Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! 4/23/16 Review

[mapsmom]

Hi Everyone!

Since these boards have helped me and my family so much in the past, I decided to try my hand at writing a review of last week's Carnival Glory cruise to the Western Caribbean (Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel). I am having problems loading some pictures - but I will figure it out!

 

Let's start by introducing the "cast of characters" - I traveled with my DH, DS1 and DDIL, Granddaughter (almost 3), and grandson (almost 1), DS2 (age 30), DD1 and her twin DD2 (26). This is my "FAM" (family).

 

We had 3 balcony cabins on the Empress deck 7 - 7225, 7375, and 7389, all on the starboard side. First- perfect deck! Cabins below and above, far from the elevators, and very quiet. DH and my cabin was five from the bow, and the others were aft.

 

So to get started - in this episode: arrival in Miami, transport options, Faster to the Fun, what's in that bag?, and leakage, oh no...

 

All 9 of us arrived the night before (late) and stayed at the Hampton Inn Miami airport west, which provided a free shuttle. Lucky for us, the shuttle was there exactly as we exited the terminal, and at 11:30 PM this was fantastic! 15 minutes later we arrived - to an overwhelmed desk clerk, alone at his post, dealing with other guests. After midnight, we settled in our rooms, except they forgot a crib for the baby, and my DD had to rummage through a storage closet to find one (evidently the clerk was the only human in the hotel). Except wait! When we arrived on our floor, there was a man sanding a door frame, and a security guard watching him! At midnight - really?

 

That weirdness aside the next morning we had breakfast, and DD2 had arranged a van for part of the Fam, and the rest took an Uber to the port (about a 15 minute drive). We stopped at Publix for our allotted soft drinks. Our van was $75 and the others' Uber was $30 (no stops). There are no stores near the port, so this was our option.

 

In our large bag, I packed door decorations, some sundries, and 5 bottles of wine/prosecco in bubble wrap for the 5 adults in 2 cabins. DS1 picked up his 2 bottles at Publix. As I unloaded the bags from the van, the smell of alcohol filled the air. At that point I didn't want to think about what was going on in the bag, because it was crazy town at the pier!

 

We had NO idea where to go - and we knew that this cruise was sold out! There was a LONG line. No worries - we had Faster to the Fun (FTTF)! There was a separate line, just for us, and within about 2 minutes, there we were at the passport/x-ray checkpoint.

 

Of course, I didn't dare take anything out of the bag - and I certainly didn't want to check it because of the - ahem - "problem". (We did check a few other bags because with 2 strollers, it was more than we could handle. We made sure that they put the magic orange stickers which denoted FTTF so we could get the bags right away) I was, however, prepared to explain that those 5 bottles were for all of us. Before I knew it, my smelly bag was through the x-ray - no questions asked! Thankfully, there was no trail of liquor behind me, and the Fam proceeded to the "arrivals" hall. By the way, we had reserved the earliest check-in time, but with FTTF it didn't matter.

 

Again. another separate FTTF line - shorter. another few minutes and we were seated with our vast amounts of luggage, babies, strollers, etc.

The Fam was counting down the minutes until we would no longer have internet access, and were all furiously texting, posting, emailing, etc.

 

Finally to the cheers of the awaiting crowd, the platinum and diamond members were called to board; this was around 11:30. After a few minutes, FTTF was next up! We showed our now "magic" sign and sail cards, which they checked, and made our way onto the ship. Again, before the gangway, our cards were checked, and again in the ship lobby.

 

 

 

 

We took the glass elevators up to the Empress deck, but the doors to the cabins were closed - not ready until 1 PM! But wait, upon closer inspection, Platinum, Diamond and of course FTTF were permitted! And our cabins were ready! We had the DS1 and his family's decorated by the staff with the Dr. Suess theme, and that was ready too! Here is the view from our balcony.

