Review of Valor 5/29/2005

[Denmark]

My review is alittle different than Vacationaddict. I do agree about the Embarkation though. We got their about 12:30pm and finally got on the boat around 2:00pm. What do you expect when you are boarding 3,000 people??

 

In our party their was 32 of us. (14 adults and 17 (19 yrs and older) and one 12 yr old. Two of the couple have traveled on Carnival before, two have traveled quite a bit on RC. And the rest it was their first time.

 

Room: Our sleeping arrangements (14 of us) were located on the 6th floor, balcony, near the back and we didn't hardly hear any noise. The rest were on the 1st floor - Rivera and at times they said it was very bumpy, especially at night, when the weather wasn't so good. The room was very clean and alot of storage space for our stuff. We opened the divider between the two balconies, making it much roomier for us to seat out and enjoy the scenery and easier access to the other room if you didn't have a key. My kids were in the other room, so it was easier for me to check on them.

 

My youngest always order room service around 1am and they were very fast. Usually within 30 mins. Not bad on a big ship. And the food was very good.

 

Dining: We were seated in the Lincoln Room at 6:15pm. The food was great. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered and it was hot at all times. Our waiter was Jorge and he was very pleasant and very accommodating. The kids usually order two meals. Our drink waiter, can't remember his name, was very quick with our drinks. Within 10 mins.

 

Entertainment: We really enjoyed the shows. Especially the hypnotist. In our party two of the kids went up there at the midnight show and it was very funny. Two of the couples who were with us have gone on quite few times on RC and this was their first time on Carnival and they thought the shows on carnival were alot better than RC and thought the food was better also.

 

The comic that they had (friday nite) was terrible. My son along with his friends (19 yrs olds) thought all talked about was "the balls of a young kid compared to an older man". They said was it was abit too much and then it wasn't funny any more. The guy needed new material.

 

The 80's show (thursday nite) was very good and I heard from alot of people who attended the earlier show that that they were going to the second show, as well.

 

Common areas: very clean along with the bathrooms. Very colorful.

 

Activities on board: They do offer alot of activities on board for all ages. We went to the Art Auction and had a great time betting on painting. I walked away with 3 painting and my friend walk away with 8. Loved the bingo, wish their was more of it.

 

At Sea, on Lido deck, plenty of seating for laying out in the sun. Do go to the upper deck of the ship and you will find alot of chairs. So what if you aren't exactly right in front of the music, you still can hear it from the upper deck. And the waiter does come up there offering drinks and taking orders. We found space for 10 of us, with no problem.

 

The only problem we had was I forgot to tell 2 of my friends that the water in the pool was saltwater. When they went down the slide they did get a mouthful of "surprise". But it was all in fun.

 

Don't forget their is a pool in the front of the ship and in the back. The slide is located in the front.

 

Restaurants: I have to agree with Vacationaddict about the breakfast. I didn't know about the omelet bar and I wish I had. They do at times run out of the food but you may have to wait about 5 mins for them to refill the trays. I only ate breakfast about three days out of six because I got out of bed too late. The room service for breakfast is very limited.

 

Rosie's was good. The hambugers and chicken sandwiches were tasty. Everyone in my party raved about the deli. The sandwiches were big and fresh.

 

I do highly recommend Scarlett's for $30pp. Six of us went there and it was fabulous. We went on the 2nd dress up night. We got there at 7pm and finished at 9:15pm. The food was so good as well as the atmosphere. Please make your reservations once you get on board. You will not be sorry.

 

Excursions: Belize - we did the snorkling. They picked us up at the ship and it was a 15 mins boat ride. Very bumpy because of the weather. It was overcast. (which was great for me since I got serve sunburn the day earlier).

We did see alot of fish and the water was very refreshing. then they take you to alittle island that reminds you of Gilligan's Island. But this island had two port a potty and a hut to buy drinks and food. We snorkled around their as well.

 

My other friends did the cave tubing. They liked it but it was very long getting there. ABout 45 min ride and the road was not paved. Then you had to walk about 20 mins to the destination. They have a 9 year old little girl and she was getting tired before they got there.

