Disney Magic or Carnival Glory??

[TheGenie]

For those who have sailed on both the Disney Magic (done 2) and Carnival Glory (considering it), what ship would you do again? I have children ages 10, 8, and 4.

 

I'm a FL resisdent and Disney discounts at certain time a year, making price difference less of an issue. But sailing as a quint, we have to get 2 cabins on the Magic. Does the Glory have quints? prices?

 

What about the difference in the ships?

 

Thank you very much!

[serene56]

Disney does not allow smoking in any cabin. Nor does Disney have a casino.

 

On the Glory- you get one seating in one dining room. On Disney you rotate dining rooms

 

If you are looking to see which one would be good for kids.. I think they both have a great kids program. I go with price.

 

On the newer ships you will still need 2 cabins on Carnival also. Unless you look at the older ships which will allow 5 to a cabin.

 

Going NOWHERE

 

 

Miracle, February 13, 2005

Legend, October 22,2004

Voyager August 31,2003

Victory September 22,2002

Regal Empress,June 2001

Sensation,August 2000

[sillysarah22]

I went on the Glory in Feburary. I've never been on the Magic but I saw it in person and it looked REALLY small compared to the Glory. The Glory has wider food selection, though.

 

Sarah

[tracey980]

I can only speak for the Magic as I have been on the ship. It was my first cruise ever and I think it will remain my favorite for awhile. The ship was by far the most beautiful one I have been on yet. I wasn't expecting it to be so classy since it was Disney, but I was pleasantly surprised. The dining experience of rotating through restaurants was wonderful and the food was out of this world. The staff had the Disney charm. It was great for families or even just adults. Oh and the staterooms were larger on Disney. The best part of the Disney experience is Castaway Cay. I would love to take a vacation on that island for a week. It all depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. I think you will have a great time on both the ships. Maybe you should weigh your decision by the itinerary. Although Disney is always more expensive but you definitely get what you pay for. I think everyone should have the Disney experience at least once.

 

Disney Magic 08/13/99

Carnival Triumph 01/05/02

Carnival Paradise 01/05/03

Carnival Fascination 05/09/03

Norwegian Sea 9/14/03

 

[disneylynn]

Hi TheGenie,

I realy love the Disney cruises

I have been on both Ships, They are great!

If you have been on Magic 2 times already.

I say try something new. That's what I am doing

I am going on my first Carnival cruise next year. So my vote goes to Glory. I also have a family of five. I booked 2 inside cabins.

Good Luck

Lynn

 

OCEANIC 11/17/86

DISNEY WONDER 12/20/00

DISNEY MAGIC 2/09/02

NCL DAWN 11/23/03

CARNIVAL MIRACLE 2/20/05

 

Days til Miracle Cruise from Tampa

[1tonysmom]

Hi. We sailed on the Glory last Thanksgiving week. We considered doing the Disney Magic with our two kids this year (ages 2 and 12), but we are opting to do the Glory again as the little one won't be able to do the kids program on Disney until she is 3. I think the Glory is a better deal for your money. You can book 2 connecting outside cabins for the price of 2 inside cabins on Disney. The outside cabins are large at 220 sf. It isn't that I don't love Disney. We all have premium annual passes to Disney and in fact, we are going to Orlando to do "The Mouse" for an entire week the end of May. I just really like the ability to do some "adult" things with my DH while we are on a cruise. Everything on Disney is very family oriented. No casino, no Vegas style shows, etc. I love spending time with my kids, but it is nice to be able to send them to Camp Carnival for a few evenings and go out on "dates" with my wonderful husband. We will probably do the Disney cruise in a couple of years, when the baby is old enough to participate in the kids programs. Give the Glory a try. Your kids will have a blast in Camp Carnival and you can have a great time without your kids, if you choose to. Happy cruising.

 

Joanne

 

11/27 Carnival Glory Cruise

[sillysarah22]

The Glory Rocks!!!!!!!!!

[TheGenie]

bump

 

Does the Glory have quints (rooms that sleep five)? prices(as compared to two conecting cabins)?