 

 

 

Here is our room, which was ingeniously designed (I think), with so much storage, 2 hanging closets with about 12 hangers each and a shelf for shoes, and one closet with about 4 shelves for other clothes. Then next to the room safe was another spot for small items, a desk drawer, and three small drawers in the desk, another cabinet where we put the extra cans of soda, and the mini fridge which we emptied to put our stuff in. The bathroom had a wide vanity with six shelves on either side of the mirror to put make up, toothpaste, etc. and small shower with a handheld sprayer and curtain. Our bed was king and fairly comfortable, a little firm. There was a sofa, chair and cocktail table there too, and storage drawers under the sofa. Two night tables with drawers and lamps, and two chairs and a small table on the balcony. We put the suitcases under the bed.

 

 

 

so - about that suitcase! I carefully unwrapped everything, and none of the bottles were broken, but one somehow leaked (thank goodness not the red wine!) Over the week, the smell dissipated...

 

Next up -"secret" lunch spot, door decorating gone wild, muster drill from hell, and "Dustin from the ceiling"

[bandtaxi]

Great review beginnings! We are traveling with grandchildren in October, so looking forward to hearing how it went for you. Subscribing!

[jesskuhmarie]

So excited for this review! There have not been a lot of recent Glory reviews and no recent ones on the Western itinerary. I leave this weekend for this cruise so I can't wait until you get your pictures working and more of the review up :D

[pirate4me2]

You're off to a great start! I will be subscribing to read you next installments. :)

[mapsmom]

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Ok - so trying my hardest here! Although the pics are rotated correctly on my computer, and are a larger size, I can't get them right! I will keep working...

 

Meanwhile, back on the Glory...

 

The Lido buffet - complete with folks with luggage in tow, is a mob scene. "Secret" restaurant is on Deck 10 aft - the Fish and Chips - so yummy. Boulliabaisse, tuna, octopus, and battered fish and oysters - so fresh. And who can resist the fries! So there is my recommendation for lunch - we also went there whenever the deck 9 buffet was packed. Remember - 3400 pax on a sold out cruise!

 

By the way - our luggage was delivered about 1 PM - again an advantage of FTTF.

 

We decided to decorate all of our doors - very elaborately, I might add. It really helped when walking down the hall to easily ID your cabin, and it was fun too! Here are the pictures - the quote in the frame on our blue door says "some of the best memories are made in flip flops." The quote in the middle of the Pinterest inspired paper umbrella wreath says "may your days be filled with umbrella drinks."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The only problem with these decorations was that I covered the doors completely with wrapping paper - and they ripped whenever we brushed against them, and by the way - my DIL had the Citi Mini stroller - and that had to go into the room collapsed sideways. It was too wide to go into the doorway straight on.

 

Now for the muster drill - let me begin by saying that I completely understand the need for it, and agree wholeheartedly that everyone needs to go. This was our first intro to our CD Dustin, who, each time he made an announcement began by saying "this is your cruise director Dustin, coming from the ceiling". After the first several times, we knew where he was coming from! It was pretty funny to hear that intro several times a day. I get it - you aren't really there next to me, and the speakers are in the ceiling!

 

Well, anyway, everything was shut down for the muster frill, and we were instructed where to go. Everyone marched down to the lifeboat deck, and the staff had us line up in rows. It got very crowded very fast. People were told to put their phones away and pay attention, but you know people! Can't stop posting and texting - so annoying. The staff counted and recounted the pax. They explained the safety procedures. We waited, and waited, and they explained it again. Here we were, standing literally shoulder to shoulder, for well over 45 minutes. Most of the time was spent waiting - for what I don't know. It became so uncomfortable for me to stand, that after they dismissed the port side of the boat, asked to be excused. so here is a warning - if you cannot stand in on spot for more than 1/2 hour - ask for help in advance. But do not skip the muster! End of rant.

[crazycruzer68]

I was in this sailing as well, it's good to read it from someone else's point of view.

[mapsmom]

We were assigned 6 PM seating (the other is 8:15) which we chose because of the kiddies. We had a beautiful table at the back of the ship - which was great except we were right above the engine. The view far outweighed the vibration, but others moved after the first night. We had windows right next to our round table (number 533), and our waiter, Walter, was wonderful. Always got milk for the baby, brought us whatever we asked for - extra apps, another entree, veggies for the kids.

