carnival glory room tour

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• Carnival Glory

Carnival Glory ®

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If you're looking for a vacation at sea that's as colorful as the décor of the cruise ship taking you there, an entire palette of fun activities and hot spots awaits aboard Carnival Glory. For starters, there's a rainbow of salsa options for dressing up your tacos and burritos at BlueIguana Cantina ™ , while Guy's Burger Joint ™ serves up burgers designed by the colorful personality himself: celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Speaking of colorful personalities, you'll enjoy a variety of stand-up comedians at The Punchliner Comedy Club ™ . Picture yourself grabbing a drink at the open-air RedFrog Rum Bar ® or BlueIguana Tequila Bar ™ ... whichever color or spirit's more your style. Enjoy a show on the stage at Playlist Productions ™ , complete with singing and dancing, plus video screens that bring these productions an extra splash of color. Speaking of splash, at Carnival WaterWorks ™ the fun flows down the winding curves of the classic Twister and all-new AquaTunnel waterslide — plus twin racing slides and a giant tipping bucket — for countless gallons of fun. And if a picture paints a thousand words, imagine the millions flying off the big screen during a film under the stars at Dive-In Movies. Yes, it's Hollywood meets islands for a date night done right. We're not just viewing this ship with rose-colored lenses, either — it's clear that the fun, eye-catching experiences all around you are the real deal... even the fantasy world of Seuss At Sea ™ , where your favorite books (and characters!) come to life before your eyes. And from the people-watching potential of the Lido Deck, to the see-and-be-seen White Heat Dance Club, Carnival Glory pulls out the stops. It even shows its true colors as it satisfies your stomach with sit-down dining options like the Emerald Room Steakhouse and the aptly-named Golden and Platinum Restaurants. And wait 'till you see the Camel Club Casino — proof that Carnival Glory is a real looker and a truly special cruise ship. Look to Carnival Glory for one vibrant time at sea.

• 110,000 Gross Tonnage
• 2980 Guest Capacity
• 952 Length In Feet
• 1150 Onboard Crew

INSIDE THIS SHIP

Just like a delicious cake, your ship is made of layers. Find out which fun ingredients — staterooms, dining, activities — go into each deck.

YOUR STATEROOM

Interior with picture window (walkway view).

Every room includes:

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• In-room safe for valuables
• Stateroom climate control

Interior Upper/Lower (Porthole)

Interior upper/lower, scenic ocean view.

Your Scenic Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Glory provides the best view of the sea that lies ahead of the ship, with views unlike any on land. And you'll get more of them, too, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of looking-glass for gazing at the natural wonders of the sea... and let's not forget sunrise and sunset.

Ocean View (Obstructed View)

Premium vista balcony.

Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Glory, giving you a unique vantage point from which to enjoy luxuriously panoramic views of the sky and the sea — and yes, take in even more of that sunshine.

Premium Balcony

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Glory and it's easy to see exactly what you're getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It's about more than just the room itself, you'll find... step onto your oversized balcony and you'll find that when there's a sea breeze in your hair, there's no limit to the relaxation you can have.

Aft-View Extended Balcony

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space... not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Glory gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise aboard Carnival Glory. Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Captain's Suite

This is the best room you can get… without bunking up with the guy himself. A Captain’s Suite aboard Carnival Glory features tons of indoor space, and a huge balcony when you need a little more. Back inside you’ll find a king-size bed, two full bathrooms (one with whirlpool tub), plus a separate living room that sleeps another three. And VIP check-in? Naturally.

Amenities exclusive to suites:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority Main Dining Room time assignment
• Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 Am
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattress

Plus, every room includes:

Grand Suite

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Glory features even more space than the standard suite — plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Ocean Suite

A Carnival Glory suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub.

Junior Suite

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Glory, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Glory Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet... and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

Onboard dining, where to for you.

This ship is always visiting great vacation spots. Where will your next vacation take you?

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

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Carnival Glory Deck Plans & Reviews

Carnival Glory

Activities & entertainment

• Art Auction *
• Beauty Salon *
• Black and White Library
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Camel Club Casino *
• Evening Kids Programs *
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast *
• Groove For St Jude *
• Ice Carving Demonstrations
• Jogging Track
• Lip Sync Battle
• Massage Room *
• Photo Portraits *
• Whirlpools (7)
• Steam Room *
• Seuss_A_Palooza Parade and Storytime
• Retail Shops *
• Spa Carnival *
• Spa Parties *
• Sports Deck
• Video Arcade *
• White Party
• Wine Tasting *
• Waterslides
• Serenity _ Adults_Only
• Circle C _ Tweens Club
• Camp Ocean _ Kids Club
• Club O2 _ Teens Club
• White Heat Dance Club
• Amber Palace Main Lounge
• Carnival Seaside Theater
• Comedy Shows
• Ebony Cabaret Aft Lounge
• Live Nightly Music
• Outdoor Movies
• Golden Restaurant - Main
• Platinum Restaurant - Main
• Cherry On Top - Candies *
• Kaleidoscope Bar - Casino Bar *
• Red Sail Restaurant - Buffet
• Ivory Club Bar - Clubby Bar *
• Bar Blue - Cocktail Bar *
• Creams Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
• Guys Burger Joint - Pool Grill
• Seafood Shack - Seafood *
• Taste Bar - Light Bites
• Alchemy Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• BlueIguana Cantina - Mexican
• The Cinn_a_Bar Piano Bar - Piano Bar *
• Pizzeria - Pizza
• Azure Bar - Pool Bar *
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar - Pool Bar *
• RedFrog Rum Bar - Pool Bar *
• SkyBox Sports Bar - Sports Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 35
• Very Good 22
• All languages ( 77 )
• English ( 76 )
• Greek ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

• CruiseMapper

Carnival Glory cabins and suites

Carnival glory staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Carnival Glory cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Carnival Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Carnival Glory cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Captain's Suite

Layout (floor plan), grand suite, ocean suite, aft extended balcony cabin, premium vista balcony cabin, balcony cabin, scenic oceanview cabin, oceanview cabin, porthole cabin, walkway view interior cabin, interior cabin, small interior single cabin, carnival glory cabins review.

The Carnival cruise ship Glory has a total of 28 wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) and 18 Spa cabins (all Balcony). The number of all cabin categories is 34.

