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Best Things to Do on the Carnival Glory Cruise

Are you looking to plan a trip on the Carnival Glory? Then, check out these top amenities that you won’t want to miss.

Book Carnival Glory Cruises Now

The Carnival Glory is one of the Conquest-class cruise ships of Carnival Cruise Line and is meant for people who love fun. It floated for the first time in 2003, and later it was upgraded twice, once in 2012 and later in 2017. This cruise has public areas that are themed after a color or a famous personality and proudly show-offs its ebullient amenities such as pool games, deck parties, live performances, and deck parties.

However, if you plan to cruise on Carnival Glory, check out the features that you can't afford to miss.

5 Things to Do on Carnival Glory Cruise

The top jaunty amenities on the Carnival Glory are as follows –

1. Dr. Seuss for the Kids

Dr. Seuss is a big deal on Carnival cruises . These cruises host family events celebrating with characters created by the famous author, such as gusto. You can also attend story time with one of its characters and try delicious breakfast cuisines such as green eggs and ham. As there is no age limit, adults can enjoy their multicolor pancakes and fluorescent scrambled eggs. There are also brightly colored table linens and beautiful centerpieces in the dining area for decoration.

2. Comedy Shows

One of the most famous amenities of the Carnival Glory is its Punch liner Comedy Club. They assemble some of the best comedians to tickle your funny bones while on a cruise. This show is so popular that there is a lineup of back-to-back shows. They also offer 18+ and PG shows in the Ebony Cabaret.

This is a club for teens between 15 and 17 years of age. Here, they can participate in various activities such as themed events and parties, movie nights with peers, and shore excursions at selected destinations. There are also opportunities to attend ping-pong tournaments, video-game competitions, and karaoke jam sessions. Teens can also enjoy non-alcoholic drinks with their peers onboard.

4. Carnival Glory Bars

On the Carnival Glory, you can enjoy a drink to spend a special time of your own. There are bars available onboard, such as Red Frog Rum Bar serving rum-based Caribbean drinks, BlueIguana Tequila Bar serving the best tequila drinks, and Alchemy Bar, which is known for its custom cool cocktails.

5. Miniature Golf

Carnival Glory Sun Deck is the perfect place on the cruise to spend a few hours. Most Carnival Glory cruise reviews highlight this, as there are multiple amenities for enjoyment. It houses a basketball hoop, volleyball net, shuffleboard area, padded jogging track, and the mini-golf course. Thus, you can burn some extra calories with your family members and friends to stay fit after enjoying some of the most delicious cuisines.

A few of the other amenities that can be enjoyed in Carnival Glory are –

• Black and White Library
• Carnival Glory Gym
• Camp Carnival

What’s more?

While traveling with the Carnival Glory, don’t forget to try out Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina for tacos. Besides all the exquisite preparations, you can try Steakhouse Selections, Ol’ Fashioned BBQ joint, Pizza Pirate, and others to treat your taste buds with some amazing dining options. The fun amenities weaved with great food will surely make the journey towards your destination with Carnival Glory a memorable one.

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47 Best Carnival Cruise Line Tips & Tricks

Looking for the best Carnival cruise tips and advice for your vacation?

Whether it’s your first cruise or you’re a Diamond level passenger (the highest tier of Carnival’s loyalty program, for those that have sailed more than 200 nights), there’s always more to know. Meanwhile, the cruise line is constantly innovating, making changes, and improving.

To help you out, we’ve rounded up dozens of our best Carnival cruise tips. The advice below can help you save money, save time, or generally just have a better trip.

Note: This article contains affiliate links. Cruzely earns a commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.

1. If you’re a Carnival stockholder, you can get free onboard credit

It’s a little-known perk for investors. If you own at least 100 shares of Carnival’s stock, then you are eligible for free onboard credit . Your benefit is $50 for cruises fewer than 7 days and $100 for trips of 7 to 13 days. Take a cruise 14 days or longer, then you’ll get $250 in free onboard credit. Learn how to take advantage here .

Just know that it’s not without risk. Shares of Carnival have been all over the map following the health crisis. However, if you do own the shares, you’ll definitely want to get your onboard credit.

2. Find your room: Odd cabin numbers are on one side of the ship, even are on the other

It’s easy to get turned around on the ship. Hallways can seem to go on forever and cabin doors can all look the same. One tip is that just like a neighborhood street, odd-numbered cabins are on one side of the ship, while even-number rooms are on the other. So when you step out of the elevator to head to your cabin, you can know which side of the ship your room is located.

3. Keep an eye out for happy hour deals

Like to drink but want to save some money? Keep an eye out for the RedFrog Pub happy hour or other specials on the ship. There will be a mention in the daily schedule and also signs posted around the ship. During happy hour — which we’ve seen going on from about 2:30-4:30 in the afternoon when offered — drinks are half-priced. That can save you a ton versus the regular menu price.

4. Know That Carnival Ships Generally Have the Smallest Size Per Passenger

Don’t be surprised if on your Carnival cruise you feel a little crowded. That’s because according to our analysis, Carnival ships in general have the least amount of size per passenger . 

Taking the gross tonnage (a measure of ship size) of more than 100 ships and dividing by the total passenger count at double occupancy, Carnival’s fleet averages a ratio of around 33-35. Compare that to Royal Caribbean, which often comes in around 40 gross tons per passenger.

You can find your specific ship here and compare it to others.

5. BlueIguana Cantina serves breakfast burritos

While BlueIguana Cantina — a Mexican-themed restaurant on the ship — is known for lunch, most people don’t realize that it also serves some fantastic breakfast burritos. Fill up a tortilla with sausage, eggs, ham, and potatoes and you’ve got a hearty (and free!) breakfast that will keep you full all morning, no matter how active you are on ship or in port.

6. Free souvenir? Ask if there are game-used items in the casino

It may not be on every Carnival ship, but we recently took a cruise and got a free souvenir from the casino. We simply went to the cashier during a slow time during the day and asked if they had any used dice or cards. To our surprise, the cashier came back with a casino-used die with the Carnival logo on it… and it was absolutely free.

It’s not much, but it’s a fun little keepsake to remember our time on the ship.

7. Costco member? Try booking your next cruise through them for cash back

Truth is that every website has the same prices for cruises. However, if you buy through a third-party site (as opposed to Carnival.com), then you might get extra incentives like onboard credit.

Costco has some of the best incentives . For cruises booked through CostcoTravel.com, the store will give you a Costco Shop Card potentially worth hundreds (amounts vary by cruise). That’s much more than what other booking sites will give you. If you’re a member, it’s worth looking into before you buy your cruise.

8. The drinking age in most ports is 18 years old… but 21 on the ship

If you are sailing from the United States on Carnival, then you have to be 21 to drink alcohol on the ship. But if someone isn’t quite of age, they can drink when in most ports. Places like Mexico and The Bahamas have drinking ages of 18. That means people underage in the U.S. can still drink legally when visiting.

