My Disappointing Cruise... Valor Dec 12-19 Review

[nhraformula00]

Sorry to hear that you did not like the Fish & Chips, as i found that i could not keep myself from going up there for a snack.Batter was very light and not soaked in oil.My wife and son both had a blast in the casino,only 20$ to get into the slot,or blackjack tournament, where we met some really nice people.Sounds like your cruise had some rough weather.Intercontinental is 5 min from ship,we stayed there one month ago and got to the port around 10.30

[firefly333]

I couldn't agree more. Ive not been on this board fro long but it seems "firefly" seems to be a bit of a trouble maker.:rolleyes:

 

sorry for answering your questions about MDR on your thread and other topics.... I didnt realize you think Im a trouble maker. I wouldnt make this mistake again I hope helping you out.

[UpstateCruizer]

Scott I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the activities offered on the Valor. I am curious based on your previous cruises what type of activities are offered on other lines? Since I have never cruised any other line I'd be very interested in hearing about the differences in activities. I participate in some of the activities on Carnival but I enjoy the downtime cruising allows me.

[firefly333]

 

I have my dailies in front of me right now, and the only things I notice is Bingo, Casino tournaments, Hairy Chest contest, mixologist competition, trivia's and show times.

 

Carnival does a lot of trivia and inside games of the same nature. I find trivia is way harder than I would think and they had a game with trick questions I was no good at. Like someone on floor 20 takes the elevator down but only up 10 floors why .. they are a midget and cant reach the 20th floor button .. who would know this unless they do these contests all the time.

 

Carnival has hairy chest, RCL has hairy legs .. I find no differences in these type of activities as I said between the lines. Its my honest opinion.

 

I don't think "firefly" was being nasty...I think she was being honest.

 

She has cruised Carnival and RCCL pretty equally and likes both pretty equally.

 

So she gave her honest opinion being equally experienced with both cruise lines.

 

thank you ... I find for activities and food both lines are pretty equal. I prefer RCL for their decor, slight preference obviously... as I switch back and forth between lines, whichever has the best deal.

 

Oh yea .. RCL does have a belly flop contest .. so one extra activity at the pool. Carnival used to do some kind of pool races, but havent seen them lately. RCL used to do horse (wooden) racing, but seems to be no more too. I just dont find that big of a difference between the lines.

[serene56]

I am curious to who the Cruise Director was for your sailing.

Was he a regular or was he a fill in??

 

 

I found long ago that it is not pleasant to print out a not to favorable review of your sailing-- it is just not accepted here.

[tkportersat]

I have noticed most activities are pretty much the same on the lines. RCL of course on some of the ships has the wave rider, rock wall, ice skating, etc. but I usually go on a cruise to relax as my at home life is quite hectic. Seems the OP might have missed some of those options RC offers. :confused:

 

Carnival does a lot of trivia and inside games of the same nature. I find trivia is way harder than I would think and they had a game with trick questions I was no good at. Like someone on floor 20 takes the elevator down but only up 10 floors why .. they are a midget and cant reach the 20th floor button .. who would know this unless they do these contests all the time.

 

Carnival has hairy chest, RCL has hairy legs .. I find no differences in these type of activities as I said between the lines. Its my honest opinion.

 

 

 

thank you ... I find for activities and food both lines are pretty equal. I prefer RCL for their decor, slight preference obviously... as I switch back and forth between lines, whichever has the best deal.

 

Oh yea .. RCL does have a belly flop contest .. so one extra activity at the pool. Carnival used to do some kind of pool races, but havent seen them lately. RCL used to do horse (wooden) racing, but seems to be no more too. I just dont find that big of a difference between the lines.

[firefly333]

I have noticed most activities are pretty much the same on the lines. RCL of course on some of the ships has the wave rider, rock wall, ice skating, etc. but I usually go on a cruise to relax as my at home life is quite hectic. Seems the OP might have missed some of those options RC offers. :confused:

 

Maybe its because the OP says he only cruises once a year .. and he is just noticing some cutbacks .. as really those are mainly the Carnival activities. Well, they do have kaorke, and the marriage game, maybe a ping pong or mini golf thing at 9 am .. but that is about the sum up of the activities, the ones the OP said were posted.

 

Food quality is iffy, I had half cooked pizza and thought it was me, but someone else posted that who was on my cruise. People complain about cold food .. I think its because waiters and cabin stewards now have more people to take care of. cutbacks which are also going on in major companies, where my friends are having to do more work for the same pay.

 

The OP could go back to RCL and find fewer activities as well than he had a few years ago.