Connecting rooms ("family cabins") are located on decks 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11. The list of connecting cabins grades includes 2 beds (4E), 3 beds (PT), 2-3 beds (8B), 2-4 beds (6J-Scenic Oceanview), 2-3-4 beds (6A, 6B, 6C, 8C, 8D) and 4 bed (8F-Spa Balcony). Handicap staterooms (28 total) are in categories OS-Ocean Suie (1), Balcony (2) and Interior (25).

Follows the review of Carnival Glory staterooms as amenities, furniture, and complimentary services:

Each of the two Captain’s Suites has master bedroom (2 twin beds convertible to king, Pullman bed), dressing area (vanity, large walk-in closet), large bathroom, separate living room (double sofa bed, coffee table, desk, armchairs), second bathroom (shower), fridge and mini-bar.

Carnival Glory Suites (Captain's, Grand, Ocean) have king beds, living room (walk-in closet, desk, vanity table, chair, drawers, double sofa bed), private bathroom (WC, shower, whirlpool bathtub, double sinks).

Premium Balcony (9B, 9C) and Extended Balcony cabins (8N, 8M) have twin beds convertible to queen, ample closet/storage space, bathroom (shower), living area. Some (C staterooms have an additional sofa bed for 3rd person. These staterooms have 50% larger balconies, 3 closets (in all grades balcony rooms), full bathroom (shower). All grades balcony accommodations feature a private step-out balcony with sliding glass doors (table, patio chairs).

Passengers booked in Spa cabins (category 8F /balcony) enjoy the following complimentary amenities, services and perks (applicable for two guests per stateroom only): complimentary unlimited access to all Spa Carnival facilities, 2 fitness classes (Yoga or Pilates), 2 metabolism tests, bathrobes, slippers, deluxe in-room bath amenities by Elemis (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, vitamin-rich body lotion, 1 hand and 1 body soap disks), priority Spa reservations (appointments must be made by 6 pm on embarkation day), spa treatment discounts on port days (while the ship is docked in ports of call- 20% off /1st, 30% off /2nd, 40% off /3rd treatment).

Scenic Oceanview cabins have floor-ceiling slanted windows, 2 twin beds (convertible to king), living area (sofa, coffee table, chairs). Some have additionally sofa bed for 3rd/4th person. Oceanview cabins have a large picture window, twin beds (convertible to queen), living area. Some have a sofa and/or upper beds (Pullman) for 3rd/4th person.

Inside cabins with windows (category 4J-Obstructed view) have Picture Window, while category PT has Porthole Window). Some 4J-Inside rooms have 1 upper bed (bunk bed) for 3rd person, and some are with not-convertible twin beds. Some of the Porthole Inside staterooms have a sofa bed or upper/bunk beds for a 3rd-4th person. Small Inside cabins have bunk beds (upper/lower Pullman beds), living area, bathroom (shower).

All Carnival Glory staterooms offer as standard/complimentary amenities a living area (vanity, seating), smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand-movies, bookings-reservations, Room Service ordering), direct-dial phone, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), hairdryer, en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, shower, single sink-vanity, bathrobes, bathroom amenity basket/replenished upon request), custom-made beds (Carnival Comfort Bed System), beach towels, mini-bar/fridge, individual air-conditioning, complimentary 24-hour room service. Bibles (Gideon version) are provided upon request.

Bathroom amenities vary each time, so it’s advisable you bring your own. Samples may include toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, body lotion, razor, antiacids. There is a wall-mounted dispenser in the shower stall (for liquid soap and shampoo). Electric power outlets are located in the desk/vanity area – one 110 V outlet (3-pronged, USA grounded) and one 220 V outlet (European standard). The bathroom’s 2-pin plug can be used only for electric razors.

The ship’s interactive TV system allows passengers to purchase movies on demand, to order room service and to check the Sail & Sign account’s status. The on-demand movie list has approx 25 films available for ordering at USD 5 per movie. Adult-content films cost USD 10 per movie. Depending on satellite reception (Carnival Glory location at sea), the complimentary in-cabin TV programming includes the following channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN (Domestic, International, Espanol), TCM (classic movies), cartoons (Boomerang, CN), TNT, TBS. There are 2 complimentary movie channels showing a film every 3 hours (both starting at 12 noon). One shows all-time favorites (PG -13 rated) and the other shows all-time family favorites (G / PG-rated). The following TV channels are Carnival-themed and also complimentary: Fun Finds TV, Cruise Director, Fun Aboard, Park West Art, Shore Tours, Ship Position, live cam views (webcams positioned forward and on lido deck), Audible Funtimes, Photo, Music. Sporting events (ESPN, ESPN 2) are shown only on big screens – at the ship’s Sports Bar and Seaside Theatre (not in cabins/suites). All the TV’s connection ports are intentionally disabled, which makes it impossible to connect it with personal devices (cameras, DVDs, USBs, iPods, gaming consoles, etc).

The new Carnival beds are Europe-manufactured exclusively for the company. The ensemble includes custom pillows (trademarked “New Generation Pillows”, 100% cotton), duvet (100% hypoallergenic, ultra-fine, satin-striped), cover, deluxe sheets (high-quality cotton), pillowcases (ultra-fine, satin-striped), 8-inch / 20 cm spring mattresses (trademarked “Carnival Comfort”). Alternative (non-allergenic) bedding is also available. It includes 100% polyester blankets, sheets and pillowcases (60/40 cotton-polyester) and New Generation Pillows (100% cotton). Note: Trundle beds don’t have Carnival Comfort mattresses.

The Carnival’s Sail & Sign card (cashless onboard credit account) doubles as stateroom key. The S&S credit program allows charges on purchases and tips/gratuities directly to a personal account throughout the Carnival cruise. The card has a designated owner and must be utilized for all money transactions on the ship as cash is accepted as a form of payment only at the casino. These cards are provided to all passengers (incl minors) immediately upon boarding the ship. Balance updates are provided at Guest Services desk (at any time). They can also be checked via the smart TV in each stateroom.

Carnival-logoed Beach Towels are provided in each cruise accommodation for passengers to take ashore. Beach towels are also available for purchasing (at $22). Bathrobes (2) are provided in all suites and also in Spa cabins. Additional bathrobes are provided upon request. For all other cruise accommodations, bathrobes are provided (upon request) during the turndown service on the first evening. Bathrobes can be purchased at $49 (adult size) and $24 (children sizes /2-4 yo and 6-8 yo).