 

Other friends did the Zip lining(i think that's what it was called) and loved it.

 

Roaton - hate to say it but I was alittle afraid to get off the boat. Did not like the country. Four of my friends decided to walk around town and they were approached quite a few times to buy things etc. They felt very uncomfortable and after 30 mins went back to the boat.

 

A few in our party went to the beach. That was an experience. They all got sand fleas. And it cost quite a bit to get a taxi to take you their. They did this excursion on their own.

 

Grand Cayman - twenty of us did the Cayman tour ( this was my second time their in two years) and yes, you can see what the hurricanes did to them. Quite a mess, but that didn't stop us from going to the rum factory, turtle farm or a visiting "Hell". The tour is about two hrs and then they drop you back at the port. We decided to stay in town for alittle longer to do some shopping. Picked up quite a few good deals in the liquor dept.

 

Cozumel - well, I book this excursion myself for my party of 20 of us and was not disappointed at all. We didn't go through carnival because they didn't offer it. We went to Namoi Cocom Beach Resort. For $32pp, we got all the food and drinks for free. A hut to sit under along with chairs, they had a pool along with a pool bar, the ocean was beautiful and we got to snorkle for free for an hr. My husband and son went parasailing and then my son thought he needed a massage and throughly enjoyed it. I was very happy with this place. Its about a 10 mins ride from the port. For four people about $15. Now in this port you arrive at 11am. We got their about noon and it closes at 5pm.

We met alot of the crew from the ship there as well. The drinks were very strong and the food good.

The weather this day was beautiful, plenty of sunshine.

 

At 4:30pm we went back to the ship to change and then went back out for drinks and shopping. We stayed at the port. There was enough for us to buy there and we went to Fat Tuesday's.

 

All in all we really had a good time and I'm sorry vacationaddict didn't. I would definitely go on carnival again, but next time we are going eastern.

 

If you have any questions you would like to ask me., please email me at Deeboca81@aol.com. I'll try to answer them.

[vacationaddict]

I think some of you are missing the meaning of my report. I had a great time on my vacation. I loved the ports of call and saw a lot. My husband always travel great together. We are just happy being with each other. We did make the best of it. However, Carnival did not meet my expectations. We have cruised in the past and therefore expected more. I think other cruisers should be aware of our experiences. Everyone needs to make their own decisions on whatever type of vacation they choose to go on.

[Kylie]

The Carnival Reps said they would be moving into their new building soon - hopefully that helps some of the problems with getting on and off the ship.

Self-debarkation was a breeze on 6/5/05 though - we were sitting in the airport waiting for our plane in less than 50 minutes from start to finish. Too bad our plane didn't leave for 4 1/2 more hours :-D

[blackwing]

I, too, found this review to be fair. She listed the good with the bad and she did not write this review with an angry tone. I am sorry she did not enjoy her experience. It sounds as if the pier has some major problems and needs to be addressed. Perhaps if she does write a letter to headquarters, it could help the experience of future cruisers.

Well, in reading the initial post, there's a whole lot more bad than good About the only good thing she says is her balcony cabin was "very nice" and that the pizza was good. Let's recap the rest:

 

Bad embarkation - long lines, no airconditioning, second line to pick up key

Bad cabin location - noisy and woke them up

Bad bar service - very slow

Bad dining room food - zucchini and eggplant disaster, bad shrimp

Bad buffet - cafeteria food, oily eggs

Bad entertainment - poor dancers, cheaped out talent show

Bad music - had to sit through smoky lounge to hear jazz

Bad internet - had to walk through smoky lounge

Bad tender process - long lines and disorganized

 

The OP likes to keep reminding us that she has been travelling all over the world for 30 years and this was the worst experience she has ever had. She's entitled to her opinion. But I just think that when you cruise you need to keep an open mind, and I just don't like to nitpick everything. If the OP is such a world traveller and likes to lord the fact that she is so well travelled, then I question why she would have gone with Carnival in the first place, since Carnival has a reputation of being a cruise line where you get a lot of value for your money. With her tastes, she should be settling for nothing less than the Queen Mary II. Yes, I don't know you at all, but you sound like a very hard person to please. JMO.

