Carnival Glory Not what I expected for my cruise.

[1dopeymecruiser]

I will start this with I am not one to complain often however this cruise was not what I expected. This was my hubby and I's second cruise, first on Carnival and the kids (17 & 15) first cruise. Hubby and I must have been spoiled on Celebrity.

 

The food was regularly cold every time I had pancakes on the buffet they were cold, the french toast was raw, sea day brunch the eggs benedict hollandaise was sort of baked on (I peeled it off not a sauce at all). The main dining menu was offered in the buffet this bothered me the whole point of the main dining is to have 'better' food. There were a few exceptions but overall I have eaten better food at Golden Corral! The Blue Iguana Cantina was hardly ever open (730-1030 am or 12-230 pm) though it was not very good so that was ok I guess. Guys Burgers on the other hand was the BEST food on the ship again only open a relatively short time 12-6 pm. We had the fish and chips place once the fish and chips were dripping with grease like the oil was not hot enough and they just soaked up the oil. The buffet had odd hours as well getting back on the ship between 3 & 5 the only food available was Guys or the Pizza place. The pizza reminded me of a Totino's pizza with better flavor but very thin and skimpy on toppings. I feel like I was forever looking for food because nothing was ever open. There also was no variety on the buffet... No hash browns, no fried eggs (only scrambled, benedict or omelets) no biscuits and gravy. One neight in the MDR we were seated and the table to the right of us got there after us we all ordered we were waiting on main course and they were already getting dessert. They had a different waiter but still.

 

The theatre events were not entertaining at all. The shows we went to only had tops 50 people in them. We got up and left a few times for example when the battle of the sexes is who can make the best paper airplane, I mean really?! The 'fun' things were in small venues (300 capacity I think) which were packed! I have never had to leave a venue after an event if I didn't wish to such as the comedian in the ebony cabaret they had 4 shows nightly (2 family friendly and 2 adult only one set from 2 comedians each) and you could not sit and watch both shows because other people wanted to see a comedian and they clear it out. Makes more sense to me to have the 'big draw' shows in the theatre so everyone can enjoy both!

 

They closed the Blue Iguana bar in the pool area one night between 5 and 6 for the night. Who closes a bar on a clear night with a movie on deck? That same day they closed the main pool for over 18 hrs for maintenance but we saw no one cleaning it or anything all day long. The small dip pool near the slide looked like it had been puked in there was a brown slime floating around the pool and it was never closed! I was sitting with my feet in and was completely disgusted and stopped my hubby from getting in.

 

The ship layout is very annoying you can't get through from one end of the ship to the other on 2 decks without going through a dining room or up/down to walk around the galley to get to the main dining room. So there is only on bay of elevators for however many people are eating that meal to go down or hit the stairs.

 

The all you can drink cheers package is limited to 15 drinks per day separated 15 mins apart "for safety" according to guest services. If that is the case I couldn't still order and pay for more in between. I can understand they don't wish to lose money they could just include the 15 drinks then you have to pay for any over that... But with this logic you can't have a whiskey with a beer chaser if you want without one or the other sitting there waiting for the other! I had to wait for an average of 15 mins for a drink just about every drink as there were only 2 bartenders at the pool bars and 3 in the casino. The Serenity deck bar has very limited hours and no wait staff once it is closed.

 

We did have a maritime emergency on the way to the Cayman Islands and were delayed about an hour. I TOTALLY appreciate them trying to help and am in no way upset by this delay! In Cayman we hit port at 11 our excursion was delayed to 1 pm and we were told to be in the Amber Palace at 1215 to get ready for our tender excursion, and find we did not need to wait with our group on ship and are told we can immediately proceed to the tender. We have been on the ship an additional hr which we could have left the ship early making it so we could enjoy any shopping or dining before the excursion also having the faster to the fun we should have been able to almost immediately get off the ship!

 

The cabins were fine overall. The only real issue was the overhead lighting they seem to take forever to come on in the cabin and the bathroom. Compared to the Celebrity Summit ship the beds were not comfortable at all they are very firm and some people like that so it is not a complaint just an observation.

