Just off Glory, 10/21-10/28

I will post a complete review in the next few days. If you have any questions, I will try to answer the best I can.

Tim

Were you on Weatern?? Do you have pic's of the capers?? How was everything? We will be sailing Western in Jan!!! Hope you had great fun, Any info would be great!!! Thanks Lynn:)

I love to read new reviews! I am sailing on 12/16...less than 50 DAYS!!! :D Was it Western? Did you tender at any ports...if so which? How was the sushi? The fish and chips? Who was your CD? How was the weather? I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't WAIT!!!! :D :D :D

Sorry, Should of wrote Western Carribbean or Eastern Carribbean Itinerary. We are doing the Western, and yes I should of slowed down and spelled Western right!!! LOL How were the shows???

Looking forward to your review:p

I will post a complete review in the next few days. If you have any questions, I will try to answer the best I can.

 

Tim

Nice meeting you on board! Hope you had a great time....did disembarkation suck for you guys or was it just our group? LOL!

I will post a complete review in the next few days. If you have any questions, I will try to answer the best I can.

 

Tim

Tim it was nice meeting you and Pam. I know we had a blast at the casino. Kathryn wants to go back. We are planning our next voyage soon. Hopefully Feb 14, if not, then March 3. have to see when Disney black out date for vacation are.

Hi everyone,

This is Pam. I do not really talk online that much. I am Tim's fiance. I had a great time and was hoping to do another cruise next month but stupid Office DePot has blocked me out until the end of March which really sucks. Any who, here is my review.

Our cabin was 1028 in the panorama deck. Inside room under the spa's man bathroom. The bed was comfy and wished had the $2,000 to buy my very own. Didn't really see our cabin steward that much but when I did shewas nice. We were able to bring on two 12 packs of diet pepsi and 2 liter size Arizona Green Tea (I love Green Tea). Our room was ready around 11:30 or 12:00. Port Carneveral lines reminded me of Disney's lines to attractions but it was quick. We were able to find things easily except for the Platinium Dinning Room which myself and quite a few other people got lost trying to find. If you can try to get changed to the Golden dining room since it is on the Lobby deck. Our dining table was a booth on the first floor of the golden. There was suppose to be another couple sitting with us but they did not show up again (third time this has happen to us). Our wait staff were awesome and hopefully we will see them again on the Carnival Freedom (10-16-2007) to Europe. Their names were Christopher (he was funny) and Chon (she was very informative) and both from India. I enjoyed the food a lot. If anyone has a chance to go to the Emerald Room Supper club DO IT WELL WORTH THE CHARGE OF $30 PER PERSON!! We had an onboard credit and we used it to go to the Supper Club. Next time on Freedom going to book at least two nights at the Emerald Room. I liked the decor of the ship which was a mixture of different things (the atrium was in different colors, there was ivory lounge in an Indian motif, and a library in a black/white motif). We spend majority of our time in the casino which was of a egypt motif. We did play some trivia and we won. I won the Tv/movie and Tim won the Sports trivia.

As for the destinations, it was the Western Caribbean. Sunday was a day at sea. Monday was Cozumel been there two times before. We were able to pull up to a pier. One and half of the piers are operational. Took a taxi downtown to do some shopping and ate at Senior Frogs (the restaurant above Carlos' and Charlies). Love it. Taxi ended up costing $12. Tuesday we were at Belize. Do to the shallow coast line we had to tender to shore from 7 miles out. It was raining while we were tendering but it cleared up some later. Tim and I did the Altun Ha/River Wallace tour which was wonderful. At the ruins Tim had a parrot on his hands for the trip. On the river we got burnt from the sun. Saw a couple of iguanas, howler monkeys (camera did not work so did not get them on tape), birds, crocodiles (one eating an animal) and almost saw a manatee surfacing (wished we did since I love manatees). will love to visit Belize again and do the cave tubing. Wednesday was Costa Maya. Costa Maya able to park at pier. Costa Maya is not a fully developed port but it is getting developed. Will love to go back within 5 years to see the changes. Went to Chachoben ruins. Got rained on but it was refreshing. Thursday was day at sea. Friday was Freeport Bahamas. They can keep Freeport was not impressed. We got off and back on right before our Cruise director Dana said that we were free from Customs. Wished we got Nassu instead.

Saturday we arrived home. We ate breakfast and started to disembark. We did the normal one. Carnival needs to change how they disembark since it was a cattle drive. But at least the elevators were running, on the Inspiration all elevators are shut off and you have to hand carry all luggage in the stairwells. I liked baggage claim since each deck had it own rolling carisal like an airport baggage claim. At tampa they just place your stuff in rows and of course they are not together. We left the building and waited for our ride. They told our ride to park in three different places but we found them. Got home right around 2:30s (I live in Orlando while Tim lives in Brooksville) he got home around 6:00s. Overall it was a great cruise. Wish it was longer. But Tim and I have 350 and counting until our 12 day Europe. Wish to see you all in Europe. Bye for now.

