Carnival Glory at 20+ years: Why this classic still shines

Step aboard the recently refurbished Carnival Glory, where every moment blends modern comfort with Carnival's signature fun. Devour fresh poolside tacos, sip a chic handcrafted cocktail at Alchemy Bar, or indulge in a three-course feast with ocean views. Known for its relaxed vibe and seamless onboard experiences, the restaurants on the Carnival Glory pair vibrant cuisine with the lively atmosphere you love—without breaking the bank.

The Carnival Glory itinerary includes exciting options like its special Carnival Journeys cruises from Barcelona and popular 4-day Bahamas routes departing from Port Canaveral, with stops in Nassau, Celebration Key, and Bimini. Consistently positive Carnival Glory reviews reflect its appeal to travelers looking for both adventure and relaxation.

On this page:

1. Carnival Glory’s exciting refurbishments
2. Relaxed vibes and ultimate comfort onboard
3. Dining delights for every taste
4. Endless fun and excitement onboard
5. Shore excursions and port highlights
6. Convenient airport transfers and disembarkation made easy
7. Streamlined planning with the Carnival HUB app
8. Considerations for sailing on the Carnival Glory
9. Why choose Carnival Glory for your next cruise
10. FAQs

🍹☀️ Find our team member, Marianne, where the coconuts are fresh and the vibes are irie. #bahamasbound with #cruisebound

Check out these Carnival Cruise Glory sailings

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Carnival Glory’s exciting refurbishments

Originally launched in 2003, the Carnival Glory ship has been refreshed and upgraded in 2024, bringing an exciting lineup of new features and modern amenities to enhance your cruise experience. Guests can now enjoy the WaterWorks slide area, the Heroes Tribute Bar doubling as a sports bar, and popular dining spots like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.

The Heroes Tribute Bar, added during Carnival Glory’s 2024 refurbishments, honors military service members while serving up sports, food, and drinks. Bonus: It’s right next to the casino! 🎰

With the addition of the Carnival HUB App for streamlined planning and updated check-in processes, Carnival Glory combines the charm of a classic cruise with the convenience of modern upgrades.

Relaxed vibes and ultimate comfort onboard

The Carnival Glory cruise ship has an intimate, unpretentious feel, staying true to the Carnival brand, where guests from all backgrounds come together for a good time. While Carnival sometimes gets a reputation as a “party cruise line”—particularly on shorter weekend cruises—the vibe is typically lively but not over-the-top, creating a fun atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. Its smaller size and spacious layout reduce wait times and crowding, even during peak activities.

For wellness-focused guests, Carnival Glory offers complimentary access to the sauna and steam room facilities—an inclusion that many newer ships charge for—making it easy to unwind without extra costs. The spa also offers massage, facial, hair, and mani/pedi services. For a relaxing escape, the adults-only Serenity area provides a peaceful lounge atmosphere with hot tubs.

🛟 Cruisebound Tip: Savvy cruisers can score deep discounts on spa services during port days, when many guests are ashore, and the ship is quieter.

Dining delights for every taste

Dining on Carnival Glory brings a rich array of flavors, offering something to satisfy every appetite and occasion.

Main Dining: The Golden and Platinum restaurants on Carnival Glory offer varied menus and lively themed nights, including a memorable "Celebration of India" that coincides with Diwali, featuring wonderfully spiced dishes. View a sample Carnival Glory menu 2024.

🛟 Cruisebound Tip: You’re welcome to sample multiple appetizers, main courses, and desserts—try as many as you like! Although a small fee applies after the third entrée, you won’t be denied extra choices if you’re feeling indecisive.

Casual bites: The ship’s casual dining spots (all included in your cruise fare) are a standout, featuring Guy’s Burger Joint with possibly the best burgers at sea, made fresh to order. BlueIguana Cantina adds zest with its spicy burritos and tacos, while Swirls provides 24-hour soft-serve ice cream in classic flavors like strawberry—a unique perk compared to other cruise lines.

