Carnival Glory April 7 - 14 review (Western)

[PaulMedik]

We passed through security to the pier by showing our S&S cards;

 

 

Then the boys baptised DW in the saltwater pier pool;

 

 

And each other;

 

 

Britt and I ventured out into the deep end;

 

 

[PaulMedik]

After a refreshing swim in the pier pool, we took the boys back to the ship and signed them in to Camp Carnival and DW and I headed back to port;

 

 

We briefly checked out a few shops at the pier;

 

 

We then left the pier area to catch a cab to Mahahual (you have to exit the pier and walk to the end of the block to catch a cab. They aren't allowed to pick up at the pier It costs $2 per person plus tip to Mahahual);

 

 

On the way there the cab driver explained that he would let us out at the far end of town and we could shop our way back up the coast towards the pier and catch a 'yellow cab' back to the pier. He cautioned us to make sure we chose a 'yellow cab' because some of the other cabs weren't affiliated and would take us to the wrong locations or charge us more.

 

 

We bought $80 worth of shirts etc from this young man after some heavy bartering on both our parts.

 

[PaulMedik]

Mahahual is hot, sandy, sweaty and absolutely beautiful! The waves are gently lapping up on the beach on one side as sun worshipers bathe in the light and massage tents are set up ever 150-200 feet with offerings of $20 / hour massages. On the other side are shops full of local crafts and souveneers blazened with Costa Maya & Mexico.

 

 

 

Even though many prices are clearly marked and are excellent deals, they seem to thrive on bartering for prices;

 

 

And of course WalMart is represented;

 

 

They say the little fishing village isn't real and was created for the ships passengers, but I don't care because it's realistic in appearance and provides an excellent experience;

 

[cruzkrazy]

Best review ever, and you have a beautiful family. We are on Glory in 2 weeks. Reading this makes the wait easier.

[PaulMedik]

The local hotel;

 

 

For those who like silver jewelry;

 

 

Local crafts for sale;

 

 

You can also see the ships in port from Mahahual;

 

 

While DW was shopping, this young lady's father fixed me the best Pina Colada I've ever had;

 

[PaulMedik]

After three Pina Coladas, we headed back up the coast to the yellow cabs;

 

 

 

And one last look back down the coast toward Mahahual;

 

 

Cab fare for the return trip was also $2 per person plus tip. Our cab was clean and comfortable and our seat cushion had the added cushioning of a Blue Carnival Towel! (Somebody lost $22 there eh?)

 

 

We strolled through a few of the pier shops and compared prices to Mahahual. (Mahahual was cheaper) then headed back home for the evening;

 

[bluecruisin]

More! More!! We're all loving this!!![/url]

[PaulMedik]

Wednesday night was the Past Guest party and we were invited up on stage to dance as soon as we entered the party;

 

 

Afterwards the only seats available were up in the balcony. I think it's safe to say that we were sailing with a LOT of experienced Carnival cruisers. It's also safe to say that the drink waiters made the rounds in the balcony as you can see by our supply of drinks;

 

 

We then headed to dinner and of course finished it off with Warm Chocolate Melting cake (This time with two bowls of vanilla ice cream)

 

 

The seas were very rough Wednesday evening and Wednesday night with 15 foot waves and the ship listing from side to side quite a bit. The Captain said we were sailing around a storm and from the way we were rocking, I believed him. Many people were leaving dinner early and looking rather green. This was the view out our dinning room window (The window was wet with spray from the waves, not rain);

 

 

I couldn't get a good picture across the dinning room of the ocean on that side, but many times all you could see out the window was the ocean due to the listing of the ship in the wind. Given my 17 years as a Paramedic and Flight Medic riding ambulances and air craft, I didn't mind the movement at all. I also had the benefit of the Pina Coladas from Mahahual and the Past Guest party, so I was walking rather straight with the counter movement of the ship!

 

After dinner the boys went to Camp Carnival and DW and I headed to the casino to make some donations. We weren't able stay long because DW was feeling the movement of the ship quite a bit. She eventually had to go toss her warm chocolate melting cake in the commode and turn in early. She did comment that the cake was still rather tasty!

 

Cecil had our stateroom ready when we returned and had a towel monkey hanging from the wall for the rough ride;

 

[David-n-Rita]

WOW, we cruise in 23 days on the Legend----thanks so much for sharing the wonderful pictures.......we are starting to pack

[PaulMedik]

Day 5 (Day at Sea & Second Formal Night)

 

We began the day with a hearty breakfast in the Red Sail restaurant then we explored the ship some more;

 

 

The seas were almost perfectly flat (Which many welcomed after the night of rocking and swaying);

 

 

These two birds flew alongside our balcony for at least fifteen minutes. They began by skimming the water and then gradually got higher and higher before flying out of sight over the front of the ship;

 

 

The 'topless' funnel deck now has a new sign that says it's for adults only, but it was in use as a topless deck. There's also no sign advising against cameras so I ventured up to get some shots of the decks below. I didn't notice the topless ladies until after I had taken several shots of decks below and was leaving;

 

 

[PaulMedik]

Bryson and I went down to deck 0 and Sergio an RN from Italy gave us a complete tour of the Infirmary. I'd be completely comfortable working there as they have all of the latest monitoring and testing equipment. It was quite an impressive set up that I'd like to show you, but when I returned with my camera, I was advised by two female nurses that Sergio wasn't in at the moment and that pictures were not allowed. Actually it was just one nurse that was talking; the other nurse, from England, didn't appear to be in agreement, but I learned long ago to never argue with two women in their medical unit so I thanked them and left. I did get a couple of pictures prior to entering;

