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Carnival Glory Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

kimberliecthoma

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 42

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 17, 2015

Ship: Carnival Glory

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 8322

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

This cruise could have been carefree and epic if it weren't for the hidden fees and sole agenda of Carnival in getting you to spend your money and waste your time.

Bait And Switch

All week we were baited with goodies like free spa services, free or discounted jewelry, money giveaways and such.

Only there was never any agenda to give anything...spa services were never raffled...free jewelry was "made in China"...?!

We were supposed to cruise to Grand Turks...we never saw passed the "erected" false island of stores and bars. There was no Grand Turks...not unless you ventured out on your own passed the gate and massive parking lot to attempt to flag a non-descript taxi somewhere. We had no maps, no tour guides, no idea how to "get out". Just another "Half Moon Cay" location designed to infiltrate the wallet.

As as far as ... I am greatly disappointed that none of what I was sold was what I experienced. My agent told me all the fees were included in the cost. Wrong. I had to pay additional for ground transportation to and from ship. Agent sold me on getting airfare with the cruise to ensure any incidents would be covered. Sure, if you enjoy traveling for 12 hours after your vacation since Carnival will find the cheapest undesirable itinerary with no regard to the traveler. I had to spend extra money to "stand-by" for earlier flights because I was scheduled for departure after 5pm with a 3 hour layover?! The cruise was over by 10:30. My feet were on the ground luggage in hand at 10:30 AM. What person would book themselves this way??

I will never use again simply because ALL of this aggravation could have been avoided had there been full disclosure.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Awesome entertainment crew. Only saving grace for Carnival. Give those people raises.

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Who puts the children's section directly behind the smoking casino???! Cigarette smoke was a thick heavy cloud every single day and kids had to walk through it to get to the arcade, the kids club and kids cruise camp. That was a disgusting display of a lack of planning and/or concern.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Constant closures of the pool and certain areas because they were repairing it WHILE we were cruising

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Walls and doors were too thin. Could hear everything people in the hallways were saying.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

3 out of 5

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

3 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5

Its HOT. Take water!

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

3 out of 5

Do NOT trust tour guides. Take a cab and save money. If you prefer to use a tour guide then wait at least two hours...they drop the price

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Grand Turk Island

1 out of 5

Prepare to be disappointed. You will not see Grand Turk. You will be on a private island solely dedicated for cruise lines to drop people off for shipping only. There are no private citizens here, no architecture, no streets, no life.

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23 Comments

dbarts 8 years ago

Perhaps it was you lovely disposition that hindered your adventure 😀

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ReneeBikerChic 9 years ago

I'm an independent travel agent and the purpose of using an agent is to have someone to talk to, ASK QUESTIONS, and get all the information needed to have a GREAT experience. Even as an inexperienced traveler back in the day, I knew I had to pay to get from the plane to the boat. This rating seems like you should be eating your agency. With all travel, safety is the FIRST priority, thank God!

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kckathleen 9 years ago

1) nothing is free in life- why assume it's different just bc you're on a ship? Yes, they have affordable vacations- bc they expect guests to spend money on booze, jewelry, etc... 2) outside of the port, grand Turk is a sad little island. We took a cab and saw the whole area. It's a very poor country and the port is a godsend for those on the island that need income.

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cwevelyn 9 years ago

Bf and I absolutely fell in love with Grand Turks back in August! Don't go to Margaritaville or Senor Frogs and take a nice walk down either sides of the beach. One side, you'll find a whole beach full of giant conch shells and the other side, you can easily see plenty of fish when you snorkel and get great locally made jerk chicken!

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amiemarie 9 years ago

Yes Gary! ^^^^^

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gary1827 9 years ago

your own fault...get over it. You sound like an entitled brat. Do research, not that hard. Cruising is NOT FOR YOU, sorry

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cruise2cworld 9 years ago

Sorry, but if you would have researched your trip a little you wouldn't have had these complaints. I could never book any vacation and leave it completely in the hands of a stranger to arrange everything. This itinerary is awesome for beach lovers which was the only reason I booked it :)

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briandavis 9 years ago

we just went on Carnival Glory in mid-october in Half Moon Cay we did jet skis I think that was the most fun I've ever had in Grand Turk we rode horses along the beach awesome time you just don't know how to have a good time sorry about your bad luck

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McIntyreT 9 years ago

Go to the Carnival website and look at the first time cruisers information. That will help you prepare for your next cruise. I hope you try another cruise with Carnival, because with a little prep work you'll have a great time.

