Review w/ pics Carnival Valor 03/17/13 - 03/24/13

[kansascruiser1]

I'm not sure what you mean by "what part" of Orient Beach. I thought there was only one Orient beach. Perhaps someone will come along and correct me if I'm wrong though. I think that if you tell your taxi driver to take you to Orient Beach that he will know exactly where to go. It's a really beautiful beach. (minus the naked elderly men ;))

 

The beach was really busy...it was full of restaurants and stands as well as women trying to sell their wares. There is also a "clothing optional" side and a side where clothes are required. (women are allowed to go topless though)

 

I hope you have a great time. :)

 

Orient Beach is one long beach. Most of the taxi's drop you off at one end by a bar/grill called, Pedro's. We didn't go inside until we were leaving. They had the cheapest beer and best barbecue chicken. The road behind Orient Beach is full of pot holes, terrible to drive down. There is one after another bar/grill/shops along the beach. You can walk forever and choose where you want to get a chair.

 

 

I found this in my notes:

Pedro's is first, next door is a watersport place, next is Andy & Cheryl's in blue (clothing), next is Brother's Bar (blue & red colors), next is Chez Leandra, $2.00 beers, Ethnic is next: $7.50 you get a chair/umbrella and a drink, beer $2.00, Bucket of 6 is $10, Next is Orange Fever, Carib beer sign, Sun Beach is next, one with the upstairs, looks like a net around it, next is Aloha in blue next is Malibu in red. Then Adam & Eve Beachware, then LeString - has a Guavaberry sign out front was blue & white trim, next is Kontiki.

You really can't see the naked beach, there is a huge rock formation that jets out into the water you have to walk around to see. Don't be alarmed thinking there is naked people walking all around.

You can walk down the beach forever............

[Lyncoya]

Orient Beach is one long beach. Most of the taxi's drop you off at one end by a bar/grill called, Pedro's. We didn't go inside until we were leaving. They had the cheapest beer and best barbecue chicken. The road behind Orient Beach is full of pot holes, terrible to drive down. There is one after another bar/grill/shops along the beach. You can walk forever and choose where you want to get a chair.

 

 

I found this in my notes:

Pedro's is first, next door is a watersport place, next is Andy & Cheryl's in blue (clothing), next is Brother's Bar (blue & red colors), next is Chez Leandra, $2.00 beers, Ethnic is next: $7.50 you get a chair/umbrella and a drink, beer $2.00, Bucket of 6 is $10, Next is Orange Fever, Carib beer sign, Sun Beach is next, one with the upstairs, looks like a net around it, next is Aloha in blue next is Malibu in red. Then Adam & Eve Beachware, then LeString - has a Guavaberry sign out front was blue & white trim, next is Kontiki.

You really can't see the naked beach, there is a huge rock formation that jets out into the water you have to walk around to see. Don't be alarmed thinking there is naked people walking all around.

You can walk down the beach forever............

 

We saw PLENTY of nakedness sitting in our chairs on the "clothed" side of the beach. We didn't have to walk down to the nude side at all. Although they're not walking around on the regular side, you can definitely see nude people by just turning your head. :eek:

[Monthend]

We also learned about how bananas are grown

 

 

We made two more stops. One for cookies. Some sort of REALLY crunch coconut cookies that were AWESOME and warm bread (that looked like baseball bats) and cheese. This was delicious also.

 

Everytime I come to St Lucia, I'll do this tour. That's just how great it was. He provides a GREAT service.

Went on this excursion a few years ago. We stopped at a friends house and had a buffet lunch. Does he still do this? We are going again in June.

[Monthend]

Thanks so much. I have a Sony Cybershot. This is probably the 5th Sony Cybershot I've owned. I lose so many cameras. But I LOVE these little cameras. They take great pictures and the zoom is awesome. The one I have has 10X optical zoom. It also has pretty nice features such as the ability to take panoramic pics and those black and white pics that only show the color you choose (red, blue, green & yellow) I love this little camera. :)

 

I was going to ask the same question. The pictures are fabulous. So looking forward to this cruise after reading your review. Thank you.

