded on the decks during transit, including the Lido, although always busy. I noticed a couple of minor design flaws/choices: they really limit access to the bow areas due to over-adding upper rooms on Decks 9, 10 and 11, and the adult-friendly, well-used Serenity areas. You can use the nice ‘Secret’ outside bow areas on Decks 6 and 7, though. Also only access to the Gym is through the Spa lobby, through locker rooms, and the Gym, while nice and well-equipped (crowded on the first morning, but less as the cruise went on), has 3 feet of mirrors all along the top of the beautiful bow window-view panorama, blocking the view of the horizon from most aerobics machines (esp. for tall people like me!). Indoor Spa tub was nice, but turn up the heat! We prefer Aft cabins, and the Aft elevators rarely required any waiting. Deck 3 Lobby Deck provides access to the lower outside decks through the side doors in the lobby, this is a nice place to check out sea, sunsets or the moon if downstairs (some deck chairs are available for secluded relaxation). Platinum Dining room was nice for our early seating’s. Although we were blocked from a side outer view due to lack of windows, the Maitre’D kindly accommodated a move, the next night, to a more Aft table that afforded a nice sunset or horizon view and good view of the mid-floor action on formal nights for the waiters’ antics that the kids enjoyed (we did miss having Ellen as our server with our move, as she was great!).

 

More Later when I get the chance to continue...

[Jeansfanatic]

Yay!! Another Glory review!! Can't wait to read the rest!

[Ehpride]

Following!

[seashinesunshine]

Can't wait to hear more! 279 days til we board her for 2 weeks of fun!

[tomsprincesspn]

Can't wait to hear more sailing her in 42 days!!

 

 

5/15/11 Carnival Valor

5/14/12 Carnival destiny

5/11/13 Carnival Liberty

5/11/14 Carnival Glory

[roxyNC]

Going on the Glory at Thanksgiving. Thank you in advance for your review! It will be our first experience with the 2.0 upgrades.

[1dopeymecruiser]

Sailing 278 days with SeashineSunshine... Can't wait.

[jacketnation5]

OK, I'll Continue with more of our Review:

 

Meals and the NEW MENU: OK, Sorry you will get no bashing here, just my honest opinion. I know how touchy this subject is, so let me attempt…No cruise I have Ever been on was Outstanding Every Night, not Princess, not NCL and not old Carnival. I always enjoy the Dining Rooms, and ALWAYS Gain a little Weight! I always tend to over-order, usually ordering an extra appetizer or two and usually an extra meal for our table, in case someone does not care for their dish, or if we can’t decide or want to try a different offering. This was our strategy this cruise, as well, with the new menu and it worked just fine. Not every meal was on the new menu was Great, but all but one night we had really good choices that we liked, and thoroughly enjoyed the changes (yes, they needed to update the menu after all these years, even though change can be hard and imperfect). I used to enjoy the soups, too, but still enjoyed the French Onion Soup, New England Clam Chowder and the new Port offering of Chicken Tortilla Soup, yummy, and yes, they had Pumpkin Soup one night (they also had a few cold soups, but I did not partake), Minestrone, not so good. Appetizers were many and good, esp. if you remember the ‘Rare Finds’ (kids loved them) and Port of Call offerings. Memorable Apps include: Shrimp Cocktail (kids and DW enjoyed almost every night) Escargot, Oysters Rock., Mussels, Shrimp Quesadillas, Seared Tuna, Shrimp/Crab Cakes, Stuffed mushrooms, Greek Salad, Veg Salad, Arugula Salad, Table Calamari was good, although the Marinara sauce was not to my liking (use lemon or the other mustard/cream sauce provided).

Memorable Entrees include Prime Rib and Lobster, Chateaubriand (excellent), Steak Tacos, Chilli Rellenos, Spinach Pie, Shrimp Curry/Creole dishes were excellent, my daughter enjoyed may of the fish entrees (Mahi, Tilapia, Sea Bass, etc.), I did not care for the Lamb Shank, but the Leg of Lamb was excellent, Steaks were Good.

Don’t forget to order side dishes, Succotash, Ratatouille (very Good), Basmati Rice and special salads were all good.

