Keys2Heaven

The items on the menu look very similar to what we just had on the Valor (still traditional MDR). What's different other than the new format and cocktail recommendation? New menus and dining sans tablecloths?

I've managed to save at least $300 on a cabin by booking with a TA. Not worried about price drops as we try to book aft cabins which rarely see these anyway.

You'll be missing out. Valor's a very nice ship, as is!

 

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Agreed!!!!!!

We just returned from an 8 day on the Valor and not having the 2.0 upgrades was never a deal breaker. To each their own, I guess.

Gotta love folks who work in marketing and can convince so many that they must have these features in order to enjoy their cruise.

2 at the moment. Both in line during our anniversary time frame in April.

We got to the port (Port Canaveral) about 10:45 a.m., went right up to the check in desk that took about 5 minutes, had a seat and waited maybe 1/2 hour - 45 minutes before our zone (Zone 4) was called to board. The FTTF/Diamond/Platinum folks boarded maybe 15 minutes earlier than we did.

Walked around a bit, then made way back to cabin to drop off carry on. Eating lunch at 12:30.

Our grand kids, twins both 3-1/2, were in Camp Carnival during our recent 8 day cruise on the Valor. The setup was very nice and lots of things to do. Very structured.

We really didn't have a lot of interaction with the staff, but mom and dad said there were a couple of staff members that could have had a better attitude. Of course, our grand daughter is still working through some listening issues, so mom and dad got called a couple of times to go up and talk to her.

I think they liked it, but they do fine in just about any environment.

I could have sworn that there was a guy booking future cruises during our 8 day Southern Caribbean cruise we just returned from. He was setup on Deck 5 near the "One Small Step" club. They might not have a permanent desk, so they found someplace.

It will be in your cabin when it is ready by 1:30 p.m.

Save your money friend... FTTF is not needed

Agreed 110%.

Remember, these are marketing ploys designed to appease to the impatience of today's microwave society and, more importantly, separate you from your money!

If you feel that you absolutely MUST have that extra hour, drop your bags off early, get in line first for the lido lunch buffet, skip the long lines at guest services (because you waited until the last minute), or whatever else this affords you, then GO FOR IT!

It's not about being "first" on the ship; if you don't see the value, then don't purchase it! For those of us who travel alone (or especially with children), being able to drop things off at your cabin before getting some lunch is worth it! It's also nice being able to use the short line at Guest Services......

You're right, I don't see the value and don't purchase it. To each his own and those that want to spend money on that "perk", then be my guest. We've always been able to meet our cabin steward and drop our carry-on off in the closest before heading to lunch and it hasn't cost us any extra.

I know it sounds like I'm knocking the program, but I really think it is just a slick marketing gimmick.

Again, having just personally seen this room up close and personal for a week, I can say with certainly (had my wife confirm) that the pull out is KING size.

I don't see the value of the FTTF. When we embarked, the FTTF boarded maybe 15 minutes before we did. Didn't really see any benefit to them for shore excursions, nor for debarkation.

I think it is a slick marketing gimmick by Carnival to appease the microwave mentality that persists in our society. Everyone feels they need to be first and folks happily fork over their money to have that feeling.

A quick report about my 4/12/2015 Valor cruise.

We had cabin #7434 which is one of those odd shaped cabins way in the back. It was nice with a huge balcony. The quietest cabin we have ever had.

 

Our cabin steward Michael had a subdued attitude. He was quiet, friendly and did his job well. Extra tip for him.

We were in 7442 on the 8 day Southern that sailed on 4/17. We also had Michael (my name as well) and my wife commented that he always seemed tired. When we spoke to him we found out he has two children, a 14 year old girl and a 9 year old son. He works 6 months at a time on the cruise ship and only gets 2 months off to see them. He loved our twin grand kids and gave them each a ship on a stick and a medallion (Ive never seen those).

Yes, he did seem subdued, but he got a generous tip from us for being so generous to our grandchildren.

I had the eggs benedict twice and the salmon benedict once. Very good!

I also had the steak and eggs. They say petite filet mignon, but it sure didn't look like it.

Yes....we just got off the Valor from an 8 day Southern Caribbean and had 7442. Loved it. Great views and loved the white noise from the props.

This is on the Freedom. The bed was comfortable and roomy, but definitely not King size. Valor may use a different couch although this room was just two months old when we stayed in it.

The Valor's was definitely bigger than this.

The pull out is King size? That's wonderful. It says its a double in the description. I was worried because we have 2 adults sleeping in it. Its their first cruise and I wanted it to be great for them.