[swimmom32]

We are just off the Destiny yesterday..Embarkation took us 15 minutes no joke, and we were on board the ship in NO Time...Disembarkation was 15 minutes as well..We arrived at 7:50am on 3rd Floor to Disembark and walked right off..10 minutes on line for customs and we were at our car in the parking Lot at the Port Of Miami and home in an hour...They had the Hairy Chest Competition very funny, ice carving, synchronized swimming etc..There always something to do on our ship. I do agree with the lack of Deck Activities..On NCL we were outside the whole time listening to the DJ and the Band and dancing etc..Carnival doesnt do that..Although our food was better than NCL and by far so was the Staff...The shows we really enjoyed and always something to do at night..We did Anytime seating and it was great...sorry you had such an awful experience we had the best trip ever...

[tkportersat]

I have honestly enjoyed the food more on Carnival, but the last cruise on the Conquest it was not up to par with what I have had in the past. I love to watch the karoake, but don't really participate. I have enjoyed all the activities at one point or another but on the last few cruises I just wing it and don't follow a shedule; I may stumble on to something and stick around. Trying NCL for the first time in March, will have to see how it compares....No way I will be bored though; will have an 11 month in tow this trip. I will be lucky to relax at all - ha.

 

Maybe its because the OP says he only cruises once a year .. and he is just noticing some cutbacks .. as really those are mainly the Carnival activities. Well, they do have kaorke, and the marriage game, maybe a ping pong or mini golf thing at 9 am .. but that is about the sum up of the activities, the ones the OP said were posted.

 

Food quality is iffy, I had half cooked pizza and thought it was me, but someone else posted that who was on my cruise. People complain about cold food .. I think its because waiters and cabin stewards now have more people to take care of. cutbacks which are also going on in major companies, where my friends are having to do more work for the same pay.

 

The OP could go back to RCL and find fewer activities as well than he had a few years ago.

[Peaches166]

I was also on the Valor 12/12. It was my first cruise, well 2nd if you count a cruise to nowhere I did in 2005. I thought it was okay, not the best vacay but not the worst either.

I'm not really into the activities they offered and I don't gamble (my dh did win 100.00 on the blackjack table). So, I spent my time relaxing up on the lido deck when it started to get a little warmer out. I did think the tribute to the 80's show was spectacular! That was about the best thing I enjoyed. I did enjoy some of the ports (wasn't crazy about GC and we will not return to that one) but I loved Cozumel and Honduras!

The cruise gave us the opportunity for a short visit on some islands we've always wanted to see. For my dh it was Belize and for me it was Honduras. I think it also has alot to do w/the excursions you plan. The one in Coz was really fun. We did the the speed boat (Twista) and it took us out to a private island where we had lunch and drinks.

I'm planning another cruise for June to Bermuda with the girls on RCCL...I think my experience will be a little different with this one because we party when we are together but when i vacay w/hubby he is more laid back and not into activities so much.

I'm sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your cruise and I hope it doesn't turn you off from future cruises.

[PROCRUISE]

We were on The Valor the week before you, 12/5-12, and had a very nice time. The activities on Carnival are always the same, probably based on the idea that on any sailing, more than half of the passengers are probably first time cruisers so it is all new to them.

 

We don't take cruises to be entertained, we take cruises to totally relax, enjoy the sea from our balcony, and meet many interesting people on board. This is particularly true on HAL and remains to be seen on Celebrity, which we're trying in March. We have not tried RCCL yet but it appears to me that they want to entertain you to death and that isn't what we take cruise for in the first place.

 

Sorry about your disappointment with CCL and I hope your next cruise is more enjoyable, no matter what line you cruise on. Merry Christmas too!

[golfadj]

Anyone who would make the comment that firefly is a troublemaker either is not on here very much or lacks reading comprehension skills.

 

I have learned one hell of a lot about cruising and many tips on making our cruises better from her.

 

She tells you what she thinks which remember is what CC is all about.

[hamfiveo]

Merry Christmas everyone...

 

The last thing I want is for someone to think they can't post a not so good review because they risk the chance of being flamed. Saying that, I appreciate the comments from all of you.

 

While my trip wasn't the best ever and didn't meet my expectations, there is something I actually forgot to write in my review...

 

I still had a good time.

 

Have a safe holidays... don't drink and drive!!!!!!!

[golfadj]

Merry Christmas everyone...

 

The last thing I want is for someone to think they can't post a not so good review because they risk the chance of being flamed. Saying that, I appreciate the comments from all of you.

 

While my trip wasn't the best ever and didn't meet my expectations, there is something I actually forgot to write in my review...

 

I still had a good time.

 

Have a safe holidays... don't drink and drive!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for your last post. May your next cruise be an outstanding one.

[dan40]

I rarely read a review of anything and the OP's review reminded me why I stopped reading reviews.

 

The seas were the 'worst' ever experienced. Shame on Carnival for not calming the oceans of the world. On an RCL cruise, we had 40 foot waves and 80 knot winds across the CLOSED outside decks. that went on for 18 hours and the storm with lesser intensity continued for 6 DAYS. Therefore RCL is much worse than Carnival?? Or is it the nature of the sea, NOT the cruise line?

