Detailed Carnival Victory review:Photos,Menus,Fun Times July 4th-11, 2010

[Putter]

We are going on this cruise in May? Of all the ports, which one has a beach that is within walking distance. Probably all of them, but which one is the best? We have a 3 and 2 year old and they just love the beach. We just came from a cruise that went to Jamaica and the nearby beach was perfect. Within walking distance or very simple taxi ride would be best for us, but preferrably walking distance. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Prairie_Gal]

Awesome review! I missed it when you first posted, so I'm glad it resurfaced. We are thinking of this cruise for next winter, so I found all your port information and pictures very helpful.

[Buffettfan 225]

We are going on this cruise in May? Of all the ports, which one has a beach that is within walking distance. Probably all of them, but which one is the best? We have a 3 and 2 year old and they just love the beach. We just came from a cruise that went to Jamaica and the nearby beach was perfect. Within walking distance or very simple taxi ride would be best for us, but preferrably walking distance. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

OP here, Beach-will think on it overnite -and post tomorrow. It is a great cruise with all the ports.

[agc291]

buffetfan ... i was wondering if you ordered your room decorations or if it was something carnival did for you guys.

[Buffettfan 225]

buffetfan ... i was wondering if you ordered your room decorations or if it was something carnival did for you guys.

The decorations I pre-ordered from Bon Voyage Dept online. It is really cool, Did not realize while they appear taped to the ceiling- they are magnets! I took the time to take them all down and they folded in a nice pile for trip home (Take a large ziploc for this purpose). They really make for added fun enviromnment all week long. The cabin looked so ordinary when I took them down the last night.

 

The Rum we also ordered from Bon Voyage but that must be by phone, we also had two keychains with it upon entering room on embarkation day.

[Buffettfan 225]

We are going on this cruise in May? Of all the ports, which one has a beach that is within walking distance. Probably all of them, but which one is the best? We have a 3 and 2 year old and they just love the beach. We just came from a cruise that went to Jamaica and the nearby beach was perfect. Within walking distance or very simple taxi ride would be best for us, but preferrably walking distance. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I will give you a run down of the beaches I researched prior to leaving- none were truly walking distance. Some are close, but with a 2 & 3 year old a 25 min walk is a bit too far IMO.

 

St.Thomas:

Magen's Bay- as in my review. It also has lifeguards. Have never been to Coki beach but may also be an option. Would need taxi transport. have been there three times and beach of our choice.

 

Barbados: (note this is island had trouble and inconsistency with taxi fares- be very sure and get quote)

The only Beach that is "walkable" is Brandon's Beach. If you look left from the port, you can see Brandon's Beach. It's a 25 min walk from the ship.

Barbados may be the easiest port to get a rental car at and would recommend Stoutes. They have a booth at the port but it is advisable to reserve a car in advance. Research I found it cost $90 for the entire day, gas included, for an open top jeep. People there sit on the right and drive on the left. May be the easiest and most flexible way to get to beaches,explore and perhaps kids would like a visit to the Wildlife Preserve

other beaches-

1.)can research Hilton for day pass info, and best deal may be a "day pass room" I think I have read $65 but find that confusing as day pass without room is:$25 for a day pass for use of pool and beach

$35 for a day pass would include a meal and drink at the waters edge restaurant. Hilton's PBX number here on the island is.. 426-0200

 

Day pass which included use of the the beach, pool, chairs, umbrellas, towels, shower facitlity, lunch and a drink for $35.00 pp. Taxi fare told is $5.00 pp each way. 10 minute drive from the ship. Taxis available at the Hilton.

Here is link to CC port Barbados on Hilton:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1045516

 

2.)Accra Beach, Hastings Barbados Ask for Rockley Beach, not Accra Hotel. Amazing photos. Only difference that concerns me is taxi time,less amenities than say Hilton.

Here is info from another post:

It's a difference of about 100 yards, if that

Bar K'Nai was a good deal. 2 chairs = 20.00 BDS.

They had umbrellas available, too. I think 5.00 BDS.

Then you can "spend" that amount at the restaurant/bar with your receipt.In other words free chairs

Right across the street and to the left in the middle of a shopping center is "Just Grillin" We had the best flying fish sandwich there.

Another CC member posted this info:

Took taxi about 20 minutes from cruise dock (US$40 for 5 of us) to Rockley beach, also called Accra beach. There is a manmade reef maybe 60-80 yards off shore, maybe last 20 yards of swim over my head. Many colorful, mostly smaller fish clustered all along both sides of the reef. My younger daughter saw numerous baby fish in shallow water close to shore as well. Beach itself is beautiful, with vendors for chairs, souvenirs, and food/drink and is located in resort area

3.)Boatyard-plenty of info, seems more of a large party hangout,popular with crew as it is very close to ship.

St.Lucia-this cruise we did the Rendezvous reesort, but that is adutls only. however, when my son was younger we went to Rex Resort- we took a shuttle taxi to Reduit ($6pp one way -but may have to verify that); they dropped us off right in front of the St. Lucian resort. We walked through their lobby onto the beach.Our experience has been taxi drivers are very nice, reliable.