 

DS1 and DDIL got the drink package, which was worth it for them, especially at the Alchemy bar (I tasted a few of the concoctions and they were delish!). You each get 15 drinks per day (anything under $50), and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. So for them the wine and spirits flowed (we aren't really big drinkers so it wasn't worth it for us, and DS2 and DD2 put money on their sign and sail cards to get a few drinks for themselves).

 

The food in the MDR was good, really good, and there was a wide variety. Tuesday night was lobster tail night and DD1 got 3 of them! There was flat iron steak, pork chops, prime rib, and ports of call specialties which we tried and they were wonderful. The portions are small - which is fine because you can order as many as you want to! There were 6 small shrimp in the shrimp cocktail so after the first night, those who wanted order 2 or 3. Same thing with fried calamari. The rolls and bread were good too.The desserts were fantastic - the Fam's favorite was the chocolate melting cake. Most nights they had a pie of the day - my favorite!

 

We were kind of tired from the late night before, so looked around the ship, and the gamblers took to the casino, and the rest of us turned in.

 

Another note - the Carnival HUB app costs $5.35 for the whole cruise, and you can text one another while on the ship, and see you account and all related accounts, what is going on, and there are deck maps - KEY! We got lost several times. Note - you CANNOT get from forward to aft on decks 3 and 4 because of the restaurants when they are closed.

 

The next day, a Sea day, I went up to Lido to scout out lounge chairs - but by 8:30 those near the pool were taken. The aft pool is for adults only, which my DIL was reminded of by pax when she dared to stroll by with the kids...oh well. We settled on deck 10 under the only shade we found overlooking the main pool. There are towels in your cabin and you can get more in a little hut near the Lido deck bar, and also exchange the ones you have for fresh ones.

 

Oh - another note - in the Fun Shops - you can order the family game pack which has a Carnival tote bag - perfect to take off the ship, and a cool Carnival towel which has flip flops on it (I am a sucker for flip flops), and a bunch of puzzle books, cards, paddles with a ball. $18 and I thought that was a bargain - they deliver it to your room when you arrive!

 

So - we hung out by the pool the first day. Granddaughter had a puddle jumper, which is allowed, and she went in to the family pool (there are 2). A little cold, but it was hot out. As for Grandson - he is 11 months, and wearing a swim diaper. DD1 had him in and all of a sudden, a Carnival staff lady (the pool police) comes up and tells us that he is not allowed in ANY pool because he isn't toilet trained! We did not know this at all. There is a one inch deep area around the pool where you can walk, or dip your toes in. We had GS there for a while of course the PP (pool police) came back and told us that GS needed to be completely OUT of the water. Oh well - we had to keep a good look out whenever we wanted to dip his feet in.

 

Because here is what happened as a result - we noticed that tots WAY too young to be potty trained were going "commando" in the pool - no diaper. So no comment by the PP. Two days in a row - someone pooped in the pool and they had to close it down for the remainder of the day. Lovely...just saying.

 

I am going to try to post more pics!

[mapsmom]

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Here are pictures of our first towel animal! Love the turn-down service, and our cabin steward NI was wonderful, so kind and pleasant. The kids' stew was just as great! Can I have a turn-down service and my room straightened every night???? Maybe in another life - oh well...

 

There is a picture of DIVE In movies - blankets and popcorn provided. Good selection - Star Wars and Martian were among the choices.

 

Harry Potter trivia - 'nuf said. DD2 and I participated (we are HP wonks!) Here's a stumper - what is Voldemort's mother's full name? Couldn't remember that one! That was a fun way to spend some time.

 

We also went to the Ladies Pamper Party where the spa staff spoke about their services and gave samples of some of their products. Some discounts, but pretty expensive compared to home. DD2 had a massage which she liked - so if you wish to treat yourself, very high quality.