[corina27]

Bad embarkation - long lines, no airconditioning, second line to pick up key

Bad cabin location - noisy and woke them up

Bad bar service - very slow

Bad dining room food - zucchini and eggplant disaster, bad shrimp

Bad buffet - cafeteria food, oily eggs

Bad entertainment - poor dancers, cheaped out talent show

Bad music - had to sit through smoky lounge to hear jazz

Bad internet - had to walk through smoky lounge

Bad tender process - long lines and disorganized

 

.

Thes are all comon problems.:o

[Cruising89143]

I think some of you are missing the meaning of my report. I had a great time on my vacation. I loved the ports of call and saw a lot. My husband always travel great together. We are just happy being with each other. We did make the best of it. However, Carnival did not meet my expectations. We have cruised in the past and therefore expected more. I think other cruisers should be aware of our experiences. Everyone needs to make their own decisions on whatever type of vacation they choose to go on.

 

 

Look at this way, some on here are mature enough to be able to read your review with an open mind and understand that this is your thoughts and observations as to what happened on your vacation. Then you have the ones that are the exact opposite. They pop up each and every time a person posts a negative review or post about a cruise line. Most are ones that have never ventured away from one line so that know nothing about the other offerings out there from cruise lines. There are some on every board. There is always five or so on the Carnival board. They never let me down.:) Again, thanks for posting your thoughts and hopefully your next cruise will be better.

[Bsan1221]

Well, in reading the initial post, there's a whole lot more bad than good About the only good thing she says is her balcony cabin was "very nice" and that the pizza was good. Let's recap the rest:

 

Bad embarkation - long lines, no airconditioning, second line to pick up key

Bad cabin location - noisy and woke them up

Bad bar service - very slow

Bad dining room food - zucchini and eggplant disaster, bad shrimp

Bad buffet - cafeteria food, oily eggs

Bad entertainment - poor dancers, cheaped out talent show

Bad music - had to sit through smoky lounge to hear jazz

Bad internet - had to walk through smoky lounge

Bad tender process - long lines and disorganized

 

.

 

I think if you ask most people they have had one of these things happen to them, its all a matter on how you react to things and situations.

 

Long lines- Read my review of the Spirit embarkation it took up to 3 hours, however, it got to me when I was in line but when I saw the ship... I forgot the line. Plus Carnival gave us 2 extra hours in each port.

 

Bad Cabin Location- All my cabins have been below the Lido Deck and midship. I have only had a problem once at 3:00 AM the chairs were being picked up, I called the Pursers Desk and 5 minutes later the noise was gone;

 

Bad Entertainment- On the Spirit the first show was a show called "High Spirits" it was horrible, but I gave the other two shows after that a chance and they were awesome. If I wouldnt have tried the other two shows I would have gone home saying how horrible it all was;

 

Smoky lounges- it happens , I dont smoke, but I find somewhere to sit where it is directly not hitting me.

 

I can say the breakfast on the Spirit has OK, but dinner was awesome...

[PaulMedik]

.... I think other cruisers should be aware of our experiences. ........

 

 

vacationaddict:

 

 

If not for posts such as yours, I would venture to bet that many CC members, who've never cruised before, would go into their cruises expecting to be met at the port by the Captain and escorted on board by some secret gangway that the other 3000 or so passengers don't have access to.

 

Your post serves to bring reality to many and breakdown expectations that may be falsely inflated. I don't have a problem at all with reading a negative review. I doubt my opinion would be the same as yours but I have not traveled as extensively as you indicate that you have therefore my expectations aren't quite a high. I do expect long lines at embarkation...or they could just simplify the process and pass out rapelling hooks and rope and I'll make it on board just fine. ;) I could then swing the hook back down from my balcony and tow my own luggage on board as well....hmm. :rolleyes:

 

Seriously; Thank you for your review. It's your opinion and I honor your right to hold and defend your opinion...you shouldn't have to defend your opinion of your experience but I think you're doing a fine job of it so keep up the good work. :)

[colette5479]

Bad embarkation - long lines, no airconditioning, second line to pick up key--This is a problem that many have commented on in the last few weeks. Not an uncommon gripe.

