Thinking of Staying Onboard the Glory While In Port - Question

[Scotch]

We're first time Carnival cruisers, going on Glory's eastern Caribbean route in August. This is an itinerary I've always wanted to take. However, we will have our 16 month old along. Researching possible excursions led me to believe the best thing to do with a baby would be just to take a taxi to a beach and play a bit. However, that means lugging among other things food, drinks, change of clothing, towels, car seat and toys -- the car seat in particular would be a huge pain but we cannot imagine getting into a taxi without securing DS in a carseat -- UGH! So now we're thinking of staying onboard during most of the time the ships are docked in the three ports (which makes me a bit bummed but DH thinks it would be much more relaxing and enjoyable). I recall reading somewhere that most activities will not be available and some dining areas will be closed?? Could someone tell me what services would not be available on the Glory while it is docked in port? Thanks.

[paayla]

I sailed the Glory western route last month so I can't give you any advice on the eastern ports (I'm sure somebody will post on that) but I can tell you on two port days we stayed on the ship for a lot of the time and really enjoyed it. The lido dining areas were all open with no lines (we had sandwiches from the deli and fish and chips both delicous - you must try). We also had the pool to ourselves which was great. The spa runs great specials on port days if you'd be interested. You might want to check out the boards for your ports and ask for some advice there as well. The Glory is a great ship and I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what!

[venusjems]

I didnt take our kids on the Glory when we went. But you could still bring a stroller and get off the ship and walk around at your ports.. Naussau i would stay away from the straw market with a small child and stroller it can get very hot in there, and you have people hounding you to look at their stuff. But there is nice stores you can go into and just window shop. Same with St Thomas and St Martin both have little mall type things where the boat docks.. So you can at least get off walk around and be able to say I've been there!!

 

But like the other poster said, there will be no lines for food and few people on deck for the pool and such. They still have some activities for people to do on board, just not as many as sea days.

[Thatmom]

Hi,

Just a thought.....some strollers are also car seats. Remember you can't take the little one in the pools. So all day on the ship there may not be much to do.

Or you could bring a very small pool and fill it with ice or water for the baby. we did this on disney and it worked great.

I would try to go to the beach if possible.

I'm sure what ever you decide your cruise will be great.

Carla

[MrPete]

The only thing that HAS to close are the shops and production shows. Everything else is more or less up and running.

 

And if you change your mind, you can do a nice stroll just off the ship at your leisure.......especially in St. Thomas.

 

I went on my first cruise intending on never getting off the ship, as it was the ship I was interested in.

[serene56]

You will be able to walk around the ports with just a stroller. No need to get in a cab to get anywhere.

Your husnabd is correct that staying onboard is very relaxing- although because you have a toddler dont know how relaxing it can be-

NOt a lot of activities are planned but the food stuff is available--including pizza. Cant swim since diapers are not allowed.

 

Camp is opened to take your toddler while you go into the ports-- for a fee.

[Cruising89143]

The ships are pretty deserted on most port days but the ship does have things scheduled but not the more exciting things.

[woodman]

Don't forget the onboard babysitting service offered by Carnival. It might be just the thing for an afternoon.

[Green4me]

Scotch, I hear you from three kids and lots of beach time exprience. It is a ton of work, but worth it IMHO. Imagine the pictures at Megans bay with your family sitting at the edge of the water in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I can see picture tree on your living room wall 17 years from now with your child (childrens) pictures as they have grown over the years at various beaches around the world. Go for it, and even if you only spend a hour, you will never regret it.

 

ps bring lots of sun screen and baby powder. the latter works wonders for getting sand off feet and those baby wrinkle places ;) What ever your decision,

 

Smooth sailing

 

ps, megans bay is in st thomas, and please do not let the post about the murder influence your decision.

[Scotch]

Thanks for the answers and suggestions! I'm not going to rule anything out just yet; just trying to figure out the best options.

[Green4me]

Most welcome, you are very fortunate to be cruising with a small one, we could not afford it at that particular time, so we did lots of camping. Started cruising when kids were 8, 9 and 13. Now they have three cruise under their belts and leaving two weeks from tomorrow on the Glory.

 

You will have a great time no matter what you do.

 

All the best

[campdaan]

We sailed the Glory in March. No children, But a group of seven. So planning and doing your homework makes for smooth "out of ship" experiences. Nassau is the day after departure and you only stay til 2PM. This is the day to enjoy staying onboard.

For St Thomas we did Godfrey. But taxis are cheap and plentiful. Magens Bay is $3 entrance but has facilities.

St. Maarten was awesome. We went to Orient Beach (Bikini Bay) Van taxi $5 pp

prices posted for each beach at the taxi stand right by the ship. Short walk. Bikini Bay is the name of the bar that the driver dropped us off at. Plenty of chairs and umbrellas. (we were never charged but I've heard it's about $5 for the day) Food, Changing rooms and toilet right nearby.

We had courteous van drivers with modern chevy vans. Got to share with other cruisers and found out Glory was a "better ship"

Have fun. And remember. NO DIAPERS IN THE POOL.

[Green4me]

Good vote for Orient, we love it but not the place for our age kids, clothing very optional. great for mom and dad alone ;)

[Scotch]

And remember. NO DIAPERS IN THE POOL.

 

I started laughing when I read yet another reminder of the no diaper in pool policy on this thread. Just so everyone knows -- don't worry, we won't be ignoring the pool rules even when most of you are not on the ship so my baby won't be contributing his *** to the pools! :D

[serene56]

I started laughing when I read yet another reminder of the no diaper in pool policy on this thread. Just so everyone knows -- don't worry, we won't be ignoring the pool rules even when most of you are not on the ship so my baby won't be contributing his *** to the pools! :D

 

 

you would be surprised at the number of people that dont know about the no diapers in the pool rule. there is a sign of course but it is very small.

[caviargal]

I was on GLory last month and my favorite times were days in port when most were gone from the ship. It was the only time I used the pools, as they were packed with kids and diapers the rest of the time, and there was not a quiet spot to be had.

 

As the other posters mention, this is also the time when there will NOT be lines at the buffet or deli. The main dining room is open on port days as well as on sea days, so I do not think you will have a problem.

 

The shops and casino will be closed but this is normal for any ship at any port.