 

I will go off on a tangent here about the breakfast buffet - again, remember that the ship was full. Long lines, but not for fruit, pastry and you could sneak a hand in for a yogurt and no one will mind. There is an omelet station on the side of the buffet but the line is long -so - go at the end of each buffet line there is a rope and on the other side of it there are omelet stations where the line is much shorter. And they use PAM! Which I love instead of oil.

 

Next day was Grand Cayman - and we booked an excursion with Carnival for the Stingray City and Rum Point beach, for all 9 of us. It was to leave at 10 AM, but upon arrival the time was changed to 9 AM and we needed to meet in the Amber Palace (theater) at 8:15 AM. We chose to get room service, and had mimosas on our balcony before departing (good thing - as you will see later!)

 

All of us were to meet at the Amber Palace, but some of the Fam did not show up despite constant texting. The staff kept saying to go to the tender unless you were waiting for family, so we waited. The rest of the Fam was already by the tenders because staff told them to go there rather then to the theatre. Oh well - we made it there and were tendered ashore, where we found the sign for our excursion - here's the thing. Many of the excursions have similar sounding names - pay attention! You could end up somewhere else!

 

With a few other couples, we were lead to a shuttle van, where Waldo, our driver explained about the island as we passed several resorts and the famous 7 mile beach (which was obscured by hotels and resorts). Then in a little cove, there was a boat waiting for us to take us to Stingray city.

 

We left the cove onto the open sea - the crew explained that it would take about 1/2 hour to get there. Dark clouds and wind - and I am worried and cold! The minutes ticked by and I should have brought a sweatshirt. All of a sudden I see it - a circle of boats in the middle of the sea! The absolutely beautiful azure sea. The sun broke through, and the water sparkled. We anchored and then one by one jumped into the water, which varied between waist and chest deep. Stingrays are everywhere! The crew brought some up and explained where to touch them, and that kissing one will give you 7 years of a longer life (or something like that!)

 

They feel like silk and you could feed them if you wanted to - or get a "back massage" (I declined but GS giggled!). You could snorkel if you wanted to. About 40 minutes there, then back on the boat for a 10 minute ride to Rum Point Beach.

 

Up next - pink sand, who's overboard, feet off the back, and the first elegant night! Oh- and more pics!

[Clarea]

Enjoying the review, thanks.:)

[mapsmom]

We got to Rum Point Beach in about 10 minutes, and walked off the dock onto the small beach with hammocks and lounge chairs, some in shade, others in sun. The water was calm and beautiful blue, and the sun was shining. We went to the bar for a drink - some of us got smoothies - very good, and others of us got Pink Sand alcoholic drinks. I have forgotten the ingredients exactly - vodka, chambord, raspberry syrup, and something that makes it creamy - maybe pina colada mix. It was clear to us that the bartender did not want to be there, but whatever. Stuff like that never bothers me. I try to be nice no matter what. You never know what others' lives are like so I tend to give folks a lot of slack. By the way - all of the change that you get is in Grand Cayman money - which is valued at 20% more than ours.

 

We hung out at the beach for about 1 1/2 hours, and then it was time to return. But there was another boat docked now, letting pax off, and our had to move. This delayed us for 20 minutes getting off the beach. Luckily, I knew that no matter what - we wouldn't miss the boat!

 

On the way back, 2 of my kids - the more adventurous ones - decided to drag their feet off the back of the boat with the crew. Where is the motor? I am freaking out now. The crew of course knows the boat.

 

All of a sudden we slow down, and the boat begins to circle. I can't hear anything because of the motor, so I have no idea what they are doing. Did someone drop something? A crew member dives off the boat - and returns with a large starfish! He passes it around to all of us. So cool! And then returns it to its home.

 

We get back to the dock, Waldo is waiting, and it is now 2 PM. Last tender is at 2:15. There is traffic. We get back at 2:10. AND - the tender line is about 500 pax long! So much for that theory. We waited 30 minutes to get on a tender. Now I know why they want you back at 2:15. The ship didn't leave until after 3 PM.

