Live from the Valor

Friday 17 March 2006

We left San Diego at 5am and dropped off the car at a Park and Fly, they shuttled us to the Airport, there we

checked in and was in the air with American Airlines by 6:30am, We then arrived at Dallas Intl. Airport and had a

45 minute layover. Once back on the plane, our last leg to Miami. We arrived at 5pm and got our luggage and then

headed to Thrify Car Rental to pick up our car. We got a Seabring converiable, white with a few scratchs. Thrifty

Car rental will take you to the Port of Miami Cruise terminal once you return the car on Sunday. I made it down to

Versailles to eat some great cuban food. Then we made it through traffic down to the Port of Miami and Bayside

Market where our Hotel is The Holiday Inn. The Holiday Inn is a very nice hotel, nothing like the hyatt or the

Wydamn but it was nice and clean, very big rooms and it has a Fridge and a Microwave, we stayed on the 9th floor

overlooking Bayside Market. I was so ready to head out to South Beach tonight to party but Wendy was all pooped

out. So we had a few Daqaris and headed to bed earily.

Saturday 18 March 2006

While San Diego is getting Pounded by a Storm right now, Its totally beautiful here in Miami, I can see 2 RCCL, 2

CCL and 1 other cruiseship outside my window, we got up at 7am and ordered 2 Signature Skillet Supreme breakfast

with Apple & Pineapple juice and French toast. We headed out around 10pm to South Beach, first we went to Miami Ink

tattoo studio but there were closed, we then drove by the beach and could not find parking, We did find a parking

lot that charged 20.00 to park all day. We walked the Art Deco district along the beach and took lots of pictures.

We headed back to see if Miami Ink was open around 11:00pm but it was still closed. So we left and went back to the

Hotel to take a break and rest up. We got up after a short power nap and headed out to Bayside Market, its a nice

seaport right next to Port of Miami. We got a 10 minute massage it felt so good. We took more pictures and did some

shopping there. We left at 3pm to get ready for dinner and wait for Jackie and Ben from our roll call. They arrived

and we went to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co for Dinner, The dinner there was great, we sat outside and the outdoor temp was

just right, not too hot nor cold. After the dinner we walked around some more and headed back to the hotel. Around

11ish there were more fireworks over Bayside, if you have a bayside window you will see the fireworks. Off to bed.

Sunday 19 March 2006 Embarkation day

We left the Holiday Inn at 10:00am and headed on our way back to Thrifty Auto Rental but first we had to get gas,

Once at Thrifty they shuttled us down to the Port of Miami and dropped off right next to the Valor.

We arrived at 11:15am. We handed over our 2 luggage to the Pier Porter and tipped him 2.00 then we entered the

Terminal. There was a VIP Checkin a nice air conditioned room where a nice lady checked us in, then we headed up to

the 2nd floor to pick up our Gold Sail and Sign cards and from there they escorted us to where the VIP had to wait.

Then we were welcomed onboard with the Wedding party. We arrived onboard at 11:30am. We headed down to the Main

Deck once onboard but it was closed off due to the cabins were still being cleaned. So we took the elevator up to

Rosie's to eat and relax and also take in the beautiful Miami view. Wendy headed up to the Spa to schedule her hair

appointments. So far no complaints, the ship is beautiful as always. There is so much food to choose from, I had to

walk and walk around because I just couldnt decide on what to eat. Finally I got some rice, potatos, cordon blue

chicken and two cups of Apple juice. We took a walk to find places like the Lounges, Internet cafe, Library and our

Dinning room. Our table is located right at the entrance to Lincoln Dinning room midship. Wendy wasnt happy with

our dinning table but when I pointed out it alot closer to the exit she said yeah thats true. Lincoln Dinning room

is so close to the Ivanhoe Theatre where the shows are at, its just past the Pursers/excursion desks.