 

 

And one of the waiting room dispensor (as you can see, the basic items are all free for the taking);

 

 

I snapped a picture from the hall way on the next day as we were going to Freeport of Sergio in the cardiac / trauma room applying a dressing;

 

 

We had lunch at the Red Sail buffet. Here's a shot of some of the desserts;

 

 

Later in the day I stepped in and watched a couple of games of bingo;

 

[PaulMedik]

Later that evening we got ready for the second Formal Night. Britt was a bit full of himself;

 

 

And all three were hamming it up as we got dressed;

 

 

The boys took some pictures of us prior to dinner;

 

 

And the Carnival photogs got some of us on the way there;

 

 

And at dinner;

 

[PaulMedik]

There was a beautiful sunset that evening after dinner;

 

 

After dinner, we again visited the casino and I managed to win back a few dollars playing BlackJack and DW won a few playing slots.

 

Later that night we attended the midnight buffet;

 

 

 

They had a whole lotta chocolate;

 

 

When we returned to our room, Cecil had our beds turned down and a towel animal waiting;

 

[DGP1111]

Perfection!!

This wonderful review certainly sets new standards. 'tis fantastic!!

[PaulMedik]

DGP1111,

 

Thank you.

 

 

David-n-Rita,

 

Thank you. We're still unpacking!

 

 

cruzkrazy,

 

Thank you.

 

 

bluecruisin,

 

Thank you. OK, here's more;

 

 

Day 6 (Freeport Bahammas)

 

We woke up and looked outside and saw Carnival Miracle in drydock in Freeport;

 

 

As you can see, they had her lifted up well;

 

 

We didn't really have any plans for the day in Freeport so we walked around on deck and checked out the sights which included the Celebration passing by on our port side;

 

 

 

Celebration sailed by and pulled across in front of us;

 

[PaulMedik]

Prior to diembarking in Freeport, we checked out the spa area;

 

 

 

And the gymnasium;

 

 

 

All of that working out got me tired so I had to rest in the Spa lobby;

 

[PaulMedik]

After a casual morning on a practically empty ship, we headed down to deck 0 and obviously avoided all of the lines;

 

 

 

 

We also missed the Carnival Photogs;

 

 

So I borrowed some elements from other pictures and created our own Freeport port picture;

 

 

We checked out a few of the shops at the pier;

 

[PaulMedik]

 

 

Then caught a cab to Lucayan Beach (cab was $5 per person);

 

 

The boys enjoyed the 'old time' payphone;

 

 

Port Lucaya has some beautiful shops and scenery;

 

 

The gentleman shared his entire outfit with us for a picture;

 

[DisneyNutMary]

Paul, I love your report on the Glory.

Great pictures, and plenty of helpful information.

It's a long wait before I cruise, so I am draming away while I look at your pictures.

 

Your boys looked handsome on both formal nights- beautiful family, thanks for sharing:o

[PaulMedik]

I'm not ready to start wearing skirts, but my boys enjoyed talking with him;

 

 

We then headed to the Westin and the beach;

 

 

The water was calm, clear and beautiful so I dove right in;

 

 

 

The boys spent all afternoon in the water;

 

[PaulMedik]

We didn't rent chairs; we just threw down a couple of towels and got comfortable;

 

 

 

We had a great day swiming and enjoying the sights;

 

 

The Westin pool was refreshing after being covered head to toe in sand all afternoon (Yeah we showered off first);

 

 

We didn't visit this casino, but figured we'd take a picture so we could remember it for future reference;

 

[FunDayAtSea]

What a great review! I have been on Glory twice so far, and this just makes me want to go again!

 

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful time with us!

 

Jodi

[PaulMedik]

We caught a cab back home and had to rush to get ready in time for dinner; the boys wouldn't consider missing dinner in the dining room. Here we all are in the elevator on the way up to our room;

 

 

I guess Britt had a busy and tiring day because he fell asleep in the dining room again;

 

 

He did manage to finish over half his pizza and five pieces of bread. Charnel was stuffing him to the gills again!;

 

 

I had Prime Rib (And of course Warm Chocolate Melting Cake);

 

 

Britt woke up as we were leaving and took pictures of us on the way back to the room;

 

[PaulMedik]

In the Ivory Cigar bar on the way back;

 

 

Cecil had our beds ready and another towel animal when we got back to the room;

 

 

And there was another beautiful sunset that evening as well;

 

 

We spent the evening making last minute donations to the casino and picking up a dozen or so additional sale items from the shops. We didn't begin packing until around midnight so as to not loose any more vacation time than absolutely required.

 

I'll post day 7 disembarkation in a little while; I've gotta get something to eat to maintain that 12 pound weight gain I had during the cruise!

[vacruizer]

What an incredible review! It makes me want to be on a ship again right now! Your pictures are absolutely beautiful and make me feel like I'm reliving my vacation all over again.

 

I agree with you on the Allegiant Air flight attendants. We had a very pleasant experience with them about a month ago. I hate to fly and they made it fun. Wish they flew more than two days a week from SW VA but can't seem to line their flight days up with cruise days. Would never fly a major carrier again if they had more days. After our last few trips on US Air, DH began calling them "Apathy Air".

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your review and sad to see it end!