Thanksgiving on Glory- Eastern Caribbean- My First Review

[cruisexlife]

After we snorkeled for a little bit, we paddleboarded back towards land, took about 20 minutes. Very peaceful, got some more color on my back! Here's my board in the water I took from the beach after we got back. I love this picture.

 

 

The infamous dogs at Grand Turk

 

 

After I took this, they called us to the van, I fetched my board out of the water, and got on the bus. A couple seconds into the drive back to the Glory,I wanted to take a timelapse of our drive back, and my iPhone has that feature. I had stored my iPhone and camera in the front zipper area of my backpack. NO PHONE! I searched everywhere, no luck. One lady, a mother of two of the teenage girls in our group, just came to sit on the beach, and she watched our things. I told the bus driver and he began to go back to the beach. I asked the lady if she saw anyone come near it orif she took her eyes off of it, and she said no. I was panic-stricken, so many photos from this trip and past trips and pictures with friends and family I couldn't afford to lose. We got to the beach and I bolted to the beach. I looked around. I saw this black retangle that said "OtterBox" across the bottom, halfway submerged in the sand, and I was relieved. I ran and grabbed it .San was all inside the case, but I took care of that later.

 

So how DID the phone escape my bag? Any earlier deatil that was not of importance, therefore not included, was the fact that my backpack was on my back and I asked my mother to get my camera for me to take a picture of the dog. Thus, without either of us knowing, my cell phone fell out, half-submerging itself into the sand. The lesson here isn't to not trust your mother or ask people for favors. The lesson is that when you're traveling, you CANNOT be lazy! Laziness on vacation has a time, such as laying on the beach or getting a spa treatment or reading on the balcony. next time, I know to take the backpack off and get the camera myself, because who knows what could've happened? A wave couldve come up and taken it, a cruise passenger could've found it and taken it for themselves, a local could've stolen it, etc.

 

Hope you all enjoyed my small story of sheer terror, it was pretty funny (now at least) remembering the story.

 

We continued our narrarated bus ride back to the ship. Our guide told us about the island, the schools, the people, the way of life, while taking us on a scenic route through a local village. Really liked this informative part of the vacation. We ended back at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, ready to enjoy the rest of the day in the terminal area and on the beach.

 

 

We proceeded through Margaritaville to get to the beach and immediatly I wanted to go back. I didn't like the loud noises and the alcohol and i don't know it's a little uncomfortable and not what we cruise for. ANd f you're going to flame me, please exit my review, because this is MY review of MY experience and I can speak MY mind on the issue. We looked for chairs are the way down like many CC'ers do, but Mom thought she would be leaving the secure port area and wanted to stay close by. So we had to settle for 2 chairs right near a speaker....

 

 

But oh my gosh the beach was GORGEOUS!

 

 

Some more time for sunning. The sun kept going in and out all day. But it was 90 degrees in Grand Turk, and 40 degrees in Baltimore, so I cannot complain!

 

 

Next: More Beach Time in Grand Turk, Shopping

[cruisexlife]

I have posted 6 posts with pictures without a single response. I'm very new to this review writing, and I'm sorry if it's taking too long, but in all the other reviews I've read, they have lots of questions and comments in between and throughout the review, and that's half the fun and half the point of writing a review, to answer questions. SO if you have any, please ask them!!!!! If you're reading, leave a comment about my writing style, what I could change, etc. Let me know your with me!! :D

[rmandmm]

I'm still here too and enjoying the review-thank you again for doing all this work!

[AryMay]

Thank you for taking the time to do a review...and especially one with photos! (I know what kind of time committment that is!)

 

I have a question...do you know if the cabin walls on the Glory are magnetic?

 

Our last two cruises have been on Princess and I took along magnetic clips that would "stick" to the walls. It was nice to be able to use them to hold papers, etc.

 

We have done six previous cruises on Carnival, but just never tried anything magnetic on the walls!

[LizBear12]

Just read the whole review thus far, I'm hooked! Very well written, you take great pictures!

 

Is the carnival transportation from FLL to Port of Miami cheaper than getting a cab? Are they the same price?

 

 

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[europe14]

I am reading and really enjoying your review also. I don't post much, but love reading reviews and yours is great!

[LizBear12]

Just read the whole review thus far, I'm hooked! Very well written, you take great pictures!

 

Is the carnival transportation from FLL to Port of Miami cheaper than getting a cab? Are they the same price? May be on the Glory in May, but as you may guess, with a stop at HMC instead of Nassau.

 

When I was in St. python as we went to Coki a Beach, it was beautiful

 

 

Sorry my I'm using the app and for some reading I can not go back and edit my original post

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Edited January 31, 2015 by LizBear12

[cruisexlife]

Thank you for taking the time to do a review...and especially one with photos! (I know what kind of time committment that is!)

