First American Cruise

Item: Carnival Glory
Rating: 3
Author: William41951049

Carnival Glory Cruise Review to Canada, New England, New York

William41951049

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Reviews: 0

Helpful Votes: 38

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Canada/New England (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 08, 2011

Ship: Carnival Glory

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 13 years ago

Review summary

This was our first cruise on a major liner (The Glory). We wanted to try it out to see if we would like a cruise vacation, and, to our surprise, we did. We discovered very early on that we had to shape our own cruise experience. Since we're rather quiet, reserved people, the noise on the ship and the number of young children running about were initial distractions. However, we discovered that there were quiet zones to which we could retreat (our cabin w/ balcony being one). We would have preferred quieter music during dinner and spots on the ship with quiet music. As it was, the music was all modern rock and blasting on the Lido Deck. Still, everyone from fellow cruisers to service crew was very pleasant and polite, which created a very safe and relaxed atmosphere. The food, about which we had heard so very much, was quite good and readily available. This may be a silly complaint, but, for some reason, I thought there should have been more smoked salmon available, especially at the breakfast buffet. However, I realize that that might be costly on such a large ship. Overall, the experience was a good one, and we will explore other cruise options in the future, perhaps first doing a bit more research about specifics before booking. Who knew? We turned into "cruise people" after all -- with a few caveats.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Loved most of the meals, and except for one grouchy waiter, the wait staff was efficient and friendly. Smoked salmon option for adults at breakfast bar would have been a welcome addition.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Again, we enjoyed the shows we saw. We would have preferred more diverse offerings and more substantial lecture topics. (For example, a lecture on Nova Scotia's history or Canadian subjects might have been interesting. Instead, our ship had offerings about keeping one's belly flat and acupuncture. Thinking people DO take cruises, too!

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

It amazed us how many people cruise with young children. Having said that, they were, for the most part, not too bothersome. We did think there might have been some instruction for BOTH parents and children, stressing the use of "inside" voices. Some people were loud. Also, when children cry or throw tantrums, they should be removed immediately from common areas and dealt with away from others. No young children should be in the dining rooms after 8 p.m. That gives families with small children plenty of time to dine away from the older crowd. Better yet, a family dining room would decrease noise in an adults-only dining room and make the experience more pleasant for those traveling without children.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Some of linen seemed a bit worn, and one of the toilets in a public area didn't flush. Some decorative updating of staterooms would certainly be an improvement, as would coffee/tea-making abilities in the rooms.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Some decorative refurbishment needed to update cabins, however, rooms were clean and beds made and turned down. Bathroom was clean and tended. Tea/coffee making facilities in cabins needed.

Ports of call

Halifax, Nova Scotia

3 out of 5

We enjoyed Halifax. It had a charm about it and more history. The Citadel was worth a visit, and the park and churches were lovely to see. Again, the pink bus ticket was not worth its price. I would have preferred just being dropped in the shopping district, which seemed to be central to all of the other interesting sites.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: The changing of the guard at the Citadel and the parks, churches, cemeteries.

Saint John, New Brunswick

3 out of 5

Not as picturesque as we had imagined -- This is no one's fault. We did enjoy the Farmers' Market and some of the local sites, but the pink bus ticket was a rip-off! Also, it rained on the day of our visit, which may have colored our experience since walking about was difficult.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: "Farmers' Market"

Pros: Just sitting on our balcony and watching the sea drift by . . .

Cons: noise level, too many kids, music style was all the same thing all the time -- Dining room needed softer music and lower sound level

Recommends Carnival Glory? Yes!

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