Carnival Glory

[tw67]

We will be on Glory over Christmas sailing the Eastern Caribbean (Amber Cove, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk).  We do cruise often, so not newbies here, but the last cruise I took was Horizon, and I was spoiled.  I was in the Havana Area, went with my best friend, and got really spoiled.  So this is my back to reality cruising with my family cruise!  I am looking for tips and little known things about the ship.  Please don't give me the negative!  I saw that when we booked, and booked anyway, since the cruise met our criteria on days, itinerary, port, etc...  and we aren't people who get hung up on the negative, are laid back, and don't let the little things bother us.  When you only have a short window to go away, you take what you can.  I am hoping that the one pool is still adults only (that is where 3 of the 4 of us tend to hang out on ship.  I love the piano bar at night, and as a family we love the comedians.  We usually do late dining, but this time by a request from one child, we decided to try Anytime, and see how it goes.  My first time with Anytime was Horizon, and was spoiled with being able to request on the HUB app!  I don't think you can do that on this one, but if anyone has sailed her recently, please let me know if I am wrong! 

 

Thanks for any comments, suggestions, etc..   I really appreciate it!

 

Terry

[Banditswife]

We just got off the Glory a couple of weeks ago, same itinerary as what you've booked.  We liked the ship & had a good cruise.  Weather was an issue on our cruise, but of course we cannot predict weather, nor is that CCL's fault.  We have never sailed anything larger than the Breeze/Dream so cannot compare it to the Horizon.  I cannot answer your question regarding pool, but I think it does have an adult only pool- aft of deck 9, but check your deck plans for sure.  There is a serenity area for adults only.   There was comedy club shows & a piano bar.  We spent most of our time in the casino, service & music was good there,  We usually book "your time dining," & were extremely pleased with our service & food there.  We never had to wait more than 3 minutes to be seated & were usually served promptly.  Amber Cove & Gr Turk both had nice pools within an easy walk of the ship,  In San Juan we were able to take the free trolley to the fort & explore there.  It was a bit of a walk back to the ship from there but doable.  St Thomas had plenty of open air taxis available, just a bit pricey IMO.  We got caught in a downpour there, so did not get to see/do much this time visiting there. 

 

Enjoy your cruise, Glory doesn't have the bells & whistles of the Horizon, but it is still a decent ship IMO.

[CRUISERMOMX3]

I did my first solo cruise over Halloween on the Glory. Pool was definitely not adults only. 

Edited December 4, 2018 by CRUISERMOMX3
Delete some content

[tw67]

5 hours ago, Banditswife said:

We just got off the Glory a couple of weeks ago, same itinerary as what you've booked.  We liked the ship & had a good cruise.  Weather was an issue on our cruise, but of course we cannot predict weather, nor is that CCL's fault.  We have never sailed anything larger than the Breeze/Dream so cannot compare it to the Horizon.  I cannot answer your question regarding pool, but I think it does have an adult only pool- aft of deck 9, but check your deck plans for sure.  There is a serenity area for adults only.   There was comedy club shows & a piano bar.  We spent most of our time in the casino, service & music was good there,  We usually book "your time dining," & were extremely pleased with our service & food there.  We never had to wait more than 3 minutes to be seated & were usually served promptly.  Amber Cove & Gr Turk both had nice pools within an easy walk of the ship,  In San Juan we were able to take the free trolley to the fort & explore there.  It was a bit of a walk back to the ship from there but doable.  St Thomas had plenty of open air taxis available, just a bit pricey IMO.  We got caught in a downpour there, so did not get to see/do much this time visiting there. 

 

Enjoy your cruise, Glory doesn't have the bells & whistles of the Horizon, but it is still a decent ship IMO.

Glad to hear that you had a good time.  I have never been to Amber Cove or Grand Turk, but have been to St. Thomas and San Juan.  We like the Serenity area, but my 20 year old can't hang out with us there, and we sometimes would like a pool, not just a hot tub.  The layout of Glory is a lot like some of the other ships we have been on, so I know we will be fine.  My husband usually tries for the Mongolian BBQ as soon as we board, since it is always so crowded the rest of the week.  I usually head to Guy Burgers, and get my fix!  On Horizon there were restaurants open that were free for lunch, and it was sooo nice!  

 

With your time dining, what was the procedure?  Did you check in somewhere, and wait, or just at the dinning room?

