first-time cruiser

An inside room is a great deal because they are usually bigger than the oceanview rooms and there is no light - ie. it is nighttime 24 hours a day (great for sleeping off hangovers)

I have only been on Princess but I have heard that Carnival are very good at the tendering process.. in that where Princess take hours to get 2000 passengers off a ship, Carnival are much more efficient. The ports where the ship can actually "pull up" next to the dock and everyone walks off the ship are much better. Check on your itinerary how many ports are tendered. My cruising experience is limited to the South Pacific and North Queensland so I have no idea what happens at the ports you mentioned.

You are going to love it though, cruises are the most relaxing, enjoyable vacations you can take!!! Let me know how you go!

It may be too late at this point, but I can definitely recommend that cruise. I did that particular itinerary in 2006 and it was a lot of fun.

The ship is a nice one. Relatively large, so it has lots of "bells and whistles": multiple swimming pools, water slide, steakhouse restaurant in addition to the regular dining room and more casual restaurant.

Here are some good, recent pictures of Carnival Glory.

In terms of an inside vs. outside, it's really a question of price and claustrophobia. An outside cabin gives you a window to look out of, but not more space. An inside cabin is generally a couple of hundred dollars cheaper. (Personally I'm spoiled -- I like a private balcony to sit out on.)

As for the crowding issue, those ports are pretty well set up to manage even multiple cruise ships at once. It won't be like a deserted island, of course, but don't worry too much about having enough taxis and beach chairs.

You might want to check out this guide to cruising which has an introduction to cruising as well as tips on how to choose the right cruise for what you want, what to "know before you go", etc.

Hope that helps!

Thanks guys. Great replies. We're leaving in about 3 weeks. We went ahead and got an oceanview room. Going cave tubing in Belize, snorkeling elsewhere.. i forget. Should be good fun.