[Vettebuf]

Orient Beach is one long beach. Most of the taxi's drop you off at one end by a bar/grill called, Pedro's. We didn't go inside until we were leaving. They had the cheapest beer and best barbecue chicken. The road behind Orient Beach is full of pot holes, terrible to drive down. There is one after another bar/grill/shops along the beach. You can walk forever and choose where you want to get a chair.

 

 

I found this in my notes:

Pedro's is first, next door is a watersport place, next is Andy & Cheryl's in blue (clothing), next is Brother's Bar (blue & red colors), next is Chez Leandra, $2.00 beers, Ethnic is next: $7.50 you get a chair/umbrella and a drink, beer $2.00, Bucket of 6 is $10, Next is Orange Fever, Carib beer sign, Sun Beach is next, one with the upstairs, looks like a net around it, next is Aloha in blue next is Malibu in red. Then Adam & Eve Beachware, then LeString - has a Guavaberry sign out front was blue & white trim, next is Kontiki.

You really can't see the naked beach, there is a huge rock formation that jets out into the water you have to walk around to see. Don't be alarmed thinking there is naked people walking all around.

You can walk down the beach forever............

 

Thanks, kansascruiser1, this prompted me to search for a picture of all the places on Orient Beach and I found one. We bought chairs and an umbrella at Kakao Beach Club but it was more than Lyncoya paid. That's why I posted. Kakao did serve good food though. DH even had a banana split. I guess we'll go back there.

[Lyncoya]

Went on this excursion a few years ago. We stopped at a friends house and had a buffet lunch. Does he still do this? We are going again in June.

 

Yes he still does this. I forgot to include that in my review, sorry!

 

Edited to add: It wasn't quite lunch. They actually call it breakfast. There are about 6-8 tables set up with plates of food. Some sort of breaded and fried fish & chicken, fruit, breadfruit balls, cornbread and a lot of other stuff that I can't remember. The food is delicious though. You can also use the restroom for $1. The restrooms are spotless though, so I wouldn't hesitate to pay $1 to use the restroom here.

Edited April 3, 2013 by Lyncoya

[Lyncoya]

I was going to ask the same question. The pictures are fabulous. So looking forward to this cruise after reading your review. Thank you.

 

Thanks so much. You're going to have a FABULOUS time. :)

[noidea389]

Your review is great! I just have a question about your room. We just booked one last night for the Glory! I have heard that they make you shut your curtains at night if your lights are on... Something about the bridge can see glare?? Did you experience this? THANKS!

[Lyncoya]

Your review is great! I just have a question about your room. We just booked one last night for the Glory! I have heard that they make you shut your curtains at night if your lights are on... Something about the bridge can see glare?? Did you experience this? THANKS!

 

Yes, there is a sign near the switch that operates the shade that says to shut the shade if your lights are on. It has something to do with the bridge being able to see.

 

Enjoy your room! :)

[poptart]

Nice review! Thanks, it's so rainy and cold today and this cheered me up. :D

[Lyncoya]

Nice review! Thanks, it's so rainy and cold today and this cheered me up. :D

 

Awww, thanks! And you're welcome. :)

[Leo's Rule]

A guy from our tour (they were from Wisconsin as well) found this caterpillar. it was huge!

 

 

 

 

 

And that would have ended everything for me. I hate worms, slugs, caterpillars, etc. Actually, I'm afraid of them.

[Leo's Rule]

We have done Carnival Southern Carbbean 2 times, both from San Juan but different itineraries. 10 years ago on the Destiny, and, October 2012, on the Victory! Loved them both. Love your pictures and can't wait for more! I think St Marteen was one of our favorite days! Taxi to Orient Beach with new friends we met on the ship, and, then taxi to Sunset beach bar! Eating good food, drinking cold beer, and watching the planes land!! AND I love San Juan! Spent 2 days pre cruise this time in Old San Juan. And 4 nights post cruise in Isla Verda! Rainforest trip and kayaking the bioluminescent bay! So many memories!!