Desserts, you can’t go wrong with the Ole’ Carnival Chocolate Melting Cake, my family got it almost every night (thus a big part of the weight gain). You can ask for extra Ice Cream. But do not miss the Smores Parfait! We never tried the Pies, but Cappuccino Ice Cream was yummy…

NOTE: My family really liked the French Onion Soup, So, we asked if it would be on the menu again. Our waiter said no, but just let him know a night or two before, and he would request it to the chef. Later in the cruise, we enjoyed it again, nice.

All of our dinners were in the Platinum Dining room Early seating, and we enjoyed several breakfasts and Sea Day Brunches there, as well. Huevos Rancheros was a favorite (really Good), and the Steak and Eggs was excellent (Fillet was like Butta!). Kids enjoyed a Smoothie with our Past Cruiser coupons and I enjoyed their Bloody Mary’s. Eggs Bene good, too. I always also get the Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese and Capers at-sea, what a treat (it is also available on Room Service, Yeah)! Pancakes were a little dry. Kids liked the Hot Chocolate. Healthy Turkey Bacon? Don’t bother, not so good… Debark Day we were busy getting out and also late shopping for Photos, so we were about 10 minutes late for Dining Room Breakfast, but Lido Buffet was fine, though crowded, omelets were good, and seating was available upstairs in the ‘secret’ upper dining area where the little-used Fish and Chips stand is.

Speaking of Fish and Chips, we finally tried it for lunch the last sea day, Do Not Miss! Good Fish and Chips and Oysters, nice Cervice, Octopus-Olive salad, and Rare Tuna apps. I bet they would slice it up any Sushi-style you wanted, since they were rarely busy. My son and I really liked the Bouillabaisse, good tomato based broth w/ nice Mussels and Shrimo!

Also tried the Guy burgers a couple more times, they stay open later on Shore days. We loved the Cantina, too. Good Fish tacos and Great Pork tacos, great salsas and fresh Watermelon, Yum. I had to try the breakfast burritos once and Man, I wish I would have tried more…

Kids loved the always available Ice Cream machines, as usual. We managed to hit the Taste Bar twice (yeah, who had room?) Pumpkin cream soup and Fritters once, and some fresh fish apps, too. Never did the coffee café or Emeralds, so little time…Alcamey Bar is a great addition downstairs as is the cool Tequila Bar and good Red Frog Draft beers on the Lido.

Used Room service a couple of times, one shore morning they got a little backed up but let us know.

We did not mind the no table cloths on non-formal nights, and the servers wiped them down between courses, anyway. There was little or no movement of tableware, even when rough, and we Loved having the extra water Carafe for those thirsty evenings after a big shore day. Remember, the Kitchen is cooking 15000-20000 Meals A DAY! It can’t be the Ritz, so just enjoy and explore!

 

Ship Service: I had very good service throughout the ship for the most part. Crew members and officers were engaging, busy, but friendly. Lots of cleaning going on everywhere: Floors hallway Walls rails, stairs Tables, etc. Food stations were very efficient and friendly. CD Aussie Ken was good, not too bothersome and pretty funny at times.

As you can tell from above, we kept our Dining Room Servers very busy, they certainly earned their tips, but always tried their best to please and keep things moving for all their busy tables. We had a couple of minor issues with our room Stewards, with our two rooms, but overall they did an OK job.

[Dibleyboy]

Really enjoying this. We leave on April 27! So excited.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[tomsprincesspn]

Can't wait for May 11th !!

 

 

5/15/11 Carnival Valor

5/14/12 Carnival destiny

5/11/13 Carnival Liberty

5/11/14 Carnival Glory

[Jeansfanatic]

I was wondering what your take on the MDR would be! Thanks for all the information. It's nice to hear a great review of it.. :)

[Single_dreamer]

Following! I'm looking forward to my first Carnival Cruise on Glory!

[cruisin chef]

So glad to read this review. April 27th will be my first cruise ever on the Glory.

[jacketnation5]

Hang In There, I'm trying hard to keep working on this to get it all done...Next Section:

 

Activities and Shows: We really made it a point this cruise to get involved with more activities. My kids are getting older, and it is easier to split up and do more things. My kids really don’t do the Camp Carnival, as they are usually too busy enjoying the ship features and maxing out my excursions on shore days. Kids made good use of the Slide starting the first day as well as the pools and tubs. I used the Gym early mornings and always enjoy that (and need to!) The Putt Putt course was one of the best I have experienced on a cruise and we enjoyed it as a family several times. Also used the Volleyball/Basketall court a few times. There was also Ping Pong, Shuffleboard, Big Chess Matt, and Bag Toss available. Never used the Library this time, but saw others playing games. I can rarely find time for the Casino and this cruise was no different. I prefer Craps, and the one time I tried to go, the table was already full ($5 minimum that night, I think). My son really wanted to win a Ship on a Stick on this cruise, so we tried Trivia a few times and ended up winning Three!