 

BTW - If Disney is offering Florida residents discounts, how do those prices compare with Carnival (Last June we sailed for 53% less as a FLR than a non-Florida resident in the same category) as opposed to Disney?

 

Also - I'm not into casino's so that has no appeal (what is the production quality of the shows?). What about other stage acts (magicians, comedians, acrobats, etc.?)

 

What about pools? (size, water quality, availability of towels and chairs, children & adult segregation?)

 

Comparison of similarly priced staterooms?

 

What about the add on charges? Soft drinks? Specialty restaurants?

 

Are there websites with current menu's and daily activity sheets (they call them Navigators on Disney).

 

For Disney, there are many independent web sites dedicated to DCL, such as: http://www.dcltribute.com/

http://www.castawayclub.com/

http://allearsnet.com/cruise/cruise.shtml

http://www.themagicalmouse.com/dcl/

 

Are there similar sites that have more detailled information about Carnival, particularly the Glory? (I know about http://www.cruisecamp.org/home which is really well done. Any others?)

 

I know this is a lot of questions, and perhaps some answers to some of them will lead me to information where I can answer the rest of them myself. Thanks for all the input!

[1tonysmom]

Hi Genie. Unfortunately, there are no quints on the Glory. Apparently, the Coast Guard regulations state that they can't put a rollaway in cabins on the newer ships. Even with the Fla resident discounts on Disney (we live near Tampa), Carnival is still usually less expensive than Disney.

 

I thought the shows were pretty good. They did two large production shows. There was a magician one night and a comedian. One night they did a Talent Show, which was pretty funny. Overall, I enjoy the fact that the ship doesn't seem to close down at 11:00 p.m., like I have heard happens on the Disney ships. We are not huge partiers, but it is nice to go to the lounges to enjoy some music and have a drink while the kids are at the "pajama party".

 

The pools were very nice. Water quality was fine. Crowded, but that is to be expected Thanksgiving week. There was the usual chair saving, but we really didn't notice too many problems. The kids absolutely LOVED the waterslide. Beach towels were provided in the stateroom and I think you can exchange them for dry ones poolside, so you don't have to bring wet towels back to the cabin. There is a $22 charge if you lose them. I was worried about the kids losing, so I brought cheap beach towels from home. I planned on washing anyway, so we just threw them in the wash midweek and they worked great. We travelled with a large group, though, and no one had a problem with their towel getting stolen.

 

As far as soft drinks, there is free lemonade & iced tea on the Lido deck. Your kids can get free soda with dinner. If you kids are real sodaholics, you can purchase a soda card for the whole week. I think it was less than $25 and was good for fountain soda at any bar. Also, there are a lot of posters who bring their own soda onboard to save some $$$. If you buy fountain sodas individually, they can get a bit pricey.

 

There is a gourmet restaurant (The Emerald Room) that is an alternative the the buffet or the dining room. The cost is $25 pp, but I understand that it is well worth it. We had planned to go for dinner one night and have my parents watch the kids, but our little one wasn't feeling well, so we had to cancel. We are definitely planning on dining there during our next Glory cruise this November.

 

I am sure that other CC's will have menus & copies of Capers. If you start a thread asking, I am sure that someone will respond with the info you are requesting.

 

Good luck with your search for information. Whichever ship you choose, I am sure you will have a great time.

 

Joanne

 

11/27 Carnival Glory Cruise

[TheGenie]

Thanks 1Tonysmom for that information.

 

No quint rooms, so we're going to have get two connecting, or two adjoining rooms (DD is 10, I'd prefer connecting rooms if possible).

 

 

FYI - Disney bars and clubs close down between 12:00 A.M. and 2:00 A.M., depending on the the venue (Kids clubs close at 2:00 A.M.) to clear up that misconception.