 

Zipline Cave tube

The cave tube portion of this was cancelled for safety reasons it had rained for the last several days and portions were flooded. That was a bummer but we opted to do the zip line portion anyway the kids have never done it before. This was to be a Mayan ruin thing but with the cancellation they changed operators and locations and didn't tell us we would not see any ruins :( I would not recommend this if part is cancelled it is a 3 hr round trip for about an hour hiking for your zip line and eating jerk chicken, beans and rice with coleslaw none of which was very good. It is beautiful rainforest it just seems that you may be able to find something closer to port to enjoy. We did not get to do much shopping here by our choice as it was SO hot the sun was high and there were no clouds to speak of and the open air market didn't give you much shade and we were hungry.

Dolphin Swim & Encounter

We all had this on our bucket lists! This was a wonderful experience. I would recommend getting a locker and putting ALL your belongings in it do not use the storage things around the pool areas. We didn't get a locket and someone took my towel (the blue charge you $22 if you don't return it one). The pictures they take are a little spendy but worth it how many times are you going to be able to swim with dolphins?

Stingray Swim

This was the WORST with the tour company but still fun. We get into our group the excursion is to be at 1 we stand waiting for our bus in the hot sun for about 30 mins. No explanation on why we are waiting so long we could have jumped across the street to Margaritaville for a drink! We head to Hell which we are given 10 mins at. I didn't get pictures I had enough time to jump in one shop buy a postcard to mail home, get passport stamped and use the bathroom! Go to the Rum Factory and have another 10 mins, not worth the stop it is a liquor store for run and a small gift shop you don't learn anything or see any 'distilling'. Off to the Turtles- Fabulous creatures- here we have 30 mins get to see big breeder turtles and hold dinner plate size turtles and board the bus again there was several places we did not get to go see as there was no time. Next off to the stingrays. We board a ship and wait 10 mins for the other bus to fill the boat no worries we still have time....We pull out and head to the bar it took 30 mins to get out there against the wind again no worries we should have an hour or so in the water....NOPE we get about 30 mins long enough for everyone to get pictures taken kissing and holding the rays and back on the boat. It took us an hour to get back to land with the wind pushing us because the captain of the ship slowed the boat so he could fish on the way back (he didn't even catch anything). Get into our buses and SPEED back to the boat weaving in and out traffic taking back road that scare me and arrive back at the port with 10 min to the 'last tender' to the ship! We didn't get to go shopping around missed getting the free charms etc! This one I complained to the desk about and was given a 25% discount on the excursion and was apologized to profusely! Word to the wise if you see these types of things take pictures! He asked if I had any photos of the captain fishing I didn't even think of it at the time.

Roatan

We got off the ship and grabbed a taxi to West Bay at the bottom of the island it was a little spendy but the taxi was ours for the whole time. Took us to Bananarama Dive resort for $10pp to get in and have a chair. Beautiful coral reef not fair off shore with TONS of fish this was our BEST day! My only regret was not getting off the ship sooner to go to the beach for snorkeling. We 'slept in' and weren't off until almost 10 so we only had about 2.5 hrs at the beach. White sand and blue water I can't wait to go back! Our taxi driver even stopped for me to get some fresh coconuts for my daughter and I to drink fresh out of them.

 

We did enjoy the sun and water overall I just know I won't be cruising Carnival at this point again.

[buckeyemommy16]

Sorry you had a poor time on the Glory. We cruised on her over New Years and had a fantastic time! I do agree the ship layout is really annoying but we did not notice any of your other complaints. Food was always good for us but it's all very subjective!

 

I don't love the production shows on any cruiseline and I thought the shows were fine. Some better than others. I remind myself it's a free show and I don't have to sit through it if I don't want--it's my vacation!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

Edited January 19, 2015 by buckeyemommy16

[getupgo]

This was a great review. Great detail and very helpful. Thank you. If you want a good zip line, do South Shore on Roatan. Get it online for $40. I don't know if the ship offers it. But that would interfere with going back to Bananarama.