We spent a lot of time at the Lido Pools (I guess we are Chair Hogs, as we use two or three chairs all day, but we are always in them, since. we are up early and out there on Sea Days enjoying the sun and pools). Here is a TIP: If you really want a chair around the pool, don’t expect there to be one when you come strolling out there at 11:45 after sleeping in and having a late Brunch! That is nice to do on a cruise, but you may have to sacrifice going up and out a deck or two (I saw some sour late comers…). Anyway, we saw and were entertained by the various perfunctory Fun Ship Lido activities (Hairy Chest, Ice Sculpture, Drink Contests, etc). I am not a huge fan of DJ music, but GLORY had a good one and kept things pumping throughout the cruise. There were two different Live Acoustic Guitarists out there to change things up (check the Fun Times for hours).

I am probably in the minority on this, but I am Kind of on the Fence about the new Playlist Production Shows. They definitely lack the Vegas Production spark and Set feel which I like, and they lack the Live Music Orchestra, which I do kind of miss, but the kids and DW really liked the upbeat/updated feel of the lasers, lights, and tie-in with the video backdrops. All eight singers/dancers worked hard and all sang and danced pretty well. We liked the Latin Show better than the Diva show, and did not see Motown, We caught the Hasbro show and I can see how that would not appeal, if you do not have kids (the younger the kids the better for this show). They picked one of my daughters who got to participate, but her team lost (but got a consolation prize). It did get a bit boring, I will admit. Saw a little of the Ole Marriage Game, CD did a funny job with it as usual. But our favorite Main show was the Ventriloquist they flew on (one night only). My son got picked at the end to be one of his ‘live dummies’, pretty funny, we enjoyed the whole show. Any disappointment in the Main shows is definitely overcome by enjoying the Punchliner Comedy Shows (pretty popular but always seats), this is a really enjoyable addition to our nights. We tried to catch as many Family shows as we could, and all really enjoyed them. DW and I caught two late night Adult shows as well. Good entertainment!

Finally, we did not really care for the Piano Bar Guy, but did do some Karaoke. Our favorite was definitely the Superstar Karaoke where you sing along with the Talented (and patient) House Band (Aft stage), kids and I both did this on two nights. There was no ‘Competition’ or prizes to play in a later Main show (I am sure I would have won…Kidding), but people seemed to enjoy our efforts and between my son’s Main stage appearance and me and my daughters’ Superstar efforts, we became somewhat infamous amongst the crowds…

Being Spring Break there was some serious Fun going on every night on the Lido till really late, but alas the daily activities and my stamina did not allow us to partake in the revelry, but it looked Fun!

 

Bottom Line: It really can be a Fun Ship if you make the effort, and there is certainly no shortage of opportunity for activity and entertainment, it is not Vegas, but you’re on Vacation, Have Some Fun!

[sammyjo882]

Did you happen to notice if there was a duo or trio by the casino outside of the casino that you could just sit & listen to or perhaps dance??

[erewhon]

Thanks for taking time to write your review.

Glad you had such a good cruise.

[wb3690]

Did you happen to notice if there was a duo or trio by the casino outside of the casino that you could just sit & listen to or perhaps dance??

 

I was on the glory the next week and every night there was a band in the casino that played a variety of music. The band that was there was Deja Vu. They were from Canada I believe. I loved listening to them and danced a few nights. I really enjoyed those nights. We actually ran into the band in puerto rico one day and they all yelled and said hi! Fun group!

[sammyjo882]

I was on the glory the next week and every night there was a band in the casino that played a variety of music. The band that was there was Deja Vu. They were from Canada I believe. I loved listening to them and danced a few nights. I really enjoyed those nights. We actually ran into the band in puerto rico one day and they all yelled and said hi! Fun group!

 

Perfect ~ thanks so much! We had sailed on the Glory in Boston last summer & they had a duo that was great. I was hoping they would have something similar this year when we do the Caribbean in June. :)