Carnival Valor, 9/25/11: A "pink" review of the Eastern Caribbean.... PICTURES!!!

[KDilly]

Wonderful read can't wait to go on my next cruise....

 

 

Ditto on that!!!! I'm starting my shopping now :)

 

-KD

[Kelane]

 

My mom enjoyed the casino. She only plays the slot machines. She more or less broke even during our cruise. I played video black jack and enjoyed it. I remember everyone (including me) being up, and then losing. The craps table, poker, and blackjack tables were always busy. You'll enjoy making nightly donations in there. :)

 

Jack's Shack had quite a few customers, but it wasn't at all crowded. There are a few lounge chairs there. I've read in other reviews Jack charges for them but I didn't have to pay anything. Margaritaville was CROWDED! I mean CROWDED! :eek: Go down to Jack's and enjoy the jerk chicken. It's sooooooo delicious! Be sure to save some money for a bottle of the rum you'll sample. A bottle of it at the duty free store was about $30.

 

Thanks for the quick reply! We will be making daily/nightly donations I'm sure!! Glad your mom broke even; that's like a huge "win" in my book; especially on a cruise ship!!

 

I'm not a "Margaritaville" type of gal. I'm too easily persuaded to join in...and I'm too old for that nonsense. :rolleyes: Jack's Shack sounded good...and your review/pictures convinced me. We aren't there till Jan; so who knows, perhaps it won't even be busy?! Love talking to locals and would enjoy visiting with Jack himself.

 

Thanks again!

Kelane

[gapearl]

iT'S an ardvark! (anteater)

 

That's what I was thinking.

 

Ditto on that!!!! I'm starting my shopping now :)

 

-KD

 

Have a great time on your cruise!

 

Thanks for the quick reply! We will be making daily/nightly donations I'm sure!! Glad your mom broke even; that's like a huge "win" in my book; especially on a cruise ship!!

 

I'm not a "Margaritaville" type of gal. I'm too easily persuaded to join in...and I'm too old for that nonsense. :rolleyes: Jack's Shack sounded good...and your review/pictures convinced me. We aren't there till Jan; so who knows, perhaps it won't even be busy?! Love talking to locals and would enjoy visiting with Jack himself.

 

Thanks again!

Kelane

 

Like you, I enjoy talking to locals. I got to meet plenty down on that end of the beach. If I remember correctly, Jack and his wife are from the US, but I don't remember where. January is a long time to wait!

[YankeeFan4Ever]

This was a great review! Thank you for taking the time to post it! :)

[gapearl]

This was a great review! Thank you for taking the time to post it! :)

 

Thanks for reading! :)

[Kelane]

January is a long time to wait!

 

January is entirely TOO long to wait. We're feeding our fix in July...and who knows..perhaps again before year's end. :rolleyes:

It's always easier to ask forgiveness then permission...so if a Carnival cruise just happens to jump onto my profile...I'll ask forgiveness!!;)

[2 cruzen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaUs

why were you allowed to book a handicapped cabin?

That's a no no

 

 

 

Actually, our last cruise the PVP also suggested the handicapped room. told her 3x, we ARE NOT handicapped. she said it was OK and IF someone with a handicapped had requested that room, we would be moved.

Edited May 9, 2012 by 2 cruzen

[donaldsc]

There is a reason that people use black or blue font colors - they are legible.

 

DON

[gapearl]

January is entirely TOO long to wait. We're feeding our fix in July...and who knows..perhaps again before year's end. :rolleyes:

It's always easier to ask forgiveness then permission...so if a Carnival cruise just happens to jump onto my profile...I'll ask forgiveness!!;)

 

LOL I love it! :D

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaUs

why were you allowed to book a handicapped cabin?

That's a no no

 

 

 

Actually, our last cruise the PVP also suggested the handicapped room. told her 3x, we ARE NOT handicapped. she said it was OK and IF someone with a handicapped had requested that room, we would be moved.

 

So I'm not the only one that's been offered these rooms I see. At least you were told they were handicapped accessible. I wasn't and figured it out on my own about a month before cruising.

[gapearl]

There is a reason that people use black or blue font colors - they are legible.

 

DON

 

Hi Don. If you had actually read the beginning of my review, you would have seen that I wrote it in PINK in honor of breast cancer awareness month. This review was written in October, coincidentally 2 weeks before I ran a half marathon for Susan G. Komen, whom I raised $1,400 for. It's received over 47,000 hits, so obviously plenty of other people enjoyed reading it, PINK font or not. If it's too bothersome for you, by all means, keep it moving. :)

[Kelane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaUs

why were you allowed to book a handicapped cabin?

