The Good

Embarkation & debarkation were smooth and efficient in Miami, and perhaps as quick as we’ve seen it. The cabin (Grand Suite 7315) was clean, and the stewards attentive without being intrusive. Our evening waiter staff were friendly and prompt most nights (the first night dragged a bit), even while having to deal with some difficult guests (see The Awful below). We had many nice conversations with a variety of Carnival employees from buffet waiters and other service staff to performers, fun ambassadors, and an HR manager. Very good experiences at the ports, with San Juan, St Thomas, and Amber Cove in excellent shape despite last year’s hurricanes (Grand Turk is still in rough condition across much of the island). Especially in St Thomas and St John, locals we encountered were grateful for the cruise ships bringing guests, given that the resort hotels will be offline for another year or more. Food was better than expected at both the evening dinner and at the Lido buffet, and not at all unpleasant. Overall, the Carnival staff seemed to be on their game the whole trip with some minor exceptions you might honestly experience anywhere. Camp Ocean kept the children very entertained, though it is a bit smaller on Glory than the larger or more recently renovated ships. Two very serious medical emergencies, one requiring the ship to backtrack 3 hours to Amber Cover, were handled professionally and with enough information given to guests as it related to our debarkation day instructions, which were updated the last morning efficiently as we came into port 3 hours late.

The Meh Read more