My Valorous Solo Cruise - Valor July 28, 2013 - August 4, 2013

[Leo's Rule]

Thank you for the review!! I really enjoyed reading it and seeing your pics!!! :D

 

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

 

Great review & pics!!

 

Thank you, TeeTee. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Leo's Rule]

Very nice review....the Carnival Valor was our first Carnival ship. The Valor was the ship that started my love with Carnival. I will definitely go on the Valor again someday.

 

How did you like the 4J cabins??

 

I'm hooked on them. I love the cabin!!!!!! I booked on for BC7, but switched to a spa cabin because my 4J was handicap and I didn't want to risk getting bumped to the 1st or 2nd deck and placed in an OV...I wanted to be higher up.

[gardengirl13]

Shavonne....I just want to say thank you for such a great review!! And most of all for all the wonderful things you did to help all of us have even a more extra special vacation! I started the roll call (seems like yesterday) and thankfully you came along and organized everything. I won't be doing a review because it looks like you have pretty much covered it all. I still am planning to get pics out there if I can ever figure it out. Again, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!

 

Nicki and Karl :D

[MsNancy]

Wow, Finally read all your review! What a cruise. I have been to those ports on my first and only cruise on the Victory out of San Juan a couple of years ago. Time to go back. It was Independence Day in Barbados when I went, but I went to the Harrison's cave tour. I think I would love to go back and just visit the ports around. St. Maarten I missed because it was raining. I'm glad you got to celebrate your birthday doing what you love to do. That is what I have learned also with Carnival. Thanks for the lovely pictures! Your Cruise Diva friend.

 

Nancy!!

[Leo's Rule]

Shavonne....I just want to say thank you for such a great review!! And most of all for all the wonderful things you did to help all of us have even a more extra special vacation! I started the roll call (seems like yesterday) and thankfully you came along and organized everything. I won't be doing a review because it looks like you have pretty much covered it all. I still am planning to get pics out there if I can ever figure it out. Again, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!

 

Nicki and Karl :D

 

Nicki, your words are too kind. If you need help posting them, just let me know. It took several months before I finally figured out how to post them! :eek:

 

Even if you don't do an in depth review, you should do something; the only port we did alike was Barbados...though Joel did tell me you went to Magic Ice too because your original excursion was cancelled. It's nice reliving the cruise through someone else's memory.

 

Please tell Karl I said hello. I miss you guys!!!!

 

Wow, Finally read all your review! What a cruise. I have been to those ports on my first and only cruise on the Victory out of San Juan a couple of years ago. Time to go back. It was Independence Day in Barbados when I went, but I went to the Harrison's cave tour. I think I would love to go back and just visit the ports around. St. Maarten I missed because it was raining. I'm glad you got to celebrate your birthday doing what you love to do. That is what I have learned also with Carnival. Thanks for the lovely pictures! Your Cruise Diva friend.

Nancy!!

 

Hi fellow Diva! I'm glad you enjoyed my adventure! I'm told Harrison's cave is a must, so I find myself in Barbados again, I will do the tour. Hopefully you get to do the itinerary soon!

[Chitownlou]

I don't recall which night it was' date=' but a guy at the table leaned over and asked his wife what was so special about the Didja dish that they served it every night. He said they never said what Didja was. He actually thought that was the name of the dish being served. :D :p :eek:

 

I don't think I ever gave my thoughts on the ship.

 

The crew on the Valor kept her spotless! I don't recall ever seeing messes on the ship. All of the crew were very friendly and ready to assist in any way they could.

 

I've read plenty about the ship being old, but she's a beauty to me; I'd sail her again in a heartbeat.

 

I wasn't in the casino often, but there were areas where the smoke choked you. Also it was probably floor 4 or 6, when taking the stairs (aft stairs), you'd smell a heavy stench of smoke. Remember, smoking is allowed in Paris Hot; if you don't like the smell...avoid that place like the plague.

 

Guava juice is no longer available 24/7; you can only get it during breakfast on the Lido deck...no where else. Maybe room service, I think I was told you could get it there, but I never use room service...I don't particularly like anything that's served except for the tuna salad, but it's served stone cold.

 

I think that's it. If you have questions, feel free to ask.[/quote']

 

Awesome review! Had me reminiscing of my honeymoon!