We also checked in with our Concierge at the Carnival Vacation Club and they gave us all the info we needed and

when we returned to our cabin its now 3:30pm and our luggage were already there. We unpacked and put our luggage

away. I took lots of great pictures of this Cabin. This is the L Shape Cat. 1a cabin 2465. Its very roomy, 2 large

windows and a large bathroom, kinda looks like one of those handicap bathrooms, I took pictures of it too. I also

took pictures of the Laundry room and their machines, I know this is a hot topic onCruise Critic. The Library wont

open till tomorrow, I needed to check to see if they had any Childrens books there and also sign the Cruise Critic

Log book. We will be doing the Life boat drill in 5 minutes, its 3:55am.

New Things for me:

Coinless Gaming It says insert your Sail & Sign and play.

Singles Get Together's Over 18 - 10pm to 11:30pm @ Casino Bar, Over 35 - 10pm to 11:30pm @ Lindy Hop Piano in Bar

and Seniors - 10pm to 11:30pm @ Ameican Lobby bar, also NOT SO Singles - 10pm to 11:30pm in

Paris Hot Lounge.

Airbrushed Body-Art Not sure, Im not going there hehe.

Life Boat drill ended, it only lasted 17 minutes, off to go meet our Roll Call group on Lido Deck.

Well, only 5 people showed up to the CC Meet after the Lifeboat drill, I told them LIDO Deck aft by the rails but

when I got there There were only windows and so we went up one more deck to the rails to see the ship sail off, a

few people figured it out and showed up, They knew me from the pictures and also my Cruise Critic Shift.

We headed back to our cabin and got ready for Dinner, Our table as mentioned above was by the entrance, we sat with

a very nice couple from Panama, the cool thing about this couple was that they spent 9 years in San Diego where we

live and also was in the U.S. Navy, so we had alot in common, they are from Jacksonville Fl. We had the Beef and

Barely soup, Sweet & Sour Shrimp which is a must have, Very good !!! and also the Sirlon Steak which was very good

as well. Our Head Waiter Babalito from P.I. and assistand waiter Elena from a European country, They both served us

very well and informed us about everything that concerned our dinning experience.

Our New Cruise Director is Brett Alan, he is very good, also magician. I really enjoyed him, He is from Orlando

Florida and not from England hehe. He has been with Carnival for 17 years. Our Comedy act was a guy named Micheal

Macy, never heard of him but he is very good, he had us rolling. We even got his CD, so we can hear it on the plane

the way back.

After the show we just went back to our cabin and watched a wierd movie about a bounty hunter, her name was Domino

Harvey. Totally weird movie.

Monday 20 March 2006 (Sea Day)

We got up at 9:30am got ready and went to eat, Rosies Resturant was busy but the line only took 20 min. Thats even

getting our omelets and juice. After we went to check out the the Slide, The slide is pretty long and fun. I will

hit it tomorrow, pictures to follow. We ran into a couple that we met at the Holiday Inn and they had Dinner with

us at Bubba Gump. Ben and Jackie (CC name HstTeacher) was sun bathing and having some drinks while listening to

some nice reggae music out by the pool and jacuzi.

We went up to the Spa and it was totally beautiful, It looked like a place from New York or Beverly Hills L.A. so

chic and colorful, you had to go through there to enter where the Lockers, Sauna, Steamroom, Whirlpools are and

then you enter the Gym, This gym tops all of the gyms I have seen on my other Cruises. The equipment is hi-tech and

the Treadmills has T.V. LCD Screens right infront and you can change the channels, its so cool. I will also take

pictures to post when I get back.

We then headed to the casino to donate 70.00, it was fun. Im done with the casino on this cruise.

On our way to the Library we went to ensure our Supper Club reservations were made by our concierge at Carnival

Vacation Club. When we got there, they didnt have us on the list for Tuesday Night, I wasnt happy, She was able to

get us in and then I called the Carnival Vacation Club concierge to find out what happen, After a small chat, their

adminstrator called and apologized to me and gave me a 50.00 onboard credit, I told then thanks, That was so nice

of them.