Life jackets are used in cases of emergency only (not at the ship pools). Lifejackets are located within passenger/crew cabins (in the closet). They are available in 3 sizes – adult, child, and infant.

Each of the cabins has a safe (located in the closet) with approx dimensions (inches/centimeters) – width (10/25), height (9/23) and depth (8/20). Cabin safes can be accessed by any magnetic strip card. It is advisable not to use a valid credit card (or driver’s license), but an old expired card (or some rewards card) instead. Some safes are with a keypad (personal code). Safes can be opened also by the ship’s security.

All passenger cabin and suite mini-bars are stocked with premium liquors ($6-9,25), beer ($6,25), energy drinks ($5), soft soda/beverages ($2), bottled water ($3,75). 

In-cabin babysitting is not available (read more at Camp Ocean below). Cribs in cruise cabins are provided complimentary (upon request). In Main Dining Rooms are provided complimentary high chairs and booster seats.

Smoking in cabins/suites and on their balconies is prohibited. On Carnival Glory, smoking allowed areas (cigarettes /incl electronic cigarettes) are 70’s Nightclub (disco /not allowed on the dance floor), Casino (designated areas), Casino Bar. Smoking (incl of cigars and tobacco pipes) is allowed on designated outdoor areas on Deck 3 portside (forward) and on Deck 11 portside.

Funville@Sea is free of charge Intranet service providing information on onboard activities and events schedule, bar and restaurant menus, deck maps, Fun Times (newspaper), FunAshore (tour guides), Carnival cruise news, itinerary-related weather reports, onboard social network (tracking/messaging other passengers). The complimentary service is available via the Infotainment system (in all cabins) and also at the FunHub stations around the ship.

Current cruise ship gratuities (per day per person) are USD 12,95 (for standard cabin passengers) and USD 13,95 for suite passengers. The list of perks for all suites includes: priority embarkation/debarkation/tendering (all ports), priority main dining room reservations, complimentary bottled water in cabins, a complimentary bag of laundry (one per cruise), enhanced turndown service.

Since 2017, Carnival Cruise Line offers a new program allowing ship passengers to customize their steward service by choosing to have the cabin serviced in the morning, at night or both (twice a day). All guests can choose from a list of additional cabin amenities, among which are bathrobes, extra pillows, blankets, closet hangers. All guests can also specify how often the bed linens to be changed during the cruise. Your personal preferences can be selected from a services menu card left in each of the ship’s staterooms. By default, if you make no selections on the card, your room service steward will service the accommodation twice daily.

You can see all the furniture details on Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Glory cabin plans in the above table.

Cruise Ship Room Service

In 2016, Carnival Cruise Lines rolled out fleetwide for-fee (chargeable) room service menu, which items can be ordered 24/7. The new menu still has free of charge items – hot and cold sandwiches, salads, desserts, beverages, Continental Breakfast selections. At extra cost (ranging between USD 1,50 and 6) are items that include shrimp, also sushi, pizza, quesadillas, cheesesteaks, chicken wings/tenders, fries. Bar drinks orders through room service are at regular bar menu prices (no extra fee added).

Complimentary room service menu

• Continental Breakfast (upon request)
• Sandwiches are served with potato salad, coleslaw, potato chips/pretzels, bread (white, whole wheat, rye, gluten-free). The list of sandwiches includes Tuna Salad, Roast Turkey, Ham & Cheese, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato, Grilled Cheese, Grilled Reuben (corned beef, Swiss cheese).
• Salads – Garden, Caesar, Vegetable Platter (with dips)
• Desserts – cheesecake, cookies, chocolate cake
• Beverages – juices (tomato, orange, apple, grapefruit), tea (hot, iced), hot chocolate, milk, soft drinks (club soda, ginger ale, tonic water, coke, and sprite /also diet)
• Beers – domestic (Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Samuel Adams), imported (Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois), also available are beer buckets and wines by the bottle.

For-fee room service menu

The following items are available for ordering 24 hours but are at an additional charge.

• Chicken Wings ($5) – choice of Honey BBQ, Teriyaki, Garlic Parmesan, Buffalo Sauce, Caribbean Jerk
• Chicken Tenders ($5) – choice of sauce (BBQ or Honey Mustard)
• Firecracker Shrimp ($6) – fried with chili ginger, served with fries
• Chicken Quesadilla ($5)
• Philly Cheesesteak ($5) – served with fries
• Pan Pizza ($5) – handmade and baked-to-order (Cheese, Pepperoni, Ham, and Pineapple)
• French Fries ($1,50), Sweet Potato Fries ($2), Banana Split ($4).

Continental Breakfast room service menu

The following items are available for ordering free of charge.

• Cereals and Fruits –  Banana, Melon, Frosted Flakes, Special K, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Fruit Loops, Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Bakery –  toasts (white, wheat, gluten-free), danish pastries, muffins, croissants, bagels
• Yogurt – plain, strawberry, peach, raspberry
• Drinks – juices (orange, apple, tomato, grapefruit), hot tea, milk (also skim and chocolate), fresh coffee (regular and decaf)
• Half-and-half (milk-cream), butter, margarine, cream cheese, jelly (grape, diet, strawberry, guava), honey, orange marmalade.

Carnival Glory cabin and suite plans are property of Carnival Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Carnival Glory Decks and Cabins

• 5 Promenade
• 10 Panorama
• Click here for ALL
• Small Interior
• Interior with Picture Window
• Scenic Oceanview
• Premium Balcony
• Ocean Suite
• Grand Suite
• Captains Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabins Check

Built in 2003, the Carnival Glory cruise ship weighs 110K tons and has 1492 staterooms for up to 3581 passengers served by 1150 crew . There are 13 passenger decks, 8 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 31 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Carnival Glory showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

Carnival Glory

Last Drydock: Feb 2022 (Wet Dock)

LIVE SHIP TRACKING

STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

CAPTAINS SUITE

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 9202

Sleeps up to: 5 2 Cabins Cabin: 500 sqft (47 m 2 ) Balcony: 150 sqft (14 m 2 )

Click for    

More Info [+/-]

Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, stateroom cabin perks, grand suite.

