We sailed on the Carnival Glory Eastern route out of Miami in April 2014. My husband, myself and our 14 year old son as well as our friends who also brought their 17 year old son.This was our 4th cruise (all 4 on Carnival), but first time out of Miami. This was also our first time taking the Eastern route, as we've typically gone to Cozumel, Caymans, etc. I would recommend the Eastern route hands down. The islands we went to (Nassua, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk) had a lot less "hassle" and we did not feel as pressured to purchase local wares etc. There was no one grabbing us by the arm and trying to pull us into the stores or following us around trying to get us to purchase items. Plus the islands were gorgeous and friendly and simply amazing in all aspects.

The Glory is a fairly large ship, and the Guy's Burgers and Blue Iguana taco/burrito bar (all included- no extra fees) were well recieved by my family. I think both my hubby and son ate there each day- even burritos for breakfast! They also have a fish and chips station that had really excellent battered fish as well as all sorts of other items to try (also no extra fee). Our waiters in the main dining room were excellent & had great personalities. We are a bunch of goofballs and this trip ended up turning into the "photo bomb/selfie" trip which of course the 14 & 17 year olds started. Our waiters were so great, they even participated in our photo bombs at dinner- HILARIOUS. If you go on Carnival make sure you go to BRUNCH! All I can say is "WOW" - fruit loop french toast lol. Carnival staff (especially the waiters) tend to be friendly in our experience and we always feel well cared for on their ships. On one trip when our son was 7 he ended up having strep throat on the first day of our cruise- and we visited the infirmary for the first time. The doctor was amazing with him and the medicine was provided on the spot. The doctor saw us at lunch and went out of her way to come up to us and ask how our son was feeling. For a budget conscious family, Carnival fits our needs perfectly.