natefish95

Was just on the Valor for 5 days. Second what others have said about the hot soups. The broccoli cheese and poblano corn soups were incredible. From the Deli, the buffalo chicken sandwich was really good, but you have to get extra hot sauce and add pickles. 

I had a Blue Iguana burrito every day and it was always delicious. 

Guys Burgers and the new fries were awful. The burgers were charred to a crisp and had zero flavor. 

Great rollup! I'm about to book the Jewel southbound. How did y'all get from Seward up to Anchorage? 

Overall, I thought the Valor was in good shape. The cabins are old and dated (and still only had one plug), but updated cabins and Carnival just don't go in the same sentence unless you're talking about Mardi Gras. The other big issue is that AC in many cabins did not seem to work very well. My cabin was fine, but the last night I was sweating and couldn't sleep. A few people were able to get fans, but if you have the space in your big bag that you'll leave with the porters outside and not hold up security with, you might want to bring your own fan. 

All the public spaces looked to be in good shape though! The gym had good equipment. The water fountain worked and actually had cold water. The spa seemed to have new tiling. Word of caution though, the sauna would get really hot sometimes, like dangerously hot. Don't cook your insides. That's not covered by trip insurance. Second word of caution, the spa ladies would waltz into the men's locker room whenever they pleased and without warning. UHMMMMM...don't love that. Reverse the genders and there would be an uproar. Had the same issue on the Freedom last year and Guest Services and the Spa Manager couldn't even pretend to care, so I didn't bother voicing my concerns this time. 

Getting to the port, I honestly could have walked and it would have taken about 20 minutes. However, Satan himself has been breathing on New Orleans and it was hot and humid as hell. The uber was like $8 so no big deal. If you take an uber, I'd recommend coming in from the south by Mardi Gras World. We had to go all the way down and then make a U-turn and turn into the port. Thankfully, traffic wasn't a huge deal. 

Since I follow directions and know how to act right, I had my vaccination card, COVID test, and whatever else they needed in Verifly. The woman I saw only looked at Verifly and then sent me on to security and said I was good to go and thanked me for being organized. 

Now let me to y'all, some of these people in the security lines I swear to goodness, left their brains in the parking garage. If you're thinking about bringing a giant, checked bag size, bag through security, please don't. The people in front of me had about 5 giant bags that took them forever to maneuver up onto the conveyer belt. Next came all the backpacks. Then they forgot to take all their phones and keys, and change. WHY DO YOU HAVE SO MUCH LOOSE CHANGE? Did you dump a roll of quarters into your pockets on the way to the port. Some people....

Upstairs it was a bit of an organized zoo checking in. They had people directing the lines. On the right there were lines for suites, diamond and platinum. To the left, was all the common folk. Anyone else feel like they'll never reach platinum after being at Gold for so long? Ugh... By the time I made it through the line, they were already boarding my zone thankfully.  

Hey everyone! As I sit here in the New Orleans airport waiting for my flight back to DC, I figured I would take some time to jot down some notes about my quick cruise on the Valor. 

Background

I booked this cruise several months ago using a casino rate that I couldn't pass up (all I'm saying is that my flights were more expensive than the cruise...). Seems a bit silly to go all the way to New Orleans for such a short cruise, but the timing actually worked out really well for me and I really needed a quick getaway from work. 

I always travel solo and am content to just do my own thing and read my books, but I met some great people and crew members! 

As far as pre-booking things, I had drinks included in the casino, but I bought Cheers because I knew I would be spending time at the Alchemy Bar and Serenity Bar. I also got the "Value" Wifi plan. I usually prepurchase bottles of water, but I actually wish I did. It was easy enough to get bottles of water at bars, but I really like having water readily available in my cabin.

Getting to the Port

Flights have been a disaster lately. My nonstop flight from DC to MSY was the last flight of the day. It was delayed two hours and I was really getting anxious because if I missed this flight, I would miss the cruise since everything the next morning was completely booked. Thankfully, the missing flight attendant showed up and we eventually landed in MSY about midnight. So glad I upgraded to First Class because I really needed those drinks y'all. 

Took a quick Uber to my hotel down after I landed. I stayed at the Q&C Hotel and Bar downtown, which is part of the Marriott Autograph collection. It was a nice hotel in an older building with what looked like original floors and some exposed brick. Definitely my style of hotel! The room was fine, but the lobby is literally just a bar, so checking in was really loud (and the front desk staff was a bit rude). Probably wouldn't stay here again unless the price was right. 

