Glory Review!!!

[travgurl]

Glory review! Just got off the Glory. The ship in incredible. We had a fantastic time!

We traveled the day before. We rented a car and stayed at the Country Inn and Suites. I saw the ship arrive early that morning. I would recommend this for sure. Then you can relax the night before and enjoy the day you get on the ship with no travel pressure.

Embarkation-we dropped off our car, they delivered us right to the ship around 11:40. We tipped the driver. We gave our luggage to the dock porters, tipped them $1 a bag. We kept some carry on luggage with us. We made our way through check in and security. You need to have your passports and necessary paper work. At the top of the escalator you have to fill out a form for the Bahamas. We were on the ship by 12:30. You cannot get into your rooms until 1:30. Once we were onboard, we walked all around the ship to see everything. Then we went to the Red Sail restaurant to eat lunch. We went to our rooms. We had adjoining rooms on deck 2, located right in the middle of the ship near the elevators, laundry room area and ice machine room. It was a perfect location! We did not have a balcony. We had large, deep window. It was very nice! I would do it again that way.

We spent the afternoon looking around the ship and taking some ship tours.

Our luggage arrived late afternoon/early evening. Dinner dress that night is very casual. We ate at the early seating 6:15 every night. I found this to be a good time. The food is incredible every night. Our servers were fantastic! Every night in the dining room we were entertained by singing or dancing from the servers. We went to the Palace for Bingo and the Welcome Aboard Show. After the show, we explored the clubs and casino. We enjoyed listening to music in some of the clubs.

Day 2 – Day at Sea! There are a variety of activities that anyone can do onboard the ship, the choice is yours. We attended a session in the Amber Palace that gave you information about shopping at each of the ports, very informative. If you sit up close you may win some items that they throw out. I did! We spent the afternoon at the pool and hot tubs (that were not real hot, but very relaxing to sit in). We chose the pool at the rear of the Lido deck, it is quiet there, and the hot tubs are adult only. Also, the pizza and a grill is located in the area. Every night we ate in the dining room, we were assigned to the Golden dining room located in the middle of the ship. This was our first formal night. It was nice to get all dressed up. We enjoyed being served and pampered each night. The food was great! There were so many choices to pick from. Some nights some of my family members would order 2 or 3 entrees. You can pick anything and any amount that you want from the menu. Once you have finished dinner course, then comes the dessert menu. Again, you can order as many as you want. Make sure to try the melting chocolate cake. It is delicious! Each night we attended the show in the Amber Palace. Some nights there was a show time for late seating and early seating. Other nights there was just one show time.

The Glory dancers and singers were great! We were suppose to see an illusionist one night, but that was canceled. We had a lot of comedy nights with different entertainers. They were good.

Day 3 – Cozumel We booked through Cozumel Insider the dune buggy excursion. Special thanks to Philipee and Antonio for a great day! There were 17 total in the tour. Soda, beers and water were provided! We drove the dune buggies a short distance, then got to snorkel about 45 minutes to an hour off the beach area. They gave us instructions and were very helpful to everyone. We saw a small butterfly conservatory. We continued in the buggies to an area where they showed a small Maya ruin and gave us some history. We traveled along the back side of the island which was just break taking to see, stopping at an area where some local people have set up stands out in the middle of nowhere along a beach area. Great prices!!! We did some bargain shopping there. Then we stopped where they have their own covered seating area and they served us a good lunch. Then we spent the rest of the rest of the time enjoying swimming in the beautiful clear blue and warm water and walking in the fine and soft sand, our feet would sink into it. We were given the option of going to hear a talk about Tequila or stay at the beach, we stayed at the beach. Beware of driving in the more congested areas. Watch for stop signs, intersecting streets and people on scooters! A GREAT DAY!

Day 4 – Belize We booked a snorkel excursion through Coral Breezes. Special thanks to Heni, Evar and Mark for a FANTASTIC day!!! There were 17 people on this excursion. Only 12 of us snorkeled. We traveled on a fun boat ride 21 miles north of Belize to Caye Caulker island. From there we traveled in the boat about 4 miles to our snorkel area. We snorkeled for 45 minutes at the top of the barrier reef. The water was beautiful! We could see all the way to the bottom in 20 to 30 feet deep. Then we went to another stop to snorkel. We had sting rays swimming all around us. What a great experience. We returned to the Caye Caulker where we went to Tropical Paradise restaurant to eat lunch. We had included lunch in our tour. We chose what we wanted before we left. We were served a delicious Mexican lunch. We walked around the island. It is a island where about 1300 people live. The children go to the mainland for school and there is one doctor and nurse on the island. This was a very quiet and tropical island. We traveled back to Belize where we had a little time left to shop before boarding the ship. Our tour guides were so personable. ANOTHER GREAT DAY!

