Overall a great cruise. If it weren't for the way staff handled our alcohol issues, I would rate it 5 stars. A business is always rated how problems are handled and customer service is the lifeline of any business. If they just said they screwed up and lost it or someone stole it, fine. Offer something to make up for it. Free drink maybe, free t shirt? But not even an apology other than, its a large ship so it happens. That isnt good enough in my eyes. The way that was handled makes me look at other cruise lines for my next cruise. Would I cruise Carnival again? Yes I would, however I wont be exclusive as they don't give me a reason to be.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Driving to the port was ok up until the unloading area which was a nightmare. We originally planned on driving up and dropping off our luggage to the porters but the traffic was every man for themselves. Seemed very disorganized and no one knew were to go. Traffic was backed up all the way through the tunnel. (Miami Port). We decided to park at the port and bring our own bags to drop off. Once that was complete, the actual process of security and boarding was very smooth. Actually maybe too smooth as we had no idea what to do. No information was given about room keys, when we could access rooms, where to go once on board, etc. Not an issue for experienced cruisers, but for newbies, this can be a little overwhelming.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food and drink get average reviews. We expected this so weren't really surprised. Actual dining rooms were nice and waitstaff was great. Food is just ok, had to send back steaks repeatedly because apparently there is no "medium" temperature option, only rare and well done. Drinks consisted of ice tea, coffee, water, lemonade, and juice that was included. Alcohol averaged $9 per drink for tropical mixed drinks and about $6-7 for beer/wine. Steakhouse food was excellent but at an additional $35pp.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
I give four stars because we were not able to do a lot of the onboard activities. Gym was packed every time I went in. I wanted to use it but I wont wait in line for it. Pools were packed. Hot tubs were nice but only on port days when they arent overflowing with people. On sea days, trying to get a chair to lay out was a challenge. I had a drag a chair halfway across the deck to find a spot.
Spa was nice. Took advantage of the opening discount managers special. Without that discount, would not have had a massage as the prices were too high. Shows at Amber Palace were very good as well.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We saw the 80s Epic Road show which was very good. I went into this expecting a live band to play but it was more of a musical type show. We still enjoyed it very much. The Piano Room was very fun as well. This is usually late night with everyone being a little sauced up so makes for a good time all around.
Children's Programs
Do not have children
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
They say one bad review erases a hundred good reviews and that holds true. Up until the last day, service was great. Waitstaff was excellent, room stewards were not intrusive but there when you needed them, and everyone else were very helpful. If it ended here, I would give 5 stars. Reason for 3 stars is that Carnival lost our in-port alcohol purchases. We followed their rules of checking alcohol when we boarded from San Juan and they assured us it would be delivered to us on the last night. Last night of the cruise came and no alcohol. We spend 3 hours until 130am trying to sort this out with little help from Guest Services and Housekeeping. Housekeeping told us to call Guest Services and Guest Services said it was a housekeeping issue. As a guest, we shouldnt have to figure out whos job it is. At 130am they told us to come back at 8am (day of disembarkment). That morning they gave us a refund but nothing further for the trouble of them losing our purchases. They only said that since it is a large ship, sometimes it happens and brushed it off. Next time, we wont be checking the alcohol. Straight to the stairs and they can chase us if need be. We were pretty mad throughout the entire last day which really soured our experience. So much so, that may be trying Royal Caribbean next.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship was spotless. It is one thing I noticed was how clean it was. Always saw staff cleaning something. They did a balcony cleaning at sea which made the balcony more dirty then it was before, so I assume it was just a sanitation cleaning. But other than that it was very clean.
Layout of the ship was fine. This was only our second cruise so we don't have much to compare it too but once we learned the layout, it was easy to get around. Only problem was we didnt really learn the layout until the 5th day.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cleanliness was like the rest of the ship, spotless. Beds very firm. No box springs, just a firm mattress on a spring style frame. We had trouble sleeping due to this. Size of room was small but manageable for 2 people. Anymore than two and it would have been very challenging and not enjoyable. Balcony was nice and a much worth it upgrade. Bathrooms were actually good size and had enough room to do what was needed. I expected the bathroom to be smaller and more compact so that was nice.
Ship tip
Don't check alcohol or anything you buy in port and are forced to trust Carnival with your purchase.
Can't say we didn't visit this port as it is the place we left from and returned to but we did not do any excursions here. Does anyone do excursions once they return? We drove straight home.
We took a 2 hour tour of the island. The tour itself was good but the island was very run down and poor. Taking into account the hurricanes that came through, the island is still poor. Typical of most caribbean islands. Beautiful beaches and the port was cookie cutter cruise line ports so hanging around the port itself was nice. Probably would not return.
The cruise port here is very nice, but it is cookie cutter cruise port. Built for the cruise lines. We were not able to see outside of the port but I wish we could have. I did notice the guard stations along the fences from the port to outside. If I came back here, I would probably take advantage of the once of the all inclusive resorts around the island.
Wish we had 2 days here. Lots to see in a short amount of time. Forts were amazing to tour. Old San Juan is very nice as well. We walked the entire city and though tiring, it was worth walking to see all the little details one missed on a tour. Will definitely revisit here either via plane or another cruise.
The alcohol getting stolen made this whole process a negative one and we were mad the entire time. Wish someone cared enough to go above and beyond to make up for their screw up.
Though, the actual process of leaving was easy. No customs check, they waived everyone right through. Took about 15 minutes from leaving the ship until we were in the car.
I’ve cruised on the Glory twice and absolutely loved it all. I don’t agree with any of your points. Looks like you wanted to criticize everything, and I’ll bet you are still mad. I give you credit for giving them a 4-star, even though you must have caused yourself to have a horrible time, due to your attitude.
Confused... you say you will look at other cruises but then you said you would go with carnival again. Yes the steakhouse is extra money. Other cruises could lose alcohol purchases as well. With the pools and chairs yea they pack up quick you have to take into consideration it’s like a small town living on the boat.
Let me get this straight...
"We were pretty mad throughout the entire last day which really soured our experience."
"We spend 3 hours until 130 am trying to sort this out..."
Do you see the problem? You also stated that they gave you a refund. So what more do you want? They covered your loss and made you whole. To be fair, you're making quite a fuss over something so small.
We followed the "rules" and they lost it. Next time we will chose not to follow the rules to safeguard our purchases. This is not uncommon from quick reviews on the net.
Good information. Based on the rules, I don't think you have the option to take alcohol purchased at ports to your cabin with you. In order to avoid this in the future, maybe have them ship it to your home instead of taking it on the ship.
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