Just off Glory - Some Observations (long)

[WJBonds]

Before I continue, I want everyone to know that although this was my first cruise with Carnival, I have been on 12 other cruise lines with my wife - from the most basic to the most elegant.

We are mid 50 New Yorkers and have experienced much in the way of cruising, travel, and dining.

To tell you the truth, Carnival seduced me with it's pricing. We booked a cat 11 suite and off we went to the Western Caribbean.

The trip started off in a great way. Having a suite got us into the Skipper's Club which makes boarding the ship a breeze. We truly had a VIP entrance which probably saved us an hour of waiting on line. However, this perk was the only extra given to us.

Checking our dining room assignment I found that we were booked into a table for 2 at 8:00. Exactly what we requested. At this early point I was ecstatic. We were really off to a good start.

Our stateroom was great. Spa tub - marble double sinks - plenty of closet space - and a bed as special as these boards have talked about. We even had a VCR in the room. This was a real curiosity because when I inquired about getting some tapes - I was told that "most people bring them from home".

I wish that I could say that the rest of the cruise was as special as that first day. Unfortunately reality did set in.

Much of what I will now say is subjective and not quantifiable. Just the thoughts of someone with a lots of experience.

Carnival has taken all of the luxury out of cruising. Don't get me wrong - I had a GREAT time. But, I like eating a Fridays and the Red Lobster. This is the feeling I had on this trip.

The food in the dining room was prepared wonderfully - but the ingredients were inferior. (The smallest portions one can imagine) Yes, you can ask for more, but that is not the answer. On EVERY other cruise line there is a little note on the menu mentioning items that are "always available". Not on Carnival. I know that your waiter can bring out items off the menu if requested - but again that's not the point.

Our waiter and bus girl were truly nice people. But, never once did they volunteer something extra. Not once were we offered a second appetizer, entree, or even dessert. Whatever requests (for the most part) were answered, but nothing was ever offered. The Maitre'd never even came by to say hello. Banannas Foster - Cherries Jubillee - just names from the past.

Although the ship had just come out of dry dock we were shocked at how shabby the dining room chairs were. Curiously, on the 3rd day of the cruise, seat covers were placed on all the chair backs.

The Lido dining experience is not comparable to the buffets found on many other ships. Good, not great, selection of lower priced fruits and vegetables, fair selection of starches, and poor selection of inferior protein. (ie meat fish fowl)

There is a severe lack of help in the Lido. If you want a table, you must grab one and either clean it yourself or find someone to do it for you. On their own, the Lido staff will not clean up a dirty table unless you ask them. The idea of a waiter taking your tray and escorting you to a clean table is a concept totally foreign to the Glory. If you would like a strawberry or rasberry, forget it. Only melon and pineapple. As I stated, plenty of economy but NO luxury at all. Specialty dining on the Lido (Fish and Chips - Asian - Deli -Grill - Pizza) are a tad better than the standard Lido fare, but not much. Hamburgers are done one way only - well done. When people made requests for medium rare, the grill person pretended not to speak English.

The one true luxury experience on the Glory is the Emerald Supper Club. At $30 per person plus tip it is not inexpensive, but, it is very worthwhile. Although many of the items on the Supper Club menu are the same as downstairs - they are the same in name only. This truly replicates a fine dining experience and should not be missed.

We spent much of our day by the main pool. I was pleasantly surprised to find only a few chair hogs. But, there was no one to help set up a lounge chair. You pulled them off a high stack and placed them yourselves. (By the way - the Carnival deck chairs are a horror - plastic, 3 piece construction that gave everyone fits) Not one pool hand the entire day. Plenty of waiters selling you a drink, but no one to assist with anything)

Well, I think I've made some fair observations. Layout of the ship is great, shows, casinos, shops, spas, gym, etc. are just what you would expect. Best of all the pricing really covers up a lot of ills. But, if you want even a little pampering Carnival is not the place to go.

[Buster27]

If you want the extra pampering, you pay for the extra pampering.

 

You said yourself you chose Carnival for the price, but you still seemed to want the extras.

