Our Glory(us) cruise to the Caribbean 4/25 - 5/2

[RenoNanaOz]

Finally getting around to my review. After getting back I was off to NH for a Conference and just got back this week. So after catching up with family,mail, laundry, etc I am happy to get started.

We were sailing out of Miami on Saturday 4/25. Our original plan was to take the red eye on Friday from Las Vegas getting us to Miami Saturday morning at 6:30am. However, my OCD kicked in and I started to panic. So we left Thursday on the red eye instead. I had started packing a few days before so I wouldn't forget anything. Checking off the list I had made the previous few weeks. We had our DS, DD, SIL and G kids over for Pizza since we wouldn't see them for 9 days. We are extremely close and have family dinners twice a week. So after dinner and lots of hugs and kisses. DS drove us to the airport, about 10 minutes from the house. After checking in we had about an hour before boarding. We went to Wolfgang Pucks Airport Pub. Ordered a glass of wine, toasted, smiled and sat back and enjoyed the moment we had been waiting for....vacation! We only booked 90 days out but it was a loooong 90 days. After a couple glasses of wine and enjoying the Basketball playoff game ( go Golden State Warriors) we headed to the gate and they were boarding. It was about 10:40pm and we were off.

We arrived in Miami

[RenoNanaOz]

Crazy laptop hit enter on accident.

We arrived in Miami at 6:30am and grabbed a super shuttle to the Downtown Miami Hilton. We were on the shuttle with another couple who were also on the Glory. He high fived us when he found out. Hello Miami!

[RenoNanaOz]

I had read pros and cons about this Hotel before booking. I think it was fine for a pre-cruise night. The valet on the first floor and check in on the second was a complaint I read. Not a problem for us at all. We arrived about 7:15 and were happy we were able to check in. We were exhausted and just wanted to get breakfast and take a nap. They of course recommended their restaurant but we wanted to talk a walk and find a cafe. We headed out and saw a couple that looked like Starbucks. After a few more blocks we asked a guy walking his dog. He pointed across the street to the Latin Cafe. Wow what a find, awesome breakfast with Cuban bread and THE best Cuban coffee I ever had. After breakfast it was back to the hotel for a nap. what a nap it was, we woke up at almost 1:00pm. We got cleaned up and walked down to Bayside Marketplace. It was about a 20 minute walk from the Hotel and the weather was beautiful. We sat and had a Mojito at what else?? The Mojito Bar! It was delicious. We alked around a bit and then had some Lunch at Tradewinds. I had the Lobster Spring Roll, just meh, DH had a Shrimp Quesadilla and it was yummy. We headed back to the Hotel, stopped at a little Wine Store along the way to get our 2 bottles for the cruise. Just hung out relaxing the rest of the night. I just wanted to go to sleep so we could wake up and go cruisin!!!

[memecakes]

Can't wait for more! On the glory oct 10....

[KnEcruisers]

We are on the Glory Oct 10th also...great ship!!! 143 days and counting!!!

[KPfromCT]

Our Glory(us) cruise to the Caribbean 4/25 - 5/2

 

I like how you did that there...:cool:

 

Great start! Cannot wait to read more.

[SMSACE6]

Thanks for your review! I will stay tuned for more.:)

 

The Latin Cafe that you mention; is it the Latin American Cafe that is in/or close to Bayside Marketplace? It has been recommended to me by another CC poster. Sounds like a place for me. Love Cuban food and coffee:)

 

Staying tuned for more of your review. thanks for posting.

[RenoNanaOz]

Thanks for your review! I will stay tuned for more.:)

 

The Latin Cafe that you mention; is it the Latin American Cafe that is in/or close to Bayside Marketplace? It has been recommended to me by another CC poster. Sounds like a place for me. Love Cuban food and coffee:)

 

Staying tuned for more of your review. thanks for posting.

 

No the one we went to was in the opposite direction. On 42nd street, it was called Latin Cafe 2000.