As a quick note, this isn't going to be chronological, but want to get all of this out of the way first. If y'all have any questions, feel free to ask away!

On 6/19/2022 at 6:06 PM, 2cruiseluvrs said:

Just a note to confirm that NCL Bliss does NOT have any FREE steam rooms or saunas, including in the gym areas. The Mandara Spa thermal suite is $249 in advance (for the week) or $299 once onboard. It includes separate men's and women's locker rooms with showers, a water and tea bar, thalassotherapy pool, hot tub, snow room, salt room, steam room, sauna, and sanarium. Plus there are the cushioned loungers and heated loungers. 

 

COMPLAINTS: 1) It was always way to light and bright in the entire thermal area and all of the rooms. Even at night in the Alaska northern latitudes, it was bright. I wish they would have turned down the lights and also lowered screens to reduce the incoming sunlight. 2) Despite the entire area being a "quiet zone" it just wasn't that way. There were often conversations in all of the spaces, that could be heard throughout. 3) The attendants often did not keep the fruit-infused water dispenser full. 4) The steam room is not very steamy. 4) The salt room is room temperature and there is simply no sensation of salt, smell of salt, etc. It's hocus pocus. 5) There was no "spa" music playing in any of the rooms, and after 4 days of complaining about it, they finally turned it up... I could finally hear it ever so faintly, but still it was almost non-existent and I gave up asking.

 

PRAISE: 1) It was easy to enter by just flashing your ship card which has a sticker on the back. Often they didn't even look! 2) The spaces were generally clean and kept up. Attendants were constantly drying water off the floor to prevent slips and falls. 3) Locker rooms were kept clean and there were always plenty of towels, available lockers, and showers. 4) While the entire ship temperature was comfortable, it was nice to escape any outdoor chills by visiting the warm sauna, etc.

 

For the Alaska sailing in June 2022, there were a variety of body types and all were welcome. Probably 2/3 were women. Average age was probably 50, and there were a couple newlyweds. Most bathing suits were quite conservative. Guys tended to walk around in board shorts, and women tended to wear their spa robe. A handful wore much less and no questions were asked.

 

The thermal suite is on deck 16 Forward, and immediately adjacent to the main pool area. Simply take the elevator to 16 and you are there, or just walk across the pool area and enter. It is open from 8A to 10P each night.

A bit confused by what you said. Isn't everything coed on the Bliss and the locker rooms are just showers and lockers? No men-only sauna/steam room (highlighted that above)

Oooooooh I am excited for this! Your reviews are always some of my favorite and I love all your random observations. The ashy feet man made me choke on my water lmao. 

Your hair is gorgeous by the way! 

4 hours ago, coldhendricksmartini said:

I'm sailing on the NCL Gem at the end of August for a Greek Isles cruise, and purchased a pass for the thermal suite.  I'm looking forward to a relaxing soak and steam each night after a busy day of exploring. Has anyone been on the Gem recently?

I was on the Gem in February and really enjoyed it. It has a really nice setup with a central co-ed area with a thalassotherapy pool, jacuzzi, and heated loungers. The men's area has a sauna, steam room, single size jacuzzi and some padded loungers (plus the normal lockers and showers). Most people wore bathing suits, but maybe Europe will be different for you. 

One of the best parts of flying is sipping the pre-departure beverage while the "others" file past haha. I always get a double too. Dealing with the airplane bathroom is the price I'll pay for being tipsy by the time I land. I'm flying First from DC to New Orleans next month for my cruise on the Valor. Much like the airport code, I'll probably be messy (MSY) when I land. 

Really excited to see some more updates! I'm considering the 2023 transatlantic back from Europe. 

23 hours ago, willcan said:

I have been with both Carnival and Royal many time. I have found the guests on both lines to be very friendly. I've had many wonderful conversations in the men's area on both lines. Also had some great conversations with ship entertainment crew in the men's area. They are more relaxed when they are off duty I suppose. 

Good to know! Any favorite ships? Definitely agree re the entertainment crew. I had a great conversation with one of the singers on the Gem.

11 hours ago, david_alwaystravels said:

I’ve found the Carnival guests have been much friendlier over the last 2 years. I was on the Horizon in November—small free sauna in the locker room (holds 6) with two showers. Very snug, but very friendly. 

