I am going on Carnival Glory in June and this is my first cruise. I'm kind of clueless as to what to do about the excursions. I'm not sure if we should book them through Carnival? Or should we book them online before hand or wait to book when we get on the boat?
Hi mcipoletta, welcome to Cruise-Chat. Congratulations on your up-coming cruise! Just be warned, cruising is addictive There are lots of thoughts on going through the ship or booking your own. Normally, if we haven't been to an island before, we'll do a ship's excursion. That way, we don't have to worry about anything, especially missing the ship. If you decide to book on your own, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get back on board. The ship won't wait if you're not on one of their excursions and you're responsible for your own transportation to catch up to the ship. Quite a few people say you save lots of money by doing the excursions on your own, in some islands that's true, others maybe $5-$10/pp if that. Take a look in our port sections below, there will be plenty of suggestions there. Hope you have a fantastic cruise, and once again, welcome aboard!
I agree with what Penny said but I will add this about booking online vs on the ship- It depends on the ports. Some have very popular excursions that sell out quickly. Most of them you can book on the ship but you end up wasting "cruise time" by standing in line trying to book them. You can negate this waiting by going back to your room and book the excursions through the system that is built into the TV in your cabin. If you know the tour you want it is as simple as pushing a few buttons.
So if there are excursions you know you "have to" go on, book them online before you go. If you are not sure, wait until you are on board and go to the excursion talk (typically held sometime before your first port of call) and get your questions answered there, and then instead of going to the excursion desk after the talk like everyone else does, just go back to your cabin and book through the TV menus...
You can look through the "port chat" sections and search for your ports for info on what there is to do and make up your own mind as far as doing them on your own or not. You can also post a question and you'll get lots of help.
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Originally posted by mcipolletta:
I am going on Carnival Glory in June and this is my first cruise. I'm kind of clueless as to what to do about the excursions. I'm not sure if we should book them through Carnival? Or should we book them online before hand or wait to book when we get on the boat?
Welcome, you will love the Glory, It's all primary colors and great fun. Flying into Orlando? I had a very good limo service if you want suggestions send me a private message and I will give you the name and number.
If you are on the Western Route including Cozumel consider the Mayan Ruins at Tulum as an excursion to book on-line. Long ferry ride and bus to get there but the tour guides are great and the ruins are impressive. Of course if you are not into history this isn't for you.
If you are more adventerous and want to do Zip lines through the rain forrest, do that on line, it will sell out within minutes if not sold before you board.
St Thomas has some sightseeing stuff that you can book on board no need to prebook it. Or just go across the street to the SkyWay and take a ride to the top, Sit at the cafe and have some lunch and look out over the beautiful ocean and relax. They usually have some decent live music up there also. Lots of cruise crew will be up there, might spot a dancer or two.
You've received some great advice already. Which itinerary are you booked on? If you choose to book online through Carnival you can do so starting 90 days prior to the cruise. As CruiseDad said, you'll love the Glory. I've sailed on her twice and enjoyed it both times. Don't forget to find the Fish n Chips section of the casual restaurant.
I have cruised on the Glory once. I consider it my favorite of the 5 cruises I have been on in my life.
Make sure to check-out the Fish-n-Chips restaurant, which is above the Red Sail Cafeteria/Restaurant (just like someone said).
Also, if you like Sushi, make sure to check-out the Sushi-Bar in the back of the casino.
I heard great things about the Emerald Room restaurant. This the five star reservations-only restaurant onboard the ship. Just like the Fish-n-Chips restaurant, it is located upstairs from the Red-Sail restaurant. They do charge an extra fee per person, for dinning in the Emerald Room.
Two years ago, I was on a cruise aboard the Triumph. One of the ports of call was St. Thomas. It just so happened that the Glory was also in port along with the Liberty. I chose to ride on the St. Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point. While on that ride, while heading up the mountain in the Gondola, I snapped this photo:
Anyway, I hope that you have a great time on your first cruise.
I was on the Glory in Nov. 2006. At that time, the cruise director was Dan Hodson. I don't know who the current CD is. I wonder if there is a way of finding out, before boarding the ship?
I was on the Glory in Nov. 2006. At that time, the cruise director was Dan Hodson. I don't know who the current CD is. I wonder if there is a way of finding out, before boarding the ship?
Hey, Frase. John Heald posted a CD schedule (in progress) a while back. I don't think it has been updated past April. Here is a link.
There are lots of thoughts on going through the ship or booking your own. Normally, if we haven't been to an island before, we'll do a ship's excursion. That way, we don't have to worry about anything, especially missing the ship. If you decide to book on your own, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get back on board. The ship won't wait if you're not on one of their excursions and you're responsible for your own transportation to catch up to the ship. Quite a few people say you save lots of money by doing the excursions on your own, in some islands that's true, others maybe $5-$10/pp if that. Take a look in our port sections below, there will be plenty of suggestions there. Hope you have a fantastic cruise, and once again, welcome aboard!
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