For late-night cravings, Pizza Pirate serves up 24-hour slices, and Carnival Deli offers hot and cold made-to-order sandwiches. There’s also a sushi spot on the Lido deck, offering generous portions of made-to-order rolls at very reasonable prices, though not included in the fare.

Specialty steakhouse: For a more upscale experience, the Emerald Room Steakhouse offers an exceptional three-course meal featuring premium steaks, seafood, and desserts, making it perfect for celebrating a special occasion. While there’s an additional cost, booking ahead gets you the entire experience for only $49 per person—a great value compared to similar fine dining on land.

View the Carnival Glory Emerald Steakhouse menu.

Endless fun and excitement onboard

Carnival Glory offers a wide range of entertainment options, focusing on laid-back fun. The casino, a popular and relaxed spot on board, even features live music—a rare touch that makes it enjoyable whether you're gambling or just soaking up the atmosphere.

For game lovers, Bingo draws a lively crowd in the theater (with a small fee), and Deal or No Deal adds to the game show excitement. Recently updated, the Heroes Tribute Bar (formerly the SkyBox Sports Bar) is a state-of-the-art sports bar dedicated to our armed forces. With walls of TVs and all major sports packages, it’s perfect for keeping up with big games like the World Series or fantasy leagues.

The ship also has a variety of entertainment options like The Punchliner Comedy Club, which features stand-up comedians, and Playlist Productions, where shows combine live singing, dancing, and vibrant video screens. At Carnival Glory WaterWorks, guests can enjoy the classic Twister slide, the all-new AquaTunnel, twin racing slides, and a giant tipping bucket for extra splash-filled fun. There’s even Dive-In Movies, offering films and live events under the stars for a unique open-air experience.

During Halloween, Carnival Glory embraces the festive spirit with themed activities like trivia, costume contests, and pumpkin carving, and the “Frightfully Fun Fest” gives guests a memorable holiday experience.

View Carnival Glory deck plans.

Carnival Glory Shore excursions and port highlights

Discover the best of each port with a mix of curated shore excursions and local gems perfect for self-exploration.

Freeport, Bahamas: Freeport is full of unique experiences, especially for those who opt for shore excursions to fully immerse themselves in the island’s charm. Popular options include the Jeep tour through Freeport, which explores local highlights like Millionaire’s Row, the Garden of the Groves, and Taino Beach, where guests can sample fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.

Nassau, Bahamas: In Nassau, you’re greeted with vibrant shopping, dining, and local attractions right at the port. Step beyond the bustling port area, and you’ll uncover the true essence of the island—stunning beaches, colorful markets, and authentic local restaurants that offer a genuine taste of Bahamian culture.

Feeling inspired? Compare more Bahamas cruises

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Convenient airport transfers and easy disembarkation

If you’re flying into Orlando International (MCO), the cruise line makes getting to and from your cruise a breeze. Carnival offers transportation from the airport directly to the ship at Port Canaveral, where the Carnival Glory usually departs from either Terminal 3 or Terminal 6. Although the specific terminal may vary by sailing, you can count on it being at one of the dedicated Carnival terminals.

🛟 Cruisebound Tip: Book your airport transfer in advance for peace of mind, but here’s a little-known fact—Carnival accepts walk-ups if there’s space available!

Learn more about how to find your cruise shuttle to Port Canaveral from Orlando airport (MCO).

Streamlined planning with the Carnival HUB app

The Carnival HUB App on Carnival Glory keeps your cruise organized and stress-free. Through the app, you can view daily schedules, book shore excursions, make dining reservations, and save favorite activities. For open seating dining, check-in is now handled exclusively through the app, helping to keep things smooth and simple. The app also makes disembarkation easier by assigning group numbers for a hassle-free exit.

🛟 Cruisebound Tip: While the app is essential for open seating check-in, a printed daily agenda is still provided—a nice touch as some cruise lines have moved away from print entirely. The app is also always connected to onboard Wi-Fi, so you can save activities of interest and receive timely push notifications, ensuring you don’t miss any of Carnival Glory’s amenities!

