DW, two DDs (ages 25 and 27) and I sailed the Glory Western Caribbean itinerary July 29-August 5, 2006. This was our sixth cruise (one Dolphin; two Costa; one Celebrity) and second on Carnival.

Booking: We booked through a private travel agency and paid in full for a balcony guarantee (8A) at the time of booking (approximately 90 days pre-cruise). Upon learning of a slight price reduction, we called the agent and asked for a rebooking. They contacted Carnival, and because of the difficulty of rebooking after payment in full, they negotiated a guaranteed 8E cabin (1065--one of only two quads on the Panorama deck), and an $80 shipboard credit. This was satisfactory to us, as we liked the idea of being guaranteed on Panorama.

Travel to ship: We drove to Orlando and picked up DD at Orlando airport late on the night before departure. We had a AAA discount at the LaQuinta Inn on the north frontage road just off Semoran Blvd (SR 436) just north of Orlando airport. Had a very nice room. They have an airport shuttle which runs 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Drove to Port Canaveral and parked in cruise terminal deck. Read more