Valor Eastern Caribbean?

[JrMafia90]

I see a lot of people posting reviews about the Valor western caribbean, but nothing about eastern caribbean. Anybody who went on the Valor for Eastern Caribbean can you tell us how it was. Also, do you have any pictures. Any likes/dislikes? Any thing we should be aware of or do? Any help would be great!

[tbtma]

LOL, I've been thinking of posting the same question. There seems to be only western itinerary reviews. Where are all the eastern reviews???

Bonnie

[celticd1]

Sorry, I have meant to write a review, just haven't had the time. Are there any specific things you want to know? The ship is beautiful, not as gaudy as she appears in some photos. The service was exceptional. Every crew member we had contact with was cheerful, helpful and friendly. We were a little disappointed in the itin. change (wich seems to have been changed back). I did not care for Nassua, but this was for a combination of reasons. Part was weather (it was chilly, high 50s/low60s) and we were late getting into port.

 

We took the ferry to St. John from St. Thomas. Went to Cinnamon Bay beach. It was the most secluded beach we have been to. Gorgeous.

 

Went to Orient beach on St. Martin. Complete opposite type beach from Cinnamon. Lots of people and action. It was very cool.

 

It was a fantastic cruise. We met with about 15 people from the Roll Call board that we had been chatting with for months and we all had a great time.

 

Ask away....... :)

[sunflwr19]

The itinerary has changed back to the original one? Where did you hear that?

[rickster10]

Sunflower, weathergeek is on the valor this week & a previous thread that he posted said it was changed back to the original itinerary.

[OC Mom]

Celtic, thanks for the info:) . Do ya have any tips for us? I don't know what info I'm looking for in particular, just random helpful hints.

[JrMafia90]

Well can anybody post any pictures from the Eastern Caribbean route? Or give us any tips or hints that we may need to know?

[tango9]

so what is the current eastern Valor itinerary?

[fozziscooter]

I am confused. Isn't the normal orginial eastern

 

Nassau

St Maarten

and St Thomas??

[daddybuff]

Yes the ports remained the same but they switched days and times for the ports on 2 -3 sailings as an experiment. sounds like they are back to the original itenerary.

[ccnwater]

Hey Celtic, do you remember how long of a taxi ride to Orient? We went last year, I think it was 20 minutes? We would like to head over there about 9:00am, stay until about 11:00, head back to ship for Golden Eagle excursion...Think this can be done? Think Orient beach will be happening at that early of a time? Thanks!

 

Also, what ferry did you take to St, Johns? We did red hook last time,w as thinking about taking Charlotte one to Trunk bay..Any input??

[JrMafia90]

Oh come on. You mean to tell me nobody on these boards was on a Valor Eastern Caribbean cruise?! Nobody has any pictures. Any tips, hints, likes, or dislikes.

[celticd1]

I am in the proccess of downloading photos onto webshots. Just click on the link in my signature. Keep checking cuz it will take me a few days to post all the shots.

 

As for tips....

 

Go to the "Colors Party", very fun.

 

Say Hi to Tim the casino slot host. Ask him to explain the relationship between a bottle of Tequila and his job. :eek:

 

Eat breakfast early to avoid the lines.

 

Eat lunch late (after 12:30) to avoid long lines.

 

Don't forget all the food choices. Pizza, fish and chips, deli sandwiches, asian, asian stir-fry, regular buffet and "Taste of Nations" buffet. All of these have a seperate area to order/choose your food.

 

If you want to have a spot near the pool on at sea days get up early and save a chair. I know this drives people nuts, but it is the ONLY way to ensure you will get one.

 

If you like fried shrimp order the sweet and sour shrimp in the dining room. It may be offered the first night if I remember correctly. It is wonderful and the sweet and sour dipping sauce is the best I have ever had.

 

Aviod the lobster. Mushy. This happened on our Sensation cruise also. I think it is too hard to prepare for that many people.

 

Go to the past guest party and the Captains party early. The free appitizers and drinks go fast! So do the seats and tables.

 

On St. Martin we took an "Island Tour" by mini van. Was about $20, PP more $$ if less people. I personally think this was a waste of time. Next time we will take the water taxi into downtown (just across the bay from the pier) and pick up a taxi to Orient Beach. Or pay a taxi for a tour and then get dropped off at the beach. Friends of ours did this and spent less money. We would have liked more beach time.

 

Haggle for prices, we paid $5 for a beach bag on St. Martin and found out later people had paid 4 for $9.

 

Be prepared for the "pushy" sales tactics in Nassua.

 

Check out Atlantis in Nassua. We walked through the dig for free.

 

St. John was beautiful. Check out Cinnamon Bay. Very secluded. Driving is scary, very steep winding roads.

 

That's all I can think of for now. I'll answer any specific questions?

[JrMafia90]

Thanks for the hints!

[celticd1]

ccnwater...We took a taxi from the port to Red Hook. Caught the ferry to Cruz Bay. Taxi to Cinnamon Bay. The proccess took about 45 mins. On the way back we took the Cruz Bay to Charlotte Amalie, about the same amount of time. We based wich ferries to take on timing. I didn't mind the ride either way.

 

Can't really help you on Orient Beach. We have only been the one time. I would say 20 mins. cab ride is about right. The problem with getting back is waiting to fill a cab. You will be charged more for 2 people than if the cab is full. At 11AM you may have trouble finding others leaving the beach. Just my 2 cents.

 

Another tip...the further along the beach at Orient that you go (towards the nude resort) the cheaper the chairs and umbrellas are.

[JrMafia90]

Is here any other good beaches in St. Martin or St. Thomas?

[Running_Dad]

Just Off Valor Eastern Caribbean yesterday. I am writing a detailed review right now and hope to post tonight or tomorrow. Had a great time:) .

 

We did Dawn Beach in St. Martin and would higly recommend.

 

More coming soon!

 

Pat the Running Dad

[JrMafia90]

Ok. I am waiting for your review! Do you have any pictures you can post?

[ccnwater]

Thanks Celtic! We have been to Orient once before, plan on sitting at Bikini Beach this time. Also, we will be there till about 12:30, our Golden Eagle Excursion is not till 1:15! Had my times messed up. Any other tips you can give would be great!

Running dad, hurry up! We can wait to hear from you and Weather Geek!

[mapsb421]

I was wondering all about Cinnamon Bay beach. How much was the fare? All the details if you don't mind.