Just Back from Valor - Mini Review - Any Questions?

[Pauser]

Just got back from the Valor Western Caribbean 1/27 to 2/3. Flew in the day before and stayed at Sofitel Miami. Here are a few thoughts.

 

FASTER TO THE FUN

This was well worth it to us. We got to the port around 10:30 and were on the ship by 11:00. We had immediate access to our room (inside #7276), but our luggage did not arrive promptly as promised - it was delivered around 1:00. That didn't matter to us. We carried on a case of water + carry-ons, so it was more important to be able to drop those off. We also had a choice of tenders for Grand Cayman and could disembark whenever we wished on the last day. The primary benefit to us, as it turned out, was the VIP line at Guest Services. Who knew how many people waited so long at Guest Services?! We had a cash account this time, so we made several trips. We were grateful every time that we didn't have to wait in the always-present long lines.

 

On the last sea day, we waited a couple of minutes at Guest Services behind a woman with a T-Shirt and no pants -- really - NO PANTS. Her T-shirt covered about half her butt. The rest was out and proud. Everyone was bending over to make sure they were really seeing what they thought they were seeing. It was hysterical. Anyway, there was a line of 14 people on the other side. The woman at the front of that line was fuming. When the woman with no pants left, this woman came from the other line and practically ran in front of us to the VIP Guest Services rep. The rep patiently reprimanded her and explained that she needed to wait for the next agent in the other line. I felt sorry for her but relieved that I didn't have to spend my afternoon waiting in a long line. Like I said, this turned out to be a great benefit to us. We'd purchase F2F again if only for this reason.

 

CHEERS BAR PROGRAM

While neither my husband nor I are big drinkers, we purchased this as an experiment to see if we really ordered whatever we wanted whenever we wanted it might be worth the cost. Turned out it wasn't for us. We never drink during the day. We had a couple of drinks before dinner each night at the lobby bar. Then we might have a glass of wine with dinner. A couple of nights we had another drink later. We did have a few sodas and virgin frozen drinks. Since they give you a receipt for each drink, it was easy to track what we would have spent. We ended up paying about $200 more than we would have spent. So we wouldn't do it again. But no regrets. One of the benefits was that we tried all kinds of drinks that we would never have bought. I found two new drinks that I really like. And I would have just spent the money on something else.

 

THE SHIP

This is the first Conquest Class Ship we've sailed. We were on the Miracle twice. We really liked the Americana theme. Being from Philadelphia, it was cool to see the Liberty Bell all over the ship. We also liked that there were lounge chairs on the promenade deck where it was quiet. It was possible to find a quiet place on deck 10 or 11, but you had to move away from the main pool area with the movie screen that always blasted some type of music.

 

That leads me to one negative issue: this was the loudest ship we've ever been on. There was always loud music or loud trivia or loud Name that Tune or loud karaoke. I couldn't spend anytime in the casino between the smoke (that was everywhere) and the casino stage where there was always something going on with a microphone at full blast. Just past the casino is King's Boulevard, and the music and trivia and karaoke followed you down the hall as did the smoke. We could hear the late night music from the lobby on deck 3 in our room on deck 7. You just couldn't escape it. We found it unnecessary and a bit overwhelming at times. For that reason, I think we're more Spirit Class people than Conquest Class. I wouldn't book this ship or a similar one again. But it didn't ruin our cruise.

 

THE FOOD

We only ate dinner in the dining room 3 times. We had Your Time Dining and, other than the first night, never waited more than a few minutes. We ate in the Lincoln Dining room right behind the lobby bar, so we could assess the lines and go when it was least crowded. We liked the food we ordered. The food was always the correct temperature and done as we requested. Service was a little slow but that was fine. We always had a table for 2 but could visit with people sitting near us.

 

We had dinner in the buffet twice as well as a few lunches. Fish and Chips was great. It was quiet up there and the food was very good. We also enjoyed the pizza, the deli, and the burrito bar.

 

We had two dinners in the steakhouse and they were wonderful. We could use our Cheers program to order glasses of wine at no additional cost. We also went to afternoon tea twice and loved that as well.

