Carnival Glory April 7 - 14 review (Western)

[caribbean dreams]

The pool deck pictures were great, i think i counted more towels getting a tan than people.

It looks like you got alot of sun.

[wags111]

thanks for the review! that was awesome. we are headed to the glory in about 7 weeks. i can't wait!!

[chitown cruisers]

AWESOME REVIEW....thanks for taking the time.

[nofishforme]

after reading this review i think i have post cruise depression .It was so good i felt like i was there the picture made it

[PaulMedik]

FunDayAtSea,

 

Thank you.

 

 

DisneyNutMary,

 

Thank you.

 

 

vacruizer,

 

Thank you. Yes, it would be nice if they had more flights.

 

 

caribbean dreams,

 

Thank you. Yes, I did get a lot of sun. Haven't had any since though....

 

 

wags111,

 

It will be here before you know it.

 

 

chitown cruisers,

 

Thank you.

 

 

nofishforme,

 

LOL, sorry about that. The only remedy is another cruise and the fix is only temporary!

 

 

Day 7 Disembarkation:

 

We woke up around 06:45 and sat and listened to the various announcements from Wee Jimmy and crew about disembarkation. We opted to do self assist and had all of our luggage setup and ready to roll out the door.

 

They released the early flight folks floor by floor first and that process took around 45 minutes. \

 

When they began releasing self assist, they started with deck 6, then 11, then 7 then released us (Deck 10.) As we were walking to the elevators they released Deck 9 and I fully expected a rush of people and no elevators, but an EMPTY elevator arrived shortly after hitting the down button and we were wisked to deck three. I expected a log jam based on the speed we were all released, but there was none! There were several Carnival employees directing us around the lobby and hustling us into open doors of deck 3 and down the deck to the gangway to the terminal. Once in the terminal we were directed to an elevator then down and escalator then lined up for Customs.

 

Customs seems to always cause a delay; not this time. We were soon standing before a very kind young lady who asked each of us our date of birth as she scanned our passports then stamped each one and welcomed us back to the United States!

 

We were soon in the terminal luggage area and I hailed a porter to gather our bags all together and take them to the Hertz shuttle waiting area. By 08:10 we were setting with our bags waiting for the shuttle to return. (We saw it leaving as we exited the terminal);

 

 

It was interesting to set and watch everyone making their way to various areas of the terminal parking area;

 

 

We gathered our luggage into a pile and chatted with those nearby who were also awaiting shuttles;

 

 

 

The shuttle returned at 08:20 and we loaded our luggage on board and waved goodbye to our home;

 

[PaulMedik]

As we made our way to the Hertz location, we caught an occasional glimpse of Carnival Glory in the distance;

 

 

Soon thereafter the boys got quiet and settled in for the ride. Perhaps it is there own version of post cruise depression?;

 

 

We weren't flying out until the next day and we discussed the options and decided to stay in a hotel nearby and enjoy some more beach time. We chose the Discovery Beach Resort in Cocoa Beach and opted for a two bedroom suite on the second floor;

 

 

 

It is a nice beach and the weather was still beautiful;

 

[PaulMedik]

The waves were rather heavy and steady, but I dove right in.....and had to catch my breath! It was quite a bit colder than I'd been accustomed to for the past week!

 

 

After surfing for a while I was washed up on shore and something kept hitting me on the shoulders;

 

 

It was about to kill my back due to the recent sun exposure, but he was having a blast so I let him continue;

 

 

People pay for full body mud baths don't they?

 

 

Later that evening we saw our 'home' leaving for another week with different people on board;

 

[PaulMedik]

The winds were really strong blowing straight in from off shore and the waves were crashing up every two to three seconds. I watched Glory listing hard as I recorded her on my miniDV camera (Which I haven't uploaded yet) I bet the people on that cruise were thinking it was going to be REALLY rough sailing. Glory seems to have a reputation for being rough, but other than the first evening and Wednesday evening & night when we were sailing around a storm, she was smooth as could be expected on an ocean going vessel.;

 

 

Later that evening we watched the Disney ship go out to sea and she appeared to be struggling quite a bit with the wind and waves;

 

 

After the ships sailed we went back up to the hotel pool to get out of the wind (It was blowing so hard the sand was stinging us);

 

 

 

Why was this kid afraid while kayaking with a life jacket on? I think he just wanted to spend more time at Camp Carnival!

 

[PaulMedik]

I guess I did get quite a bit of sun;

 

 

 

 

On Sunday morning, DW and I got up around 06:00 and walked down the beach to the pier. DW went surfing;

 

 

Then I tried my hand at it;

 

 

Can you tell I wanted to be back in the Sea?

 

 

 

The erosion from the nights wind and surf should give you an idea of how rough the seas were;

 

[PaulMedik]

As we headed back to the hotel we witnessed a beautiful sunrise;

 

 

As we drove out of Cape Canaveral, we saw RCCL Mariner of the Seas in port;

 

 

We had blue skies and 82 degrees as we taxid down the runway at Sanford Orlando International;

 

 

Britt loves taking off;

 

 

And he likes landing too (notice the weather is a bit different than Orlando);

 

[PaulMedik]

When we left Orlando it was a sunny 82 degrees. When we landed in WV an hour later it was in the mid 30s and snowing;

 

 

 

Spencer missed this picture because he got off the plane and ran inside when the cold air hit him;

 

 

The single most outstanding thing about our cruise was the weather. It rained lightly after we arrived in Orlando the first day as we were driving to Cape Canaveral. After that we didn't see a drop of rain until we were driving back to the airport on Sunday and that rain was very brief. The temperatures were perfect. Given that the weather is only controlled by one being, I thank God for the weather during our cruise.

