Glory Review-The Shortened Cruise

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Our Glory cruise was shortened from 7 days to 4 days due to Francis, but we still had a blast minus some glitches. It was supposed to be 9/4-9/11/2004 and was 9/7-9/11/2004.

 

Alot of people opted out-we were only at about half capacity for this sailing.

 

On Thursday, 9/2/04, Carnival called and told us about the shortened cruise and told us if we still went, we would get 1/2 off this cruise, 1/2 off our next cruise taken by 12/5/2005 and $100 pp shipboard credit and if we chose to opt out, we would get a full refund. By gosh we chose to cruise anyway!!! We decided to stay in NO for a couple of days and then drive on to FL. Never again will I drive to FL. Wonderful drive, BUT it took a total of 19 hours to get there.

 

On Monday evening, I called the 800 number to Carnival and discovered that we would be leaving out of Miami instead of Port Canaveral and would be bussed over. We arrived at the port around 9:30AM and was told to park and wait for further plans. About 45 min. later, we were told to take our luggage and go to the terminal where the Fantasy docks for check-in. We left our luggage with a guy that was setting it up for the busses (or so we thought). We got in line to get cleared for boarding so that would be taken care of now and make it easier once we got to Miami. No computers there since the terminals sustained damage from the hurricane, we still gave credit info for sail and sign cards. They gave us a number so we would be boarded on buses as we checked in. We were told that the buses were on their way and would be there about noonish. We were told to get our luggage back, and hold on to it so when the buses were here, we would be on the same bus as our luggage. At 1:30PM, no buses had arrived and people started calling Carnival to inquire about when we could expect the buses for the 4 hour trip to Miami since everyone we asked at the port gave us the "We don't know where the buses are" everytime we asked. Finally, about 2:00PM, we have buses. We were on the 6th bus and were on our way at about 2:15PM. The bus driver was great! He even had movies for us to watch. The ride went smoothly--the passengers on the bus were in good spirits and very little complaining going on. We arrived at the terminal in Miami about 6PM and the only wait we had was to actually get our sail and sign cards. Whew!! Finally on the ship!!!

 

The ship is gorgeous!! We went to our room and put down all of our carry-ons...then went in search of food since all we had was breakfast and there was nothing at the port since there was no electricity. As we were in the Lido Deck Buffet, one of the waiters from the dining room asked if anyone still wanted to eat in the dining room, even if it was after their seating. If so, then follow him to then Golden Room because it was going to be open seating for dinner and it did not matter which dining room you went to, you would be seated immediatly. After a wonderful supper, we set off to explore the ship. The lifeboat drill was rescheduled for Wed. morning due to how late some passengers arrived.

 

We were to set sail at approx. 10PM. We were delayed for a few minutes due to there being 4 ships in the port of Miami. We got to watch the Mariner of the Seas sail past, everyone was yelling back and forth. Then we set sail.

 

We had a sea day, went to Cozumel, and then a sea day. Really did miss getting to go to St Marteen and ST. Thomas, but that means I will just have to reschedule this itinnerary again.

 

First sea day found out that our S&S card did not work due to the paperwork that was taken at PC had not made it to Miami. We had to resubmit and everything was fine. While standing in the Purser's line, ALOT of people were complaining about how this was the worst cruise and that they were going to write Carnival a letter. I wanted to say "Did you not receive the same options I did, cruise with discounts or opt out and get a full refund?" I just kept my mouth shut to avoid any confrontations. Some of the passengers were from the Fantasy-since their cruise was cancelled, they were given the option to come aboard the Glory.

 

Went to Karaoke and then to dinner. Made my contribution to the casino. The show that night was awsome. My DH does not like them, so I went by myself.

 

Next morning, we were in Cozumel. We went to Mr. Sancho's beach and had a blast. We bought some souviniers and then went to Carlos and Charlies. Back to the ship and got ready for dinner. Went and made another contribution to the casino, did some karaoke, met up with friends and had a few drinks.

 

Final sea day, explored more, had some drinks, watched the ice carving, watched the dance class, went shopping onboard, listened to the debarkation talk on the TV and just relaxed. While on the balcony, my DH watched some dolphins swim next to us. When he went to get his camera, they decided to be camera shy and disappeared!!! We also saw some flying fish having a good time. We still had a wonderful time. Our cabin steward was very good, room always clean. Our waiters in the dining room were awesome. They new our names by the second night.

We still had a formal night, but no past cruisers party. Everyone of the crew members we talked to were in great spirits and always were able to answer any questions we had. Went to the show and it was as good as the first! Spent some time out on the balcony watching the waves.

 

Debarkation was a nightmare!!! They told us if we wanted to be off the ship first, we could carry our own luggage off and we would be called by decks to debark. Since we had so far to drive, this sounded like a great option. They did not let it clear out befor calling another group of passengers, so you could not get an elevator, the stairs were crowded and everyone was trying to be first!!! Once in the terminal, you were not allowed to use the escalators unless you had one hand free to hold onto the railing. The line for the 1 elevator was horrible. We ended up attatching two of our suitcases together and the man let us use the escalator. Finally out of the terminal and they had buses waiting for us to take us to the other side of the port to retrieve our vehicles. We ended up paying no parking fees due to the Hurricane and all the different arrangements that had to be made.

 

All in all it was a great trip-just will have to rebook to get to see our original ports of call!!

[robbyxoxo]

what a deal!....half off....half off future cruise...100 bucks per person....sailing on a half full ship.....veryyy kewl deal any way u cut it...

[basketballmom]

I can't believe you had complainers when they knew what they were in for plus all the perks they were given. We are going on the Glory next July on the Eastern itinerary. What did you think of the ship? Never sailed Carnival before so I don't know what to expect.

[halos]

I totally agree with both posts above me...

I am so happy you made the best of it and had a great time...and WHAT a DEAL!!! A half empty ship!!!!! OOoh man! That must have been GREAT!!

 

I'm glad the 'grumblers' didn't ruin the good, positive energy on the ship and you were still able to enjoy yourselves so much!!

Let us know when you book your next cruise! You must be so excited!!! (Will you be booking in hurricane season again????? Just curious!)

[Facation Fanatic]

I know that was a long way to drive for a 4 day cruise and I certainly sympathize with you. I drive quite a distance to Port Canaveral as well, but it only takes me about 3/4 of the time it took you.

 

It certainly sounds like you know how to make lemonade out of a bag of lemons. It also sounds like Carnival made the decision a no-brainer with all the perks. I would have taken it in a heartbeat.

 

Glad you had a great time inspite of the hassels. I sail the Glory in 2 weeks and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all these hurricanes will be out of the way, without any further damage to our friends in Florida and the Caribbean.

[dbmiller1956]

Glad to know that things went well. I leave tomorrow on the Glory and would have jumped on the deal they offered. Also like you, I would have just scheduled another cruise to pick up the ports.

 

Look forward to seeing this gorgeous ship that everyone keeps talking about...

[lmondrop]

We were docked right next you in Cozumel...we were on the Triumph which also left on Monday night....we left 30 minutes earlier than expected...we were supposed to leave at 10PM...and left at 9:30.

When RC was passing by everyone was yelling adn screaming from ship to ship...as well...it was pretty funny!

[basketballmom]

With Jeanne and Karl out there, you might get some "hurricane" perks too :)

 

Looking forward to hearing about everyone's opinion of the Glory when you return!