9. Carnival offers a 110% “Best Price Guarantee” on excursions

If you’re worried about getting the best deal on an excursion, don’t. Carnival offers a 110% guarantee . If you find the same excursion for cheaper somewhere else, then they will refund 110% of the price difference as onboard credit.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find cheaper things to do, but know that if you do buy an excursion through the cruise line, you’ll be covered.

10. Don’t forget to bring your phone to dinner

Hopefully it won’t be this way forever, but one of the changes following the health crisis? Menus and daily schedules are harder to find. Instead, you’ll see QR codes on tables to scan with your phone to bring up the menu in a restaurant. And daily schedules are available within Carnival’s app on your phone.

While we expect things will go back to normal, at least for now, bringing your phone with you to eat is a smart idea. But, if you forget, you can request a paper menu from the staff.

11. Book specialty restaurants early in the cruise for quieter dining

Specialty restaurants offer something a little different from the main dining room. Maybe that’s why later in the cruise it feels like they get more crowded as people search out more variety in meals. However, it seems like early in the cruise people aren’t as interested.

The result? On a recent cruise we were able to dine in a specialty restaurant on night two with only a handful of other passengers. It was a nice way to have a quiet dinner that felt more intimate than busier venues.

12. Trying to budget? Sodas cost $3; Beers cost $6-8

This isn’t so much a Carnival tip as just a heads up on what you’ll spend. Sodas run about three bucks. Beers will set you back about $6-8. Don’t forget to add in 18% gratuity, which is automatically included to the price.

Worried about the bill? Carnival also sells the CHEERS! drink package that gives you access to whatever you want for one daily price. These packages are convenient and can help you budget.

13. There can be a HUGE difference between ships

One thing to know is that not all cruise ships are created equal. This goes for every cruise line, and you’ll find it on Carnival. The oldest ships in the fleet were built in the 1990s while the newest — such as Carnival Celebration — are brand new.

During that span, what is expected of and can be done on cruise ships has soared. Carnival’s newest ships feature more amenities, restaurants, and activities than you can imagine compared to older ships.

In our opinion, the newer ships are better, but the quieter, smaller, and less-expensive trips on older ships also have a lot to offer.

14. Where to find the cheapest beer on the ship

Six or eight bucks for a beer can be tough to swallow. If you want the cheapest beer, then head to the buffet. Ships have self-serve beer stations. At these spots you simply swipe your card, and then you pull the handle to dispense beer. 

Brews are sold by the ounce, and a full-sized glass runs about $5. The beers on tap are limited, but if you don’t care what you drink, it’s a good way to save money.

15. Some paid restaurants offer free lunch

Specialty restaurants charge an extra amount for passengers to eat there. Prices vary depending on the spot, but it’s usually around $15-30 per person. One tip is that on Carnival places like JiJi Asian Kitchen or Cucina del Capitano offer lunch service that’s free. The menu is different than the dinner options, but there’s no charge and you can get something tasty outside of eating at the buffet. 

16. Be prepared for poor cruise payouts in the casino

It’s common sense that with a ship full of people looking to be entertained, the casino should be a popular place… and it is! But with a captive audience and no other casinos around, the onboard casinos aren’t so generous with their payouts .

Expect blackjack that pays 6-5 (instead of the usual 3-2) at the lowest limits and video poker machines that pay 6/5 instead of the optimal 9/6 payout.

17. Guy’s Burger Joint is popular. Try it for dinner for shorter lines

Haven’t heard of Guy’s Burger Joint ? That will change. The free restaurant is across Carnival ships and serves up some great burgers. It’s also extremely popular. Hours are normally 12-6 p.m. and lunch can see long lines.

If you don’t want to wait in line, check it out before it closes for the evening. Most people eat dinner elsewhere, so the lines are much shorter. If you’re an early eater, then grabbing a burger without a line is a smart move.

18. Save that deck chair… but only for 40 minutes

Chair hogs. Perhaps no one draws the ire of cruisers more than the person that goes down early in the morning and puts a towel down to reserve a prime location by the pool… only to leave it for hours.

Yes, you are allowed to save chairs on Carnival, but the official rules are for only 40 minutes — enough time to go grab a bite to eat. After that time the crew may remove your items to let someone sit in the chair.

19. The age limit to gamble on a Carnival ship is 18

While you have to be 21 to drink on the ship, gambling is a different story. Carnival allows those 18 years and older to play in the casino. So while you might not be old enough to play in Las Vegas, you can still play the slots, roulette, or blackjack on the cruise ship.

20. Formal night? Wear what you want, except these items…

What to wear on formal night can be stressful. The truth is, you can get by wearing most anything, as long as it’s not too casual . You don’t have to wear a tux or an evening gown (but some people do).

What you will want to avoid are things like sleeveless shirts, shorts, t-shirts, ball caps, flip-flips, and bathing suits. In other words, just about anything outside of what you’d wear to the beach is just fine.

Our suggestion is to try and dress up some, but don’t stress. And if you don’t want to change out of shorts and sandals, it’s your cruise. You can skip the formal night dining altogether and just eat somewhere other than the main dining room.

21. Avoid kids in the Serenity adults-only area

Some people don’t mind kids. Others want to relax without them running around. If you fall into that second group, check out the Serenity area on your Carnival ship.

This spot is for adults 21 years old and up. It features some cozy and comfy seating you won’t find elsewhere on the ship and often has its own dedicated bar area and hot tubs. 

Even if you don’t care about kids one way or the other, you’ll often find the Serenity area less crowded than the pool area and has more cozy, private spaces. 

22. Cruise insurance is important, but buy third-party

When you book your cruise, Carnival will give you the option of buying the Carnival Vacation Protection . It’s definitely worth it to have some insurance for your trip, however, we think you’re better off going with a third-party insurance policy.

These policies are usually the same or cheaper in price than Carnival’s policy and can provide more coverage. 

23. Ordering a pack of water is a smart move

Before you board, go online and order a pack of water from the Carnival FunShops. It costs about $10 for a dozen bottles, and it’s nice to have in the room. Passengers aren’t allowed to bring on bottles in their luggage (cans/cartons only), so you can’t bring on most water containers. Plus, having some water in the room is nice to keep from having to head to the dining room or buffet to get a drink. It’s always right there waiting for you.

24. Take your drinking into port to save some cash

Want to drink but not break the bank? Just head into port. While drinks on the ship can be pricey — $6-8 for a beer and $10-12 for a cocktail — the bars in port cater to thirsty cruisers with cheap drink specials.

Just taking a walk down the pier can save you tons. Beers for $2-3 are common, so you can easily save 50% in some cases, while also getting to enjoy the local scenery.

25. Don’t worry, you don’t need to learn another language for ports of call

It can be intimidating going to a foreign country. After all, most people don’t speak a foreign language. The good news is that cruise ports in The Bahamas and Caribbean are built for tourism.

