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

[Buffettfan 225]

Reading your review is just making me more excited for my cruise.:D

I am so glad to make it as enjoyable for others. My Dh walked by and said "you are getting paid for that right?" Well no...

but to make others happy and inspire, and maybe they will hire me :D

[McDebbie]

great review, I am following right along.

 

I hate to jump ahead but noticed you had the Behind the Scenes notice, did you take that tour? We are not sure what to do now since it is on St Kitts days, we wanted to take the railroad but the only railway tours are at 8:30 and 10:30 so it doesn't seem we can do both. :(

[Buffettfan 225]

great review, I am following right along.

 

I hate to jump ahead but noticed you had the Behind the Scenes notice, did you take that tour? We are not sure what to do now since it is on St Kitts days, we wanted to take the railroad but the only railway tours are at 8:30 and 10:30 so it doesn't seem we can do both. :(

We were also upset over that fact--but the behind the scenes I noticed was not the original 3-1/2 or 4 hour tour rather a shorter one, so did not feel as bad. Once I post my train review looking at photos, and link to my whole photo album, you can decide if it is for you. The Behind the scenes is really alluring.

 

Quick note for you though:

We took the 8:30 train tour-great morning spent on train relaxing,also with my parents. I will post that review soon, but do recommend the 8:30 tour vs. 10:00

-I just looked at my train photos (time stamped) and show us boarding a short quick bus,at 8:30am waited for it to load and in 10-15 minutes that takes us to train station starting point - at 8:54 my camera shows us starting to roll on train. Then at 11:00am in the middle of nowhere the awaiting 10:00 patrons standing in sun met us (they had just finished the 1 hour country side tour) and we got on buses for our 1 hour tour back to cruise port at noon. Being back early enough allowed us shopping time, lunch and then we caught a private taxi to Brimstone Fort-- we only saw two other people there at fort-talk about a great time to take the Fort tour. Those details of train and fort coming soon.

So the 10:00 train tour had to wait, had a hotter tour and not back until 1:30pm. Take the 8:30am or Behind the Scenes.

 

If you choose to do the Behind the Scenes you can still get out and go to Caribelle Batik,Brimstone Fort or general tour. Time enough for both.

More tomorrow or Friday--

Suzy

[Ginnyfyr]

I'm anxious to see your St. Kitts railway tour pics/review. I've seen a few photos on another review and I'm really eager to do this excursion...but the husband will probably take a little more convincing. It just looks like such a lovely, leisurely way to see the island and still have time for shopping or another short excursion if we do the early morning tour. Thanks again for sharing such detailed info with us! It is very much appreciated :D

[Buffettfan 225]

I'm anxious to see your St. Kitts railway tour pics/review. I've seen a few photos on another review and I'm really eager to do this excursion...but the husband will probably take a little more convincing. It just looks like such a lovely, leisurely way to see the island and still have time for shopping or another short excursion if we do the early morning tour. Thanks again for sharing such detailed info with us! It is very much appreciated :D

I am still putting together narrative, but if want a sneak peak here is album link from pulling into St.Kitts thru train tour. Just hit forward arrow:

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2695260060103372150WZFEVF?vhost=travel

 

Here is link from time train started rolling:

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2624667390103372150eDwnBJ?vhost=travel

 

I have to upload more photos of Brimstone Hill Fort, & St.Maarten yet, and create a more organized photo album that is in sequence.

Edited July 29, 2010 by Buffettfan 225

[jennat]

Thank you for posting this. I know how much work it is and I appreciate it. Makes waiting for your cruise so much easier!! we sail in Oct.

[vlwalker]

Reading your review is just making me more excited for my cruise.:D

 

MIZZ_K,

 

I usually travel with a group of 30 plus family and friends. I'm thinking about a solo cruise in the future, how do you like it? I will be retiring in about 5 years or less, and I'm really looking forward to traveling more.

