Review: Victory 1/2/11-1/9/11

[bluzchick]

We did eat here after getting some great video of some planes coming in. We found somewhere to sit after waiting a short time and ordered. Part of the menu with prices down below. After drinking all day long, we needed food and a lot of it! We left happy and full and looked for some shells, which we also did on each beach.

 

 

 

 

 

Happy to be having a cheeseburger and fries!!

[Mary Ellen]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[bluzchick]

 

 

 

 

 

After drinking a lot of beer and rum punch all day long, we all decided a nap was certainly due before dinner! We also had to have our bags packed and in the hall by 9pm. This was also our second formal night. This is our entire group along with Richard (I bet he was glad to get rid of us haha) We had eaten so much throughout the cruise and on our excursion we could hardly finish our starter, let alone our main dish and dessert. This was also the night my husband had a birthday cake brought out for me. I was amused at a fellow cruiser at the table behind us who got up and danced for me as they sang happy birthday. We tipped Richard and off we went to back, boooooo

Hubby was able to capture the sunset, finally!!

 

The last night of the cruise is when items in the gift shop are 50% off so if you want items that say "Carnival" get them this day. We also went to look at our picures anxious to buy the ones taken on formal night...none of which turned out so we bought none.

 

I laughed at the safety message today. Normally for each port you are reminded that they drive on the left, you can't smoke, watch your step etc. Today it was...Remember, you are on a moving ship, be careful and use the handrails. Really, we have not figured this out yet!!

 

Chaos was happening in our cabin, trying to pack and repack, where did all this stuff come from?! We had six bags but only 4 that had the same Carnival tag number. We called and were told it would be taken care of. After dinner, it had not yet been taken care of so we saw our steward in the hall and he got us two more with the correct number. This by the way was the second time we saw him, the first was our first day when we could not get our safe to work. Finally got it all organized and out in the hall. All luggage is to be out between 8-11pm. Putting our luggage out in the hall with kids running the halls all night made me uncomfortable. Our room service or do not disturb sign never stayed on our door. But much to my suprise, nothing was touched. PLEASE have your Customs form filled out, many did not which just holds up the process.

 

We sat out on the balcony in disbelief that our vacation was ending:(

 

We were exhausted so went to bed, had no clue what to expect in the morning.

This is blurry but shows what you will be charged if you drink the pop or water provided in your room...the night I was ill I drank a Sprite and was never charged for it. The sign says the last night the steward removes these and accounts for all drinks...ours was never removed.

 

Our last towel animal



 

Welcome back to PR...laying on the Lido, wiating for our luggage tag number to be called. The Pacific Dining room was open seating 630-830am and the Lido was open from 630-930am for breakfast. The coffee shop was also open from 7-10am. Hubby grabbed some food and brought it out to the deck as I was relaxing in a lounge chair. We disembarked around 10am. We found our luggage, flagged down a porter and off we went. In less than 15 minutes we were in a taxi on our way to the hotel.

[bluzchick]

 

Our post cruise hotel was the Courtyard Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort. This place was heaven...gorgeous!!! A+++++ If you expect to eat here expect to pay big bucks, we were shocked at the price of the not so filling buffet(almost $60 for two of us!!). Beaches in PR are once again public so we walked and walked and never felt unsafe. There was NOBODY further down the beach. It was also patrolled by police on ATV's.

 

This was our fifth day of our vacation spent in PR...anytime we saw the water it was never calm. Today....this is what we had..needless to say no snorkling took place! A few were surfing. The prettiest shells were found here.

 

 

 

 

We really wanted to do nothing and just relax before going back to the snow the following day. The beach had many hammocks and we took advantage. I sure hope nobody filmed us trying to get in the thing!! We ordered a pizza, ate in our room and once again, packed. This time we had to pack to fly, ick! Our room looked like a tornado hit it.

 

Our flight was at 330. We had checked in online at the hotel and printed out our boarding passes. We got up and headed to the airport around 1230. Less than a mile away it still cost us $26. We headed for the agriculture screening room which had no lines. We were given our luggage tags for our checked bags and off we went on an adventure to find food!

 

We could not remember if there was food once you got past security so we decided not to chance it. Silly us found a sandwich shop and ate....me not realizin this was the same chain we had breakfast at when in Old San Juan the week before and I didn't like it then!

 

The security line was sloooow! Hubby fogot he had two cans of coke in his pocket, which we were going to drink with our lunch, oops. He of course got pulled aside but they just laughed and off we went to sit for an 1+ hours.

 

Do I look happy to be going home?

 

 

I am thankful we left a day later as everyone else in our group were routed to Chicago instead of Atlanta due to snow. They then had to rent a car and drive 2 hours home.