[RenoNanaOz]

SATURDAY!!! We woke up around 6am, made some coffee (they actually had Coffee Beanery Coffee) and watched the news while packing and getting ready. We went down around 8am to check out and DH wanted a scone or pastry. There is a small Starbucks by the lobby. I was too anxious to eat, plus I was waiting for my first ever Guy's Burger. About 9:15am I told DH I would just as soon be sitting at the port as sitting in this lobby. I had saw on a FB Post from someone in our Roll Call that The Glory had arrived around 5am so we were hoping for early boarding. We had purchased FTTF for the first time and were looking forward to seeing how it worked out. We went down to valet and they had cabs waiting. They loaded our luggage and we were off to the port. I have to say every employee we encountered was super nice and friendly. I would definitely stay there again. On the way which was only a 5 minute $15 including tip ride. The driver asked where we were from and we said Las Vegas and asked where he was from. He said " I'm from heaven but got dropped off in Haiti" I thought that was so sweet. He pulled up and the porters were right there to put the orange FTTF tag on our bags. DH tipped them $10 for 2 bags and off we went. When we walked in there was no one in the Security line. Just one poor lady was being told if she didn't have a BC or Passport she couldn't board. Oh how awful, my heart sank for her. We walked right through security, grabbed our carry ons of the line and up the escalator to check in. Again there were no lines. We walked right up checked in, got our Sail and Sign Cards and took a seat. It was now about 9:45!! There were probably only 25 or 30 people waiting. Around 10:30 it started to get busy but still not packed and every check in window was open. We were sitting there watching people come off and I told DH, geez I know that feeling so I am going to enjoy this one. At 11am they called Special Groups, then Diamond and Platinum. Then at 11:15 they called FTTF!!! We jumped up walked over, they do check your card for the FTTF sticker. Up the escalators, bypassed the picture taking, down through the maze and boom! I Stepped onto the ship, the young Carnival employee said wait a minute your vacation can't start until he(DH) steps on. Then he said NOW you are on vacation, have fun! We stopped at the Atrium Bar the bar tender was the only unhappy employee we ran into the entire cruise. Got our drinks and went to take our bags to the cabin, another great FTTF benefit. We were in 7444 extended aft, we love it back there. Room was ready so we dropped our bags and wanted to go get our first burger. The Balcony had two chairs, one reclined, one lounger and a small table.

[RenoNanaOz]

Up to the Lido and only a small amount of people there. Also only a few people in the Guy's Burger line. That was the entire cruise as well, they kept the line moving. I got the Straight Up and went over to the Red Frog Pub to try the Red Frog Draft, both were excellent. I took a picture with my phone but forgot to with the camera. I was emailing it to my DD and SIL to try and convince them to go with us next year.

 

 

[SMSACE6]

No the one we went to was in the opposite direction. On 42nd street, it was called Latin Cafe 2000.

 

Ok thanks..I may still check it out, since I am not staying far from there:)

[RenoNanaOz]

After eating we grabbed a cocktail to share while we explored, the Sail Away I think.

[RenoNanaOz]

Then came the dreaded but necessary....Muster Drill. We were outside but in the shade so it was fairly painless. Except for one rude young employee(Kole). He kept trying to get me to move closer to the guy in front of me. I was on the end and close enough, I am really claustrophobic and told him this and that was why I was on the end. He said then come stand up here with me. I politely said no I'm fine here I just can't have my head pressed into this guys back. He walked away and came right back and said I need your drinks, oh ya we had moved on to Margaritas. We said why everyone else has theirs, he said he'd be taking them too. So ok we never did that before but whatever. He only took ours and set them on a ledge right in the sun. Well, 15 minutes later when it was over he handed them back they were all warm and melted. Not to mention everyone walking by sneezing, coughing, etc. Why he only took ours was uncalled for but I think he was upset that I didn't follow his order to move closer. We said we don't want them now as he tried handing them to us and he said fine. Take it up with Guest Sevices??? Take what up?? We just walked away, we had agreed that "Nothing" was going to bother us on vacation. We went back to the Blue Iguana and told the Bar Tender what happened. He said no problem and made us 2 more...no charge. He too said he never heard of them taking your drink. I suppose we could have complained but why. If he keeps that attitude I'm sure someone else will. About this time it started to pour down rain. Some people were huddled under the bars roof, others were just letting it rain on them. It was very cool actually, this went on for about 15 minutes. Then it stopped and the Sun came out and it was time for sailaway. The horn sounded and we were on our way.

Carnival Breeze waiting for their turn.