Agree with David (hi neighbor!). I feel like Carnival is overall friendlier followed by NCL and then Royal. I need to give Royal another shot since both of my cruises were heavily affected by COVID restrictions. 

I'm glad your surgery went well and you are closer and closer to being in your own home! 

After reading your ordeal, I decided to book an 8 day on the Spirit last night for October and will toast to Bluebird's broken ankle onboard!  lol. If you can't get a good Colombian coffee, there is a Juan Valdez coffee shop in the Miami airport, which originated in Colombia. Delicious! 

5 hours ago, FreightlinerFan said:

I saw that you were on the MG recently, did you have issues with anytime dining waits like you seem to be having on this trip?

I find it hilarious that OP is on her way into surgery right now, yet you're asking about dining times on the Mardi Gras. 

Oh no, I was so excited for your review and I hate that it's ending up like this. 

Regarding flights, American Airlines might be your best bet with only one stopover in Miami. 

I hope your surgery goes well tonight! Make sure you ask for a "cafe fuerte" (strong coffee) tomorrow morning!

I was on Adventure in August 2021 and the free sauna/steam was still there. Adventure had a short dry dock last year, but the gym setup wasn't changed. 

That Peking Duck looked amazing! Have a great cruise!

If you ever have the chance, could you tell me how the gym, sauna, and steam room look? 

Really looking forward to your report! I'm considering taking the Spirit on an 8 day in October, but want to read a few reviews first. I'm also considering doing a similar sailing next year. I love sea days and would gladly do a 16 day cruise with no ports. haha

Regarding Uber, you should have no problem finding one, even though it's Easter.

3 hours ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

There is a hack but it costs too

 

https://satellitephonestore.com/ 

I'm taking a $300 Carnival cruise to Mexico, not deploying to Mogadishu. Who needs a sat phone on a cruise? 

Why would you need to? Dining inquiries can be handled onboard the first day. The Maitre D doesn't have time to field random questions from 1000's of passengers. 

Really appreciate your detailed review! I'll be on the Valor in June!

7 minutes ago, DJLDRUMS said:

Thanks for your reply, but here' a few questions for you. If Club Orient hasn't been rebuilt then where's the area where you're speaking of? And is that the area where the chairs and umbrellas are located? Where exactly is the Perch bar? Is that the only bar that's open on orient Beach ? There used to be other places to rent umbrellas and chairs, was that Bikini Beach? Im only going by where the taxi would drop off passengers. been at least 3-4 years since we've been to orient Beach but didn't stay because of the sea weed and sand conditions. Has the French Government done anything to bring back the beach into an enjoyable beach area before the devastating hurricane?

The Club Orient buildings are destroyed, but all of Orient beach is still accessible. There are orange and white chairs and orange umbrellas that make up the nude section. There are a few guys who run this area (usually Cedric who is super nice!). Perch Bar Lite is just a rustic beach bar that is part of the nude section and is at the far eastern side of Orient Beach in front of where Club Orient used to be. You can get food, drinks, and they do a happy hour every day. There are tons of other beach bars on Orient Beach, but those require clothes haha.

There is a little town area in the middle of Orient Beach that looks really nice with a ton of restaurants (Yellow Sub, Sao, etc.). I'm planning to fly into St. Martin next month and spend a few days at Orient Beach. 

On 3/1/2022 at 6:14 PM, DJLDRUMS said:

Really now< I've googled Club Orient and read that it was rebuilt and thriving pretty well. Anyone else care to comments? If sending this post out on March 1, 2022. I'm reading that a lot of these posts go back to late 2021.

I've been to Orient Beach three times in the past 6 months. Club Orient is still destroyed (really interesting to walk around the ruins though. Wear flip flops because there are a lot of spikey burs on the ground). The Perch Bar Lite is up and running and you can still get a chair ($7) and an umbrella ($6). 

I love going to the nude side of Orient Beach! Everyone is always so nice!

Awesome review! Quick questions: do you have to reserve the Peloton bikes ahead of time or can you use them whenever they're available? Also, is there any type of lockerroom attached to the gym with a sauna and/or steam room? 

What kind of place is giving our handwritten COVID test results? If I write "negative" on a bar napkin will that be accepted? lol. 

Seriously though, handwritten vax card fine. Handwritten test results probably not fine