Bad cabin location - noisy and woke them up--If they booked this on their own, I bet they are wishing they did their homework.

Bad bar service - very slow--It can happen, especially if they're really needing a drink!:D

Bad dining room food - zucchini and eggplant disaster, bad shrimp--I've had things I did not like on a cruise, either...hasn't everyone??

Bad buffet - cafeteria food, oily eggs--Lots of people, including myself, will agree on this

Bad entertainment - poor dancers, cheaped out talent show--Others have mentioned the quality of the shows in different reviews.

Bad music - had to sit through smoky lounge to hear jazz--I probably wouldn't have liked this, either.

Bad internet - had to walk through smoky lounge--And we all know how smokey these areas can get!

Bad tender process - long lines and disorganized--I, like other on here, don't like to wait in long lines, either...especially if I'm waiting for an excursion.

 

The OP is not stating she had the trip from Hell or telling everyone to avoid this ship all together. Even though you made her complaints into a list, are any of these problems out of the ordinary or extreme? These are complaints we read about everyday on ALL cruiselines on CC. There were some positives in her review but some tend to dwell on the negative aspects.

 

She only stated she was a seasoned traveler to let others know this was not the first time she's ever been on vacation. She did not have a mad or defensive tone whatsoever...until she had to defend herself. The OP said she did not want to cruise CCL again but is NOT telling the reader not to.

[K.T.B.]

Bad embarkation - long lines, no airconditioning, second line to pick up key

Bad cabin location - noisy and woke them up

Bad bar service - very slow

Bad dining room food - zucchini and eggplant disaster, bad shrimp

Bad buffet - cafeteria food, oily eggs

Bad entertainment - poor dancers, cheaped out talent show

Bad music - had to sit through smoky lounge to hear jazz

Bad internet - had to walk through smoky lounge

Bad tender process - long lines and disorganized

Excellent recap, BW. :) Let's take them one at time, based on my personal experience.

 

Bad embarkation: Since I'm usually there the moment they open up, I've yet to have long line ahead of me. ;) I've also never had to experience lack of airconditioning. The second line for a key is not a hassle in the least, and usually keeps things flowing.

 

Bad cabin: Either the OP did not do the research to show exactly where their cabin was or they booked a guarantee. (I mentioned the before.) If they did in fact book a guarantee, then you take what they give you.....

 

Bad bar service: Not something I've ever encountered, and the few times I have ordered drinks in the dining room I realize the girl (usually) is serving many tables.

 

Bad dining room food: Only one time have either me or my wife had BAD food. The lobster my wife had on Fascination was very rubbery, according to her. At worst, we've had fair food, but for the most part it's been very good.

 

"Cafeteria food": I have to agree that Carnival's breakfast leaves a lot to be desired. I personally think they need to focus more on that rather than doing the "gala buffet", which is not all that "gala", imo.

 

Bad entertainment: Not everyone likes the same thing. There's a ton of variety onboard. However, Carnival does seem to find the unfunniest "comedians" sometimes, don't they...? :rolleyes:

 

Bad music: How does a smokey lounge equate to bad music? Also, it's clearly marked that where the jazz is played it's a cigar bar. (Place I occasionally enjoy, even though I rarely smoke a cigar.)

 

Bad internet: So you pass through a smokey area to get there.... I'm not sure if that's indicative of this class of ship or not, but on the ships I've been on, that's not been the case. But how is that bad internet?

 

Bad tender process: Some have said they've experienced it, I haven't. I suppose it's just the timing. Of course, I'm usually "right there" the moment they open for people to go ashore. And though people have said they had to wait for the "Carnival booked excursions" to go first, again that's something I've never had to experience. Guess I'm just lucky! :cool:

[LindaJSteele]

We were also on this cruise, and it was one of the best cruises I've ever had - and I've been on 16, so I've had plenty of experience. Again, a cruise is what you make of it, and I try not to let the little things get me down. I agree that embarkation was a disaster; evidently there were people that weren't off the ship yet when we were trying to get on, so it took quite a while. However, I didn't let that get me down. Disembarkation was also a disaster, but Miami is just that way. When there are 6000 people (Valor and Victory) getting off at the same time and 6000 more people getting on...well, you can see what happens. The suggestion I have is for Miami to do what other ports do; don't let anyone into the port until everyone is off the ship - that works much better, and it would cut down on the confusion.