 

Although this ship has not undergone 2.0, they had the taste bar each evening on Kings Boulevard with samples from some restaurants on the ship and some that were not (like the Red Frog Pub). That was kind of odd. We never actually ate here as we were just not hungry at this time. They also served brunch in the dining room on sea days rather than breakfast and lunch. I liked this because I am not a morning person but could still have breakfast later. We attended the brunch twice. Our last sea day was overcast with occasional showers, so brunch was packed. Seemed like everyone decided to try it.

 

And about that free drink coupon... We wanted to use ours for a specialty coffee at brunch since we already had all-inclusive drinks. We told our waiter at brunch that we wanted an espresso and cappucino. He looked confused and said it was for cocktails. We showed him where it stated it was good for cocktails or specialty coffee drinks. He said we had to have the cocktail waitress get them for us. So we waited for her while I looked at their espresso/cappucino machine. And we waited. And we waited. Finally she showed up. When we told her what we wanted, she impatiently told us that she only got cocktails and we would have to get coffees from the dining room. We asked her to tell our waiter. Anyway, after much confusion and about 45 minutes, we finally got our specialty coffees. Either give me a free drink or don't, but don't make it so difficult. Jeesh!

 

CABIN

We were in 7276, an inside on deck 7. It was dark and for the most part quiet, although as I stated before, you could hear the singers from deck 3 at night. Also, the beds were the hardest I've ever slept on. They were like Flinstones beds and were awful! I could not wait to get up each day, which is not like me at all. We talked to several other people and no one could remember ever having such a hard bed on a cruise. There were a couple of people (my husband being one) who like a firm bed, but the general concensus was thumbs down. The last night I woke up 3 times and just kept telling myself "this is the last night". I woke up each day with a stiff back. You get the picture. The beds are hard.

 

Our room steward was great. We had him empty out the mini-fridge so we could fill it with our water. He left extra chocolates when we found out I liked them. I swear every time we came back to the cabin he had been there and everything was clean and neat. The air conditioning worked great in the room, which had been an issue on our last cruise.

 

PORTS

 

Cozumel - We had never been to Cozumel and booked the Jungle ATV Tour thru the ship. I wouldn't bother with this excursion. First, there is no jungle, only woods. Second, we were in a wooded area and kept going in circles around the same maybe 1.5 mile area. Some of it was very rigorous terrain, but overall it didn't compare to any of the other ATV tours we've done. After the ATV Ride (maybe 1.5 hours) we went to a private beach resort for another 1.5 hours. You could pay $45 per person for all inclusive food and drinks, but we opted to order a couple of sodas and some nachos instead. The beach was beautiful and there were several vendors selling just about everything. There was also a pool that was completely empty, so we ended up hanging out there. We actually really enjoyed this part of the excursion. When we got back to the ship, we showered and changed and went out shopping in the port area.

 

Grand Cayman - We loved this port! We didn't have anything planned, so we walked around the port area, shopped, and visited the Cayman Islands Museum, which was surprisingly good. I would love to come back here and would do some type of tour to see more of the island.

 

Oco Rios - We've been to Jamaica on vacation, but it's been several years. I'd forgotten how beautiful Jamaica is. We booked a Rafting on the Martha Brae Tour. We drove about an hour, with a guide providing commentary and highlights on the way. Then we stopped and boarded rafts (2 people and a captain on each raft) for a 3-mile trip down the Martha Brae river. The river was calm with a few minor rapids. The captain provided history and pointed out plants, birds, chameleons, trees, nests, etc. It was cool, beautiful and relaxing. (And this was a Jungle - are you listening Cozumel?) Although this was completely different from the active excursions we usually do, we loved it and would definitely recommend it and would even do it again.

 

SUMMARY

Overall, we really enjoyed this cruise. We met some very nice folks, visited ports that were new to us, and enjoyed being spoiled for a week. I think we prefer a smaller ship and for that reason probably wouldn't book the Valor again, but I would definitely do this itinerary again.

 

I'd be happy to answer any questions if I can. Thanks for reading!

