V is for VICTORY (and cruise #5) PHOTO HEAVY review.

[seannyice81]

CRUISE DAY 1 - MIAMI - CONTINUED

 

After watching the sun disappear behind Miami, I ran to my cabin to find some shoes so that I could go to assigned dining in the Pacific Dining Room. It was at this time I made an alarming discovery about my cabin. I was right over the comedy club and that's where they have the Superstar Karaoke. This was followed with cursing. As I found my shoes I could hear somebody below me poorly bellowing their way through CCR's Proud Mary. This would be the first of too many times I heard that song. Quickly escaping my cabin, I made my way down to the Pacific Dining Room, eager to see who I'd be sharing my table with. This was the first time I'd had assigned dining and it was a completely different experience. I'm still not quite sure if I like it over anytime dining, but it was still a good option. The ONLY thing I wasn't a big fan of was the times. I chose 8:15 though its roughly 1.5 hours later than when I usually eat, because earlier was too early. If I really wanted, I could tide myself over with snacks in the afternoon until dinner.

 

8:20 came around and we were allowed in the dining room. I was at table 422, which seated 8 near the back-port corner. I waited about 5 mins and 2 girls joined me. Brianna and Nicole. After another 10 mins we were joined by 2 other women who chose not to sit near us, which was okay because one of them had a nearly see-through shirt and she wasn't all that attractive. I wouldn't risk getting caught with wandering eyes, haha. While they did their own thing at their end, I had good conversation with Brianna and Nicole. They were co-workers and decided to take their first cruise together. They had been in Miami for a little while before getting on the boat and liked the idea of the inclusiveness that cruising offered. We had some rather warm beer and had a good time joking and talking about things. Once dinner wrapped up, we ordered desserts and I chose the warm chocolate melting cake, only this time I did it GAPearl style with 2 cups of ice cream. I couldn't help but think, this is the way it should be served.

 

Dining table 422, complete with table cloth, haha.

 

 

Since it was Brianna and Nicole's first cruise, I decided to show them the "secret deck" since they were on deck 6. We went outside and found it empty. Unfortunately it was slightly overcast, so you couldn't really see stars. They stayed out there for a little while and I made my way to the casino to try my luck at the cash cube machines. I stopped in Arctic Nightclub for a little while which was dead and then called it a night and crashed in my cabin.

Edited April 6, 2014 by seannyice81

[seannyice81]

CRUISE DAY 2 - NASSAU

 

Nassau. Many people seem to take issue with this place. Mostly due to how frequent it's visited on cruises, I suppose. To be honest I could visit Nassau 10 times and still be happy. The place has a lot going on and I could find a new place to hang out every time I visit. If you have yet to visit Nassau, I hope you visit it with an open mind because it can be nice/fun place.

 

I woke up about 6:30. We'd be making port probably a little before our scheduled time of 8. I headed upstairs to get some breakfast on lido and had some coffee to make me a little less groggy. After breakfast, I grabbed my camera and headed out to the secret deck on deck 9. On Victory and Triumph, this is the secret deck where you can go out over the bridge wings. I watched as we pulled into port (we were first there), and couldn't help but notice we had company. There were a couple red funnels on the horizon.

 

 

As we tied our mooring lines to the pier I watched as Fantasy and then Sensation made their way into port. Disney Magic soon followed as well. I had no set times to be anywhere so I took my time watching them arrive. I stepped off Victory as Disney Magic was still being secured.

 

 

Looking back on Victory. The spot next to us would be taken later by Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas.

 

Edited April 6, 2014 by seannyice81

[oneboysmom]

Thanks for the shots of the Ecstasy!! I was on her at that time, leaving the same day. I have pics of your ship. I also have some nice shots of her leaving on the Thursday before from South Beach. I can send them to you if you like! I'm not sure if I'll do a review yet, but am thinking about it. My son was saying that he would like to try the Victory next year for our annual trip, so am looking forward to your review!

[Jenna1983]

Sean- you know someone is going to sing Proud Mary 15x on Splendor now, right?

[seannyice81]

CRUISE DAY 2 - NASSAU - CONTINUED.

