GAPearl's Second Valor Review- Solo Southern Caribbean Cruise! (2/24/13)

[rrraydon]

Woooowwww!!!! What category is this?!?!?!

 

 

On the Glory it's called "interior scenic walkway view"..4J..on decks 6, 7 and 10...tried to book them for the May 14 sailing but they're all booked. :(.

 

Scenic Oceanview (6J)...on deck 9, doesn't have the railings or walkway blocking the view..it's just straight view of the ocean..that's sold out too. :(

[pbmsmile]

On the Glory it's called "interior scenic walkway view"..4J..on decks 6, 7 and 10...tried to book them for the May 14 sailing but they're all booked. :(.

 

Scenic Oceanview (6J)...on deck 9, doesn't have the railings or walkway blocking the view..it's just straight view of the ocean..that's sold out too. :(

WE are in an L-shaped room (8A) on our New Years Valor cruise coming up in Dec. 2013. After seeing 9201 i checked to see if it was still open and it was...and it cost exactly what our balcony did...I love it...but going to have to stay in my double balcony room this time!

[INCHARGE]

 

 

Ok Kim... I am assuming that because you are in the air travel business, you know a lot about packing. I can not believe how many clothes and shoes you pack into these bags. Is your main bag a specific type of bag? Please help me out, so I can learn how you do it. Everything you wear looks perfectly ironed and fresh. Are you ironing them every day? How are you fitting so much in those bags? Is it a trade secret that you can't tell? I know you wear lots of dresses, but even they take up space, not to mention all your fierce shoes. But you were on a 7 day cruise, as well as a few days in PR, and you changed each night from your day wear. I do that also, but it generates way too many clothes.Please share your secrets to packing. I have a big old bag, a carry on, and still have to put things in DH bags. :eek:

[doxie2cruise]

us how you get all that you do into those suitcases. I wondering the same thing as Incharge. This is going to be a problem for us in Dec. as both grandaughters pack like I do. The 10yr old has already stated she needs at least three suitcases large size to get all the clothes she'll need for the cruise. Please give us your secrets.

[lovecruzing]

Just found this. I got my popcorn and ready for the ride. I always enjoy your review girl so I know this is gonna be good.

[rrraydon]

WE are in an L-shaped room (8A) on our New Years Valor cruise coming up in Dec. 2013. After seeing 9201 i checked to see if it was still open and it was...and it cost exactly what our balcony did...I love it...but going to have to stay in my double balcony room this time!

 

 

Sooo lucky....and that one won't have the railings from the walkway obscuring...it's a straight shot to the ocean..it will be great! I would take even the railings in the way if I could..I'm gonna keep checking!

 

Have a great cruise!

[gapearl]

Yes I did admire looking at Everson. Was hoping to be able to "sight see" again. I also had a very good looking cabin steward Randy. I think I will walk floor to floor to see if he is still there too. I can't tell you how many times my DD (22) came to me room just so she could get a peek. I guess this Cougar can dream........

 

That's too funny! LOL :D

 

Enjoying your review! I will be doing this Oct 27th! Waiting for the rest, what a wonderful way to spend my afternoon.

 

More,more,more! This is so good! The drinks and food look delicious.

 

Glad you're enjoying! I'm sure you're getting pumped up for your cruise!

 

This review is addictive got me all on my 15 min breaks trying to sneak a read in, lol.. I leave for this cruise in 9 days.... This review has me so pumped up:)

 

Thanks for reading! You're going to have such a great time. :D

[gapearl]

Wonderful! You make it seem like I'm there with you. You're doing a wonderful job. Thank you for taking the time to share.

 

You're welcome! I love writing these. :)

 

Wonderful review by the way you are gorgeous..... I could speak for everyone your reviews make everyone that has any worries about cruising feel real comfortable about cruising and and the fun we have doing so... keep up the good work.

 

Thank you for the compliment! :) Cruising is an awesome way to vacation. Have fun on your next one!

 

You GO girl! Hopefully the couple and the man from the taxi are reading this right now and feeling like fools.