Most people in ports speak English, so you don’t have to struggle through trying to speak another language. In addition, U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

26. Short on cash? Carnival offers $50 deposit sales regularly

If you’re short on cash but have plenty of time before you book your cruise, then keep an eye out for Carnival’s famous $50 deposit sales. During these sales, which usually occur a few times a year, you can book your cruise for just $50 down and then pay off the rest later. It makes it affordable to book that trip you’ve had your eye on.

27. TV channels are limited… don’t expect much

Want to watch your favorite show on your cruise? Then you’ll want to download it to your device beforehand. The stations on a cruise television are limited ( you can see the full lineup here ), and most of the big channels you get at home aren’t available.

In fact, most of the time the channels are specific to the cruise, like info about port shopping or safety information. 

28. Don’t show up to the port until you are scheduled to board

Carnival offers a method of boarding known as staggered check-in. You select a 30-minute window of when to board. This keeps things running smoothly and avoids having too many passengers show up at once, such as right when the ship opens up to passengers.

If you show up before your boarding window, you could be asked to return later. If you show up after your boarding window, they will still let you board.

29. Every Carnival ship has a coin. See if you can find it

Want to have a treasure hunt on your cruise? It’s tradition for Carnival to place a coin on the ship when under construction as a good-luck charm. It’s a fun pastime to explore the ship and see if you can find it. It’s usually located on an upper deck in a public area where anyone can access it.

30. Buy the drink package early to save money

Carnival offers passengers the option of buying the CHEERS! drink package . For one set price per day, you can have your run of just about any beverage on the ship — alcoholic or otherwise. 

Now, this drink package isn’t for everyone. You definitely want to run the numbers on how much you’ll drink before you buy and if you’ll get your money’s worth ( see our drink package calculator here ). But if you do decide to purchase it, be sure to do so before you sail.

Carnival discounts the package $5 per day — or about 8% off the onboard price — if you buy the package online before you board.

31. You can bring on some drinks, so take advantage

Carnival allows you to bring some drinks on the ship with with you. You can bring a bottle of champagne or wine (standard size), and up to 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks per person.

While a bottle of wine or a 12-pack of soda may not seem like much, it definitely makes a difference in your budget. Considering that a glass of wine can cost $8-12 and a soda costs $3 each, it’s worth it to bring what you can to keep costs down.

Plus, if you have a favorite brand, it makes sense to bring it because it might not be available on the ship. (Carnival ships serve Pepsi products.)

32. A $5 outlet adapter is worth its weight in gold

Cruise cabins are notorious for having limited outlet space, despite the fact that people travel with more devices than ever. Typically there is only one outlet per cabin in many older ships (newer ships are getting better at offer more outlets).

Bringing a cheap outlet adapter can be a lifesaver , giving you multiple plugs. Best of all, they are only a few bucks and don’t take up much space.

33. Past passenger? Try pricing without your VIFP number

Carnival’s loyalty program — VIFP — can give you special pricing on cruises. If you’ve sailed before, then you can enter your number during your search for cruises on the Carnival website for possible discounts. 

One thing we suggest is trying your search both with and without your VIFP number entered. We’ve personally found that having the number entered can sometimes actually mean you see a higher price than what’s shown without the number.

34. Book excursions online to save time

If you plan to take a shore excursion, you can book it on Carnival’s site ahead of time . If you do this you’ll get the same price you’ll find on the ship, but you have some advantages.

First, you don’t have to spend your precious vacation time waiting in line on the ship to book. Second, you get to book before everyone on the ship. If there’s limited space on an excursion, this could be the difference between getting the excursion you want or having it be sold out.

35. Bring cash, but ATMs are available on the ship

It’s better to bring all the cash you need, but don’t worry if you get an a jam. Carnival has ATMs on the ship where you can get some extra money . Be warned: The charges are high — $6-7 per transaction that we’ve seen. And that amount is before anything that your bank might charge you to access your money.

36. Look for deals on older Carnival ships

Carnival is always rolling out new ships. Mardi Gras, Celebration and Panorama have all been introduced in recent years. Rightly so, many people are eager to sail these newer ships.

But if you want a deal, look at the older ships in Carnival’s fleet. The vessels are still fantastic to sail, but don’t generate the buzz like a new ship does. Often you can find cruises for hundreds of dollars less, giving you a great vacation for less money.

37. Make sure your flip-flops have tread for walking on the ship

Do you wear a pair of old flip flops where the tread has been worn off? If so, it’s time for an upgrade.

Decks on cruise ships can get slippery. Between rain showers, splashes from the pool, or cleaning by the crew, there are lots of times you’ll find wet decks. If you don’t have sandals with grip, then it’s not just a nuisance — it’s downright dangerous. You don’t want a slip and fall ruining your vacation.

38. Even in the warm Caribbean, bring a jacket

You might not think of it, but the nights in the Caribbean can get cool, even in the summer. This is especially true when the ship is underway, which makes the breeze much stronger. Do yourself a favor and bring a light jacket to wear in the evenings. Even if you plan to stay inside on the ship, the air conditioning can get cool in many places.

39. Insert your keycard to cash out in the casino

If you like playing slot machines or video poker on a Carnival cruise, then be sure to insert your room keycard when you play. Not only is your play tracked with this card, which can lead to perks from free drinks to free cruises, but it’s needed when you cash out.

Instead of printing tickets that you can take from machine to machine or cash out at a redemption kiosk, Carnival puts the funds on your room keycard. If you don’t have it inserted, then you have to wait for an attendant to come pay you in cash by hand.

40. Carnival ships cater to families with kids. Take advantage of included childcare

If your child is over two years old, then they can be dropped off at Camp Ocean  on the ship. Not only does this give mom and dad a chance to vacation without having to watch the kids, it gives the kids some time away from parents with activities that they will enjoy. The kids clubs are broken up by age, and best of all, the service is included in your fare.

41. Babysitting is available for just $7.50 per hour

One of the best deals in cruising is that you can drop your kids off (above two years old) at Camp Ocean for no charge. But outside of normal hours or if you have a kid under two, then you can have babysitting at certain times . 

Here, the staff will keep an eye on the kids while they enjoy fun activities but there is a charge. Still, it’s only $7.50 per hour (plus 18% gratuity), so if you have a small kid and want to head to dinner and a show for a couple of hours, it’s a low price to pay.

42. Navigating the ship can be confusing. Only some floors go straight through

If you want to head from the back of the ship to the front of the ship, you might have to go up or down a floor or two to make your way the length of many Carnival ships. Things like the dining room and theater cut through multiple floors and keep you from being able to get through. Stick with the main promenade deck if you want an easy way to go back and forth.

43. Wait for people to get out of the elevator before you try to enter

Elevators are the heartbeat of the ship. They are used thousands of times daily and are typically busy as people travel around the ship. Since there are usually plenty of people on the elevator, it’s common courtesy to wait and let anyone get off at your floor before you try to get on. Otherwise there’s an easily avoidable traffic jam.

Even better, if you are traveling only a few decks, simply take the stairs. It’s faster.