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 7289

Sleeps up to: 4 10 Cabins Cabin: 345 sqft (32 m 2 ) Balcony: 85 sqft (8 m 2 )

OCEAN SUITE

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 9206

Sleeps up to: 3 42 Cabins Cabin: 275 sqft (26 m 2 ) Balcony: 65 sqft (6 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

 Accessible Info [+/-]

Important size information, more diagrams of this cabin type.

PREMIUM BALCONY

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 7445

Sleeps up to: 3 8 Cabins Cabin: 185 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 75 sqft (7 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 9267

Sleeps up to: 4 513 Cabins Cabin: 185 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 35 sqft (3 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

SCENIC OCEANVIEW

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 9199

Sleeps up to: 4 6 Cabins Cabin: 220 sqft (21 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 2480

Sleeps up to: 4 324 Cabins Cabin: 220 sqft (21 m 2 )

INTERIOR WITH PICTURE WINDOW

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 7201

Sleeps up to: 4 16 Cabins Cabin: 170 sqft (16 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 1216

Sleeps up to: 4 6 Cabins Cabin: 170 sqft (16 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 6420

Sleeps up to: 4 544 Cabins Cabin: 170 sqft (16 m 2 )

SMALL INTERIOR

Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 1435

Sleeps up to: 2 21 Cabins Cabin: 160 sqft (15 m 2 )

Carnival Glory Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

Carnival Glory Quick Stats

Big picture carnival glory decks.

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Carnival Glory Links

• PDF of all the decks
• PDF (choose your own decks)
• Carnival Glory DECK DRAG
• Carnival Glory Cabin Check

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

Carnival Glory Review – The Good, Bad, And Debatable

With a guest capacity of almost 3,000, Carnival Glory offers budget-friendly, family-oriented cruises and plenty of activities to keep you entertained at sea. Typical of   Carnival Cruise line ships , the Glory’s décor contains vivid colors, exactly what you’d expect on ‘the fun ship.’

My review of Carnival Glory is based on my 14-day back-to-back cruise of both the eastern and western Caribbean .  It was plenty of time to experience all the ins and outs of this Carnival vessel.

Although showing its age and needing refurbishment, the Glory offers large staterooms, excellent entertainment, great food, and attentive staff.

Faster To The Fun

Since some of the ports required a tender, I considered purchasing a Faster to the Fun (FTTF) package. In fact, I added it to my cart on Carnival’s excursion section and was going to check out the next day when I had more time.

But by waiting until the next day to buy, the FTTF sold out. If you want to get onboard faster, have priority tenders, and get off quickly on debarkation day, don’t wait to purchase the FTTF.

I had to get up early on tender days without the fast pass and queue to get a low-numbered tender ticket. It wasn’t a problem for me, but you could miss your tour if you have early shore excursions that weren’t booked through the cruise line.

Glory’s Staterooms

Carnival launched the Glory in 2003, and her staterooms show their age. Although needing a refresh, at 185 to 220 sq. feet for the smaller cabins, the space is big enough for two or more.

If you’re a family sharing a cabin with children, the room has plenty of storage and doesn’t feel cramped. Beware of the guaranteed inside cabins as the 1A features bunk beds instead of a queen-sized bed.

I had a balcony cabin on both of my cruises, although I did not have the same stateroom. I had an 8D balcony on the forward Lido deck for my eastern Caribbean cruise. On the second cruise, I moved up one deck to an 8E balcony, again near the front of the ship.

Carnival made it easy to move staterooms on turnaround day. I packed my luggage, and my steward moved everything to my new room, which was immediately available to me.

My Carnival Glory cabin was great on both cruises, and although far forward, I did not feel any motion. The only negative for some might be its proximity to the bridge. Since the bridge juts out from the vessel, it prevents a clear view looking forward.

Unlike the mega-ships with overly sized suites, the Captain’s Suite, the largest on the vessel, is modest at 500 sq. feet with a 150 sq. foot balcony. Smaller in size, an Ocean suite measures 275 sq. feet, and these cabins are centrally located and forward on deck 7.

Carnival Glory Pools

This was my first time on a Conquest-class vessel, and I can’t say that I was fond of the pool deck layout.

Both Lido pools are small, and although there are plenty of poolside loungers around the Turquoise Pool, they are positioned on tiered decks reminiscent of stadium seating.

With bathers in and out of the pool and hot tubs, the stairs on the tiered decks were always wet. A real slipping hazard!

The company built the Carnival waterworks and slides adjacent to the Lido pool, so this area tended to be busy and noisy. During the FunShip 2.0 upgrade, Carnival added the waterworks, a great addition for families.

I tried the adult-only Serenity area a few times to avoid the crowds, but it was crowded most days. The Serenity had some comfy circular loungers, but guests took them at the crack of dawn every day. The only day I enjoyed a covered lounger was on turnaround day when the Carnival ship was virtually empty.

The Lido deck has several hot tubs, and those next to the Turquoise Pool are large in size. Over the pool, a large screen TV provided entertainment most days and nights.

I stumbled across the best hot tub in the spa area. Down a corridor adjacent to the fitness area, it’s hard to find. Since passengers rarely see it, I had the spa to myself most days.

Located on deck 11 forward, the spa isn’t big at over 13,000 sq. feet. However, it does contain all the usual, a beauty salon, fitness center, aerobic room, and treatment rooms.

Be sure to stop by on embarkation day, when the spa has a free draw. On port days, they usually have exclusive offers. Outside on deck 11 aft, the sports deck has a jogging track.

The steam room and sauna are my favorite places in the spa. Guests can use these complimentary areas throughout their cruise.

Carnival Glory Food Review

No cruise review is complete without talking about food. While I’ve read some negative reviews about the Carnival Glory food, my experience was all positive. First of all, I’m a challenging passenger to feed since I sail with food allergies . 

Being Celiac, lactose-intolerant, and deadly allergic to nuts, a cruise line’s ability to prepare good tasting food can be hit or miss. I had one of the best food experiences during my 14 days in the Caribbean and never got sick once.

In the evening, I’d select my meals for the following day with the help of the Maitre D. Then, the kitchen prepared delicious, healthy meals (and desserts) that were free of my allergens each day. I even got to enjoy the incredible melting chocolate cake several times.

During Glory’s FunShip 2.0 upgrade, Carnival added the famous Guy’s Burger Joint. To my surprise, I could order a burger with a gluten-free bun or have it lettuce-wrapped. While I don’t tend to eat fast food, I had to try one to see what everyone was raving about.

