Come Join The Valor Voyagers 6/12/05 Western Caribbean

[MizzouMary]

[quote name='Snowball']So I think I am going to make a reservation with a 3* Miami Beach hotel, then if I am successful in bidding on Priceline I will cancel that reservation. This will be my first time using Priceline, so I am a little nervous but understand the bidding strategy. I will probably start bidding sometime in January or February - don't want to start too early or too late, especially since I will be bidding for 4 rooms. If you've used Priceline before and can offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated.[/QUOTE]
Hi Debbie! I think we are going to use Priceline again as well. Maybe we could report back with our bidding strategies and other info. (price, hotel info., etc.) to help each other. I will either be getting two or three rooms hopefully in the South Beach or Miami Beach areas. I used Priceline to book our hotel in New Orleans for our Nov. cruise, so I will report back on my experience.

Lynda, we are thinking about you and are hoping for the best! Take care!

[Snowball]

[font=Arial]As someone that grew up in the late 80's, I am really excited about seeing the first show listed in the press release. Here is the info:[/font]

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[b][font=Arial]SPECTACULAR LAS VEGAS-STYLE REVUES TO BE FEATURED ON NEW CARNIVAL VALOR[/font][/b]

[font=Arial]MIAMI (September 9, 2004) – Two high-energy Las Vegas-style revues –[/font][font=Arial]“Far From Over – The 80s” and “Nightclub Express” – will be featured [/font][font=Arial]aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 110,000-ton Carnival Valor, which is[/font][font=Arial]scheduled to begin year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Miami [/font][font=Arial]Dec. 19, 2004. [/font]

[font=Arial]Produced by Carnival Productions – the company’s in-house [/font][font=Arial]entertainment group – the new shows take center stage in Carnival[/font][font=Arial]Valor’s 1,400-seat medieval-themed Ivanhoe Show Lounge, which will [/font][font=Arial]feature the latest in shipboard technology – “fly-in” scenery [/font][font=Arial]capabilities, a turntable stage with built-in lifts allowing for[/font][font=Arial]multiple sets, a multi-million-dollar sound and lighting system, [/font][font=Arial]including laser pods, and a rising orchestra pit. [/font]

[font=Arial]“Carnival’s shows have gotten progressively more elaborate over the [/font][font=Arial]years and ‘Far from Over’ and ‘Nightclub Express’ – both of which [/font][font=Arial]feature fast-paced production numbers, spectacular sets and costumes, [/font][font=Arial]and dazzling laser and pyrotechnic displays – continue this evolution [/font][font=Arial]to bring shipboard entertainment to another level,” said Roger Blum, [/font][font=Arial]Carnival’s vice president of cruise programming who is also the shows’ [/font][font=Arial]producer. [/font]

[font=Arial]The first show, “Far From Over – the 80s” celebrates the era of “big[/font][font=Arial]hair,” leg warmers and, of course, unforgettable music. Making maximum [/font][font=Arial]use of the Ivanhoe lounge’s technical capabilities, the show kicks off [/font][font=Arial]with a captivating laser display set to the song “Relax” by Frankie [/font][font=Arial]Goes to Hollywood. [/font]

[font=Arial]There’s also a tribute to the dance movies of the 1980s such as Fame, [/font][font=Arial]Footloose, Dirty Dancing, and Flashdance. Production numbers set to [/font][font=Arial]songs popularized by the then-new concept of “music television” – [/font][font=Arial]Prince, the Bangles, Run DMC, Katrina and the Waves, and Madonna – are [/font][font=Arial]also included. [/font]

[font=Arial]The second show, “Nightclub Express,” takes guests on a rollicking [/font][font=Arial]tour – hosted by a talking, singing sofa, no less – of some of the [/font][font=Arial]world’s famous cabarets and night spots.[/font]

[font=Arial]Ten different venues are featured with sets, costumes and music [/font][font=Arial]appropriate to each. From the tropical-flavored numbers at the[/font][font=Arial]Copacabana to the sultry jazz and blues songs at the Cotton Club and [/font][font=Arial]pulsating disco tunes at Studio 54, audiences are treated to colorful [/font][font=Arial]interpretations of a variety of musical genres.[/font]

[font=Arial]Both shows are enjoyed amidst the stunning surroundings of [/font][font=Arial]the Ivanhoe Show Lounge, whose décor is inspired by the classic tale [/font][font=Arial]by Sir Walter Scott. The spacious room is highlighted by [/font][font=Arial]gothic-inspired interiors with walls featuring a figure of a knight in [/font][font=Arial]full armor backed by a Medieval-style tapestry, a faux wood-beamed [/font][font=Arial]ceiling with ornate inscriptions, and wrought-iron chandeliers. Large [/font][font=Arial]castle-like towers flank the stage with stained-glass windows and [/font][font=Arial]shields bearing coats of arms. [/font]

[font=Arial]Carnival Valor is slated to enter service from Miami Dec. 15, 2004 [/font][font=Arial]with a special two-day introductory voyage to Nassau, The Bahamas. [/font][font=Arial]The ship is scheduled to begin year-round seven-day service from Miami[/font][font=Arial]Dec. 19, operating alternating week-long voyages to the eastern and [/font][font=Arial]western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean cruises call at Nassau, The [/font][font=Arial]Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles,[/font][font=Arial]while western Caribbean cruises visit Belize City, Belize; Isla [/font][font=Arial]Roatan, Honduras; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. [/font]

[Cruisegirl6]

Oh My Goodness!! My favorite island Caymans are going get be hit directly!! I wonder whether cruises in the future that are suppose to go to the Caymans would choose another island? I do hope it goes south like it did with Jamaica, but it doesn't look like it will.