 

In Nassau, I had planned to break my day up into two parts. First I'd go see the Queen's Staircase/Fort Fincastle. Then later, I'd spend some time soaking up sun and booze at the beach. As I got off the ship, I took note of where to get my passport stamped. There is a government building on the east end of the port that has military guards. If you approach them with your passport, another ID and answer a couple simple questions, they'll let you into the building where pretty friendly staff will stamp your passport.

 

After passing the government building, I made my way up Bay Street, then up Elisabeth Avenue. Note that in some cases only one side of the street has a sidewalk and you MUST yield to traffic. Its not the worst I've experienced, but its very busy and they drive fairly briskly. Also, you will be walking uphill in some parts. Once I passed the hospital, the entrance to the Queen's Staircase was directly in front of me. It was quite a sight. People had dug and carved into the side of this massive limestone hill to form this awesome and unique staircase. It was pretty impressive. On the way up the steep staircase (it is steep and the stairs are a little on the short side), I ran into Nicole and Brianna. We had a little conversation then went on going to what we were doing. I reached the top of the staircase and some locals were offering to take photos, and give information on the staircase. I skipped both and made my way to the fort (which is behind you to the right when you come up the stairs). When you get to the fort, there is a gaurd station where you must pay $1 to get inside. Give them a $1 because the view from the top of it is pretty nice.

 

NOTE the structure to the left of the staircase. In the past there was a waterfall here. NOTE. If you have trouble with stairs and would like to use the staircase, there are handrails (seen below). There are a couple landings as well.

 

 

After walking around the fort and staircase for a while, I made my way back to the ship. I stopped to get my passport stamped and proceeded down the dock. I had to stop for a second to get a picture of this awesome yacht. Anyone know who it belongs to?

 

 

After admiring the trophy boat, I made my way back onto Victory to change into my trunks and grab my towels.

 

UP NEXT... JUNKANOO BEACH

Edited April 6, 2014 by seannyice81

[seannyice81]

Thanks for the shots of the Ecstasy!! I was on her at that time, leaving the same day. I have pics of your ship. I also have some nice shots of her leaving on the Thursday before from South Beach. I can send them to you if you like! I'm not sure if I'll do a review yet, but am thinking about it. My son was saying that he would like to try the Victory next year for our annual trip, so am looking forward to your review!

 

It would actually be pretty cool if you'd like to post the photos of the Carnival Victory here from this sailing. We can't send messages here, and I don't really want to post my email.

 

When I wrap-up the review of my trip, I'll post my opinions about the itinerary and ship. One thing I will mention now, is that this ship is a little weathered. I believe the dry dock will be next year, but I don't know exactly when.

 

Sean- you know someone is going to sing Proud Mary 15x on Splendor now, right?

 

Thats fine if they do, but I will only be there for one of those 15x, haha.

Edited April 6, 2014 by seannyice81

[girlscruise2011]

CRUISE DAY 2 - NASSAU - CONTINUED.

 

In Nassau, I had planned to break my day up into two parts. First I'd go see the Queen's Staircase/Fort Fincastle. Then later, I'd spend some time soaking up sun and booze at the beach. As I got off the ship, I took note of where to get my passport stamped. There is a government building on the east end of the port that has military guards. If you approach them with your passport, another ID and answer a couple simple questions, they'll let you into the building where pretty friendly staff will stamp your passport.

 

After passing the government building, I made my way up Bay Street, then up Elisabeth Avenue. Note that in some cases only one side of the street has a sidewalk and you MUST yield to traffic. Its not the worst I've experienced, but its very busy and they drive fairly briskly. Also, you will be walking uphill in some parts. Once I passed the hospital, the entrance to the Queen's Staircase was directly in front of me. It was quite a sight. People had dug and carved into the side of this massive limestone hill to form this awesome and unique staircase. It was pretty impressive. On the way up the steep staircase (it is steep and the stairs are a little on the short side), I ran into Nicole and Brianna. We had a little conversation then went on going to what we were doing. I reached the top of the staircase and some locals were offering to take photos, and give information on the staircase. I skipped both and made my way to the fort (which is behind you to the right when you come up the stairs). When you get to the fort, there is a gaurd station where you must pay $1 to get inside. Give them a $1 because the view from the top of it is pretty nice.