44. BOLT! is worth the money… once

Carnival’s newest ships like Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee have made a big deal of having the first roller coaster on a cruise ship. The BOLT! coaster circles the top deck, taking two riders up to 40 miles per hour, with insane views of the ocean.

A ride costs $15 per person. Having done it, we can tell you that it’s a lot of fun. But considering the ride lasts a literal minute, we’d suggest trying it once but not going again and again.

45. Don’t miss the Love & Marriage game show

It’s one of the most popular shows on a Carnival cruise and one we think is a must see. The Love & Marriage game show is a take on The Newlywed Game. There are three couples who are asked some interesting personal questions to try and match their partner’s answers.

It’s definitely Rated R… or maybe more PG-13… so it’s not for kids. But it’s also one of the funniest things you’ll watch on the cruise.

46. Air freshener is a must. Cabins don’t have powered bathroom vents

Let’s get real. With two people in a small space, bathroom smells can be an issue. Cruise cabins don’t have vents in the bathroom. Foul smells, small cabins, and no ventilation are a bad combo. Pack some air freshener with you on your next cruise. Your cabin mate will thank you for it.

47. The cheapest Carnival cruise prices are when school is in session

Are you flexible with when you can sail? Then you can save a lot of money. Prices are lowest when school is in session and families have a tougher time sailing . The difference between the lowest fares and the highest fares can be hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars for the same cruise simply taken at different times of year.

Have more tips or questions about sailing on Carnival? Let us know in the comments below.

More on Cruising Carnival:

• Worth It? 15+ Questions & Answers About the Carnival CHEERS! Package
• Reviewed: Carnival Cruise Wi-Fi Service (Speed, Reliability, Cost, and More)
• Complete Guide to Sailing Carnival Cruise Line (What It’s Like)

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Carnival Glory Tips & Tricks

By eellsinoc , February 8, 2007 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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I know there is a thread on here giving tips for the Carnival Cruise Line. However, I was hoping to gain some knowledge and experience specifically from those having cruised on the Glory.

We have two inside cabins 7394 & 7398.

Any tips on getting around the ship? Restaurant bests? Shows to be sure and not miss?

Also do our rooms have refrigerators in them? Best pool for the kids? Waterslide times?

Any photos emailed directly to me will earn you a great big smile!!!! :D

[email protected]

Thanks in advance for putting an obsessive researcher's mind to rest!!!! Why do I have to know everything ahead of time? If you are a psycologist and can offer me some free advice you get two smiles! :D :D

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All Conquest class vessels have the same layout so if you read about decks that don't continue through on one of those ships, it will hold true to the Glory.

I have made a deck plan in word for the Valor...aside from the public rooms being named differently, the layout is exactly the same:

http://home.comcast.net/~phlydude/valor_deck_plans.doc

Rooms should all have fridges in them...it may be locked and it does serve as a mini bar so be sure to watch the kids to make sure that they don't eat a $3.00 snickers bar...

Best pool for kids...the kids pool (if they are small) or the main pool. Please don't take them to the adults only pool...you will be the talk of the boards for some time if you do...

Waterslide is usually open on sea days and only if the weather and seas cooperate. Once it starts getting dark, it will be closed.

You may get lucky and find it open during a port day but don't count on it.

Thanks for the tips.

Port days will not be an issue for us - as we will try and be the last ones back on the boat - I have no plans to hang out on the ship during an exciting new port.

As for the adults only pool - I would never dream of letting my kids go in that pool - it irks me when parents do that.

As for the mini bar - that will definitely need to be emptied...do I ask the room steward to do that for us? I would hate to get charged for a Snickers bar with all the great food on board.

Keep the info. coming - it is well appreciated.

http://www.user.shentel.net/cbarden/where.html

Here is the layout for Glory. A lot of people seem to get lost but I studied this before going and never had any problem. Be sure to go out on the forward decks on deck 6 and 7 and I believe 9. It is rarely used so it is almost like your own private deck and you can see port and starboard side. Great for sailaways or coming into port. I emptied my fridge into the cabinet next to it and reloaded it the day we left, didn't get charged for anything. Are you going east or west?

We are on the Eastern itinerary leaving on June 23rd.

I have two cabins. One for my husband and I and the other for our three kids 13, 11 & 9.

I would rather have the items taken completely away. I think it is strange they do that. We have only sailed on the Grand Princess and we didn't have anything in the fridges to worry about.

Thanks for the layouts...maybe we will have the kids study them (with a quiz at the end of course) then they can lead us around!

We went on the eastern carib. trip last December on the Glory...our cabin number was 7379 just down the hall from where u are going to be..we were conviently located to what seemed like everything..just take a right out of your cabin door and go to the next stair/elevator area and you had easy access to most of the clubs, the platinum dining room, and the all important Lido deck which has the red sail resturant, pools, water slide access(you have to do this water slide thing..adults will have more fun than the kids) and late nite pizza/ice cream...All of these are on levels above you. Take a left out of your room and go to the glass elevator area..this is where you can get to the purser's desk, shore excursion desk, photo gallery, shops, and the Amber Palace all of which are on levels below you. I didn't travel with children so I can't tell you how those services are. Dana, the cruise director, was a pretty cool guy. The best show in my opinion was the Legends show on the last nite...Have fun....

When you first get to your cabin ask your room steward to unlock and empty it for you. They will do that and it will eliminate any worries. We did find on the Liberty that it was not very cold, more like a cooler.

Walk all the way to the front of the ship on your deck. Turn left and go through the wooden door that leads to the outside deck right below the bridge.

During the day time you can see the officers at work.

It is a nice quiet place to go out at night and watch the ship sailing and see the stars. ;)

Thanks so much for that insider's tip - that sounds wonderful. I have no idea how in the world I will be able to wait until June for thie cruise to get here.

My husband, father, & mother on on our way in May on the Glory any more tips for 1st time Carnival cruisers? Only sailed Royal, 3 times anythng good/bad/or ulgy will help put our minds at ease.:)

Walk all the way to the front of the ship on your deck. Turn left and go through the wooden door that leads to the outside deck right below the bridge.   During the day time you can see the officers at work.   It is a nice quiet place to go out at night and watch the ship sailing and see the stars. ;)

Is there a deck in the same location on the Liberty? I missed that last year when I was on the Glory.

Avoid balcony cabins on the Verandah deck directly below a seating area around the pool or the Lido buffet. The chairs constantly banging and being dragged around on the floor above as people come and go is a great distraction when trying to sit on your balcony.

Take something to clean those greasy, dirty rope pulls on the drawers and cabinet doors.

If ever you can't find a good window table while eating in the buffet, go upstairs where the fish and chips is.(are?) There were always plenty of tables there, as well as drink machines. (tea juice coffee)

Deck plans for Glory show that the panorama deck seems to extend above the bridge. If so, are there deck chairs out there? Our cabin is on the panorama deck and it would be great to go out there for sailaways.