[Snowball]

Things are not looking good for the Caymans today. What a crazy hurricane season this has been! I hope things slow down after Ivan goes away. I just saw the current projected path it looks like things probably won't be too bad for Lynda, but Heather may be in for another soaker. :( Hopefully Ivan bring as much rain and flooding for that area as Frances did, or maybe he will take an even more westerly path before he fizzles out.


P.S. I had a good day at the casino in Atlantic City yesterday - I won $30 and hubby won $60. YAY!!! I know it doesnn't sound like much, but I am not much of a gambler and only brought $40 to gamble with, so I was more than happy to come out ahead. :)

[Cruisegirl6]

Hi Debbie,

Yes, coming home with all your money you went with and some more is sure winning! As longs as you came home with your money alone is winning, I am glad you had a great time. We dont have casino's here in Florida, that was the hugest mistake this state has made as it would of brought in alot of money for this state and its a perfect place to have a casino, oh well....I am also not a gambler but like to have "a good time". We have the St. Tropez boat here, the SeaEscape (went once on that never ever again I was the youngest lets say lol), we have another small cruise boat in the Ft. Lauderdale area, then we have the Seminole Indians in Coconut Creek (don't care for that casino) and the brand new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. In the past 6 months I have been to the Hard Rock with my boyfriend twice and we both won each time. The last time was last week with us not having power we needed to get to a place with air conditioning so we went there, we both lost about $30.00 each but that was ok as it was worth being in air conditioning for a few hours. :) But its nice to do every once in awhile.

Where does Heather live? We lucked out here, but do not want it in this state as my moms friend told her she had to renew her house insurance and it went up 37.5%!!! That means mine will go up soon also when it comes due....thanks to Carlie. If Ivan hits here oh boy it will go up even more. I lucked out with Ivan just getting some of the most outerbands here, its cloudy and if you look at weatherchannel you can see the clouds are from Ivan its that large. I only am hearing things about Jamiaca not Cayman Islands I only hope that Seven Mile Beach will still look the same in June when we get there on the Valor. Boy, do I need a cruise. Would you believe the only time when I do not have pain is on a cruise? Its weird must be something with the pressure??

[Snowball]

Good morning Valor Voyagers!!! We are under 9 months now until our cruise, and 3 months until the Valor makes her debut. :D

Has anyone bought their airline tickets yet? I have been checking prices, but so far the only flight that has a really good price won't get me to FLL until around dinner time, and I was hoping to get a morning flight so we would be able to spend the whole day before the cruise in Miami.

Do any of you know how far ahead Southwest issues their rates? They are a new carrier here in Philly, and I'm hoping that once their prices are released for next June the other major carriers will lower their prices for that time frame too. :rolleyes:

[Cruisegirl6]

Hi Debbie,

My brother in law is a captain for Jetblue, flew them many times love that airline!! I am unsure if they fly from Philly to FL (believe they do) try checking them. The kids would love that airline as everybody get a tv screen and they can watch nick while you watch the food channel LOL Anyway, try pricing theirs, I do not suggest Delta as they filed Chapter 11 any day they will go down. Remember, even if you purchase your tickets now if the rate lowers you need to call them and ask for that special rate. I would think right now is a bad time to get tickets believe prices went up (because the holidays are around the corner)....best times to get airline tickets are generally in january after the holidays and much before presidents day and spring recess. Also US Air filed again bankrupcy so please be careful on those two airlines. I do believe as I have done this in the past, if you call the cruise line and ask them if they provide bus transportation from Ft. Lauderdale area for a fee you can get bus transportation to the pier in Miami. It has been 3 years since I done this, so check the cruise lines to see if they have bus services and if you fly into Ft. Lauderdale (a much much better airport I hate Miami airport won't use it unless it is my only choice to get somewhere) and stay at a hotel where the cruise line picks you up to get to the pier you may be able to get a cheaper rate on the hotel. Just an idea, but its been a few years since I used cruise line bus transportation not sure whether they still provide this but its something to look into. Lynda

[Snowball]

Thanks Lynda - I'll definitely check out the prices for Jet Blue and see if they are any better. I know it is probably too early to get a really good deal, but I am still going to look and hopefully I'll find it sooner rather than later. I'll just feel so much better knowing that the airfare is taken care of, especially since I have 10 people in my little group that all want me to let them know if I see a good deal. After that I'll probably wait until January before I start bidding on Priceline for a hotel.


