Valor Photo Review - West. Caribbean 8/30-9/6/09

[emmysmommy]

Did you check the Soft sided duffel with your drinks or did you drag it on board?

 

Good question! We didn't check it since I didn't really have anything in there packed well enough to protect it from being thrown around. We lugged it around which wasn't too bad. Now that I think about it, it wasn't bad at all since my hubby did all the lugging.

[emmysmommy]

Valor review continued....

 

Monday August 31, 2009 - Fun Day at Sea

 

I had set out our room service card the night before and it was delivered promptly at 7:20 am. This is my usual routine since I get up long before my hubby and DD. I eat a small(ish) breakfast on the balcony before hitting the buffet or dining room for a proper breakfast. So out to the balcony with my Danish (or two) and my morning caffeine of choice (diet coke) to enjoy the morning sun and the sounds of the ship on the ocean.

 

I went to the gym to run around 8:00 and it was CROWDED. All these other people apparently had the same goal as me – work off all of those calories from dinner last night. There was a wait for the treadmills so I rode a bike for awhile until I joined the line for the treadmills. The lady in front of me was apparently the treadmill police because whenever anyone tried to wait for a treadmill anywhere other than the “official” line she went to tell them where they needed to go.

 

After the gym, I came back to the room, got cleaned up, and we went down to the aft Dining Room (Washington) for breakfast. We were seated at a table for 4 in the back.

Our waiter was named Ikbar and I’m telling you, if this was my dinner waiter I would immediately have had my table changed. It took awhile to get our order taken (no big deal, we didn’t have to be anywhere) and when he finally took our order he seemed to be annoyed that I wanted a diet coke. He said that he would have to go the bar on the 9th floor since the closest bar wasn’t open. I said, in that case, don’t worry I’ll just have OJ. He ended up sending his assistant waiter, Igor, to get it because before too long he arrived with my drink. Why thanks! I didn’t really expect that they would do this since it seemed like a chore and I’d said never mind.

 

Apparently, oatmeal is best served semi-warm. At least that is how it was served that morning. No biggie – I ate most of it.

 

DH had ordered the bagel with lox and cream cheese. He was served his lox and cream cheese with some capers and red onion with a nice slice of lemon. What is missing from this? The bagel! He kept trying to get Ikbar’s attention to get a bagel. Finally, he came over to our table and when we asked for the bagel Ikbar blamed it on his assistant that he didn’t do his job. By the second time the Ikbar blamed his assistant for something that we didn’t get DH said that he didn’t think the assistant was the problem. We thanked Igor for his attentive service and knew that Ikbar would be on our comment card!

 

Other breakfast food in the dining room:

Needless to say, we didn’t make it back to the dining room for breakfast the rest of the cruise. Not that we avoided it on purpose but we just didn’t take the time.

 

I hit up the photo gallery and purchased the sail away photos. Those photos were $11.99 and the formal portraits (8x10) were $21.99.

 

We wandered the ship trying to figure out what we wanted to do. There was mini golf up on the Sun deck, a ½ basketball court, ping pong table, lots of trivia games in the lounges, entertainment by the pool, art auction previews, action in the casino, kids activities, and bing games. So many choices!

 

If you hang out near food long enough (which you run into everywhere you go if you are on the Lido deck) then you eventually think that it’s time to eat again. It had only been a few hours since breakfast but our watches said that it was lunch time so we obeyed the laws of time and not the rumblings of our digestive tracts!

 

We went to the buffet at Rosie’s and I kept it light…with my first plate of food. Then I saw my daughter had key lime pie I HAD to have some. I went to the dessert barn, I mean bar and got some pie (wonderful!) and then I saw pumpkin cake that I had to have (ehh) and a chocolate chip cookie (yummy!).

 

 

After lunch we went down to deck 3 to listen to the piano lady playing a nice selection of songs in the American Lobby. There were very few people who hung out there during the day.

 

 

I decided to go to the Purser’s desk to check my on-board credit since the folio display on our cabin TV didn’t have the correct balance. The purser lady assured me that I still had $xx of credit (actually $475 more than the TV). I asked for the print out of what she showed which she gladly provided. Interestingly, the folio balance on the TV in the room never had the correct amount displayed. I may not be a math major but I could add $475 to whatever balance was displayed and track it from there.

 

After listening to the piano some more it was time for our Roll Call Meet & Greet.

 

More to follow....

[emmysmommy]

Our roll call had decided to have our formal M&G on the first sea day at the aft bar at 2PM. It was perfect timing and I believe most people showed up.