 

All in all we had a fabulous vacation. The Victory was a great ship. I read terrible reviews for a year, and I could not find anything wrong with the ship. It was beautiful. It got us from island to island and the crew was amazing.

 

Sure you run into rude people...heck I run into them every day at home, you just deal with it. Don't let them ruin your vacation you worked so hard to pay for!

 

The only things I will do different if we cruise again are:

• Pack less, much less
  
• Leave from Florida, or anywhere other than PR
  

I am very glad we put money on our account before leaving. We got $16 back. I would highly recommend this to anyone, less to worry about. You can go down and check your balance at anytime and view your purchases anytime you want on the television. We had a cash account and used cash on most of the islands. We did use a debit card a time or two on land and had no problems, we did notfiy our bank ahead of time where we would be and when.

 

If you have specific questions, I would be happy to answer what I can! Now to prepare for the 7-12 inches of snow over the next three days!

[Cruisin Christi]

I really wanted to know what extra items you took that you didn't need, like duct tape, over the door shoe organizer...the tips that have been all over these boards. I want to take what I need on my first cruise, but not everything. I don't want to end up not using some of it and over packing. Thanks.

[bluzchick]

I would like to know what all you packed that you didn't need. I am going on my first cruise and I don't want a bag full of extra things that I will never use!

 

Love the review and pics, it makes me so excited.

 

I didn't use MOST of what I packed. I packed way too many clothes.

I wore a sundress every day into port over my swimsuits(I wore 2 the entire cruise-we did use the laundry). 2 formal nights...3 cruise casual nights. The first night is come as you are.

 

Once I got a little sun, I didn't really wear makeup other than some mascara.

 

Never used:

Most of my toiletries..they provide toothpaste, soap, Dove makeup removal clothes, a razor, shampoo. Bring good conditioner and lotion!!

Wrinkle release

Playing cards

Books to read

70% of my clothes and shoes

Didn't need a bungee cord for balcony door, it stayed open just fine

Binoculars

Snacks

Ginger gum we bought in PR, what a waste of money!!

Waterproof watch, hubby had one, that is all we needed

A small purse other than my regular one

Lanyard--got the free one in the casino

 

We never purchased an over the door organizer, and glad we didnt. There is a medicine cabinet in the bathroom with plenty of counter space. There is a ton of storage in your room!

 

 

Glad I packed:

-IPOD and docking station--to drown out the noise in hallway and husband snoring

-Many memory cards for my camera as we found out mid cruise that two didnt work

-Spanx

-Our own snorkling gear(but never used the fins and they took up too much room in luggage)

-Our own water bottle

-Small notepad

-Tote bag

-Lots of cash LOL

-Duct tape, they busted our luggage so this came in handy believe it or not.

Edited January 30, 2011 by bluzchick

[Cruisin Christi]

I didn't use MOST of what I packed. I packed way too many clothes.

I wore a sundress every day into port over my swimsuits(I wore 2 the entire cruise-we did use the laundry). 2 formal nights...3 cruise casual nights. The first night is come as you are.

 

Once I got a little sun, I didn't really wear makeup other than some mascara.

 

Never used:

Most of my toiletries..they provide toothpaste, soap, Dove makeup removal clothes, a razor, shampoo. Bring good conditioner and lotion!!

Wrinkle release

Playing cards

Books to read

70% of my clothes and shoes

Didn't need a bungee cord for balcony door, it stayed open just fine

Binoculars

Snacks

Ginger gum we bought in PR, what a waste of money!!

Waterproof watch, hubby had one, that is all we needed

A small purse other than my regular one

Lanyard--got the free one in the casino

 

We never purchased an over the door organizer, and glad we didnt. There is a medicine cabinet in the bathroom with plenty of counter space. There is a ton of storage in your room!

 

 

Glad I packed:

-IPOD and docking station--to drown out the noise in hallway and husband snoring

-Many memory cards for my camera as we found out mid cruise that two didnt work

-Spanx

-Our own snorkling gear(but never used the fins and they took up too much room in luggage)

-Our own water bottle

-Small notepad

-Tote bag

-Lots of cash LOL

-Duct tape, they busted our luggage so this came in handy believe it or not.

 

We are in an inside cabin, just hubby and myself. I am not sure we will need the over the door shoe thingy we pack light most of the time anyway. I literally LOL @ spanx, it is on my list as I need a new pair ;)...and I will take the duct tape, just in case...thank you so much for the response.

[Halftocruz]

Why would you not cruise out of Puerto Rico again? We leave this Saturday for the Victory and we are so excited!!!!

