Do not go with children under the age of 2!
Carnival Glory Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern
7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: November 28, 2015
Ship: Carnival Glory
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: 1420
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 9 years ago
Review summary
This was not a vacation for me. The lack of available child care options on Carnival is disgusting. Carnival charges half the price for a child under 2 and there are absolutely no child care options or activities for the child until after 10pm (they call it for the late owls). Sure you can use the play room if you'd like but you have to be there with them. A whole day with your child, running after them, fighting to get them to sit still for dinner etc...who wants to wait until after 10 to go out?! I would put my son in stroller after dinner (730)and walk around the boat and look for a spot I could sit where it was not too loud so that I can wait the 2 + hours to bring him up. So of course, I'd give up from boredom and end up in my room. The 2 nights I actually did use the 10pm child care, they threw him in a large room with all these screaming kids. When I came back, my son was up. The fact that they have no quiet room for sleeping kids is appalling. Plus they charge you for care after 10pm. If that is the case then why not give the option to take them for dinner so mommy and daddy can have some alone time? I will NEVER advise anyone to torture themselves with a cruise with small children. CARNIVAL YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR POLICIES!!!! I did not watch one show, did not participate in any activities, could not have a quiet dinner with my husband, I did not have a vacation. With the amount of money we spent on the boat (over $1,500) I should have had the time of my life. Sincerely, a very tired, frustrated mother who needs another vacation.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
DO NOT GO WITH KIDS!!!!!
Ports of call
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
36 Comments
bdarc01 9 years ago
trentandjackie 9 years ago
shannywat 9 years ago
shermsteve 9 years ago
askeegan 9 years ago
As a parent of young children, I can completely understand the thoughts on the review, however, your expectation level was way too high. You cannot expect that someone will watch your child as you have the time of your life. If that is the case, leave them with your family. Trust me, been there and done that. However, having said that, you should have made the most of it with your child. When life hands you lemons...
Next time adult cruise eh?
stacytucker 9 years ago
Johngold 9 years ago
Did the research and thought hey, why not can't be that bad. Especially since I stayed home with him until 2 Mos ago. Boy was I wrong! This review is mainly for parents who think they can do it. Unless you go with grandparents it totally is not worth the mone and frustration. Just wait until the kid is older. Cruise lines should definitely look into changing these rules or just not allowing kids under 2 or not charging for kids under 2. Parents really don't know how hard it is to cruise with a toddler until you actually do it.
Thanks for the reply.
Now book another cruise for just the adults.
This is good advice for Parents who think they can do this. I don't think it will be fun for the A) child. B) parents C) other travellers.
stacytucker 9 years ago
BDRebel 9 years ago
Sarah - please don't think I am trying to bash you with this post -- only trying to reinforce your last post.
Children at that age will probably not enjoy the trip. In easy terms, their whole world is changed -- the movement of the "ground", the constant noise, etc. At that age they probably need to be home with family (or other caregiver).
Really not until the age of around 5 are they able to fully appreciate the vacation as it is meant to be.
sarahfeliciano2 9 years ago
Did the research and thought hey, why not can't be that bad. Especially since I stayed home with him until 2 Mos ago. Boy was I wrong! This review is mainly for parents who think they can do it. Unless you go with grandparents it totally is not worth the mone and frustration. Just wait until the kid is older. Cruise lines should definitely look into changing these rules or just not allowing kids under 2 or not charging for kids under 2. Parents really don't know how hard it is to cruise with a toddler until you actually do it.
Johngold 9 years ago
OK,
Your status states that you have done 4-6 cruises, so I'm guessing there is some experience there. Taking a 2 year old on a cruise and expecting a relaxing time for you is naïve to say the least. What prompted you to take a child that young along on a Carnival Cruise? Have other cruise lines made it easier for small children?
Have you travelled with the child before, or other children? Please fill in some details. After all that.... I hope you buy a nice get-a-way for yourself and your husband---no kids....