---> !!CARNIVAL VICTORY REVIEW!! <--- Complete Pictorial Guide! [April 10, 2014]

[swim13]

Hi everyone! I am so sorry for the delay, as you know I ran into some computer issues and was stranded for a few days. Well I am finally back on it. And lost everything... Luckily I did my pictures differently this time, I actually finished editing and uploading them before I even started the review so I still have those, PHEW!! I never backed up my computer so I am in the process of re-installing everything, finding old serial numbers, and trying to play with my settings to get them back to how I like them. What a pain. I also have a lot of homework but don't worry, I will start back up tomorrow and the pictures of Mexico will be worth the wait! :D

[perfect match]

Great review so far, Mike. I loved your Allure review, so I knew when I saw that you had started this one, I had to read it even though I have no plans at present time to take this cruise.

 

Your pictures are awesome! I especially liked the ones of the Port of Miami. I love watching ships sail from there on the webcam, but your pictures gave me a much better look at the area.

 

I hope you are able to get your computer straightened out, and that you were able to salvage all the files, etc that you need. I do have to say, though, that your computer breakdown happened at a good time for me. It allowed me to get caught up before you were able to post the rest of the review! I am looking forward to reading the rest! :D

[hapytobehr]

Nice review Mike.

 

We are sailing tomorrow on the Victory. We had a bad experience several years ago on Carnival but decided to give them another chance since the timing of this trip was perfect for us.

 

I will report back upon our return.

[swim13]

- Vamos A La Playa! -

 

Welcome back everyone! My computer issues have all been fixed. Thanks for barring with me, I hope the pictures of Mexico can make up for the delay!

 

So today was a late start, I don't know if I have ever slept in late on a cruise. I suppose it may have been due to the cabin being pitch black! Anyway I got up and threw on some gym clothes and headed up to the gym. I just wanted to go for a run to work off the past few nights chocolate melting cake. The gym seemed to be fairly busy but it was okay because its a good size. I could see Mexico on the horizon and my excitement level jumped. . .a good start for a run! The only thing I didn't like about the treadmills was how the ceiling seemed to be only a few inches above my head. I then walked all the way to the back for some breakfast. I figured some of the group would be outside near the aft pool so with much luck I found 3 of them and then ate! I loved being able to eat outside! Breakfast was pretty good, Carnival has a good selection in the buffet and by the time I was there I didn't really have to deal with a line.

 

We still hadn't docked by the time I went back down to my room to take a shower and get ready for the day. It was, however, docked by the time I was done getting ready. Most of the group met up in Serenity before we got off the ship. I was pleasantly surprised to see the Carnival Dream docked next "door"! I went on that ship in 2011 and enjoyed it! I have to admit I was kind of jealous of the "ants" exiting that ship as I looked down at the intimidating drop. The Dream Class is quite nicer although they have a very similar layout.

 

In 2011 the pier was not yet done and this time we had to exit through a large gift/duty free shop before entering Mexico. This was actually a nice area although could be crowded at times. I didn't spend too much time shopping here but I ended up bargaining a hand-painted ceramic fish for $10 USD. Not a bad price and will look nice on my desk! After that a few of us headed back to the ship to each lunch in the buffet. We quickly left once again to meet near the internet cafe to take a cab to the beach! The internet cafe is located near the entrance of the whole cruise port and all you need to do is buy something from there to get a code. The connection was just okay. We ended up paying $14 total for a cab to Paradise Beach.

 

Paradise Beach

I have a lot of good things to say about this place! I think its the perfect beach retreat and it was just what we wanted. We ended up getting in for free (usually $3) because it was later in the afternoon. The landscaping was well-kept and the scenery was beautiful! There was a massive pool and bar with many chairs; everything seemed to be brand new and very clean. The beach was right off the pool and they provided a ton of chairs to lay out on and many hammocks as well! There was something for everyone in the family, including an aqua park out in the ocean although I'm not sure if it was part of Paradise Beach or the complex right next to it. The ocean was hard to swim in but you could easily find a rockless place to wade in. Overall I would rate Paradise Beach a 8/10 and would definitely go back. Be aware that the drinks are expensive here!

 

On to the FUN Times and pictures!

[swim13]

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[gambee]

Mike how long of a drive to Paradise Beach, I am wondering if I have enough time to make it back and forward after my shore excursion.

[swim13]

 

 

 

So as you can see, the sunset this night was phenomenal!! I recall getting ready for dinner, heading down to the main atrium bar to get a Shirley Temple (can get them with the soda card), and then headed up to the lido deck for the pictures of the sunset and then went to dinner. We did the usual after dinner! I feel bad not remembering but I forgot if I went to a show tonight, I don't believe I did. I went to the Piano Bar for the first time this night and it was actually quite fun! Angela was awesome!

 

Well that's it for Day 3! Hope you enjoyed the pictures of beautiful Mexico! Tener una gran noche y voy a verte de nuevo aquí mañana por la noche para el día cuatro! Gracias por su continuo apoyo! :)

Edited April 24, 2014 by swim13

[swim13]

Mike how long of a drive to Paradise Beach, I am wondering if I have enough time to make it back and forward after my shore excursion.

 

It was very quick, only about 10 minutes depending on traffic.

[gambee]

It was very quick, only about 10 minutes depending on traffic.

 

OK, for some reason I thought it was like 30. I think I should have enough time to go check it out.

[swim13]

Your attention to detail is awesome! Thanks for the info on the spa. I was tossing around a hot stone massage myself. My daughter is also an avid swimmer so we know all about those sore muscles and knots. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the rest of your review of Cozumel. We are really excited about that port as we have been to Key West.

 

Thank you!! You're going to have a great time!