[tw67]

33 minutes ago, CRUISERMOMX3 said:

I did my first solo cruise over Halloween on the Glory. Pool was definitely not adults only. 

I have a feeling that during really crowded times, yes, Christmas week would be it, that the aft pool is open to all.  

 

I have never cruised over Halloween.  How was it?

[KmomChicago]

7 hours ago, tw67 said:

Glad to hear that you had a good time.  I have never been to Amber Cove or Grand Turk, but have been to St. Thomas and San Juan.  We like the Serenity area, but my 20 year old can't hang out with us there, and we sometimes would like a pool, not just a hot tub.  The layout of Glory is a lot like some of the other ships we have been on, so I know we will be fine.  My husband usually tries for the Mongolian BBQ as soon as we board, since it is always so crowded the rest of the week.  I usually head to Guy Burgers, and get my fix!  On Horizon there were restaurants open that were free for lunch, and it was sooo nice!  

 

With your time dining, what was the procedure?  Did you check in somewhere, and wait, or just at the dinning room?

 

They don't actually "card" people to get into Serenity.  If your 20 year old acts like an adult, no one will ever know as the point is primarily to keep out screaming kids.  Enjoy.

[mredandchis]

17 hours ago, tw67 said:

We will be on Glory over Christmas sailing the Eastern Caribbean (Amber Cove, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk).  We do cruise often, so not newbies here, but the last cruise I took was Horizon, and I was spoiled.  I was in the Havana Area, went with my best friend, and got really spoiled.  So this is my back to reality cruising with my family cruise!  I am looking for tips and little known things about the ship.  Please don't give me the negative!  I saw that when we booked, and booked anyway, since the cruise met our criteria on days, itinerary, port, etc...  and we aren't people who get hung up on the negative, are laid back, and don't let the little things bother us.  When you only have a short window to go away, you take what you can.  I am hoping that the one pool is still adults only (that is where 3 of the 4 of us tend to hang out on ship.  I love the piano bar at night, and as a family we love the comedians.  We usually do late dining, but this time by a request from one child, we decided to try Anytime, and see how it goes.  My first time with Anytime was Horizon, and was spoiled with being able to request on the HUB app!  I don't think you can do that on this one, but if anyone has sailed her recently, please let me know if I am wrong! 

 

Thanks for any comments, suggestions, etc..   I really appreciate it!

 

Terry

Well been on the Glory a number of times and it is a Conquest class ship. Personally I like them.  I was on the Vista just last year and was wondering what you enjoyed about the Havana area?  I am asking in ernest.  

[tw67]

3 hours ago, KmomChicago said:

 

They don't actually "card" people to get into Serenity.  If your 20 year old acts like an adult, no one will ever know as the point is primarily to keep out screaming kids.  Enjoy.

True, but I am usually a rule follower!  Also, we like the pool.  We tend to go to the aft pool, since it is usually quieter there.  I find Serenity packed most of the time when we go, and we can't get a seat. 

[tw67]

2 hours ago, mredandchis said:

Well been on the Glory a number of times and it is a Conquest class ship. Personally I like them.  I was on the Vista just last year and was wondering what you enjoyed about the Havana area?  I am asking in ernest.  

I liked Liberty, so I think I am going to like Glory.  I loved the Havana area, since it was private and quiet.  I was on the cruise with just my best friend, we are over the age of 50, and were just doing the 4 day to Bermuda.  We wanted a quiet adult time, and Havana had that.  One day for lunch we had a pizza delivered to us, just by using our app!!  The bar area there was nice, and they kept our drinks coming.  From where my cabin was, I didn't hear the music at night, so it was surprisingly quiet.  I had no problem finding a place to relax when in the Havana area.  I am not a sun worshiper, God blessed me with very fair skin, so I could find a place in the shade to just lay down read my kindle and nap, and I did that a few times!! 

 

I have a good friend who hated the Vista.  She was really looking forward to her, and it didn't meet her expectations.  She isn't in a hurry to go on Horizon, it really turned her away. 

Edited December 4, 2018 by tw67
Forgot a paragraph!

[sc4125]

I was just on the Glory a couple of months ago.  The aft pool on that cruise was definitely adults only with a nice bar.  I had been on the Glory a few years ago and at that time the pool was also adults only.  I had heard that CCL was getting rid of the adult pools (there were a lot of posts on that), but later heard that they changed their minds after getting so many complaints.