If I remember correctly, there are no chairs out there, but there is a bench. You cant see much while sitting on that bench though.

Yes, same decks on Liberty.

Here's a pic of the bench seat up front (Can you tell it's windy there?)

This one is from the top of the bridge looking up to deck ten forward and along the port side:

Make sure you try the oriental station for lunch. It was my favorite. It is located in the Red Sail buffet area along the side that is opposite to the deli counter. Also try the deserts at Creams Coffee bar deck 5. Even though there is a charge it is minimal and the deserts are to die for.

Thanks for posting those pictures. I love seeing other families bringing their kids along...especialy three of them. We have 2 sons and one daughter.

My daughter turned 13 this year so we are starting to feel panicked that we don't have many years of travel left together.

We truly cherish our family vacations...and now the kids are hooked on cruising. I asked my 9 year old son if we would rather go back to Disneyworld or do antoher cruise. He answered, "A cruise!" He then said he couldn't wait for plates full of french fries again!

just wanted to see if this would work

Gloryhound65

This has brought back some seriously intense (and very good) memories.

Just reading the words "Red Sail restaurant" brought back the sights,

sounds, smells, and even the feel of the cool blast of air from the air

curtains at the doors when you walk through them, and the recorded

voice in the elevator that tells you what deck you're on. "Deck nine. Lido."

and the rest...

You'll love the ship and its many cool places and I guarantee that you'll know what I mean when I say that by the second port day, when you walk back

into the ship at the end of the day, that sign over the door that says "welcome home" truly won't seem odd anymore. It's how you'll feel.

You've been told about the front of decks 5 and 6. On a clear night, they're the only dark places on the ship, but expect them to be breezy.

Below decks, deck 5 is the way to get from one end of the ship to the other. I think you can also do it on the main deck, but I never tried as I had very little reason to ever go down there.

Your week on board will pass all too soon. I suggest you use your time to

absorb the experience as much as possible. I slept less and roamed the

ship more. I figured I'd catch up on missing sleep when I got home, and

believe me, I did. Personally, I didn't catch more than a tiny fraction of

any of the shows. My hot date was in the casino every night, and it was

fun and turned out to be very profitable indeed. :)

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Carnival Glory

Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line

• Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)
• New Orleans (Port NOLA Louisiana)

Carnival Glory current position

Carnival Glory current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 31.74072 N / -53.86420 W) cruising at speed of 18 kn (33 km/h | 21 mph) en route to ES LPA > BM KWF. The AIS position was reported 25 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Carnival Glory

Carnival Glory current cruise is 14 days, one-way from Barcelona to Port Canaveral . Prices start from USD 624 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 18 Apr, 2024 and ends on 02 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Carnival Glory

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Carnival Glory Itineraries

Carnival glory review, review of carnival glory.

The 2003-built Carnival Glory cruise ship is the second of Carnival's Conquest-class vessels, with sisterships Conquest , Freedom , Valor , Liberty .

The vessel (IMO number 9198367) is currently Panama- flagged (MMSI 357659000) and registered in Colon .

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924-1999, co-founder of NCL Norwegian ).

CCL has the Corporation's largest fleet as number of vessels and GT-tonnage (ship sizes/volumes and passenger capacities). In 2023, CCL had ~9% (by revenue) and ~19% (passengers) share of the cruise industry's worldwide market. In 2024, the parent company (Carnival Corporation) had ~51% stake in the US$64+ billion industry.

The 3000-passenger ship Carnival Glory and her sisterships are among the biggest in the CCL fleet. They are basically larger versions of earlier Destiny-class ships, as well as and more feature-filled. More space reveals into additional decks, more bars and lounges, an upscale steak house, and well-proportioned public areas.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Glory staterooms (1492 total, in 27 grades) include 54 Suites, 521 Balcony, 330 Oceanview and 587 Inside cabins, including 28 wheelchair-accessible (in all cabin categories). The ship has no "family cabins" but instead offers connecting rooms in various categories. Most cabins are sized 170-185 ft2 (16-17 m2). Cabin balconies are sized 35-75 ft2 (3-7 m2). The ship has 3 types of suites - Captain's, Grand, Ocean. The largest are Captain's Suites (500 ft2 / 46 m2 plus 150 ft2 / 14 m2 terrace).

The boat has 13 passenger decks , of which 8 are with cabins. Over 50% of all staterooms are outside, 60% of those are with balconies.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Two formal restaurants (Golden and Platinum) onboard Carnival Glory serve open seating breakfast and lunch. Dinner is served in an open seating option or two assigned seatings. The casual Red Sail Lido buffet offers a number of food stations with a variety of choices, including a salad bar, deli, dessert station, daily regional cuisines. You'll also find outdoor poolside grills, specialty coffee bar, complimentary sushi bar, pizzeria and 24-hour room service that provides a limited selection of items.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Glory restaurants and food bars.

• Golden Restaurant (744-seat forward Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings or “Your Time Dining”; offers “Seuss At Sea” themed breakfasts for $5)
• Platinum Restaurant (1122-seat aft Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings and open seating breakfast and lunch)
• Bluelguana Cantina (complimentary Mexican fast food bar; offers burritos, tacos)
• Guy’s Burger Joint (complimentary fast food bar by Guy Fieri)
• Red Sail Lido Buffet Restaurant (1396-seat, self-service buffet restaurant with various food stations; operates as a bistro in the evenings)
• Emerald Room Steakhouse (108-seat specialty restaurant for steaks and seafood; with dance floor and live music)
• Meiji Sushi Bar (complimentary)
• Sushi at Sea (Lido Bar) mini version of Bonsai Sushi, offers a la carte priced menu with rolls, sushi, sashimi, prices vary between USD 1,50-7,50.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Carnival Glory is known as the “most colorful” of all Carnival ships. She offers countless entertainment options. The 1,400-seat Amber Palace was inspired by the legendary Amber Room in Russia. Design elements include gold leaf columns, rococo moldings, candelabras and paintings of famous Russian czars and czarinas. Amber Palace hosts a variety of evening shows, such as adult interactive games, Vegas-style revues, and "Hasbro, the Game Show". The Punchliner Comedy Club takes over Ebony Cabaret located on Deck 5 for family-oriented and R-rated shows from a rotating lineup of comedians. Don't forget that only the brave sit up front by the stage.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Glory lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Amber Palace Theatre (1400-seat main show lounge for musical productions and shows; also used for movies and bingo)
• Glory Atrium The Colors Lobby (9-deck high open floor area; features Colors Lobby Bar with piano and stage for live performances)
• Copper Card Room (28-seat); Silver Room Art Gallery (36-seat); Black and White Library (17-seat; offers board games); Photo Gallery and Shop; The Green Conference Room (100-seat)
• Circle C (complimentary kids club lounge with video games, parties, and planned activities)
• Cyberspace Internet Cafe (24-hour, 6 Internet computers room)
• Ivory Club Bar (147-seat cigar bar with live music)
• The Fun Shops (offers “Bon Voyage” items, duty-free liquor, jewelry, fashion boutiques, souvenirs, logo items)
• Cherry on Top (candy shop; offers branded gear, special occasions gifts and tuxedo rentals)
• EA Sports Bar; Viennese Cafe; Creams Cafe (specialty coffee bar); Taste Bar (offers complimentary appetizers); Alchemy Bar (serves made to order cocktails); The Cinn-A-Bar (100-seat piano bar); Bar Blue (jazz bar)
• Camel Club Casino (484-seat, served by Kaleidoscope Bar); Kaleidoscope Boulevard Promenade Bar (23-seat); Kiosk (S and S Card service)
• Club O2 (teens' lounge for video games, movies, karaoke, and themed parties); Video Games Arcade (24-hour)
• White Heat Disco and Nightclub (211-seat); Ebony Cabaret Lounge (425-seat; hosts Punchliner Comedy Club/brunch).
• Turquoise Pool area (with two Whirlpools, Turquoise Bar); Azure Lido Pool area (with two whirlpools, served by Azure Bar, Grill, and Pizzeria)
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar; RedFrog Rum Bar (offers Caribbean rums selection and ThirstyFrog Red drought beer)
• Aqua Park (Cobalt Pool area which is connected to the Twister Waterslide; with one Whirlpool, splash pools, fountains)
• Carnival Seaside Theatre (LED screen outdoor cinema; with a stage for live performances)
• Spa Carnival complex (with Steam Rooms, Saunas, Massage Room, Beauty Salon, Spa Pool, Gymnasium)
• Sports Deck (multi-sports court/basketball, volleyball; Tennis Tables, Shuffleboard); Jogging Track; 9-hole Mini-Golf Course
• Serenity (adult-only sundeck with Serenity Bar, two Whirlpools, padded lounges)
• Camp Ocean (kids' club lounge hosting complementary programs with supervised activities, an outdoor playground). Camp Carnival's wading/paddling pool for kids is no longer available.