 

After the weather, I would have to choose our head waiter Charnel. He really made an impression on our boys and did an excellent job keeping them occupied and enthralled with the whole dinning room experience.

 

Next would be our steward Cecil. Cecil made the trip enjoyable in that he was always quick to smile and welcome us back. He was always nearby; I think he had a room on our deck because he was constantly cleaning or going back and forth at all hours of the day.

 

Carnival provided a complete package in terms of providing excellent staff members to make our cruise more enjoyable and they definately provided a FUN SHIP experience all around. The food was excellent as usual and I gained 12 pounds so I obviously have no complaints there. The burgers from the grill particularly stood out as better even though I've never had a mediocre one on a Carnival ship.

 

The only negative thing I can say about our cruise was disembarkation; We couldn't have ran off the ship much faster than we did, at least not while carrying our own luggage, but the very fact that we had to disembark was the negative aspect.

 

Anyone who cruises Carnival Glory and has a bad time has brought it on themself. Carnival provides all the options for having a very relaxing and enjoyable vacation experience. If you somehow manage to come away disappointed, you need professional therapy and chemical assistance (and if you check, you'll note that whatever pharmaceutical chemical you desire, it is available in several of the ports. :)

 

Thank you all for reading my rambling review of our cruise vacation. If anyone has any questions I'd be happy to answer them and perhaps also provide a picture; I have a couple thousand pics that I sorted through and didn't upload so chances are I might have a pic of whatever you want to see.

[float'n fanatics]

Thank you so much for such a detail, and visually enjoyable review. 2 weeks from today, myself, my husband and several new friends from our roll call will be embarking on what we know will be as much fun as it sounds like you had!

My husband and I watched the Glory leave from the Ron Jon cam... http://www.capecaribe.com/WebCam.htm

 

last Saturday as it sailed away, and I commented on how rough the seas were. It probably freaked some people out.

[seafun]

PaulMedik (and beautiful family),

Thank you so much for sharing your vacation with us all! Hands down, the best review ever on Cruise Critic! You have set a very high standard for others to aspire to. :)

And without a doubt, you have reminded us what a wonderful forum Cruise Critic can be, for sharing joy and enlightening others. You've certainly done both, in World Class Style.

Your pictures and narrative were informative, entertaining and a real pleasure to savor. Thanks once again for all the time and effort you put into presenting them in such a great format.

I know I'm just one of many who send you and your family best wishes for a "glorious" future and continued happiness!

All the best, and Happy Cruising! Tom :D

[gail811]

Hey Paul! AWESOME review! At times I forgot I was on the same ship at the same time! We too loved the Glory, and our only complaint all week was non working toilets our first night at sea for several LONG hours (not good for me with my upset stomach!) and then again when we were arriving in Freeport. We also had great staff all the way around. You will love the 9-A wrap, we spent a good deal of time on our balcony. And reading about the heavy seas made me pause and think about it, they did not bother us at all. We had a smooth ride all the way! I remember looking for the "barf bags" taped by the elevators that night heading to the dining room, but never saw any. I too had read a lot of complaining about movement on this ship and having the aft I was a little concerned, but we were comfortable the entire trip. The bed in this cabin was against the inside wall with our feet facing the port side, that made some difference I am sure.

I am glad to hear that your boys love Camp Carnival. We are taking all five sons and their families next year and three of the grandchildren will be eligible for Camp Carnival. Seeing your three boys at the ages they are sure brings back memories! My DIL's are asking for tips about Camp Carnival, so if you have secrets or tips to share there, please let me know.

Your boys are very lucky! You and your wife are making some wonderful memories for them!

[gail811]

Paul; how do you get your pictures to load full size on this site?

[kml2000]

Paul,

 

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are sailing on the Glory in a month - CAN'T WAIT. We are doing the Eastern, though, however, I loved your port pictures.

 

You have a beautiful family and I can tell you had a wonderful time together.

 

Karen

[lollyrn]

Paul:

 

Thank you for taking the time to write your fantastic review and posting all of the pictures from your cruise. Your family looked so nice all dressed up and color coordinated for formal nights!! We will be on the Glory for the first time in July.

[bahama_mama]

Paul - This was the best review that I have ever read. Your family is beautiful. My family is sailing on the Gloria in 77 days - I now wish it was 7 hours! You said that you live in West Virginia - my daughter also lives there. I saw that you flew with Allegiant - where do they fly from? She is trying to find the cheapest airfare to meet us in Orlando. Thanks again for the wonderful review. Karen:D

[piphigoddess]

Best review ever! DH and I can't wait until we're on the Glory a week from today. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful vacation.

[CBussey64]

Great review ... loved your format, made me feel I was there with you. Thank you!!!

[mumofsons]

Great review - great looking family Paul - now on to the next one next March!

[groupiewalker]

Your recount is helping to keep my 1st cruise alive. Great job and thanks!:)

[CalgonCruiser]

Thank you, Paul

It truly is the most amazing review, ever !!!!

The sharing of your pictures is priceless.

 

Happy Cruising, Sea YA !!

[kgerkin]

Thanks for sharing with us. Excellent review. We were on the Glory 2 or 3 years ago and your post made me start researching doing another Glory cruise but this time a Western cruise.

 

Thanks again.

[TxStacey]

Paul,

Do you have any pictures of the Raddisson? We will be staying there in June...Your's is one of the best reviews I've seen.. Thanks so much for the pictures!