Day 5 – Costa Maya We decided not to book any tours. The port is nicely developed for the cruise ships. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, a pool and beach area to enjoy. But, we went out to the back area of the port and asked where to get bus tickets. We found the stand just out back, ask and you will find it. We paid $3 per person, rode on a air conditioned bus to Mahajual. This is a beach town located about 2 miles from the pier. We entered the town. It is one dirt street along the beach coast. People from the different bars, restaurants and shops try very hard to get you to come to their business. I just kept moving, listening to some and I would say I am walking to the end to see everything here. After getting to the end, we ended up at the Xtunkha. If you go there ask for Atucho. We were very well taken care of there by him. He kept a tab for us for the day, We gave him a tip at the end of the day. We had free beach chairs, tables, shade and a nice swimming area. The restaurant had a bathroom and shower area for our usage. This place looked the nicest. You cannot miss it. It is two stories with a thatched roof. On the first floor there is a bar with swing seats and upstairs in an open are there is a massage area. We ordered a delicious lunch, did some shopping and relaxed in the beautiful water. You can rent kayaks, jet skis or set a snorkel tour if you would like. We chose to do the massages. We went up on the second level, a beautiful breeze that day and all 5 of us got a massage. It lasted 1 entire hour for only $20 per person. Can you believe that! It was a complete massage from top to bottom. There are massages places all up and down the street. On the bottom level to the right of the Xtunkha ask for Nelly. We did tip for each massage. Also, if anyone wants to call home, look for a white building on the right side as you walk down the street. It is two levels with glass windows on both levels. Look for a sign that says internet and phone. Go upstairs to the second level, a very nice man allows you can use the internet for a fee or you can make a call for only 30 cents a minute. He has a timer on the phone, so he know exactly how long you talk. Once we were ready to leave, we just left the Xtankha and taxis were right there to take us back to the port area. Taxis are $2 per person. We ended up in a van, they tried to say $3, but I got them down to $2. We did tip give him a tip.

Another great and relaxing day!!!

Day 6 – Fun day at sea! We enjoyed our time on the ship. We attended the session on shopping in Nassau and disembarkation. We spend most of the day in the pool area at the rear of the Lido deck. Some of the family took a tour of the galley that was offered. They said it was quite something to see. This was the second formal night. We got our breakfasts and lunches at the Red Sail, this is buffet style. There is so much food to pick from. Drink choices are ice tea, lemonade, punch or apple juice. I got soda cards for the kids. They could use them anywhere on the ship. Anyone can get a soda card. We did eat one breakfast at the Platinum dining room. You get served like you do at dinner, but we liked the going to the Red Said better, you can sit right next to the window area looking out over the ocean. What a view!

Day 7 - Nassau We booked through Carnival the Catamaran Snorkeling excursion. There were about 100 people, they accommodated 3 ships that were in port at the same time. We traveled on the boat about 40 minutes, taking a tour of the harbor to our snorkel area. We spent 1 hour in the water snorkeling in a coral reef park. It was very nice, but make sure you purchase the fish food on board for $1. As you take a little food out of the bag at a time, fish swim all around you. Do not forget your under water cameras! It was a good excursion, but too many people and we did not get the personal attention that we got on our other excursions. I really think that booking with private companies is the best way to go. Just do you research and ask questions on this board at the different ports of call to find out what to do. We spent the rest of the time shopping in Nassau. My complaint here is we did not have enough time in port, only 5 ½ hours. It was a good day! We enjoyed our last dinner at the Golden dining room. Our servers were Atri and Ruel. They were so wonderful!!! We gave them extra tips at the end of the evening. Our great room steward was Justo, we gave him an extra tip also on Saturday morning. He took very good care of us!

We enjoyed the last night show. At the beginning of the week they had tryouts looking for people to star in the last night show “Legends”. So, if you are talented or think you have talent, try out. It was quite entertaining. Then it was time to pack! A sad time!

Day 8 – Disembarkation We chose to do self assist. If you have your luggage taken off by the ship, you have to have your luggage outside your door on Friday night by 11:00. We went to breakfast, finished packing and then went to a designated area to wait to leave the ship. They call you by numbers they have given you or by floor if you are self assist. We were called about 9:00. We went through security and customs without any problems. We went continued out the door with our luggage to the transportation area back to the car rental place. We had an evening flight so we did some shopping in Coco Beach, had lunch and then went to the airport. After waiting on the runway for 1 ½ hrs to take off due to weather, we arrived at 9:15.

I have always to take a cruise, now I have. I will say it was worth every penny. The ship was wonderful! There are many things to do if you want to, the choice is yours. Some of these activities are very costly like the spa and casino. Anyone can use the exercise out area for no fee. People gave their opinions of Camp Carnival, some kids like it, others got bored, We traveled with teens. This is the one complaint from my family on the whole trip. I feel that they need to change the grouping of ages perhaps to 11 to 13, 14 to 16 and 17 to 20. They need to have more fun activities for them to do at night besides just dance at their club. They really needed to have a mix and mingle for those 18 to 20 years old. I will say this was a family great family vacation. I will definitely cruise again!

If you have any questions about the Glory, just let me know.

