I always try to go on a yearly Carnival cruise to nowhere when they have it out of NYC. For years it was on the Miracle and every one was great except the last one in 2011 where the crew so obviously didn't give a sh.. it soured me a bit on Carnival. Last year they skipped this cruise for the first time in years but brought it back this year with the Glory. I am certainly glad they did. this time I took my grown kids and had a nice family weekend getaway.

Embarking was the quickest EVER. I drove to the pier from NJ and despite warnings from Carnival about parking issues we parked fairly quickly at 11:45 and was on the ship a few minuted after noon. No waiting - have had to wait 1-2 hours sometimes in the past. Rooms were not available until about 1:30 so we had lunch and the Guy Fieri Burger joint was as expected excellent.

After the obligatory tour of the ship - it was a new one for me - I got to my room which is typical Carnival - plenty of space and with a balcony door that stays open without bungee cords! Read more