[Buffettfan 225]

St.Lucia review day 5 July 8, 2010

 

Today was going to be a visit to the Rendezvous Resort.

The Rendezvous offers a couples only day visit experience.

 

The resort offered wonderful hospitality and nice quiet location on Malabar beach.

Here is some of information I received upon inquiry to resort:

 

Thanks for your continuing interest in the Rendezvous.

Day passes at the hotel the following still applies Half day pass (Morning) Includes only, Drinks and use of resort facilities from 8:00am to 12 noon. cost US$40.00

Half day pass (afternoon) Includes Lunch, Afternoon tea, Drinks and use of resort facilities from 12 noon to 6:00pm. Cost US$50.00

Attached is a copy of our spa prices for your perusal.

Passes Excludes use of scuba facilities and motorized water sports.

Please be advised that reservation are needed for final confirmation, which you an settle on arrival at the property.

We arrived at 9:00am to a very quiet,wonderful landscaped resort. After check in told lunch was at 12:30pm, showed us the two immediate pool areas, beach, use of chairs,towels,umbrella. We settled in on beach, and immediately asked if would like a beverage. Bartender recommended Scarlet Ladies -- a juice concotion with grenadine;no alcohol. Anything was available however.

The immediate area around hotel as I stepped off felt like small bits of coral and shells--to my surprise I found pieces of sea or beach glass-small pieces but there.

I usually hunt for seashells as walk the beach, today I spent much time looking for glass. My DH got into it too. A few good areas in surf made for a fun snatch or pounce on the glass you see one moment and disappears in a wave. I cannot accurately judge, if it is jewelry quality, but I love I found it on our 25th Anniversary cruise and hope to make some earrings or such. The morning was very quiet just a few others around. Felt totally safe and belongings safe. They had employees in their polo shirts and khakis constantly roaming area, and looking if you needed service. Only

It was so easy--just put a flag they gave you in the sand--over comes a waitress.

Lunch was very European flair. It is a buffet with hot and cold offerings,paninis, and desserts found on a Easter buffet. All beverages are still included. Myself I asked for ice tea with sugar-- it took a long while, the tea arrived (appearing frsh brewed) and to my surprise a ceramic pitcher filled with melted sugar like liquid. It sure mixed in nice with the tea. No wonder it took so long. After lunch we sat on the open air terrace with ceiling fans just gazing. Taxi was $12 for the two of us + tip. Our morning taxi driver was ready & waiting as promised. The taxi ride was approx. 5min.

We

Edited July 30, 2010 by Buffettfan 225

[Buffettfan 225]

walkway to resort from front taxi drop off

 

Small pool-this water temp too warm for my liking

 

First view of beach arrea

 

outdoor bar & another pool

 

view from water edge

[Buffettfan 225]

view while eating lunch buffet:

 

 

 

Indoor/outdoor terrace, bar and great view to just relax

 

One last look back as we left. Until we return...

Back

 

St.Lucia cruise terminal area, nice complex of duty free shops and kiosk carts

 

 

 

[Buffettfan 225]

Victory St.Lucia views from ship day 5 July 8, 2010

 

St.Lucia was a really nice port, pituresque, pleasant terminal shopping.

 

View from Victory-port side # 7312

 

View port side, more forward:

 

View starboard side, more forward:

 

It really was a magical day:

[Buffettfan 225]

Victory Menu day 5 St.Lucia July 8, 2010

 

Appetizers:

 

Escargot:

 

Main Course:

 

Desserts:

 

bunny:

[aeomom]

Great pictures! The one with the rainbow is just beautiful!

 

We are planning whale watching for our St. Lucia day but your resort pics have me second guessing! Darn it! :rolleyes:

 

Now... is it just me or is that bunny striking a risque' pose? ;)

[Buffettfan 225]

Great pictures! The one with the rainbow is just beautiful!