 

I have to say, I've been on 12 cruises, I can honestly say I've never noticed the chairs in the dining room or even thought about the price of fruits on the buffet. Seem like you were really looking for things to nitpick on!!!

 

You usually get what you pay for and I personally think Carnival gives you more than your money's worth.

[BND]

As for medium rare hamburgers, they are not allowed to cook them that way due to health department regulations and safety issues. On Fantasy in Nov we shared a table at lunch with a couple and the man was offended he couldn't get a burger med rare. The kitchen manager came out and explained to him that they were not allowed to serve them that way. If you felt the meat was inferior quality, why the heck would you want to chance illness over a burger less than done? We never expected anyone to carry our tray at a buffet. Part of being at a buffet is getting your own food right? I think you need to go to another line. Sounds like you were looking to be waited on hand and foot. Who sets up your chair and carries your food at home? We love Carnival and just booked Glory for our next cruise in Nov. We felt pampered since we weren't going to work, doing dishes, laundry, cooking, etc. and we were on a CRUISE!!

[LMCruise]

Thanks for you opinions. You get what you pay for. Perhaps Carnival just isn't right for you.

 

Just a comment about the hamburgers--Good for Carnival or the worker for not giving you a medium rare hamburger!! Perhaps the worker could have handled it better, but he/she probably has to listen to the same complaints and grouchy people all day long. All hamburgers should be well done, period. I know people like "what they like," but just about every authority I know says for food safety ground beed should be cooked well.

 

A medium rare hamburger is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I know some restaurants get away with the little blurb about consuming meat at your own risk, but I wonder how that will hold up in court. Carnival is probably just being extra precautious.

 

...I can see the post now...

 

"My child/grandmother/father got e coli and died from a Carnival hamburger!"

[MeLuvDaSea]

Thanks for the review, WJ. I appreciate the fact that you can be honest without being scathing. Some folks have a hard time with the balance. I guess most of the differences you've pointed out do go back to the economy thing. Have you cruised on other lines that were of comparable value? If so, how does Carnival stack up? I have two Carnival cruises to my credit and 1 more on the way. In Dec. we will be on the Queen Mary II. I wonder if we will see a difference in service and quality of food. I will make notes.

[racegrrl]

Thanks for your observations. Glad you had some very positive experiences on board! We loved the ship itself, but we also experienced a few challenges when we had our turn on the Glory. We had many of the same issues about the food quality on board when we sailed right out of dry dock. We were hoping that it was due to the new crew that some of the things we found so wonderful on the Carnival Inspiration were lacking on the Glory food and service-wise. We experienced the same lackluster service in the buffet area, but figured it was due to new staff. Appears not.

 

Meals and their quality are quite another subjective thing, I totally get that. Though I am a foodservice professional, I did not think our expectations were out of line since we were absolutely "wowed" by our culinary experiences just a year before on a different Carnival ship. We in fact will be booking on that ship again to take our parents on their first cruise. However, we will adjust our expectations a bit just in case it is the same on that ship too.

 

I hope you can take the time to write a full review of your trip aboard. We all look forward to reading them, positive and negative issues are all helpful for those who will be cruising soon. I also hope that Carnival pays attention to these issues and can address them. Seems someone has ranked quality behind presentation, and that works just fine until the first bite. Thanks again!

[cardinalfan]

I was on the Glory last March and thought it was awesome. There was nothing I could complain about. Every wish, every request was handled promptly. Sorry you had a bad time but my experience was wonderful. I am going on the sister ship the Conquest in less than a month and can't wait.

[MeLuvDaSea]

I don't believe he said he had a bad time...

[Donnask8pro]

I'm just wondering what cruise line you generally tend to cruise with? I do cruise Carnival because of the cost factor and have always had good food. I agree w/ the sometime lack of table cleaning service but I think this is certain times of the day. Maybe the overload factor? Thanks for your insights, I'm always reading everyones opinions.

[marktac]

The OP notes that he has been on other lines, and was wooed to Carnival by the price.

 

I'm curious if the OP will answer a question....did you get the value for your expense, since you state you got a value?