 

LOL that would be something.

 

Amazing review so far, I just found this tonight and spent the last 90 minutes reading the whole thing...looking forward to more :)

 

Thanks a lot! More coming tomorrow!

[gapearl]

Georgia Pearl, i travel solo and 100% agree with everthing you have said here!

 

I don't think people mean any harm in saying it. They must think we're sad and lonely, but obviously that's not true. You should do this one next! It's so port intensive it's great for a solo traveler.

 

Gone with the Wind Fabulous haha...I love RHOA

 

:D:p:D:p

 

I just love your reviews.

 

Thank you!

 

HAHA!! Yes, you were most certainly Gone With The Wind Fabulous. The only thing you were missing was a twirl or two! lol

 

I'm loving your review...I'm on this same cruise in 8 days. This review is getting me EXCITED!!! :D

 

I think I might have twirled a little. LOL Have fun next week!

[gapearl]

Thank you GAPearl! I really enjoyed the 2nd installment of your adventure just as much as the first.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this as I can appreciate all of the effort that it takes :)

 

You're welcome! Thanks for the nice words!

 

I love that dress I hope you did a twirl, or two or three!!!!

 

Dizzy from all the twirling! :p

 

No, it will be my 3rd solo cruise(5th cruise overall. All w/Carnival.). Love solo cruising. Going on Conquest repositioning cruise from NOLA to San Juan w/ stops in Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, Tortola, & St. Thomas.

 

That's a pretty awesome itinerary. Have fun!

 

We totally bought cases of these haha Best stuff ever!!!

 

I went to their website and they only sell them in FL and PR. Next time I'm in either place, I'll be on the lookout for them.

[gapearl]

I have those same shoes! You look great! Definitely Gone With the Wind Fabolous! Twirl!!

 

Twirling girl! :p

 

Well worth the wait! Patiently anticipating the next installment! And yes, Gone With the Wind Fabulous!

 

LOL Thanks! :D

 

What a wonderful and fun review! I set sail with DH in two months on this cruise and cannot wait. Your review is making me so excited to cruise this itinerary!

 

Awesome! Have a great time!

 

Loving your review and pictures. I have subscribed!!! :D

My group and I sail in August, 2nd time on the Valor and 3rd time out of San Juan! Puerto Rico, hoooo!!!

 

I see a CVS has been added close to the pier which is convenient. I'm sailing with a group, I plan to share this information with them. Two questions, can you share the cost of a case of water, a case of soda and a bottle of wine (looking for Moscato)? Thanks much!

 

They were pretty standard prices, about $3.99 for each case of water and soda I bought. My favorite wine I pay $9.99 for here was $13.99 there. They have plenty of bottles of wine under $20. Have fun on your cruise!

[sun_set00]

GAPEARL,

Loving the review and all of the extra information. It's safe to say that I'm addicted and can't wait for the next part. You definitely need to share your trade secrets for packing so much into such a small suitcase.

Thanks,

Maegan

[teetee6263]

us how you get all that you do into those suitcases. I wondering the same thing as Incharge. This is going to be a problem for us in Dec. as both grandaughters pack like I do. The 10yr old has already stated she needs at least three suitcases large size to get all the clothes she'll need for the cruise. Please give us your secrets.

 

Girl that's the million dollar question...LOL!!! It was easy when I left from NY & when I did fly I had the kids double up in one bag, so I could use two. My next trip I'm flying by myself & gotta figure out how to pack a week & a half clothes into one bag for a 4 day cruise;)

[gapearl]

I think you can just call CVS and ask, should be a free call.

 

Yeah calls to Puerto Rico aren't considered international.

 

I love that dress and those shoes! If I wasn't already 5'10, and 60 yo, I would be wearing those kind of shoes! I wore the higher heels back in the day, but keep them at about 2.5 now. Gone With The Wind Fabulous! Love it. :D

 

I have 2 questions...In San Juan, since you can get on and off as many times as you want, can you bring back a bottle of wine each time? I was wondering how they would keep track of who already brought their 1 bottle on. When I last cruised from there, I did not drink, but now I have discovered Moscato, and I like it.:D

 

2...How did you get up on that lifeguard chair for that picture , when the sign says no climbing on it? I laughed so hard, visualizing you sweet talking the lifeguard into taking the picture, and making him forget the rules. :D I like those 2 pictures also. Rebel that you are. Lol. I had my DH laughing when I told him you probably batted your pretty eyes at the fellow.

