Another "Glorious" Review!!

[sunnidayz]

Just got back from the May 3-10th Western Caribbean cruise on the Glory. All I can say is, give me more. Not sure where to start other than this was a "family" trip. Travelled with DH and two sons (5 and 4). Will start this review, but probably will take a couple days to get it all in!!! Most importantly, it was a fabulous cruise with only one incident to complain about (Don't take the bottom fishing excursion in Freeport...will get there later).

 

Drove into Port Canaveral on Friday May 2 from Charleston, SC. Went straight to the Radisson at the port, and then to their great pool. DS's needed to expend some energy. Great room, King suite (2 room) for $169.00.

 

Got up on Saturday (May 3rd) and ran some last minute errands. Took our time getting to the port; arriving @ around 12p. Little bit of a car line to drop off bags, but nothing horrible..moved quickly. Waited for DH to park, and walked into terminal to be screened. No problems for myself and boys, but DH forgot he had his "work knife" in his bag...needless to say, the port now has a new one. Up to get checked in, 2 minute wait, tops!! Nothing to sign as we'd cruised Glory before and used same Credit card for Sail and sign. From start to finish, 40 minutes from parking lot entrance to Lido deck!!!

 

I'll skip the meaty part, as I don't have my capers with me here at work to remember all of our activites, and go straight to debarkation. could not have been a smoother process! Much better than last year. They used a number system. Started calling the self assist (by decks) and numbers (1-5 were for VIPs and early flights), then it was anyone's guess their number assignment process...we had #11 and were literally in our car, driving home by 9am!!! There was about a 15 minute wait to get off the ship, but sailed through customs and luggage. One thing I can't emphasize enough...pick out a large ribbon or other bag marker. Our porter was so impressed with how easy it was to pick out our six bags because of their bright yellow bandana's. Bought 3 from Walmart for a dollar a piece and cut them in half. Trust me, everyone has similar bags!!!

 

Would be happy to answer any more specific questions.

More to come...

 

Adrienne

[PINEVIEW01]

Thank You for the review!

[Muumuu]

Took our grandsons on the Glory and loved her. Hope to go again soo.

[DukeBDFan4Ever]

Can't wait to read the rest. We sail on the Glory in 5 days!:D

[NCTribeFan]

No! You can't take a few days! We fly down at 6:45 am on Friday! I must know every detail NOW!

 

:p

 

Quality of food and which shore excursions are really what interests me most. Please, please, please keep writing. Work can wait another day!

 

Most important question: which were formal nights and would you book the supper club for one of those nights or one of the others. I don't want to miss Beef Wellington night in the dining room.

[NCTribeFan]

Can't wait to read the rest. We sail on the Glory in 5 days!:D

 

If you haven't done so, please come join our Roll Call. We're making plans to meet the night before sailing and once on deck.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=692449&page=4

 

Sorry for the mini hi-jack. Y'all know how exciting it is this last week with all the anticipation!

[Georgiagolfer]

No! You can't take a few days! We fly down at 6:45 am on Friday! I must know every detail NOW!

 

Most important question: which were formal nights and would you book the supper club for one of those nights or one of the others. I don't want to miss Beef Wellington night in the dining room.

 

We also were on the Glory (our 3rd time) with sunnidayz. Formal nights on the Western are Sunday and Thursday. Lobster night is Sunday. You can get a surf and turf in the supper club, which is a lobster tail and small filet. It is excellent.:D For shore excursions, we did major Tom cave tubing in Belize and booked with Victor Bodden in Roatan.

[hurls88]

Glad everything was great. I have a 5 year old so throw in as much of the Camp Carnival as you can. Thanks.

 

Mike

[djpaul]

Yeah Sunni sorry you can take a few days. Those of us leaving this weekend are gonna need something to get us through the week. Capers would be an added bonus.

 

Thanks for the review and looking forward to the "meaty part"

 

and lol @ the fact that our roll call has already caught this thread.

[julianne74]

Oh the Capers would be great!! :)

[Love-to-ride]

We sailed with you and was nice meeting your family. Can't wait to read your review. The Glory was one of our best cruises and would love to sail her again.

For anyone getting ready to sail on the Glory, she is a great ship with a great crew...:D

[kjeanne2001]

Did you get to take your bags to your room or did you have to keep them with you on the Lido.

[Georgiagolfer]

Did you get to take your bags to your room or did you have to keep them with you on the Lido.

Your regular luggage is delivered to your room. You have to hold onto your carryons until the room corridors are opened, usually around 1:30pm.

[sunnidayz]

Ok, so here's the scoop on Saturday (night one on the ship)!

