Victory for Father-Son Cruise

[flannbarr]

I am looking to possibly take a 4 night cruise in February 2016 on the Carnival Victory. It would just be a trip with my almost 14 year old son as this is our new February tradition--a few days away with just dad.

 

We have sailed many cruise ships as can be seen in my signature below. I am not looking for miracles with the Victory knowing that I have sailed on the Oasis and Allure recently and love those ships.

 

We just plan on chilling out. We really enjoy Paradise Beach in Cozumel and have never visited Key West before.

 

I know the reviews for Victory have been below average but am just looking for a little positive news before I book the cruise. We usually just get an inside cabin.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

[happy cruzin]

We thoroughly enjoyed the Victory - last May.

 

Here is the link to a review done more recently by Gambee when we sailed with his family in August this year. Tons of photos and I think a fair and balanced review.

 

http://www.cruisewithgambee.com/carnival-victory-review/

[SMSACE6]

I was on the Victory Oct26-31st, and loved it. The ship is clean and well maintained. I cannot say enough great things about the staff, they were great through out the ship. I think she is fine for a 4 or 5 day cruise. For me even for a 7 day, if she did them. I kind of did not do much on my cruise, due to some back pain issues, but I sure enjoyed my time on that ship, and I thought the food was very good, and the service excellent. I saw quite a few kids about your son's age, and they were having a blast.:)

 

I agree with the above poster about Gambee's review. He was spot on IMO.

Edited November 6, 2015 by SMSACE6

[flannbarr]

Thanks for your comments. Any deck/room suggestions?

[pcvtmom]

We particularly like the 1A (cheap!) rooms with portholes. For instance, on Main deck, forward, rooms 2201, 2207, 2211, 2217, 2202, 2208, 2212, and 2216 all have portholes and are LISTED as upper/lower. In reality, they are twin and sofa sleeper. They are great rooms.

[SMSACE6]

If interior room is ok, I think you said that was what you were going for; then, I suggest for getting one on lido deck if you can, (close to the lido food, and pools), or even deck 8, then you just need to go up one level.

 

I had a porthole room on deck one (riviera), and have had them on other ships where I noticed a fare bit of motion and noise. This time, I barely even heard the waves hitting the bow, and there was little if any motion noticeable. But the sea was so calm mostly, and I think that things with these rooms can vary depending on sea conditions, but I do enjoy the small bit of daylight that comes with those portholes, almost as good as a window room. My room was a 1a, 1206, riviera, and second from the front.

 

But please do read Gambee's review. He covers pretty much everything there is to cover:)

Edited November 6, 2015 by SMSACE6

[theriac]

My dad and I are going on the Victory for Christmas. We do at least one father/son trip a year since I was like 14 and we still do it to this day. I'm about to turn 28 and I don't see this tradition stopping anytime soon. It's not really so much the ship as it is getting to spend quality time together. We've sailed the big ships, but also enjoy smaller ships. Regardless of the size of the ship there's always something to do, and I can tell you vacations with just my dad are some of my favorite memories. If I ever decide to have a child I will certainly follow this tradition. So props to you sir and I'm sure your son appreciates it. He will also always remember how awesome his dad was taking him on trips. I know my friends are jealous of all the trips my dad and I have done. Also know it will eventually come around. In June I had the pleasure of taking my dad on an Alaskan cruise for Father's day. He's always wanted to go, and the opportunity presented itself and I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather have gone with(well maybe Natalie Portman but that's another topic).

 

About the ship I'm sure it's fine. I'm sailing this Christmas and can return to answer any question you may have.

Edited November 7, 2015 by theriac

[semichigan]

I'm sailing her on Monday so can let you know next week! Don't expect any issues....

[flannbarr]

It looks like onboard activities are rather limited. I will need to review to see what activities that my son and I can do together. I don't think there is basketball. Ping pong? Other things?

[CRocks]

If it's a father/son cruise, do the 5-day departing Feb 6th + watch the Superbowl game on the big screen your first day at sea.

[flannbarr]

If it's a father/son cruise, do the 5-day departing Feb 6th + watch the Superbowl game on the big screen your first day at sea.

 

I can't do the 2/6 cruise because he would miss too much school.

Edited November 7, 2015 by flannbarr