The patty is free of wheat fillers, making it safe for Celiacs. Guy Fieri’s burgers are made to order, packed full of flavor, and don’t incur an additional fee. In fact, it was so good that I ate a couple during my two-week vacation.

The Golden Restaurant and Platinum Restaurants are both complementary and located on deck 3. However, what I found frustrating, was that I could not walk across the whole deck.

Carnival built the galley in the middle of the ship, requiring passengers to walk up or down one level to access the dining room. I ate most of my meals in the Platinum Restaurant because having meals made for me was safer than eating at the buffet.

One restaurant that most passengers did not use was the Ol’ Fashioned Bbq. Located upstairs from the Red Sail Restaurant, most passengers did not even find its location during the cruise.

Even if I chose not to get food from this restaurant, it was a quiet space to eat, and I was always guaranteed to get a table. While I only ate breakfast at the buffet, the line-up was usually long, but I appreciated being able to get an omelet made to order.

For those who prefer specialty dining, the Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi Express, The Chef’s Table, and Green Eggs and Ham breakfast incur an extra fee.

Carnival Glory Entertainment

Since Carnival prides itself on being a cruise line for all ages, it offers something for everybody. Suess at Sea, Video Game Arcade, and Camp Ocean keep the little ones busy during sea days. Hasbro, The Game Show, provides great entertainment for the whole family in the evening.

I attended most Playlist Productions in the Amber Palace Lounge, and they were all fantastic. Afterward, I enjoyed the late-night comedy at the Punchliner Comedy Club.

There was no end to events for night owls who like to stay occupied into the wee hours. Being the fun ship, Carnival also hosts shows such as “Love and Marriage,” “Lip Sync Battle, and the “Hasbro Show,” as mentioned above.

The entertainment didn’t stop there, as the pool deck was always alive with activity. Those who have never cruised with Carnival before might find their “Hairy Chest Contest” questionable.

While most contestants had lots of body hair, younger men with almost waxed torsos also entered. They paraded the deck, allowing women to rub their hands on the chests. While most Carnival Cruise fans love this sort of event, it’s not for everyone.

For social drinkers, there are plenty of bars to grab a drink. Choose from the SkyBox Sports Bar, Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Cantina, Tequila Bar, Ivory Club Bar, or the Red Frog Rum Bar. If you like to party into the wee hours, the White Heat Dance Club is next to the Alchemy Bar.

When reviewing a ship, I like to see good entertainment and the Carnival Glory delivered during my 14 days in the Caribbean.

Other Venues

Typical of most cruise lines, Glory has onboard shopping, a casino, a coffee shop, and even a candy shop called Cherry on Top. Interestingly, the aptly named Kaleidoscope Boulevard gives a good picture of the whole vessel.

While Carnival ships tend to have bright colors, the Glory’s décor was slightly over the top, with some rooms almost psychedelic.

Deck 12 or the aft sun deck features mini golf, which was rarely ever busy. Being an older ship, the Glory doesn’t have any of the characteristics of the more popular mega-ships. However, you get what you pay for, and those vessels command higher prices.

Turnaround Day

I was sailing a back-to-back cruise, with a turnaround day In Miami, Florida. The itinerary included Half Moon Cay, Old San Juan, and St. Thomas for my Eastern Caribbean cruise. The West Caribbean had stops in Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, Belize, and Grand Caymen.

Carnival made turnaround day effortless by leaving specific instructions in my cabin the night before. Carnival gave me a time and place to meet the following morning. It surprised me how many people chose to do a 14-day cruise.

After a photographer took a group photo, I followed a staff member off the ship. Once quickly through security, I boarded the vessel again. The itinerary included Half Moon Cay, San Juan, and St. Thomas for my eastern Caribbean cruise. The western Caribbean ports included Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, Belize, and Grand Cayman.

When I returned to my new stateroom, I found a bottle of champagne, a basket of fresh fruit, and a card from the hotel director. Later, I also received a couple of complimentary 8×10 group photos of the back-to-back passengers. It was a nice touch. Well done, Carnival!

Before flying to Florida, I booked two independent tours. The first an all-inclusive day at Cozumel’s Nachi Cocom. Then in St. Thomas, I enjoyed a Champagne Catamaran Sail and snorkel to St. John, which was terrific.

With 14 days in the Caribbean, I felt I did a lot, from enjoying the culture of Old San Juan, experiencing the jungle in Honduras, and doing not one but three snorkeling tours with stingrays.

My eastern Caribbean cruise included a day in Half Moon Cay, a private island owned by Carnival Corporation. With cruise lines moving towards visiting their own islands, they have a monopoly on tours, shopping, and extra expenses.

Before I could tender to Half Moon Cay, some staff members disembarked, taking food and supplies for the day. They prepared a decent buffet lunch on the island, complete with fresh fruit, juice, and water. What I found odd was those who purchased a drink package had to buy drinks on the island.

In Half Moon Cay, I took an impromptu swim with the stingrays on the other side of the island. When reviewing this excursion against similar ones in Grand Cayman and Belize, the swim in the Bahamas was subpar. The water was cold, the stingrays were in a small enclosure, and visibility was not good.

However, my stingray and shark tour in Belize  was so fantastic, that I would do it again in a heartbeat. Grand Cayman is the most popular place to take a stingray tour. While I did that tour too, it was far more crowded than the one in Belize.

The Belize day tour included a short stop in Caye Caulker too. The experiences in Belize and Grand Cayman allow cruise passengers to see stingrays in the wild, which is more authentic.

Final Thoughts

The Carnival Glory, once based out of Miami, has now moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, as its home base. It offers cruises of six days or more to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the Panama Canal.

If you’re a fan of the Conquest-class vessels, the Carnival Conquest, Valor, Liberty, and Freedom fall into this category. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, family-friendly cruise, the Carnival Glory delivers.

While it may lack the bells and whistles of newer ships, there’s no time for boredom with plenty of activities. Isn’t that what you expect of the “fun ship?”

Happy travels ~ Karen

Wednesday 25th of January 2023

I enjoyed reading about the ship! we are planning a western cruise in October this year and the glory is our boat. Thanks for the info!

Forever Karen

You're welcome, Amanda. Have a wonderful cruise to the Caribbean.

