LIVE from the Valor....

[marktac]

You said that you were suppose to set your clocks back one hour? Thought that the ship stayed on Eastern Daylight Savings time. This will make a difference for those of us that have booked outside tours. Please keep us informed if you do set your clocks back and then will be in Island time.

Thanks for letting us pretend we are sailing with your. Our cruise is not until June so it is so much fun reading about it ahead of time!

 

Don't think he ever said to change clocks...anywhoo, don't need to do it.

 

Mark T.

[GoinCruisin]

Tonight we set our clocks back 1 hour… or so we were suppose to

 

Mark, actually, he did say that...

[marktac]

Mark, actually, he did say that...

 

 

OOPS, I missed it after reading it twice just to make sure. We were on the 4/24 Eastern, and the Capers each day had a note on the bottom of the front to keep your watch on ships time, which did not change.

 

Mark T.

[radtech]

Hi everyone- We are cruising on the Glory on 7/16/05 and we are trying to book the kids cave tubing though X-treme cave tubing but they say they will be picking us up at 7:30am their time. We thought it would probably be best to book it though Carnival to make sure we wil get off in time but they do not offer the kids cave tubing. :confused: Does anybody out there have any suggestions and do you feel we will make the excursion with tendering off the Glory? :)

 

I appreciate any help anyone can give. Thanks. ;)

 

Radtech :)

[GoinCruisin]

Hi everyone- We are cruising on the Glory on 7/16/05 and we are trying to book the kids cave tubing though X-treme cave tubing but they say they will be picking us up at 7:30am their time. We thought it would probably be best to book it though Carnival to make sure we wil get off in time but they do not offer the kids cave tubing. :confused: Does anybody out there have any suggestions and do you feel we will make the excursion with tendering off the Glory? :)

 

I appreciate any help anyone can give. Thanks. ;)

 

Radtech :)

 

Radtech, you might want to try starting a new thread with this topic, you will probably have more luck! Good luck!!

[SomewhereBeyondTheSea]

I wouldn't recommend that you book the cave tubing through Carnival. It cost close to $100.00. If you book through this site http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/CaveTubingBelize.htm you will only pay $60.00 pp for the same exact excursion with less people in your tour. I didn't do this excursion but my friend did and highly recommends it with this tour operator. Check it out...

 

Let me know what you think!

[tanner2]

Im also wondering about the trouble in belize? Did you feel safe? Were also going may 15! tanner2

[kodiac]

Well, today is our LAST day at sea.  I guess all vacations have to come to an end.

 

Roatan – did I mention that the diving was WONDERFUL here??? We are ready to get home so we can plan our 1 week land vacation here for a dive trip.

 

We arrived late to Grand Cayman. The tender process was simple: get tender tickets or show up in the lounge if you booked a tour with Carnival. This is one of the only ports we booked our tour with Carnival Cruise Lines. This will also be the LAST time we book a tour with the cruise line due to problems. We went to the sandbar to snorkel with the stingrays. My wife and I loved this excursion (I have done it before). My problem was with the transportation and the overbooking of this excursion. CCL loves to shove as many people into a tour as they can. This tour was overbooked and some people did not have seats on the ship (they had to stand). Also, the transportation from the port to the boat was horrible. Old, trashy buses with no A/C. For a rich port like GC you would think they could afford something else. Belize and Honduras had better transportation than what CCL purchased in GC. Again, our excursion was awesome! The problem was with overbooking tours and the transportation. The other cruise critics took a private tour, paid less, got better transportation, and only had 12 in their group. They also spent more time with the Stingrays.

 

This was also formal night (again) which we had yet another wonderful dinner. The past guest party was great. Again, they offered us drinks from the bar that were not on their trays and kept them flowing.

 

Cozumel – WOW! Can we say drunks? We went on the catamaran sail and snorkel tour. It rained in early afternoon but cleared up in 1 hour. The fish were nice and the corals were sparse. There are still jellyfish but they are only hanging out around the pier. I did not see one jellyfish where we were snorkeling. We had free beer and margaritas on the beach until we were returned to the ship. (The tour was with Fury) Once back at the ship (puerta maya) we headed into town for shopping, drinks and food at Pancho’s backyard, more shopping and then a good time at Carlos and Charlies and Fat Tuesdays. We started at C&C’s and then went back to the port to make sure we can stumble on the ship very easy  Fat Tuesdays was great. All I can say is this: Margaritas - $6 Show excursion - $40 Pictures / Videos of craziness at Fat Tuesdays – PRICELESS!! We were the only ship in port all night. All the others left very early. The deck party was great. The cruise critics hung out and danced all night (even at Fat Tuesdays). We actually had a very lively group this cruise and had much fun.