Itineraries

Carnival Glory itinerary program is currently based on Sunday departures from Port NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana USA) . The 7-day itineraries visit ports in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Featured destinations include Florida ( Key West ), Bahamas ( Freeport , Nassau , North Bimini , Half Moon Cay ), Mexico ( Cozumel ), Belize City , Honduras ( Isla Roatan ). A special 14-day " Panama Canal " itinerary visits Jamaica, Aruba, Bonaire, Colombia (Cartagena), Panama Canal (Gatun Lake cruising), Costa Rica (Puerto Limon), Cozumel.

In December 2022 CCL announced that starting in May 2024, Carnival Glory will be homeported in Port Canaveral/Orlando (Florida USA) . Replacing the sistership Carnival Liberty , Glory offers roundtrips to The Bahamas departing out of Port Canaveral on Fridays (3-night itinerary to either Nassau or North Bimini) and Mondays (4-night itineraries to either North Bimini+Nassau or Princess Cays +Nassau).

Carnival Glory - user reviews and comments

Photos of carnival glory.

Carnival Glory ship related cruise news

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Other Carnival Cruise Line cruise ships

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

Carnival Glory Wiki

The boat's Fun Ship 2.0 upgrade was done in 2012. The Carnival ship Glory is of the company's Conquest-class vessels, with sisterships Conquest ,  Freedom ,  Liberty ,  Valor . The vessel was floated out on July 19, 2003, at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard . Following the Transatlantic crossing (without passengers) from Europe to the USA, Carnival Glory started the Maiden Voyage from Port Canaveral/Orlando (Florida) on July 14th. The christening ceremony was held in Port Canaveral on July 19th, led by godmother Sally Ride (1951-2012, American physicist and astronaut) who in 1983 became the USA's first woman in space.

During the inaugural season (2003-2004), from Port Canaveral, Carnival Glory offered 7-day roundtrip itineraries to the Western Caribbean (Mexico's Cozumel and Progreso, Belize City, Key West FL) and the Eastern Caribbean (Nassau Bahamas, Phillipsburg St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie St Thomas USVI).

In November 2012 Glory was drydocked to be "Fun Ship 2.0" refurbished. During the refurb, several new bars and lounges were added, along with a complete renovation of all cabins and public spaces.

Fun fact is that this Carnival ship has two famous namesakes. The 2017-launched "COSCO Glory" (operated by COSCO Line ) is among the world's largest container ships (capacity 20170 TEU-containers). MS Viking Glory (2021) is a China-built cruiseferry owned by VIKING LINE .

In September 2021, the vessel was chartered to FEMA to serve as a hotel ship (in Port NOLA/New Orleans, Louisiana ) for front-line/relief workers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida ( CruiseMinus ).

Carnival Glory drydock refurbishment 2024

The ship's last drydocking was in 2024 (April 3-16). The refurbishment project was conducted at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz Spain.

The project included redesigning the Casino lounge, in all public spaces the decor and furniture were updated.

The Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge (deck xx) and Dreams Photography Studio (deck xx) were added. The wellness complex (Cloud 9 Spa) and the Warehouse Arcade were renovated. The Camp Ocean (children's complex) was revamped, and a large video wall was installed (facilitating the Space Cruisers Carnival program via partnership with NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island, Florida). Updates received various public areas, including all stairways/hallways.

The scope of works also included repairs, hull cleaning/painting, routine maintenance, cabin upgrades and renovation of public spaces (including new flooring and repainting).

Carnival Glory drydock 2021

In 2021 (June-July) Carnival Glory was drydocked at Chantier Naval de Marseille (CNdM Shipyard in Marseille France ), mainly for general maintenance works.

Curiously, Glory became Carnival's second liner (after Magic) to change the old hull design (white hull, with a red line running its entire length) with the new trademarked livery (red-white-blue) introduced on Mardi Gras.

Carnival Glory refurbishment 2017 review

During drydock 2017 refurbishment (February 25 - March 10, done in  Freeport Bahamas ) the ship received the WaterWorks aqua park.

Carnival WaterWorks is an aqua park (open between 10 am – 5 pm) consisting of Splash Zone (fountains, water spray cannons, jets, splash pools), 1 kids pool, 2 mini racing slides for kids, Power Drencher (150-gallon / 570 liters tipping bucket that reverses poles to dump its huge amount of water at regular intervals), Green Thunder (187 ft / 57 m long thrill slide, water speed 25 mph / 40 kph, with a 34 ft / 10 m long drop), Twister Waterslide (spiraling tube, 214 ft / 65 m long, entrance level /ends on deck 10). To ride the waterslides, passengers must be at least 107 cm / 42 inches tall (no weight restrictions). Minor passengers (kids under 13 yo) need a parents’ permit. Eyeglasses must be affixed with head straps. Not permitted are – not toilet trained kids (also in diapers/swim diapers), multiple riders, flotation devices, swimwear with exposed metal parts (zippers, buckles, rivets, ornamentation), jewelry/accessories, the use of Splash Park areas without adult supervision.

