With all of the recent negative news surrounding Carnival Cruise Lines, it would be difficult to make a decision to cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines. However, on August 9, 2013 My wife & I along my sons Danny & Ricky did just that. Carnival Glory from Boston to St. John's New Brunswick & Halifax, Nova Scotia. Sure the weather was cooler at sea and lots of fog.
This was my 17th cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines although I had not sailed them since 2007. This Carnival Cruise was by far the best. It all starts with breakfast with the boys while Kerri sleeps in. The boys & I prefer breakfast in the dining room. We order from a changing menu and the choices are incredible. It is a breakfast / brunch menu. You can even get Mac n' cheese. We loved it.
Lunch was my favorite part of the day. Guy's Burger Joint serves up the tastiest burgers and fries at sea. I mean that. You order your burger off the burger menu. They offer some great selections including chili cheeseburgers, bacon & onion ring burgers & much more. Of course you can get it how you want it. Then off to the burger dressing table. So many choices. You can even make a Big Mac. The Fish & Chips Restaurant on deck 10 was a bit hidden but what a gem. Seafood Soup, Fish & Chips, Fried Oysters & more. My wife ate at the Blue Iguana Cantina which served up Tacos & Buritos. She loved it.
Our assigned dinner offered us numerous choices and the food was fantastic. Really, it was. My boys wanted to come to dinner every night with us. I'd like to think that this was because they wanted to spend more time with Dad but it was the food, our fun & entertaining waiters and the entertainment they still do in the dining room. Makes for a super fun dinner. Kerri enjoyed that very much.
The kids program dubbed Camp Carnival Was cool. Danny & Ricky were separated due to their age difference but they both enjoyed the program. I was surprised the program was an additional charge after 10 pm. Camp Carnival Counselors were extremely fun & engaging. Danny & Ricky always wanted to be in the program and this was good for us to get some Mommy & Daddy time.
Danny sailed with a friend aboard the ship. They had the most fun at the Cobalt Pool & Twister Waterslide. Up & down so many times. They had a ball. Of course we played mini golf, Kerri caught a movie under the stars with Danny at the Seaside Theatre. The popcorn was great.
Drink prices were higher than I remember. The Red Frog Rum Bar and Blue Iguana Tequila Bar poolside were great choices. Carnival has their own draft beer ! It was yummy..
Halifax, Nova Scotia is an excellent port even for kids. We walked sown the boardwalk with shopping & sites and visited Peggy's Cove. Danny & Ricky especially loved the rocks. St. John, New Brunswick is less of a kids port. I would love to return to do the pub tour. I would have never have there were so many Irish Pubs. Also a great place to eat.
Overall, This was the best cruise experience I have had in many years and it was aboard Carnival. Carnival has always carried an unfair reputation and with recent negative publicity, Carnival was not looking pretty. I am here to tell you that they know what they are doing and they do it better than anyone else. We had a great time.
Carnival Cruise Lines is a quality product and a great price.