 

NOTE the structure to the left of the staircase. In the past there was a waterfall here. NOTE. If you have trouble with stairs and would like to use the staircase, there are handrails (seen below). There are a couple landings as well.

 

 

After walking around the fort and staircase for a while, I made my way back to the ship. I stopped to get my passport stamped and proceeded down the dock. I had to stop for a second to get a picture of this awesome yacht. Anyone know who it belongs to?

 

 

After admiring the trophy boat, I made my way back onto Victory to change into my trunks and grab my towels.

 

UP NEXT... JUNKANOO BEACH

 

I had to Google the yacht name. Check out these pictures. She is one gorgeous yacht.

 

http://www.boatinternational.com/yacht-features/attessa-iv-the-masterful-rebuild-that-produced-a-superyacht-masterpiece/

 

Also, here is who owns it:

 

Dennis R. Washington (born 1934) is a Montana-based industrialist and philanthropist who owns, or co-owns controlling interest in, a large consortium of privately held companies collectively known as the Washington Companies and, in Canada, another collection of companies known as the Seaspan Marine Corporation. With an estimated current net worth of around $4.2 billion, he is ranked by Forbes as the 58th-richest person in America.

 

another tidbit is that is was the yacht used in the movie Overboard with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.

 

Now I want to buy a yacht :(

[Aoumd]

CRUISE DAY 2 - NASSAU - CONTINUED.

 

In Nassau, I had planned to break my day up into two parts. First I'd go see the Queen's Staircase/Fort Fincastle. Then later, I'd spend some time soaking up sun and booze at the beach. As I got off the ship, I took note of where to get my passport stamped. There is a government building on the east end of the port that has military guards. If you approach them with your passport, another ID and answer a couple simple questions, they'll let you into the building where pretty friendly staff will stamp your passport.

 

After passing the government building, I made my way up Bay Street, then up Elisabeth Avenue. Note that in some cases only one side of the street has a sidewalk and you MUST yield to traffic. Its not the worst I've experienced, but its very busy and they drive fairly briskly. Also, you will be walking uphill in some parts. Once I passed the hospital, the entrance to the Queen's Staircase was directly in front of me. It was quite a sight. People had dug and carved into the side of this massive limestone hill to form this awesome and unique staircase. It was pretty impressive. On the way up the steep staircase (it is steep and the stairs are a little on the short side), I ran into Nicole and Brianna. We had a little conversation then went on going to what we were doing. I reached the top of the staircase and some locals were offering to take photos, and give information on the staircase. I skipped both and made my way to the fort (which is behind you to the right when you come up the stairs). When you get to the fort, there is a gaurd station where you must pay $1 to get inside. Give them a $1 because the view from the top of it is pretty nice.

 

NOTE the structure to the left of the staircase. In the past there was a waterfall here. NOTE. If you have trouble with stairs and would like to use the staircase, there are handrails (seen below). There are a couple landings as well.

 

 

After walking around the fort and staircase for a while, I made my way back to the ship. I stopped to get my passport stamped and proceeded down the dock. I had to stop for a second to get a picture of this awesome yacht. Anyone know who it belongs to?

 

 

After admiring the trophy boat, I made my way back onto Victory to change into my trunks and grab my towels.

 

UP NEXT... JUNKANOO BEACH

 

GREAT photo review and great photos! My parents were on this cruise and they LOVED it!

[debee1015]

One dude packed all these shoes!

 

 

I like the hats. :D (GO YANKEES)

[seannyice81]

CRUISE DAY 2 - NASSAU - CONTINUED

 

JUNKANOO BEACH

 

 

I put on my trunks and stepped back off the boat, this time opting for the photo. The great thing about the time in Nassau was I could have been on and off Victory all day. Its an easy port for those with a short attention span, haha. I was headed for the popular Junkanoo Beach. After reading a couple posts giving directions, I had a pretty good idea where it was/how to get there. Also, another member recommended I hit up this one bar on the beach while I was there for a certain drink. I made my way up the sidewalks and past a lot of people trying to have me rent a scooter. "For real dude, I'm good! No Thanks!" Once I made it past the straw market and hotel I literally saw a familiar sign.