 

Cruise director, Mark Price, simply the funniest, best we've ever had on a cruise before. Not cheesy either. Good honest fun!

 

Had the boys dressed to swim, so they were in the pool within thirty minutes of boarding the ship. Went to the room (Panorama deck, room 1065...best room ever if you are cruising with kids...two doors and you are out on the pool deck) and our bags were waiting (around 1:30). Pretty much stayed poolside until the Boat drill:( which was actually the quickest we've ever experienced, literally 15 minutes, tops start to finish:D . Then went to the front of the ship on Panorama for sail away (yes, you can go out front on this deck, not crowded at all). Blew some bubbles with the cruise critic crew, then had to go down for the Camp Carnival orientation. For those of you cruising with kids in the 2-5 category, or any CC age group for that matter, you are in luck. The Glory has a fantastic staff. Lee, the assistant director was on her last cruise, but Nui and Rocio were awesome! Say hi to them from the Garris boys! They give you a full schedule of the weeks events, times, etc. right then, so you can start planning your week. Late night babysitting (10p-3am) is $6 for the first child, and $4 for each additional, so $10 for us an hour...can't get that at home, LOL. After that, DH got what he'd been waiting for, his pastrami on rye from the always tasty, deli. And throughout the week, we never found the lines to be too long, even though the ship was supposedly full.

Our boys loved the hot dogs, cheeseburgers and fries in the grille (every day, pretty much every meal...oh well, they were on vacation). Pizza was usually great, greasy a couple times. Ceasar salads from room service late night were awesome.

 

I will say this, don't look for any casino info in my posts, we didn't even sit at a slot. Just not our thing. It's pretty, though, you walk through it alot. Lots of stale cigarette smoke, but hey, its a casino. People seemed to enjoy themselves.

 

CC is closed from approx 4:45-6pm to set up for dinner in the Red sail. You do need to take your child there if you want them to eat with the camp. We only did this once. Normally we took the boys to the Grille around 6p and then up to CC @ 7pm. We had late seating the the Golden dining room, table #155. That first night we actually took them with us. As they were exhausted, it wasn't pretty, but neither was the food. OK, this was actually the only night the food we ordered was bad. We had the strip loin and ordered rare (as we like it). It came as ordered but was very tough. I'll admit, we were a bit nervous about the remainder of our dining room meals, but this was really the only bad night. I don't know why people complain so much about the food. I really thought the food in both the dining room and the Red sail was way above par, and better than prior cruises.

 

We did the supper club on Monday night (Cozumel) and it was absolutely superb! Can't say enough, in fact we tried to go again later in the week, but they were completely booked. So...book early, it is more than worth it. Not sure if you needed to tip, but we did. The service was superior, even though our waitress was a "trainee".

 

Anyway, after dinner the first night, we checked out the various musicians playing in the bars (always good) and then went to the welcome aboard show. I must say, again, it was surprisingly good! The dancers were attractive and well rehearsed. The lead singers were, if not knockouts physically, they did have great voices. Mark Price was hilarious, and the comedian Lewis Nixon was a riot!

 

Went to the dance club for a bit...always entertaining, and then picked up the boys from CC and off to bed. Great 1st day!

 

Oh yes, our waiter was Putra, from Bali and his assistant was Lukeman (didn't say much). Putra was very attentive and funny without hovering. He will make great food recommendations, and did so for us the remainder of the week.

 

OK, I'll try to do Sundays sea day later this evening. Not sure how to get the capers up, but if you have specific questions about when things were, I'll be happy to find out!

 

Adrienne

 

PS: hi Georgiagolfer and love to ride! Glad you got home safetly.

[Froufie]

Wondering what you did w/Victor in Roatan - how long was the tour? Any sights not to be missed? And what was the cost?

 

Thanks!

[sunnidayz]

Day 2, 1st sea day and 1st formal night.

 

Met up with group from cruise critic for minigolf tourney. Was alot of fun. The course is small, about 4 holes on either side of the funnel, but never felt like the wind was too terrible. Played a couple other days as well. Went running on the track after (10 laps = 1 mile), but decided to stick to the treadmill in the gym as it was sometimes difficult to navigate through the other pedestrian traffic on the track. found the gym to be pretty good. Seemed pretty busy, but never had to wait for a piece of equipment. Didn't take any classes, but saw some of the yoga, and wish I had. Really spent a good deal of the day by the pool and on the water slide. Let me tell you, if you lie down, you go super fast. Watch getting salt water up your nose. The boys loved this. I think the hours are 12-5p. The line seemed to get really long after lunch, but early and late the boys had the run of it.