Monday 19th of December 2022

Did you find that the food lines were long? Have you cruised with Royal caribbean? I’ve cruises carnival once and Royal twice. Never experienced food lines with royal, but did with carnival. Wondering if it was just the ship, or if its to be expected.

I didn't experience long lines on Carnival. It can be hit-and-miss cruising coming out of the pandemic. We're cruised twice recently on Royal Caribbean. There were no lineups on either ship. On the Ovation of the Seas, there were sometimes lineups to get into restaurants for those on anytime dining.

Saturday 13th of August 2022

Worst cruise I been on ship to small. Kids were bad. I did not like how you have to order from your phone. I have been on 7 cruise with carnival. Cruise on 724 thru 7/31/22

Thank you for your feedback. When cruising, it's finding the balance of which cruise line and ships are right for you.

Sunday 24th of July 2022

We 2 bottles of champagne taken from our luggage checking in and was confiscated. We put our luggage outside our room for next day disembark and my suitcase was destroyed. I will not use Carnival again.

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with Carnival, and thank your feedback on your personal experience.

Barbara Gaston

Thursday 21st of July 2022

If Glory was my first cruise I probably would’ve like it better. It was to small of ship, pools were crowded, rooms were nice sized but very outdated like the entire ship. Food not bad but lines so long. Steakhouse was delicious. Chefs table over priced and too fro-fro for this ship. Employees were very helpful and friendly. Disliked you had to change floors to get to restaurant. I will never sail on the Carnival Glory again, but I guess you get what you pay for but I’ll pay more for a memorable vacation.

Smaller ships aren't for everyone. While I found Glory's layout a little odd, it wouldn't stop me from cruising on her again.

Privacy Overview

Revamped Carnival Glory headed to Port Canaveral

C arnival Cruise Line has revamped its Carnival Glory cruise ship with new features before it heads to its new home at Port Canaveral.

The 110,000-gross-ton ship is taking on three- and four-night Bahamas sailings from the port, joining three other Carnival ships. Built in 2003, the ship has a 2,980-guest passenger capacity based on double occupancy.

It recently came out of a 21-day dry dock at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, receiving some enhancements found on other Carnival ships.

Changes include a new casino layout, including a nonsmoking area, and a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge that pays deference to military veterans and active-duty service members, taking over the SkyBox Sports Bar. Also added were a Dreams Photography Studio and upgrades within the spa.

When it debuted more than 20 years ago, Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, was named its godmother. Its space-themed pedigree extends to enhancements added to the youth area Camp Ocean, which now has a large video wall for its Space Cruisers program. Its curriculum was developed in partnership with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Also updated is the video arcade and redubbed The Warehouse.

The refurb also removed the aft-pool Sky Dome, while the ship received routine hotel maintenance, cosmetic enhancements, ADA compliant updates in public areas and select staterooms including the addition of Ambulatory Accessible staterooms.

Stateroom balconies were also redone with new windows and doors and every stateroom had new LED lighting and bathroom nightlights added.

The ship sailed out of Barcelona on Thursday for a 14-night transatlantic voyage to Port Canaveral.

Its first sailing from Florida will be May 2. It joins Carnival Freedom, Carnival Vista and Carnival’s Mardi Gras calling the Orlando-area port home.

Leaving is Carnival Liberty, which is moving to New Orleans.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said Carnival Glory received an updated hull paint scheme during the 2024 dry dock. It had its hull paint scheme updated in 2021.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Experience the Natural Beauty of Samara

In 2023, Samara was reopened to the public following a year-long, $2 million restoration that addressed structural and mechanical challenges. Since then, tours have been offered on a regular basis for the first time ever, rather than by appointment, from early spring until late autumn. 

During your guided tour of Samara, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for affordable, middle-class housing, which he called Usonian. 
• Explore the personal connection Dr. John and Catherine Christian had with Wright over the five-year design process for the house. 
• Discover the many design elements Wright used to unite interior and exterior spaces and other hallmarks of the Usonian style. 
• Visit multiple areas of the house, including the living room, dining room, kitchen (which Wright called the workspace), master bedroom and bath, and guest bedroom and bath. Visitors may also walk the wooded lot to explore the property’s exterior. 

Tour Schedule

In 2024, Samara will open for tours for Purdue students and families starting on Wednesday, April 10, and for the general public starting on Wednesday, April 17. The tour season will run until Sunday, November 24, 2024.  

Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday unless the house is closed for private events with a morning tour at 10 a.m. EDT and an afternoon tour at 3 p.m. EDT. On select weekends additional tours may be offered starting at 12:30 p.m. EDT. 

Purchase tickets below or by using Eventbrite. Organizations and school groups are encouraged to contact our office by calling 765-409-5522 to schedule a custom tour. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting the site .

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?  Yes. Unfortunately, we cannot welcome walk-in guests. You can make reservations at using the form above or at Eventbrite. Private groups may call 765-409-5522.  Do I need to print out my tickets?  No. We will have a list of ticket purchases, so you do not need to print your tickets.    How many people can be on a tour?  Each tour can accommodate up to 15 people. Private groups may call 765-409-5522 to accommodate larger group sizes.     Does Samara have a visitors’ center?  No. We will meet outside the house. Feel free to enjoy the gardens before the tour.    When and where do I check-in?  Check-in starts 20 min before your scheduled tour time. At the top of the brick driveway, look for a “Welcome” sign under the carport area. We will take your name through our check-in window.     Can I drive on the driveway?  No. All vehicles are restricted. Please walk up the brick driveway to access the house. If you have mobility issues, please call our office to arrange driveway access.    Does Samara have a gift shop?  No. If you would like to support Samara further, we appreciate donations to enhance our education and preservation programs.     What should I do if I’m late?  Please call our office at 765-409-5522 before your scheduled tour time. Tours will start promptly at the time indicated (Eastern Daylight Time) on your ticket. Do not attempt to open any of our historic doors or windows!    Where is Samara?  Look for a brick driveway at the dead-end of Woodland Avenue in West Lafayette, Indiana. Our teal-colored mailbox and gate are labeled 1301.    Can I see Samara from the road?  No. The house is hidden from street view by lush greenery. (Our neighbor’s house is completely visible to the road and has architectural elements reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, but it is not Samara)    What time zone is Samara located within?  Eastern Daylight Time 