 

Also on DCL, no charge for pool towels (they don't even keep track, so I suppose dishonest people could steal plenty); soda stickers on DCL is $5 per day (soda is free at meals (sit down restaurants) for everyone - we didn't buy a card for that reason with our own supply); Disney doesn't mind if you bring drinks and alchohol onboard (we brough a cooler with Dr. Pepper for us, and kids selections); Palo, the alternative restaurant, is $10 pp (includes gratuity).

 

Thanks for the Carnival information so far - If the pricing is better than Disney even for Florida Residents, I won't mind the other upcharges. Does anyone know of a website with current copies of the "capers"?

 

Thanks, again everyone!

 

Dana

[breenw]

We have sailed on both ships. You can't compare them - it's like comparing an apple and an orange. They are both fruits but very different. If you noticed and loved those "extra" Disney touches on their ship that aren't done on other ships, then you should stick with Disney. If those aren't a big deal to you, or very noticable, then try to Glory. I think the crew and the food are better on the Disney ship. And, who can beat Disney for entertainment. Their private island alone makes it worth going on their ships!

 

cruise lover

[TheGenie]

While I'm fishing for answers I'll try one more:

 

Disney lets you order anything from the menu's (even menu's from the other restaurants in the rotation) in any quantity you want (within reason). So if you want two different servings of meat, three different desserts and want to sample multiple appetisers they'll bring it with a smile. DH and I like to try lots of different things each meal (he manages to always finish it).

 

Does Carnival let you do this?

[legalwife]

Last cruise in October on Sensation, we were told we could order more than one thing but waiter could only bring one thing out at a time. Didn't like that. Also, room service menu has always been less desirable on Carnival than on Disney and RCI, in my opinion.

 

Never been on Glory, but loved the Magic when kids were younger. Great cruise and ship. BUT, if you have been on it twice, you might like to try the Glory.

 

Hmmmm.... Keep thinking!

 

Robin

 

Fantasy/Disney Magic/RCI Sov. of Seas/Inspiration/ Tropicale/RCI Sov.of Seas/ Sensation/Celebration 10/04

 

Live well, laugh often, love much....

[TheGenie]

bump

[mollie jo]

I've been on the Disney Wonder with my children, and the Glory with no children. I loved them both, and can understand your dilema. One thing about the Glory, is it seems smoking is everywhere. Being a nonsmoker, it really bothered me. That is something you won't have to deal with on the Magic. Another thing I think I would miss with the children, is the sail away parties. They are so much fun, and Glory doesn't have them. The entertainment is so family oriented on Disney and it is not on the Glory. One other pro for Disney is Castaway Cay of course. But I know you have done the Magic twice already, so I think I might give the Glory a try with the kids. They say Camp Carnival is awesome, and the Glory is absolutely beautiful. If you do choose the Glory, be sure and visit the piano bar one night when the kids are in Camp Carnival. It is lots of fun. We had originally planned to do the Magic for our next family cruise, but think we are going with a Carnival ship ourselves. Good luck with your decision!

Mollie Jo

[OHS81]

Bump

We too were on the Glory over Thanksgiving week.

As you look over at the Disney ship...you just think, man..it's tiny! But of course, that isnt your main concern - our kids loved the Glory, Camp Carnival, water slide, the endless soft serve ice cream...we were lucky to be on the Lido deck..walk right out of your room and there's the pool, food, drinks...wah-lah..no elevators. I know I'm not much help Just giving my 2 cents worth. I'd vote Glory, I dont think I'll ever book on the Disney one...now that I know how much FUN it was on the Glory, adults and children combined. Have fun either way!!

 

Glory 11/03

Ecstacy 6/01

 

 

[Knights on the Beach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Even with the Fla resident discounts on Disney (we live near Tampa), Carnival is still usually less expensive than Disney.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I totally agree. I am a Florida resident and I have never seen the prices on Disney cruises anywhere near low enough for me to consider booking. (Although I have to confess, that as a former Disney employee of 14 years the prices would have to be VERY low for me to want an entire week of Disney!) I have some friends who cruised on Disney last May. They booked kind of on a standby basis (they could be bumped up until about a week before the cruise) with a Disney employee rate. They paid over $100 more per person than we paid for our Victory cruise (same cruise length, same cabin type) AND they didn't even know for sure they were able to go until the week before their cruise date! I know this isn't the same thing as the Florida resident rate, but you would think employees would get the best rates.