 

We are planning whale watching for our St. Lucia day but your resort pics have me second guessing! Darn it! :rolleyes:

 

 

Now... is it just me or is that bunny striking a risque' pose? ;)

 

Yes, the rainbow is second cruise in a row both on our anniversary cruise.

I cannot express how great a day we had at St.Lucia. Even looked into a return trip to resort. It is so relaxing-never worried about time. Well except having concierge call taxi back and tell him pick us up at 3pm not after lunch! I will post more info on St.Lucia port board. Didn't want to dominate this review with it.

I did look into whale excursion--we were not really "in season", and heard they were not guaranteed sightings. So I made the resort choice.

 

Ok--it isn't just us and our "sense of humor" we thought so too....Here is the bunny later:

 

[Buffettfan 225]

Victory Review St.Kitts Day 6 July 9, 2010

 

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. When considering which side the view is better in St.Kitts it is an equal call with edge going to port side. Basically the terminal area can be viewed from the stern (back) really well and leaning outward from either balcony side. The thing we liked about port side view was just a bit more color across inlet, and ability to see gangway. Today we had chosen to book through Carnival the St.Kitts railway tour. We were traveling with my parents (late 60’s, and slight knee mobility issues) and thought after five ports a nice relaxing tour was in order. I pre-booked thru website as read it was a quite popular limited tour having two times an 8:30am and 10am start. Booking early we were given the 8:30am tour start and despite not being an early riser were happy to have this time. We walked down pier about 8:15 as tour was told to meet at end of dock, at terminal at 8:30am.

 

Docked in St.Kitts view from port side ship cabin #7312

 

View port side looking straight out from cabin #7312

 

View from starboard side-towards back or stern looking toward terminal

 

View of terminal entrance from pier. In photo on right side is a building with a blue awning-this is a new small slots only casino, around its backside is where we boarded bus shuttles for St.Kitts train tour. We met at right side as looking in photo. There are also restrooms right there -because when shopping-the ship is further than one thinks!

 

Welcome to St.Kitts- our tour met underneath the right arch on other side

 

buses for the St.Kitts railway tour

 

Next up St.Kitts Railway tour review

[aeomom]

Ok--it isn't just us and our "sense of humor" we thought so too....Here is the bunny later:

 

 

 

LOL! I like you Suzy!

[alreadypacked]

Wonderful review and I greatly appreciate your attention to detail!

[lvx3]

What a wonderful review! My family and I are on this exact cruise and thanks to your post I am even more excited than I thought possible.

 

Thank you for your attentiion to detail! Can't wait for more.

[Bubbles3]

I'm really enjoying your review. Thanks for taking the time to post it. I know it can be time-consuming (I've done the same thing for different trips) but as well as being helpful to others it's also a great way to record your memories to look back on in the future.

 

I'm so excited - I only wish we were booked for August 2010 not 2011 :) We're boarding in Barbados so I really don't like your photo of the cases there....mine will be one of those too :(

 

Other than that....great photos! I love the rainbow one.

 

*silly question alert* Do you have to take your own beach towels for the excursions or do Carnival provide them?

Edited July 31, 2010 by Bubbles3

[Buffettfan 225]

I'm really enjoying your review. Thanks for taking the time to post it. I know it can be time-consuming (I've done the same thing for different trips) but as well as being helpful to others it's also a great way to record your memories to look back on in the future.

 

I'm so excited - I only wish we were booked for August 2010 not 2011 :) We're boarding in Barbados so I really don't like your photo of the cases there....mine will be one of those too :(

 

Other than that....great photos! I love the rainbow one.

 

*silly question alert* Do you have to take your own beach towels for the excursions or do Carnival provide them?

Yes, take your towels unless it indicates towels provided. Like our St.Lucia stop they provided towels. I also take a washcloth to wipe saltwater out of eyes or pour water onto to wipe face--I store that in ziploc to get sand on it. It is nice to take carnival towels and upon return plop them on floor by door to not track sand everywhere.

