We Just Got Back From a Premier Cruise on The Valor

[Tutontow]

We just returned from a premier cruise on the Valor. We sailed 1/9/2016 out of Port Canaveral. We had cabin number 7364, a balcony cabin on the port side. We now have 50 days at sea with CCL. All in all we had a great cruise.

 

I am lazy so I will just list the high points and low points.

 

The high points.

 

Being a premier cruise I paid $1500.00 (including tax and insurance) for a 7 night cruise for two. We had a nice balcony on the Empress deck. The casino then gave us $1500.00 cash just for showing up, essentially making it a free cruise. We also had free drinks while gambling.

 

The welcome aboard party for premier members was stellar. We had great finger food, drinks and live entertainment.

 

Muster drill took no time at all.

 

The food in the MDR was so good we never went to the Steakhouse. We have been on several CCL cruises and always enjoyed the Steakhouse but by far and away this was the best cruise food we have had in the MDR. I swear CCL must have changed food vendors.

 

Room service was good, as always. I tried some of the pay items. The chicken wings were okay but the French fries were a great late night snack and a bargain at $1.50.

 

We never went to any shows so I can’t comment on those.

 

In Cozumel we did the Salsa and Salsa excursion. It was a total blast. We had way too many fresh Margaritas and made five types of salsa. We then danced the salsa. Truly the best guacamole and margaritas I have ever had. I highly recommend this excursion if you like great margaritas, salsa and plenty of laughs. Also it was very well organized.

 

In Belize we did the city tour and zoo excursion. We really learned a lot about the culture and lifestyle of Belize. We love animals so the zoo was also a hit. Every animal was injured or rescued. None were actually captured for the zoo. Our tour guide, Merline, was wonderful.

 

At Mahogany Bay we got off for just a little while and looked at the shops. I must say before we got off we had a wonderful omelet on the Lido deck and enjoyed looking at the port from a window seat.

 

At Costa Maya we slept in late and then did a little shopping. It was a real treat watching my wife deal with the vendors.

 

In the casino we could not get it going our way until the last two nights. We switched from blackjack to Let It Ride and actually left the ship money ahead. The last night the casino gave us two bounce back offers but it looks like none of the dates work for us.

 

Debarkation was a breeze and we were off the ship and in our car at 8:35 AM. We were home and unpacked at 11:00 AM.

 

All in all a good time.

 

Of course nothing is perfect so here are some things that could use improving.

 

Our cabin, cabin #7364 should be avoided at all cost. It is directly across from the cabin stewards supply closet and you will hear a lot of banging, clanging and slamming from early in the morning to late at night.

 

Our cabin was too hot for me when I tried to sleep. We keep our bedroom at 70 degrees at night and we use a ceiling fan. From now on I will make sure I request a fan.

 

Drink service in the casino left a lot to be desired. We always tip and it was still bad. In all of my travels and all of the casinos I have been in throughout the world I have never become so frustrated waiting for a drink. More than once I would quit playing for 20 minutes or more and I would tell the pit boss when I get a drink I will start playing again. One of the pit bosses even told me he has no idea what the problem is on this cruise.

 

In the MDR it is just my wife and I eating together. We like to sit in a booth, side by side, not across from each other. Consequently the booth is set up for four diners. Everytime we would ask for the two additional place settings to be removed you would think I was giving the server a root canal. The pained look he gave me was something to behold. Finally the fourth time I ate in the MDR I just started clearing the settings myself before I sat down. You should have seen everyone scurrying when I did that. They must have made a note of my preference after that because we never had another problem. After that they knew our preferences even though we had Your Time Dining.

 

During a port day in Mahogany Bay the crew was conducting an emergency drill. Every time the situation would change the cruise director would say this is a drill, this is a drill. Then he would say something like “the crew has found a fire in the incinerator room”. Well one time the captain came on and did not say this is a drill. He only said “the fire cannot be contained, abandon ship”. This created some confusion and a little twinge of concern. A call to guest services told us yes it is still a drill.

 

In Conclusion

 

One again a great CCL cruise and we will be back working toward Platinum status.

[etwright]

The Vista? Really? Amazing since it is still being built??? :confused::confused::confused:

[spyingeyes]

Did you get priority boarding and debarkation?

[Tutontow]

The Vista? Really? Amazing since it is still being built??? :confused::confused::confused:

 

I hear ya. I wish the mods would correct my brain fade typo.

[Tutontow]

Did you get priority boarding and debarkation?

 

They blew it on the embarkation. It was not a problem because we got there early and got right on. We did get zone 4 for debarkation and it was great.

[LaCal]

Thx for your review and glad you made a comeback on Let it Ride and came out ahead....We Love Let it Ride and 3 card plus Ultimate Texas Holdem too and most times do quite well

 

We're on a premier cruise March 19th and can't wait

 

How were the daily cash/prize drawings?? What was the premier gift or gifts in the cabins this go round? Thx

Edited January 17, 2016 by LaCal

[kona_wahine]

Lol, I was wondering if you were more than diamond to get such a special cruise!! ;)

[Tutontow]

Lol, I was wondering if you were more than diamond to get such a special cruise!! ;)

 

I know, I know, I emailed the mods I hope they fix my title. I wasn't even drinking. I had the Vista on my mind because CCL made it clear it wasn't included in the bounce back offer.