Tour Expectations 

Are we allowed to use the furniture?  Yes, but only in the living room. If you need accommodation for a seat in other rooms, please alert your guide prior to the tour.    Can we open the cabinets or handle artifacts?  Yes, but ask first! Please ask your tour guide before handling the cabinets or artifacts. We will facilitate and/or advise based on the best manner to preserve the historic site.     Is photography allowed?  Yes. Photography outside and inside the house is encouraged for personal, non-commercial use only. Tripods and drones are prohibited on regular tours. Photographers may schedule an appointment.     Are food and drinks allowed inside the house?  No. Please leave food and drinks outside or in your vehicle. Only water bottles may be permitted inside.    Are backpacks, purses, or bags allowed inside the house?  No. Please leave your personal belongings in your vehicle. The house has narrow hallways and small rooms that may be easily scratched by bags.    Is smoking or vaping allowed?  No. Smoking or vaping on the property is strictly prohibited.    What if it is raining?  When it’s raining, we adapt tours to cover indoor areas only. If you would like to tour the grounds on your own, please bring an umbrella. 

Accommodations & Amenities 

Are restrooms available in Samara?  No. We ask that you use a restroom before your visit to the property.    Does Samara have on-site parking?  No. However, public parking is available nearby along both sides of Woodland Avenue.    Can I drive on the driveway?  No. All vehicles are restricted. Please walk up the brick driveway to access the house. If you have mobility issues, please call our office to arrange driveway access.    Are pets allowed on the tour?  Certified service pets are always welcome. Please notify us ahead of your visit by calling 765-409-5522. Other pets are not permitted on tours. Also, please note that our property has limited shade, and pets should not be left in vehicles while guests are attending tours.    Is Samara wheelchair accessible?  No. We are working to make the house accessible, but currently there are three steps required to enter the house. If you have questions about accommodation and access, contact us at [email protected] or 765-409-5522.    Are there many stairs during the tour?  No. Three stairsteps are required to enter the house. Inside, there are two areas with three stairsteps. If you need accommodation for a more accessible route inside, please alert your guide prior to the tour.    Are tours available in different languages?  No. Currently, tours are only offered in English. However, please refer to our blog for more information about the historic site. 

Refund & Transfer Policy  

• Refund requests must be received at least 7 days before the tour date. Because tickets are purchased through Eventbrite, you will receive a partial refund as Eventbrite no longer refunds its fees.   
• Transfer requests must be received at least 3 days before the tour date. Depending on availability, tickets may be transferred to a new date and time. There is no fee for ticket transfers.   
• In the rare event that Samara must cancel a tour (e.g., natural disaster, medical emergency, or visitor safety is compromised), guests will be notified and offered a full refund. 

Winged Seed

One of the most complete Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the United States, Samara offers national and international visitors rare immersive insight into Wright’s Usonian design philosophy.

Years in the Making

The story of Samara is one of a young couple aspiring to a dream home designed by one of America’s most famous architects. Today, tucked into a quiet neighborhood in West Lafayette, that home is an exceptional example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian houses, which the architect defined as a sensible, modest, uniquely American dwellings.

In 1950, Dr. John and Catherine Christian reached out to Frank Lloyd Wright, who took their commission on the condition that the couple would fully implement his design, inside and out, even if it took years. During a visit to Taliesin, Catherine gave the famous architect a 28-page booklet, “What We Need for How We Live,” detailing the couple’s space needs and how they would use each room—from family gatherings to hosting faculty and students from nearby Purdue University, where Dr. Christian was a Bionucleonics professor.

The Christians worked with Wright over a period of five years (1951-1956) to develop detailed design and construction plans—from landscape and exterior details to specific interior furnishings including china, bed linens, and even the toilet paper holder.

Named for the winged seeds produced by the site’s evergreens, Samara features an abstract version of the winged seed design motif throughout the interior and exterior of the house. Today, Samara is notable as one of the most complete, fully implemented Wright-designed projects.

Indiana Landmarks led a years-long effort to get Samara designated a National Historic Landmark, a distinction it finally earned in 2015.

Today, Indiana Landmarks co-stewards Samara with the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust. In 2023, Indiana Landmarks completed a comprehensive restoration project to address structural issues and update aging environmental systems to protect the home’s extensive collection of Wright-designed furnishings. The $2 million project was funded by a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures grant from the National Park Service, the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust, Inc., and private donations.

Tours of Samara are offered on a regular basis, Wednesdays through Sundays, from spring until late autumn. Make your reservation below or by going to Eventbrite. For additional details, visit samara-house.org .

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting the site.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?  Yes. Unfortunately, we cannot welcome walk-in guests. You can make reservations at using the form above or at Eventbrite. Private groups may call 765-409-5522.

Do I need to print out my tickets? No. We will have a list of ticket purchases, so you do not need to print your tickets.

How many people can be on a tour? Each tour can accommodate up to 15 people. Private groups may call 765-409-5522 to accommodate larger group sizes.

Does Samara have a visitors’ center? No. We will meet outside the house. Feel free to enjoy the gardens before the tour.

When and where do I check-in? Check-in starts 20 min before your scheduled tour time. At the top of the brick driveway, look for a “Welcome” sign under the carport area. We will take your name through our check-in window.

Can I drive on the driveway? No. All vehicles are restricted. Please walk up the brick driveway to access the house. If you have mobility issues, please call our office to arrange driveway access.

Does Samara have a gift shop? No. If you would like to support Samara further, we appreciate donations to enhance our education and preservation programs.

What should I do if I’m late? Please call our office at 765-409-5522 before your scheduled tour time. Tours will start promptly at the time indicated (Eastern Daylight Time) on your ticket. Do not attempt to open any of our historic doors or windows!

Where is Samara? Look for a brick driveway at the dead-end of Woodland Avenue in West Lafayette, Indiana. Our teal-colored mailbox and gate are labeled 1301.

Can I see Samara from the road? No. The house is hidden from street view by lush greenery. (Our neighbor’s house is completely visible to the road and has architectural elements reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, but it is not Samara)

What time zone is Samara located within? Eastern Daylight Time

Tour Expectations

Are we allowed to use the furniture? Yes, but only in the living room. If you need accommodation for a seat in other rooms, please alert your guide prior to the tour.

Can we open the cabinets or handle artifacts? Yes, but ask first! Please ask your tour guide before handling the cabinets or artifacts. We will facilitate and/or advise based on the best manner to preserve the historic site.

