Carnival Glory
by GJG
Western Caribbean
February 28, 2004
I drove to Port Canaveral. Carnival's website directions to pier #10 are misleading. Best to follow Disney signs and Glory is right next door. Also, don't get there before 11:00AM or they won't let you in. Parking $10 per day in advance. Short walk to terminal.
Was onboard by 11:30AM. I booked a category 4 guarantee and was a little disappointed when they gave me cabin 1102. When I went to pick up sail and sign it wasn't ready until 1:30. So, while I was aboard, I couldn't get into the room. Once I picked up my card, I proceeded to Riviera deck in search of 1102. The signs all started at 1200 and up. Now I'm getting upset because no one on Riviera knew where 1102 was. Finally, the fourth crewmember I asked told me it was on deck 11. I proceeded there and opened the door of the first cabin port side behind the spa. Now, I am getting happy. No, I was overwhelmed! This is a category 6E with wall to wall floor to ceiling window, double bed, fold out couch, Murphy bed and sitting area on the highest deck of the ship with cabins. What a great room. Same view as balcony but without the elements. We loved it but, if you're prone to seasickness, this puppy ain't for you. It really rocks and rolls up there. Room steward was outstanding.
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The ship met every expectation. The food was better than Sensation or Fantasy, especially desserts. I made a complete fool of myself at the chocolate buffet, so I cut back my portions on second and third trips. We did notice selection in Red Sail buffet a little skimpy at the dinner hour but great at breakfast and lunch. I'd highly recommend dinner in the main dining room. Pizza was good and so were the deli sandwiches. The shows were very good especially the female lead singer. What a talent! Cruise director Mark Price does an outstanding job. Wait staff and entire crew very friendly.
Key West - We had to dock at Harry Truman Pier. This is a government facility and you must take tram off pier. Many people waited in line for two hours. We just stayed aboard until the lines went down. Didn't bother us but it would have if I had planned something ashore.
Belize - Again, no plans here. Big mistake! Folks, if you're getting off the ship, book a tour. Don't wonder around outside the protective gates of the port. This is a poor country and the people are desperate. Everyone we spoke to on a tour had a great time. I'd go back to Belize, but I'd book a tour next time.
Cozumel - What can I say. There's a reason it's the most popular vacation spot on the planet and that reason is apparent the moment you go ashore. It's drop dead gorgeous. We did Chankanaab Park this time and loved it. Highly recommend this for a family. $10 taxi to the park and $12 admission. Additional activities such as snorkeling, snuba, dolphins are extra.
Progresso - What a sleeper. We booked the Meridia City tour $35 each. This city dates back over 500 years. My jaw dropped at the site of the cathedral and governors mansion. These structures were built with the stones from the Mayan temples dismantled by the conquistadors. Highly recommend this tour. But, Progresso itself was beautiful and could have easily spent the day on the beach there also.
Debarkation - New debarkation plan now in operation. For the people who can carry there luggage down two flights of steps, you are permitted to "self assist" leave the ship. This means no putting your baggage out the night before. At shortly before 7:30AM they announced we could debark the ship. At 7:45AM we were walking across the street to the parking garage.
Overall, this was our best cruise ever. We're booking the Glory next year for the Eastern route