 

I have ladies tell me all the time "You'll stop wearing those high heels when you get to be my age!" I'm like no I won't! I'm going to be like Tina Turner, still rocking stilettos when I hit 60! :)

 

1. Yes you can. There are several security lines and they don't keep track. It even appears there was a shift change before I got back on because I went through the same line and everyone there were new people. I'm not sure if this is true, but I hear each person can bring on 2 bottles of wine now, not 1. So if that is true, both you and your husband can bring 2 bottles each every time. You would be set!

 

2. You know that's exactly what I did! :D He was like I have a girlfriend, but my brother is single! Let me call him. I was like no I have to get back to the ship! LOL

[gapearl]

Wal-Mart has fans you can add water to. You can get a nice cool mist when you are in the middle of your heart stroke. I have been using them for years, love them! And they have a handy dandy clip do they are always close at hand :)

 

I must look for those. I also found this cooling gel and packed it in my bag every day, but I never used it.

 

Thank you for the review. Lovin' it! Also like your style. I think I need to do some cruise clothes shopping now!

 

Thanks for reading! I'll send you all of my dresses if you want. haha

 

I truly enjoy your reviews! I have MAD respect for anyone who can do a solo travel. I have always wanted to (prior to DH & DS) but would always "chicken out" at the last minute :o. Looking forward to the rest of your review.

 

Thanks for reading! Maybe one day you'll get a "mom break" and might get to take that solo trip, even if just for 3 days. :)

 

:D:D:D cracking up!!

 

Love it!

[gapearl]

Kim,

Your reviews are FABULOUS!!!! I wish I was on a cruise with you, you are so much fun!!!

 

Awwww, thank you so much! :)

 

Did you go take pics before everyone got on the ship? I wondered why there is water in the tub already?

 

Thank you for another great review. I really enjoy your pics and commentary.

 

Sherry

 

I wondered the same thing... lol

 

Once I continued reading, I saw that she took the pics on disembarking day, so maybe there is bleach in the water to help clean the whirlpool tub jets? Someone on another thread said they never use the whirlpool tub in suites b/c of the potential for the jets not being cleaned. I wonder if they run the tub at the end of each cruise.

 

Yes, I got them on the last day when most people had already disembarked. I thought the same thing that Fydlstyx said about the tub being filled because they were disinfecting it.

[gapearl]

I was told that he's now on the Glory. If he's on the Magic...he's in my backyard...for that...I would need a roommate...Magic is expensive for a solo person. And though I've spent that for all-inclusive land vacations...airfare was included too.

 

I hope he gets to become a cruise director soon. He was really awesome.

 

Loving the color on your nails!!!!

 

Thanks!

 

Lol...um...where was the twirl? Better yet' date=' where was anything that flowed so we could see the effects of the wind? LOL

 

That Kenya is a mess![/quote']

 

I was watching that all day on youtube yesterday. LOL

 

I hope Happy Cole is still there in July. He was on the Victory in October. He's the one that was on stage when I entered the comedy show late after my dinner at Chef's Table. His head was turned when I walked in' date=' but the laughter and claps from everyone else made him turn around. And I was wondering why people were laughing and clapping when I made it to the table to sit down. Was Macio the cute white guy with the bald head? I can't remember the other comedian's name that was on the ship. There was an older black guy and a somewhat pudgy white guy on there too, but they were getting off.

 

 

 

 

LOL...too funny....dark thirty. That's how I was on my very first cruise. When I'd get back to the room..the only way I knew it was sunlight was from the port window. My friend and I closed the club every night!

