Carnival Glory

Miles

Carnival Glory is one of the older ships on Carnival Cruise Line. It made its debut in 2003 as part of the Conquest Class. If you've been on the newer ships, you will clearly see the difference between the two. I wasn't really a fan of this ship but I must give credit where it’s due. The ship is an older ship but they have incorporated new amenities that are featured on the newer ships such as Cherry on Top, Alchemy Bar, Sky Box, Lip Sync Battle, Clue, and a few other additions. However, I was disappointed in the ship's appearance. It is one thing to be an older ship but it's another to be an older ship and poorly maintained. There was chipped paint, some of the figures had pieces of its design missing, windows were dirty, certain fabrics had stains, thee were some leaks, and things of that nature. I would only recommend Carnival Glory if you've never cruised before because you'll have nothing to compare it to. The main reason my family chose to do our annual family vacation on the Carnival Glory is because of the itinerary. I highly doubt (attractive itinerary or not) that I would return on this ship. 

Grand Cayman 🇻🇬

Facts:

·       Grand Cayman is the largest of three islands that make up the Cayman Islands.

·       The sister islands are Cayman Black and Cayman Little. 

·       The island have a population of about 60,000 people with 55,000 at Grand Cayman.

·       Everything is imported

·       $8 for milk and $6 a gallon for gas

·       The US dollar is only 80 cents when converted

·       There are 560 banks in Grand Cayman.

·       The island is 76sq miles.

·       The language of the island is English and they are considered British dependent. 

·       The national dish is turtle stew, turtle burger, and iguana.

Fun Fact: The island used to be called the mosquito island because of the overwhelming mosquito population. 

I went on a short tour that showcased a few highlights of the island. 

Hell Road Leads to Hell

Hell is a natural formed rock that's blackish/gray in color. Phytokars is the formal name of the rock. It is definitely a sight to see. There is a post office there so a fun thing to do is send a post card, or a piece of mail, and it will say that it came from hell lol. 

7 Miles Beach

There is a $2 entrance fee to get into 7 Miles Beach. The cab from the ship's port is $4 one way.  The beach chairs are $15 and an additional $15 for the umbrellas. There is pool access but you must be 18 & up. There is also access to cabanas, food, a bar, and restrooms.

Grand Cayman Turtle Farm

Turtles are my favorite animal so the turtle farm is absolutely where you would find me 😂. Entry is $18 for adults and $13 for children under 12. However, the fare is discounted when you take certain tours allowing the new rate to be $11 for adults and $6 for children. Inside the turtle farm, they showcase all the stages of a turtle's life. From a video displaying their journey from them forming in the egg, to when they are fully grown turtles. The best part, of course, is getting to interact with them! Watch the short video below to see my interactions with my new friends 🐢. 

Old Holmsted House

One of the oldest houses on the island at 125 years old.

Tortuga Factory

Tortuga Rum is brewed in Jamaica and bottled in Grand Cayman. You can try a sample of their delicious rum cake.

Roatan, Honduras 🇭🇳

Facts:

·       Roatan is an island in the Caribbean and is the largest Bay Island in Honduras.

·       It has a population of about 44,600 people.

·       The island is 32sq miles.

·       $1USD is worth 23 Hondurian Lempira

·       Agriculture is the main source of income for this island

·       Diving is a very popular tourist attraction.

·       The island is bordered by the second-largest barrier reef in the world

·       Carneada is considered one of Honduras' national dishes

Fun Fact: The main language is English, because they were once under British rule, and Spanish is second. They also speak Garifuna.

The beach was my main focus at Roatan so I went to Mahogany Beach.

Mahogany Beach

There is a nature walk on the way to the beach. You can learn about various plants and flowers on the island along the way with information cards describing each. This beach has great amenities and multiple places to eat. There is also a lift that gives you a fantastic view of the island.

Punta

I danced with the locals ya’ll! This style of music and dance is called Punta. Punta is extremely popular in the Garifuna community mixing sounds of West Africa and Kalinago music.

Jerk Chicken Spot

If you’re a fan of jerk chicken, this is a must try!

Belize 🇧🇿

Facts:

·       Belize is in Central America, and it is bordered to the north by Mexico.

·       Belize has a population of about 380,000 people.

·       Mahogany wood was the number one industry and source of income back in the day. 

·       Britain used to be the mother country and Belize used to be called British Honduras. 

·       English is the main language. They also speak Kriol very similar to Jamaican Patios. 

·       Tourism and marine food is their main sources of income. 

·       $1USD to 2 Belize Dollar

·       There's only 1 traffic light on the island 

·       Belize is not an island. It's a mainland country.

·       It's a 3-hour drive from Mexico.

·       Rice and beans with a choice of meat and potato salad is their national dish.

Fun Fact: It takes 80-100 years for a Mahogany tree to fully grow. 

Old Belize/Kukumba Beach

Old Belize Adventure is a cultural historic center. It gives you some history of Belize as you make your way to Kukumba Beach. Kukumba Beach has a $10 entry fee that includes access to a slide, zip line, beach chairs and umbrella. This beach was created for people visiting from the cruise ships. You have to take a speed boat to the island to go to the really nice beaches. This is very hard to do with the time restraints of a cruise so Kukumba Beach is the best alternative. Unfortunately, I did not get to experience the beach and water due to the heavy amounts of rain that happened minutes before our arrival.

St. Anglican Cathedral

St. Anglican Cathedral was built in 1818 making it the oldest church in Central America.

 Baron Bliss Tomb and Lighthouse

Baron Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss is Belize's greatest benefactor. He donated over a million dollars in 1926 when he died. The money was used to do a great deal of good for the people of Belize and still holds a value of $1.5 million. Bliss requested to be buried by the sea and the light house was built in his honor.

Puerto Maya, Cozumel Mexico 🇲🇽

·       The official name of Mexico is the United Mexican States.

·       The population of Puerta Maya is estimated to be about 90,000 people.

·       The main language spoken in Mexico is Spanish.

·       Tourism is the main source of income. 

·       $1USD is 17.88 Mexican Peso.

·       You should only drink bottled water when in Mexico.

·       National dish is cochinita pibil and mole.

Fun Fact: Chihuahua is the name of a Mexican state, which is the world’s smallest dog.

Palantar Beach

Palantar beach is one of the free beaches in Cozumel. A taxi is about $20 round trip but gets cheaper more people you have in the car. The beach is like paradise— so serene. The staff was friendly and the food was good. The chicken quesidilla was very tasty but I didn’t care for the mango margarita.

Meals 

Noteable Mentions:

Fun French Toast

These were pretty good and absolutely fun twist on french toast. I think it would have tasted even better if the Fruit Loops were crushed up and used as a batter instead but the whole Fruit Loop does make the French toast very pretty I must admit lol.

Steak and Eggs

You can find this in the dining room only during brunch hours but it was well worth it!

Chocolate Cake

If you see this chocolate cake, you have no choice but to try it. That’s ALL I have to say about this right here.

Memories

Deck party

This deck party was a ball of energy! Everyone was actively participating in the line dancing and enjoying themselves.

Quest game show

Quest is usually my favorite game show on Carnival Cruises but I was disappointed. The venue that was used on this ship wasn’t suitable for the game. 

Love and Marriage

This game show is always a good time. Three couples are chosen ranging from the couple married the longest, to mid-range, to newlyweds. They’re asked a series of question that they answer and hope their spouse’s answers match up with their own.

Dive in Movie

I watched Hidden Figures under the stars at the Dive in Movie. I couldn’t imagine having watched it any other way. The Dive in Movie occurs nightly with one or two showings of different movies.