Angeltraveler » Cruising

Carnival Glory Cruise Ship to the Eastern Caribbean

Paulineh — Sat, 14 May 2011 08:31:44 +0000

The Carnival Glory cruise ship is a sister to the Valor which I have traveled on a few years ago. Both are beautiful ships and well maintained. We sailed on the Glory from Miami to the Easter Caribbean in December.

We decided on an inside cabin this time as we only had 2 sea days and we arrive din ports early in the morning so most of the traveling was at night. We were on the Empress deck 7.

Docked at Grand Turk

Unfortunately, we couldn't drop anchor and tender at Half Moon Cay because of choppy seas and this was very disappointing so that was one less beach day for us.

The Carnival Glory cruise ship has 3 options for dinner, early, late and anytime. The main two restaurants are called the Golden and the Platinum (which we dined at). We like late seating but I think from next cruise we will go to anytime so that we experience more flexibility and new table companions each night. We like to sit and talk to people from all parts of the world.

I think that I preferred the Western Caribbean ports better than the Eastern but the Carnival Glory cruise ship did not disappoint me in regard to the quality of the ship, the staff and the food.

Everyone raves over the port of St Thomas but we found it too busy with 6 ships in port that day. We went into town and looked around but unless you are looking for diamonds everything else can be bought elsewhere. We went back to the ship collected our towels and swimwear and got a taxi to take us to Coki Beach which we just loved and the water was just so warm and relaxing.

Our next port of call was San Juan and I loved this port. It has a wonderful pirate feel about it coming into the harbor. We took a quick tour of the city by tour bus then went back to the town to find the famous La Bombonera Cafe. We sat at the bar and ordered the Mallorcas and coffee and it was just fabulous. The coffee was the best I had all cruise and the Mallorcas melted in your mouth. You have to go there if you go to San Juan.

The final port was Grand Turk and this was a beach day for us. There was only one other ship in port and we were there first so we could get some good positions down at the beach. We then went to Margueritaville for lunch and some beers. I had conch for the first time which was very tasty but really the place was too crowded. The site of the two ships side by side so close to one another was a wonderful picture.

In conclusion we had a good trip with Carnival Glory and I would recommend traveling on her for any destination as she is a destination in herself. There is so much to do on board or if you want you can do nothing at all.

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The Western Caribbean on the Carnival Valor

Paulineh — Sat, 01 May 2010 13:04:34 +0000

I went on a singles cruise the the Western Caribbean on the Valor and so the experience was a bit different to other cruises I have since been on. It was a few years ago but I think still relevant. The Valor is still doing the same route as it was then except for the Port of Roatan. I hope you like this review even though it is a bit long

I stayed at an airport hotel overnight and took a shuttle to the dock and unloaded by bags with the porter. It took around 1.5 hours to board, go through the scanner, get my picture taken and find my cabin. I had an inside cabin and was sharing with someone the group had assigned me. The ship was a bit confusing in its layout and as it was so big (well the biggest I have been on).

The first day was at sea and it was formal night and the show was a dance show which was quite good but didn't quite flow. Second day was in Grand Cayman and was by tender to dock. At this port I did the Stingray tour which was just incredible. The water was warm and the creatures so silky but a little scary at first. You go about 20 minutes by boat out to the sandbar. Don't forget to take an underwater camera (I had a disposable one that worked fine). The singles group had a 70s night and karaoke in the Paris Hot Lounge so taking an organized singles cruise can mean you have company and activities which is great.

Third day we docked at Roatan and I did the tour of the west side of the island. We went to beach and shops, butterfly farm and botanic gardens. The people speak English and Spanish and eat the local iguanas (although they are protected). Tonight was black/white attire and cabin crawl with the singles. On fourth day we docked at Costa Maya and I took the Mayan Tour. The ruins were very interesting bit it was very hot and humid there. I spent the afternoon in the pool bar with a frozen Martguerita and with other singles from the group. It was formal night again tonight and we all had pre dinner drinks in the Winston Bar.

We docked at Cozumel on the fifth day. Very pretty town and after shopping I went with a friend to Carlos and Charlies and had margaritas and joined in the conga line and danced a bit. You have to try it! The last day was at sea so I relaxed for awhile on deck in the sun. By afternoon though we had a salsa lesson in the One Step Lounge which was quite fun. The theme tonight was Caribbean and karaoke in the Paris Hot Bar where everyone was taking pictures of the groups we had spent time with during our cruise. On debarkation day it took about an hour and I got a taxi fairly easily.