 

 

 

Oh oh, what did you do? LOL:rolleyes: As long as you aren't the Debra of my 2011 cruise, I think you'll be fine. The CD and everyone else remembered her.[/quote']

 

I think I have a picture of Macio in the mixology contest pictures.

[Chitownlou]

GAPEARL... Thank you so much for your review... being a first time cruiser... it is giving me a great idea of what to expect in July on the Valor.. and I am loving it already!

 

:)

[gapearl]

Wow! Your review is awesome! We will be on the Valor in 3 weeks. I can't wait! Love your humor!

 

Thanks for reading! Now you have to imagine all this humor in my southern, country voice. :p Have fun on your cruise!

 

I always love your reviews. I was excited to see you went on this ship with this itinerary. This might be our honeymoon in October. We are going in 8 days on the Pride. If my fiancee loves cruising as much as I do, then we will book the Valor in October!!! :D

 

This will be an awesome honeymoon cruise for you. Maybe it'll be my honeymoon cruise one day, whenever that might be. :rolleyes: LOL Have fun on the Pride!

 

Come on with the review already. LOL :)

 

Yay!!!! The review has started!!!!!

 

Patience my friend! :)

 

Yay' date=' more of GAPearls review![/quote']

 

So much more to come!

[gapearl]

Stop the madness....cornbread again??!?!?!!!!:eek:

Now you have my hubby cracking up!! I just showed him the pic of the infamous cornbread and he almost spit out his beer while laughing!!!!!:D:D toooo funny!!!

 

Yes, honey, cornbread again! I was like I can't wait to put this in the review! LOL

 

Your secret is out now...I've been refreshing like a crackhead looking for his next high...and you're on FB lolly-gagging around. :p You do know I'm just teasing you' date=' right?

 

But I really am waiting on the next installment. [/quote']

 

Patience girl....haha

 

Um' date=' were they his groupies? EDIT: or his back up dancers? LOL :eek::D

 

I'm trying to, but something else has your attention. Come on GAPearl; you have a fanbase and musn't keep us waiting. [/quote']

 

Those were the judges. LOL

 

No ma'am; spill the beans. You're not getting off that easy. Repeat what was said...use code names if you have to' date=' but spill the beans gosh darnit![/quote']

 

Nope. Not telling.

[gapearl]

Your outfits are beautiful on you. Looks like you were really having fun! The drinks made me thirsty, I'm gonna try them all when I sail in Oct. Waiting for the next installment!

 

Thank you, and I was! I could really go for a Miami Vice right now.

 

More, more, more...!! I'm starting to feel like a junkie now. What am I gonna do when this review is all over!? Oh yeah, I am going on the same cruise in less than 2 weeks... phew. :p

 

Don't worry, there's still 5 days left to cover. You'll get your next fix soon. :D

 

Lmao!!!

 

Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Tapatalk 2

 

:p:p

 

I absolutely love Gapearl's updates, this is awesome. I think she should be the cruise director, seriously. What a following she would have. Our cruise is June 30th.....I'm ready to sail tomorrow!

 

What a god given talent you have! We all will be bored when this is over......

 

Let's vote for Kim, cruise director!!!!!

 

I. Love. This. :D

[gapearl]

:DDH and I are going on this itinerary April 14! Thanks for the review and photos so we can see what we have to look forward to. You are a very funny lady! Loving your review!!:D

 

You have so much to look forward to! You'll have a ton of fun on the ship and the ports are amazing. Have a great time!

 

Girl,I think those are his groupies lol:eek::p:p

 

They were the judges, but probably groupies too. LOL

 

Kim,you must tell us what happened in the Eagles lounge!!!

 

No hablo ingles.

 

You're not kidding... we are getting married on July 6th in Puerto Rico and went last year to PR to take engagement pictures.... IT REEKED like a Porta Potty! We are taking the Valor on July 7th for our honeymoon... CAN'T WAIT!!!

 

I thought I was gonna chill down there for a minute. Instead I ran away quick!

[gapearl]

I love the Miami Vice. Nothing taste better then a Miami Vice while sitting in the hot sun on a cruise ship. Tried them at home and they don't taste the same. I try to have one as my night cap while I'm cruising.

