Carnival Glory
July 14-19, 2003
Maiden Five-Night Cruise
by Linda Coffman
A "Glory-ous" New 'Fun Ship' from Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line isn't noted for being shy and their newest vessel Carnival Glory is a dazzler in the 110,000 ton Conquest-class. She has the distinction of being the largest ship berthed in Port Canaveral. With 3300 passengers on board and accompanied by a flotilla of fireboats, Carnival Glory set sail on her maiden voyage on July 14, 2003 after being officially named by her godmother, the first American woman in space, Dr. Sally Ride.
So, step on board with CruiseDiva.com and prepare to be immersed in COLOR! Carnival Glory displays a kaleidoscope of colorher theme song could be "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Designer Joe Farcus has outdone himself and if there was a hue missing from his palette, I didn't notice it. From ebony to ivory and all shades in between... bold red, delicate pink, warm amber, and continuously changing ceiling hues of green to blue to purple, you'll find every color in your crayon box represented. It's cool, it's hot, and it all works harmoniouslya symphony of color to soothe, excite, and simply enjoy.
Dining
Carnival Glory's array of traditional and alternative eateries tempts even the pickiest palate with a profusion of cuisine choices. Carnival Glory is a food lover's floating paradise!
For a variety of casual dining choices, head to Lido Deck and Red Sail Restaurantin addition to the usual buffet items, there are Oriental dishes, a Pizza bar, two outdoor Grille areas serving up fresh burgers and grilled favorites, the Deli for just-made sandwiches, and a second level offering Fish & Chips (including Bouillabaisse to die for and calamari with Maui onion fritters). Satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream from several serving stations near one of the swimming pools. Try Sushi Salmon on Promenade Deck for, what else?... Sushi before dinner. Also on Promenade Deck, Creams serves specialty coffees and sinful treats such as chocolate covered strawberries, cakes, and pastries for a nominal charge.
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Golden Restaurant
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For a start in the formal Platinum and Golden Restaurants, try appetizers, soups, and saladsall very freshbut leave room for your choice of entree and dessert. Don't leave early or you'll miss the inventive and talented wait staff performing musical numbers just as energetically as they served dinner. Everyone on Carnival Glory has FUN. I heard over and over how much staff members enjoy their jobs and the interaction with passengers, but also appreciate the opportunity to work for the world's most popular cruise line.
The Emerald Room is Carnival Glory's New York-style supper club. For a nominal $25 per person cover charge, it's one of the best restaurantsand dining bargainsat sea. Not only is the food outstanding (escargot, Russian caviar, lobster bisque, Alaskan king crab claws, grilled lamp chops, lobster, and several cuts of beef from 9 to 24 ounces), but the presentation is sophisticated and the atmosphere sublime. Don't miss this dining experienceI wanted to try everything on the menu.
Carnival Glory offers the flexibility of dining styles around the clock. For parents who want to share a romantic dinner for two, the Camp Carnival program and group evening babysitting solves the problem of child care. Of course, room service never closes and dining on one's private balcony is always a treat.
Staterooms
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Oceanview Stateroom with Private Balcony
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So many categories, which is the best for you? There are six cabin configurations, but everyone is assured of a cabin that is, on average, 50% larger than most cruise ship accommodations. On Carnival Glory, they range from standard Interior and Oceanview staterooms to Oceanview staterooms with private balconies and Suites and Penthouse Suites with large private balconies. More than 60% of all staterooms are outside and, of those, 60% have balconies.
Staterooms feature light wood cabinetry, pastel decor, mirrored accents, small refrigerator, personal safe for valuables, a sitting area with sofa, chair and table, and a hairdryer in a vanity/desk drawer. Bathroom amenities include shampoo and bath gel in shower mounted dispensers and an array of sample toiletries. The shower itself is roomy and has a pull-out clothesline for drying bathing suits or hand laundry. A real convenience is the two-sided (regular and magnifying) bathroom shaving/make up mirror, although extremely short people may find it mounted a bit too high on the wall. Closet and drawer/shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves, are more than adequate for even an aggressive over-packer. My one 'problem' observation was that the closets aren't quite long enough for long evening dresses to hang freely... shelves below the hanging areas, while ideal for storing shoes, cause dresses to 'pool' at the bottom.
For families, the sitting area sofa converts to an additional sleeping area at night and passengers with physical challenges haven't been overlookedstaterooms have been designed taking their special needs into consideration.
Continued --> Carnival Glory (Part 2)
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