 

I want this sign for my place!

 

 

Walking a little further, I made it to the beach. It was actually pretty decent. There wasn't much in terms of waves either because the beach is actually inside the harbor. I walked to the far end of the beach and found a nice spot under a tree where I hung out for a while. I enjoyed the quiet end of the beach before going up a little while later to the bar.

 

 

After realizing I forgot my sunscreen I had to kick myself and watch how much time I spent at the beach. After a while I figured that I should probably go have a drink or 2 in the shade of the bar. The bar in question is called the Tiki Bikini Hut. They have food, good drinks, and wifi. While there I opted to pass up the cocktail in favor of trying a new (to me) beer, Kalik. It was actually pretty good. One beer turned into 2, 2 turned into a few, and a few turned into some. I was feeling pretty good and joked around with some of the other patrons and staff at the place (really friendly). There was a small group of teachers there during their schools spring break, that came on the Fantasy (I think) and taking shots (I think, lol). The food was pretty good too. Some nicely seasoned chicken. Because they had wifi, I was texting some people back and forth. I was asked if I could find a Bahamian flag lapel pin while around. I paid my tab, and slowly made my way back towards to main shopping area.

 

BEEEEEEER (good!)

 

 

I started my pin quest while also looking for a magnet and/or t-shirt for for myself. I found a magnet for my tool box, but finding the pin was tough. Thankfully, one person in the corner of the straw market had it. I walked around a little bit more to try and burn off some of the beer I consumed, but it was no use. A beer nap was almost upon me. I made my way back to the ship and crashed for about an hour.

 

Afterwards, I slowly woke myself up a little bit. I felt I should get something to eat. What goes best with beer? PIZZA! I went up to Pizza Pirate near the aft pool for a couple slices. There was a little line, which was ok at first, but then it got frustrating because the guys only made the same 2 types of pizza. 4 cheese and pepperoni. A lot of us wanted the margarita, fungi, or prosciutto pizzas and had to wait around for others to get theirs first. While waiting for my pizza, I watched Explorer of the Seas come into port. It came in, spun around, then backed into port. I grabbed my pizza, then made my way to check it out.

 

Let me tell you, I wasn't impressed with the paint on some of Carnival's ships, but Explorer of the Seas looked pretty rough. Lots of areas with missing/faded paint. pretty dirty surfaces. I had just seen this ship on my last cruise and I didn't remember it being that bad!

 

After eating my pizza and sitting out on the deck for a little while, I made my way to the secret decks for sail away. It was really neat, backing out and then turning around. While backing out. I couldn't help but notice all the people on the aft decks of the Fantasy Class ships. They honestly look pretty fun to cruise. Maybe next time.

 

 

After sail away I went back inside to lay down until getting ready for dinner.

Edited April 7, 2014 by seannyice81

[GreytRacer]

Loving your review and your pics! Can't wait for more! My favorite thing about Nassau is sailing in and out. I think it's one of the most beautiful arrivals and I love when the ship does it's "sit and spin".

 

And, I'm working on my Tina Turner version of Proud Mary for November. ;-)

[Mtn2Sea]

Your photos are great! Can you tell us about your camera/lenses.

[gapearl]

Glad to hear you ordered your warm chocolate melting cake the proper way thanks to me! :D

 

Sean- you know someone is going to sing Proud Mary 15x on Splendor now, right?

 

Loving your review and your pics! Can't wait for more! My favorite thing about Nassau is sailing in and out. I think it's one of the most beautiful arrivals and I love when the ship does it's "sit and spin".

 

And, I'm working on my Tina Turner version of Proud Mary for November. ;-)

 

Count me in for Proud Mary too! Poor Sean is going to HATE that song by the end of the cruise. lol :p

[Jenna1983]

Lol at this rate I may even sing Proud Mary if I've drank enough...BUT I'm gonna butcher a Beyoncé song instead. Lol

[axoxo]

I was on this sailing as well!