 

Boy, do I want one about now (A Miami Vice and a Cruise) ;)

 

I would love one too right now. I haven't tried making them at home, but since I have so much rum I brought back from Barbados, I think I might, maybe even tomorrow! :)

 

Hi GAPEARL, Loving your Valor review. My cruise is in August and I can't wait. The beach you went to in St. Thomas, did they have jet skis? Also, what color nail polish are you wearing?

 

Hello! No, there are no jet skis at Magen's Bay. It's a very quiet, peaceful beach. The pink on my ring finger is Koala Bear-y by OPI, and the bright yellow is Happy Go Lucky by China Glaze. I bought them both at Ulta.

 

On the Glory it's called "interior scenic walkway view"..4J..on decks 6, 7 and 10...tried to book them for the May 14 sailing but they're all booked. :(.

 

Scenic Oceanview (6J)...on deck 9, doesn't have the railings or walkway blocking the view..it's just straight view of the ocean..that's sold out too. :(

 

I've stayed in a 4J before. Those are the rooms with the obstructed view and the secret deck right outside your window. They do book fast. Sorry you weren't able to grab one. I sure do hope I can stay in one of those 6J's one day.

 

WE are in an L-shaped room (8A) on our New Years Valor cruise coming up in Dec. 2013. After seeing 9201 i checked to see if it was still open and it was...and it cost exactly what our balcony did...I love it...but going to have to stay in my double balcony room this time!

 

Now you know what cabin to book for the next cruise. :)

[gapearl]

Ok Kim... I am assuming that because you are in the air travel business, you know a lot about packing. I can not believe how many clothes and shoes you pack into these bags. Is your main bag a specific type of bag? Please help me out, so I can learn how you do it. Everything you wear looks perfectly ironed and fresh. Are you ironing them every day? How are you fitting so much in those bags? Is it a trade secret that you can't tell? I know you wear lots of dresses, but even they take up space, not to mention all your fierce shoes. But you were on a 7 day cruise, as well as a few days in PR, and you changed each night from your day wear. I do that also, but it generates way too many clothes.Please share your secrets to packing. I have a big old bag, a carry on, and still have to put things in DH bags. :eek:

 

us how you get all that you do into those suitcases. I wondering the same thing as Incharge. This is going to be a problem for us in Dec. as both grandaughters pack like I do. The 10yr old has already stated she needs at least three suitcases large size to get all the clothes she'll need for the cruise. Please give us your secrets.

 

GAPEARL,

Loving the review and all of the extra information. It's safe to say that I'm addicted and can't wait for the next part. You definitely need to share your trade secrets for packing so much into such a small suitcase.

Thanks,

Maegan

 

Girl that's the million dollar question...LOL!!! It was easy when I left from NY & when I did fly I had the kids double up in one bag, so I could use two. My next trip I'm flying by myself & gotta figure out how to pack a week & a half clothes into one bag for a 4 day cruise;)

 

I'm actually not the person to ask how to pack light. I think you all might have skipped this picture.

 

 

That's two suitcases, a backpack, and a small rolling bag. All four of those bags were STUFFED to capacity. I will say to roll your clothes and don't fold them. You can fit so much more that way. My maxi dresses really didn't need to be ironed, and the other dresses I took to the laundry room to iron. Happy packing to you all. :)

[gapearl]

Just found this. I got my popcorn and ready for the ride. I always enjoy your review girl so I know this is gonna be good.

 

Thanks for coming back to read this one too!

 

Sooo lucky....and that one won't have the railings from the walkway obscuring...it's a straight shot to the ocean..it will be great! I would take even the railings in the way if I could..I'm gonna keep checking!

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Good luck!

 

GAPEARL... Thank you so much for your review... being a first time cruiser... it is giving me a great idea of what to expect in July on the Valor.. and I am loving it already!

 

:)

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising! Get ready for the most fun addiction you'll ever have. As soon as you get home, you will start searching for cruise #2. Thanks for reading and have fun!