We no longer pack any of our own towels-saves suitcase weight.

[Buffettfan 225]

sigh..retyping and posting review--CC boards crashed! thakfully had some narrative save in word doc.

 

St.Kitts Railway tour review:

Being the first tour, this was to be a short 15 min ride to the train station. Teddy our driver,did a nice narration pointing out local sights like the National Bank, town sights, airport and information about population, religions and the fact the people are outnumbered 2:1 by monkeys. He said we may call them “PETS” they call them “PESTS.” Seems they are very smart and a scarecrow in field that never moves did not outsmart the monkeys, rather its limbs were pulled off. Worse yet, they began using family dogs to keep monkeys away from their farms and gardens only to find monkeys befriend the dogs by picking bus & ticks off them and riding them! We also saw the airport on way to station-it is growing in size and takes direct flights from Miami, New York,Charlotte etc. We then pulled up to our destination. Each bus load of people (I’d say 16-18 people in our group) were stopped at the train car you would be riding in for the train tour – so being bus or group #3—we were in car #3. So group accordingly when standing in line under arch. There are two levels of seating. The lower area is of wicker chairs, and air conditioned (only one elderly lady chose this seating for our tour.) The lower level near entrance to train car also has a bathroom that looks like it would have been put in an airplane. To get to upper level must go up a small metal spiral stairway (about 6 steps or so.) On top deck is padded benches that are lengthwise, and face inward with a large aisle down middle. We started seating on right side as you face forward thinking this would be side to get better photos. Fortunately our train car was not at capacity of I count of 24-26. I was able to sit across on opposite bench facing the water without having to turn my head. I often did get up to take better photos by kneeling on benches or standing. We were joking that standing and crossing to other bench was like standing on a surf board. While traveling there is a main narrator on train thru speakers who is in car 1. Each car also has a hostess to serve free beverages and a later sample of “sugar cake.” The train also has a traveling accapello singing trio (we had a duo though) that moves from car to car during journey. I am very motion sick prone, so did take a Bonine prior. The train starts with a shrill squeaking while moving at its starting slow pace. It then gets going and does do some side to side swaying, not enough to ever bother me though.

 

Rolling out of station- the most swaying & squeaking here until it gets up to speed:

 

While it was 89 degrees and full sun in July, there was enough breeze to never feel hot. (NOTE:adnvatage of taking 8:30am tour vs. 10:00am) They also offer as I said free beverages including Pina Coladas, punch (with alcohol if one wishes) by end of tour I think I heard them offer at least four times for beverage service. They also have soda and bottled water. Hint:bring a beverage cooler that can hold a cup, or a bottled water- it sweats and gets warm fast

 

Beverage service:

 

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We were told they have only two seasons on island- dry and wet. We were just starting the wet season, thankfully the scenery still reflected green and not dryness. One gets to see the Caribbean shoreline, black sand beach, where the sea and ocean meet, new housing opportunities for the low income families to wealthier homes, sugar mills, sugar cane,many types of churches (almost every religion is represented on island.)

Landscape view of volcano:

 

A sister island in the distance (amazing I was just on tour and do not know name- so much information to take in.)

 

The people are very kind and anytime we saw a person they were waving at the train. The tour narrator said they have 4 tours each day and they called her "mama" as she comes out to wave at the train everytime:

 

Black sand beach:

[Buffettfan 225]

St.Kitts Railway tour review part 2

 

The train travels I think 18 miles around most of island (it used to travel full island circle) and then 12 miles by bus (reverse for the 10:00am tour.) As the train traveled, its journey will cross over five bridges. Admittedly I am afraid of heights in open spaces (not terror but not fond of). I can be in a building and be fine, but not scenic lookouts or towers. The train going over the bridges did not bother me though.