 

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[jlajr]

I'm hooked on them. I love the cabin!!!!!! I booked on for BC7' date=' but switched to a spa cabin because my 4J was handicap and I didn't want to risk getting bumped to the 1st or 2nd deck and placed in an OV...I wanted to be higher up.[/quote']

 

Hi. First of all, I enjoyed your review. All of it, on and off for about a week :-) Thank you for taking the time to do it.

 

I was going to mention earlier that I thought I recognized the 4J room from your photos, but I decided to read through the whole thread first. Looks like someone else also recognized it.

 

I was on the Glory this summer, and if I hadn't really gone nuts with a 6K, solo no less, I would have tried to book a 4J. A window and a semi-private, huge balcony, at the very front of the ship, for just a little over the cost of a lowly inside? Are you kidding me?!?! That's what I call added value.

 

I look forward to reading your other reviews.

[Leo's Rule]

Awesome review! Had me reminiscing of my honeymoon!

 

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Thank you for the kind words.

 

 

Hi. First of all, I enjoyed your review. All of it, on and off for about a week :-) Thank you for taking the time to do it.

 

I was going to mention earlier that I thought I recognized the 4J room from your photos, but I decided to read through the whole thread first. Looks like someone else also recognized it.

 

I was on the Glory this summer, and if I hadn't really gone nuts with a 6K, solo no less, I would have tried to book a 4J. A window and a semi-private, huge balcony, at the very front of the ship, for just a little over the cost of a lowly inside? Are you kidding me?!?! That's what I call added value.

 

I look forward to reading your other reviews.

 

Thank you so much, Jlajr and thank you for hanging in there with me. :D I didn't realize these are time consuming!

 

The 6K is the scenic OV, right? I think from now on I will only book 4Js...too bad I didn't know about them when I booked my October cruise; I would have booked one then, but opted for an OV room. (I booked my Oct cruise is 2012 and my July cruise in 2013).

 

I started working on my old review, but I've taken a break. I need to pick up with St. Kitts.

 

But again, thanks for reading and look for my Breeze review sometime in November.

[jlajr]

Thank you for the kind words.

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much' date=' Jlajr and thank you for hanging in there with me. :D I didn't realize these are time consuming!

 

The 6K is the scenic OV, right? I think from now on I will only book 4Js...too bad I didn't know about them when I booked my October cruise; I would have booked one then, but opted for an OV room. (I booked my Oct cruise is 2012 and my July cruise in 2013).

 

I started working on my old review, but I've taken a break. I need to pick up with St. Kitts.

 

But again, thanks for reading and look for my Breeze review sometime in November.[/quote']

 

Well, it only took me that long because I wanted it to take me that long :-)

 

6Ks are scenic grand oceanviews, and 6Js are 'regular' scenic OVs. About 90 sq ft, an extra window, and a world of difference between the two. LOL If my choice had been between a 4J and a 6J, I would have gone with the 4J.

 

I wish I could go on cruises as often as you and others on this thread. I live in the Middle East not close to a regular departure port, so it normally costs $400 just to fly. I know what you're thinking: I should have taken the 4J, and gone on another cruise with the money I would have saved:-) At the time, it felt like the right decision, and I was completely thrilled with the room, so of course no regrets...

[Leo's Rule]

Well, it only took me that long because I wanted it to take me that long :-)

 

Ok. You had to let everything marinate. Lol

 

6Ks are scenic grand oceanviews, and 6Js are 'regular' scenic OVs. About 90 sq ft, an extra window, and a world of difference between the two. LOL If my choice had been between a 4J and a 6J, I would have gone with the 4J.

 

Thanks for the clarification. Maybe I'll try one one day. One became available on my July cruise, but the price was ridiculously high.

 

I wish I could go on cruises as often as you and others on this thread. I live in the Middle East not close to a regular departure port, so it normally costs $400 just to fly. I know what you're thinking: I should have taken the 4J, and gone on another cruise with the money I would have saved:-) At the time, it felt like the right decision, and I was completely thrilled with the room, so of course no regrets...