 

We had a great time - were in a Lido Balcony which helped. 

[sc4125]

Also - your husband may be disappointed as there is no Mongolian Wok on the Glory.

[hockeyguru32]

I've sailed the Vista Class and Conquest Class and I would choose the Conquest class over the Vista any day. The ONLY thing that would sway me is the itinerary and price.

[tw67]

2 hours ago, sc4125 said:

I was just on the Glory a couple of months ago.  The aft pool on that cruise was definitely adults only with a nice bar.  I had been on the Glory a few years ago and at that time the pool was also adults only.  I had heard that CCL was getting rid of the adult pools (there were a lot of posts on that), but later heard that they changed their minds after getting so many complaints.

 

We had a great time - were in a Lido Balcony which helped. 

 

I think because it will be over Christmas, and the number of families, they take away the adult only.  We thought that would happen on Liberty last year, but we were lucky and they didn't.  I wish we didn't cruise at Christmas, but it was the only time we could book where both kids could make it. 

[tw67]

2 hours ago, sc4125 said:

Also - your husband may be disappointed as there is no Mongolian Wok on the Glory.

 

Did they take it away from the Lido Buffett? 

[tw67]

1 hour ago, hockeyguru32 said:

I've sailed the Vista Class and Conquest Class and I would choose the Conquest class over the Vista any day. The ONLY thing that would sway me is the itinerary and price.

When it comes to traveling with my family, I agree with you.  It was really nice on the Horizon to eat in the specialty restaurants for lunch, and not be charged for it.  It seemed to be a little known secret.  I am not a buffet person.  I don't mind going to Guy's Burgers, but I don't like standing in the long lines of the buffet to get my food. 

[sc4125]

18 hours ago, tw67 said:

 

Did they take it away from the Lido Buffett? 

I believe it was replaced with the Seafood Shack.  There is a charge for the seafood, but I thought it was reasonable.  I ate there two times and really liked the food - I got fried clams one day and the clams and shrimp combo the other.  It was really good and I think it was about $6 or $7.  Well worth it to me.  If you do a search on this board you can check out there menu.

[tw67]

2 hours ago, sc4125 said:

I believe it was replaced with the Seafood Shack.  There is a charge for the seafood, but I thought it was reasonable.  I ate there two times and really liked the food - I got fried clams one day and the clams and shrimp combo the other.  It was really good and I think it was about $6 or $7.  Well worth it to me.  If you do a search on this board you can check out there menu.

I have seen the Seafood Shack on other ships.  I always tell myself that I am going to try it one day, but then never do!  Maybe this cruise I will.  The Carnival site still lists that they have it on Glory.  I think it is just part of the buffet.  If it is same as Liberty, and if I am remembering it correctly, it was kind of behind the Blueguana and had very limited hours.  I guess I will see in 17 days!

[DaisyGirl55]

We recently took our family on the Glory in June of this year.  My husband and I do this every three years, starting on the Glory back in 2005.  We are now up to 15 in our family so not a small group.  We selected Early dining as I thought it would be easier with a group of this many.  We were supposed to do this last year but had to postpone until this year when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017.  I emailed the Maitre'D to request that we be seated as close together as possible and not too spread out.  Well, we were given the very large round table that is right near the hostess area near the from door.  Primo location!  My kids and grandkids were awestruck at how close we were to the nightly action.  Of course, I expressed my thanks and appreciation!

 

The ship is in great shape and all of our rooms were awesome.  The kids area was well staffed, and when they weren't in Camp Carnival they were going down the water slides over and over...and over again.  At night we would go to the Piano Bar and have a great time signing all of the songs.  The casino was fun, and we even came back with some cash.  We went to several shows and thoroughly enjoyed them.  Now not everyone did everything together, and that is what is so great about a family vacation on a ship.  Plenty of things for each person to choose from, but most of the time we would run into each other and just be together. 

 

At the ports, we had various excursions and activities planned - some together and some not.  We always say that this is their vacation too, and my only rule for us paying for everything is that I want to all be at dinner together. 

 

We had a most memorable time on the Glory - and I bet your family will too!

 

 

Edited December 5, 2018 by DaisyGirl55

[Organized Chaos]

We were aboard the Glory back in June. I preferred its more subdued decor over the Conquest (one of its sister ships), which we were on in 2016.

