Just returned today from the Glory

[TanIslandGirl]

Hello All, We just returned today from the E. Caribberan cruise on the Glory. I stil have my sea legs! Let me just say to all who are going to be cruising on her soon, do not worry about the slightly negative reviews we read on this board a few weeks ago. I must say we found most everything to be above our satisfaction level. After months of planning everything went well traveling with a group of 31. This cruise was very different from my last which was spring break last March. This time we cruised with many senior citizens.

 

We arrived at MCO late the night before and were transported to The Radisson at the Port by Orlando Transp Srv. We arrived at the hotel in about 45 minutes, we checked in over the web the night before so we got in our rooms almost immediatley after arriving. The hotel was clean which is really all I am looking for for a quick over nighter. The rooms did have a small coffee maker, ironing board & iron. This hotel offers a free breakfast with their overnight cruise package (149. +tax). The breakfast was fine. It also offers a free shuttle to the port which we did not end up using because we could not board their shuttle until after check out.:confused: Nobody in our party wanted to wait so we called a local cab company and they charged us $8 to go to the port. Not bad! Did I mention that its chilly with 30mph winds. We left the hotel at 11:30 and were on board the Glory heading for the Lido deck at 12:10, that was super fast. The staff did not hesitate to assist us in boarding even though it was early. We went to check out our cabin #6387 on the upper deck. As we were peeking in, our cabin steward came up behind us and appologized for the cabin not being totaly ready for us. We were not supposed to go to the cabin until after 1:00 :rolleyes: but being curious I couldnt wait any longer as this was my first balcony stateroom and I was excited to see it. As usual it was clean and smelled good. The only thing about it that wasnt ready was our robes and pool towels were not in there yet. No big deal. I have no complaints about our cabin steward he made up the room each time within minutes of us putting the little sign out on the door handle. We had our towel animals every other day or so & a clean room what more would I want? The laundry room was right across from our door but this was never a problem.

Dinner in the Golden Dining room the first evening was great and would end up being very good each night after that. It turned out that every other night the dining staff would entertain you a little, weenjoyed their singing & dancing. Our waiter was Mario and he was very pleasant. He was nice but he was not as willing to bring you seconds of any dish as our friends table next to us. One of the tables in our party had a waiter who without even asking on the 1st formal night brought each and every one of them a second lobster tail. On the nights that they enjoyed something & he knew it, out came the seconds. While my server didnt do this he stil was a good waiter. We just had to ask for the seconds. Now on the other hand our bar/beverage person was awful & we took care of that. All in all no complaints that would warrant giving the ship a bad rap at dinner. The bufet lines were at times long but we figured it out. It was because the seniors dont move quite as fast and so this kind of backed up the lines once in a while. We just had to be patient as I hope one day I willl stil be cruising when I am a senior citizen. On the lido deck there is the Oriental counter which I visited quite often,The Deli which is outstanding. I had some of the best pastrami here that I have had in a long time. The sandwiches that came out of here all week were great. Upstairs is fish & chips which was OK. Pizza & burgers were always good to. One issue in the lido deck in the very early mornings was the coffee or the lack of it. A few mornings members of our group went for coffee & there was none @7am. A few other mornings there was coffee but no milk or cream to put in it. Solve this problem by ordering coffee from room service to be delivered to your state room in the am. One thing I would tell you is that the cofee mugs they use on the lido deck & for room service are plastic kind of like a tupperwre. They hold the smell of coffee in them. No problem if you are drinking coffee but this doesnt sit well with me when I try to drink my hot tea. You may want to brink your own travel mug if this is an issue for you.

Our 1st excursion was to Nassau where we booked the stingray encounter at Pearl Island. None of us were happy with this at all. The stingrays were held captive in a cage like area. It was not at all what we expected. We had done a stingray encounter in the Cayman Islands which was great, so we expected it to be similar, NOT! Oh well it was cold and rainy on this day & we figured we better make the most of it and we did our best to get in the water and swim even though the locals had their winter coats & hats on:eek: . We finished our trip & headed back to the ship.