The Library is very small, the bookcase were locked and I couldnt find a Childrens Book, I was suppose to check for

another CC Member while onboard. I guess they have them at Camp Carnival. While at the library we also looked for

the CC Valor log so I could sign it, I couldnt find it, its a small bookcase with no more then 50 books. Pictures

to come later. The Library was next to the shops, We went looking for a Scrapbook kit someone from CC had ask me to

pick them up a kit. No one had this kit, nor the Photo shops. They did have the standard Album with CCL Logo and

inserts for the Album but no Scrapbook kit. Wendy does Scrapbooking also so she knew what to look for.

By this time we were tired, and so we headed back to our cabin, 12:05 Noon time. We arrived and our Cabin Steward

was getting an inspection in our room by a supervisor. He does a great job and I pointed that out to his

supervisor. I also mentioned that our Sink in the bathroom had a leak and that we would reported tomorrow when we

are in the Caymans. They said no problem, that would be a better idea. They left and we took a nap. Movies playing

today are "wALK The Line" about Johnny Cash.

We went to Camp Carnival but forgot to pick up any info that you guys need to know, We saw to sections, and those

sections were separated by their age groups. I Will go back later to get some info to post it here.

Wendy has a Hair Appointment at 3:30pm because its Formal night tonight.

Im going to shoot this over the internet right now, If you have any questions post them now so I can check later.

Here's a picture of our Cat. 1A Cabin 2465 with 2 big windows.

Fred

Fred,

Thanks for the info. Any noise problems in your cabin or on the Riviera deck? We're in 1231 in May and I'm curious about noise from below...

Fred,

 

Thanks for the info. Any noise problems in your cabin or on the Riviera deck? We're in 1231 in May and I'm curious about noise from below...

No noise whats so ever, we have choppy seas right now and we are at cruising speed and its a bit bumpy but thats it.

Fred

Just checked out the live camera. It does look choppy, but sunny! We're expecting 6-8" of snow tonight and tomorrow!!!:eek:

Yes its choppy out there, but nice and warm and sunny, Heading up to get a Grilled Tuna fish sandwish:D Heres another shot of my cabin facing the windows

Great info please keep it coming if you can...would you let me know how Wendy's experience at the hair salon went...if she was pleased with the stylist, if so what was her/his name and the price. How's the internet other than expensive:( ? Have FUN!

Donna

Carnival Valor 3/26/06

MSC Opera-3/4/06

HAL Westerdam Mediterranean Cruise 2005

Celebrity Mercury California/Mexican Coastal Cruise 4/17/05

HAL Oosterdam Christmas Cruise 12/25/04

RCCL Brilliance of the Seas Transatlantic 2004

RCCL Serenade of the Seas Canada/New England 2003

RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas 2003

RCCL Monarch of the Seas 2002

Fred...Thank you so much for these pics. Many people will appreciate these. Have a great trip. :)

Were the dealers friendly and is it a FUN experience. We just got off the Msc Opera (was wonderful except for) a STUFFY casino!

Carnival Valor3/26/06

MSC Opera-3/4/06

HAL Westerdam Mediterranean Cruise 2005

Celebrity Mercury California/Mexican Coastal Cruise 4/17/05

HAL Oosterdam Christmas Cruise 12/25/04

RCCL Brilliance of the Seas Transatlantic 2004

RCCL Serenade of the Seas Canada/New England 2003

RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas 2003

RCCL Monarch of the Seas 2002

Are robes provided in every cabin?

Are beds comfy?

Lighted make-up mirror?

Can we bring bottled water on board?

Did many Ladies wear formal/long dresses on formal nite?

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure that Fred stated, in his pre-embarkation thread, that he wasn't going to use the internet on board. The siren call of Cruise Critic was too much for you eh?? :)

trying to track down our favorite bartender, Angela (who was onboard as of 5/05). If you happen to be enjoying a frosty beverage or two in the Bronx Bar, do you think you could ask the staff there which ship she transferred to? Angela from Romania, older woman, in her 40's, long dark hair. She used to be the head/main bartender there. Thanks!