Considerations for sailing on the Carnival Glory

For travelers eyeing Carnival Glory, this ship delivers a well-rounded cruising experience with plenty of charm and comfort. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind as you decide if this classic Carnival ship is the right choice for your next getaway.

• Intimate, relaxed atmosphere: The smaller size creates a friendly vibe, where guests often recognize familiar faces, adding to the sense of community onboard.
• Dining variety and quality: From casual bites to upscale dining, Carnival Glory offers a diverse menu of consistently delicious options that cater to every taste.
• Efficient embarkation and disembarkation: The Carnival HUB app helps streamline check-in and disembarkation, making transitions smooth and hassle-free.
• Well-organized shore excursions: Shore excursions offer immersive experiences, especially in culturally rich destinations like Freeport and Nassau.
• Exceptional service: Friendly and attentive staff make guests feel welcome and well-cared-for throughout their cruise.
• Seasonal celebrations: Special events, such as Halloween festivities, bring an extra touch of excitement and create memorable moments.
• Adults-only Serenity area: This quiet retreat offers a relaxing escape, ideal for those seeking downtime away from the main activities.

Additional considerations:

• Entertainment scale: Shows tend to be more intimate compared to larger ships, which may feel different for guests expecting grand productions.
• Wi-Fi limitations: The internet connection can be slow, suitable for the Carnival HUB app and social media but less ideal for work or video calls.
• App-based dining check-in: Guests need to use the app to check in for open seating dining, which may require a bit of adjustment.
• No pool in the Serenity area: While the Serenity area has hot tubs, it doesn’t include a pool; however, the aft pool on Carnival Glory Lido Deck tends to offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
• Layout for new adventures: While the ship’s unique layout may be challenging for some with mobility needs, the Carnival Glory deck layout is great for new cruisers who enjoy the fun of discovering new activities around every corner.

With these aspects in mind, Carnival Glory provides a distinctive cruise experience that appeals to those looking for charm, comfort, and friendly service in a laid-back setting.

Why choose Carnival Glory for your next cruise?

For travelers craving an affordable getaway packed with fantastic food, warm service, and a laid-back vibe, the Carnival Glory promises an unforgettable cruise experience. With diverse Carnival Glory dining options, engaging onboard activities, and special seasonal events like Halloween festivities, this ship offers something for everyone, making it perfect for travelers of all ages.

Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned explorer, Carnival Glory’s cozy setting and lively atmosphere create the ultimate escape. Find and compare more cruise deals with Cruisebound and start planning your perfect cruise adventure today!

FAQs

1. How old is Carnival Glory ship?
   Carnival Glory was launched in 2003, making it 21 years old as of 2024.
2. Where is Carnival Glory now?
   Additionally, Carnival Glory has featured special Carnival Journeys cruises departing from Barcelona.
3. When was Carnival Glory refurbished?
   The ship underwent its latest refurbishments in 2024.
4. How big is the Carnival Glory ship?
   Carnival Glory is approximately 952 feet (290 meters) in length and has a gross tonnage of around 110,000.
5. How many passengers does Carnival Glory hold?
   The ship has a guest capacity of 2,980 passengers.
6. Does Carnival Glory have a basketball court?
   Yes, Carnival Glory features a basketball court, along with a pickleball court, as part of its onboard sports facilities.
7. Does Carnival Glory have a laundry room?
   Yes, the ship provides self-service laundry facilities for guests.
8. How many pools are on Carnival Glory?
   Carnival Glory has two swimming pools available for guests.
9. What class ship is Carnival Glory?
   Carnival Glory is a Conquest-class cruise ship.
10. Are there any adjoining interior rooms on the Carnival Glory?
    Yes, Carnival Glory cabins include adjoining interior staterooms for guests traveling together.
11. Where is the Carnival Glory terminal in Port Canaveral?
    Carnival Glory departs from Terminal 3 or Terminal 6 at Port Canaveral, depending on the sailing.