 

I've been fortunate, but it all may come to a halt soon. And your airfare is only $400? I complain because that's how much it costs me from Houston to Miami...and that's robbery. I used to fly to Miami for $150. And as for me thinking you should have taken a cheaper room...never...you do what makes you happy. And it's obvious you made the right decision for you. :D

[PrettyHazardous]

Great Review. I'll be on the Valor in less than 2 weeks. Your review was very helpful. I'm looking forward to you and Kim's reviews of the Breeze as I will be on the same itinerary in January :cool:!!! Be blessed!

[Leo's Rule]

Great Review. I'll be on the Valor in less than 2 weeks. Your review was very helpful. I'm looking forward to you and Kim's reviews of the Breeze as I will be on the same itinerary in January :cool:!!! Be blessed!

 

Thank you! You're going to have a wonderful time on the Valor. The crew are awesome and the ship is spotless.

 

I'm going to try and write things down on the Breeze so it doesn't take so long next time.

[jlajr]

I've been fortunate' date=' but it all may come to a halt soon. And your airfare is only $400? I complain because that's how much it costs me from Houston to Miami...and that's robbery. I used to fly to Miami for $150.[/quote']

 

I hope it does not come to a halt.

 

Wow, I didn't realize it costs that much to fly domestic US. You can, though, cruise out of Galveston, correct? There are cruises from ports close to where I live, but they are with a local line that simply doesn't compare to the mainstream biggies:-)

[Leo's Rule]

I hope it does not come to a halt.

 

Wow, I didn't realize it costs that much to fly domestic US. You can, though, cruise out of Galveston, correct? There are cruises from ports close to where I live, but they are with a local line that simply doesn't compare to the mainstream biggies:-)

 

I hope it doesn't either.

 

And yes, flights have gone up tremendously; it used to cost $50-$80 to fly from Houston to Austin, Dallas, or New Orleans and now the cost is the $200 range.

 

And yes, I can cruise out of Galveston, but I cruise for destination right now...maybe that will change once I get more cruises under my belt. Also, Galveston is really proud of Magic, prices are high. Maybe once NCL and Princess begin sailing out of Houston prices will drop some in Galveston. But only time will tell.

[tammy&gary]

I just wanted to say a BIG THANK U for posted this review!! I leave in 4 sleeps to go on the same trip. :D

 

You have given me some great ideas of what to do, and places I want to see.

 

I can only hope and pray that my trip will be half as fun as yours seemed to be.

 

Thanks for Sharing, and if my trip goes well I hope I am able to write a review to help others like yours have done for me.

 

Take Care, and keep posting!!

[Leo's Rule]

I just wanted to say a BIG THANK U for posted this review!! I leave in 4 sleeps to go on the same trip. :D

 

You have given me some great ideas of what to do, and places I want to see.

 

I can only hope and pray that my trip will be half as fun as yours seemed to be.

 

Thanks for Sharing, and if my trip goes well I hope I am able to write a review to help others like yours have done for me.

 

Take Care, and keep posting!!

 

Thank you for the kind words. I'm sure you will have a blast, and if for some ungodly reason you don't, still write a review. We want to hear all about it and relive our trip through you vicariously. :p

 

P.s. Can you stow me in your luggage and take me with you?

 

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[ibcnusoon]

Enjoyed your review! Thanks for the link in your signature! We really liked this itinerary and you brought back a lot of memories! :)

 

On to the next review!

[Leo's Rule]

Enjoyed your review! Thanks for the link in your signature! We really liked this itinerary and you brought back a lot of memories! :)

 

On to the next review!

 

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

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[jchris1230]

Yes, very entertaining. I am exhausted just reading it :-D. I can't imagine writing it. Looking forward to more

 

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[Leo's Rule]

Yes, very entertaining. I am exhausted just reading it :-D. I can't imagine writing it. Looking forward to more

 

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Lol. Thanks. Trying to muster up the strength to write my Breeze review.

 

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[NancyRogers1]

Great review

 

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[Leo's Rule]

Great review

 

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Thanks for reading it.

 

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[Hog twisted]

Best review I've read and thank,you.

 

John

[Leo's Rule]

Best review I've read and thank,you.

 

John

 

Thank you very much!

 

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[cruizinbabe22]

I guess I am the only one having problems with seeing your pictures. I have viewed one other of your reviews and I couldn't see your pictures there either. I have also tried going to other search engines(IE, Foxfire, etc.) and I had the same issue. I would love to view your pics especially since I will be going on the Breeze in a few months.