[elainmir]

Sorry to hear things didn't go well on your cruise! I do have a question about the Stingray Tour..which one did you do? There were two on the excursion list for our upcoming Glory cruise in March and I got the DELUXE STINGRAY TOUR as it's handicap accessible. I think I'd have been pretty vocal about the Captain fishing on the way back! NOT COOL.

 

As for the food I just go and try new foods..if they stink they get tossed. I only take small portions and hate tossing things but it's my one time to try new things. I don't have high expectations for a lot of what they serve. I do tend to stick to veggie/salad options or eggs in the morning. Some things could be improved drastically!

[Remus2010]

While I am sorry your did not enjoy your trip, it seems to me you complain a lot? Every vacation, be it cruise or land there will be something's that are less than your expectations. However, and this may not be the case, from this post, I feel like you let one little thing effect all the rest of the little things that came your way? complaining of the lag on the over head lights? Really? I do hope that you enjoy all your future cruises on another line. I like to enjoy my cruises and I hope to not have to run into unhappy people.

[serene56]

I would think that Celebrity is a step above carnival and not really fare to compare the two lines.

 

But Celerity with kids your age would not work for me

 

Each vacation you should go in with no expecations so to avoid any disappointments.

 

My motto- Never expect-- ALWAYS anticipate.

Edited January 19, 2015 by serene56

[firemanbobswife]

I would think that Celebrity is a step above carnival and not really fare to compare the two lines.

 

But Celerity with kids your age would not work.

 

Each vacation you should go in with no expecations so to avoid any disappointments.

 

My motto- Never expect-- ALWAYS anticipate.

 

 

Why wouldn't Celebrity work with kids their ages? We have cruised both Carnival and Celebrity. The last time we were on Celebrity my kids were 16 and 14. There were plenty of things for them to do.

[serene56]

Why wouldn't Celebrity work with kids their ages? We have cruised both Carnival and Celebrity. The last time we were on Celebrity my kids were 16 and 14. There were plenty of things for them to do.

 

 

I added for me. It would not work for me.

[Surfwench]

Thank you for the candid comparison. I love reviews that compare/contrast. One thing you left out about Carnival.... prices were great, weren't they? LOL

 

I've heard Celebrity food is outstanding and it is on my list once I make platinum with Carnival. After a few Carnival cruises you learn what is great, good, just okay or awful and plan around it. Eggs Benedict... I have a few posts about that around 2012. I later learned you need to get fresh EB...the ones that sit under the heat lamp develop that horrid crust.

 

Try the Breeze next time... it is the premier flagship and has all the bells and whistles. I found the food, music, shows, (except the Play List shows - gag), to be the best in the fleet, (well all the fleet I've sailed). The Breeze is going to be more comparable to Celebrity.

 

I recommend Moby Dick for Stingray City excursion in GC.

[callolin]

Getting ready to go on the carnival Glory on October 24. This will my 4th time on the Glory.

[ccartman2]

Too bad you didn't enjoy your cruise. You certainly have some valid complaints shared by some here, especially the cheers package. The deck thing, which I assume will be the same on the Liberty, where you had to go up to get around was pretty annoying, but I figured I could use a little stair walking after all the food I ate. :)

[firemanbobswife]

I added for me. It would not work for me.

 

 

Oh. I still don't understand, though. Why wouldn't it work for you?

Edited January 19, 2015 by firemanbobswife

[CARNIVALCRUISE3]

They have a few omelette stations on the ship!

[SMSACE6]

I was on a Celebrity cruise in 2002. It was a nice cruise, and yes, in many ways a few steps up from Carnival, which I had already cruised on once before that.

 

I have not been on Celebrity since (though I would never rule them out), but I have done 5 more Carnival cruises since then. My point is that it often takes a few cruises on different lines to find the one that works for you. Carnival works for me obviously.

 

I think that you are lucky, it only took two cruises to find that Celebrity is more to your liking. Hope your next cruise, which ever line is an enjoyable one.

 

Edit to add; Also, cruising is not for everyone. Some people are more suited to all inclusive land vacations. Again, sometimes it takes a few tries with regard to mode of travel/vacation to find which one is your favorite.

Edited January 19, 2015 by SMSACE6

[kicia]

There also was no variety on the buffet... No hash browns, no fried eggs (only scrambled, benedict or omelets) no biscuits and gravy.