 

Casino open in port? Naw!!!

No activities on board on port days? PORT DAYS!!! Means the pax are in port, not on the ship. Experienced cruisers know that this is the quietest time to relax on any cruise ship or line.

 

No activities on sea days? Change that to no activities that you liked and I'll believe it.

[Bobug]

OP if you came on here ahead of time, you knew anytime dining was in the middle dining room, so almost always you get assigned the back dining room for traditional. I know its a long walk for us too.

 

My sister says they always give us the dining room that is furthest from our cabin. Iv started booking in the aft for that reason, when I can.

 

I dont find the daytime activities that different from RCL's so not sure why you felt bored. .. it just sounds like you were looking for things to complain about and a reason to go back to RCL.

 

I think my problem & it sounds like a few others also is not the fact that you gave your opinion on the different lines it's because of the last statement you made...." it just sounds like you were looking for things to complain about and a reason to go back to RCL.

That was really not necessary. I have learned things here from you & others about Carnival so I do appreciate it but sometimes things come across not too nicely. I understand that not all reviews are going to be favorable....I read them anyway :)

Anyway....Merry Christmas

...

[firefly333]

I think my problem & it sounds like a few others also is not the fact that you gave your opinion on the different lines it's because of the last statement you made...." it just sounds like you were looking for things to complain about and a reason to go back to RCL.

That was really not necessary. I have learned things here from you & others about Carnival so I do appreciate it but sometimes things come across not too nicely. I understand that not all reviews are going to be favorable....I read them anyway :)

Anyway....Merry Christmas

...

 

I am home sick with a bad cold .. so maybe its coming across different than I meant it.

 

The OP even listed the activities in another post which to me sound very similar to what is offered on RCL. My impression was the OP thinks he enjoyed RCL more than he enjoyed Carnival.

 

The Carnival cheerleaders who jump in to say, well maybe it was just a "off" cruise, when the OP doesnt say anything in particular, other than he was bored with Carnival's activities .. doesnt sound "off" .. just that maybe Carnival isnt his thing.

 

I would hate to assure the OP based on what I read that the next Carnival cruise he takes will have different activities and not be as boring. I just did not get the impression that it was the cruise itself, but Carnival activities. I did not want the OP to assume it was just a bad cruise... I had best intentions saying maybe it was Carnival wasnt his thing? It isnt for everyone... but Carnival cheerleaders will tell him what he wants to hear anyway .. that the next time will be wonderfull, for sure it will be better etc... when I dont find the activities he listed to be unusually sparse.

 

I do seem to have provoked a strong reaction .. but I genuinely think it could just be Carnival isnt his cup of tea if he was bored... or RCL has changed since he went last .. take your pick.

[trvlqueen]

So sorry to hear you didn't have a good time on your vacation. I do wonder, though about a couple of things - if you were stressed out upon arrival, it can make for a bad first impression, which can carry over - and arriving at noon (peak time) for any ship will always put you in a long line! And your comment about not 'being allowed to rest' until after 2pm kind of made me wonder if there are health issues you should have informed Carnival about prior to boarding so that you could have been bettr accomodated.

 

I don't love trivia or gambling, either, but have never had a problem finding something to do on a sea day - but then, I look at those days as a chance to read, sew, or do all the things that always get interrupted at home ... I guess it's all in what you expect.

 

I like Royal and NCL and hope to try Regent and Disney one day as well - I do love Carnival, but am not such a 'cheerleader' that I don't think it's a valuable thing to try new lines ... I do think that a lot of what happened sounds like a result of either the rough seas or being under a lot of stress prior to vacation and high expectations - been there myself and those were the days I always ended up disappointed (even with the Fairmont Princess in Bermuda, which is a fantastic hotel, but not as enjoyable when you go in with super high expectations). I've learned to go in with a very open mind and somehow, my experiences have been SO MUCH better as a result of my own attitude.

 

I'm not saying you had a bad attitude at all - just suggesting you relook at your expectations and see if maybe they were set too high ... and I hope you do give Carnival another try - we've found them to be the best value for the money in recent years - NCL has far too many surcharges and RCCL sometimes has great prices, but lately not when we can travel. Thank you for sharing your review - and thanks for pointing out what you DID like as well as what you didn't -

[Nowisthetime1]