 

We were on the same cruise in October! I spent two days in Condado, but went home after the cruise. Did you happen to use Rubio for the Rainforest? I don't believe you're Joyce and Ron because Joyce was in Condado pre cruise. But it's a small world!

[Leo's Rule]

Is this the only staircase, or are there more to get to this level and another one above? I am planning to visit here and dont think my elderly Mom could handle more than this (if she can handle even this!!)

 

That is the way up and the way down. Once you're up there there are other staircases, but nothing like that one. And it's on an incline...my mother hated me.

[Leo's Rule]

I called Customer Service to see if the Valor offered the FTTF program and unfortunately they don't. I then asked him what time can we start boarding.... he said about 3 hours prior to boarding (around 7PM). I found that extremely strange.... is that true?

 

Heck no! We boarded around 1pm...maybe a little earlier. We grabbed a bite, went to the room to put the carry ons away and went out and toured some more of OSJ...well, actually, we went to the Bacardi Factory.

[Lyncoya]

And that would have ended everything for me. I hate worms' date=' slugs, caterpillars, etc. Actually, I'm afraid of them.[/quote']

 

 

HAHA!! I'm afraid of them too. Believe me when I say that he didn't get close to me with that thing. My camera just has really good zoom. ;)

[Vettebuf]

Hi, Lyncoya. I'm back with a very important question.

 

Our CC group is talking about having an informal Meet 'n Greet at 9:30 PM or right after muster by the Sky Dome on Deck 10 so we have a good view of SJ at sailaway. Do you think this will work out okay?

[Lyncoya]

Hi, Lyncoya. I'm back with a very important question.

 

Our CC group is talking about having an informal Meet 'n Greet at 9:30 PM or right after muster by the Sky Dome on Deck 10 so we have a good view of SJ at sailaway. Do you think this will work out okay?

 

I'm really sorry. I don't know where the Sky Dome on Deck 10 is. :( Perhaps someone else on this thread can answer this question for you.

 

I will say that the Muster Drill will take place at around 9:30 though, so it's probably a good idea to change the time of the Meet 'n Greet. ;)

[Cruiser 2 too]

Great review! You are running neck and neck with gapearl! Reading the reviews on here helps pass the time away. My cruise in Oct can't come too soon for me. Keep the reviews coming.

Edited April 20, 2013 by Cruiser 2 too

[jlajr]

Thanks for the great review and photos.

 

I'm booked in a 6K Grand Scenic Ocean View on the Glory this summer, to Canada and New England out of Boston.

 

As others have commented, I also enjoyed reading your review and seeing your pics, even though I won't be able to use any of your helpful information about shore excursions and what not.

 

To answer an earlier question, a number of the Conquest-class ships have had the very front of their Lido decks redesigned to accommodate four 6J Scenic Ocean View rooms across the middle and two 6K Grand Scenic Ocean View rooms at the corners. According to goccl dot com, 6Js like the OP stayed in are 220 square feet, and the 6Ks are 330 square feet. Be aware that a lot of non-Carnival websites, including Cruise Critic, do not have updated nor accurate information regarding the redesigned decks and these rooms!

 

Thanks again.

[Lyncoya]

Great review! You are running neck and neck with gapearl! Reading the reviews on here helps pass the time away. My cruise in Oct can't come too soon for me. Keep the reviews coming.

 

Thanks so much. I hope you have a FABULOUS time. :)

[Lyncoya]

Thanks for the great review and photos.

 

I'm booked in a 6K Grand Scenic Ocean View on the Glory this summer, to Canada and New England out of Boston.

 

As others have commented, I also enjoyed reading your review and seeing your pics, even though I won't be able to use any of your helpful information about shore excursions and what not.

 

To answer an earlier question, a number of the Conquest-class ships have had the very front of their Lido decks redesigned to accommodate four 6J Scenic Ocean View rooms across the middle and two 6K Grand Scenic Ocean View rooms at the corners. According to goccl dot com, 6Js like the OP stayed in are 220 square feet, and the 6Ks are 330 square feet. Be aware that a lot of non-Carnival websites, including Cruise Critic, do not have updated nor accurate information regarding the redesigned decks and these rooms!