Everyone was waving and hollering, so much fun!

[mimxmom]

It was rude for him to take only your drinks and no one elses. We had our drinks taken away two years ago on the Liberty. But they took everyones...not just ours so I just assumed it was a ship wide rule.

[RenoNanaOz]

, Our Roll Call had agreed to meet at Red Frog after muster wearing Lei's. While DH stayed and enjoyed his fresh Margarita I went to the cabin to get our Lei's. Our Luggage had arrived around 1pm, thanks FTTF. I ran into our Steward for the week Ni(knee). She was so sweet and friendly, called me Ms Lu. Back up to the lido and it was now PACKED. The Party had started and the line dancing was beginning. I LOVE line dancing, DH not so much. So I got out there and danced my heart out. After dancing I meant a few from our group but it was so crowded and so loud. I meant a few throughout the week as well. We decided to head back to the cabin, we had 6:30 dinner reservations in the Steakhouse. After getting ready we still had some time so we decided to go to The Alchemy for a Martini. I had read great things about it. I had told DH that I meant Ni and would introduce him when I saw her. We stepped out of the cabin and DH jokingly says Ni? She pops her head out of the next cabin and says yes. Oh my gosh it was so funny, they are like Ninjas. DH gave her $40 and asked if she could get us some ice, sure Mr Tim. We never had to ask again. Brian, Vera and sometimes Natalyia were the bar tenders for the week. They were all awesome, so friendly and knew how to make a drink for sure. I told Vera I like vodka and pineapple ad she "shook" something up for me and it was delicious. You also get cheese, nuts and olives. I also walked over to the taste bar and got us the treat for the day. Tomato Soup and Roast Chile Pork, both were great. After our snack and finishing our cocktail we went to dinner.

Messy hair don't care! Between it still being damp and the humidity I just didn't want to deal with it.

Dinner me - Spinach Salad, Crab Cakes and Sea Bass, all great.

Dinner DH - Caesar Salad, Lobster Bisque and Ribeye, he said all were good. After dinner we walked around a bit checking out the Casino and just people watching. Then it was off to bed, we were exhausted. About 3am I woke up and stepped out on the balcony. It was so quiet and balmy with a bautiful cool breeze...Love that!

 

Edited May 21, 2015 by vegasmommy
double pic

[RenoNanaOz]

, Our Roll Call had agreed to meet at Red Frog after muster wearing Lei's. While DH stayed and enjoyed his fresh Margarita I went to the cabin to get our Lei's. Our Luggage had arrived around 1pm, thanks FTTF. I ran into our Steward for the week Ni(knee). She was so sweet and friendly, called me Ms Lu. Back up to the lido and it was now PACKED. The Party had started and the line dancing was beginning. I LOVE line dancing, DH not so much. So I got out there and danced my heart out. After dancing I meant a few from our group but it was so crowded and so loud. I meant a few throughout the week as well. We decided to head back to the cabin, we had 6:30 dinner reservations in the Steakhouse. After getting ready we still had some time so we decided to go to The Alchemy for a Martini. I had read great things about it. I had told DH that I meant Ni and would introduce him when I saw her. We stepped out of the cabin and DH jokingly says Ni? She pops her head out of the next cabin and says yes. Oh my gosh it was so funny, they are like Ninjas. DH gave her $40 and asked if she could get us some ice, sure Mr Tim. We never had to ask again. Brian, Vera and sometimes Natalyia were the bar tenders for the week. They were all awesome, so friendly and knew how to make a drink for sure. I told Vera I like vodka and pineapple ad she "shook" something up for me and it was delicious. You also get cheese, nuts and olives. I also walked over to the taste bar and got us the treat for the day. Tomato Soup and Roast Chile Pork, both were great. After our snack and finishing our cocktail we went to dinner.

Messy hair don't care! Between it still being damp and the humidity I just didn't want to deal with it.

Dinner me - Spinach Salad, Crab Cakes and Sea Bass, all great.

Dinner DH - Caesar Salad, Lobster Bisque and Ribeye, he said all were good. After dinner we walked around a bit checking out the Casino and just people watching. Then it was off to bed, we were exhausted. About 3am I woke up and stepped out on the balcony. It was so quiet and balmy with a bautiful cool breeze...Love that!