 

I have a question...do you know if the cabin walls on the Glory are magnetic?

 

Our last two cruises have been on Princess and I took along magnetic clips that would "stick" to the walls. It was nice to be able to use them to hold papers, etc.

 

We have done six previous cruises on Carnival, but just never tried anything magnetic on the walls!

 

I honestly don't know, I'm so sorry I can't be of help :(

[cruisexlife]

I am reading and really enjoying your review also. I don't post much, but love reading reviews and yours is great!

 

Wow, thanks so much!

[cruisexlife]

I'm still here too and enjoying the review-thank you again for doing all this work!

 

You're welcome, hope it's helping! :D

[pooksma]

Thank you so much for sharing with us. Gorgeous pictures!

[cruisexlife]

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Thanks for the compliment and for following along! :D

 

It is cheaper than a cab. I know some CC'ers will use other companies but for transfers and excursions we book through carnival. I'm biting my nails just thinking about how we are usigna taxi to get from the airport to the ship in Puerto Rico and how we may book through a private excursion company. :D

 

I'll have to look into that in St.Thomas! When we go back, we're going to be walking around the city and going up to Paradise Point, because on this cruise, as stated before, we just used Thomas for a dock, and didn't see the sights. May go to the beach if we have lots of time to kill, may not. I'll look into it, thanks! :D

[pghsteelerfan]

I'm still following along and enjoying your review and pictures! :) So happy your phone wasn't lost. I really don't have any questions since we did the same itinerary on Glory in 2010 but I love reading reviews of ships/itineraries we've been on to see another perspective and relive our cruises. The only difference between your cruise and the one we did was that we stopped in HMC instead of Nassau, but we've done a land vacation in Nassau, which I really enjoyed.

[cruisexlife]

I'm still following along and enjoying your review and pictures! :) So happy your phone wasn't lost. I really don't have any questions since we did the same itinerary on Glory in 2010 but I love reading reviews of ships/itineraries we've been on to see another perspective and relive our cruises. The only difference between your cruise and the one we did was that we stopped in HMC instead of Nassau, but we've done a land vacation in Nassau, which I really enjoyed.

 

I would imagine so. Southwest flies there direct now, but I would rather put my money into flying to Oranjestad or Cancun or Montego Bay if I were going to do a resort, as this was my 4th time to Nassau, and we are considering a 5th. Maybe it can be my 4 night/5 day late January Winter Getaway, like Dallas was this year.

 

I have no problem with Nassau. It's actually a nice place. I just frequent it, so I would want to do a land vacation somewhere else for a longer period of time before I did Nassau.

 

Glad I'm giving you a good time reliving your past cruise! :D

[uncletr21]

Again, we had to meet in the Amber Palace at 11:45 to make sure we got of the boat. We didn't go down until the tied the ropes, what was the sense? I still don't see how this is effective. It took us 15 minutes, and in St.Thomas, 20 minutes, to get from the Amber Palace down 3 flights of stairs. It's ridiculous. Adults have the sense to get off when they have to, there are wake up call options on your phone, so I don't see why every responsible person has to be treated like children. Carnival doesn't lose any money if you miss your excursion because of your own tardiness. If you disagree, save your breath. In March, I will be getting off with everyone else without an excursion, because you meet your excursion after you go through the shopping area. Sorry for the rant it just really bothers me.

 

I'd said "never again" after it taking like 45 minutes to exit the ship when DOCKED. Ends up I AM sailing Carnival again. But why on earth, when no tenders are involved, does it take 45 mins to wait in line to walk off a ship (Carnival Freedom) when we are DOCKED! I got off Allure much easier, I don't get it. I was hoping it was a bad fluke, not enough workers or a machine "down" to "ding" people getting off ship.

 

I get the problems later with the Port Authorities understaffed but it's hard to understand the huge line and delay getting off a ship in port where no tender involved.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1818787

[cruisexlife]

Some beach pics.

 

 

Chairs.

 

 

The music and the obnoxious acts got louder and louder. It was getting around the time for lunch, so we headed back on the ship. Next time we vow to go far far away from the main beach. It's just too loud for the BOTH of us, and I'm pretty young.

 

We ate lunch at the lido, changed into strolling clothes, and made our way back out into the port area. I got a shirt from Piranha Joes.

 

 

We both spent some time using the wifi in the nearby smoothie shop. Then, we realized we had to make our way back to the ship. We took a little pit-stop, back to the beach to get this picture. I love it!

 

 

Now we really had to go. I will say I was upset about leaving, only because that meant the next time I stepped off the ship would mean that it would be for good. Grand Turk has a beautiful beach, and if you want to relax like we did, the beach by the port is NOT where you wanna be. I heard that there are beaches on the other side of where the ships dock, as well as quiet ones furthur down. So I guess that's what we'll do on our next visit.

 

 

When it's quiet, it's a BEAUTIFUL beach.