Later that evening on the ship we were thrilled to find that Weeee Jimmyy

the asst cruise director from our last ship the Triumph was now assigned to The Glory. If any of you know who he is I hope you can share in my joy of seeing him again. He is histerical, we love him. He adds so much comedy to everything he does.

 

Our second stop was St. Thomas where we took an open truck like cab to Sapphire Beach. We were charged $18 per person round trip. There was no fee to enter the beach. This was a nice enough beach the water was calm kind of like swimming in a bay. Snorkeling was excellent to the right of the beach. Just like looking in a salt water fish tank. Lounge chairs could be rented for $5. ea, snorkel equip including mask, tube & fins could be rented for $5. an hour or $8. for 2 hours. A friendly waitress who just moved to the island from California comes right to your chair to offer you a drink. My mixed drink I think it was in a 6oz cup was $8. What the heck I am on vacation. Burgers cost $11. & hot dogs were $7. There were bathrooms to use but they did need a good cleaning.

 

Next stop St. Maarten, we had months ago arranged a private deep sea fishing excursion with Taylor Made Fishing Trips. I would reccomend them to all. $500. for 4 people, 1/2 day trip. They pick you up right near the cruise ship dock at Chesterfields. They provide poles, bait & beverages on board also. Friends of ours also booked through another company on the island & paid more & had to drive to the other side of the island to get to their boat. After the fishing trip we all went to Divi Little Bay Beach. We took a cab to the beach for $4 pp one way. Again no charge to enter beach. We were able to use the resorts bathrooms (they were clean)

Chairs & umbrellas avail for $5. ea. On this beach a few people approached us to buy something they made. A simple no thank you sent them walking. Cans of soda were avail for $2.50 ea. This was a very beautiful beach. Just a little wave here & there, it was great. Perfect for swimmers and small children. It only took us approx 10 min to get here but going back was more like 20 because of their locals rush hour, so allow yourself a little extra time going back to the ship. Carnival offers a 4 hr ex to this spot including 2 drinks (water/puch) & a bbq lunch for $50. You can do it on you own and save alot. On this beach they have jet ski rentals, hair braiding $2. a braid. They also offer the banana boat ride @ $10. pp. We had a nice afternoon at DIVI.

 

Back on board we got involved in many activities and were on the travel log DVD quite a bit so of course we had to purchase it. If you decide to buy it wait until almost the last day they get marked down $5.

The late night comedy shows were very good. I enjoyed the Rock Down Broadway show. We got to see 3/4 of it & then behind the curtain part of the set fell oved & you heard this loud crash & the show was terminated. They tell us know one was hurt, thank God.

 

We found the ship to be clean at all times. Decks were always being cared for by the wait staff. A few notes about the cabins on this ship. There is no electrical outlet in the bathroom to plug in a hair dryer or flat iron. There is one outlet in the vanity area in the room itself. Bring either a power strip or a converter wich converts the one outlet to 3. I like to bring an alarm clock so I dont miss anything. Check out bar blue where they do Kareoke, I love this place. Of course blue is my fav color. Also check out the piano bar what a load of fun we had in there with Barry.

Be sure to try the drink "Kiss On The Lips". If anybody has the recipe let me know. I guess you can tell that our group had a great time even though the weather wasnt 100% we enjoyed our cruise on the Glory & would sail her again no doubt. Today we left the ship and headed back home to NY and are getting ready to get dumped with 6-12" of snow. I should have stayed on board!:p

[demos]

Glad you had a great cruise! We have cruised on the Glory three times and truly loved each one. The last one our daughter was married on the ship and Carnival did an outstanding job!:)

[Suede]

Great review, may I ask what time you were able to actually get off the ship in St. Thomas and in St. Maarten, and what time did you have to be back on ship at each place? Thanks again for such a quick review.

 

Thanks,

Suede

[rox6983]

I found this on another thread:

 

Kiss on the Lips:

 

2 oz. Bourbon

6 oz. apricot nectar

 

Thanks so much for the wonderful review. We sail on the Glory in December!!