I really enjoyed this trip and it was a lot different being on a singles cruise. I would recommend it to anyone traveling alone. You can join in as much or as little as you want. The Valor is a beautiful ship and I hope to travel on her again.

How to choose a cabin

Paulineh — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:15:21 +0000

There are a lot of considerations to take into account when choosing your cabin for your next cruise but the two most important are the cost and the location.

Some things you might like to consider:

Price - if you are only going to consider this one item then choose the cheapest fare you can get.
How many people are sharing the cabin - this will impact on the size of the cabin and the layout. Check the deck plans and cabin categories carefully. If you are a large family you might need two cabins.
Location - if you get seasick like I do, then you will want a mid ship location on a lower deck. If you are going with family, you might like to be closer to the public areas of the ship for quick access. Lower decks are cheaper though but you may hear more engine noise. Aft balconies are larger than usual sizes for the same category as they wrap around the back of the ship. Ill stick to the mid ship location though where I know I am more stable.
Cabin categories - inside, outside, balcony and suite -Inside cabins give the best value but can be dark.Outside cabins offer more light but are usually the same size as inside (before booking check whether you have a porthole, a window or an obstructed view). Balcony cabins have access to a small balcony where you can sit and watch the sea or when you come into/out of port. Suites have larger cabins and bathrooms usually but are also the most expensive. When you book a guarantee cabin you book the category but not the specific cabin so its a bit more of a lucky dip where you will end up but then again you may be upgraded.
How much time are you going to spend in the cabin - If you spend most of the time out of your cabin then maybe a lower category will be better value. If you like to relax in your cabin then a balcony or suite may be your better choice.

I hope this information helps you make a decision but any cabin is better than none at all. Enjoy your cruise!

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US $14.95

19d 2h 12m

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE CRUISES FUN SHIP $1 CASINO CHIP

US $3.16

23d 7h 59m

Are you cruising for love?

Paulineh — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:59:30 +0000

My Singles Cruise group

Cruising is a good holiday for singles and solo travelers. You have an opportunity to meet people at on-board activities and when dining. People are usually in party mode and looking to have a good time so are more friendly than they may normally be.

There are many singles cruises usually comprising of groups of people, organized by single cruise travel groups, which are on regular cruises. This may fit for what you are looking for as a solo traveler as you have company for activities and sometimes you might meet someone special. Many companies have cruises are aimed at different age groups and are now sailing from many ports.

The most popular singles cruises would be for the destination of the Caribbean and I have been on one myself and it was for the Western Caribbean and I have also been on a cruise with a group of solo travelers to Alaska. It is up to you how much or how little time you spend with the group, but these cruises usually have a coordinator who will arrange activities for you as well as the ship's ones you can participate in if you want.

There are many companies now online who offer cruises for solo travelers. The price of the cruises are reasonable and you get the opportunity to share a cabin so you don't have to pay the single supplement. Not everyone is cruising for love but many are so it is an opportunity to meet people who are also singles.

For me, the benefit of a singles cruise was that I never felt alone and there was always something to do in the group and I had company for dinner as well. My favorite activity being the dance lessons. I also made friends with a few people and have continued to have contact after the cruise.

Who knows who will be on your next cruise? You may even meet your perfect love match or a friend for life.

The differing opinions on cruising

Paulineh — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:58:41 +0000

There are many different opinions about cruising but I am going to mention three here. The first is that it is a great experience, the second is that a cruise provides good value, but a third group hate it and don't find it a good way to travel at all. I fall into the first category and love cruising although I must add only for cruises up to 14 days, then I tend to get a little home sick.

Some of the common reasons people give for not liking cruising is that it is boring, but really that's not true. It's all about what you want to do on board. Again here people differ as some like to participate in all the activities, others just want to sit in the sun, read and relax while others like me, do a combination of these things but I must admit overall I just do my own thing and relax and read.

Another myth people have is that if you don't like to party and drink then you won't fit in with the others on board. In reality most cruises consist of a wide range of people including singles, couples, families and groups traveling together. These people are from all age groups and definitely they aren't all party people.

Some cruise destinations such as Alaska and Australia/New Zealand do attract an older group whereas the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera has a younger group overall.

Don't let others opinions influence you too much. You don't know what you are missing out on unless you experience something first hand. Cruising is great in so many ways, so find out for yourself.

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