That's a no no

Actually, our last cruise the PVP also suggested the handicapped room. told her 3x, we ARE NOT handicapped. she said it was OK and IF someone with a handicapped had requested that room, we would be moved.

 

Taking a chance of being flamed here..but...

 

We sailed on Carnival Legend in January. I wanted to see these new ports but we picked our date because of an amazingly large balcony offered at the regular balcony rate. I didn't know anything about the Legend, didn't look at deck plans or anything else; didn't care...just wanted that balcony!! I saw pictures of it and knew it was "mine"! Called my PVP and asked what was wrong with that room. He said nothing other than a life boat being under it. I didn't care. We booked it ES.

 

Weeks later I read something that said it was a handicap room. Did the deck plans and yep, it was (in spite of a 6" lip going out to the balcony).

Called my PVP and said we needed to change cabins as I knew that was a no no. He supposedly hadn't realized it was an HC room. He told us to keep it and if they needed it they would boot us out but we'd get as good or better cabin if they did. Besides, changing it would cost us $50pp since we'd done ES.

 

Hung up. Thought about it more. Called back a few weeks later & offered our room back again. PVP advised to keep it. Reminded about the $50 pp charge to change. Said they would absolutely take the room if anyone needed it.

 

The room was a bit smaller, less storage in bath & closet, no couch, etc...but we lived on the balcony so didn't care. Hubby didn't realize there was an emergency button over his bedside, so kept leaning against it when watching tv. (football playoffs PLUS the Costa tragedy in Italy...only reason tv got turned on). They came to the cabin to check on us. Embarrassing. They didn't comment on our physical condition; just assured we were ok and left.

 

Sooooooo...I've read all kinds of things; flames, insults, etc "since" about booking a handicap room and watch carefully before booking now; regardless of the balcony!

 

We didn't book the room for any reason but the balcony...and PVP didn't say a word about it being HC. I don't see how folks can get so trashed and admonished and lectured to on CC when innocent mistakes are made...and not caught by PVP or even suggested by PVP. I know we were just trying to find an amazing deal and found it...what everyone hopes to do...and won't feel guilty for it! :)

 

btw...nobody here trashed anyone. I'm just saying...sometimes we "do a no no" and it's not our fault. CC is a both a blessing and a curse sometimes.

 

So yeah...my op ed for the day! :rolleyes:

[Kelane]

Hi Don. If you had actually read the beginning of my review, you would have seen that I wrote it in PINK in honor of breast cancer awareness month. This review was written in October, coincidentally 2 weeks before I ran a half marathon for Susan G. Komen, whom I raised $1,400 for. It's received over 47,000 hits, so obviously plenty of other people enjoyed reading it, PINK font or not. If it's too bothersome for you, by all means, keep it moving. :)

 

I loved the pink!! :D

[B40 Tha Cruisa]

Hi Don. If you had actually read the beginning of my review, you would have seen that I wrote it in PINK in honor of breast cancer awareness month. This review was written in October, coincidentally 2 weeks before I ran a half marathon for Susan G. Komen, whom I raised $1,400 for. It's received over 47,000 hits, so obviously plenty of other people enjoyed reading it, PINK font or not. If it's too bothersome for you, by all means, keep it moving. :)

 

I had no issues reading the pink... Yes Don, Keep in movin'!!!

 

GAPearl, just back from the Valor. We had a fantastic time!

[gapearl]

I loved the pink!! :D

 

Why thank you darling! :D

 

 

I had no issues reading the pink... Yes Don, Keep in movin'!!!

 

GAPearl, just back from the Valor. We had a fantastic time!

 

High 5 and a fist bump to ya! I saw your post from when you returned. So glad you had fun! I can't wait to read your review! :D

[silversunshine]

Awwww, thanks for the kind words! You're going to have an awesome time. Part of the reason I love Carnival so much is because there's such an active night life. Between the shows, comedy club, piano bar, karaoke, dance club, casino, and all the other live music venues, you will NOT be bored! You're welcome to borrow all of my dresses. They've been hanging unworn in my closet since the cruise. I certainly hope you come back and post a review of your own. Is this your first cruise? What excursions do you have planned? HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!! :D

 

 

This IS my 1st cruise! I am beyond excited at this point! I have 8 days! I keep hearing how great the nightlife is & my aunt, who's our travel agent said Carnival would be the way to go if we wanted to party! As for excursions, we're just doing the 7 mile beach & snorkel on the tiki party boat.. Not the exact name, I'm sure. More partying! That's the only one we have planned. Probably gonna wing it everywhere else.

