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"Glorious" Cruise 8/9/2008
Carnival Glory Western Caribbean Cruise 8/9-16/2008
Pre-cruise: We flew Southwest Airlines into Orlando from Philly on a smooth and easy flight. No problems with security lines or check-in or getting to gate. I used my Tom Tom GPS to get me to my hotel in Cocoa Beach, so I arrived at the Comfort Inn and Suites 3901 N. Atlantic, in less than an hour from the time I pulled out the airport.
We checked into the Comfort Inn and Suites pretty quickly. No problems with my Hotwire reservation, which prepaid for the hotel. We had a ground floor, double room facing the Four Points Hotel, with parking right outside our door. We walked the 1 ˝ blocks to the beach and then walked the entire length of the beach down to the pier. We walked to Atlantic Avenue to check out the shopping and souvenirs (non-existent), then walked down Atlantic Avenue to the hotel. We arrived back to the hotel starving and decided to check out the hotels bar “The Lagoon” for some finger food and wings, etc. The Lagoon was virtually empty except for a few locals and did not serve ANY food. The bar maid suggested the “Shark Pit” in the Four Points, so we moseyed on over to there. After a 20 wait (which was well worth it) we were seated by our waitress (forgot name). I was still being entertained by the 5000 fish task and could stop following the fish and shark around. The Shark Pit is a must stop especially if you have children! We started off with two orders of Buffalo wings, which were very good and very hot! We ordered the Loco Chicken Sandwich on Focaccia Bread and the Blackened Grouper, both with waffle fries. These dishes you must try! They are well prepared. I ended with the Key Lime Tart which was good. We woke the next morning and went to the IHOP across the street for breakfast.
Day One (Embarkation): Around 12:00pm, we decided to return the car to Dollar which was a few blocks from the hotel and the pier. It was quick ride to the ship, and we were onboard and through embarkation in less than 15 minutes. There was no line for the Pursers Desk, so we check our S&S for our OBC and Fun Ship Dollars and everything was in order.
We went straight to our cabin and met our Steward, Sokate/So, who was great the entire week. I needed to keep some meds on ice, and the bucket was always filled. We went to the Lido to grab lunch and a DOD in a souvenir cup. Then it was off to explore the ship before the muster drill.
The muster drill was painless and we got there at the last minute to avoid standing in the heat. When we returned our life jackets to the cabin, the ship had begun sailing. Everyone stood on their balcony snapping pictures of PC in the background.
The first night we had dinner and sushi in the Red Sail Restaurant. Everything was pretty good, with a variety of items, no complaints. We hit the casino, or the casino hit us.
Day Two (Fun Day at Sea/First Formal): This was a lazy day. We worked out in the gym. Hit the sauna and steam room, sat by the pool, and then took a nap. I previously said I would never take a nap on a cruise. Too much to do and too much to see. I was wrong! I needed a nap every day, but it also helped me to hang out late at night. Dinner was preceded by the Captains Reception. The meet and greet was pretty nice. They pump you with drinks, even when you refuse (LOL). They could have had a better appetizer variety than meatballs and chicken wontons though. But it’s free, so who cares, right!
This was our first night eating the dining room. We had the late seating Platinum Dining Room. Zosimo and Anthony our waiter were great. They were very entertaining and engaging and ready to meet our every request. The first night we got dressed and the second formal we wore dressy casual. The first Formal night the place was packed and the second formal night, it was less of a crowd and many opted out of the formal wear, suits and gowns. We had the roasted pumpkin soup, shrimp cocktails, Caesar salad and lobster tails with shrimp. We ended with the warm chocolate melting cake and two servings of ice cream (second serving given by our waiters to make up for missing dinner on the first night). Then off to the show, then the casino, and then White Heat Night Club before heading off to bed.
Day Three (Cozumel): See Day Seven Below
Day Four (Isla Roatan): See Day Seven Below
Day Five (Belize): We decided to take a Carnival Tour to the Altun Ha Ruins, since Carnival stresses how unsafe the area outside the port/pier area is.The ride to the site was not as bad or bumpy as previously posted, and the guides pointed out historical dates and locations for Belize. The Altun Ha site and tour guide information was well worth the ride and price paid ($55.00). I have lots of pictures, including one holding a crocodile supplied by one of the local teens (tip required! Don’t forget it or they will remind you!). The only bad point of the tour were the other Carnival Guest who would rather talk about who knows what, than rather listen to or let others listen to what the guides are saying (very annoying!). Back to the pier for more shopping and the tender back to the ship. The line was very long, but the process and line went smoothly.
Day Six (Fun Day at Sea/Second Formal): This was lazy day spent by the pool, shopping onboard and hitting the gym again. As mentioned above, the second formal night, people were not as dressy and it was not a crowded.
Day Seven (Freeport):
Cozumel, Roatan and Freeport all went the same way. Since we are not beach or party people we decided to opt for an independent tour/taxi and do a tour of the city sites and some shopping. The drivers were very informative and pointed out key historical dates and locations. The Cozumel Tour included a stop at one of the small Mayan Ruins. Then it was back into town for shopping, back on the ship for lunch, a workout at the gym followed by time in the sauna, hot tubs and poolside before out shipmates returned.
Port Canaveral-Debarkation: Self de-barkers were called a little after 7:00am. We were in the third calling around 7:30am, just after the early flights. We were off the ship and through customs in less than 15 minutes. The Dollar Rental Car Shuttle was pulling into the lot/waiting area as we were at the rental office in less than 7 minutes. The pickup process this time went very smoothly and we were on our way in 5 minutes or so, heading to spend a few days with family in the Orlando Area.
Summary:
The Glory exceeded my expectations. The 7 day cruise seemed a lot longer than the 5 day cruise. I guess the 2 days do make a difference. A balcony room makes a BIG difference. I could not believe how much time I spent out there. It was a nice place to relax, take a nap or get away from everything and everyone. Children were plentiful on this cruise, but were preoccupied in their respective activities. I cannot say that I can recall any event where they bothered or annoyed me or were disrespectful or were running around unattended/out of control. Camp Carnival/Club O2 was screaming to their friends from the theater balcony one night before the show started, but no big deal and they stopped when the show started. There were several family reunions and weddings taking place onboard. Congratulations to all the newlyweds! Butch Begovich will be a CD to remember. Very friendly, outgoing and would answer all your questions at shows or in passing in the hallways. I can say during some of the activities, he made the show more fun and lively, especially the Late Night Deck Party. The ship was very clean and well maintained. The food on the Lido Deck, Fish & Chips, the Deli, Oriental (Sushi), Room Service and the Dining Room was above average. The Chocolate Buffet is a chocoholics dream! Chocolate Sushi with coconut infused rice with chocolate jimmies and a melon slide on top (yum yum)! I have no complaints about the Glory. I’m currently researching the Eastern Caribbean Itinerary for Memorial Day Weekend 2009! This was a great vacation and well worth the price paid.
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