 

Sorry guys - we didn't get a good group picture!

 

I picked up some tortilla chips and salsa before making my way to the back of the ship (the hostess in me didn’t want to come empty handed). We had shared photos or ourselves on our roll call beforehand so we had an idea of who to look for. We ended up taking up the entire aft bar so it wasn’t hard to spot everyone. We hung out and had a great time for a couple hours before DH and I had to go sign our DD for the Circle C activities. (You can do it the night before but we didn’t make it.) There were many from the roll call doing excursions together. In Honduras they were stopping to give school supplies to the kids so I dropped off my back-pack of supplies. We met another family from the cruise in Honduras who had done this as well. It’s a good thing.

 

After signing our DD up for her activities (they were playing Wii games) we still had a lot of free time before dinner. DH and I went to the promenade deck (3) to chill and watch the Legend following us to Grand Cayman.

 

We ended up going back to the room and ordering room service:

 

 

PB&J (un-toasted – I’ve learned from prior experiences that they typically come toasted) and DH got the roast beef and brie on a baguette. (They say that it is New York Strip but it is roast beef.) Good eats!

 

Tonight was the Captains Cocktail reception – 7:00 for the late dinner folks. My plan was to shower and get spiffed up for the reception and be downstairs early enough to have some formal portraits done. However, I got really sleepy, the bed was comfortable, and I fell asleep. I didn’t wake up until 6:45pm. We quickly got ready and were downstairs by 7:30. $1 off drinks were announced so no free cocktails. We missed most of the cocktail reception and the lounges were crowded. No worries, I wanted to get some photos done.

 

 

 

[Lady_Jag]

LOVE the review!

We had similar service and food problems in the MDR on the Glory at breakfast time. Like you, we ate breakfast there only once, then stuck to mornings on the Lido from then on.

 

Makes you wonder if all the trainees are assigned breakfast service.

[emmysmommy]

LOVE the review!

We had similar service and food problems in the MDR on the Glory at breakfast time. Like you, we ate breakfast there only once, then stuck to mornings on the Lido from then on.

 

Makes you wonder if all the trainees are assigned breakfast service.

 

I don't mind slow service if there are a ton of tables to service and I may even be patient with lukewarm food - I can always send it back and ask for something hot, but when the waiter blamed the service issues on the assistant who was being reprimanded in front of us - that is a problem.

 

Overall, we have always enjoyed breakfast in the dining room since we don't have to wait in line for anything.

[emmysmommy]

1st Formal errr Elegant Night:

 

Welcome Aboard Celebration - previously known as Captain's Cocktail Reception

Everyone we saw in the dining room on the 1st elegant night was dressed very nicely. There were a few tuxes and gowns and many suits and ties. Most ladies wore cocktail dresses as did I.

 

 

 

Dinner was the same as always; lobster and prime rib featured on the menu with about a ½ dozen other choices including vegetarian selections each night. The meal was basically a repeat of prior cruises – not bad – just the same and nothing too exciting but hey, I ate everything! Although I have to say that the apples with puff pastry and caramel sauce for dessert was excellent!

 

Note: The caesar salad was heavy on the anchovy. It was good for me but some people at our table commented that they were'nt too fond of it.

 

 

 

 

 

I must not have taken a photo of the lobster. I should mention that DH thought the lobster was a little "mushy".... not as good as past cruises.

 

More fun to follow....

[emmysmommy]

Happy Un-Birthday:

 

We thought we were finished with dinner but…. Our waiter and assistant waiter arrived at our table bearing a candle topped piece of cake and singing happy birthday. Oh goodie it’s someone’s birthday so we joined in the singing. They set the cake in front of my husband – odd, it’s not his birthday or anywhere close to his birthday. Not wanting to disappoint the person who dreamed up this un-birthday celebration we didn’t say anything until our tablemates wished DH a happy birthday. We said it’s not his birthday, someone must be confused. It was worth a few laughs and a shake of our heads but if Carnival wants to make their guests feel special that’s fine with us!

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner was a show in the Ivanhoe Theater. It was a musical/dancing production called NightClub Express. I thought it was very good. They had some pretty cool props and the band was excellent. And yes, the dancers did wear some skimpy outfits and revealed their butt cheeks but they announced ahead of time that parents be advised regarding the costumes. Hey, these are Vegas-esque productions and the costumes reflected that vibe so it was fine in our opinion.