 

[LizBear12]

That beach is the icon of Grand Turk, I do not think I have read a review where the cruise stopped in GT and the reviewer did not go to the beach. I'm curious as to what else GT has to offer!

 

 

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[cruisexlife]

That beach is the icon of Grand Turk, I do not think I have read a review where the cruise stopped in GT and the reviewer did not go to the beach. I'm curious as to what else GT has to offer!

 

 

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Well, liked I showed in my review, they have great snorkeling, and we had a great time Stand-Up Padleboarding as well. I know they have Dune Buggy Tours, Stingray Tours, Tours to another island (name is slipping my mind), they have a very high rated helicopter tour (that is, if your wallet agrees), those kinds of things. If you're looking for a relaxing beach, that is NOT your answer. I'm sure some more experienced visitors who are going to come and flame me for dissing their favorite port will be able to give names / locations of quiet beaches nearby. Be on the lookout! :D

 

But really, it is a beautiful place, and I'm glad we stopped!

[JOEZ]

We leave Friday for the Glory. Can't wait. Although I have been on the Glory once before, kinda forget what it looks like, so it's nice to read this review. Been on several ships that are pretty much the same setup, so it will be nice.

[Jenny in TX]

I am still following along and enjoying your review. We leave on the Glory in April and these are all new ports for us.

[CruiseGator1]

Enjoying your review! Thanks for writing it! We are sailing on the Glory in March and I can't wait! :)

[cruisexlife]

Reboarding the Glory.

 

 

The Forward gangway, Even though my room was closer, the line was longer. Of course it shortened out once I chose the other one. :rolleyes:

 

 

We dropped our stuff off in our room and got our bathing suits that were drying and we both hung out in the hut-tub during sailaway. It was dark by then. It was rather windy, and we were both cold when we got out. Around 6:30, we got out and went to take showers before formal night.

 

So after our showers, we get talking, and we go and check the MDR Thanksgiving Formal Night menu. It's okay, but we didn't really want to wait forever for our food. So we checked the Lido, and they had the same exact food, just served on a buffet line. So we sat down and at a full thanksgiving meal in the Lido. We aren't trashy, impatient, or anything of the nature, we just didn't want to eat in the dining room that night. We had our turkey and veggies and pumpkin pie. It was DELICIOUS! :D Really love Thanksgiving on ships, it's the best holiday to be in the sunny Caribbean.

 

After our delightful dinner, we prepared for our night onboard the ship ;)

[cruisexlife]

Shortly after elaving dinner, we heard an announcement made that the show was changed from Latin Nights to Epic Rock. This amde me really upset. Latin Nights is my favorite show onboard the ships, and I was really looking forward to it. We hadn't used our FTTF Guest Services perks, and we had time, so we walked down to Guest Services. We jumped into the FTTF line and they got to us right away. They said there was an issue with ship motion (now I get motion sickness frequently, and I had not taken a single dramomine the entire cruise....) and that they had to switch up the shows. So I followed up with "Are one of the dancers sick?" and they said "oh yes, that's what happened". So I walked away upset that I wasn't going to see my favorite show, and the fact I was kind of lied to.

 

We headed to the Taste Bar. Tonight was Blue Iguana Cantina. Good little food. We hung out, sipped drinks, and people-watched for a little. Once we were done, we went to the Fun Shops. Mom was again ring browsing, while I smelled all the cologne, one which I bought once I got home. WHen I turned around, I saw that Mom bought yet another ring....

 

Tanzanite was on sale, and she got it for about $150. I'm no jewelry expert, but it is pretty beautiful. It had a nicely cut blue gem, surrounded by diamonds. It was really nice.

 

We went to watch Epic Rock, and halfway through, we realized we wanted to go back to our room. Here's what I found once I got back! :D There was one everyday, but I only managed to capture this one.

 

 

We read for a little, and then went to bed. Prepared for our last day on the ship :(

 

Next: Day at Sea

[cruisexlife]

We woke up at a relatively early and went to the hot-tub on deck together. It was pretty windy and we planned on brunch today :D After some hot-tub time, we headed and changed into brunch clothes.

 

We had to wait about 20 minutes, it was pretty packed in there. FIanlly we got a tah=ble for 2, downstairs, towards the very back. A little rocky but I couldn't complain, this was the first bit of ship movement we felt all cruise. We got our bread basket and went to place our order. Here is what the menu was, I snapped this menu as well. Sorry for the poor quality, if I knew it was this bad, I would've taken another one...