Counting down the days!!!

[TanIslandGirl]

Hi Suede,

1st stop was the Bahamas arrived in Nassau @ 8:30 left at 2:00 (way to short)

In St. Thomas the ship docked at 10:000am. We had to go thru customs before anybody could debark since our first stop was the Bahamas. The ship called decks randomly to come downstairs with your birth cert, driv lic or passport. Our deck was the 2nd called and we breezed thru the whole process in maybe 15 min. The whole process for the entire ship might have taken about an hour & a half. Once you were cleared you got a sticker to wear (showing you were cleared) & after you put you important papers back in your cabin you were free to go (with your sticker). The ship left that port at 8:00pm

In St. Maarten we docked at 8:00am and left at 6:00pm.

At all 3 ports we docked there was no tendering done.

[TanIslandGirl]

I forgot to mention that the 3rd night of our cruise our ship was taken a bit off course to rescue another vessell that was in distress. Our ship rescued 7 people from a yacht which eventualy sunk. Quite as bit of buzz around the decks the next day. Also DH and I were in the hot tub and were joined by a very nice couple. Both he & his wife were a pleasure to spend time with. One look at this guy & I knew he was an athlete quite possibly a pro. As it turns out he let us know he is a linebacker on the NY Jets. Muscles, muscles, muscles.....

[Suede]

Hi Suede,

1st stop was the Bahamas arrived in Nassau @ 8:30 left at 2:00 (way to short)

In St. Thomas the ship docked at 10:000am. We had to go thru customs before anybody could debark since our first stop was the Bahamas. The ship called decks randomly to come downstairs with your birth cert, driv lic or passport. Our deck was the 2nd called and we breezed thru the whole process in maybe 15 min. The whole process for the entire ship might have taken about an hour & a half. Once you were cleared you got a sticker to wear (showing you were cleared) & after you put you important papers back in your cabin you were free to go (with your sticker). The ship left that port at 8:00pm

In St. Maarten we docked at 8:00am and left at 6:00pm.

At all 3 ports we docked there was no tendering done.

 

TanIslandGril

 

Thanks so much for answering my questions, can I push my luck and ask a couple more? Do we go thru customs in St. Maarten, and does these stickers go in our passports and if so, that would mean we would have to take our passports off ship, right?

 

Suede

[TanIslandGirl]

:) Dont worry about it, ask away?

We only had to do the customs/immigration thing in St. Thomas because prior to arriving in St. Thomas we were at the Bahamas. So to reenter the US we had to get cleared. These stickers you get are a bit of a joke. They are just stickers on office type labels with your name & cabin # on them. They are given to you after you show your ID again. They do not go in your passport & as a matter of fact we only needed them upn until 1:30 for some unexplained reason.

[LizaMM]

Glad to hear you had a great cruise!

 

You were getting on as we got off.....I miss my wonderful week on the Glory!!

[Butterfinger1954]

Sounds like you enjoyed the Glory as much as we did in Jan 05. She sure is a beautiful ship! Loved the Carnival Colors Game. We did the western route.

 

Kathy in Maine

sailing on the Triumph 12-02-06

[zebster15]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise. We sail the Eastern on 3/18.

[cruzn buckeye]

Great review! Who was the cruise director?

[gypsyrose]

Thank you so much for your quick review. So, did you get the snow they were calling for :eek: If so, I know you want back on the Glory. We are taking the same route as you, although not soon enough. Can you tell me, were the formal nites Mon and Thur? Do you know when the past guest party was? One more...Do you have the capers? Darn, I said one more, how to ask if you are gonna scan the capers? Oh well. Seriously, thank you so much for taking the time for the review and answering questions. I know that when you get home reality slaps you in the face big time.

[TanIslandGirl]

Great review! Who was the cruise director?

Mark Price was the cruise director on the Glory. He was OK, but I kind of got the feeling he has all of his lines written for him. Im sure some of it is but he was a bit stale.

Weee Jimmy the asst CD is the best. We laugh with him and at him when ever he is doing something he makes it a comedy act.