 

That night was elegant night, and DH and I had some pictures taken. I really don't get all of the elaborate backgrounds - I guess I am in the minority because the plain one we chose disappeared after the first night. The pictures came out great, and we bought several.

 

Let's talk about the dress for elegant. All over the map. Some folks were in evening gowns and tuxedos, and others...well, let's just say they didn't want to dress up. We were in the middle - guys in button down dress shirts and khakis, and girls in dresses. Here's a tip - on each deck there is a ironing/laundry room. Iron your stuff right when you get on the ship, because the line to iron on elegant night is long. Then hang it up and you will be ready!

 

There was a "divas" show that night - all of the great 80s singers in a compilation - and it was good! We enjoyed it a lot. Went to the sing along at the piano bar, and some of the Fam hit the casino.

 

Still trying with these pictures - I do not know what I am doing wrong - can't get them to load right side up, and larger!

[mapsmom]

Tuesday is Roatan day (Mahogany Beach), and Carnival has a private beach right next to the ship, and you can either walk or take the "Magic Flying Chair" which my children insisted I stop calling it that - "Mom, it's a chair lift." Alright already! DD2 and I took the chair lift, and the others walked. Evidently people cannot get on and off without stopping the thing, because it took a long time to get there! But the view was beautiful!

 

We purchased a package from Carnival - $59.99 for two - you get 2 tickets on the chair lift, a clamshell for two over your lounge chair at the beach, and 2 floats and 1/2 hour for a 2 person kayak. Bought it on the ship - so no line, get on the lift, and go to the little blue hut, and the staff shows you to the lounges and sets you up and reserves the other lounges for you (we needed 8). Again some are in the shade and some are in the sun. IT was BRUTALLY hot. Didn't use the chair once. We were in the lovely water with the floats the whole day.

 

Enjoying the kids and the water - we saw a commotion on the outer edge of the beach area (there was a floating rope barrier with a pier at one end). Right there- there was a lifeguard stand - empty. We saw someone pulled from the water - the lifeguard ran from the beach. Someone (not the lifeguard) began chest compressions. 3 of my kids are lifeguards, by the way. All of them had to be certified in CPR - not here. We were all asking each other - Where is the AED (defibrillator)? After several minutes, a lifeguard ran down with it. The man was carried off the beach in a stretcher 10 minutes later. We all felt so sad for him and his family. I happened to speak to a couple of pax the next day - who were out there, and I gathered from them that perhaps he had a heart attack while snorkeling, but do not know for sure. We wondered what happened. It didn't look good from our perspective. I still think about him and pray that everything turned out okay. Word of warning here - please be careful, because you are not in the US, and the expectations of skill level should not be the same. Not that you can predict a heart attack though.

 

We stayed on the beach until early afternoon, then headed back. There were many shops to look at, and some cute items. Walked onto the ship, and into the pool. So hot!

 

Let me try some pictures from the Grand Cayman Excursion...

 

 

 

[mapsmom]

Wednesday is Belize day, and I have to tell you that I was not thrilled with the reviews of this port. Kind of scary , so I was happy that the Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef excursion picked us up right on the ship and returned us to the ship - no tender (20 minutes long).

 

A little confusion at the amber Palace once again because of similar sounding excursion names! Staff gave stickers for the various excursions, but that was messed up - we should have been 1 but were 3 and those with 3 were getting on the wrong boat! Straightened out in the end. About 40 pax on the double decker boat. 35 minute ride to a man-made Rendezvous Caye. We were given flippers on the boat, then snorkel gear once on land. We were separated into 3 groups - beginner, intermediate, and advanced. DDIL and I stayed back with the kiddies. There were several tiki huts, loungers, changing rooms and bathroom. Great coral on the beach. The rest of the FAM went out -DD1, DS1 and DS2 in the advanced (the lifeguard bunch) and DH and DD2 in the beginner.