 

 

We had our meal. I had the omelets and some servings of their delicious curly fries, and mom had a shortstack. Once we were done, we had our Gold VIFP drinks ( I promise it wasn't served sideways :D)

 

 

We both went and dropped our stuff off in our room (no more photos from the trip guys, sorry :() and did some reading in the lobby, and after that we headed to the gym. We worked out for a long time, and then we sat in our designated saunas and steamrooms after. I don't know about you guys but it feels SO good after you shower after a nice ship workout and sauna visit! Mom wanted some more hot-tub time, and I wanted some sun time, so I went on deck and finally found a chair. The semi-rockiness had driven many people off the deck. The Groove For St.Jude was happening below me. I laid out on deck for a little to get a final tan to bring home. I got a Guy's Burger and brought it back to my chair. I enjoyed the afternoon outside and got some nice color to prove it.

 

I went and showered in my room, and then wen to Hasbro the Game Show. I never saw it and it looked pretty fun. I may try to get mom as a contestant next cruise! After leaving, we bumped into each other again, and we went up to the Lido deck to view the sea and get something to drink. there, we ran into Avery from our excursion, and we all had a nice long talk. Very relaxing. Before we knew it, the sun was setting, and it was time for the night-life to set in.

 

We listened to some live music in the casino promenade for a little and hung out. 8:00 came and we headed for our restaurant, Golden Dining Room. We enjoyed our last dinner onboard, and then a surprise came. Mom had them celebrate my birthday! My birthday was the Thursday after the cruise, so mom has always gotten my a cake and a song by the waitors. It hit me surprisingly this cruise, I totally forgot my birthday was coming up! that was nice of her. Since our cruise is in March this year and it's 2 weeks after her birthday, I'm going to try to get something done for her too.

 

There was only 1 show tonight, which we already sae, so we headed up to watch Maleficent on the big screen. great movie. Once it was over, we admired the ships around us. Boy! I counted at least 8 ships including ours in this area. Friday night off of the Florida coast is the place to be I guess.

 

We got some ice cream, and did our traditional last night walk. On the last night, we walk around the entire ship and recall all the things we did there and just make small talk. Really to get those last few minutes on the ship you know you'll regret later. We ended at our room, did a little packing (Mom did most of mine and her suitcases while I was on deck. Moms NEVER stop looking after you, no matter how old you get! :D) and then we placed out suitcases outside, and turned in for the night.

 

Next: Debarkation and the Flight Home

Edited February 6, 2015 by cruisexlife

[cruisexlife]

We woke up around 8:00 and went for breakfast. Our bags were still there... Oh well. We had requested Group 1-5 because we wanted to get to the airport earlier rather than later. At breakfast, we had regular buffet food, and then went back to our room to wait to be called. Our bags were STILL there!:confused: We got worried... We had some time to kill, and I said "Why Not?" and we went up to look at the Scenic Grand Oceanview Rooms.

 

My camera was packed nicely in my backpack in fear of losing it, so I got no pics. But WOW. I NEED one of the rooms! Mom and I LOVED them! I want one on the side. Not the Captain's Suite, but one that faces the side. It's bigger and you probably get a better view out of them. They were so new and beautiful and ugh I'd love to cruise in one of those. More than an aft balcony at this point.... :D

 

Well, they called our Group, so we went to our room, and the luggage was gone. Woo. We grabbed out bags and said goodbye to Room 6201 :(. We headed down to Deck 3 in the Glass Elevator, like tradition, and exited the ship.

 

We got into the terminal, and it looked exactly like the international baggage claim at Chicago O'Hare. Packed, small baggage claim area, and many different languages all expressing one thing: confusion. My bag took forever to come, and I began to have visuals of it falling into the ocean or it begin searched but once I started to feel real anxiety, it came. We slipped right through customs (last time someone tried to sneak something in and it took 30 minutes at FLL :(). Once out, we walked over to the taxi line and just picked up a taxi. That simple. Mom booked the air tickets, and we weren't flying Southwest back, but it was American, operated by US, out of KMIA. It was easier than going to FLL however. After a short 10 minutes, we arrived...

 

We ahd no clue of the baggage rule on US Airways now. Oh well. It bothered Mom but I just paid it and moved on. It would've been different if it was our flight TO the cruise and she didn't do enough research. But we had no other options and we had to get home with out bags, so I just paid it. We went through security and headed to our gate.

 

We had about 2 hours to kill, so we FaceTimed other family members and got a personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut.I also started a CC thread for people with questions about the Glory, and I was answering their questions.

 

Soon they started boarding our 2 hour and 20 minute flight to KPHL. It was on an A330-300, or as many of you know it as, the "2-5-2 plane that took me to London" :D Our original flight was cancelled for some reaspn so we were put on this. It was a beautiful plane and the TV's were great. Once at PHL, we switched planes (same terminal, 6 gates down. Our plane was off to Brussels) and got on the 40 minutes flight to KBWI. Relaxing little experience. Soon, we were home, with our bags in our hands, waiting for our shuttle. We finally got the shuttle, and arrived back at home base, with both of our previous favorite cruises replaced with our Thankgiving 2014 Cruise on Glory ! :D