[Tutontow]

Thx for your review and glad you made a comeback on Let it Ride and came out ahead....We Love Let it Ride and 3 card plus Ultimate Texas Holdem too and most times do quite well

 

We're on a premier cruise March 19th and can't wait

 

How were the daily cash/prize drawings?? What was the premier gift or gifts in the cabins this go round? Thx

 

The daily drawings were pretty good. They did a snowball drawing that got up to $750.00 one day.

 

We received chocolate covered strawberries, a beautiful commemorative day planner with a really nice pen, a box of cookies and a bottle of champagne.

 

The day planner is really cool. I'm not much for that type of stuff but it is really nice with all kinds of useful information inside.

 

As a side note there were some pretty heavy hitters on this trip. There were several people who played $500.00 blackjack every night.

[wmwmarmstrong]

The daily drawings were pretty good. They did a snowball drawing that got up to $750.00 one day.

 

We received chocolate covered strawberries, a beautiful commemorative day planner with a really nice pen, a box of cookies and a bottle of champagne.

 

The day planner is really cool. I'm not much for that type of stuff but it is really nice with all kinds of useful information inside.

 

As a side note there were some pretty heavy hitters on this trip. There were several people who played $500.00 blackjack every night.

 

I hope you don't mind me asking, but how much do you need to spend to get a casino rate?

[springs741]

I hope you don't mind me asking, but how much do you need to spend to get a casino rate?

 

You have to accumulate 7500 points in the last 12 months.

 

If you know you have that many or more you might want to contact the players club or speak with your PVP.

 

The offers are found under VIFP offers (lower left corner) on the Carnival home page.

[wmwmarmstrong]

You have to accumulate 7500 points in the last 12 months.

 

If you know you have that many or more you might want to contact the players club or speak with your PVP.

 

The offers are found under VIFP offers (lower left corner) on the Carnival home page.

 

WOW never knew this. Years ago they would mail me casino offers but were never the right dates.

 

Thank you very much!

[AngAndBoys]

You have to accumulate 7500 points in the last 12 months.

 

If you know you have that many or more you might want to contact the players club or speak with your PVP.

 

The offers are found under VIFP offers (lower left corner) on the Carnival home page.

 

Thanks! I get them, but didn't know exactly HOW I was getting them, and I played in CCL casinos for a while before I ever got any offers. Was starting to think the whole thing was random!

[h3yitsvictoria]

[emoji58][emoji58][emoji58][emoji58]

[hockeymom15]

We just returned from a premier cruise on the Valor. We sailed 1/9/2016 out of Port Canaveral. We had cabin number 7364, a balcony cabin on the port side. We now have 50 days at sea with CCL. All in all we had a great cruise.

 

I am lazy so I will just list the high points and low points.

 

The high points.

 

Being a premier cruise I paid $1500.00 (including tax and insurance) for a 7 night cruise for two. We had a nice balcony on the Empress deck. The casino then gave us $1500.00 cash just for showing up, essentially making it a free cruise. We also had free drinks while gambling.

 

The welcome aboard party for premier members was stellar. We had great finger food, drinks and live entertainment.

 

Muster drill took no time at all.

 

The food in the MDR was so good we never went to the Steakhouse. We have been on several CCL cruises and always enjoyed the Steakhouse but by far and away this was the best cruise food we have had in the MDR. I swear CCL must have changed food vendors.

 

Room service was good, as always. I tried some of the pay items. The chicken wings were okay but the French fries were a great late night snack and a bargain at $1.50.

 

We never went to any shows so I can’t comment on those.

 

In Cozumel we did the Salsa and Salsa excursion. It was a total blast. We had way too many fresh Margaritas and made five types of salsa. We then danced the salsa. Truly the best guacamole and margaritas I have ever had. I highly recommend this excursion if you like great margaritas, salsa and plenty of laughs. Also it was very well organized.

 

In Belize we did the city tour and zoo excursion. We really learned a lot about the culture and lifestyle of Belize. We love animals so the zoo was also a hit. Every animal was injured or rescued. None were actually captured for the zoo. Our tour guide, Merline, was wonderful.

 

At Mahogany Bay we got off for just a little while and looked at the shops. I must say before we got off we had a wonderful omelet on the Lido deck and enjoyed looking at the port from a window seat.

 

At Costa Maya we slept in late and then did a little shopping. It was a real treat watching my wife deal with the vendors.

 

In the casino we could not get it going our way until the last two nights. We switched from blackjack to Let It Ride and actually left the ship money ahead. The last night the casino gave us two bounce back offers but it looks like none of the dates work for us.

 

Debarkation was a breeze and we were off the ship and in our car at 8:35 AM. We were home and unpacked at 11:00 AM.

 

All in all a good time.

