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Just back from Canada on Glory


Bookbug53

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for those who want to know....

 

OK, so we live in Maine and went to Boston to board a cruise ship. No white sand beaches, swaying palm trees or crystal clear waters. It is really not that farfetched (really it isn’t). We have cruised out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Galveston, and Tampa. The really big difference is, well, distance! And the added expense of getting there. There is simply no way to get there cheaply anymore. Could we drive? Yep. For 28-30 hours driving time! We did that when we were much younger and were stationed in Florida and family was in Maine and also to visit a sister when they lived briefly in Florida and we were in Massachusetts (military) but then we discovered flying (and the pay checks got bigger and gas more expensive, and…well you get the drift). The idea of the cruise is what gets us excited. Once you are on board they take care of you and transport you to all kinds of places and we do not have to drive anywhere for days.

 

This is our 3rd trip out of Boston. From where we are it is 4 hours of the blasted driving. So we discovered the express bus that gets us there. No driving, no tolls, no parking, no traffic, etc. so the perfect start to a vacation.

 

We went the day ahead, not because of ‘flying delays,’ but because we wanted to. We have, for the past few years, taken a trip to Boston for 3-4 days as a mini get away and just love the city. This extra night would give us the chance to enjoy our absolute favorite restaurant the night before, sleep in and then be at Black Falcon Terminal by 11 or so.

 

We stay at the Constitution Inn in Charlestown. O.K., for the purists we know that technically this is not Boston but a 5-10 minute walk across the bridge and you are in the heart of Little Italy without the astronomical cost of a Boston hotel stay. Add in the military discount (not available online, you have to call) and we are set. It is not by any stretch of the imagination a luxury hotel, and only offers basic services, but it is efficient and clean. It is also home to the local YMCA and has a heated Olympic sized pool! The restaurant for those that want to know is the Navy Yard Bistro. Please sit at the bar no matter how long you have to wait.

 

The bus ride down arrives at South Station where we catch the red line to Downtown Crossing and the yellow line to North Station. From there it is a transfer to the Mass General shuttle (free) to the Constitution Inn across the bridge. We could walk it easily in 10-15 minutes but we have our carry ons (and it is actually hot) and tote bags and we are already feeling the vacation mode kicking in.

 

After checking in we go out for an evening stroll. The Inn is located within the boundaries of the Navy Yard however access is not really restricted. Easy walking around as some of the original ‘roads’ are now pedestrian walk ways.

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Navy Yard Bistro

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More coming....

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Constitution Inn, Charlestown:

 

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Nothing fancy but it gets the job done.

 

The Navy yard is home to only 2 ships, the Caisson Young (on permanent display and decommissioned) and “Old Ironsides” herself, The USS Constitution. She is a sight to see. Our last trip down had coincided with her sailing out into the harbor and beyond (a very rare occurrence) in celebration of the 200 anniversary of the War of 1812. Usually her movement is restricted to the annual turnaround. The USS Constitution is part of the Freedom Trail that runs from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. These pictures were taken last year during her sailing:

 

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More to come of that other ship, the Carnival Glory...

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Great start to your review. Looking forward to the rest. :)

 

What time was your safety drill. We are setting up a M&G and are trying to decide on the time.

 

Also interested in the weather. Was it sweater weather ? I know I'm jumping the gun and all will be revealed in due time.;)

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There is a local restaurant/bar that overlooks the harbor with great views of the Boston skyline. On The Water. Yep, that is the name. Great location for a drink. But….it was closed for renovations so we had to head elsewhere. We had arrived about 4pm so there was not too much sightseeing time as we intended to have dinner at the bistro. They open at 5 and we were at the door! It is a very cozy restaurant and we really want to sit at the bar which has about 10 seats. There are table but from the bar you can watch the chefs preparing the food and oh what food! Check out their web site and believe me when I say we have never had anything we didn’t like! Add in a superb wine selection and it is the best way to start a vacation. We know that the food for the next few days won’t be at the bistro but we go with the flow. I actually like some of Carnival’s food. J

 

We are up at 8 the next morning and make a quick trip to the American Café for a coffee and breakfast sandwich. Good coffee, hearty sandwiches and reasonable prices. Located less than 5 minutes from the Inn in building 39. We check out at about 10:30 and do our previous arrival in reverse. Mass shuttle (one block over from Inn), at the corner of 1st and 7th. We wait about 10 minutes for the shuttle to North Station and then onto the orange to red to silver line going to South Station. Here we change to the silver line bus, SL2, that drops us about across the street from Black Falcon. $2.50 each. We are in front of the terminal at 11:10. Of course you can always do a cab. But a cab will be more than $2.50 and early morning traffic in Boston can just be a pain. Keep in mind all we have for luggage is a carryon each and a tote bag.

