Glory Review Nov 5-12 (long)

[fourdarlings]

We just returned from the Glory and she is a beautiful ship! Travelling party was myself, dh, four kids (8 years old), grandparents in early 70's (8 total).

 

Embarkation was as smooth as can be. My inlaws made the arrangements-we flew into Orlando at 1:30 pm on sail day, were taken by Mears to Port Canaveral where we went very quickly as there were no lines and were on the ship by 3 pm.

 

We had adjoining cabins on the Riviera deck (forward) and they were great-so quiet, never any smells, excellent, comfortable bedding and enough room for us to unpack everything and not feel too cramped. Our room stewars Susilo was wonderful. Emptied the mini-bar for us and kept us well stocked with ice.

 

We had ealt seating in the Platinum dining room-we were on the lower floor (deck 3) right at the back (table 325) and you can DEFINITELY fell the vibrations. We did get used to them after a couple of days, but they were very noticeable on the first night and 4 th night leaving Costa Maya. Our waiters Javier and Alexander were great. Quickly learned what we all drank and had it ready and waiting for us, along with crayons and kids menus ecery night. Our kids often ate off of the adult menu, but enjoyed the activities to pass the time. Loved the interaction with the staff and being broken into the teams for competition during the week.

 

Key West was nice-didn't do any excursions-just walked the town with the kids.

 

Unfortunately that night 3 of my kids and I became violently ill-which lasted 12 hours. We figure probably some type of food poisoining from buffet food as it was a little too intense for motion sickness.

 

Belize-we did the Carnival private island beach break to Bannister Island. I would not do this again. It was supposed to be a 6 hour excursion. We left the ship at 10:15 am and were taken off the island at 2:15 pm. The tender is only 10 minutes, so I feel we were short changed. The setting is nice-the beach is ok, the bottom is actually very muddy feeling in the water not sandy. A very small children's area. big bar area and a tiny window restaurant with rubbery hotdogs and fries for $5 (or chesseburger-which they ran out of) or chivken fingers and fries for $9.00. You could rent kayaks or paddle boats.

 

Costa Maya-the resort at the end of the pier is nice, but is obviously very modern compared to the town. we took a taxi to Mahahujal and found a spot on the beach where we stayed all day. My kids loved it. The water is crytal clear with a white sand bottom. We rented maskes for them and there were many fish right close to shore. The vendors were not too pushy although many people wanted to braid our dd's hair. Food was great and dh and I had massages-$20 for 30 minutes.

 

The food on the ship was good and plentiful. Fish and chips are excellent. I would HIGHLY recommend the Emerald Supper Club. It was a definite highlight for us. The filet mignon was among the best I have ever had. Our family loved getting dressed up for the formal nights and we have some great pictures.

 

 

Camp Carnival was well staffed and the kids had a ball when they were there. There were only 15-20 kids in their age group and they watched movies, had PS 2 and gameboy time, crafts, lego, games, hunts, dance parties. we did not take advantage of the after hours babysitting.

 

We went to 2 shows-the 2 Las Vegas style shows and Justin Illusion. Al were ok, but not fantastic. Kids liked to one that featured broadway music as it is familiar.

 

We found all staff very friendly and attentive. Love the maitre'd in the Platinum. He was very welcoming and interacted well.

 

Debarkation went very well-we went up to the Lido deck at 9 am and by 10:15 our colour was called and we were off the ship. We had breakfast first in the dining room and just had a lesiurely morning until we were called to go.

 

Our weather was awesome, seas were calm and everyone we saw seemed to have a smile on their face.

 

Please feel free to post any questions and I'll try my best to answer!

 

Keri

[Crew32]

did you hear anything about the other excursions in Belize? What were people talking about, besides tubing and snorkeling?

Also, the beach in Costa Maya that you went to on your own.... how was the snorkeling? Could you rent kayaks and jet skis?

Been trying to get info on both places but no responses so far to my questions on the "Ports of Call" forums.

Thanks.

We are going in less than 3 weeks, and are so excited. Glad you had a good time, sorry you got sick. I sure hope that is an isolated thing!!

[CM2J2R2S]

did you hear anything about the other excursions in Belize? What were people talking about, besides tubing and snorkeling?

 

We did Cave Tubing in Belize, booked it on our own - it was awesome. Longer hike, longer river ride and better lunch for $30 less PP than with the cruiseline.

 

Melissa

[fourdarlings]

In Belize we heard great reports from cave tubers and those that did the Lost World canopy tour.

 

Snorkelling off the beach in Costa Maya was fun for the kids, but it wouldn't be satisfying for an adult as you can't go very far (too shallow). When you get off the ship into the little village at the end of the pier there are loads of tour operators and you can get jet skis, (didn't see kayaks, but I am sure they had them), book snorkel excursions, catamaran tours etc.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Keri

[MSSQRL]

Keri, Glad you had a good time. Not a cruise question, but please clarify. Are all 4 of your kids age 8? If so, HOW DO YOU DO IT? I admire and respect you because I can't imagine.:)

[zebster15]

Keri, Glad you had a good time. Not a cruise question, but please clarify. Are all 4 of your kids age 8? If so, HOW DO YOU DO IT? I admire and respect you because I can't imagine.:)

 

Was wondering the same thing:)

[ladysail2]

Fourdarlings...I was on the same cruise..also on Riviera deck, forward, and didn't hear your children. They must be very well behaved.