 

Now, DH and I collect art, so we went to the champagne art auction. It was ok. The auctioneer was nice enough, but not as exciting as some others we've seem in action. Free small artwork, but no give-aways (spa discounts, etc.). I have to say, they worked some pretty good deals for what we decided to purchase. (this is why we didn't go to the casino, too much spent on art)

 

DH had a manicure in the spa, and it really did look great. A bit pricey, I believe it was $45. I'm not a big massage person, so I didn't get one, but kept hearing that they were great, and not alot of hardselling of products.

 

Took kids to CC, and attended Captain's cocktail. Very nice. Didn't have to stick to the drinks on trays. No problem being brought something else (red wine and crown and coke for DH). Dinner in the Golden was wonderful. The beef was tender and tasty (much better than 1st night) and the lobster was great! Did not go to "Livin' in America", but saw "R" rated comedy show...very funny.

 

One note, this was the only night our room steward dropped the ball. At 11p, our room had still not been cleaned, nor was the bunk bed pulled down. We had to call and someone else came and needed us to explain what we needed. No towel animal that night, or cookies for the kids:( . Not sure what happened because our steward was on the ball the other days. (It was kind of funny that this happened on the sea day as I'd given him a little something extra since the boys can be, well boys)

 

Next up Cozumel and Emerald Supper club.

[Georgiagolfer]

PS: hi Georgiagolfer and love to ride! Glad you got home safetly.

 

Back at you sunnidayz. Wow is all I can say about last week. This was our 3rd time on the Glory, but the DW and I both agree it was our best cruise ever. :D We're both going through PCD right now,:( but are looking at the Oct-Nov timeframe to book again.

[djpaul]

great review sunni. keep it coming :D.

[crusinpsychRN]

Did you not leave your car at the hotel?

[hurls88]

Great so far!!!! Maybe at the end yuo could post the 2-5 Camp Carnival Activities if you still have them or email them to me. Thank you

 

Mike

[Georgiagolfer]

Did you not leave your car at the hotel?

We left our car at the Radisson just as we have done many times before. This is such a great deal especially with the cost of parking at the Port now $15 daily.

[NCTribeFan]

I need another dose of Glory info! More food info!

 

Any "new" items on the menu? There's a thread stating they're adding new items, starting on the Freedom and working their way through the Conquest-class ships. Just wondering if I'll see anything new next week (it's not like I've tried everything that was already offered, though).

[sunnidayz]

Ok, let me answer what I can first. We parked at the Port. With the 2 boys and load of bags, we just felt it would be better for us. I'd heard mixed reviews on parking at the Radisson. Just preference I guess.

 

As for new food items, I don't know what it was...but we got to dinner late one evening and Putra fixed some kind of greek salad with the best chicken I've ever had, honestly. Other than that, I can't say I remember the menu being too different. Finally had the fish and chips. Excellent fried fish when you can get it made fresh. Even my picky boys liked it. Stay away from the oysters, however. Worst taste of the cruise.

 

OK, so Monday in Cozumel. We picked the Deluxe Beach Break through Carnival. It actually was a nice excursion. Only issue was that we swam all the way out to the water trampoline only to see there was a large tear on one side making it unsafe. Used the water bikes and kayaks, though. The boys spent their day in the pool (go to the beach to go to the pool???) It had a platform with about a foot of water that they could jump off into about 4 feet. The food was actually really good (included), expecially the salsa...hot but oh so good. Alcohol and soft drinks were included, as well, and we found the pina coladas to be very yummy. Best part on the way out was going hunting for lizards in this little park under construction. My boys wanted to catch the iguanas walking around. Thankfully I was able to convince my oldest that we didn't need to introduce foreign species to Carnival or South Carolina. Lots of happy drunks pouring out of Senor Frogs and Carlos and Charlies, I guess you can't go wrong there either.

 

Didn't do the show that evening, but did the late (11pm) R rate show of Happy Cole. Very dirty, but funny. Dinner at the supper club with DH. I reiterate...do not miss this. The best $30 pp. you can spend. I almost cried when I had to say goodbye to my prime rib chop...I just couldn't see taking back to the room. DH had what he described as the best filet of his life. Checked out some karaoke, always fun, then off to bed.

 

One thing I've forgotten to comment on was the subject of "chair hogs". Yes, they were out there. I saw many chairs by the pools covered for two or more hours with no occupants. You just grin and bare it. We were always able to find at least one spot by the pool by the water slide so we could watch the boys. Children, have to say, most were well managed by their parents. We did keep our guys out of the hot tubs unless there were no adults in it. Hot tub on the panorama deck was always pipin' hot. Loved it!