 

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Once we are at Black Falcon we head for the VIP line. Yes indeed! J First platinum cruise! And wouldn’t you know there are no lines anywhere! Fast check-in and we are on board by 11:25. Drop the bags at our room and head to the lobby. I had some GCs to redeem and used the kiosk to do so. No issues there so everything is off to a great start. Up to Lido and purchased our Cheers program. They had a special table set up to handle the Cheers purchases rather than people doing it at the bars. This is a first for us also. We are going to try it because of the very large OBC we have from an ES price drop and the GCs we received. If it turns out to be cost effective for us it probably will become standard. Time and consumption will tell.

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Great start to your review. Looking forward to the rest. :)

 

What time was your safety drill. We are setting up a M&G and are trying to decide on the time.

 

Also interested in the weather. Was it sweater weather ? I know I'm jumping the gun and all will be revealed in due time.;)

 

Safety drill was just before 5, sailing time. We were actually moving before they released us from our muster! Some people were a bit irritated about not being topside when we cast off.

 

Definitely sweater weather at times! Weather report coming up!

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Headed up to fish and chips for lunch. We really don’t like doing the big buffet and usually avoid it on all cruises. We do however love their bouillabaisse and clams! Grabbed a glass of wine to go with it. Paid just taxes as we are still in port. So far like the Cheers!

I then headed off to the see the Matre’ D about getting a table for 2. The last 3 vacations have been with others (including kids) and this is just us. So quiet and at our pace is our goal not avoiding people. He was able to accommodate us but only by switching our dining time. The line for changes was very long so get there early.

After securing our table we head to our cabin to get set up. I have to unpack and organize or be crazy for the whole cruise. The room is typical balcony on deck 7, room 7411. I have included a couple of pictures though I guarantee it looks just like all the others :p. But do notice our door. It would stay open in whatever position we placed it! No stoppers, bungees, or holding apparatus of any kind. Worked great for a cool breeze or just to listen to the water. Did not need the AC anyway.

 

 

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Headed up to fish and chips for lunch. We really don’t like doing the big buffet and usually avoid it on all cruises. We do however love their bouillabaisse and clams! Grabbed a glass of wine to go with it. Paid just taxes as we are still in port. So far like the Cheers!

I then headed off to the see the Matre’ D about getting a table for 2. The last 3 vacations have been with others (including kids) and this is just us. So quiet and at our pace is our goal not avoiding people. He was able to accommodate us but only by switching our dining time. The line for changes was very long so get there early.

After securing our table we head to our cabin to get set up. I have to unpack and organize or be crazy for the whole cruise. The room is typical balcony on deck 7, room 7411. I have included a couple of pictures though I guarantee it looks just like all the others :p. But do notice our door. It would stay in open in whatever position we placed it! No stoppers, bungees, or holding apparatus of any kind. Worked great for a cool breeze or just to listen to the water. Did not need the AC anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

we had 7411 on the last Glory Norfolk cruise and it the balcony door did the same thing!!

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After I am satisfied with the set-up of our stuff, and DH has the first dozen of hundreds of pictures he will take from the balcony, we head up to Lido to get a drink (Cheers!), and settle in for a relaxing afternoon. The Boston skyline makes for great pictures from the upper decks. The weather is sunny and not too warm. Last June when we sailed from Boston the temps hit almost 90 and it felt like the normal Florida sail away if you did not peek over your shoulder at the aforementioned skyline. We got hit with a torrential downpour last time as we sailed out of the harbor that put quite a damper on the party. This time it stays sunny.

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OK on with the muster drill. This occurred just before 5 and we were still at muster when the ship cast off. Some people were very unhappy to see the ship moving while we waited to be released from our station. But soon that is over with and sailing we go!