St.Kitts- no information-sorry. We did the train tour and would not recommend for that age group. I feel would not hold their interest.

 

 

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[LBumb]

great info

[Corntea]

Hi there, I am wondering about the Sign and Sail details you spoke of. My DH seems uncharacteristically unconcerned about money, but I am so afraid we are going to run out of money. :eek:

[Buffettfan 225]

Hi there, I am wondering about the Sign and Sail details you spoke of. My DH seems uncharacteristically unconcerned about money, but I am so afraid we are going to run out of money. :eek:

 

To best explain sign n' sail card-- if you are not familiar it becomes your all in one "charge card" for the cruise, as well as cabin key and It is the one they take a photo of you upon boarding and thus becomes your ID card you slide in & out when enter/exit ship.

At embarkation --(checking in to board ship) you must assign a credit card to it. Say for instance you choose a Mastercard--all sign n' sail charges --whether it be a drink,souvenier from gift shop, bingo card, shore excursion purchased while on ship, tips- it all goes onto the sign n' sail and at end of cruise your total bill gets applied to the Mastercard that you designated.

On a rare occasion that you attach a "Debit card" it is automatically I believe debited with a preamount say $500, and all charges must be closed out before exiting ship. Debit cards are a real hassle.

Hope this helps, if not clear--please ask with more details what you do not understand.

[1stcruiser1]

Lots of great info- thanks!! Do you happen to know how much beer and other drinks are at Magens Bay?

[Buffettfan 225]

Lots of great info- thanks!! Do you happen to know how much beer and other drinks are at Magens Bay?

Sorry I can't recall prices-although $2 a can of soda rings a bell from machine on the deck between rental shed and gift shop door.

We tried getting burgers, but was told they wouldn't open until 11am?

But then heard they are notoriously slow and cost is $8-9 burger, $12+ for pizza. We just brought prepackaged trail mix,pretzels and a soft side cooler of bottled water iced from ship.

[WendysMom]

"St. Kitts arrival backed into port, the port side of ship was facing the gangway. The orientation of ship if parallel to pier, but perpendicular to shore. It is a very long dock, and gangway is at far end of ship near front.:

 

I have enjoyed your review and your pictures.

 

When I read your quote above, I am concerned that it will be a challenge for my husband who get leg cramps when he walks. Have you been to Roatan ?

 

Dear "Dear",

 

I, too, am mobility challenged and I'd like to make a suggestion - that you get or rent a scooter that he can use throughout the cruise. I always worried that it would be difficult for my family to push me in the wheelchair and so on - and this way I can keep up with everybody. There are a few places that won't accommodate you, cut if you use a lightweight scooter, you can generally load it yourself - I can and do! I've done several cruise reviews which were all designed for those who are mobility challenged - including our daughter's wedding cruise aboard the "Legend."

 

If you have any questions, feel free to email me directly at cathi.deal@sbcglobal.net and I'll do what I can to answer them - my scooter's have been all over the Caribbean!

[blessedwith12]

Almost a year later I am stopping by your great review! I remembered you had some great details and pictures about your excursions. I ended up booking the Miracle for this November and I'll be going to St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Kitts.

I wanted to look at your review and pictures of the railway tour and your beach day in St. Lucia. Have you been to Nachi Cocom in Cozumel? Is the Rendezvous similar. Am I understanding correctly that it's only about 5 minutes by taxi from the pier?

On the railway tour - if we do it in the morning, will there be a beach close by that we could go to after the railway tour?

 

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

[SassyCheryl]

Thanks for the wonderful review, loved all the pictures. :D

[Buffettfan 225]

Almost a year later I am stopping by your great review! I remembered you had some great details and pictures about your excursions. I ended up booking the Miracle for this November and I'll be going to St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Kitts.

I wanted to look at your review and pictures of the railway tour and your beach day in St. Lucia. Have you been to Nachi Cocom in Cozumel? Is the Rendezvous similar. Am I understanding correctly that it's only about 5 minutes by taxi from the pier?

On the railway tour - if we do it in the morning, will there be a beach close by that we could go to after the railway tour?

 

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

Thank you blessedwith12 and to MSUPEANUT also for the compliments on my review.

We enjoyed this cruise so much, we have booked it again for March 2021although,Dominica is no longer part of itinerary.

 

First of all I have not been to Nachi Cocum, rather Paradise Beach in Cozumel. I would describe paradise Beach and from what I read Nachi as more of a as nice open air beach bar,chairs with wait staff and bar type food service beachside vs a resort. The Rendezvous was much more luxiourous location,lush,pools,spa available if you wish to book services ahead of time, chairs on beach,poolside or can relax under cover of shade and fans nicely padded chairs on terrace. To me it is more of walking into a tropical Hyatt or Hilton. Yes, it is just 5 min away 10 minutes tops from St.Lucia port by taxi.