 

Of course nothing is perfect so here are some things that could use improving.

 

Our cabin, cabin #7364 should be avoided at all cost. It is directly across from the cabin stewards supply closet and you will hear a lot of banging, clanging and slamming from early in the morning to late at night.

 

Our cabin was too hot for me when I tried to sleep. We keep our bedroom at 70 degrees at night and we use a ceiling fan. From now on I will make sure I request a fan.

 

Drink service in the casino left a lot to be desired. We always tip and it was still bad. In all of my travels and all of the casinos I have been in throughout the world I have never become so frustrated waiting for a drink. More than once I would quit playing for 20 minutes or more and I would tell the pit boss when I get a drink I will start playing again. One of the pit bosses even told me he has no idea what the problem is on this cruise.

 

In the MDR it is just my wife and I eating together. We like to sit in a booth, side by side, not across from each other. Consequently the booth is set up for four diners. Everytime we would ask for the two additional place settings to be removed you would think I was giving the server a root canal. The pained look he gave me was something to behold. Finally the fourth time I ate in the MDR I just started clearing the settings myself before I sat down. You should have seen everyone scurrying when I did that. They must have made a note of my preference after that because we never had another problem. After that they knew our preferences even though we had Your Time Dining.

 

During a port day in Mahogany Bay the crew was conducting an emergency drill. Every time the situation would change the cruise director would say this is a drill, this is a drill. Then he would say something like “the crew has found a fire in the incinerator room”. Well one time the captain came on and did not say this is a drill. He only said “the fire cannot be contained, abandon ship”. This created some confusion and a little twinge of concern. A call to guest services told us yes it is still a drill.

 

In Conclusion

 

One again a great CCL cruise and we will be back working toward Platinum status.

 

Hello , I am on a Premiere cruise on the Valor Feb 20th . How were the casino staff and hosts??

[denikena]

Thx for your review and glad you made a comeback on Let it Ride and came out ahead

[Who Cares?]

Sooooooo, which ship was this since it was obviously not the Vista? ;)

[pe4all]

Sooooooo, which ship was this since it was obviously not the Vista? ;)

Glad you asked before I did!!:D

[Rosethorn40]

Sooooooo, which ship was this since it was obviously not the Vista? ;)

 

In the OP first line of her review I believe s/he said it was the Valor.

 

To OP, Made me look!

[pe4all]

In the OP first line of her review I believe s/he said it was the Valor.

 

To OP, Made me look!

You are right! I skimmed right over it. Thx.

[Tutontow]

Hello , I am on a Premiere cruise on the Valor Feb 20th . How were the casino staff and hosts??

 

All of the staff were great. They accommodated us more than once with opening non smoking tables for us.

 

Also we are new to Let It Ride and they really helped us along.

[AngAndBoys]

All of the staff were great. They accommodated us more than once with opening non smoking tables for us.

 

Also we are new to Let It Ride and they really helped us along.

 

Ha! Let It Ride is not my game. Rarely win on it. I call it Let It Suck. I'm glad you guys won though. I leave Jan 28 for my first Premiere cruise. So excited!

 

Question for you. My mom is coming with me, but is not in my cabin. Do you know if they'll let me bring her to the events or not? I'm guessing ill just have to see what they say. I'm not bringing an entourage or anything, just her. She just wanted her own room. We both travel solo a lot and enjoy our space and privacy I guess.

[Trnkk]

I know, I know, I emailed the mods I hope they fix my title. I wasn't even drinking. I had the Vista on my mind because CCL made it clear it wasn't included in the bounce back offer.[/quote]

 

Are you sure? I and my wife each received BB offers and the Vista was not a choice on line but my Carnival PVP emailed me the available lists the Vista was there so we booked two cabins on her June 3rd. Do not go by the lists on line talk to your PVP if you have one they can see more than you. Good Luck!!

[Tutontow]

Ha! Let It Ride is not my game. Rarely win on it. I call it Let It Suck. I'm glad you guys won though. I leave Jan 28 for my first Premiere cruise. So excited!

 

Question for you. My mom is coming with me, but is not in my cabin. Do you know if they'll let me bring her to the events or not? I'm guessing ill just have to see what they say. I'm not bringing an entourage or anything, just her. She just wanted her own room. We both travel solo a lot and enjoy our space and privacy I guess.

 

I say it is better to ask forgiveness rather than permission.

 

You should be fine.

[Tutontow]

I know, I know, I emailed the mods I hope they fix my title. I wasn't even drinking. I had the Vista on my mind because CCL made it clear it wasn't included in the bounce back offer.[/quote]

 

Are you sure? I and my wife each received BB offers and the Vista was not a choice on line but my Carnival PVP emailed me the available lists the Vista was there so we booked two cabins on her June 3rd. Do not go by the lists on line talk to your PVP if you have one they can see more than you. Good Luck!!

 

On my paperwork they put in my cabin it states the Vista is not included. We plan on taking a break from cruising and start doing some road trips but when the Vista moves to Miami I plan on being on her.

 

Have fun on her. She looks marvelous.