During drydock 2012 refurbishment (November), the ship received part of the "Fun Ship 2.0" upgrades. Among those were Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, Alchemy Bar, Blue Iguana Cantina, Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, Punchliners Comedy Club, Hasbro Game Show, Playlist Productions.

• Food & Drink
• How to Plan
• Shore Excursions
• Onboard Activities
• What to Expect

How to Cruise Like a Pro

By Where's Amanda?

Still on the fence about whether a cruise vacation is right for you? I feel you. I felt the same way.

My first cruise was way back when. At a time where I didn’t have to color these grays I’m getting…say circa…the dawn of the new millennium. It was a honeymoon cruise and was a special treat for the two of us just starting out on our new journey together. After our honeymoon, I took a break from travel in general. No cruises. No flights. A road trip every summer was about all I could handle between work, college, a new marriage and a toddler. And then, about five years ago, the tide began to change. I was no longer a 20-something, newlywed, college student with a toddler. I was a seasoned wife with a teenage daughter. A daughter and husband who loved boats and me, the girl who loves to travel. It was time to revisit cruising. And revisit we did…again and again. Six cruises in the past 12 months alone. It helps that we live on a peninsula surrounded by water with more cruise ports close by than we can count on one hand. But I digress. If you’re thinking of booking a cruise vacation (and I emphatically petition you to) here are tips that I wish I had known as a first time cruiser:

1. Power Strip – Put four or five family members in a stateroom and see how much jockeying for plug-in-time ensues. Or just pack a power strip. This way, mom can charge her phone at the same time that Dad is charging his camera battery, while one of the kids is charging a tablet. Problem solved. Use caution though – a power strip with six or seven electronic devices charging all at once might cause unforeseen problems. You should also consider bringing a brand new power strip (still in packaging), because cruise line personnel can confiscate a power strip that’s deemed to be potentially unsafe.

2. Cash in Empty Travel Shampoo Bottle – Most cruise lines are a cashless experience. You put a credit card on file and then charge everything to your room including drinks, souvenirs, and optional dining. You really only need your room key the entire time you are on the boat. Unless…you are visiting the casino . You will need cash if you are gambling and it’s also nice to have some while in port. Want an inconspicuous place to stash your cash? Try an empty travel size shampoo bottle. Simply roll your bankroll insert it in an empty bottle and screw on the top. You can even stash it in your toiletry bag in the bathroom.

3. Bring permitted alcohol and/or mixers on board – Cruises are “all-inclusive” vacations. That’s the beauty of them. However there are a few areas where add-on’s can really add-up. A few glasses of wine here and a cocktail here and there can lead to a big bill at the end of your cruise vacation. Check out your ship’s alcohol policy before boarding and BYOBooze. Most cruise lines will allow for you to bring at least one bottle of wine onto the ship. My husband doesn’t drink wine so he will bring his mixers on the ship and then order a bottle of his favorite spirits and have it delivered to the room on embarkation day. This method saves us a few dollars on each cruise we take.

4. Bring water shoes – You may want to throw a bathing suit and a pair of non-slip boat shoes that provide good traction into your suitcase and call yourself packed. Especially on a Caribbean cruise vacation. However, you may want to pack yourself a pair of closed-toe shoes. Some Carnival cruise ships have a SkyCourse, which is a super fun ropes course and closed-toe shoes are required. Additionally, those white sandy beaches may be rocky once you get out past the waterline. A cheap pair of water shoes will do the trick.

5. Magnetic dry erase board – I pick up one of these at the dollar store before every cruise. Most ships are made of metal. Especially the doors. Bring a magnetic dry erase board and stick it to the inside of the cabin door so that you can leave messages for your family members.  They are also fun to stick on the outside of your cabin door. We always pose a “question of the day” on the board to encourage other guests to interact with us. It’s fun to read all of the responses at the end of the day.

6. Don’t skip formal night – REPEAT: DO NOT SKIP FORMAL NIGHT! Gone, for the most part, are the days of tuxedos and ball gowns on “formal night.” There are still cruise lines that require formal wear, including sports jackets for men on formal night. However, in general, cruising has become more casual. Carnival, for example, is mostly Cruise Casual dress code in the evenings, with the occasional Cruise Elegant evening where you have the opportunity to get as decked out as you’d like. But don’t feel like you have to be dressed to the nines to enjoy that lobster dinner. Throw on a sundress and a collared shirt for guys and get your lobster on.

7. Ship is like a glorious ghost town on port days – On a longer cruise with multiple ports of call? Stay on the ship during a port day. No lines at the self serve ice cream dispenser. You might have the hot tub all to yourself. You might even get the pool to yourself! There are so few people on the ship during port days. This would be a great opportunity to read that book out on a lounge chair on Lido Deck in complete silence and take photos of the ship without anyone in your shot. I like to order room service for lunch and sit out on my stateroom balcony and people watch on port days. It’s fun to see all the families coming and going.

8. Skip the elevator, take the stairs  – It’s vacation! They cook, they clean and you enjoy all the deliciousness. Who can turn down three-course meals and all night pizza and dessert buffets? Not I. Vacation calories don’t count do they? One thing that I have found that helps burn off some of those “vacation calories” is to opt to take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. You get a good cardio workout a few times a day throughout the duration of your cruise experience. Also, cruise stairwells tend to have a unique piece of artwork hung on each landing. It’s a good workout and a great way to get to know the ship.

9. Embarkation day discounts abound – Most folks are checking out the ship and getting settled in on embarkation day. Check out the “embarkation day” specials when you board. Spas most always have an embarkation day special.  Also, specialty restaurants people haven’t happened upon yet are easy to get reservations at on the first night. Carnival’s  Steakhouse  offers a free bottle of wine if you dine on embarkation day.

10. Pop up laundry hamper – While you’re at the dollar store picking up your magnetic dry erase board, think about picking up a cheapie pop up laundry hamper as well. They are easy to stow in your cabin closet and will keep all of the dirties corralled in a designated area. When you are packing up on the last day simply dump all the dirties into a suitcase and fold the hamper back flat and slide it into the suitcase or leave it on the ship. It was only $1.

11. Battery operated tea lights – Another dollar store find. These make amazing nightlights for bathrooms.

12. Always pay attention to SHIP’S TI ME – You don’t want to be the knucklehead running down the dock as the ship is throwing off tie-lines to sail away. Ship’s time rules on the high seas. It doesn’t matter if you’ve sailed into a different time zone. Keep your watch set on ship’s time. Don’t rely on your cell phone, which may switch to local time if you are in port and take your phone off airplane mode. A wristwatch is always best.

13. Purchase an international cell package before leaving – My husband had a whopping cell phone bill after our last 8-nighter. Of course, if had he pre-purchased a Caribbean plan before we left port it would have been a whole lot cheaper. Contact your cell phone service provider and let them know where you will be traveling. They will likely offer a package to suit your needs.