 

RE:St.Kitts: In my opinion I would think you could easily get to the beach after railway Tour. To save some time- bring beach gear with you in am /or wear suits (you can easily take these on train) or right when railway shuttle drops you, catch another taxi without having to go all the way to ship and back- otherwise that would be at least a 45min roundtrip. Unless you hustle,change and back out-St.Kitts is a long pier!

I looked under ports of call for St.kitts here on CC, and also tripadvisor website andn both recommend a close beach is "South Friars Beach" for $4/person each way. Someone mentioned Shipwreck bar as a drop off point.

Taxis like to do a lot of dropping off at Cockelshell and suggest it- much busier and further. Tripadvisor had all the touristy things listed in order and South Friars beach came in #7! Just set a time for your driver to return for you and build in traffic buffer. In St.Kitts you will not be missing anything at all for shopping at the pier here. I found it to be lots of cheap t-shirts,sunglasses trinkets over and over in same type stores-often same owner, plus the norm of jewelry stores. There is a small casino near ship-my father deemed it a dive and tourist trap LOL. Only slots machines.

 

Anyone who goes on Victory before us..can you note when "Behind the scenes tour is,what day,time & price ..thanks. Also is the muster -safety drill really now on Monday--St.Thomas day??

THanks

[blessedwith12]

Thanks for all the great information! I booked this cruise as a surprise for my husband and I haven't told him yet :) So, I'm trying to get some of the planning underway too. He's not much into the planning stage - just tell him what we're doing and when.

 

I had a note to myself to check out Sout Friars and the Shipwreck Bar - that is was better than Cockleshell. Looks like you've found that out, too - so I'm leaning towards doing the train and then the beach maybe.

 

I haven't done the Southern itinerary before and I'm very excited about it. Thanks for the detailed review - it really helps with the planning.

 

Have a great time on your next cruise. I can tell you're the type of person who will have a good time no matter what anyways :)

[Buffettfan 225]

Thanks for all the great information! I booked this cruise as a surprise for my husband and I haven't told him yet :) So, I'm trying to get some of the planning underway too. He's not much into the planning stage - just tell him what we're doing and when.

 

I had a note to myself to check out Sout Friars and the Shipwreck Bar - that is was better than Cockleshell. Looks like you've found that out, too - so I'm leaning towards doing the train and then the beach maybe.

 

I haven't done the Southern itinerary before and I'm very excited about it. Thanks for the detailed review - it really helps with the planning.

 

Have a great time on your next cruise. I can tell you're the type of person who will have a good time no matter what anyways :)

Thanks for the positive praise--one needs it once in a while. :D

When will your surprise trip be?

[Funerin]

7312 is my room in October! It is our 10 year anniversary! Thanks for posting pics of the room. Great review keeps me going until my time.

[Buffettfan 225]

7312 is my room in October! It is our 10 year anniversary! Thanks for posting pics of the room. Great review keeps me going until my time.

We booked this cruise again for March. That location was meant to be. I was trying to coordinate our suite with an available across the hall interior for son and the combo ended up with us beingin 7312 again! I wonder how often room stewards change cabin assignments?

Will you make notes of any menu changes, when behind the scenes tour is and boardig/disemabarking times thanks.

Edited July 22, 2011 by Buffettfan 225

[Funerin]

Absolutly!!

[Funerin]

By the way I didn't realize that you went on this cruise last year. It is awesome that you are still active on this thread.

[blessedwith12]

Thanks for the positive praise--one needs it once in a while. :D

When will your surprise trip be?

 

It's Nov. 2nd. Today is my birthday, so I'm thinking about telling him tonight - sort of my birthday gift to myself :D He enjoys cruising, but he REALLY loves flying - so he will be more excited about the plane tickets!

[Buffettfan 225]

By the way I didn't realize that you went on this cruise last year. It is awesome that you are still active on this thread.

I just love to help fellow cruisers, and I think since it was such a "long detailed" thread, it keeps popping back up to top on CC. I also get the emails when a new post is made to it, so go to thread and comment as necessary.

I will be able to add a new version when we sail next March!

[cruiseonly]

Great review.

 

Read that you are not allowed to lock your luggage when going on the ship.

 

Is this something new.

[Buffettfan 225]

Great review.

 

Read that you are not allowed to lock your luggage when going on the ship.

 

Is this something new.

Yes, it is true

This is direct from Carnival baggage info section:

"We suggest all luggage be unlocked before turning over to the porters in order to avoid any inconvenience to you or delay in delivering the luggage to your stateroom. Should you choose not to unlock your bags and prohibited items are found during screening, your luggage will be retained until you can open it in front of security personnel."

However- since it is easy to remove, and a small piece of mind--we use zip ties in a color and use as a lock.

I do that for airlines too. We put a zip tie on bag in a color (red.lime blue etc.) as we have found airport uses "clear or white ones" .That way if my zip tie is still intact and in my color, I know I should have all my items in suitcase. I do this also for cruising.

Just remember to pack a nail clipper and keep it with you to clip zip ties - also don't pull them too tight to hard to get a clipper into to cut.

 

We also pack lots of extra zip ties for trip home, and I can't tell you how many times I've zipped the bags and then want to put something in or take something out!