 

Our cruise director is not Josh and I was told he is not coming back. I am not sure why this is.

 

Last day at sea – today I woke up early (7:30AM) despite the fact that I was up until 2:30AM last night. I was in the hot tub and in the Jacuzzi very early this morning. There were no chairs being held at all because everyone was hung over from Cozumel.  The fish and chips are wonderful. Unfortunately, we did not know they were good until today (the last day). Tonight we will be on our way to Scarletts for a wonderful dinner.

 

Any questions from anyone while we are still onboard?? I hope everyone had a great time once we get off…. I will miss her!

[fern1226]

who did the other cruise critics book their stingray tour with? what time do the pools and hot tubs open? i've enjoyed your trip updates.

[kodiac]

You said that you were suppose to set your clocks back one hour? Thought that the ship stayed on Eastern Daylight Savings time. This will make a difference for those of us that have booked outside tours. Please keep us informed if you do set your clocks back and then will be in Island time.

Thanks for letting us pretend we are sailing with your. Our cruise is not until June so it is so much fun reading about it ahead of time!

 

Yes, on the western cruise you will always change your clock back 1 hour and then forward again on the way back :) Hope this helps.

[kodiac]

I didn't think that Paul from Salt and Pepper was still in business? What resort did you go to? What about sand fleas, bites, etc.?

Paul from Salt N Pepper is still in business. I am not sure where you got this information from... but it is incorrect. Paul was talking about this but the only thing he did was changed resorts (I think the new resort is much better). I will get back to you on the correct name once we get home. I am in the limo on the way back home now.

[kodiac]

Any word about the trouble in Belize? I am curious if it is affecting tourism.

 

Trouble in Belize? No WAY! Everything in Belize is still the same as last year and many years ago. The people are the same. If you do not feel comfortable in Belize stay inside the gates by the port. You are safe there as no one but vendors are allowed inside. If you feel comfortable and want to see the "real Belize" then go outside the gates. It is safe when your with a group of people. I talked to a few locals about the riots and they said they are still going on. He also said they do not hurt anyone but they are after the government for more funding for schools, etc. We did not see any hostile people or riots.

[kodiac]

I have an Aft 9A 8448. Are they great or what???? Do you have a favorite drink?? I am glad this ship is full of night life. I have been on other cruise lines that seem not to have that much going on at night. Did you try the disco?? Did you feel safe in Belize. Please let me know when you can break away from the Hot Tub. Have Fun!!!!!!!! Save some drinks for the rest of us!!!!!!

 

Yes! We saved you drinks but not too many... LOL. We were just fine in Belize (read above post). The AFT balcony cabins are great. We would never book without a balcony anymore unless it was a short cruise. Our favorite drinks are dirty bannana, mai tai's (we asked for these at the past guest / captains cocktail parties), crown and coke, and the drink of the day is generally good.

 

Have fun on your upcomming cruise!

[kodiac]

Hi everyone- We are cruising on the Glory on 7/16/05 and we are trying to book the kids cave tubing though X-treme cave tubing but they say they will be picking us up at 7:30am their time. We thought it would probably be best to book it though Carnival to make sure we wil get off in time but they do not offer the kids cave tubing. :confused: Does anybody out there have any suggestions and do you feel we will make the excursion with tendering off the Glory? :)

 

I appreciate any help anyone can give. Thanks. ;)

 

Radtech :)

 

I would recommend cave tubing with Reggie. We have used him many times and have had nothing but great times. Usually we have small groups (12 - 20 people), go in 3 caves, and return in time for shopping.

[LizaMM]

Yes, on the western cruise you will always change your clock back 1 hour and then forward again on the way back :) Hope this helps.

 

 

Interesting....Perhaps this varies from ship to ship?? I was on a Western a couple of weeks ago and the ship stayed on "ship time" and our private tours were on "local time" - one hour off.

 

Glad to hear that you had a great cruise! Can't wait to hear MORE!! Especially since I am looking at booking the Valor :)

[atavistic]

We just returned from the May 1 cruise and were in 7445, an awesome view. My take on Belize is that there was alot of security in the port area-the only place we went. The tender over was adventurous enough.