Is photography allowed? Yes. Photography outside and inside the house is encouraged for personal, non-commercial use only. Tripods and drones are prohibited on regular tours. Photographers may schedule an appointment.

Are food and drinks allowed inside the house? No. Please leave food and drinks outside or in your vehicle. Only water bottles may be permitted inside.

Are backpacks, purses, or bags allowed inside the house? No. Please leave your personal belongings in your vehicle. The house has narrow hallways and small rooms that may be easily scratched by bags.

Is smoking or vaping allowed? No. Smoking or vaping on the property is strictly prohibited.

What if it is raining? When it’s raining, we adapt tours to cover indoor areas only. If you would like to tour the grounds on your own, please bring an umbrella.

Accommodations & Amenities

Are restrooms available in Samara? No. We ask that you use a restroom before your visit to the property.

Does Samara have on-site parking? No. However, public parking is available nearby along both sides of Woodland Avenue.

Are pets allowed on the tour? Certified service pets are always welcome. Please notify us ahead of your visit by calling 765-409-5522. Other pets are not permitted on tours. Also, please note that our property has limited shade, and pets should not be left in vehicles while guests are attending tours.

Is Samara wheelchair accessible? No. We are working to make the house accessible, but currently there are three steps required to enter the house. If you have questions about accommodation and access, contact us at [email protected] or 765-409-5522.

Are there many stairs during the tour? No. Three stairsteps are required to enter the house. Inside, there are two areas with three stairsteps. If you need accommodation for a more accessible route inside, please alert your guide prior to the tour.

Are tours available in different languages? No. Currently, tours are only offered in English. However, please refer to our blog for more information about the historic site.

Return & Transfer Policy

• Refund requests must be received at least 7 days before the tour date. Because tickets are purchased through Eventbrite, you will receive a partial refund as Eventbrite no longer refunds its fees.
• Transfer requests must be received at least 3 days before the tour date. Depending on availability, tickets may be transferred to a new date and time. There is no fee for ticket transfers.
• In the rare event that Samara must cancel a tour (e.g., natural disaster, medical emergency, or visitor safety is compromised), guests will be notified and offered a full refund.

BOSTON'S PREMIER ONLINE ARTS MAGAZINE

Jazz Concert Review: “Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday” — A Prodigious Joy

By Allen Michie

Samara Joy uncorked her gospel pipes, the likes of which probably haven’t been heard on mainstream secular stages since Aretha Franklin.

Samara Joy, “A Joyful Holiday, Featuring the McLendon Family” Austin, Texas, Bass Concert Hall, December 3, 2023

I thought I knew what to expect from a Samara Joy Christmas concert, promoting her new album Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday . The prodigious Joy is blessed with a sumptuous voice that sounds like butterscotch tastes. I assumed I’d hear a warm, creamy eggnog mix of ballads in the Nat Cole tradition, spiked with a dash of Dinah Washington’s jazzy R&B. Chestnuts would roast all by themselves just as soon as she pronounced the words with her rich tone and smooth delivery.

And they did. But there was, surprisingly, much, much more. At 22 years old, Joy is in her early prime, full of ideas, unjaded, and as surprised as anyone else at her own success. She sang every song like she meant it, and she was brought to tears three times (and held it back several times more). She uncorked her gospel pipes, the likes of which probably haven’t been heard on mainstream secular stages since Aretha Franklin.

She also sang a Betty Carter tune ( “Tight” ) and served Cécile McLorin Salvant notice that there’s a new gunslinger in town. (I can’t wait for their inevitable duet or live showdown. She’s lately been recording with Salvant’s pianist, Sullivan Fortner ). She showed that Sarah Vaughan isn’t her only point of reference — Whitney Houston is in there, too, as is a dose of Stevie Wonder. Her rediscovery of the latter’s lovely Christmas song, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me,” was a refreshing and delightful addition to the standard Christmas repertoire.

What made the concert special to her, and to the full audience at The University of Texas at Austin’s expansive Bass Concert Hall, was the addition of four of Joy’s family members: her father Antonio McLendon, her uncle Laurone McLendon, and her cousins Tiera Lovell Rowe and Thomas Niblack. Joy told the story of how she grew up among multiple generations of singers, and it never occurred to her as a child that every family didn’t just break out into song throughout the day. She explained how meaningful it was to her and her family that her recent success allowed them to realize their dream of singing together as a family, on stage, bringing their uplifting message to the world. This sense of family unity, gratitude, and purpose truly came through in the music, conveying an unclichéd and uncloying sense of holiday spirit. Their first piece was a spine-tingling “O Holy Night” (released here as a digital single) that brought the crowd to its feet.

Antonio McLendon, who once toured with Andraé Crouch’s gospel choir, is a superb singer and electric bassist (and sometimes both simultaneously, scatting along with his playing à la George Benson). Joy wisely featured several of his compositions and elegantly precise vocal arrangements. Some record executive needs to sign this guy, like RIGHT NOW. His duet with Joy on “The Christmas Song” was a viral YouTube hit last year for all the right reasons. You could close your eyes and, with a little imagination, hear what it would have been like if Sarah Vaughan had done a duet with Luther Vandross. They’re in that league.

If you think a Samara Joy Christmas concert might be a little too Diana Krall for your taste, think again. This was a rousing gospel revival and a swinging jazz celebration. Yes there were some of Joy’s smokey jazz chamber pieces, but even these were infused with a rare spirit this night. Her hit version of that usually tired standard “Guess Who I Saw Today” paused before the final key word of the song as she segued into Stevie Wonder’s “Lately,” a brilliant stroke that made a moving digression into the silent tortured mind of the singer just before she finishes her conversation with an unfaithful lover. The stunned audience rose again to its feet. It was a reminder that Joy is as masterful a storyteller as she is a straight jazz singer.

This one’s not to be missed if she comes to your town .

Allen Michie  works in higher education administration in Austin, Texas. He’s the moderator of the Jazztodon.com instance on Mastodon and the Miles Davis Discussion Group on Facebook. You can read an archive of his essays and reviews  allenmichie.medium.com .

“She also sang a Betty Carter tune (“Tight”) and served Cécile McLorin Salvant notice that there’s a new gunslinger in town. (I can’t wait for their inevitable duet or live showdown. She’s lately been recording with Salvant’s pianist, Sullivan Fortner). ” REALLY????

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