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Cheers was $574.42 including tax and gratuity for both of us. Remember that the price drop and GCs paid for it so we really need to know if it will be worth it in the future. We are having our 3rd glass of wine now and had a margarita at the Blue Iguana just before muster. The total bill would have been $70.50. Instead we have paid less than $6 for taxes but even that will soon stop as we leave the harbor. And 3 glasses of wine plus a margarita before 6pm! We are definitely on vacation and the entire evening is before us. :eek:

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We thoroughly enjoyed dinner. We had picked up a glass of wine before going into the dining room because every cruise we have been on has been notorious for slow beverage service. No tax time! What a wonderful surprise this time to have Petr as our beverage server the entire time. Absolutely no waiting and the drinks would be at our table within 5 minutes of ordering. We never had to bring a glass with us from that evening on.

We had ended up with late seating due to the request for a table for 2 and this worked out great for us. Our head waiter was Robert with James and Igusti as his assistants. Table 301, lower Platinum Dining room. Throughout the week he was attentive, smiling, and after the first night knew us by name. It was always a pleasure having them serve us each night.

I am sure no one wants to hear about each dish we had. I will just answer any questions about dinner and let you know what we thought were a few really good choices.

As always I had 1 serving of warm chocolate melting cake the first night and then avoid it the rest of the time. Oh the calories! I did enjoy the Grand Marnier Souffle on the last night and lemon cake another. DH tried the crème brullee but said it was not the best he had ever had. Other great choices turned out to be the lobster tail (and we know good lobster ;)) and tiger shrimp, the prime rib, Panko crusted shrimp, the escargots (yes they were there!, and of course the West Indian Pumpkin Soup! If you are looking for a particular favorite just ask.

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We planned on hitting the comedy show later in the evening so headed to the alchemy bar to give it a try. Now this is something we have not done before but with Cheers…what’s not to try? At this point I am also mindful of the fact I DO NOT want that Blah feeling all day tomorrow (too much to drink and feel like crap all day…you know) so I carefully look over the selection and try just a single concoction recommended by the bartender, Anna. A cucumber martini (technical name has escaped me) and is it ever yummy. Very cool and refreshing. DH has a side car for a real change. He reports very strong. After our drinks it is water with, yep, cucumber slices! I have decided that Cheers brings about an even more compulsive urge to hydrate at all times. Nothing ruins a day at sea more than a hangover and I LOVE days at sea.

We do a walk-about on the ship. We never do make it to the comedy show. We stop in at the bar in the lobby, Colors, and this will prove to be my undoing for the week as I try my first Tiramisu. Not the dessert but the incredible martini made by Melody, our soon to be favorite bartender. My advice, skip dessert in the dining room and head to Colors for a Tiramisu. Creamy and smooth made with…are you ready…Malibu rum, peach schnapps, butterscotch schnapps, Frangelico, Baileys, Amaretto and Kahlua. Served in a martini glass with swirls of chocolate! Yep, Cheers is my new best friend! This is definitely a 'just because I can moment'.

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Day at sea. Sleeping in, room service for coffee and ‘wake me up’, and then on to brunch. We had our free drink coupons in our little hands and headed to the dining room. We used our coupons for Boody Marys and had a fabulous breakfast. They can call it what they want, it is still breakfast to us. The brunch runs from 8:30am until 1pm. Those who want breakfast in the dining room can go early and those that prefer lunch in the dining room can go later! The brunch menu encompasses everything from eggs and pancakes to filet mignon with eggs. DH says that is a real nice version of steak and eggs! There are soups, salads, quesadillas and more. The comedian is really a distraction. Funny at times but unnecessary. If I want to see comedy I will go to the show. The Fun Times states that service will stop on the hour for 5-10 minutes during the comedians' routines however we never once saw the waiters stop during any of the routines. I think they are a also bit annoyed with the whole thing.

 

Of course you can still do breakfast up on Lido. :)

 

Lots of activities throughout the day. Games, seminars, ice carving demos, casino is up and running, all the usual fun things.