14. Last minute deals – Almost every cruise I have been on has been at a discounted rate. Frequently check in with cruise websites to see what kinds of deals they are running. Last minute cruise deals can save you over 50 percent! Also, once you have one cruise under your belt you will qualify for a return-cruiser rate. If you book another cruise while you are “on” the ship you will likely get a better rate or reduced down payment amount.

15. Bring a backpack carry-on – Remember how we discussed BYOB in number 3? You are going to have to carry that on with you and not put it on your checked luggage. Checked luggage may take quite some time to arrive to your stateroom. Be sure to pack your bathing suit and change of clothes/toiletries in your carry-on so that you can enjoy the pool and have a change of clothes for dinner just in case your bags haven’t arrived by dinnertime.

This post was created as part of my collaboration with Carnival . As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own.

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What to expect.

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Revamped Carnival Glory headed to Port Canaveral

C arnival Cruise Line has revamped its Carnival Glory cruise ship with new features before it heads to its new home at Port Canaveral.

The 110,000-gross-ton ship is taking on three- and four-night Bahamas sailings from the port, joining three other Carnival ships. Built in 2003, the ship has a 2,980-guest passenger capacity based on double occupancy.

It recently came out of a 21-day dry dock at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, receiving some enhancements found on other Carnival ships.

Changes include a new casino layout, including a nonsmoking area, and a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge that pays deference to military veterans and active-duty service members, taking over the SkyBox Sports Bar. Also added were a Dreams Photography Studio and upgrades within the spa.

When it debuted more than 20 years ago, Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, was named its godmother. Its space-themed pedigree extends to enhancements added to the youth area Camp Ocean, which now has a large video wall for its Space Cruisers program. Its curriculum was developed in partnership with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Also updated is the video arcade and redubbed The Warehouse.

The refurb also removed the aft-pool Sky Dome, while the ship received routine hotel maintenance, cosmetic enhancements, ADA compliant updates in public areas and select staterooms including the addition of Ambulatory Accessible staterooms.

Stateroom balconies were also redone with new windows and doors and every stateroom had new LED lighting and bathroom nightlights added.

The ship sailed out of Barcelona on Thursday for a 14-night transatlantic voyage to Port Canaveral.

Its first sailing from Florida will be May 2. It joins Carnival Freedom, Carnival Vista and Carnival’s Mardi Gras calling the Orlando-area port home.

Leaving is Carnival Liberty, which is moving to New Orleans.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said Carnival Glory received an updated hull paint scheme during the 2024 dry dock. It had its hull paint scheme updated in 2021.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Upgraded Carnival Glory headed to Port Canaveral

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — The Carnival Glory has set sail for its new home base, Port Canaveral.

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The ship has now returned to service after receiving some upgrades.

It was dry-docked in Barcelona for the past three weeks.

Read: Carnival Vista returns to Port Canaveral with new upgrades

Some of the upgrades include a new layout in the casino, new decor and furnishings, and a redesign of the “Camp Ocean Space” for kids.

The ship is scheduled to dock in Port Canaveral in May.

Read: Marina merger in the works at Port Canaveral

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Monster growth! The cruise boom at Carnival continues with debut of another new ship

Make that five new ships for Carnival Cruise Line in just 18 months.

The world's second-biggest cruise brand on Thursday welcomed the first cruisers aboard yet another new vessel, the 4,126-passenger Carnival Firenze, in Long Beach, California.

The 135,156-ton ship is debuting just four months after Carnival unveiled the even bigger 5,374-passenger Carnival Jubilee and 11 months after the line began operating the 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia .

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The latter two ships operate out of Galveston, Texas, and New York City, respectively. Carnival Venezia also spends part of the year sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Over the past 18 months, Carnival has also added the Miami-based, 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration and the Australia-based, 2,260-passenger Carnival Luminosa . Carnival Luminosa also spends part of the year sailing out of Seattle.

The addition of the five ships to the Carnival fleet over such a short time span marks one of the fastest expansions of any cruise brand in the history of cruising.

With the addition of the five ships, Carnival now has a record 27 vessels in its fleet.

A new ship with an asterisk

Scheduled to sail year-round out of Long Beach, California, Carnival Firenze is a new ship for Carnival, but it's new with an asterisk. The 15-deck-high vessel has sailed before for another cruise line, Italy-based Costa Cruises.

Originally called Costa Firenze, the vessel sailed its maiden voyage for Costa, a sister brand to Carnival, in July 2021, making it nearly three years old.

Carnival Firenze is just one of several Costa vessels that Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Costa and Carnival, has transferred from Costa to Carnival in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic and its aftermath hurt the Costa brand much more than the Carnival brand. This was in part because the Costa brand had big operations in China, where cruising shut down during the pandemic for far longer than it did in North America.

Carnival operates most of its ships out of U.S. ports and draws a lot of the customers for these ships from the states near these ports — a segment of close-to-home cruising that has been booming since cruising resumed in 2021.

The result has been a stronger demand for Carnival ships than Costa ships.

Carnival Firenze's first sailing for Carnival, starting Thursday, will be a seven-night voyage to the Mexican Riviera that includes stops at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Carnival cruising with an Italian twist

Like Carnival Venezia, which also is a former Costa ship, Carnival Firenze is something of an outlier in the Carnival fleet as the vessel retains much of its Italian theming from when it sailed for Costa.

The ship also still has its original, distinctive gold-and-blue funnel that is a trademark of Costa's vessels.

That said, Carnival Firenze won't be devoid of Carnival's signature shipboard venues. In recent months, the ship has undergone a significant overhaul in a dry dock in Spain that included the re-theming of many interior eateries and bars, as well as top-deck attractions to make them more consistent with the Carnival brand.

For instance, the ship will have a Carnival Waterworks water play area and a Steakhouse — a signature Carnival venue.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line ships, explained

Other venues now on the ship that will be familiar to Carnival fans include a Guy Fieri-inspired Guy's Burger Joint, a Bonsai Sushi eatery, a Chef's Table, Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack, a Pizzeria del Capitano pizza outlet and a Heroes Tribute Bar.

The ship also will have a new crew made up of Carnival staffers.

In short, Carnival Firenze will combine elements of both Costa and Carnival ships.

Carnival originally planned to call the ship a "Costa by Carnival" product to differentiate it from the rest of the Carnival fleet, but it eventually switched to marketing Carnival Firenze as a vessel that offers "Carnival Fun Italian Style."

Carnival Firenze, notably, was originally purpose-built to sail out of China with Chinese travelers but with Italian theming that played up Costa's Italian roots. Its theming is specifically tied to Florence, Italy — Firenze is what Italians call Florence.

The Carnival and Costa brands have long had similarities that make a transfer of ships between the two lines less complex than one might think. Ships for both Costa and Carnival often are built on the same platforms — that is, they share the same basic structural design and rough interior spaces. In such cases, the main difference between the ships of the two brands is the theming of specific spaces.

As of this week, fares for Carnival Firenze sailings start at $214 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a four-night sailing from Long Beach to Mexico.

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