 

I can echo your feeling about the cruise...the food was great, the entertainment does their best and tries hard. The illusionist was pretty good.

 

In Costa Maya...on the beach in Mahahual (sp?)...one could rent kayaks. They were clear ones...so it was interesting to see the kayakers legs!

 

Glad you and your family enjoyed your cruise. I did too!

[jim141963]

Thanks for the good Review!

My wife & I will be saling on the Glory with the kids 15 & 13 on 12/10/05.

Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pskea]

Can you tell us which nights are the formal nights?? We'll be on the Dec. 17th cruise and my daughter is turning 12 on Dec. 20th...just wondering if that will be a formal night at dinner.

Also, do you remember how much the masks were to rent and do you know how much the hair braiding was?

Thanks! I can't wait for our trip!!

[mnsawyer]

We sailed the Glory in early April 2005 on a western itinerary and loved the ship, port and the stops. Would sail her again in a heartbeat! Glad you had a nice time and thanks for the review!

[beaming90]

Thanks for the great review, counting down the days till mine in 12-06

[FnyFACEnAL]

Has anyone been to the ruins in Costa Maya on the Carnival Glory shore excursion?

Is this a walk-off port or do we have to tender?

Thanks!

[iluvdoxies]

You will dock at Costa Maya.

Haven't been to the ruins.

[MRF777]

We were also on the Glory the same week!..We had a great time, much better than I thought it would be. My previous Carnival Cruises were not nearly as good..We did the Goff's Caye snorkleing in Belize, but the water was kinda of rough so we did not have that good of a snorkle trip.

[vinvintheminpin]

Traveling with me was DH, & both DD's (15 & 13 yrs old). In an adjoining OV room our friends traveled w/their 2 DS's (14 & 10). We were Riviera deck forward (OV room as well). Couldn't really hear anyone down there!

 

We had a great time; embarkation was smooth. Girls didn't really complain about the mustar drill as we explained that if an accident were to occur, they'd need this info (although I was grumbling, LOL).

 

Key West was great, wished we had more time there!

 

On Monday, I bid on a horse and won! We named him "Jersey Joe" in honor of a brand of NJ peaches. Promoting "Joe" was alot of fun. We got to dress him daily, the girls had a grand time parading him throughout the ship. The funniest thing was when people disembarked for Belize on the tenders(& then later at the port in Costa Maya), they looked up and saw our sign "Bet on Jersey Joe"! Was really funny!

 

The only real negative I have to say was that inspite of the well trained crew, some passengers were, well, nasty to them. They're people, too! I saw one woman snap "Put 4 chairs THERE!" after a crew member just got done stacking about 25 of the deck chars in preparation for the Wednesday night deck party. Another gentleman screamed at a poor casino worker because she needed to get a supervisor to pay out a jackpot on a slot!

 

Our waitstaff, Louie and Malvin in the platinum diningroom were excellent! Couldn't have been more happy with their service. The platimum was a bit bumpy, though we all got used to the motion by the time the week was through!

 

Took the airboat excursion in Belize (we're not the adventurous types and I sunburn WAY too easily to be stuck on a beach for several hours without shade, unfortunately). Had a great time!

 

Costa Maya, unless you are on an excursion, is a great disappointment. Lots of shopping, though.

 

What I don't understand, is why would you leave a cruiseship to get drunk in a foreign county, so intoxicated that you cannot walk. Saw a young guy (early 20's) and a middleaged woman do just that.

 

On Friday, we raced "Jersey Joe" and won! We were so happy because we never get that lucky! Kids had a great time with that!

 

DH did well in the casino!

 

Speaking of kids, they had a ball! The Club O2 for teens was great-kept them occupied the whole time! I never heard Mom I'm bored! We hardly saw them the whole week!

 

Disembarkation was early as we had an early flight. We were to go to the Amber Palace at 7:30am. Well, we never made it there as they started escorting us off the ship before we made it there! No waiting!

 

DH is already planning another cruise!

[vtoria98]

I am sooo glad people are posting positive reviews about the Glory. I just booked my first 7 day cruise on her for Oct 2006 for my 30th Birthday.

 

Sounds like a good time was had by all!

 

Vicki

[fourdarlings]

Thanks for all of your comments and replies.

 

Yes my kids are all 8 :) . They are quadruplets-2 boys and 2 girls.

They loved dressing up for formal nights which for us were Monday and Thursday.

 

I know what you mean by rude and mean people. On our last day in the hottub another mom spent an hour complaining to me about the cruise. Ugh. It was a great time, even if there were a few glitches. I am not royalty and do not expect to be treated like it. I treat people kindly and with respect and appreciate the same in return.

 

All upcoming cruisers have a great time!

 

Keri