Pam:)

Hi everyone,

This is Pam. I do not really talk online that much. I am Tim's fiance. I had a great time and was hoping to do another cruise next month but stupid Office DePot has blocked me out until the end of March which really sucks. Any who, here is my review.

 

Our cabin was 1028 in the panorama deck. Inside room under the spa's man bathroom. The bed was comfy and wished had the $2,000 to buy my very own. Didn't really see our cabin steward that much but when I did shewas nice. We were able to bring on two 12 packs of diet pepsi and 2 liter size Arizona Green Tea (I love Green Tea). Our room was ready around 11:30 or 12:00. Port Carneveral lines reminded me of Disney's lines to attractions but it was quick. We were able to find things easily except for the Platinium Dinning Room which myself and quite a few other people got lost trying to find. If you can try to get changed to the Golden dining room since it is on the Lobby deck. Our dining table was a booth on the first floor of the golden. There was suppose to be another couple sitting with us but they did not show up again (third time this has happen to us). Our wait staff were awesome and hopefully we will see them again on the Carnival Freedom (10-16-2007) to Europe. Their names were Christopher (he was funny) and Chon (she was very informative) and both from India. I enjoyed the food a lot. If anyone has a chance to go to the Emerald Room Supper club DO IT WELL WORTH THE CHARGE OF $30 PER PERSON!! We had an onboard credit and we used it to go to the Supper Club. Next time on Freedom going to book at least two nights at the Emerald Room. I liked the decor of the ship which was a mixture of different things (the atrium was in different colors, there was ivory lounge in an Indian motif, and a library in a black/white motif). We spend majority of our time in the casino which was of a egypt motif. We did play some trivia and we won. I won the Tv/movie and Tim won the Sports trivia.

 

As for the destinations, it was the Western Caribbean. Sunday was a day at sea. Monday was Cozumel been there two times before. We were able to pull up to a pier. One and half of the piers are operational. Took a taxi downtown to do some shopping and ate at Senior Frogs (the restaurant above Carlos' and Charlies). Love it. Taxi ended up costing $12. Tuesday we were at Belize. Do to the shallow coast line we had to tender to shore from 7 miles out. It was raining while we were tendering but it cleared up some later. Tim and I did the Altun Ha/River Wallace tour which was wonderful. At the ruins Tim had a parrot on his hands for the trip. On the river we got burnt from the sun. Saw a couple of iguanas, howler monkeys (camera did not work so did not get them on tape), birds, crocodiles (one eating an animal) and almost saw a manatee surfacing (wished we did since I love manatees). will love to visit Belize again and do the cave tubing. Wednesday was Costa Maya. Costa Maya able to park at pier. Costa Maya is not a fully developed port but it is getting developed. Will love to go back within 5 years to see the changes. Went to Chachoben ruins. Got rained on but it was refreshing. Thursday was day at sea. Friday was Freeport Bahamas. They can keep Freeport was not impressed. We got off and back on right before our Cruise director Dana said that we were free from Customs. Wished we got Nassu instead.

Saturday we arrived home. We ate breakfast and started to disembark. We did the normal one. Carnival needs to change how they disembark since it was a cattle drive. But at least the elevators were running, on the Inspiration all elevators are shut off and you have to hand carry all luggage in the stairwells. I liked baggage claim since each deck had it own rolling carisal like an airport baggage claim. At tampa they just place your stuff in rows and of course they are not together. We left the building and waited for our ride. They told our ride to park in three different places but we found them. Got home right around 2:30s (I live in Orlando while Tim lives in Brooksville) he got home around 6:00s. Overall it was a great cruise. Wish it was longer. But Tim and I have 350 and counting until our 12 day Europe. Wish to see you all in Europe. Bye for now.

Pam:)

Pam, wish we could join you in Europe, but not possible. We are planning on Eastern Carr 10/27/07. Wanted to do Elation in Spring, but can not afford to do both just yet.

Plus, we need to go see family we have not seen in over a year.

Kathryn wants to go tomorrow on the next avaiable cruise. She loved it. She has decided she wants to work on a Cruise ship.

Glad she enjoyed it. We were afraid she would not find anything to do, but she did.

Till we meet again. Penny

When did you find out that you were going to Freeport instead of Nassau?

Any good piano players on the ship?

We are trying to decide between this one and the Valor.

Which pier did you use in Cozumel?

Thanks!

When did you find out that you were going to Freeport instead of Nassau?

 

Any good piano players on the ship?