 

All in all - well- guided. The staff were in kayaks out there and making sure everyone was safe. The fish and flora were incredible, but the Fam all said that the reef was damaged by folks stepping on the delicate coral. Still worthwhile though. After about an hour, they got out and we had Rum in a coconut, Rum Punch, and you could eat hamburgers and hot dogs (we didn't). At 1 PM back on the boat - they offered water and rum punch on the way back.

 

We were HUNGRY! I ate at Guy Fieri's for the first time. OK - so everyone but me in this world likes cheeseburgers. I waited 15 minutes for one without cheese. Other than that - fabulous!!!! You can get a veggie burger there too - but I think it is fried and that takes 15-20 minutes too.

 

The Iguana Mexican place is open for lunch and dinner - the Fam really liked that and ate there often. Usually not a long line.

 

Upon return to our room, we got two surprises in the form of gift cards for our birthdays! One for a free 6x9 picture, and the other for $50 off a spa treatment, but both were non transferable - DH got the spa one. We even asked at guest services, but no good. He wasn't going to use it. We did redeem the free picture one though so that was nice!

 

By the way, FTTF entitles you to a completely separate line at guest services - which is WAAAY shorter at any time than the regular line. That helped a lot when we had questions or concerns. And on the HUB app which I mentioned earlier - you can check your account. IT adds up quickly and you can't believe the balance until you add it up for yourself!!!

 

Here are some Roatan and

 

 

 

 

Belize pictures - and up next - Cozumel, shades of Caddy Shack, license requirement (really???), and second elegant night.

[crazycruzer68]

On a sad note, the man passed away. There was a defibrillator but when they tried to use it the batteries were dead. He was snorkeling with his grandkids when it happened

[mapsmom]

We were all afraid of that - how did you find out? We have been searching the internet since our return. Did he have a heart attack? One of the pax told me he heard him weakly cry for help, but couldn't tell where it was coming from at first.

[crazycruzer68]

One of the crew members told us. He wasn't allowed to say if the family all left the ship or if he was brought back on board. But if you remember we left out of there about 45 minutes late, so they were doing something. We also heard from others around him that CPR wasn't given correctly at first and a few nurses stepped in to help, that was not told to me by the crew so it could be all talk.

[mapsmom]

thanks for the info - I am so saddened by this...I hope that something changes so that this doesn't happen to another family. Although sometimes nothing will save someone who has a massive heart attack.

[mapsmom]

Thursday is Cozumel day. A nice shopping port with all of the tourist haunts. Part of the Fam went to Paradise Beach and the others stayed to shop in port. Another very hot day! We looked around a little, bought a couple of things - and DDIL and the grandkids went back on board. The Fam just loved Paradise - took a cab there - really reasonable to get in and they played on the water slides and things for the day.

 

On the way back through the duty free shops - I saw a lovely wind chime for $4. As it was being wrapped, I got out four dollars, and was asked for my sign and sail card - no problem. Now she asks me for my drivers license. I show it to her, and she tries to grab it. I keep my finger over the numbers. Nope - she needs my DL number, name, and address to process a $4 sale. There is NO WAY that I am giving up this info to a foreign country's computer system. Seriously. Hard Pass.

 

Back on board - tried to sneak GS into the "walking" area of the pool. But Busted once again by the Pool Police. Again - we noticed babies with no diapers - no diaper - no problem evidently. About 1/2 hour later- everybody out of the pool!!! The red bag waste container and a net came out to scoop up the poop (remember the scene from Caddy Shack?) But this was no Baby Ruth bar. Bleach was poured in and a net put on top of the pool for the remainder of the day.

 

Another elegant night, and this time pax were really in "I'm tired and don't want to get dressed up" mode. Much more casual than earlier in the week. MDR looked more like Denny's than a white tablecloth restaurant! Many elaborate backdrops for pictures, including some Dr. Suess ones!

 

Here is the scoop on the ship, which I understand is going into dry dock next year. She is a little tired looking, and if you look closely, you will see some wear. All in all, still well-maintained, but it is time for a major redo. All of the balconies were cleaned (I think power-washed, but we were in port so I didn't see them do it) which was good, but the windows were slightly scratched in our cabin.