 

Do you know about the "secret" decks aboard some of the ships? They aren't really secret, but a lot of people don't know about them, so there's usually hardly anyone out there. They don't have seating, other than maybe a bench; they're just forward observation decks. Glory has one on decks 5, 6, 7, & 10 (you access the one on deck 5 from an outside staircase on deck 6. Just go to the front of those decks and there will be doors on either side that lead outside. Something to check out if you've never been.

 

Yeah, there is no Mongolian Wok on Glory, but they do have the Ol' Fashioned BBQ where the Fish & Chips used to be, upstairs from the Lido buffet. I didn't try it, but have heard it's good.

 

We prefer Anytime dining, just because we aren't always hungry at the same time every night. Depending on what time we ate lunch or maybe snacked in the afternoon. On the Glory, we never waited at all for 4 of us. To answer your earlier question, if you're on Anytime, just go to your assigned dining room and check in with the greeter using your cabin number(s). Tell them how many and they'll either seat you if they have an open table or ask you to wait. If you like a particular waiter, you can request to be seated in their section.

 

We didn't have very high expectations for Amber Cove, but it turned out to be our favorite stop. We took a taxi to the cable car that runs up Mt. Isabel de Torres and it was awesome up there. It cost us $60 (+ tip) for a round-trip taxi for the 4 of us, and he even waited for us while we were exploring the top of the mountain (with a guide) and took us back to the port. Beautiful scenery up there with a large garden area to walk around, plus some vendors if that interests you. We'd like to go back some day and try the pool area at the port itself. I'm not much for sitting around a pool while visiting a tropical island, but it's a nice place to spend time, with a very large pool, a small "lazy river," a waterslide, food/drinks, and a zip line that runs over this area ($20 for unlimited runs). Amber Cove is located outside Puerto Plata and in an area that isn't very close to anything, so you have to take a taxi or excursion bus if you want to leave the port. Have a great time!

 

 

 

Edited December 5, 2018 by Organized Chaos

[DaisyGirl55]

On ‎12‎/‎5‎/‎2018 at 9:09 AM, tw67 said:

I have seen the Seafood Shack on other ships.  I always tell myself that I am going to try it one day, but then never do!  Maybe this cruise I will.  The Carnival site still lists that they have it on Glory.  I think it is just part of the buffet.  If it is same as Liberty, and if I am remembering it correctly, it was kind of behind the Blueguana and had very limited hours.  I guess I will see in 17 days!

 

The Seafood Shack is across from where the pizza is by the Adult pool all the way in the back.  Fresh made and always delicious

[bearhug75]

We’ve sailed on Glory twice and really enjoyed it very much.  Ship was clean and we always saw that staff kept the adults only pool as it should be.  Enjoy!!!

[cellfree]

We were on the Glory in October and thoroughly enjoyed the ship and had a wonderful cruise - there is BBQ where Fish & Chips used to be - easy to access using stairs behind desert station on Lido - and it is delicious - we always found seating there less congested than around buffets on Lido - and especially Day of Embarkation it is a great place to eat and sit - I always enjoy the Lobster Rolls from the Seafood Shack and husband had Clams - not disappointed. Also on this Carnival Class you have more closet and storage space than on the new Vista and Panorama. Robes are no longer in Cabin but Stewards are pleased to bring them to you if you ask.

[tw67]

On 12/5/2018 at 2:32 PM, DaisyGirl55 said:

We recently took our family on the Glory in June of this year.  My husband and I do this every three years, starting on the Glory back in 2005.  We are now up to 15 in our family so not a small group.  We selected Early dining as I thought it would be easier with a group of this many.  We were supposed to do this last year but had to postpone until this year when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017.  I emailed the Maitre'D to request that we be seated as close together as possible and not too spread out.  Well, we were given the very large round table that is right near the hostess area near the from door.  Primo location!  My kids and grandkids were awestruck at how close we were to the nightly action.  Of course, I expressed my thanks and appreciation!

 

The ship is in great shape and all of our rooms were awesome.  The kids area was well staffed, and when they weren't in Camp Carnival they were going down the water slides over and over...and over again.  At night we would go to the Piano Bar and have a great time signing all of the songs.  The casino was fun, and we even came back with some cash.  We went to several shows and thoroughly enjoyed them.  Now not everyone did everything together, and that is what is so great about a family vacation on a ship.  Plenty of things for each person to choose from, but most of the time we would run into each other and just be together. 