 

Thanks

Kellie

[1stcruiser1]

Thanks so much for the review- I liked the part about Bernards nasty punch- I'm sure we will drink it too!

[bluzchick]

Why would you not cruise out of Puerto Rico again? We leave this Saturday for the Victory and we are so excited!!!!

 

Thanks

Kellie

 

 

After reading another review, apparently we sailed during their week long holiday...that is why it was so loud and had so many kids. So to revise: I loved PR and would sail from there again only next time will be sometime other than DEC/JAN and only if airfare is cheaper! I don't have to tell you to have a great time..you will!! I am jealous!

[canucme_cruisin]

Great review, I'm excited, we are taking this cruise May 1...

 

Looking forward to more....We are headed there in May. Can't wait. Good thing we have a quick trip to Cozumel in Feb. :D

 

We will also be on the Victory May 1!! My wedding cruise, getting married on-island in St. Thomas, less than 3 months to go whooo hoooo.

[LindyLou2]

Wonderful review - am anxiously awaiting more! We head out the Victory on Feb 13th - can hardly wait, especially as we just got 14+ inches of snow here in No. Illinois! :rolleyes:

[BOOGALOO509]

Many thanks for the brilliant review. Although it is still over a year until my wife and I do this cruise we are already looking at excursions and tour companies.

 

The pictures are really good and have given us a taste of what to expect.

 

Many thanks

 

John

[Dirkgun]

 

Our post cruise hotel was the Courtyard Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort. This place was heaven...gorgeous!!! A+++++ If you expect to eat here expect to pay big bucks, we were shocked at the price of the not so filling buffet(almost $60 for two of us!!). Beaches in PR are once again public so we walked and walked and never felt unsafe. There was NOBODY further down the beach. It was also patrolled by police on ATV's.

 

This was our fifth day of our vacation spent in PR...anytime we saw the water it was never calm. Today....this is what we had..needless to say no snorkling took place! A few were surfing. The prettiest shells were found here.

 

 

We really wanted to do nothing and just relax before going back to the snow the following day. The beach had many hammocks and we took advantage. I sure hope nobody filmed us trying to get in the thing!! We ordered a pizza, ate in our room and once again, packed. This time we had to pack to fly, ick! Our room looked like a tornado hit it.

 

Our flight was at 330. We had checked in online at the hotel and printed out our boarding passes. We got up and headed to the airport around 1230. Less than a mile away it still cost us $26. We headed for the agriculture screening room which had no lines. We were given our luggage tags for our checked bags and off we went on an adventure to find food!

 

We could not remember if there was food once you got past security so we decided not to chance it. Silly us found a sandwich shop and ate....me not realizin this was the same chain we had breakfast at when in Old San Juan the week before and I didn't like it then!

 

The security line was sloooow! Hubby fogot he had two cans of coke in his pocket, which we were going to drink with our lunch, oops. He of course got pulled aside but they just laughed and off we went to sit for an 1+ hours.

 

 

I am thankful we left a day later as everyone else in our group were routed to Chicago instead of Atlanta due to snow. They then had to rent a car and drive 2 hours home.

 

All in all we had a fabulous vacation. The Victory was a great ship. I read terrible reviews for a year, and I could not find anything wrong with the ship. It was beautiful. It got us from island to island and the crew was amazing.

 

Sure you run into rude people...heck I run into them every day at home, you just deal with it. Don't let them ruin your vacation you worked so hard to pay for!

 

 

 

The only things I will do different if we cruise again are:

• Pack less, much less
  
• Leave from Florida, or anywhere other than PR
  

I am very glad we put money on our account before leaving. We got $16 back. I would highly recommend this to anyone, less to worry about. You can go down and check your balance at anytime and view your purchases anytime you want on the television. We had a cash account and used cash on most of the islands. We did use a debit card a time or two on land and had no problems, we did notfiy our bank ahead of time where we would be and when.

 

If you have specific questions, I would be happy to answer what I can! Now to prepare for the 7-12 inches of snow over the next three days!

 

 

On our cruise with Celebrity out of San Juan in 1/2009 we stayed 2 days post cruise at Marriot Isla Verde and it is a great hotel/resort the beach is awesome along with the equipment they let you use, but you are so right the Hammocks are tricky to get into.... I would not even try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next time though we are staying both pre and post at the El Caribe Hilton.... A lot closer to reasonable restaraunts.

 

 

[cruisingmore]

love seeing the Carib beer in your pics--was that the beer provided by bernards. We'll be with him next week and I"m dying for a Carib.

[bluzchick]

love seeing the Carib beer in your pics--was that the beer provided by bernards. We'll be with him next week and I"m dying for a Carib.