 

Next up - final sea day - 80s rock musical, free shots! and disembarkation epic fail.

[mapsmom]

We decided to play bingo as a family, which was so much fun. Our caller was Lee, aka Princess Marshmallow. He explained his nickname - his hair is white, hence Marshmallow, and he does consider himself a princess! I loved him - he made bingo so enjoyable! DDIL won a game - even more fun!!!

 

The 80s rock show had awesome special effects! So fabulous - really exceeded our expectations. And all of the songs are so familiar to us it was great to sing along. After the show, there was an eighties music trivia game in the Colors lobby. Dustin played songs and we wrote down the artist. After the first round, he played back all of the songs and everyone danced and sang along - what a blast. Whoever was REALLY into it got a free shot! I got the first one! I was sorry to see it end - everyone was overlooking the balconies on the 4th and 5th deck.

[NickandJonsmom]

Love your review. Just booked the Glory for 11/5/16. Can't wait

Do you have the fun times? Can you post them or email them to me?

Also. What nights are the dress up nights?

[lorgir]

We'll be on the Glory in a few weeks. I appreciate your review. Different ports, but the on board information is helpful. Thanks!

[Cruise Traveler Susan]

Thursday is Cozumel day. A nice shopping port with all of the tourist haunts. Part of the Fam went to Paradise Beach and the others stayed to shop in port. Another very hot day! We looked around a little, bought a couple of things - and DDIL and the grandkids went back on board. The Fam just loved Paradise - took a cab there - really reasonable to get in and they played on the water slides and things for the day.

 

On the way back through the duty free shops - I saw a lovely wind chime for $4. As it was being wrapped, I got out four dollars, and was asked for my sign and sail card - no problem. Now she asks me for my drivers license. I show it to her, and she tries to grab it. I keep my finger over the numbers. Nope - she needs my DL number, name, and address to process a $4 sale. There is NO WAY that I am giving up this info to a foreign country's computer system. Seriously. Hard Pass.

 

Back on board - tried to sneak GS into the "walking" area of the pool. But Busted once again by the Pool Police. Again - we noticed babies with no diapers - no diaper - no problem evidently. About 1/2 hour later- everybody out of the pool!!! The red bag waste container and a net came out to scoop up the poop (remember the scene from Caddy Shack?) But this was no Baby Ruth bar. Bleach was poured in and a net put on top of the pool for the remainder of the day.

 

Another elegant night, and this time pax were really in "I'm tired and don't want to get dressed up" mode. Much more casual than earlier in the week. MDR looked more like Denny's than a white tablecloth restaurant! Many elaborate backdrops for pictures, including some Dr. Suess ones!

 

Here is the scoop on the ship, which I understand is going into dry dock next year. She is a little tired looking, and if you look closely, you will see some wear. All in all, still well-maintained, but it is time for a major redo. All of the balconies were cleaned (I think power-washed, but we were in port so I didn't see them do it) which was good, but the windows were slightly scratched in our cabin.

 

Next up - final sea day - 80s rock musical, free shots! and disembarkation epic fail.

 

I just can't believe people let their kids in the pools with no diaper. That is just gross. What is wrong with people. The kids are not supposed to be in there to begin with and they know that. It is too bad so many feel entitled to break the rules and everyone else has to suffer for it.

[mapsmom]

We honestly did not know that you couldn't have a baby in there with a swim diaper, which solves the problem, but when told, we just had him on the edge - where the water is like an inch deep. No danger of poop there. But folks put their kids in the pool without diaper so the staff wouldn't kick them out. So ridiculous.

[mapsmom]

I didn't save the fun times unfortunately, but I can tell you many of the activities from memory - they were great! Also the dress up nights are Sunday and Thursday. Let me know what you want and I will tell you what activities there were!

[Ms. Fun Bunch]

Thanks for taking the time to write a review!

[lmsdf]

Thank you so much for your review. I've been getting nervous about the Glory and all of her negative reviews. Too bad we will be on her before dry dock.