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[iluvthe-c]

Your review included some great information! I have a few questions if you don't mind:

1. Was the ship cold (A/C cranked to high in public areas like dining rooms and theater)?

2. Was the taste bar announced/listed in the Fun Times?

3. I am a brunch person also. We only have one sea day while on the Valor later this month. Do you know what time the breakfast buffet shut down in the mornings? Did you find any other breakfast-y options at the deli or burrito bar?

4. Do you have the Fun Times you could email?

Thanks for your review!

[Chef P]

We too were on this ship and loved every minute of it

The only problem I had was that the VIP's got on the ship after the FTTF guests did....

[Pauser]

Your review included some great information! I have a few questions if you don't mind:

1. Was the ship cold (A/C cranked to high in public areas like dining rooms and theater)?

2. Was the taste bar announced/listed in the Fun Times?

3. I am a brunch person also. We only have one sea day while on the Valor later this month. Do you know what time the breakfast buffet shut down in the mornings? Did you find any other breakfast-y options at the deli or burrito bar?

4. Do you have the Fun Times you could email?

Thanks for your review!

 

1. Yes the AC was cranked high in public areas. I wore a sweater at night.

 

2. No the taste bar was not announced in Fun Times. I think it opened around 5:00 if I'm not mistaken.

 

3. I think one of the grill areas in the back has breakfast items until 11:00 or 11:30. Brunch is offered until 1:00 p.m. on sea days only.

 

4. Unfortunately my DH threw out the Fun Times by mistake. :( Sorry.

[iluvthe-c]

Thanks for the response. 2 more questions:

What 2 new drinks did you discover (if you can remember:))? and where did you find a Free Drink Coupon?

[huntm]

We were on the Valor in August and we all thought the beds were hard and the worst we have ever slept on with Carnival.

[sweetsixteencruisers]

We were on this cruise also. We had an awesome time!

 

Yes, they do announce the tasting bar in the Funtimes, saw it there a few times. Sorry, I threw the fun times out as well.

 

We had an inside 7296, never heard a thing.

 

We did the Cheers program, we broke even - it wasn't easy to do. It turned out to be a lot to consume. We only drank like 6 drinks apiece a day. It was a lot IMHO!

 

The only thing that was a little disturbing that we witnessed, was a woman in her 60's (guessing) thought that the serenity deck was her own personal changing room. She was in the hot tub and decided to changed her bathing suit bottom to her underwear and capris. As she struggled with her underwear rolling up because her body was wet, she exposed herself for about 5 minutes. It was not a pretty sight. How about using the ladies room or your cabin! :eek: We did get a laugh out of it though.

 

 

~Sweet~

[Pauser]

We were on the Valor in August and we all thought the beds were hard and the worst we have ever slept on with Carnival.

 

Thank you - I'm not crazy!! :D I don't ever remember sleeping on such a hard bed on a cruise.

[Pauser]

Thanks for the response. 2 more questions:

What 2 new drinks did you discover (if you can remember:))? and where did you find a Free Drink Coupon?

 

I think the Free Drink Coupon was in our room when got there. It was a tear off on the bottom of a letter welcoming us back.

 

The two drinks were Shade Ade and Bellini. :) Shade Ade is lemonade, vodka & a splash of grenadine. It's sour and awesome! The Bellini is a peach champagne cocktail. Love them both!

[salty's wife]

Shade Ade is lemonade, vodka & a splash of grenadine. It's sour and awesome!

 

thanks...I will remember to try!

[tandemcruzr]

Thanks for the response. and where did you find a Free Drink Coupon?

 

We got our drink coupons because we are Platinum. The Cabin Steward leaves them in the room. They look like a lot of the other stuff like shopping info, specials, etc. The coupon is at the bottom of the sheet and perforated for easy tear off.

 

It is redeemable at breakfast or lunch in the MDR on ships without the Punchliner Comedy Brunch, or at the Brunch. Rumor has it that it may be redeemable in other locations in the future. :confused:

[jlk806]

We were on this cruise also. We had an awesome time!