 

Just to let you know that you can get fried eggs cooked to order as well as fresh scrambled eggs at the omelet stations. We will get eggs over easy or fresh scrambled eggs. We never eat the prepared scrambled eggs on the buffet. Ask for fresh eggs in the dining room too. We also order the Eggs Benedict in the dining room with the sauce on the side. They are fresher that way.

 

Too bad you weren't very happy with the Glory. We have been on her about six times and like the ship.

[GabbyCooks]

We were on the Glory over New Years, and were disappointed as well, particularly regarding food, but also service that we received from cabin steward and MDR staff.

 

We had a wonderful cruise, but this was definitely my least favorite ship.

 

We watched the college play offs on deck one night and every time they showed a Taco Bell commercial we talked about how bad we wanted Taco Bell, who does that on a cruise? We did not go hungry, but the quality was not the same we experienced on the Valor 2 years prior - food or service. I lol'd at your Totino's comment because I said the exact same thing on the ship.

 

I'm sorry you are receiving such backlash for your opinions, but I for one can relate. It isn't stopping us from cruising Carnival again in March though, lol!

Edited January 19, 2015 by GabbyCooks

[Athankfulheart]

I eat fried eggs almost every breakfast at sea. You ask for them at one of the several omelet stations. They cook them up however you would like them. Also had hash browns in the dining room as well as the buffet. Hollandaise gets weird if it sits for any length of time. I always order mine with the sauce on the side and never eat them at a buffet. The pizza is very tasty for a thin crust (light) pizza. To compare it to a $1 frozen "pizza" is completely off base. The most wonderful thing, in my opinion, about the pizza pirate is that you can eat it at 11pm and not feel stuffed and gross afterwards. Its a tasty snack that doesn't turn into a belly bomber. Were you aware of room service ? When you get to the overnight hours you still have that and pizza ..... so several food choices. I don't often eat between midnight and 6am, but you've got choices ;)

[thephillykid]

My 2 cents.....being on both the Celebrity Reflection and the Glory.

1) if you wanted different kinds of eggs the omelette station chef would make you any kind of eggs you could want.

2) tell me how the comedians were on the Reflection, oh wait! they didn't have any.

3) tell me about the Free restaurants on the reflection and how much you paid for the Guys burgers.

4) I 100% agree about the cheers package after being on Celebrity and having their ultimate drink package. Carnival needs to get it right, but Celebrity does cut it off during spring break months for the same safety reason.

5) Celebrity had non existent fun on the lido deck during the day.

6) Cabins....you need to get over it, they are very similar.

 

I think that kids, especially mine, had a better time on Carnival.

[ShellLoves2cruise]

There is a cruise line for everyone out there because people have different expectations, it's wonderful to have so many choices! I think the cabin light "lag" you refer to is when turning on the lights early in the morning, or even late at night, it comes on slowly so the bright light doesn't blind you but that's JMO.

 

Your review of the Glory surprised me because she is such a fan favorite among cruisers ~ the Glory and Breeze are on my to do list! Too bad you overlooked the omelet station...the scrambled eggs on the buffet taste like powered eggs to me. My fiance would get his eggs from the station any morning we didn't dine in the MDR for breakfast, he likes to cut up his fried eggs on toast and is picky about how his yolk turns out. The chef at the omelet station didn't mess up once! Regarding the Blue Iguana being closed early one night, isn't there a Red Frog Pub on the Lido deck that you could get drinks from?

 

It does seem like some of your complaints were because you let one or two things bother you so you noticed more or maybe your expectations were just too high after cruising on Celebrity. Disney is not just for little kids and from what I've heard, they are an amazing cruise line if you don't mind the prices. A friend of mine is cruising them next year with just her hubby to celebrate their 35 anniversary, she loves all things Disney though! I hope your next cruise with whatever line you choose will be much better for you.

 

PS...were your charged for the missing beach towel? I had one lost/stolen on an excursion and Carnival couldn't have been more understanding and didn't charge me :)

Edited January 19, 2015 by ShellLoves2cruise

[love my grandkids]

Your tour in GC reminds me of why we do our tours privately.