[margie1221]

Thanks for the quick review Tan! Hope you made it back safely to NY - we got dumped with over a foot of snow last night/today. Can't wait to go on Glory (eastern like you) in April. Sounds like we'll be down the hall from where you were - Upper Deck, right? Was it noisy at all?? Probably not if there were a lot of senior citizens. Did you use the gym or spa at all?? Was this your first time with a balcony? Did room service get delivered around the time you requested it? Sorry for so many questions but it's finally getting close and I love reading these reviews!!

 

Thanks again for the info... respond when you have a chance.

[TanIslandGirl]

Thank you so much for your quick review. So, did you get the snow they were calling for :eek: If so, I know you want back on the Glory. We are taking the same route as you, although not soon enough. Can you tell me, were the formal nites Mon and Thur? Do you know when the past guest party was? One more...Do you have the capers? Darn, I said one more, how to ask if you are gonna scan the capers? Oh well. Seriously, thank you so much for taking the time for the review and answering questions. I know that when you get home reality slaps you in the face big time.

Hey Gypsyrose,

Yup, we got the snow. We landed at Newark Airport just as it started to flurry.

Our formal nights this cruise were on Mon & Thurs, only because Sunday was Superbowl. We were told by the crew & staff that the usual nights are Sun & Thurs. The past guest cocktail party was before dinner on Thursdays formal night. For Superbowl there were maybe 3 bars showing the game and there was food brought into these lounges for the game. It was pretty good. If you will be on this ship soon you may want to bring your own hairdryer. They have these hairdryers that you have to hold a button down to keep it running, what a pain. I dont have any capers but if there is anything else I may be able to answer for you ask away. If I can answer I will be happy to.

Susan

[TanIslandGirl]

Hi Margie,

Sure would like to see those palm trees right about now! How about you?

You asked about the gym. I go to Golds Gym at home faithfully 6 days a week. Packed all my stuff & never once went while on this cruise. I feel a bit guilty, but I'll get over it. So I cant tell you anything about the gym.

Some of the others in our group used the spa and were happy with the services. One had accupuncture done & the others had scalp & foot massages. Our hallways were not at all noisy even with the laundry room right across from our room. Our floor seemed to have more 30-40'ish aged people on it. It was my first balcony cabin & I did like it. I think I will now always try to have a balcony. Its nice to see coming and going from the ports and just nice to get away from the crowds but stil be out in the fresh air. Room service was always right on schedule. The card you fill out

(for breakfast the night before) asks for a 1/2 hour window of time to be delivered (ex 7 - 7:30) it was always right on schedule. If we just picked up the phone and called we had it within 20 minutes to a half hour. I really have no major complaints about the cruise. If you remember a few weeks ago there was a review on here about the week the ship had just come out of dry dock in? Somebody said there was vomit found around the decks. Well I spoke to a couple of crew members and they had told me that the first week out of dry dock they hit very extreme rough seas and that many passengers were ill and also seasoned crew members. So thats why there may have been some messes on the decks. Enjoy your cruise on the Glory it will be here4 soon.

[Iamthesea]

Our formal nights this cruise were on Mon & Thurs, only because Sunday was Superbowl. We were told by the crew & staff that the usual nights are Sun & Thurs.

 

If you will be on this ship soon you may want to bring your own hairdryer. They have these hairdryers that you have to hold a button down to keep it running, what a pain.

The cruise before yours had the Formal night on Monday as well. We were told it was because of being in Key West from 12 - 6 on Sunday. Gives passengers more time.

 

A little duct tape solves the hairdryer problem. Works great! Sorry you didn't see that suggestion on this board before leaving.;)

[msolberg]

Hi Susan,

 

Thanks for the great information. I saw where one of your party had accupuncture in the spa. Do you know how much it was?