We asked the cabin steward and that is what he told us. It was a large bed.

What can you tell me about the Seuss at Sea? I am trying to make sure I have things planned out correctly for my kiddos to be able to attend the breakfast. Thanks!

Our grand kids were going to go to this, but dad wasn't feeling well. I think it was the last day at sea for the green eggs and ham breakfast. There was a parade earlier in the week during one of our sea days. Those were the only 2 Seuss things I saw.

Who were the legends entertainers, I did Gloria once.

Well, I was one of them! :)

I was James Brown, and we had the following as well:

Aretha Franklin

Brittney Spears

Madonna

Garth Brooks

Elton John

Ricky Martin

Frank Sinatra

Gloria Estefan

It was one of the highlight's of the trip for our family!

Do they have old or new room service menus? Im hoping for old as i love the roasted veggie sandwich!

Did you spend any time in the piano bar? Opinions?

We leave in less than a week!

Old menu.

Yes, went to the Piano Bar. He plays exceptionally well, but likes to put his own take on the lyrics, which makes it hard to do the sing along. Get there early to grab a seat. Not the same experience if you are just sitting at a table off the the side.

Hello, I do thank you!

 

1- How was your cabin at night was it cool enough for you?

 

2- What did you do in Aruba, did you eat dinner or lunch anywhere?

 

3- How was the live band on the ship?

 

4- Any lucky casino slot that you can tell me about lol?

 

5- What was there to eat past 11pm besides ordering room service and pizza?

 

6- Would you happen to have the menu's, if not, could you recall which nights were your least favorite or least liked and most liked?

 

7- Was Aruba windy?

 

8- In the lunch buffets did they still have a meat carving daily?

 

9- Did the ship appear to you that she is in great need of a refurbishment? Were carpets clean?

 

Thank you.

1. Yes cabin was cool. Thermostat in room as well. No worries on temp.

2. We ate at the Barefoot restaurant in Aruba. Taxi from cruise terminal was $11 there (for 2 people) and $7 back....go figure. The restaurant will arrange cab for you back to terminal. Highly recommend this place....great views and you can chose between the pavilion and the beach for dining. We chose the pavilion as it was a bit breezy.

3. TJ was one of the live singers and she plays guitar. She was there when we first boarded but also played on Lido by the pool and in the Casino area. She has a good voice, but my wife and I don't like her style of singing. It's what a lot of young singers do nowadays. The Latin/Salsa group was good but only heard them on the last night. There were also a couple of guys who did some gigs. One played a cardboard box as a drum, the other sang. Played a combination of older and newer stuff. If I were to rate these on a scale of 1 to 10, I'd have to give them a 5. (same for TJ)

4. N/A as we don't gamble...:(

5. There was the deli...but really not much past 11. Pizza was always crowded!

6. We always found something on the menu to eat. It was nice having the everyday choices as well. REALLY enjoyed the crab cakes and the lasagna. The Mac & Cheese is awesome as well.

7. Aruba and Bonaire were both very windy, but probably the time of year. Check the forecast before you go.

8. We didn't eat off the buffet, but remember seeing the carving station every day.

9. I commented that when we were parked next to the Sunshine in Grand Turk, that the Valor could use a coat of paint. Yes, we thought it was clean. It's a ship that transports THOUSANDS of people every week, so it will have some wear and tear. As I told my wife, you have to expect this to a degree. But, nothing major. Yes, there were some wet carpets from the THOUSANDS of people returning from the beach on the lower decks who were heading back to their cabins. They put portable dryers out immediately.

Great ship and you will have a great time. We really enjoyed karaoke and I got tagged to do James Brown in the Legends show the last night. It was a great time!

We have 4 adults booked in 9200 and I was curious how they do the sofa bed. Its a double bed when pulled out. Is it comfortable? Do they change it back to a couch during the day or leave it out? I would like to be able to use the couch if possible. Thanks for any replies.

Yes, the cabin steward will put it back if you want. Our 2 grand kids sure seemed to love the pull out KING size bed.

Just so happens that my daughter, son-in-law and two grand kids had this exact room on our sailing that just got back on the 25th. We were told by the room steward that the pull out is king size and it looks to be that big. No worries, there is plenty of room in the cabin and the view is breathtaking!

Yep....see you there!

Well, I didn't even know this existed. I registered our account and found out we have 115,000 points. But, alas, don't think I'll be able to score just ONE $500 card for our cruise in 7 days.