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lytefam2001 9 years ago

It's real best not to go thru an agent book everything yourself and watch the money you save

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lilcazcox 9 years ago

Grand Turk is amazing. no parking lot at port. I have lived all my cruise I have done. I book on my own and in ur cruise contract it tells you about ur fees.

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dena3 9 years ago

booked for our 5th cruise on Carnival a nd have never had those problems Carnival is not responsible for your ground transportation we live close to our home port though so no flight necessary Looks like that agent sold you a bag of tricks we always book through Carnival directly on their website, better deals and no need to pay agents fees always list your past cruises to get the past guest discount

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Cruisinforsanity 9 years ago

I had never heard of Cruises Only so I went to their website. There are several tabs which have info explaining exactly what is included in a cruise and what is not. A little research ahead of time would have assisted you in knowing what to expect.

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Janisdb 9 years ago

Wow I have never had hidden fees in any of my 6 cruises with Carnival and ground transportation is never included for free sorry your agent should have told you that. I never paid for anything on half moon cay unless I bought it from the gift stores or booked an excursion. I loved that place. I am sorry you had such a terrible experience

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hcruse3 9 years ago

Grand Turk has been by far my favorite spot. We easily hopped in a van and went to a beautiful beach and snorkeled the drop off. Looks like you need to try doing more shows and trivia than trying to win things. Check ahead of your cruise for things to do at the ports to make things more smooth and enjoyable. Most ports will have shopping at the beginning so try and venture out a bit!

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terry115 9 years ago

you should have played bingo if you wanted a free cruise you might have one

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ohiokate 9 years ago

Like a lot of things, cruising is a learning experience. I've never felt nickel and dimed to death by Carnival because it's very clear to me what I've paid for and what is extra. Better information from the travel agent and/or research on the part of the cruiser could have made the vacation much more enjoyable!

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rendezvoussam 9 years ago

....You are FREE to win the cost of your holiday and more in the CASINO!

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preciousbellaj 9 years ago

Honestly it sounds as if your travel agent lead you down the wrong path. The forums here are full of great advice from past travelers and any questions you have about cruises or even some you didn't think you had can be answered here! Also YouTube is a great place to find information before going on a cruise! Sorry your first experience was not what you expected.

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glomarrone 9 years ago

So sorry that this cruise did not meet your expectations. Perhaps they were a little high. Cruise lines can't offer everyone a free spa treatment or free expensive jewelry. My husband & I have won on The Carnival Glory a free Spa Treatment and a free bracelet. The jewelry was only worth about $10 or so but I enjoy wearing the bracelet. We were just happy to win. You have to be present to win such items.

Ground transportation to the airport is always extra on all cruise lines but you can buy a transfer voucher. Carnival does offer shore excursions in Grand Turk. I took one to the lighthouse. If you wanted to see the island on your own, yes you would have to find a taxi on your own. I know that the ship's excursions are more money but you get off the ship first when you book one and you can expect the guides to be good. I have never been unsatisfied. Everyone is different, though, I know. Some passengers do not mind the hassle of finding their own guides and like to tour independently. It is part of the adventure for them.

I hope that you future cruises go smoother for you. I suggest that you visit the cruise Website when you book your next cruise so you will know what is or isn't included in your booking. Thanks for posting your experience.

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cowboys44053677 9 years ago

Did you do ANY research before you booked?

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banaford 9 years ago

I am sorry your cruise was not enjoyable. Next time I suggest a little more research on your part. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is (free stuff). No cruise involves taking you all over town to see something. please try cruising again, it is a great way to travel. Try a different cruise line if you prefer. And if you have questions, come here, people are full of info.

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amiemarie 9 years ago

Aren't you just a ray of positivity!!

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