 

Forgot this one

[RenoNanaOz]

It was rude for him to take only your drinks and no one elses. We had our drinks taken away two years ago on the Liberty. But they took everyones...not just ours so I just assumed it was a ship wide rule.

Yes it really was but I just chalk it up to immaturity and not knowing how to handle what little authority he had.

[RenoNanaOz]

We woke up around 8am and got ready to go to Sea Day Brunch. It's been 3 years since we sailed so we've never been to Brunch. I had the Huevos Rancheros and it was delicious. DH had the Steak and Eggs which he said were also good. My plan was to spend the day laying out in the warm Caribbean Sun. DH would lay a while but typically roams the ship or reads on our Balcony. I went to pack my Beach Bag, I got it in Cabo a few years ago and it's still my favorite.

[RenoNanaOz]

By now it was almost 10 and the Chogs were out in full force. Every chair by the Aft Adult pool had a towel on it. So I went up to the deck overlooking the Lido and got settled then realized I was on the Smoking Side. So I gathered my stuff and went searching for a chair. I found one right by the rail above the Lido. As I was setting my stuff down I noticed the couple sitting there were smoking. I asked already knowing the answer, "Is this the smoking side?" The girl says "Well I smoke so I smoke wherever" WHAT? Then the guy says "Well I think as long as you're outside you can smoke anywhere" WHAT?? Now I'm not the Smoking Police but rules are in place for a reason. So I said "Do you see any ash trays on this side?" After a minute they got up and went to the other side. I settled in and read, napped, watched the activities going on around me. By mid-afternoon there were some characters out and about. For Lunch I had some fruit and cheese, was still full from Brunch. Then at 3pm DH and I went to Tea Time. Another thing we have never done on any other cruise. It was really enjoyable. We sat at a long table for 8 and had some Green Tea, Cucumber Sandwiches and some delicious pastry's. Then it was nap time before the first Elegant Night...zzzzzzzzz

[RenoNanaOz]

We woke up around 5:30, we had late dining so we had plenty of time. We showered and sat out on the Balcony enjoying the view. I could stare at this for hours. We had several ships tagging along for the entire cruise.

[RenoNanaOz]

As much as we wanted to just sit in our robes and enjoy the view we had to get ready for dinner. We decided once we were ready we would take our bottle of Champagne up to the area by The Alchemy and enjoy it there. We also tried the taste bar again. Tonight was Pumpkin Soup and Short Rib Croquettes, not very good. As we were enjoying our Champagne our high five friends came by and what else, high fived us again. They also took a picture for us.

[RenoNanaOz]

Then it was off to Dinner in the Platinum Dining Room. Now after we booked I emailed the Maitre'd asking if we could have a booth. We've always sat at the big tables for 8 or 10 and enjoyed it. This time we though we'd like for it to just be the 2 of us. Not realizing a booth is for 4! So on the first day when we went to see if we had gotten a booth we were a little shocked to know we'd be dining so closely with strangers. Oh well let's roll the dice and see what happens. We got so lucky, they were a nice couple about our age from Arizona. We hit it off and had great conversations every night. After dinner we went to the Comedy Show, Dwight Slade and he was hilarious. We laughed so hard our mouths were sore. After that show the next one we went to the following night was Nery Saenz...wow he was so awful. I realize it's an adult show but he was just gross! After the show we went to the Casino for a bit, I played a little 21 and won about $40. I don't gamble at home so when I cruise I really enjoy 21. Then DH went to grab some late night pizza and bring it to the cabin. It was about 2am and we had an early day in Grand Caymen so night night.

[RenoNanaOz]

Can't wait for more! On the glory oct 10....

You will love it, one of my favorite ships. Be sure and visit The Alchemy and let them make you a signature drink;)

[RenoNanaOz]

Our Glory(us) cruise to the Caribbean 4/25 - 5/2

 

I like how you did that there...:cool:

 

Great start! Cannot wait to read more.

Thanks ;) we have cruised with others and alone. We enjoy both but really enjoy our time alone, he's my best friend.:)

[Willeve]

Enjoying your review, we are sailing on the Glory in August, our first time with Carnival and our first Caribbean cruise! Look forward to your continuing review!