 

At midnight was the adult comedy show in the Eagles Lounge with Eddie Cappone. He was funny but enough of the “self gratification” jokes – it drug on toooo long. Also be warned, if you are a woman with ample bosom you may not want to walk into his show late – you will get heckled! His interaction with the audience was pretty good and he had great improve moments but walking around the room for 10 minutes asking guys what they call their “gentleman part” was overdone by about 6 minutes. (Wish I could repeat some of the things the drunks came up with but gotta keep this family friendly!)

 

So….after that it was pretty late and we came back to the room and plopped in bed around 1:30 after setting out our room service card. Oh, and our room steward finally left the 3rd (clean) towel. Whew – we can go to the beach!

 

Next will be Grand Cayman.

[emmysmommy]

Here's a short photo intermission.... some random photos on/around the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

[kthy66]

Great review! Can't wait for more!

[Luke gs Daddy]

Which one is you and which one is your daughter ?

 

Both very elegant.

 

We do this same iten. in Jan.

[emmysmommy]

Which one is you and which one is your daughter ?

 

Both very elegant.

 

We do this same iten. in Jan.

 

Gosh, thanks!

 

Are you on the Legend or the Valor? We had been to all ports except Roatan - which I loved.

 

More to come after I put in a day at the office!

[whendoweleave?]

Can't wait to see more! :D

[cruisingbajan]

Thanks! Happy to oblige your Valor withdrawls. :p

 

More to come just for you! :D

 

I eagerly await with bated breath.;):D

[cruisingbajan]

Gosh, thanks!

 

More to come after I put in a day at the office!

 

That darn pesky office job...always getting in the way of a great review.:rolleyes:;):D.

 

Keep the review coming really enjoying it so far.

[jpg1747]

Any chance you might have copies of the Capers you can share?

[emmysmommy]

Any chance you might have copies of the Capers you can share?

 

Yes, I do have them and I need to scan them. I have a new wireless scanner/printer so I need to make sure I have my laptop set up with that device. I'll get to it as soon as I can! :)

[ata1976]

Great review so far. I am looking forward to your port reviews. We are on the Legend next month and have the same ports.

[Crystalbast]

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami in February and loved it so much that I booked it again for the night before my Carnival Valor cruise in November. I liked the location and spent most of my time hanging out at the Bayside Market. I can't wait to go back to Bubba Gumps for dinner. I, too, also did the bay cruise by the homes of the rich and famous and really enjoyed it.

 

I have traveled extensively by myself and found the area around the hotel and at the Bayside Market fine.

[emmysmommy]

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami in February and loved it so much that I booked it again for the night before my Carnival Valor cruise in November. I liked the location and spent most of my time hanging out at the Bayside Market. I can't wait to go back to Bubba Gumps for dinner. I, too, also did the bay cruise by the homes of the rich and famous and really enjoyed it.

 

I have traveled extensively by myself and found the area around the hotel and at the Bayside Market fine.

 

Sounds like we have similar tastes! I would definitely stay at the HI again - it really is a bargain for the price.

 

I LOVED the garlic cheese bread at Bubba's. The cajun shrimp was awesome as well! Man, I'm getting myself hungry!

[emmysmommy]

The fun continues....

 

Tuesday September 1, 2009 – Grand Cayman

 

 

DH’s cell phone alarm was inadvertently set to go off at 6am – errrr! But since I was awake I went out on the balcony and we were only a few miles off the coast of Grand Cayman. The Legend and Destiny weren't far behind.

 

Sunrise over Grand Cayman:

 

Room service delivered our breakfast order around 7:30 so we ate in the room instead of the buffet or the main dining room. Room service was kinda off this trip because there were so many times that they didn’t deliver certain items or got something wrong. This morning it was my DD’s toast that was missing. But we did get the butter and jelly!

 

At 10:00 we went to deck 0 to get a tender. The wait wasn’t long at all. It is a quick 4-5 minute ride to the dock.

 

Family Photo at the pier:

 

Once there, many, many, many people want you to go with them for an excursion. We had already booked a sting ray snorkel through Captain Marvin’s Watersports. (We’d used them before and were satisfied repeat customers.) Our 2 ½ hour snorkel was $35 per person. It was easy to book on-line and you pay when you check in.

 

 

 

We had some time before checking in with Capt. Marvin’s so we did a mini-tour of the city. We found Big Black Dick (He was kinda tall!) and his friend:

 

 

We did some shopping, got some ice-cream at Dairy Queen, and then caught our ride to the dock where Captain Marvin’s boats depart. There were only 5 of us on this excursion – almost a private tour since it was only us and a couple staying on the island.