That's funny about your dresses! I'm bringing a few that I've never even worn before (tags still on them), so I'm stoked to have some place to wear them. I'll have my own little fashion show on a slightly smaller scale.. Haha! I definitely plan to do a review, though! Thanks for responding! Makes this even more fun for me!

[Oskial]

Hi Don. If you had actually read the beginning of my review, you would have seen that I wrote it in PINK in honor of breast cancer awareness month. This review was written in October, coincidentally 2 weeks before I ran a half marathon for Susan G. Komen, whom I raised $1,400 for. It's received over 47,000 hits, so obviously plenty of other people enjoyed reading it, PINK font or not. If it's too bothersome for you, by all means, keep it moving. :)

Nice come-back! I had a sister that was taken and now have a wife that is a survivor so ANY means of getting out the message is well appreciated by me and others. Great review by the way.

[Devmegsmum]

Taking a chance of being flamed here..but...

 

We sailed on Carnival Legend in January. I wanted to see these new ports but we picked our date because of an amazingly large balcony offered at the regular balcony rate. I didn't know anything about the Legend, didn't look at deck plans or anything else; didn't care...just wanted that balcony!! I saw pictures of it and knew it was "mine"! Called my PVP and asked what was wrong with that room. He said nothing other than a life boat being under it. I didn't care. We booked it ES.

 

Weeks later I read something that said it was a handicap room. Did the deck plans and yep, it was (in spite of a 6" lip going out to the balcony).

Called my PVP and said we needed to change cabins as I knew that was a no no. He supposedly hadn't realized it was an HC room. He told us to keep it and if they needed it they would boot us out but we'd get as good or better cabin if they did. Besides, changing it would cost us $50pp since we'd done ES.

 

Hung up. Thought about it more. Called back a few weeks later & offered our room back again. PVP advised to keep it. Reminded about the $50 pp charge to change. Said they would absolutely take the room if anyone needed it.

 

The room was a bit smaller, less storage in bath & closet, no couch, etc...but we lived on the balcony so didn't care. Hubby didn't realize there was an emergency button over his bedside, so kept leaning against it when watching tv. (football playoffs PLUS the Costa tragedy in Italy...only reason tv got turned on). They came to the cabin to check on us. Embarrassing. They didn't comment on our physical condition; just assured we were ok and left.

 

Sooooooo...I've read all kinds of things; flames, insults, etc "since" about booking a handicap room and watch carefully before booking now; regardless of the balcony!

 

We didn't book the room for any reason but the balcony...and PVP didn't say a word about it being HC. I don't see how folks can get so trashed and admonished and lectured to on CC when innocent mistakes are made...and not caught by PVP or even suggested by PVP. I know we were just trying to find an amazing deal and found it...what everyone hopes to do...and won't feel guilty for it! :)

 

btw...nobody here trashed anyone. I'm just saying...sometimes we "do a no no" and it's not our fault. CC is a both a blessing and a curse sometimes.

 

So yeah...my op ed for the day! :rolleyes:

 

Thanks so much for saying that. The same thing has happened to us. I felt so guilty when I found out. I won't park in a handicapped parking spot and I certainly wouldn't take a room need by someone with a disability. I called and tried to change the room - even offered to pay the fee but was told it wasn't necessary as I would definitely be moved if required.

 

This is my first cruise - lesson learned - never again will I book a room without seeing deck plan first.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Devmegsmum]

Thanks for the great review. We travel on the Valor in October and it's nice to have an idea of what to expect. You have quite a loyal following.

 

This will be my 5th year walking 60kms ( in two days) to raise money for The Weekend To End Women's Cancer's in Toronto. I think it's wonderful that you support finding a cure for breast cancer! Keep up the excellent work.

 

CB

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[gapearl]

This IS my 1st cruise! I am beyond excited at this point! I have 8 days! I keep hearing how great the nightlife is & my aunt, who's our travel agent said Carnival would be the way to go if we wanted to party! As for excursions, we're just doing the 7 mile beach & snorkel on the tiki party boat.. Not the exact name, I'm sure. More partying! That's the only one we have planned. Probably gonna wing it everywhere else.

That's funny about your dresses! I'm bringing a few that I've never even worn before (tags still on them), so I'm stoked to have some place to wear them. I'll have my own little fashion show on a slightly smaller scale.. Haha! I definitely plan to do a review, though! Thanks for responding! Makes this even more fun for me!