 

We thought the 2 big production shows were absolutely fantastic; I just can't imagine that someone wouldn't like them, but if you don't like singing and dancing, then you probably wouldn't. The juggler was terrific; we had seen the hypnotist before, so we already knew his act, and one comedian didn't make it onto the ship, so we didn't have a chance to see him. I don't think "Valor Idol" is cheap entertainment either. Why do you think "American Idol" is so popular? Getting your "15 minutes of fame" is an American dream, and everyone loves to see "regular" people getting theirs. There was plenty of other entertainment as well; I'd say there was something for everyone.

We like to spend a good bit of time in the casino, which was very cool as well, so I didn't see all of the other entertainment. The only negative about the casino was that is was extremely smoky; I don't know why, but it was the smokiest casino I've ever been in - maybe poor circulation. I tried to play blackjack at the non-smoking table, and that helped somewhat.

 

BTW - I don't know why the OP referred to the cruise director as Josh; that was the previous guy; Brent Mitchell was the CD on this cruise. He's the worse CD I've ever had, but since I don't really care about that sort of thing, it didn't really bother me. I don't go on a cruise for the CD.

 

The food was typical Carnival, but they have changed their menu somewhat. I was disappointed that they've taken Chocolate Decadence off their menu; I always counted on that for dessert on the first night. When I say typical Carnival...for me, that means good, sometimes excellent food. Our wait team was good; remembered drinks, rolls, salad dressings, etc. Food was always hot, including the soup. I love fresh pepper, and after the first night, I never had to ask; it was always brought. We had breakfast in the dining room each day, and it was always really good. It's just something we like to do. The only negative for me is that they are trying an experiment - open seating at dinner for the Cozumel stop - because many people don't eat in the dining room that night. I didn't like that: I wanted my own wait team and my own table; again I didn't let that ruin my cruise.

 

There were many activities; I was involved with some of them and had a great time. I didn't have trouble finding a deck chair when I wanted one.

We didn't even get off at Grand Cayman, so I can't speak for the tenders there.

 

We had an aft balcony cabin on deck 7 (Empress), and my parents were just a few balcony cabins away on the port side near us. These were the best locations! We had chosen an oceanview cabin guarantee and were upgraded to these balcony cabins; they were terrific!

 

All in all, I had a wonderful time and would not hesitate to go on this ship again. We had sailed on Glory last year and loved it, and this ship looked even better, so IMHO, Carnival overall did a great job.

 

If you have any specific questions, you can e-mail me as well. LindaJSteele@comcast.net

 

BTW - Winona and Rick (CC members), if you read this, we enjoyed meeting and talking to you. Have a great life, and congratulations again!

[RCGREENE]

I was on the Valor on May 22nd thru 29th. I had a wonderful time and completely disagree with any bad review of Valor. My only negative comment was crazy people who complain about every little thing. I have never heard more people scream and yell at Carnival employees. We were behind one woman in line while boarding the ship and she started screaming about the welcome. We walked past two Carnival staff who both said welcome and hello to her but she continued screaming about not knowing where to go and how awful the welcome was. I actually overheard a woman yelling that she didn't have the right bread to make a sandwich in Rosie's on the 2nd day. My DH is very funny and enjoys making fun of people who are rude. He made a few complainers feel pretty stupid. He actually started acting like a child who was throwing a fit. People were laughing at him so I know we weren't the only ones who experienced the negative cruisers. It was actually good comedy for our dining room table. I'm going through post cruise depression right now and trying to plan something for next year and would consider Carnival again in a second. My Dad and I came to the conclusion that you can spend tons of money and plan wonderful vacations but if you aren't a fun person then you aren't going to have fun no matter what.