 

I've been on 10 cruises, probably the same lines as you. I've found the food on Carnival to be equal or better than any of the so-called premium lines. I might also add that I've never had a steward take my tray at the buffet. I'm not disabled or aged (even though I'm older than the OP states he is). They have helped the infirm or elderly on many ships. The only ship that has physically taken us to our stateroom at embarkation was Princess. All others we have found our own way...no problem.

 

Not trying to be critical, especially since he said he had a great time. But I think that here is a case of a bad fit. Find the line you like, and go for it.

 

Mark T

[hipquest]

Thanks for you opinions. You get what you pay for. Perhaps Carnival just isn't right for you.

 

Just a comment about the hamburgers--Good for Carnival or the worker for not giving you a medium rare hamburger!! Perhaps the worker could have handled it better, but he/she probably has to listen to the same complaints and grouchy people all day long. All hamburgers should be well done, period. I know people like "what they like," but just about every authority I know says for food safety ground beed should be cooked well.

 

A medium rare hamburger is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I know some restaurants get away with the little blurb about consuming meat at your own risk, but I wonder how that will hold up in court. Carnival is probably just being extra precautious.

 

...I can see the post now...

 

"My child/grandmother/father got e coli and died from a Carnival hamburger!"

 

Just an FYI, in North Carolina there is a provision in the well-done rule. If a restaurant grinds their beef, in house, it may be served at any temp-raw to whatever.

 

My husband loved steak tartare (raw hamburger AND raw egg:eek:) in France, I only eat well done ground beef-anywhere.

[WJBonds]

Thanks to all of you who read and commented on my observations - especially the ones who understand that I was trying to be factual - not critical.

 

Yes I had a great time.

Yes the cruise was a great value.

 

But, I repeat, you also get great value at some of the lesser, chain, restaurants.

 

To answer some questions. In the last 3 - 4 years I have been on Princess, HAL, and RCCL in this price category. On all of those trips, there were services given that far exceed what we received on this trip. On all of those trips, people went out of their way to insure that your trip would be memorable. Again, on all of those trips food service was just of a higher quality.

 

One last comment that I left out of my earlier remarks. I think that the old Carnival reputation can be forgotten. One evening, a few people (8 - 10) were in the hot tub starting to get rowdy. The girls were flashing and removing their tops. One man took off his bathing suit. Within minutes, Carnival security was there and handled the situation in a very professional manner. Kudos to the security staff.

[drpeperlvr]

If you would like a strawberry or rasberry, forget it. Only melon and pineapple. As I stated, plenty of economy but NO luxury at all.

 

WOW.. never knew I was eating luxury all these years.. I thought they were just strawberries.

[victoriouslady]

Thank you very, very much for your clear and detailed explannation of your complaints. It helps me a LOT. Some of the things would bother me, some would not. But your being so clear and detailed helps me to know what to expect next month. I appreciate that you did not "bash" the cruise line, but gave your honest opinion.

[Bermuda C]

I appreciate your comments. I think things could differ from ship to ship. On the Valor last week I did have a waiter in the lido help me on two occassions by carrying a tray to the table. There was also a waiter going around with a cart filling drinks. I had not seen that before in the lido on my two previous Carnival cruises.

 

Maybe in the future you will give it another shot. Thanks again.

[vacruizer]

I appreciate your comments. I think things could differ from ship to ship. On the Valor last week I did have a waiter in the lido help me on two occassions by carrying a tray to the table. There was also a waiter going around with a cart filling drinks. I had not seen that before in the lido on my two previous Carnival cruises.

 

Maybe in the future you will give it another shot. Thanks again.

 

I've noticed this quite a bit. Ships are very different from each other. When we sailed the Glory a year ago we were eventually laughing about the Lido and lack of crew there. Didn't have the drink carts going around and thought it was a Carnival cutback (but then they were back a few months later on the Pride.) We've never really experienced being helped to a table on any Carnival ship but have seen those who needed assitance (elderly, wheelchair) receive it. We got lots of exercise on the Glory Lido - it was the ship where no drink station ever had what you needed for a drink. First one - no cups. Head aft. Cups - no ice. Loop over to the other side - and no tea. Head back forward on that side - tea but no lemonade. It became comical after about the 5th time this happened. :p

 

Other ships - no problems. I really think it may be the management on the Glory.

