Carnival Glory Tips and Tricks
If you’re planning a cruise on the Carnival Glory, you’ll want to know all the ins and outs before stepping on board. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first voyage, knowing how to navigate the ship, dining options, and activities during your cruise can make a huge difference. I’ve spent two months over the last year at sea reviewing cruise ships from all the major brands, so I hope my advice will help your family enjoy their vacation at sea!
Carnival Glory Key Facts
The Carnival Glory, launched in 2003, is part of Carnival's Conquest-class ships and offers shorter itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida down to the beautiful Bahamas. She’s 952 feet long and 110,000 gross tonnes, and spans 13 decks, which makes her on the smaller side of most vessels sailing nowadays, especially if you compare her to the Oasis-class ships from Royal Caribbean!
If you’re interested in seeing every public space on board, check out my full tour of the Carnival Glory:
Tip #1: Arrive the Day Before Your Cruise
If you don’t live a reasonable driving distance from the port, arrive in the area a day before your cruise. Flights get delayed, traffic happens, and you don't want to risk missing the ship because of something outside your control. If you're flying into Orlando’s airport (MCO), you could build in a few days at some of the awesome theme parks and resorts in the area. On my channel I’ve made several playlists for Orlando-area resorts that I’ve loved, so check them out.
The Carnival Glory docked in Bimini
Once it’s time to head to Port Canaveral, about a 45-minute ride from most of the Orlando area, you have several options. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available for about $60-$100 one-way, but if you have a larger group a private shuttle might be a more economical option. You could also rent a car, but parking at Port Canaveral can be expensive. From the airport, cheap shared shuttles run about $25-$30, which might be a great option for you or your family.
Tip #2: Pre-book activities for extra savings
Did you know Carnival offers discounts for booking certain items before your cruise? If you’re planning on getting an internet package or shore excursions, Carnival’s website often runs a sale for purchasing both of those items at the same time, resulting in about 10% off your internet package.
Excursions can sell out, so pre-booking is a good way to ensure you spend your time on shore the way you wish. If you’d like to save a few extra dollars, I like booking excursions locally through Viator.
Also, don’t forget to pre-select your boarding time. 14 days before sailing, you’ll confirm your check-in info like passports or birth certificates, payment method for onboard purchases, and get an assigned arrival time at the port. Carnival still requires you to print your boarding pass ahead of time, so don’t skip this step. If you forget, staff at the port can print one for you, but it’s better to come prepared to save time. For more tips and tricks, check out my video below!
Tip #3: Choose Your Cabin Wisely
The Carnival Glory offers four main cabin categories: inside, ocean view, balcony, and suites. Which one is right for you? It depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for help in planning, reach out to us for a free quote.
Inside Cabins: The most budget-friendly option. They’re perfect if you value price over having a view.
Oceanview Cabins: These feature a window, giving you natural light without the higher price of a balcony.
Balcony Cabins: Ideal if you enjoy private outdoor space, especially on a scenic itinerary. This is what I recommend for first-time cruisers.
Suites: A larger space, but in my opinion, on this class of ships, the perks and amenities aren’t worth the extra price.
No matter the cabin type, the ship's layout makes it straightforward to get around. Carnival Glory is large enough to offer plenty of amenities, but not so massive that it’s overwhelming. Just know that if you have mobility issues, elevators can be slow on a cruise ship (it’s not just the Glory), so finding a deck that’s closer to where you want to spend your time can be crucial for your enjoyment.
Tip #3: Complimentary Dining on Carnival is Great
I’ve been impressed on all of my Carnival cruises with the included food on board. Here are some of my favorites to check out while sailing the Carnival Glory:
Poolside: Hit up Guy’s Burger Joint for one of the best burgers at sea or stop by Blue Iguana Cantina for tacos and burritos made with fresh tortillas, which is a highlight for me after a long port day. Both of these restaurants are included in your cruise fare.
Main Dining Room: The complimentary main dining room offers a rotating menu each evening. Fun fact: you can order as many entrées as you wish. On embarkation day, don’t miss the short rib—it’s a standout for me. On sea days, the sea day brunch has a great menu as well.
Specialty Dining: For something extra special, book a table at the Emerald Room Steakhouse, the only specialty restaurant on board. Other upcharge options include Bonsai Sushi and Seafood Shack for quick, tasty meals, located near the buffet.
Pro tip: Whether it’s dining or activities, the Carnival Hub app is your best friend. You can check menus, book dining reservations, and stay updated on ship activities.
Tip #4: Schedule Your Day on the Carnival Glory
The Carnival Glory jam-packs their itineraries with fun things to do, both free and at extra cost.
Game Shows & Revues: From Deal or No Deal ($) to performances by singers and dancers, the main theater offers nightly entertainment. I’ve also found the cruise directors on Carnival to be very fun and engaging, compared to other lines.
Casino: A staple on most ships (save Disney Cruise Line), the Camel Club felt refreshed and had all of my favorite table games and slot machines.
Daily Fun: Trivia, bingo, live music, and more are scattered throughout the day. Check the schedule in the Carnival Hub app so you don’t miss your favorites.
There’s no wrong way to spend a cruise vacation, and I tend to lean towards packing my day full, but many of you reading might enjoy a day spent poolside or in the spa.
Tip #5: Not All Itineraries Are Created Equal
The shorter itineraries on the Carnival Glory often visit Bimini in the Bahamas, like mine did. The island is relaxed, and known for its crystal-clear waters. Popular excursions include visits to the Beach Club, snorkeling, and even swimming with sharks.
If your cruise stops in Nassau instead, there’s no shortage of activities there either. It’s a busy port, often with six ships in at a time, but the recent investments in the port area have made this a much better experience for everyone. I love walking around Baha Mar or Atlantis which are some of the best resorts ever built.
Final Thoughts
The Carnival Glory stands out as a fun, approachable ship from Orlando, at a reasonable price. From delicious food to exciting shore excursions, it has all of the basics that make a cruise vacation great. I hope you learned some things from the post and reach out if you have questions!
Have tips of your own? Share them in the comments. Safe travels and happy cruising!