I'm pretty sure that Fred stated, in his pre-embarkation thread, that he wasn't going to use the internet on board. The siren call of Cruise Critic was too much for you eh?? :)

I was thinking the same thing! Glad to see that you are posting.....

I am glad you are having a good time. The Valor was wonderful!

Thanks for the post, we will also be staying at the Holiday Inn 3 days pre Valor and you have given me some ideas of what to do during our stay, all except Bubba Gumps, we eat there a few times a month in San Francisco, so we will try Cuban, I have never eaten it before so it will be my first.

I would also love to go to Miami Ink but don't know if i could restrain myself from not walking out with some new ink.

Hey Fred, great post, its so nice of you to take the time to put your review on while your there. We are also staying at the Holiday Day Inn. I was so glad to see the rooms are nice. We are going on the Valor 4/30. Cant wait to get there. Your posts are so much help!! Deb

I'm pretty sure that Fred stated, in his pre-embarkation thread, that he wasn't going to use the internet on board. The siren call of Cruise Critic was too much for you eh?? :)

...And are we glad he is!!!:) I notice that Fred has a nice little set-up, (with his laptop right by the window), so that he can chill out and reflect on the days' events as he glances out of the window. Boy,what a job,but hey, somebodys' gotta do it! :rolleyes: :D

love to read the reviews....Sailing on the valor 8-27

Thanks Fred. We'll be on the Valor Sunday. Yea!!

Thanks for the great review and pics!!!We are sailing on the Valor on Dec 10 & CAN'T WAIT!!

Now for a dumb question....I do not see Cat 1A on the Carnival website..I do see that it is a different color (beige ish) but do not see anywhere that says Cat 1A. Do they all have windows ??? and cost wise are they less or more expensive than Cat 6A ?

Are there other advantages to these cabins?? They look neat!

Thanks !! Love this board!

1A is actually the lowest catagory. I know they save most of the cabins for solo cruisers. It amy be the lowest catagory available but by the looks of your picture it doesn't look too much different from a 6A. I didn't realize that a 1a was Ocean View.

Are you sailing Western Carribean? If so, I can't wait to hear your review on Costa Maya. Please take lots of pictures :D

Cont. Sea Day day 2

While Wendy took her nap I went up to Lido and got me a Grilled Tuna fish sandwich, This is by far the best tuna

fish sandwish yet. Then I went back to the library and the doors were open but the cabinets that held the books

were still closed, no one would come up to open them, they were way to busy to come up, so I gaved up and left, I

then went to Camp Carnival and got all the info Cruise Critic will ever need, I will post all of the info on a

thread with pictures.

Finally 4:45pm and its time to get ready for the Captains Party which we never make it because we always go and

take those formal pictures, less lines and its on the way to the Captains party, we could make the end of it.

Its 6:15pm and we are now tired of Posing for pictures and sit and wait till everyone gets into the Lincoln Dining

room. Wendys feet hurt at this point so we hurry into the Dining room and sit down to eat. Carlos and Jane were

already there and ready for some good old Lobster.

The Show was a Vegas style production show, it was nice I will include some sensual pictures here and on the next

post. The show started at 8:30pm for earily dinner times and ended an hour later, its 9:30pm and we head up to the

store to buy an extra CCL Bag, we will need this bag for tomorrows Caymans adventure with the Stingrays.

We head down to our cabin to relax, check email and call it a day.

Now to answer your questions:

Donna&Lou:

Wendys experience has always been great when its comes to the Hair updo, its 60.00 and she tip 10.00 so its a total

of 70.00 Wendy has long hair and it takes lots of work. We just got the 100 Minutes of Internet time, its 55.00

plus 3.95 set up fee. What I do is log on, look at this tread and log off immediately, then I type all this info

Offline while I read your questions, that way I can save my minutes. Then when Im done, I just log-on and

Copy/Paste all of this. Also have the pictures you want to upload ready, that take more time. Cruise Critic website

is still slow here via satellite. Im not a hardcore gambler, I just play a few slots and off I go. I will find out

tonight how friendly the dealers are, Tonight is the Midnight ADULT Comedy show, so I will be up and around in the

casino. All Cabins have Robes, We are in this Cat. 1a and we have 2 robes taking up room in our closet. Beds are

very comfy, Im like knocked out when I hit them. There is a nice make-up Mirror that has 2 lights. You can bring

Bottle water onboard, thats no problem, then have your Steward open up the mini fridge so you can keep them cold

inside. OH YES, All the ladies came out tonight, Formal Long beautiful dresses. Will post Wendys red stunning

dress tomorrow.