 

And Mike, here's an example of activities on a sea day: Open at 9 am with exerseas (parachute game), t-shirt coloring, bingo (candy), silly songs, closed for lunch 12-2 (can do the 19.99 build a bear during this time), family water wars, water colors, kings and queens edible jewelry (my guys loved this). On formal night, pick up was at 3:45, it really depended on the day and what was going on. Mini formal fun party @ 5pm (formal night #1), then option for dinner with friends at the redsail. Camp reopened @ 7pm with cruisers choice (free play, bunny fun, talent show sign up, puppet making, gameboys and legos, and story time. They had a Pajamma Jammy Jam from 10-12a that night for an additional cost.

 

If you leave them on during port days, which we did not, they did alot of free play activities, movies, and meals with counselors.

Honestly, the boys were never bored and made some great friends.

 

Ok, enough for now. up next, Belize (we stayed on the ship).

 

Adrienne

 

Georgiagolfer, we had such a great time, we've booked on the Victory out of Charleston on Oct 20th, just Brian and I. Didn't think we could make a year!:D

[Voidman]

we were on this cruise too. Does anyone know what happened when they had to send a med boat out from Belize?

[hurls88]

Ok, let me answer what I can first. We parked at the Port. With the 2 boys and load of bags, we just felt it would be better for us. I'd heard mixed reviews on parking at the Radisson. Just preference I guess.

 

As for new food items, I don't know what it was...but we got to dinner late one evening and Putra fixed some kind of greek salad with the best chicken I've ever had, honestly. Other than that, I can't say I remember the menu being too different. Finally had the fish and chips. Excellent fried fish when you can get it made fresh. Even my picky boys liked it. Stay away from the oysters, however. Worst taste of the cruise.

 

OK, so Monday in Cozumel. We picked the Deluxe Beach Break through Carnival. It actually was a nice excursion. Only issue was that we swam all the way out to the water trampoline only to see there was a large tear on one side making it unsafe. Used the water bikes and kayaks, though. The boys spent their day in the pool (go to the beach to go to the pool???) It had a platform with about a foot of water that they could jump off into about 4 feet. The food was actually really good (included), expecially the salsa...hot but oh so good. Alcohol and soft drinks were included, as well, and we found the pina coladas to be very yummy. Best part on the way out was going hunting for lizards in this little park under construction. My boys wanted to catch the iguanas walking around. Thankfully I was able to convince my oldest that we didn't need to introduce foreign species to Carnival or South Carolina. Lots of happy drunks pouring out of Senor Frogs and Carlos and Charlies, I guess you can't go wrong there either.

 

Didn't do the show that evening, but did the late (11pm) R rate show of Happy Cole. Very dirty, but funny. Dinner at the supper club with DH. I reiterate...do not miss this. The best $30 pp. you can spend. I almost cried when I had to say goodbye to my prime rib chop...I just couldn't see taking back to the room. DH had what he described as the best filet of his life. Checked out some karaoke, always fun, then off to bed.

 

One thing I've forgotten to comment on was the subject of "chair hogs". Yes, they were out there. I saw many chairs by the pools covered for two or more hours with no occupants. You just grin and bare it. We were always able to find at least one spot by the pool by the water slide so we could watch the boys. Children, have to say, most were well managed by their parents. We did keep our guys out of the hot tubs unless there were no adults in it. Hot tub on the panorama deck was always pipin' hot. Loved it!

 

And Mike, here's an example of activities on a sea day: Open at 9 am with exerseas (parachute game), t-shirt coloring, bingo (candy), silly songs, closed for lunch 12-2 (can do the 19.99 build a bear during this time), family water wars, water colors, kings and queens edible jewelry (my guys loved this). On formal night, pick up was at 3:45, it really depended on the day and what was going on. Mini formal fun party @ 5pm (formal night #1), then option for dinner with friends at the redsail. Camp reopened @ 7pm with cruisers choice (free play, bunny fun, talent show sign up, puppet making, gameboys and legos, and story time. They had a Pajamma Jammy Jam from 10-12a that night for an additional cost.

 

If you leave them on during port days, which we did not, they did alot of free play activities, movies, and meals with counselors.

Honestly, the boys were never bored and made some great friends.

 

Ok, enough for now. up next, Belize (we stayed on the ship).

 

Adrienne

 

Georgiagolfer, we had such a great time, we've booked on the Victory out of Charleston on Oct 20th, just Brian and I. Didn't think we could make a year!:D

 

Thank you