Jumped ship for this year's cruise...

[SeaDog]

After four truly fine cruises on DCL we decided to try something different this year and do, dare I say it, a ride on the new Carnival Glory... heard both good and bad things about CCL and will say right up front that they will have a tough example to follow.

Tried to do the 7-day Western run but the mouse is too proud of his boat and the Veranda prices were a bit too lofty for me... might try again in October...

At any rate, now that they have my money... anyone have any good or bad experiences to share about a CCL experience. The Glory sounds like a pretty nice boat... we shall see...

 

[debkay]

SeaDog,
You will have a great time on the Glory. It will be a beautiful ship. We will see it this July 19th when we are boarding the Magic. We have been on five Disney cruises and one Carnival. We went on the Carnival Pride Feb. 2002, a Western Sailing. After doing the Eastern Magic sailing a couple times, we wanted to do a Western Cruise and that was before Disney offered it. The Pride was Carnival's new ship then, launching a month or so before we cruised. The Glory is one of Carnival's new line of ships, but you already know that. She looks glorious!

 

[Poohbush]

SeaDog,

We sailed on the Carnival Pride Nov 2002. It was a nice ship, I think the Glory might be a sister ship.

Overall, it was a good experience. We've done DCL 2 times (going on our 3rd this Oct), as well as RCL (Bahamas 3 nighter. ) So far, the Magic 7 day has been our favorite.

The service was good on the Pride, and the ship had lots of places to explore. I thought the shows were entertaining. I thought the food was OK, the usual cruise fare. They have a dinner club, which is good, but plan on a long dinner, with small portions. Plus a steep fee, $25 per person.



Hope this helps!

 

[prymsu]

I have been on four CCL cruises, and have found the food, entertainment and courtesy of the staff to be excellent. The value for a verandah is also quite reasonable. Of course you don't have the DCL touch, but still a good value for the money IMHO.

 

[dis4me]

Does this go out of Port Canaveral? Any opinion on the kids clubs?

 

[Michigan RN]

We've traveled once on DCL-our next one is 6-04 ,and have been on two cruises with CCL. Carnival was nice - no major problems except if your a non-smoker and hate to constantly smell it EVERYWHERE you go!! My husband and I went with another couple and that was their biggest complaint. You couldn't even go to breakfast outside on the deck and enjoy it without it being blown in your face. The casino, clubs, bars, even noticed it in our non-smoking stateroom. It bothered us so much I don't think I'll take a carnival cruise again. We never noticed it at all to be a problem on DCL. The cruise itself was smooth and the food was great.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by Poohbush
We sailed on the Carnival Pride Nov 2002. It was a nice ship, I think the Glory might be a sister ship.

Actually, the Carnival Glory will be a much larger ship than the Carnival Pride — and much larger than either of the Disney ships.

Carnival Glory
Class: Conquest
Length: 952
Total Staff: 1160
Guest Capacity: 3700 *
Cruising Speed: 22 Knots
Gross Tonnage: 110,000
*Double Occupancy

Carnival Pride
Class: Spirit
Length: 963 ft
Total Staff: 930
Guest Capacity: 2124 *
Cruising Speed: 22 Knots
Gross Tonnage: 88,500
*Double Occupancy

 

[SeaDog]

for taking the time to reply... Disney was a bit too proud of their cruises this year in terms of dollars... it will be interesting exploring a new ship... to the moderators... this remains one of the finest boards on the net... good people, good information...

 

[Euphscott]

The Glory is actually a sister ship to the Conquest.

We sailed the Conquest out of New Orleans last November.

First, you will have a good time if you do one VERY important thing. Try as best as possible to NOT compare your cruise experience to Disney. It's not the same and if you keep holding them up to one another and love Disney, you may be disappointed. But, if you look at it as a different experience, you'll do well.

I will echo the sentiment of the smoking isssue. It was nothing to be standing in the waiting area for dining and have smoke billowing. It's allowed most all over the ship, save for the dining rooms and show lounge. Beyond that - it's anything goes. WHile smokers will enjoy that freedom, non-smokers will have difficulties.

Shows do not have plot lines, they are Vegas style reviews.
Service is comparable to Disney, food is probably a little better, entertainment options are a little more limited, and of course, the casino is available.

Have a good time, we tried to get on the Glory but time and distance were not in our favor.