Eat ... eat ... eat!

Isn't that what cruises are all about? All about the eating? Well, not exactly, but it can seem like that and the Carnival Glory was no exception.

Meredith and I chose "On your own" dining. That means, rather than being on the hook for a specified dining time, with a specified waiter, and the same tablemates, we could come in any time between 5:30 and 9PM and ask to be seated ... just like in a restaurant! Of course, we weren't guaranteed the same waiter or tablemates, but that's part of the fun!

We lucked out our first night. Our waitress was wonderful! So much so that we asked to be seated in her section for the rest of the cruise. We still showed up when we wanted, but we were guaranteed her wonderful smile and impeccable service. There will be a later post on tipping and how we rewarded her smile and attention.

We didn't have tablemates as such, but the tables for two were close enough together that we could have a conversation with those around us. We were lucky in that department as well. We shared dinners with couples celebrating anniversaries on two of the four nights and had enjoyable conversations. The first night we were apparently in the middle of the mother/daughter section as tables on both sides of us were occupied by mother/daughter cruisers, just like me and Meredith!

Of course, there is the food! We had everything from lobster (Meredith's favorite) to an exceptional piece of prime rib (my yummy favorite). As on all main dining room menus, we could have asked for double portions, two entrees, five desserts ... whatever we wanted. One night we ordered tiramisu and two cheese plates for dessert and had them boxed up to take back to our stateroom where we had a movie night in our PJ's.

There are lots of dining options on a ship the size of the Glory. We ate most lunches in the Lido buffet, getting something like a salad, although we could have had a full hot meal. I did have stuffed eggplant one day and it was great! A cut above most cafeteria food. Of course, it's a crowded ship, with lots of kids, so I can't say we found a quiet corner for lunch, but we didn't feel rushed or crowded at any time.

We ordered room service every morning. Carnival thoughtfully provides a check-box menu that you can hang outside your door, indicating your order and the time you want it delivered. We ate light ... yogurt for me, bagel for Meredith ... but having a fresh pot of coffee delivered to your door to drink while you get ready for the day is living the high life as far as I am concerned!

The Glory also has a sushi bar ... according to Meredith, my sushi expert, it's not outstanding, but it is fresh, although a limited selection. I enjoyed it. We especially enjoyed the gentleman who sat next to us at the bar with his plate of sushi generously covered in wasabi, which he thought was guacamole ... boy, was he surprised!!

I can't possibly describe all the food options, but here is a sample of a menu from the main dining room. WOW!

We didn't try the specialty coffees or desserts because there was no need to pay for these when the included options were so good.

We did sample the pizza on the Lido deck and it was pretty good for fast food pizza. Right out of the oven, with lots of cheese and pepperoni. Meredith waited to get a slice of feta/spinich pizza that she declared "great".

The cruise director said in one of his announcements that the average cruiser gains 2 pounds per day. Neither of us hit that goal, but I can surely understand how it could happen!