 

Beth

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Countdown to Glory

 

Emerald Seas 6/86

Emerald Seas 11/87

S.S. Royale 10/88

Celebration 6/97

Grandeur of the Seas 6/98

Sensation 6/99

Carnival Triumph 6/00

Carnival Triumph 11/17/01

Enchantment of the Seas 10/27/02

Carnival Victory 5/25/03

Carnival Glory 5/22/04

[punknhead]

DISNEY! Disney Disney.

Just returned from the 3/27/04 Glory. Camp Carnival was not bad, but not the quality on the Magic, and not as convenient-no Camp for a couple hours at noon, and in the evening-not a good thing if your child likes to eat with the other kids.

I found the Magic to be elegant and stately compared to other ships.

That said, the Glory is not a bad ship, but the service and atmosphere just isn't there.

Just try to solve a problem with Carnival-HA! We had little to A/C for most of the week. Problem was never solved--still not after post cruise contacts. Customer care at Carnival STINKS!

 

Punkie

[TheGenie]

bump again...

 

Any more opinions / recommendations from those who have sailed both Disney and Carnival???

[ruttie]

Having sailed both... I hate to say it but Disney is great if and that is a big if you can justify the price difference. I LOVE LOVE Carnival but after doing disney well I am a convert aI am aslo a florida res here are a few thing sto help out with decision..

OIf your kids do not care about the characters than carnival..

glory kid sclub is not open as often and after 10 there is a charge.

the menu and choices (other places is better on disney chicken fingers french fries hamb, hotdogs nachos icecream etc as opposed to ice cream and pizza on glory)

Either way you cannot go wrong they are both great but I actually foound disney to be less crowded than glory I think it was because th adults only places were better enforced. and for us the casino was not an issue... We also loved the movies that were run on disney in te theater

[eddeb]

Magic Or Glory?

 

Embarkation: Magic/ 30 mintues : Cool

Glory/ Hours: Not Cool

 

Crowds?: Disney: 2,400 passengers: Cool

Glory: 3,710 Passengers: Not Cool

 

Lines? Magic: Not Bad: Cool

Glory: Bad: Not Cool

 

Bingo? Magic: Announcements now and then.

Glory: About every 15 minutes.

Lets see 1,000 people buying a $10

card to win $500!!! (Not cool...)

Specialty Rest:

Food: Magic: Great Palo's- Fantastic

Glory: Did not eat there, as

Restaurant is next to basketball

courts and seemed to be an "Add- on..." food was said to be excellent.

 

Public space: Magic/ Excellent: Cool

Glory/ 3 foot wide aisles

on Photo nights, and flea market

Tables blocking traffic: Not Cool

Kids Programs: Magic: Excellent : Cool

Glory: Very Good:Cool

Pool Slide: Magic: Cool Kids only

Glory: Cool/ Kids &Adults

Dangers: Magic: None

Glory: Rear covered Pool

area, many falls, twisted ankles every day... two people mopping all day, slippery tiles should be re-coated. I fell, my kids fell, I saw people falling daily...

 

Wait Staff: Magic: Excellent: Cool

Glory: Excellent: Cool

(two nights our waitress was sick in room

because of 20 - to 30 Ft. Seas- No mention of this from bridge or Captain- Hundreds of Crew sick, as well as passengers.) Captain was on his Last Cruise with ship and had us plowing thru 20/30 foot seas at 20 knots. Next Day, calm seas and 10 knots...

Kids tossing cookies every where/ closed front pool from puke, then shortly all the others.

My kids ten year olds tenth cruise/ first

time getting sea sick/ 6 to 8% four way motion

Port/ Starboard- Bow stern... What fun!