 

First post ever.... yay! Anyways, LOVE your review!!! Your posts are so organized/energetic/fun to read. :D

 

Wow, I feel honored haha!! Thank you so much!!

 

loving your review, we are sailing on her in sept can't wait

 

Thanks, have an awesome time!

 

Hi Mike,

 

Great review! My DH and I will be on Victory in Sept so this review is really helping tide me over till our cruise.

 

You mentioned that you are a swimmer and I see a swimmer in your ID photo. Do you swim competitively? My DDs (13 and 11) have swam competitively for over four years and I have spent many hours timing on the pool deck. Love watching them swim! What is your favorite stroke to swim? One DD is a backstroker the other is fly/free.

 

Looking forward to more of your review!

 

Ooooo wishing you a great trip! I do swim for college and started when I was 8. I have probably spent a whole year or two worth of time at practice in the water!! I am a freestyler (200, 100, and 500 yards). I am no good at backstroke!

 

Thank you!

 

Great review. I'll be sailing in September and love getting an early look at the fun times. Thanks.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-S5 using Forums mobile app

 

Thank you, hope you have the best vacation!

 

We'll be on her this coming Thursday. I also like seeing the FunTimes beforehand. Who was your cruise director? Thought I may have seen a picture of Troy in one if your posts. We had him in February out of Long Beach. Kinda boring we thought. ..

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

 

Ahhh tomorrow, have a wonderful time! Come back here and comment on your experience! We had a good cruise director and Troy does really ring a bell. I just don't pay attention to the cruise directors much anymore, I feel like they are less and less involved every cruise I go on.

 

Hope your computer is OK! Looking forward to the rest of the review!

 

Thanks for following along still!

 

Great review so far, Mike. I loved your Allure review, so I knew when I saw that you had started this one, I had to read it even though I have no plans at present time to take this cruise.

 

Your pictures are awesome! I especially liked the ones of the Port of Miami. I love watching ships sail from there on the webcam, but your pictures gave me a much better look at the area.

 

I hope you are able to get your computer straightened out, and that you were able to salvage all the files, etc that you need. I do have to say, though, that your computer breakdown happened at a good time for me. It allowed me to get caught up before you were able to post the rest of the review! I am looking forward to reading the rest! :D

 

Thanks so much, glad you liked my Allure review! The Port of Miami is beautiful!! I got all of my applications back but unfortunately lost all of my pictures.

 

Nice review Mike.

 

We are sailing tomorrow on the Victory. We had a bad experience several years ago on Carnival but decided to give them another chance since the timing of this trip was perfect for us.

 

I will report back upon our return.

 

Have a GREAT time!! I am jealous! Looking forward to hearing about it! :]

[swim13]

OK, for some reason I thought it was like 30. I think I should have enough time to go check it out.

 

Nope, I just double checked on Google Maps and it said 10 minutes too. I'm sure you can even get there faster as you know the cabs speed! The pool was absolutely awesome. :D

Edited April 24, 2014 by swim13

[diamondcharl]

Glad to see you fixed your computer problems. Enjoying the rest of the review.

[victory08]

This review makes me more and more excited....we leave in 13 days!!!! We r beyond excited!!!!

 

 

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[swim13]

Glad to see you fixed your computer problems. Enjoying the rest of the review.

 

Thanks!

 

This review makes me more and more excited....we leave in 13 days!!!! We r beyond excited!!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Wow I would be too! Have a great time!! :D

[swim13]

- The Heavenly Seven Seas -

 

Welcome to the last day! There is not much to talk about today because it was a fun day filled with relaxation and the same nightly routine I came to know and love.

 

I started the day with breakfast in the buffet. If any of you are here from my Allure review, you will remember I only ate at the buffet on that ship twice during the 7 night long cruise. This time was back to the way I had known cruising to be and to be honest, I wasn't necessarily thrilled. I recall having long lines and people scrambling around. Seating wasn't hard to find, it was just getting your food in a decent amount of time. That was really my main complaint with this ship, the lack of free dining venues or even dining venues in general. This will all come to a change with the new 2.0 upgrades coming to Victory.

 

I laid out in the sun at the aft pool for awhile, soaking up all the vitamin D I could get on that beautiful sunny day! The pool was pretty cold and salty! I got some ice cream and then proceeded to my room to get my camera. I was by myself at this point but I really wanted to go out on the "secret area" I had found the night before. It was a quick walk to the very front of the ship and then a sharp left and viola, I was out in the very front of the ship looking up at the bridge! What a special place. I was out there alone and it was very peaceful. I got a few pictures and then just watched the ocean for a bit.

 

I then headed around the ship to get some pictures. A Disney Fantasy class ship was sailing by but that was the only other ship I saw that day. I found Jacquie and we went to go down the waterside a couple times which happened to be a blast! We then laid out by the main pool and listened to the music. It was a fun atmosphere with people of all ages up and dancing. We got some more ice cream of course and then headed back to the rooms to get dressed for dinner.

 

I teamed up with some of the gang at the piano bar and ended up winning a medal for one of the contests! I went to the nightclub to dance with some friends. OH I also lost $20 in the casino this night. Ooops! I went back to the front of the ship alone and it was amazing. I remember being the only one out there with the full moon reflecting off the great big ocean. It was extremely peaceful and relaxing. I laid down on the bench for awhile and starred at the stars above. I slept very good that night and then had to wake up to a brutal alarm clock that let me know it was the day to get off.

 

This was the first time I didn't really have major sadness when leaving a ship, perhaps I was ready to go home and visit with my family!

 

I will proceed with the FUN Times and pictures and then complete the review with some ratings later on!

[swim13]

[swim13]