 

Thanks again.

 

Thanks and also thanks for the info! :)

[cruiseclues]

You did a very good with the photos...thanks for your review...we enjoyed it.

:):):):)

[ch27088]

Hello all. We just returned from a wonderful cruise on the Valor with the Southern Caribbean itinerary. This is the second time in two years that we've done this itinerary, so my review won't be too different than the one I did on the Victory. (that review is in my signature)

 

I won't be able to beat GAPearl's review, HAHA, but here is my take.

 

There was another couple who traveled with us. My good girlfriend and her husband. Our traveling buddies. This is the 4th cruise we've all taken together.

 

We are from Wisconsin and flew to San Juan the day of the cruise. Our flight left at 5:20 am, so we had to be at the airport at 3:30 am :eek:. The flights were very uneventful and we made it to San Juan at around 1:30. We hopped in a cab ($19 plus $1 per bag) and made it to the port in around 20 minutes.

 

The line to get into the terminal was RIDICULOUSLY long, so we dropped off our luggage with the porters and took a walk. We walked a few blocks until we came across a restaurant/bar that had drink specials. Two mojitos for $10 and 5 local beers for $6. You couldn't beat that with a stick so we went in and had a seat at the bar. 2 mojitos, two orders of hotwings and 5 beers later, we walked back to the terminal where the line had disappeared and we walked right on board. Here is my first picture I took of the ship...

 

 

We stopped at the liquor store inside the terminal. Each couple bought a bottle of wine and a liter of Cruzan Rum. We walked on board with BOTH bottles in the plastic bags that the liquor store bagged them in. Security didn't check the bags. They asked if the bottles were wine, we told them yes and they let us on. Easy!

 

We had a Scenic OV Room for the cruise, which I was very excited about. It was a surprise for my husband, but he wasn't too impressed. He's so dry sometimes. Here are a few pics of our room. Our cabin # was 9199 by the way. Please let me know if the pics are too large...

 

 

 

 

 

I absolutely LOVED the room. I kept the shade up constantly. It was nice going to sleep viewing the stars and the moon and it was even nicer waking up to views of the ocean or whatever beautiful port we arrived at that day. I would book this type of room again in a HEARTBEAT. I LOVED it.

 

Hi there, nice review and photos of your cruise. Just one question, is there enough room on the window ledge to sit and read? Would love to do that as well to relax.

[kansascruiser1]

We didn't do much at all on this day. It was also Elegant Night. We drank a lot, sat on deck for a bit. We also watched the Hairy Chest Contest and the Master Mixology Contest. Same ole same ole. We normally go to the wine tasting but we didn't go this time. We saw the Love & Marriage Show.

 

I'm not sure when they started putting those large screens (kind of like theater movie screens) with the words kiss...kiss...kiss across the bottom. If they show you and your partner on the screen, you're supposed to kiss. We were the first couple they showed and we had NO idea that we were supposed to kiss. The audience had to tell us what to do. How embarassing, but fun at the same time. Cute idea.

 

This time they had 4 couples on stage (the first time I saw that as well) Same questions as always, but a very entertaining show anyway. I loved the Cruise Director. Woo Hoo!! The assistant cruise director Shawn was hilarious too.

 

We went to the casino on this day as well. My husband won $250 playing Blackjack on this cruise. And I won about $45 on the slots. We are NOT gamblers so as soon as we're ahead, we QUIT!

 

We drank a little too much on this day. We went to bed before dinner and slept for the rest of the night. OOPS! That's what vacation is for though, right?

 

I don't have any pics from this day. Sorry... :o

 

We sail June 30th on Valor, this is our 3rd cruise out of San Juan as well, first time on Valor. We've previously had Felipe as our cruise director. Do you remember who your director was? Felipe was on this ship earlier in the year, I'd read reviews he was there. I'm afraid they have moved him again.

 

Plus, do you remember the restaurant/bar you had the drink specials at before you boarded the ship? We usually go to the Parrot Club and have lunch and a couple cocktails there. Curious if you remember the name of where you went.

 

Enjoying your review! I can't wait to set sail!