 

We are trying to decide between this one and the Valor.

If you check your Itinerary, it will tell you Freeport or Nassau. Everyother ship to Western goes Freeport, and everyother ship goes Nassau.

the Main lobby floor had a wonderful piano player.

As for the pier, I believe it was the International Pier at Cozumel. The area is pretty well tore up, but still we docked. Belize you tender in. All other ports, you dock.

We knew when we booked it was Freeport.

We knew when we booked it was Freeport.

Interesting.....I never knew this about the alternating ports. I'll keep my eye out now that I know. Thank you. :)

Do you remember the piano player's name?

Interesting.....I never knew this about the alternating ports. I'll keep my eye out now that I know. Thank you. :)

 

Do you remember the piano player's name?

I don't know his name. I just know he was a bald headed man.

Thanks for the pier info. I was hoping it was the one in town. The international pier is where we docked last year but I had heard it was demolished.

At least I am glad they are starting to get the rebuilding done. I was in Cancun this spring and it was a mixed bag on what had been recovered and what had not.

Was Mark Price your cruise director?

Our cruise director was Dana Hogden(think that is how he spelled his last name). Apprently Mark got a promotion on another ship tim knows more. Tim also took some pictures of the pier showing where the old one used to be and where the new pier is. It sucks that the stores that where on that pier were demolished by Hurricane Wilma, I personally liked them. When Tim and I went to cozumel past January we had to tender, which was interesting since I have never done that. I do not really know about the piano player but I agree that the lobby player was great. It was also cool one night Ed Chan (one of the main singers of the shows) was down their singing and meeting people. I really liked the rock down broadway show. Hopefully next march when Office DePot has unblocked me I can go on the Eastern caribbean itternary. Stupid work cutting into my fun!!

Penny hope you have fun on your other cruise. I hope Kathryn can work on a cruise maybe I can join her. I so want to work on ship any ship as long as it a Carnival Line.:p

Ok, here I go.

We were on the Western Carib. Cruise Director was Dana H. ( forgot his last name ). We were tendered into Belize City. Docked at Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Freeport. The dock in Cozumel was the International Pier.

Day 1: We arrived at the port around 12 noon. We were on board in less than 15 min. Our room was ready, Cabin 1028 Panorama Deck port side, inside cabin. The room looked a bit bigger in the photos, but thats ok, only sleeping, showering, and well you know.

The muster drill, was well , its the muster drill. A bit warm ( its Florida ) At least the life jackets were better than what is on the Inspiration.

We had our meet and greet at the Lido Deck Aft bar by the pizza joint. It was nice meeting all you fine folks that attended. On our way to the m&g, the drink pushers were out in force. The thing that i didnt like was, they handed you a drink like it was free, then chased you down for your signand sail card. We were not the only ones this happened to.

Oh yeah, before I forget. We made reservations for the Emerald Room Supper Club, in the main lobby. We picked 8:30pm for Monday.

Day 2. Sea Day.

The weather was fine, very smooth sailing. Spent alot of time in the casino. We played 1 & 2 cent slots, nickel slots, and Let it Ride poker. The Limits were $5 starting on day 2, day 1 was a lower limit on the tables.

They do have a regular poker table tucked away in the front of the casino. Those limits were 3-6 the first day 5-10 the second and i did see 1 day when they were 10-20.

Day 3 Cozumel.

We have been to Cozumel before so. We docked at the International Pier. They currently have 3 slips for docking, 1 at the International, and 2 down town at Port Langosta ( spelling ). Did a little shopping downtown, cab ride is $6usd each way. Had lunch at Senor Frogs. Not bad, we had Carlos and Charlies last time, figured we would try SF's this time.

Day 4 Belize City.

It was raining when we boarded the tender to go into the Tourism Village. It was only a 10-15 min ride on the tender. When we arrived at the village, things were very orderly. We were directed to our bus that would take us to the Altun-Ha ruins. The roads are a bit bumpy, but the bus was very nice. We arrived at the ruins, we were taking the tour and some guys parrot dropped in on us. I wound up carrying the bird for most of the tour, I didnt mind, I like birds. The only thing to watch for at the ruins is the climb to the top of the one temple. The stairs are uneven and the hand rail is a bit wobbly. If you have any problems with stairs, dont do it. You can walk around to the other side and catch up with the tour. The stairs on the way down arent much better, but what do you expect from something that was built that long ago. We boarded the bus for our ride to the boats that would take us back to the village. Before you get on the boat, you can order lunch from the resturant there. Good food, I had a chicken burrito, Pam had chicken with rice and beans. She said it was very good.