 

 

Crossing one of the bridges:

Sugar mill remains:

 

View of train car #2 in front of us:

 

I admit one does see a lot of various stages of sugar mills, volcano/mountain skyline, sugar cane, and shoreline. It may come off as a slow tour to some, but our family (us in late 40’s, and parents in late 60’s) a nice serene, very informative and relaxing way to see most of the island. The narration was right on pace, singing of a trio (duo) is a nice touch and can sense the proudness of the people of their island. I did note near at some point of tour seeing a few men dozing off, (perhaps it was rhytym of train like rocking in a chair) and younger teen taking photos of herself on her camera. Young children may enjoy the initial ride but after 30 minutes lose the novelty.

 

Although later in tour (almost 10:00am) they passed out samples of "sugar cake" it is a small tartlet made with brown sugar,coconut and MORE brown sugar. If the kids were bored--this would get them bouncing around the train for sure. It was deemed too sweet by my dad, and I gladly ate it--admittedly though I am one that eats lumps of brown sugar when making cookies.

 

"Sugar cake"

 

Houses being built (lower income housing in background- they pay rent towards ownership) and larger home in foreground.

 

 

Example of a church along route:

 

 

cont.

[Buffettfan 225]

Thickest part of brush & sugar cane we passed through. We were told to be on lookout for erradictly moving branches indicating monkeys but did not see any. (more on monkey sighting later.)

 

 

Location where Caribbean Sea & Atlantic come together. Shore is protected by a reef (the curve in the water) (Forgive me if it is not Atlantic- hard to recall everything.)

 

 

Locals waving to the train, cricket is a favorite sport on island

 

At 11:00am the end of the line came into view. The 10:00am tour were waiting for us in the sun. They had just finished the city/countryside tour we would now be doing. As we exited the train there was some chatter amongst the passengers. To me I think it was about tipping. We planned on doing so, but nothing was mentioned. The hostess was at the bottom of the stairs saying goodbye to us as we left. We saw she was getting tips as people were exiting, and felt better we were not only ones doing so.

End of the ride for 8:30am train tour. 10:00 tour waiting to board.

 

The city tour back took us through some countryside, different parishes, saw more churches,local businesses and

the “Happy Tree” of St.Kitts. (right side of bus)

 

This is the only view of Brimstone Hill Fortress we saw from bus (left side of bus):

 

We arrived back at the cruise terminal and shopping area right at noon.

Teddy first stopped near middle of shopping area for those wanting to get off there, and told others to stay on, as would drop them closer to ship.

 

Being back early enough allowed us shopping time, lunch and then we caught a private taxi from cruise terminal to Brimstone hill Fort -- we only saw two other people there-talk about a great time to take the Fort tour. Fort review next posting.

[aeomom]

Hmmm, you certainly have me curious about the monkeys.

[Buffettfan 225]

Hmmm, you certainly have me curious about the monkeys.

 

ok- I made it more exciting than it sounds about monkeys.

First the joke was that there are 2 monkey for every person on the island.

Teddy our shuttle driver told us. I joked and said then every cruise passenger should take one home? He said no take 2!

 

When they told us on train tour to look at moving branches in the trees for monkeys==everyone got real interested--no sightings though. She said they like it cooler and in daytime hide high up in trees or shade.

 

Our first sighting of monkeys were the small ones that are diapered and on leashes " in the shopping terminal area. You may be caught off guard--but will ask for money after photo taken , or perhaps be honest and tell you up front. They were on edges of shopping terminal area--the security tried to keep them away. Plus cruiseline warned not to touch monkeys.

 

On way up to fort through winding path was telling driver we kept hearing about all the monkeys and had not seen any...

oh --like those, and he stops car and there in brush a troupe of them=

almost too fast for camera:

admittedly I did not have a camera ready :-( so one photo then..

 

and then a monkey butt! They are camera shy

 

So that is the story, when you don't expect it, be prepared and for those in late afternoon (3pm) the monkeys on way to fort were foraging.