 

I will admit that it did take time to get on and off the ship but seriously people, we are talking about 3,000 people who have go through security, etc. Consider the time it takes to get through the airport. This is our third cruise. It actually was worse in Hawaii with NCL at least with getting on the ship. We didn't have much of a problem getting off the Valor but we did self assist. If you can carry everything this is definitely the way to go.

 

I absolutely loved my cruise. The food, entertainment, ports, Carnival staff, pools and slide, etc. was wonderful. My DH was so cute on the first night that we were home. He went to our kitchen table at 6:15 pm and sat there. I asked him what he was doing and he said that he was waiting for Dennis and Madeline (Our dining room staff) to come. I laughed and told him that he would be waiting for a very long time.

 

Don't worry future cruisers on the Valor - you will have a great time just like I did. :)

[PaulMedik]

 

Don't worry future cruisers on the Valor - you will have a great time just like I did. :)

 

 

 

RCGREENE:

 

 

We've got a long wait ahead of us for the Valor but I'm sure we will have a blast as well!

 

Thanks for your review.

[PaulMedik]

...............

All in all, I had a wonderful time and would not hesitate to go on this ship again. We had sailed on Glory last year and loved it, and this ship looked even better, so IMHO, Carnival overall did a great job.

..................

 

 

LindaJSteele:

 

Thank you for sharing your experiences. :)

[Mark]

Vacationaddict,

 

In response to your question, I wrote to Bob Dickinson at Carnival Co. I do not have his address with me at work...however, I got it from two places...one was from the Carnival Brochure and the other was from Yahoo Finance when I did a query on Carnival Corp...remember that Carnival HQ is in Miami at something Carnival Way or something like that...I am sure that you will find it

 

The one common denominator that I have noticed from everyone whether they liked sailing on the Valor or not is the long time it took to get on and off the ship in the hot sweatbox that they call a terminal...this is a good thing and I hope that Carnival reads these postings!

 

However, I find it amusing in a few cases ( in my May 22 sailing board) when people respond that they were at the pier by 10 or 11 in the morning and did not have a real problem...I find this amusing because not everyone can fly into Miami and get to the pier that early. In addition, Carnival tells you in their brochure that embarkation commences at 1 or 130. The suggestion that some people have to fly in a day ahead of the cruise and stay at a hotel to make emabrakation easier makes no sense...you are going to pay thousands of dollars to sail on the Valor and then pay 3 or 4 hundred extra just to have an easy embarkation? Only if Carnival pays the bill for me!

 

As I said in my review of the May 22 sailing, I am not anti-Carnival... I thought the Valor was a fine ship and the Captain and his crew/staff work very hard at keeping things running well and keeping the passengers happy. The cruise director Brett is kind of boring...may be that he is too young and inexperienced? However there is no excuse for the fiasco that Carnival allows to take place each week in Miami with embarkation and disembarkation. CARNIVAL I HOPE YOU ARE READING THESE PAGES!

[green eyed lady]

vacationaddict,

sorry to ask again, but what was your actual cabin #? I know you were on deck 8, but I was wondering exactly where? Trying to compare it to where I'm booked.

[GoinCruisin]

In addition, Carnival tells you in their brochure that embarkation commences at 1 or 130. The suggestion that some people have to fly in a day ahead of the cruise and stay at a hotel to make emabrakation easier makes no sense...you are going to pay thousands of dollars to sail on the Valor and then pay 3 or 4 hundred extra just to have an easy embarkation? Only if Carnival pays the bill for me!

 

Actually, people recommend flying in the day before on ANY cruise, not just out of Miami... It is always a better idea, you just never know when you are going ot have a flight problem the day of that could cause you alot of stress and possibly missing the ship... Most people, on ANY cruise can generally get to the terminal early and get on the ship early... not just Miami... I don't think most of us get a $400 hotel room to stay at the night before... you can generally get a Priceline room for $40-$60, get a nice room, get in a little early and make embarkation day a much less stressful day... but it's not just Miami, i would do that from any port...

[vacationaddict]

vacationaddict,

sorry to ask again, but what was your actual cabin #? I know you were on deck 8, but I was wondering exactly where? Trying to compare it to where I'm booked.