 

It was Carib beer with Bernard..yum! Have a great time, I am jealous!

[psufanatic]

Thanks for the great review! Great Pictures! Counting the days till we leave the Northeast and go on the Carnival Victory !! :D

[cruisingmore]

Thanks for the great review and pics! I'll have a Carib in your honor next week!!:D

 

Can you tell me the options regarding the luggage at the end of the cruise. Some of the info on the boards is confusing me.

 

We are flying out that afternoon--is there a way to get your luggage to the airport without carrying it ourselves. Or is it safer to get the luggage at the pier and carry it to airport ourselves?

 

Just curious...

 

Thanks,

Tracey

[Addictedtocruises]

We went on the Victory for my big 4-OH. I absolutely loved Old San Juan. We stayed in the Sheraton for one night and were really pleased with it, plus got a free breakfast with our AAA membership. The best part was waking in the morning, going to the pool on the roof and seeing the Carnival Victory waiting for us. An awesome cruise!!!

[bluzchick]

Can you tell me the options regarding the luggage at the end of the cruise. Some of the info on the boards is confusing me. We are flying out that afternoon--is there a way to get your luggage to the airport without carrying it ourselves. Or is it safer to get the luggage at the pier and carry it to airport ourselves?

 

Thanks,

Tracey

 

Early in the cruise, eligible guests receive an invitation in their stateroom to participate in the program. They complete the registration form and sign it to authorize a $20 per person charge to their Sail & Sign account and then drop it off at the Guest Services Desk. The day prior to debarkation, airline boarding passes, luggage tags along with a letter are delivered to the stateroom. Guests place the tags on the luggage that will be checked in and then place it outside their stateroom for collection. On debarkation day, participants may debark at their convenience. The luggage will be transferred from the ship to the corresponding airline and flight. Guests must claim their bags upon flight arrival at their final destination. If there are any delays or problems with their luggage, guests need to contact the airline directly to report any problems.

 

Some are saying this isn't available anymore but it was when we were onboard, we didn't use it. I do know that trying to get all of our luggage into the airport in SJ SUCKED! No carts or anything and we had six....

[bluzchick]

We went on the Victory for my big 4-OH. I absolutely loved Old San Juan. We stayed in the Sheraton for one night and were really pleased with it, plus got a free breakfast with our AAA membership. The best part was waking in the morning, going to the pool on the roof and seeing the Carnival Victory waiting for us. An awesome cruise!!!

 

I have heard nothing but great things about the Sheraton...we will be staying here if we sail out of SJ again!

[PhotogalMB]

I would like to know what all you packed that you didn't need. I am going on my first cruise and I don't want a bag full of extra things that I will never use!

 

We were on the Freedom 2 weeks ago (just booked the Victory for December) and I have totally revised my "must take per Cruise Critic and friends" list.

Over the door shoe bag..our door had robe hooks on the inside and it wouldn't fit, walked into it on the outside, and there were plenty of shelves for all our bathroom stuff in the bathroom.

A drink container to make up Crystal Light drink mix for drinks (will bring the smaller individual mix instead.

Dress Shoes! I wore my dress sandals with dress pants and they were fine

Hiking shoes.. Sketchers sandals are cooler and more comfortable

Wine, we never drank it and carted it back home.

Magic Bullet blender for milkshakes and Pina Coladas...never used it

 

What I WILL bring, clothespins to hang clothes in the shower, highlighters, bonine, ginger gum (saved me more than one night), water shoes for beach days, dress sandals and walking sandals, rum runners, less clothes (granted last trip we drove to FLL this time we are flying which limits the luggage), buy club soda, ginger ale and cranberry juice at CVS before boarding.

 

 

DH says I totally overpack, well I did go a bit overboard on the last cruise but because we drove it was ok.

 

I can't wait to get back to San Juan, it was our favorite port on the last cruise and we are staying for a week after (provided we can get into a timeshare of course) to see some of the other attractions we never had time to go to.

Mary

[Corntea]

We are in an inside cabin, just hubby and myself. I am not sure we will need the over the door shoe thingy we pack light most of the time anyway. I literally LOL @ spanx, it is on my list as I need a new pair ;)...and I will take the duct tape, just in case...thank you so much for the response.

 

 

Haha, I took my Spanx on the Victory last March and wore them for a total of 20 min. Took the pictures, then went into the ladies room and ripped those suckers off and through them in my purse!

[DJ56]

Thank you for the wonderful review! Sail the Victory in May!! :D

[jks336]

you hit the harley shops, my friend has to do this! lol her hubby of course is a fan. did all the islands have one..