 

At the ports, we had various excursions and activities planned - some together and some not.  We always say that this is their vacation too, and my only rule for us paying for everything is that I want to all be at dinner together. 

 

We had a most memorable time on the Glory - and I bet your family will too!

 

 

I pray that you have fully recovered!  We also make dinner mandatory, but there are only 4 of us!  My boys are 15 and 20.  The 15 year old finds people to hang with, but the 20 year old tends to spend time with us, since he is in college over 5 hours away, and we don't see him much.   I am so glad that you had a good time,  and enjoyed the ship!  

 

[tw67]

On 12/5/2018 at 4:37 PM, Organized Chaos said:

We were aboard the Glory back in June. I preferred its more subdued decor over the Conquest (one of its sister ships), which we were on in 2016.

 

Do you know about the "secret" decks aboard some of the ships? They aren't really secret, but a lot of people don't know about them, so there's usually hardly anyone out there. They don't have seating, other than maybe a bench; they're just forward observation decks. Glory has one on decks 5, 6, 7, & 10 (you access the one on deck 5 from an outside staircase on deck 6. Just go to the front of those decks and there will be doors on either side that lead outside. Something to check out if you've never been.

 

Yeah, there is no Mongolian Wok on Glory, but they do have the Ol' Fashioned BBQ where the Fish & Chips used to be, upstairs from the Lido buffet. I didn't try it, but have heard it's good.

 

We prefer Anytime dining, just because we aren't always hungry at the same time every night. Depending on what time we ate lunch or maybe snacked in the afternoon. On the Glory, we never waited at all for 4 of us. To answer your earlier question, if you're on Anytime, just go to your assigned dining room and check in with the greeter using your cabin number(s). Tell them how many and they'll either seat you if they have an open table or ask you to wait. If you like a particular waiter, you can request to be seated in their section.

 

We didn't have very high expectations for Amber Cove, but it turned out to be our favorite stop. We took a taxi to the cable car that runs up Mt. Isabel de Torres and it was awesome up there. It cost us $60 (+ tip) for a round-trip taxi for the 4 of us, and he even waited for us while we were exploring the top of the mountain (with a guide) and took us back to the port. Beautiful scenery up there with a large garden area to walk around, plus some vendors if that interests you. We'd like to go back some day and try the pool area at the port itself. I'm not much for sitting around a pool while visiting a tropical island, but it's a nice place to spend time, with a very large pool, a small "lazy river," a waterslide, food/drinks, and a zip line that runs over this area ($20 for unlimited runs). Amber Cove is located outside Puerto Plata and in an area that isn't very close to anything, so you have to take a taxi or excursion bus if you want to leave the port. Have a great time!

 

 

 

Not only do I know about the secret decks, but we are booked in the cabins that are the outside that count as inside!  We usually try to do a balcony for my husband and I, and then put the boys in an inside cabin across the hall, but cruising Christmas week, we just can't be spending that money, I would rather do an additional cruise another time!  So now we are next to each other.  The light in the day is nice, and I do go out on the deck with my kindle and coffee or wine and chill!  

 

Thanks for the tip about Anytime.  We will see how this trip goes.  My 20 year old has celiac, so he always orders his meals the night before, and we have been assured that he will have no problem doing it with Anytime, and that it will follow his cabin #, so we should be ok.  We like to have all 4 of us at dinner, and I hope this makes everyone happy, and we can change our dinner time with what we are planning to do that day.  

 

For Amber Cove we were going to send the two boys on a Ziplining trip, but they both told us not to, they will just do the $20 one at the port.  I will keep in mind that cab ride, and see how the weather is.  They told us that hanging at the pool is fine with them.  The 20 year old wants to know if he can drink there, or if they follow ship rules!  We have a busy day planned for St Thomas, so chillig at the pool might be a good idea, as long as the weather is good.  It might also be a great time to go back to the ship and enjoy everyone at the port!!  

 

I am glad that you enjoyed the ship, and I really appreciate you commenting on it!  Thank you!!

[tw67]

8 hours ago, DaisyGirl55 said:

 

The Seafood Shack is across from where the pizza is by the Adult pool all the way in the back.  Fresh made and always delicious

 

I might just try it this time!!  I was told that the Adult pool won't be the Adult pool that week since it is Christmas, and there will be many families.  I will hope that it is still adult!!!