We just got off the Valor as you got on. We cruised Dec 4th thru the 12th. We have been on several cruise lines and don't see alot of difference except possibly one thing verses another with each cruise line. We too had some rough seas but it did not stop us from having a wonderful time. Not in the control of any cruise line. We found about the same amount of activities as other cruise lines. One couple had such a good time they were able to stay on the ship for another week, with you, repeating the same cruise itinery. They love to cruise and found out there was a cancellation they were able to get and stay on. I feel badly you appear to have not had a great time. We always enjoy each cruise and don't sweat the small stuff. We felt the Valor had good entertainment and enjoyed Karakokee too. We do not care for the adult camedy as we feel if they have to use profanity it is not worth listening too. The best camedian we ever heard, in our lives, was a PG commedian and we could hardly stay in our seats. I am a Vietnam veteran and not a prude, just want people to act adult and not have to have a special venue to try to get a laugh. Use whatever cruise line you enjoy. That is your right. It appears you did enjoy the service and food. That is a big accomplishment on any cruise line. For me, my attitude makes the difference of having a great time. It is not the cruise line. But, to each their own. Keep cruising and have fun! :)

[Havingfun2010]

I have to agree with the poster. I have been trying different ships, because, as the poster said, you are constantly bothered to buy drinks, and the photographers are everywhere getting in the way, and blocking the main walkways. The activities never change, and not very exciting. My last Carnival Cruise, it was cold outside, and almost nothing to do but gamble, or play bingo. Carnival does need to work on this.

 

It doesn't make it a bad cruise line, but RCCL has much more to do, especially for the active crowd. I could see her point. My kids prefer RCCL because of that.

[dclark]

All credibility for the OP was lost with this:

"Wednesday was in Cozumel and we elected to stay on the ship. Once again, nothing to do onboard except gambling, or laying on the Lido deck."

 

I bet the number of people not getting off at Cozumel can be counted on one hand.

[TheTravelista]

OP thanks for sharing your experience.

 

I've been on 16 Carnival cruises and as of late have not been as in love with the experience as I have been in the past. And one of the reasons is the lack of activities. Because of this (among other reasons) my next cruise will be on RCI as I am just dying to rock climb, zip line, use the flow rider, ice skate, etc.

 

If I wanted to sit out by the pool all day and read or play trivia morning noon and night a Carnival cruise would be the perfect vacation. But it takes a bit more than that to keep me occupied and I noticed as of late activities aboard the ships HAVE been lacking. Then I looked into why and found out that it all comes down to your cruise director and entertainment staff as they are the ones who choose what goes on around the ship. So if you have a less than stellar entertainment staff, your activity level will also be less than stellar.

 

I remember reading a review of the Miracle by Celebrat and I was amazed at the activities she participated in. I had never seen many of those things on a Carnival ship and am still trying to find out who her cruise director was!

 

Bottom line, different people prefer different types of vacations. Some people like to go go go and be active and involved in everything, while others would rather take the laid back approach. Both are fine and that's why there are different cruise lines to fit everyone's needs.

[jebuell]

I kind have to agree with the OP about the entertainment on Carnival ships. They are all I've ever been on so I have nothing to compare them to, but I always founds myself extremely bored on Sea Days.

 

Trivia? Not really for me.

Drink Mixing Contest? I'm not a drinker.

Hairy Chest Contest? I'm a women... probably wouldn't allowed to participate ;)

 

I like athletic things. Maybe a relay race at the outdoor track or a swim contest of some sort. Heck, even a hoola hooping contest! SOMETHING that requires you to run around and have fun rather than just sit there and have fun if it's your thing. But that's how I like to vacation. Rocky climbing walls would be more my thing than Battle of the Sexes.

 

I have realized that with almost all cruise lines you should bring something to create your own fun (I read lots of reviews from many other lines and this seems to be a common complaint on most). On my second cruise I had a deck of cards and we'd have marathon speed contests. And we played mini golf a lot. I went to the Marriage Game because my friends who were married on the ship were told they'd be selected to play if they showed up. Otherwise I think I only went to 1 other Carnival scheduled activities.

 

For me that's not a huge deal- I can make my own entertainment and don't mind doing so. But I also don't pay for my cruises. I think if I was bored silly and having to make my own entertainment on something I paid for I'd be upset, too.

[The4Cruisers]

I actually appreciate the perceived "lack" of activities on Sea Days. I want rest and relax on my cruise.

 

If there are various activities going on, then DW drags me around to them. If the activities are sparse, then I can sit in peace and quiet with my iPod and magazines to read. Now that's a vacation!

 

Hey OP, sorry your cruise didn't turn out to be "all that". I hope that was an anomally. We have yet to try RCCL, but we just might do that someday.

[GlendaleCruiser]

I actually appreciate the perceived "lack" of activities on Sea Days. I want rest and relax on my cruise.

 

 

I feel the same way. Port days are so busy and I get exhausted. On sea days I just want to lay in the sun and watch the big screen while drinking the DOD and reading my book. If my friends come out, we will play cards. Then maybe we will walk around the decks for exercise or go down the slides. Then get a little cone of soft serve and start all over again!