 

We passed 7 mile beach and the dozens of taxi’s that were parked there dropping off cruise passengers. The beach looked very nice but personally, I don’t think it would be the thing for us since it was wall-to-wall people. (Of course, there were 4 cruise ships in port.)

 

When we arrived at Capt. Marvin’s someone pointed out that the Captain himself was sitting outside. I went up to him and introduced myself and let him know that I would be honored if he would pose for a photo with me. He obliged. He apologized that he was feeling a little under the weather. Dude – you are almost 93, it's ok. I'm impressed that he was still overseeing the business.

 

 

 

Next.... swimming with the sting rays.

[Crystalbast]

I am sailing on the Carnival Splendor in February and was really excited when I found out that they have a Bubba Gumps in Long Beach as well. Yahoo!!

 

I would love to see your Carnival Capers if you are able to find a way to post them online.

 

How cold was the water in Grand Caymans? I am doing a Stingray City tour in November and am concerned about how cold the water might be.

[emmysmommy]

Grand Cayman cont.

 

We were escorted aboard our boat and introduced to our crew – a captain – or is it skipper?, a photographer gal, and a helper dude. (Not sure of the official titles by I'm sure they had them.)

 

It was a 30 minute ride to Stingray City sandbar.

 

This probably wasn't the smartest place to pose for a photo since one rogue wave could have tossed me overboard.

 

You could tell where we were heading if you looked for the gathering of boats.

 

Once there, we hopped into the water and were given some instruction on feeding the rays and posed for some photos.

 

The one ray I did feed squid to chomped down hard on my hand. I yelped in pain and surprise! It didn’t really hurt that bad but it left a slight red mark. I’ve fed them before and remember them just sucking the squid from my hand – I guess I did something wrong or they were inclined to eat more than squid that day.

 

 

 

 

We went from Stingray city to a reef area to snorkel. I just donned a vest and fins and swam around – DD and I are not much for snorkeling. We didn’t stay longer than about 40 minutes and then headed back to the dock. The photo gal showed us our photos and we purchased the entire set (16) for $50. I did the math: 1 for $25, 2 for $40, or all 16 for $50…. Hmmmmm I think I’ll take the whole set!

 

More to follow.....

[emmysmommy]

I am sailing on the Carnival Splendor in February and was really excited when I found out that they have a Bubba Gumps in Long Beach as well. Yahoo!!

 

I would love to see your Carnival Capers if you are able to find a way to post them online.

 

How cold was the water in Grand Caymans? I am doing a Stingray City tour in November and am concerned about how cold the water might be.

 

Yeah, I'm a Bubba fan now!

 

I'm not certain about the water temp in November but the water both times we've gone in August was in the low 80s I'd say. Very nice and comfortable. I don't think the water gets too cold there but other people who have been there that time of year may be able to provide a better answer.

 

Enjoy the Spendor!

[tickbite]

Thank you for posting your wonderful review and pictures. We cruise on the Valor on Oct. 11th and needless to say, we love sharing your cruise experiences. Can't wait until the next chapter!!!

[emmysmommy]

Grand Cayman cont...

 

Back at the port area there was a LONG line to get onto the tenders. It was close to 3:15 when they say the last tenders go back to the ship. They separate the lines by ship so you know easily which tender is going to which ship.

 

Long Tender Lines:

 

I interrupt this review for a short bi*ch session: There was one young guy and gal who asked if we would hold their place in line. Sure, no problem. Uhhhh… ended up they just wanted to do some more shopping. Ok…. We are nice people so we won’t say anything although that is annoying. They came back and stood in line for awhile longer when the girlfriend left to go somewhere else. After a bit the guy asked if we would hold his place in line again. I said, That’s kinda rude don’t you think? Yes I DID! The people behind me thanked me. This concludes my rant.

 

So... we were on the tender going back to the Valor:

 

 

So back onto the ship and we were hungry. We dropped our stuff off in the room and went to the buffet. DD and I got pizza. It was so delicious and hot and fresh! I had to wait a while for the olive, pepper, mushroom and tomato pizza but it was worth the wait.

 

 

 

I also had some banana pie – it looked better than it tasted but the top was good. I stopped by the aft bar and said hi to some CC roll call folks.

 

Back up to the Lido and Sun deck to watch us sail away from Grand Cayman. We napped until we had to get ready to go to the Supper Club where we had 7:30 reservations.

 

Next... Scarlett's Supper Club