 

Thanks to the OP for your opinions whether everyone agrees or not and for not sounding bitter or angry.

[serene56]

 

To answer some questions. In the last 3 - 4 years I have been on Princess, HAL, and RCCL in this price category. On all of those trips, there were services given that far exceed what we received on this trip. On all of those trips, people went out of their way to insure that your trip would be memorable. Again, on all of those trips food service was just of a higher quality..

 

I do appreciate your review- Bein Carnival junkies because of the price-- then we sailed Princess-- Wow. Yes there is a huge difference BUT i paid for that difference.

Your suite havin only thepriorty check in as the only perk- the price for a carnival suite is so much less compared to any other lines suites.

 

Princess and HAL are owned by Carnivl but are very different cruises.

Bt we found our cruises on Royal caribbean to be the same as carnival with food/service--yes even at dining the waiters did their singing and dancing stuff.

 

Carnival is not for everyone but at least you tried it and discovered it yourself.

[Bandman]

I think you have described the carnival experience fairly accurately. And that experience works just fine for us. I can see where it is not what everyone is looking for and your comments will help those folks to find the right experience for their tastes.

[kyrisong1]

WJ, I'm def not going to flame you for your observations. I will however say that you paid about the same price for a suite as you would for a higher level of balcony on Celebrity.

I don't have experience with other lines as I've only gone Celebrity or Carnival. Celebrity allows me one cruise a year, Carnival two therefore I cruise Carnival.

The suites on Celebrity give you a butler to unpack for you, bring you treats whenever you want, serve you breakfast on your balcony with white linen, bring you shrimp cocktails before dinner and basically spoil you rotten, however you pay for this service dearly. The suites are much more expensive on Celebrity than Carnival and for a good reason, the amount of service extended is phenominal.

The buffett is MUCH better on Celebrity than Carnival, lots of variety of fruit and berries (but I did get a bowl of half frozen berries one morning so maybe not as market fresh as you think), however I prefer the food in the main dining room of Carnival any day, better seasoned and just more things I enjoy eating, although I adore the escargot you can get any evening with Celebrity.

I think the comparisons are apples and oranges, it's expensive to offer the services that some of the more expensive lines offer, therefore they charge more.

Is Carnival the Walmart of cruising? Well I believe they offer an excellent value for a very nice cruise, do they spoil me rotten? Not to the extent other lines might, however my main reason for cruising is to enjoy the sound of the ocean off my balcony, be rocked to sleep everynight by the ocean and to explore places I've never been before. Relaxation from a very busy world is the key for my enjoyment. Walmart is NOT a relaxing experience and hence I don't like the comparison, I prefer to think of them as the more affordable cruise . Period, not cut rate, not walmart.

If I'm looking to be pampered like a princess for a week or two I'd go with Celebrity or one of the lines that offer a little higher amount of service.

If I'm looking to get away TWICE a year, explore new places and enjoy the company of other people that are probably people that work for a living too, I'll choose Carnival.

I once almost hurled on Celebrity when a pompous jerk told me he couldn't afford to work anymore.........ugh. He was demanding of waitstaff to a point of embarrassment by the rest of his table mates, he didn't follow dress code, he harrassed the Maitre D, just altogether unacceptable behavior. But he enjoyed it greatly, showing he was the "uppercrust":rolleyes:

So I guess the question is what is it you want from your cruise and if it's the higher level of service you probably should pay the higher rates and feel like you got what you paid for, chalk up your experience to live and learn

Cheers, Carole

[Bandman]

OP is years old - In that case - NEVERMIND - GEEZE.

[SOMBRERO6]

This post was from 4 yrs ago. Why is this being brought up now? The Glory is... or will be in dry dock, soon. Let's not judge a post from 4 yrs ago!

[stay_or_go]

Sometimes the search button is not your friend!

 

Maybe all threads should be locked after 1 year with no postings.

 

 

FOUR YEAR OLD TOPIC ALERT!