[POOHISME2]

Wonderful review and very detailed. I am so glad you had a wonderful time!

[GAMOM4]

What a great review! We have only sailed out of Jacksonville and we have loved it everytime! But I want to sail on a larger ship like the Glory one day - if we can ever afford it. I'm glad you had a great time!

[cruzinmom]

:) Thanks for the review. Did you try the fish and chips?

[countrytoothpicker]

Great review, thanks for sharing. Did you check out the piano bar?

[mcfam5]

My family is booked to be on the Glory on October 13th, Eastern Carribean though. Sounds like you had a great vacation!

[ShedQueen77]

My family is booked to be on the Glory on October 13th, Eastern Carribean though. Sounds like you had a great vacation!

 

We're on the Jan 3, 2009 Eastern Caribbean. :)

 

Thank you OP for the nice review! It was great to get some good information about the ship! :)

[ShedQueen77]

Darn double post

[bguppies]

Thanks for the great, detailed review.

 

Less than 50 days until our Glory cruise to the same ports.

 

Bill

[DJ56]

Really enjoyed reading your review. My first cruise will be on the Glory in September! After reading your review it just got me more excited. Nice to read a 1st time cruisers review and it was so positive. Where exactly was your room?? I will have an ocean view on the main deck. Again, thank you...:)

[DJ56]

Really enjoyed reading your review. My first cruise will be on the Glory in September! After reading your review it just got me more excited. Nice to read a 1st time cruisers review and it was so positive. Where exactly was your room?? I will have an ocean view on the main deck. Again, thank you...:)

[DJ56]

...sorry For The Duplicate Post...my Computer Said The First One Did Not Go Through...

[eclipsegtf10mch]

Thanks for the review. I'm sailing on Glory in 6 days!

[justcrzn]

Thanks for the review, sounds like you had a wonderful time. We leave on Sept 1, cant wait

[travgurl]

We were in 2359/2363 (adjoining cabins) right in the middle of the ship. Some other information. If you go to the Purser's desk, ask for some post cards and playing cards. I said I would like 2, please. They will give you very large size post cards with picture of the ship on it and playing cards with them Carnival emblem for free. I went twice. The soda cards are a good purchase for those who like soda. The tea and lemonade were fine for me. Also, sometime around 8 p.m. of after we went up on the Lido deck then to the upper decks to see the sunset every night. It was very nice. Look for the very front of the ship on an higher deck, there is an area that has a railing that you can just sit on. You can have a front row seat as the ship is moving. What a sight to see. We would go there in the evening. There is a picture opportunity everyday. It is your choice whether or not you want to pose casual or formal or both. There are variety of backgrounds to choose from. Check them out on deck 3 and 5. You can get some great buys in the jewelry and gift shops, watch for the specials each day. Any other questions, just ask!

[pakmount]

Trvgurl,

I was on your ship also. I didn't make it to our "meet and greet" from our role call though. Time got away from me.

 

We had a great experience on this sailing as well. Our waitress (Andrea) and room steward (Sergio) were absolutely fabulous. We had cabin #6292, and apart from our neighbors who smoked pot 24/7, it was great. This was our first cruise as well, and it exceeded our expectations. By all means, see the late night comedy shows. They were very funny. We traveled with kids of all ages, and they were all entertained every minute of the day (and night).

 

If anyone has any questions about my experience and excursions etc, please just ask.

[pacerzfan]

great review, travgurl!

[Rayefan]

Hey, thanks for taking the time to write such a positive review. We are sailing the Glory in 61 more days... Yes, I am counting down... We can't wait!

Again, THANKS!

[dgack1]

Pakmount - question

 

What are your kids ages and were there enough camp carnival activities for them? What did they enjoy about the ship?....Thanks

[pakmount]

Pakmount - question

 

What are your kids ages and were there enough camp carnival activities for them? What did they enjoy about the ship?....Thanks

 

We had 7, 9, 12, 13, 15, and 17 yr old - all but the 15 yr old are girls.

 

The 7 & 9 yr olds LOVED Camp Carnival. We had to pry them away, the only thing they liked better than Camp Carnival was the water slide and our waitress! They played games, art, sports, etc. They were well entertained.

 

The 12 & 13 yr olds were only busy part of the time. We signed them up for the Carnival Program which kept them busy maybe 1/2 the evenings, the rest of the time they just hung out with the friends that they made (usually we found them at the arcade). Which were quite a few! I would advise taking them to the first night of their program, just so they can meet everyone at least. This age had a lot of dances and a lot of video games. I think they really enjoyed the independence that they felt they had on ship.

 

The 15 & 17 yr old program is nothing to be excited about. The have a disco every night and that is about it. Maybe a scavenger hunt but nothing really organized. But then, at this age they really don't like set times and events! Both liked the friends they made & stayed out late every night just hanging out in O2 Club. During the day they enjoyed the pool and of course the excursions we did.

 

If you have any other questions you can email me @ pakmount1@aol.com.