The Glory was my 14th cruise - I was a travel agent for 10 years and travelled a lot. I have sailed on Carnival many times, Celebrity, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Princess various times. While Celebrity is still my favourite we had a great experience on the Glory. I was nervous about going after reading the complaints on here but now I know that it's just unhappy people for the most part. Trust me - Carnival is great if you know what to expect. It was my mom and I and my kids - 11 and 9 - my kids first cruise. I chose this sailing for the itinerary mostly because these are my favourite stops. Look - the Glory probably should be dry docked in the next year - it's maybe a tiny bit shabby but barely noticeable. Check in was fast and easy although I know it's not always. We had a balcony on Deck 6 upper deck cabin 6335. All the service onboard was top notch everywhere we went. Buffet breakfast and lunch were fine, nothing special. Dinners were great. I don't understand these people that think walking into a dining room whether on a cruise or in a restaurant on land it's okay to wear ball caps and shorts and tshirts - I think that Carnival needs to be more strict about dress code.

It was easy to get deck chairs, pools were great - waterslide on this ship isn't that big and it's really slow so my kids didn't love it. Entertainment at night is the best at sea IMO - the broadway shows are great - piano bar so much fun, the lobby bar was hopping every night. Both of my kids did the kids programs and loved them and met new friends. People can smoke in the casino and in other areas so you definitely notice that but it didn't bother me. The cruise director was funny and very entertaining. Guest services super helpful. Some of the public bathrooms need a rehaul and more cleaning. Everywhere else the ship was spic and span. My kids and mom ate at Guy's burgers and loved it and I ate at the taco place twice for lunch and it was fantastic - both are located on the Lido deck by the pool and make for a fun environment. We watched a movie under the stars one night and they provide blankets and popcorn. I never do the cruise shore excursions because I have travelled enough that I know where I want to go on my own so I can't comment on those. Amber Cove was new to me and it was excellent. Right outside of Puerto Plata it's almost like a resort - no beach but a huge fabulous pool with two huge waterslides. All in all a great trip.