 

A heck of ship, good service overall. In general, I'd give the food a 'B'. Good, and plentiful, but it won't make you forget your favorite restaurant.

 

Hellacious winds several days on the cruise, expecially the last night. Better than 30 knots at times. Great views out of our balcony, but also from the bow on 9, 7 and 6. (Try the front door)

 

Highlight was Cozumel, because nearly everyone left the ship in the AM and we had the main pool area and slide to ourself from 11 to 1. (OK, maybe 10 total people, and no kids!!).

 

Also enjoyed the classical music trio in Main Atrium. Very...classical.

 

There's so much you can do on these cruises; we spent a good amount of time just relaxing. Fairly smooth ship; the side thrusters and anchor winches will get your attention.

 

There were rumors that we found sand in Belize. It definetly seemed to take effort to get out there, and crystal blue water was anything but as we left.

 

I could say so much more but its been said in these boards before, and its been a long day. Bottom line, a good value, a good time. I'm not addicted after our first Carnival Cruise, but we'll probably sail with them again in a few years.

 

atavistic

 

PS Take the Self Assist early departure, and don't delude yourself into thinking you'll be able to use the elevators at debark - There pretty useless after 10PM on the last night. And Valor is using Gold cards for repeat cruises, though I didn't have one.

 

THIS IS A DUTY FREE POST

[GoinCruisin]

Interesting....Perhaps this varies from ship to ship?? I was on a Western a couple of weeks ago and the ship stayed on "ship time" and our private tours were on "local time" - one hour off.

 

Glad to hear that you had a great cruise! Can't wait to hear MORE!! Especially since I am looking at booking the Valor :)

 

We've never had to change our clocks on the Western itinerary either... generally they make sure you stay on ships time.... I wonder what other ships do this?

[Euroagogo]

Glad you had a great time. Quick question for ya. Was there skeet shooting on board? Thanks.

[GoinCruisin]

Skeet shooting is right after Parasailing on Thursday :p

 

Okay, just kidding... no skeet shooting off the ship... I believe it is an environmental concern... sorry :(

[wolfpakfan]

KODIAC said:

 

Fat Tuesdays was great. All I can say is this: Margaritas - $6 Show excursion - $40 Pictures / Videos of craziness at Fat Tuesdays – PRICELESS!!

 

I'll have to agree. I was there from about 6:30-10:00 and the show was wild. I'm sure you got some of our crew on the vid. They were the wildest ones there.

[kodiac]

KODIAC said:

 

 

 

I'll have to agree. I was there from about 6:30-10:00 and the show was wild. I'm sure you got some of our crew on the vid. They were the wildest ones there.

 

 

YES! Our the crew on our ship (including our waiter) was a party real crew..

 

Plenty of video and pictures. I am working on a video presentation of the Valor now.

[wolfpakfan]

Yes our ship crew was there and they were definitely crazy. It is interesting to see some of the casino dealers in their normal clothing - you kind of do a double take when you first see them.

 

Actually, when I said "crew" I was talking about the group of 10 that I went with on the cruise. Our five ladies were dancing the entire time, mostly on top of the tables, with and without clothing! Looking forward to maybe seeing some of your pictures/video to see if I recognize anyone. My camera died about 7:00 long before the real craziness began.

[sotadragon]

so, you bought the internet access in your cabin? that's neat.

 

I thought the Wi-Fi was free all over the ship on Valor??? :confused: Can anyone clarify this?

[big_duck]

I thought the Wi-Fi was free all over the ship on Valor??? :confused: Can anyone clarify this?

 

Well I guess technically the wi-fi connection is free, it is the internet connection that costs money. Unless the valor is special.

[sotadragon]

Here's why I ask, this is what my mother sent me about Valor:

 

"From Cruise Critic -

 

Carnival Valor is the first cruise ship to offer 100 percent bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, a welcome innovation for tech-savvy travelers. Unlike other ships that have designated "hot spots" in select public areas, Valor's ship-wide Wi-Fi signal allows guests with wireless-enabled laptops to access the Web and check e-mail anywhere on the ship ... and we mean anywhere, from the bar at the disco to the bathroom in your cabin. My favorite spot to surf was up on the lido deck at night: quiet, and cool and breezy (though I did get some strange looks from the staffer cleaning the pool when he saw me plop down on a deck chair, laptop in tow, in my formal dress)."

 

I don't know who originally posted that, but if they read it maybe they can give a definite answer. :)