boopuff

Ok! Thanks everyone. DH and I are planning to book the Valor. Going end of January so hopefully more calm. We go to relax, not fight for pool loungers, no late night disco. I think we’ll have fun 🙂.

Thanks, maybe I’ll look into a bit longer trip!

Looking to cruise on the Valor out of NOLA. I've only cruised Celebrity, so I'm hesitant to try Carnival. We're looking at a 5 day cruise. We're meeting family in NOLA and thought we'd extend the trip by cruising. I know the Valor is an older ship, I've watched some videos, but I'd love to hear some real observations. Is it one of those notorious "party/booze cruises?" or just a regular relaxing vibe.

Thanks everyone for the info.

Looking to book the Valor. Considering a few shore excursions. Chichén Itzá is a bucket list item for me. It seems from the description that the majority of the trip is on the bus, and only a small time exploring the ruins. Anyone take the tour? I'd love to hear some first hand accounts. Also if you cruised the Valor, how's the ship?

Thanks everyone! Glad it’s not what I thought may have to try a cruise!

I’ve watched some videos, ship tours etc. is the ship constantly noisy? Like loud music everywhere all the time? Are there any peaceful areas (other than your room) I’d love to here some non-blogger/vlogger opinions.

Yes! exactly that. I am hoping that longer/pricier cruises deter the crazy stuff.

Looking into some Alaska cruises. I'm very hesitant to look at Carnival for several reasons, the main being the crazy stuff I've seen on line. I know that those incidents are few (maybe) and far between. I'm also hopeful that they are contained to the shorter Caribbean cruises. Anyone taken a Carnival ship to Alaska? We're considering a 7 day trip. I'm hoping that it would be "smooth sailing"

I saw a YouTube about CCL and all the crazy videos posted that give CCL a bad name. The YouTube “host” talked about how inexpensive CCL is (noting some short cruises can be cheap) and people of “low-moderate means)” can afford to go on a cruise. The host then talked about social norms not always being followed by people, especially on vacation. It was very interesting

So here’s the thing: if you like a citrus based cola, Pepsi is for you. If you like a vanilla/caramel flavored then Coke is your go to. I for one can tell the difference and Pepsi is not my thing. Consumer reports did a whole thing during the “cola wars”. They found people won’t switch their flavor profiles and change what they like.

I thought the cabin we had on the 8th deck midship, was nice. The bathroom was surprisingly small-ish (we have an rv and so this bathroom didn’t shock us) our room steward Anthony, was so efficient. Room was very clean upon arrival. Love the balcony, 8th floor is very quiet.

Thanks to reading a lot of helpful stuff on these boards, my first cruise in forever was a blast. Boarding was easy , not much of a wait. Our room , concierge room was lovely. We weren’t sure what to expect on board, and the food and activities were just great. We thought that we’d get board, but we found lots to do, loved the sunset and mast bars. Didn’t see much chair hogging, but for the most part we utilized the chairs on the upper deck. Didn’t see kids ( except for one clueless family with a baby in diapers swimming in the solarium pool - better signage needed at the door saying adults only) the family made a lot of noise, but that was really the only bummer. The shows were fun, and such friendly staff. Sign me up for another cruise!

I noticed on the “my cruise” stuff they have a photo package- it includes all downloads of pics taken on the cruise. Are there a lot of photo opportunities? The image pack is $40 pre-sail. Anyone purchase this? Is it worth it?

Thanks! I thought it was odd that our boarding time seemed early.

Leaving in the Summit in 12 days! First cruise in forever. We have a crazy 10:30 embark time. We’re staying 2 miles from the port, Uber over. If we get there too early will they let us in? I know we drop bags curbside, then is there a line to enter the terminal? Please explain the process! Do we wait for our turn to board? So many great unknowns.

Ever see a group commandeer the stools on a swim up bar at a resort? They never get out…. I won’t swim in the pool bar area.

This is funny:

Since I'm brand new to cruising, I'd love to avoid the main pool and all the chair-hogging that goes along with it on sea days. I do love my sunshine, is there a quiet space on the upper decks, preferably near a bar to sun, relax and avoid the "choggers"?

We got the classic drink package. Can I use it in the dining room? If I want a glass of wine, can I just use my drink package? It's so confusing.

My TA checked on my move up bid offer. She said there were only a few Aqua left and not in very desirable locations. I opted not to bid.

Thanks! Living in the dry west we carry water everywhere- it’s habitual!

Glad this thread is here. We're also planning on an Alaska cruise as well. However, we'll have a large family group (numbers increase daily as more family finds out our plans... oh well) Love hearing about the great ideas. We plan to fly into Seattle a day early, but being on the west edge of the country helps so the flight isn't very long.

I'm a nervous traveler on top of getting motion sick. A few years ago my doc prescribed the patch for me. A life changer. I was able to do a catamaran (I was fine many other hearty soles were....shall we say... bending over the edge) I know smaller boats are a different story, but I'm hopeful my first cruise, all patched up, will be a ton of fun.

We'll be cruising on the Summit in a few weeks I have some questions for you terrific cruisers. - We booked the Blue Lagoon beach day. Are we allowed to bring our own water/snacks along? - We have the drink package, will they just give us a bottle of water unopened? - Can I bring my own water onboard? - On the island where do I get a towel or do I take one from the ship? any other hints/tips you have please send them! Thanks