Joepeka:

You got me LOL, Since we got 50.00 onboard credit from Carnival Vacation Club I figured we can wing it... Now to

see how long this 100 minutes will last hehe.

MamaParrotHead:

I will hit the Bronx Bar tonight and ask around for Angela, will post tomorrow about her

Swatts1:

Thanks, lots of smiles here

Kodiac:

The Valor is wonderful, I would book it again a few more times.

Caribbean Dream:

I would of went back to get a cool tattoo from Miami Ink but since Im diving in Isla Roatan and doing the Stingray

thing in Cayman I couldnt do it. Next time for sure, only if Kat Von D is there hehe.

Merc:

Deb, youre going to have a great time, I just need to hit the Lottery in California to return with you guys!!! No

complaints from the Holiday Inn, because its a nice hotel and at a perfect location, I will return again.

Mack704:

I will try to keep the ship clean for ya, So for a Spring Break cruise, its been nice and quiet, no problems and we

have a great crowd onboard, not the crazy drunk crowd you read about on some Spring Break cruises, well its only

Monday lol, will see by saturday.

Bgmtrans:

Cat-1a cabins are the cheapest you can get, they are mainly inside cabins and often have and top and bottom bunk,

there are a few like this one 2465 and the same on the other side of the ship with the 2 windows, this is one of

Carnivals secrets when it comes to booking a cheap cabin thats big and with windows. The Cat-6a with french doors

cost way more. If you dont see the 1a on the website, its probably sold, just call Carnival and ask a PVP to help

you with these cabins, again, only the Conquest type ships has the 2 windows, JLEG posted that the Triumph class

has these rooms too but I havent seen the pictures. This Cat-1A has all the same things as the 4a or 6a. The

bathroom in this one is also bigger, its looks like it can take a wheelchair, it has no lip on the floor but has a

drainage strip that goes around. I will post more pictures of this type of Cabin when I return. My steward told me

about the End Corner Wrap Around cabins, he said they are like suites, He will show me them on Sunday and I Will

take pictures.

INCHARGE:

Thanks for your sweet comments, I hope you like these new pictures Im posting here, this was tonights show, Im sure

you remember them. And yes I do have a nice set-up here, I can post with the curtains open and can enjoy the

beautiful blue ocean going by and at night I can relax while listening to some sweet music on t.v.

Keep the questions flying, Sorry if theres a few typos, Im typing as fast as I Can, its 11:35pm and the Adult

Comedy show starts soon hehe.

Tomorrow Day 3 Port DAY, Grand Caymans and Stingray and City tour (Tendering in)

Fred

Some more pics of the show:

One last picture for the night, This is us on Lobster night:D

to take your precious time to answer all our questions...I wish we were already there having dinner at yours and Wendy's table...'cause you're such a nice guy !

Have great one,

Donna

Fred..Enjoy your day with the stingrays. Tell Wendy that she is "wearing" that dress! :D You both look very nice. Is that dress to the floor? I love to wear red dresses.

question...I notice that there is a closet next to the bathroom. Is there any closets in the hallway coming into the cabin? Do you hear any noise in the crew stairwell beside the cabin? How is the noise level there? What about the motion back there? I know you said the water was choppy on the first day, so how bad is it? Is it Roller Coaster bad?:eek: :D

I like the show pictures. I always enjoy the shows. Is there a singer named Yolanda (can't remember her last name) that has a Motown review? She was excellent.