 

 

The only thing that was a little disturbing that we witnessed, was a woman in her 60's (guessing) thought that the serenity deck was her own personal changing room. She was in the hot tub and decided to changed her bathing suit bottom to her underwear and capris. As she struggled with her underwear rolling up because her body was wet, she exposed herself for about 5 minutes. It was not a pretty sight. How about using the ladies room or your cabin! :eek: We did get a laugh out of it though.

 

 

~Sweet~

 

:eek: OMG

[sanmarcosman]

I've read on CC that the specialty coffees on the coupon refers to drinks such as Irish Coffee. That's not an excuse for the wait time you experienced.

The term "specialty coffee drinks" is vague and leads to confusion to guests and apparently the staff as well.

 

Thanks for your review, I prefer the Spirit Class too.

[willow028]

Love the review thank you - we're going on the Valor quite soon and now I know that I at least will love the beds! (Not showing the husband this!)

[DISNEY1975]

Thanks for the review! Ill be on the Valor in May (my itinerary is different).

 

My question is if you are on anytime dining, are you still assigned a MDR or can you choose between the 2?

 

Thanks

[battchief1]

Thanks for the review

[homegirl04]

I was on this cruise as well...We were on the rivera deck 1 and had an inside room. I thought the bed was so conformable!! It was a GREAT vacation and I can't wait to go again!! :)

[Pauser]

Thanks for the review! Ill be on the Valor in May (my itinerary is different).

 

My question is if you are on anytime dining, are you still assigned a MDR or can you choose between the 2?

 

Thanks

 

No, you can't choose. The lower level of the Lincoln Dining Room is reserved for Anytime Dining. It will be on your sail and sign card. The upper level of Lincoln and the Washington Dining Room are reserved for assigned dining guests. Brunch and tea were served in the Washington Dining Room, though, so you have an opportunity to eat there too.

[kim826]

I too just got back from the 1/27 Valor. I had to agree with the op about the noise level. That was my first comment on the ship to hubby - "boy this is a loud ship!" I attempted to use Serenity but left due to the noise from the pool. This was also the first time I didn't use the pool or sit by the pool due to the noise level. We were in a suite but our room wasn't ready (boarded at 11:30) and our luggage didn't come until later in the afternoon. Not a deal breaker however. We had friends with us however that also had a suite. Their key card didn't show a Priority designation or anything so when we checked in, they were told they had to sit and wait with the rest of the people before boarding - whereas my card listed Priority (or whatever it was) and we got right on. We found the food in the dining room and Steakhouse to be very good. We were not a fan of the breakfast buffet. Poor selection of fruit, long lines. The brunch in the dining room was very good. I also had some minor issues with the free drink certificate. Really wish you could get that drink whenever/wherever you wanted!

[gelo7]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[LVDFW]

Thanks for the review! Ill be on the Valor in May (my itinerary is different).

 

My question is if you are on anytime dining, are you still assigned a MDR or can you choose between the 2?

 

Thanks

 

Are you doing the Southern route? If you are I'd love to see a review :)

[tiffstulips]

I will be on this ship for the March 3 sailing. Thanks for the great info!

[mondello]

We got our drink coupons because we are Platinum. The Cabin Steward leaves them in the room. They look like a lot of the other stuff like shopping info, specials, etc. The coupon is at the bottom of the sheet and perforated for easy tear off.

 

It is redeemable at breakfast or lunch in the MDR on ships without the Punchliner Comedy Brunch, or at the Brunch. Rumor has it that it may be redeemable in other locations in the future. :confused:

The free drink coupon is issued to all Past Guests of Carnival, Platinum has nothing to do with it. Pretty sure it was a consolation for Past Guests demoted from Gold back to Red since only Gold and higher get invites to the new Past Guest party.

[sippican]

Thanks for the review.

 

We were on the Valor in August and we all thought the beds were hard and the worst we have ever slept on with Carnival.

 

Thank you - I'm not crazy!! :D I don't ever remember sleeping on such a hard bed on a cruise.

 

Did either of you try asking your steward for a mattress topper (eggcrate type)? Just wondering if they are available.

 

Also, can anyone tell me if there are hair dryers in the cabins?