Boarding the boats was easy, kind of a big step to get into the boat, but the captian and crew ( 1 other guy ) were there to help. Its not a bad ride on the river, if they see something interesting, they will stop, turn around so you can get a better look. Plenty of Iguana's, crocs , and some baboons. The only time they didnt turn around is when I caught a croc. eating another animal, dog or goat, not sure which. The guide said she didnt want to upset any dog lovers on-board. That was ok, I understood. It took us about an hour maybe a bit longer to get back to the village.

I would recomend this tour to everyone. Its alot of fun.

Day 5 Costa Maya, Mx.

Costa Maya is beautiful. Not very developed but that is changing. We were docked there. They have a tram that will take you to the shore ( not a long walk ). We booked the Chacchoben Ruins ( love them ruins ) It took about 1 hr to get to the ruins by bus ( very nice bus at that ). The ruins are kind of spread out, you have to walk through the woods to get from place to place in the complex. There is some climbing steps involved here as well, but there is a way around if you dont want to climb the steps. Thank god it rained a little to cool it down or it would have been badnews for me. We got back to town and they drop you off outside the port area at a new shopping center, only a few shops are open so far. Walk back to the pier area and there are more shops there. Picked up a couple of t-shirts, then went back to the ship.

Sea Day......More casino.

Freeport. Well you can keep it.

Food.

This is one area that is very subjective. We loved the food. Never had anything bad all week. All of the steaks were properly cooked. Fish and chips were ok at best for me, I didnt like the batter. Breakfast was good, had an omlet everyday. One passenger said to me that there wasnt enough variety on the breakfast buffet. I looked at him like he had 9 heads. They had plenty on the buffet. If he wanted something different he could have gone to the Platinum dining room, thats where the sit down breakfast and lunches are. Good luck finding that place. It took us almost 30 min to find the right way in.

We had second seating in the Golden dining room, table 171. Our wait staff was Christopher and Chon. Two very nice people. Food was great all week. The Warm Choc. Melting Cake is available every night. I had it every night, heaven on a fork!

Emerald Room Supper Club.

AWESOME!!!! The food was incredible. We had an 8:30pm seating. Not too many people in there that night. There is a live singer ( as opposed to a dead one ). Sounded good to me. This dining takes about 2-2.5 hrs so look to be there for a bit.

Activities.

We won a total of 3 ships on a stick. We only got 2 because shedidnt have enough with her,so we took a medal insted. The first 2 were on TV/Movie song trivia, got all the tv songs,but missed 8 out of 20 on the movie ones. Then we went to the sports triviathe next day and won there too. Not bad for our first time trying any trivia games.

I went down the pool slide. You start off kinda slow but pick up speed quickly, so remember to keep you mouth shut or a bunch of seawater will get swallowed.....yuck!

Back Home.

The disembarking could have gone better. It didnt take us long at all. The only thing I didnt like was all of the huge bags people were trying to wheel around. They should change it to carry bags only. Everything else should be checked. That would speed things up and make it less crowded.

When we were on Inspiration, they shut down ALL the elevators. So the self assist was what you could CARRY, not what you could wheel around. So to all those who insist on bringing such HUGE bags,please leave them out the night before,and things will go faster and smoother for everyone.

Overall I would rate this cruise 8 of 10.

Next time we want to do the Eastern Carib.

Only 348 more days until our 12 day European cruise on the

Carnival Freedom.

If I didnt answer your questions, feel free to ask away.

Tim

Great review, thanks. Do you have a copy of the Capers you can link us to? Thanks

Forgot to save the capers....sorry

Did you choose self embark? Is that why there were so many with luggage?

Thanks for the critique Tim. Nice job!

Self Dis-Embarkment was a big joke. There were those who chose to do this, and got off the ship the same time we did.

My suggestion, let the porters take your luggage for you. You will get off the ship in the same length of time. That is unless you have an early flight, or shore excurshion planned.

Self Dis-Embarkment was a big joke. There were those who chose to do this, and got off the ship the same time we did.

 

My suggestion, let the porters take your luggage for you. You will get off the ship in the same length of time. That is unless you have an early flight, or shore excurshion planned.

I agree, the self disembark was a mess. Unless you are staying on the highest decks, I wouldn't count on getting off the ship earlier.

However, we were off the ship prior to them calling the color luggage tags we had. It was easy in the fact that we didn't have to dig for our luggage, but the rest of it was an absolute mess. They called self disembark for Spa and the deck below it, waited a while, called self disembark for the next floor and THEN started calling luggage tags! What a joke. At 10am, they kicked us out of rooms (I had already watched a documentary on the Etruscians and something about dinosaurs, and hubby was stretched out asleep)...we found our way upstairs at about the time they called for the rest of the self disembarkation folks. 730a-830a for self-disembark, what a JOKE. We walked out of the terminal at 11am.