Our Snobbery Ends for Carnival
After having sailed on at least seven cruises over the last several years we are finally going to sail on a Carnival Cruise ship. It seems we found ourselves stuck in a rut having been influenced by what is now, ancient history in the cruising world. After looking for a nice itinerary for this coming February, 2009 we have settled on the Carnival Glory sailing February 21st out of Fort Lauderale, Florida. We’re going to visit Cozumel again, Belize and Costa Maya for the first time, and the ever popular Nassua, Bahamas.
For the longest time we were strict Celebrity Cruise Line loyalists. We had fallen in love with their noted focus on formal dining and refined customer service. That’s why my wife and I sail most often on the Celebrity Cruise Line. We have also reached out to try Holland America, Princess, and I my maiden cruise was on Royal Caribbean albeit a short 4 day weekender. We’ll get a chance to visit Cozumel again, Belize and Costa Maya for the first time, and the ever popular Nassau, Bahamas.
I had been tainted by what used to identify the Carnival Cruise name - “the party ship”. My impression was they had less day stops on their itineraries because they wanted to keep you on the ship where you could buy their drinks. Less port fees, more money for the ship, I figured. I cannot ignore though, that over the last few years I kept hearing things about Carnival that caught my attention. Could it be true that all these 4 star ratings for some of the Carnival line were real? Apparently so as these reports escalated beyond the point of ignoring them anymore.
Carnival is now known for great entertainment, wonderful food, and most important to me - fantastic itineraries. I cruise to see the islands and their people. The over-flowing food and entertainment are a plus as well. Anyway, I wanted to get this posted to let you all know our next cruise review will be about the Glory as we sail the Western Caribbean. We will be stopping in Cozumel, Belize, Costa Maya, and Nassau, Bahamas. Just shy of the five stops I prefer to make on a 7 day cruise but still it seems to be a nicely rounded out trip with a day at sea at the beginning and end of the trip.
If you’ve sailed on the Carnival Glory please let us know your thoughts. We’ll be sure to update you soon as to what our impressions are of our first Carnival Cruise.
S & B | Nov 23, 2008 | Reply
Been there….on the Glory - booked it to see Belize (May/08)….never got there…..ended up in Mexico twice. If you’ve sailed Royal Caribbean you may find this cruiseship leaves something to be desired. Food isn’t as good - pools are small - just not comparable. Will not be sailing Carnival in years to come. Sorry - hope you have a good time.
E.G. | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I think Carnival cruise lines is awsome. Even though I have never been on the ship Glory my last one was in Freedom and I say it is great
admin | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Sounds good! I think everything is in the eye of the beholder. That is unless there is something outstandingly wrong, there is always a way to thouroughly enjoy your cruise vacation no matter what line you cruise on.
Sabrina Simon | Dec 22, 2008 | Reply
You would be well advised not to book your cruise with a Carnival vacation planner. I did and found that although they told me I was getting discounts and the like … they overcharged me $740. It was not until by chance my old travel agent sent me a Christmas card that I found out. He said the price I paid was too high. He got on the phone with Carnival (and me) and got me the correct cost. The Carnival supervisor never even apologized. I tried to get an explanation from Carnival through their website but only received the standard “Call your vacation planner today” response.
admin | Dec 22, 2008 | Reply
Thanks - I only use American Express Travel Agency to book vacations