 

Do things so much faster in small groups instead of waiting on busloads.

 

Just make sure you are due back to the ship well before sailing time just in case the unexpected happens.

[GranthamMommy]

Thank you OP for posting. Some people apparently thing you can only report positive happy feedback.

 

I haven't been on the Glory, but we had horrible food and wait service on the Breeze. Now you think by now Carnival would get the melting chocolate cake right. Raw, Over cooked, third time was the charm. Two and 1/2 hours to get my meal on a Seaday Brunch. I could go on and tell you how I really feel, but you know OP, I'll get flamed for my honesty.

 

So, THANK YOU for your report. I'm sure it will help some people that are used to Celebrity.

[happy cruzin]

I would think that Celebrity is a step above carnival and not really fare to compare the two lines.

 

But Celerity with kids your age would not work for me

 

Each vacation you should go in with no expecations so to avoid any disappointments.

 

My motto- Never expect-- ALWAYS anticipate.

 

LOVE that!! :D

[happy cruzin]

There is a cruise line for everyone out there because people have different expectations, it's wonderful to have so many choices! I think the cabin light "lag" you refer to is when turning on the lights early in the morning, or even late at night, it comes on slowly so the bright light doesn't blind you but that's JMO.

 

Your review of the Glory surprised me because she is such a fan favorite among cruisers ~ the Glory and Breeze are on my to do list! Too bad you overlooked the omelet station...the scrambled eggs on the buffet taste like powered eggs to me. My fiance would get his eggs from the station any morning we didn't dine in the MDR for breakfast, he likes to cut up his fried eggs on toast and is picky about how his yolk turns out. The chef at the omelet station didn't mess up once! Regarding the Blue Iguana being closed early one night, isn't there a Red Frog Pub on the Lido deck that you could get drinks from?

 

It does seem like some of your complaints were because you let one or two things bother you so you noticed more or maybe your expectations were just too high after cruising on Celebrity. Disney is not just for little kids and from what I've heard, they are an amazing cruise line if you don't mind the prices. A friend of mine is cruising them next year with just her hubby to celebrate their 35 anniversary, she loves all things Disney though! I hope your next cruise with whatever line you choose will be much better for you.

 

PS...were your charged for the missing beach towel? I had one lost/stolen on an excursion and Carnival couldn't have been more understanding and didn't charge me :)

 

 

I don't think I can agree with that one. Cruising just isn't for everybody.... :cool:

[sjn911]

Thanks for your review and opinions..I just wish we could get better and not confronting every iota on a reviewers thoughts experiences and feelings ( this review has been much better than they can get)..commenting is good, saying really..my experience was "whatever to me"...is ok. Would love to completely eliminate the need for any party to feel they have to defend their observations and opinions..angry folks too..each review speaks for itself and I do not think the plusses or minuses this reviewer had were "wrong" for her and she speaks with sanity for her opinions and desires and history of cruise travel.

 

Glad it provided you a vacation and now you have more to compare the ever changing cruise and cruiseline and ship choices. I really want to try Dream, Magic, Freedom and/or Breeze for my next Carnival cruises and I like the simple small Fantasy Class becasue they are "easy" and now "small"..lol.

 

I really look forward to trying Princess again, Celebrity, RCCL (especially Oasis level) and Norwegian and then Holland again..by then I really will be old enough..LOL. And I think it is great to like Holland as a younger cruiser too. Big dream..enough to do Crystal someday before too crippled..LOL..thanks for review..I found I loved what Carnival could give me..but love the variety and yes..the little extras too when well shopped and affordable at the time...thanks again for your observations...Sarah

Edited January 19, 2015 by sjn911

[goduckies05]

Inwas on the Glory in November I lov3d the cruise but the food in the MDR was blah and service slow. I had to walk out one night to mot miss epic rock. I hope OP you at least saw that shoe as it is good. Divas blah. The other two producion shows were decent and thr crew and casino were great. My only other gripe.was. the Karaoke machine was down. But I got to do Super Star Karaoke which was amazing. Agree the commedians fill up to quickly, but they also work better in small venues.

 

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