My cabin # was 8321.

[R&K in NC]

Sorry you had such a disappointing time. I know that I am uncertain if I should post a review when I get back from the Glory.

 

Everyone has sometime of problem when cruising. I know that some people think that RCCL is the best but I had problems with food (turkey parm. - nasty) I just figure I am a very picky eater. I thought lines were horrible on the Nordic Empress and that is a small ship.

 

I like to read the post (both negative and positive). Everyone has a different view about ships. I am not loyal to any line. The review let me know what to keep in mind. A good example is that the rooms on the Nordic Empress was small. Everyone stated this in their post. I expected it. That doesn't mean that I was not shocked when I actually saw how small my oceanview room was but I was expecting it.

 

Thanks for your post and opinion.

[K.T.B.]

To vacationaddict: Just curious, did you book a specific cabin or did you book a guarantee?

[Bsan1221]

Sorry you had such a disappointing time. I know that I am uncertain if I should post a review when I get back from the Glory.

.

 

I think you should post when you get back.. There are some people that have flamed but if you read through the replies most people given her advice and others are curious to know more details.

[lil nemo]

Sorry, but i try to find the good in any trip....and to be honest nothing that was mentioned in the review of this cruise would make or break my entire trip. It just seems to me that some people are never happy. That is only my opinion, which last I checked I am entitled to.;)

 

I just love this mindset! every experience is different for different people.

I for 1 want to hear if others had similar experiences as I may have had. It's a way to test a standard!

If there are 20 reveiews about a cruiseline or ship and more than 1/2 of them are saying the same things of whether the standards are sub-standard I will take heed! I don't need to be bashed in the head to see where problems lie!

 

this said, 50% of the time carnival cruise lines as a problem with getting passengers on and off the ship and many aspects, reality! at least thats the score so far!

Do other lines experience this same thing, don't know, I've not been on them but, i'm at the point where is worth seeing!!

 

And i've said it before, no one goes into a vacation/cruise wanting or expecting a bad experience, people do not invite this on themselves like so many want to make people beleive!!

[Mikel1733]

We also were on the 5/29 Valor cruise. This was our 11th cruise (7th with Carnival) and the cruise was absolutely wonderful. My daughter was married on the ship Sunday at 1:30pm. The wedding and reception couldn't have been any nicer. The staff through out the cruise were excellent. We were on Empress Deck aft. There is noticeable vibration there, but nothing too bothersome. If I had any complaints on the cruise it would have to be about some of the fellow passengers. Yes, the lines were long at Rosies, but thats only because passengers can't seem to focus on picking their food and moving on. I watched a woman make 2 bacon sandwiches each with 8 pieces of bacon and eat them while she waited for "fresh" french toast. She held up the line for several minutes. People cutting in line were a big problem. The rules evidently only apply to some of us. But that said, the lines weren't a problem, I don't expect to eat in 5 minutes, I'm on vacation. Our dining in the Lincoln dining room with Miller and Sona were great. And our wine steward KO was great. He was prompt and checked back 3-4 times each meal. He always had soft drinks on the table when we arrived for dinner. Debarkation was a breeze.....we started at 7:30am and was off the ship and thru customs at 8:00am. We were at the airport (FLL) at 9:00am. One other thing I might add......the reason the embarkation started late on 5/29 was that customs did a special inspection and required all employees on the ship to go thru the customs procedure. Our wedding party was orginally supposed to get on the ship approximately 11:00am and it was closer to 12:30pm.

 

Mike

[sotadragon]

I think part of the problems with embarkation/debarkation are people who feel it's neccessary to try to sneak illegal drugs back into the US from the Caribbean. Seems like that happens WAY too often! :rolleyes: Under other circumstances I'd say "it's your body/brain, do what you want with them". But not when it affects 3,000+ other people who aren't stupid enough to try to smuggle drugs.

 

I know this doesn't account for many embarkation/debarkation delays, but it is still a factor.

[LindaJSteele]

For those of you looking for other reviews of this ship, there are several now from people who have recently returned. Make your own judgments.