[winniebru]

Pictures are great! I'm taking my 13yr old son on the Victory in Sept, you are making me wish it was time to leave town.

Can you please give directions to the "secret deck"?

Thanks.

Edited April 7, 2014 by winniebru

[seannyice81]

Loving your review and your pics! Can't wait for more! My favorite thing about Nassau is sailing in and out. I think it's one of the most beautiful arrivals and I love when the ship does it's "sit and spin".

 

And, I'm working on my Tina Turner version of Proud Mary for November. ;-)

 

Thank you :)

 

Lol @ "sit and spin". It is a really nice approach and departure. The water is a lot nicer than you think it'd be around the harbor.

 

Your photos are great! Can you tell us about your camera/lenses.

 

Thank you :)

 

For the majority of the photos, I used my Nikon D90. The lens is a basic Nikkor 18-55mm with a filter (can't remember the type). Other photos were taken with my iPhone 5.

 

Glad to hear you ordered your warm chocolate melting cake the proper way thanks to me! :D

 

Count me in for Proud Mary too! Poor Sean is going to HATE that song by the end of the cruise. lol :p

 

Best way to have it! They're going to be running out of vanilla ice cream on the Splendor.

 

Lol at this rate I may even sing Proud Mary if I've drank enough...BUT I'm gonna butcher a Beyoncé song instead. Lol

 

Just so you know, Those who sing Proud Mary on Splendor will be recorded and I will post the videos here or the social page. That's not a threat, that's a promise! haha

Edited April 7, 2014 by seannyice81

[seannyice81]

I was on this sailing as well!

 

It was an overall good cruise, right? The sea had a little chop at times, but you couldn't have asked for better weather.

 

Pictures are great! I'm taking my 13yr old son on the Victory in Sept, you are making me wish it was time to leave town.

Can you please give directions to the "secret deck"?

Thanks.

 

Thank you :)

 

The secret deck wouldn't be secret if I told you were it was, would it? Just kiddin'. On Victory (and Triumph) it's all the way forward on decks 6,7,9,10. There are doors at the corners of the corridors that say "do not open, strong wind" -Open them. Heed the warning though, because it really can get pretty windy and the doors will fly open if you're not careful. Also be careful at night too, because the decks can be nearly pitch black until your eyes adjust.

 

They do occasionally lock the doors under certain conditions.

 

--------------------------------

 

More to come tonight including:

 

-Nassau - "Elegant" night

-Half Moon Cay

-My first time on a Jet ski.

Edited April 7, 2014 by seannyice81

[MotoRacer598]

 

 

 

Just so you know, Those who sing Proud Mary on Splendor will be recorded and I will post the videos here or the social page. That's not a threat, that's a promise! haha

 

I'll be sitting there laughing while you video Sean! :D

[Jenna1983]

I'll be sitting there laughing while you video Sean! :D

 

 

I hate that song so I doubt I'd sing it. I will never sing unless I'm trashed. And that's not happening. Lol.

[hockeyluver]

this is the way to the secret deck on the lido, through this door

 

 

the through this door,

 

 

then enjoy this view looking from the "bridge wing"

 

 

 

Oh I cant wait to get back on the Victory!!!

 

[MotoRacer598]

I hate that song so I doubt I'd sing it. I will never sing unless I'm trashed. And that's not happening. Lol.

 

Same here!

[seannyice81]

this is the way to the secret deck on the lido, through this door

 

 

 

the through this door,

 

 

 

then enjoy this view looking from the "bridge wing"

 

 

 

Oh I cant wait to get back on the Victory!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Don't open both doors at the same time, otherwise there will be a wind tunnel down the whole hall, haha.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[RWA Cruisers]

I'm loving your review and pictures. We are sailing on the Victory for the first time next month. Seeing your pictures sure adds to the excitement!

[trumbull archer]

Yes very cool review. I'm on the Victory next Monday for 1st cruise! I'm ready.