 

Sounds like you have a good plan! I look forward to reading your review when you return!

 

 

Nice come-back! I had a sister that was taken and now have a wife that is a survivor so ANY means of getting out the message is well appreciated by me and others. Great review by the way.

 

Thank you so much! Congratulations to your wife for being a survivor. I really want to get the message out to women my age that this isn't our mother's disease. More and more women are getting diagnosed in their 30's. I lost a coworker/friend this morning to brain cancer. I hope to do another fundraiser in the future to raise more money so we can find a cure for cancer one of these days!

 

 

Thanks for the great review. We travel on the Valor in October and it's nice to have an idea of what to expect. You have quite a loyal following.

 

This will be my 5th year walking 60kms ( in two days) to raise money for The Weekend To End Women's Cancer's in Toronto. I think it's wonderful that you support finding a cure for breast cancer! Keep up the excellent work.

 

CB

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Hi CB, thanks for reading! It's so cool to continue to receive so many nice comments. Good for you doing the walk! That's awesome! The Valor will be perfect for your first cruise. Have fun!

[Kelane]

Thanks so much for saying that. The same thing has happened to us. I felt so guilty when I found out. I won't park in a handicapped parking spot and I certainly wouldn't take a room need by someone with a disability. I called and tried to change the room - even offered to pay the fee but was told it wasn't necessary as I would definitely be moved if required.

 

This is my first cruise - lesson learned - never again will I book a room without seeing deck plan first.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

 

Thanks. :)

I think the majority would never take something not meant for them on purpose. Perhaps someone more savvy than me would gamble on the room in hopes of NOT being swapped...or swapped to better cabin.

I HOPE I can find that same room/balcony on another ship and it NOT be a handicap room. The balcony was truly exceptional!

[Sweebee]

We had a private meet and greet planned with our roll call in the Paris Hot Lounge from 5-6. We paid $12 in advance for an hour of unlimited drinks. This is where I discovered the Miami Vice. That became my signature drink of the cruise! It’s half pina colada, half strawberry daiquiri. When I joined the roll call 6 weeks before sailing, it was a 51 pages and going strong! A big part of our roll call was a group of friends that have cruised together for the last three years. We also had a facebook page for us to chat and get to know each other prior to the cruise. It was nice to finally put a name to a face with everyone I’d been talking to. One member of the roll call, Romy (Latin-QT) and I really hit it off. We’re both in our 30’s, work in the same industry, and she was traveling solo. We instantly became good friends and hung out together most of the cruise.

 

Miami Vice- I lost track of how many of these I drank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A big thank you to Kim and Mike (cruising rays) for putting this together.

 

LOVE your review. Going on the Valor in 20 days and so excited!! How did you get the open bar for $12.00 ?!!!!!

[gapearl]

LOVE your review. Going on the Valor in 20 days and so excited!! How did you get the open bar for $12.00 ?!!!!!

 

Thank you so much for reading! I believe you have to go through the Carnival groups department and arrange the open bar party that way. We had a designated person on the roll call that collected our money through paypal and she sent the money to Carnival. I believe the minimum is 20 people and you have to have a final count and final payment in like 2-3 weeks before sailing.

 

Have fun on your cruise!

[queentashyra]

I loved reading your review. I am on the Valor next Aug out of PR!! just got off the pride 8/5/12. im addicted me and the bf are trying to squeeze in another before then. my mom just moved to florida so may have to visit her just to get on a cruise.ssssssssssssh dont tell her

[gapearl]

I loved reading your review. I am on the Valor next Aug out of PR!! just got off the pride 8/5/12. im addicted me and the bf are trying to squeeze in another before then. my mom just moved to florida so may have to visit her just to get on a cruise.ssssssssssssh dont tell her

 

Thanks for reading! And welcome to this addiction called cruising! :D

It's really hard waiting so long til the next one, so hopefully you'll be able to get a quick one in before next August. LOL @ you visiting your mom as a reason to book one. My next Carnival cruise will be back on the Valor again. It'll be my first time sailing the same ship twice so I'll feel back at home. Have fun on your cruise!

[CaliCruisers635]

Thank you so much for posting this review-and for the food pictures. I’m cruising on the Valor in November and I can’t wait! I LOVE taking pictures of my cruise food too! My husband always laughed at me and I’ve never posted them in fear of looking like a weirdo-but I’m not a weirdo and will be posting my Valor food pictures…lol :D