 

Now about that music. Yes it is a DJ and I could probably get past the disappointment of no live music on Lido if they would play appropriate music! I do not want to be on a cruise and hear 70s disco music around the pool!Really Carnival? Can you at least give us 'canned' Caribbean style to set the mood? Even going to Canada on a ship this is what I want to hear at sea!

 

They do offer live music during the evening in various places but not as much as we are used to hearing.

 

We spent a good bit of time on the Serenity Deck this day and when we were ready for a dip we headed to the spa and used the hot tub/whirlpool to escape the crowds. This turned out to be the much better day at sea weather wise.

 

The sea is as smooth as any sailing I have ever been on. Since the moment we left port we have felt no movement at all. You need to glance out at sea to even realize that we are moving. This will change on Saturday :D:D but for now we are enjoying it.

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I am also a trivia nut. Yes, I go play. A lot. I have the ship on a stick from all the ships I have been on and love the games. I will usually drop out if it seems they are using questions I have heard before (and they do that a lot) but some are actually changing them up. Some of our favorite times are spent at the Casino Stage (Camel Club) on Deck 5. If you see a music trivia with cruise director Matt make sure you head over. It is a lot fun and the ‘answer’ portion will really be a great time. Just don’t plan on this being your ship on a stick moment. He doesn’t really hand them out but then after one of his ‘games’ you don’t need a prize.

 

 

Tonight is cruise elegant night. What used to be formal night. Some people still go all out and look fabulous, some have decided to skip ties and formal dresses and still look fabulous! If you are the one that showed up in the wrinkled baggy shorts and sandals just be grateful they let you in because I certainly would not have! I am all for vacation and relaxation but a little consideration goes a long way. OK off the soap box.

 

We head over to Colors, lobby bar, for dessert. Tiramisu and this time I try an Appleini also because I can. :o DH has decided that it will be cognac and even a brandy. Did I mention a second Bloody Mary at brunch, drinks on the Serenity (pina coladas, mango rum on ice), and then wine with dinner. :o:eek: Oh dear that 15 drink minimum for the day came this close. I never thought it was within reach but then again I have never tried some of these drinks before nor felt the ease of ordering just because you can. It is definitely a psychological thing. I never gave the sail and sign a thought all day! Live music was playing but I missed the name. In the morning we will be in St John.

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St John, New Brunswick:

 

We did not book any excursions this time as we have visited St John last June on the Glory and also other land vacations in the past. The weather was very nice and we simply took a stroll around town and ended our trip at a couple of the Irish pubs that line Princess Street. Off the ship, turn left, about 2 blocks up on your right.

 

 

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The next day is Halifax and my DH and I always say "if it is rainy and cool" it must be Halifax. We have never been able to visit Halifax on any vacation and enjoy a sunny day. I know others claim to have had this happen but never for us. We still get off the ship and walk along the waterfront. The rain holds off for the most part and we manage to get some pictures. We also head over to Alexander Keith's Brewery and take the tour. Interesting tour as every one of the very enthusiastic people that guide you do it in costume and stay in character for the period, 1820s. Free beer at the end with songs and stories.

 

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we had 7411 on the last Glory Norfolk cruise and it the balcony door did the same thing!!

 

 

we had 7411 in January- they still didnt fix it--LOL

 

if you had problems with the wind howling at night you really needed to grab the door shut tightly to grab around the edges--- did they at least fix the sealing?

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we had 7411 in January- they still didnt fix it--LOL

 

if you had problems with the wind howling at night you really needed to grab the door shut tightly to grab around the edges--- did they at least fix the sealing?

 

The door would shut just fine. We did not have much whistle except on Saturday when it was very breezy as we sailed back through the remnants of TS Andrea.

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We had received an invite to the VIP party and it was held on Thursday or Friday. :o I really can't remember. I just know it was at 4:15 in the Amber Palace. They did not come around with trays loaded with a variety of drinks like in the past but rather just 2 different fruity type things. Well that just was not going to do! We asked for wine and they gladly went and got it for us. It was very quick with virtually no waiting. They circulated with various hors d'oeuvres and some were even tasty. It only lasted about 45 minutes but that is standard.

The VIP gift was a Tervis tumbler and not the dreaded hat some had said. Maybe Glory has not run out of the tumblers yet! I also received the chocolate covered strawberries. DH will get his the next time!

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