 

Thanks,

Diane

[greg randall]

first let me say hi to tan island girl..i probably met you and did not even know it...i agree totally that this is not the same ship that those coupla people experienced..i am sorry for that...anyways....the ship was very clean...we used the benefits of the skippers club for those with category 11 or 12s..they did all the work for us and then escorted us to the front of the line..i suddenly felt important..haha..my room was #2207...it was actually a pretty cool room. i had the room all to myself. i was literally one of about 5 single guys onboard..strange feeling..mark price was funny, seemed scripted...wee jimmy with his irish accent was hysterical..when he would do bingo and say "b-farty nine" we all cracked..he was also awesome at the deck party..we ate in the platinum dining room..the golden is a more classy dining room..the platinum, while nice, is kinda wierd..the golden has a plus because it is mid ship. the red sail restaurant was very nice and clean. i ate breakfast in the dining room to avoid the lines that tan island girl mentioned. the burgers and pizza were a nice touch..kiss on the lips was definitely the popular drink..i had a few..the staff was great. very cordial and friendly..i say the food in the dining room, while good, was not great..the fish is very good, the beef is average..the casino was beautiful and big. i was blown away..the "dreams" coffee bar on deck 5 was really good. the first comedian was hilarious..the shows left you saying "wow". the bahamas were cold. being on a water excursion would have been rough. I was on sapphire beach in st. thomas with island tan girl. what a magnicent beach. Forget koki or magens..that was beautiful. wow. In st. maarten we went to orient beach. that was a perfect day for a single guy..you know what i mean if you have been there. the spa hot tub and pool were too smaller than i expected. it was crowded when i went there. i had a nice pedicure as i looked out on the ocean..that was fab..in conclusion i think all people going on the glory will love it..i will answer any questions...cant wait til i sail the freedom..

[LizaMM]

Hi Susan,

 

Thanks for the great information. I saw where one of your party had accupuncture in the spa. Do you know how much it was?

 

Thanks,

Diane

 

 

Hi Diane!

 

I have all the Capers as well as the Spa Menu and Spa Specials from my Western Sailing on 1/28.

 

From what I can see the Acupuncture was not listed on the "regular Spa Menu" it was however on for example the insert we received for Embarkation Day Special (and on other days as well for the same price) for 50 minutes it was $125

[Chucksta63]

Hi Diane!

 

I have all the Capers as well as the Spa Menu and Spa Specials from my Western Sailing on 1/28.

 

From what I can see the Acupuncture was not listed on the "regular Spa Menu" it was however on for example the insert we received for Embarkation Day Special (and on other days as well for the same price) for 50 minutes it was $125

Hey Liza!!

[LizaMM]

Hey Liza!!

 

 

Hey there Chuck!!!

 

I am in serious PCD here!!!!! I have been posting a LONG review to the boards here ( http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=293189 ) and spent this snowed in day trying to get all my photos downloaded!!!

 

I have been home for one week and have since had 2 sick kids as well as being sick myself! I have your emails saved in my inbox and will certainly be looking into that cruise very soon!!!

 

MISS YOU GUYS!!! PLEASE say hi to Bobby and Nate for me and Emma!!

[racegrrl]

Great review! And welcome back! So glad to hear that with each cruise, the flow of the ship is getting better. We figured it would settle out. Happy for you all! We are going to go back on the Inspiration to take my folks on their first cruise in the late fall. Planning is so much fun!

 

Like Liza, I also spent all day yesterday downloading/editing/organizing pics from our cruise and will post a link to them later. As I go through them, though, I am finding I really didn't take too many pics of the ship. I guess I just didn't bring the camera along with me all of the time. Sorry. Got lots while we were ashore - still managed to take over 300 - whittled down to 150 for posting & printing.

 

I have the eastern capers, and will try to get them scanned tonight.

 

Hope all you east coasters survived this weekend! You have my sympathy - we got 26" in an 8 hour period last year one day. Yikes! Don't want to go through that again.

[msolberg]

Thanks Liza!

 

Hey Racegrrl - your photography skills sound a lot like mine - one year I will have tons of people pictures that could be taken anywhere and the next I will have all ship pictures with no people in them. Hopefully this year I will get it right. Can't wait to see your pictures anyway. :D

 

Diane