No weather channel or CNN, just alot of pay per view movies and one or two movies a day played over and over at different times: Not Cool

 

Tv: on Magic: Lotsa Disney Channels for Kids and ESPN for sports nuts.: Cool

 

Rooms: Disney/ Outside : Cool

Glory: Spa Deck: Cool

 

Food: Magic: Excellent: Cool

Glory: Excellent: Cool

 

M or C, I Could go on, but you

get the idea. We would not go on a Conquest ship again/ Too Much Smoke for me (and I'm very tolerant as my Dad was a chain smoker>)

Ship not laid out for passenger flow/

less public spaces because of 3,700 - extra passenger cabins. We will probably do a Voyager Class , and the Spirit Class (Miracle), and you should check out the Golden Princess Class Ships- We LOVED that ship!

 

See Ya!

The Moore Gang

Ed

Deb

Sean

Amy

Six Carnival Cruises

3 Three Disney Cruises

 

Please note that in Carnivals current add: FUN FUN FUN FUN... they show a "Total" of 55

passengers from the begginning of the Commercial to the end... (I Counted.)

They forgot to tell you about the

3,660... more people on board... (Oopsie! )

 

Take care, And have a safe Trip!

 

n/a

[dsclark]

Let's cut to the chase here...

DCL is flipp'in expensive! Now, don't tell me about how much cheaper is in the middle of January or whatever when most peopel can't get time off with their kids(duh!), during the summer time, it is super pricey.

I compared it to Glory. For a family of four to get a balcony on Glory, it is around $3800 (I got a toom on the panarama level for that, and if you subtract my $100 shareholder credit and $500 credit card discount, it is even cheaper!).

For the same time in June on DCL, it is around $7300! I am taking the $ I save and spending four nights at Univeral's Royal Pacicif with all the bells and whistles, spending two days in Magic Kingdom, and, with a week on the Glory, is STILL cheaper than the DCL ship! Want a better summary? For the amount that DCL will cost, you can go on the Glory and have enough money left over to get mom a tummy tuck!

[hilltopfamily]

dsclark has a great point. I have been on the Magic and now on a Carnival ship, the older & smaller Celebration which certainly cannot compare to the Glory. I already covered a lot of this ground in my review (comparing some points about the 2 experiences) which you could find by clicking on my name and looking for my postings~~I called it Celebration review, now I'm an official Carnival convert or something to that effect. We had a wonderful time on Carnival and found some things to be better on Disney, some things to be better on Carnival. I'd have a VERY hard time EVER paying Disney prices now that I know how good some of the competition is! We literally paid 45% of my Disney per day, per person costs while on Carnvial during peak spring break season and literally paid 50% of Disney's per person, per day cost for my upcoming Elation cruise, which will occur during the very same time frame, only 1 year later, and this time we'll have an ocean view, not just an inside! (actually it will be less since I see the rates just dropped so I'll be phoning TA for a price adjustment!)

 

So if money is no object, I'd say the 2 are pretty equal in a lot of ways, 1 may be better in an area while the other may be better in a different area. But since (at least in my case) the cost is truly less than HALF to cruise with Carnival, there is no question who'd I be booking with! Good luck deciding, I'm sure you'll enjoy either ship.

 

Penny

Disney Magic~~Eastern 7/03

Carnival Celebration~~Western 3/04

Aug 1, 2004 Carnival Elation--Yippee, Our 3rd Cruise!!!

[sillysarah22]

I luv the Glory!!!

[GAndie]

I think Disney should have a deal that makes it super super cheap for families with children to take the Disney cruises and have the Carnival ships to be used for people 21 and over.

 

I think Disney has the perfect ships and setups for families with children and I wish all families would take advantage of the Disney lifestyle while they and their children can enjoy it.

 

It's not necessary or even healthy for children to be subjected to cigarette/cigar smoke or casinos and hoochy coochie shows at impressionable ages...why make their lives more difficult than they already are?

 

Let the kids enjoy their childhood without having to make adult decisions at such young ages.

 

Parents...take your children on Disney cruises...Cruise Carnival and other lines without the kids. EVERYBODY wins with that...even the people who don't want to be around someone else's children for a week win with that one!