Has anyone else started looking at airfare yet? Have you seen any deals out there? Do you know how far in advance Southwest lists their fares?

[Cruisegirl6]

Mcfinn, I just read your post thank you, thankfully I am in the clear with Ivan but now we need to wait to see if Ivan heads up the coast so that it brings out a troph to get rid of Jeanne who is heading my way. This is a crazy year for hurricanes, 5 in one month so far well Jeanne will turn into a hurricane soon. Tired of this, half my shutters are still up. :) Tonight getting alot of winds from Ivan tomorrow rain. I have a friend that lived in Ft. Myers just moved back to Mobile after Frances and Charlie, guess where Ivan is heading....can't get away from these things I guess.

Debbie, do check Jetblue, best to get tickets now you can always get the refund when the price lowers. You just need to keep checking as they won't honor the lower rate themselves, you need to call and get it. If I see any specials I will let you guys know. :) Lynda

[Snowball]

Well, I just checked and Jet Blue doesn't fly out of Philly. :( The closest airport to me that they fly out of is Washington, Dulles, and I don't want to go out of there, so I'm back to square one.

United has a direct flight from Philly to FLL that leaves at 6:30am and arrives a little after 9am, but the fare for that one is $196, and I was hoping to get a better price than that (I've seen it for as low as $123 roundtrip). I know that I can buy it now at the higher price, then try for a refund or voucher if the price goes down, but the only time that we fly is when we cruise, so if the voucher expired in 12 months it would be a waste for us because we wouldn't be able to use it in time. :rolleyes:

I guess for now I'll just continue to watch the prices and see if they go down a little, or try to be patient (which is not easy for me :eek: ) and wait until Southwest releases their rates for next June, since the rest of the major carriers will probably adjust their prices accordingly after that.

What have the rest of you been up to??? We need to liven up this thread. Any ideas??? :)

Hopefully things will pick up as we get closer to the cruise date. :cool:

[Cruisegirl6]

Debbie,

There is another smaller airline, think they go from Philly to FL cannot think of the name.....its been around the past year. When I get the travel section in my sunday paper I will check for you, they advertise $59.00 each way, but need to make sure it is Philly, I know they go out of Newark and Detroit and think Philly why I cannot think of the name?? Something like US3000 but I will check for you. They are regular jets, the smaller airlines are better to go on more likely to survive than the larger ones. Down here, since many floridians are from the northeast we do get alot of advertisments of discount airfares I will keep my eye out for you.

Yes, we need to liven this thread, I have been dull since I have to worry about all these hurricanes, now Jeanne....my friend moved from Ft. Myers to Mobile last week, guess Ivan followed him, he thought nomore hurricanes guess he is wishing he was back in Ft. Myers tonight. I worry about them and his family who lives just 9 miles from the coast in Mobile. As soon as I feel better and rid all these nasty storms I will come up with ideas. Also as soon as the Valor starts sailing we can get posts of pictures and hear what everybody has to say about her, there will be lots of us talking and will become excited, counting down the days together. :)

She's going to be a beauty when we get here for the first time down here, I will watch all the tv news about her. LOL We need to hear about the decor and everything, I just can't wait. By the time we go in June, everything will be running perfectly. The first few months the staff needs to get adjusted, so when we go its going to be perfect. :) Lynda

[Snowball]

Someone just found a new picture of the Valor and posted it here on cruise critic. Here is a [url="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=80390"]link to that thread[/url]. She looks great - and BIG!!! :eek: :D Before you know it we'll be seeing interior pictures of her - I can't wait!!

[Cruisegirl6]

Oooh babe oooh babe oooh baby this is exciting, now to see interior pictures. LOL That picture sure makes it feel sooner doesn't it?

[Snowball]

We are down to 38 weeks now!!! :cool: Time is just tick, tick, ticking away. With the kids being back at school now I'm sure time will start flying by.

I am hoping that I'll be able to watch the Valor's arrival in Miami over the web, like I did when the Miracle arrived in Jacksonville. That was so exciting to watch, especially knowing that soon we would be sailing on her. I wonder if the shipyard will release photos of the ship's interior. They did for the Miracle, but that was built at a different shipyard.

What is everyone doing this weekend? My hubby is in a wedding tomorrow, so that's where we'll be. Hopefully the remnants of Ivan will be gone in time for the ceremony and picture taking. Have a great weekend! :D

[heather307]

I have been in hiding . . I live in Asheville, NC. The rain was not as bad this time as Frances however we did have very heavy winds last night. More than 2/3 of the county is without power. We have power but no water. We have only had our water back for two days and now we have lost it again. I don't think we had as much flooding and devastation this go around. There was an unconfirmed tornado that killed two people. Tornados are very uncommon here in the mountains.
Anyway, we plan to drive to Miami. My BIL & SIL live in Gainesville so we will spend the night there and then drive down to Miami together. That saves extra money in our budget for the fun stuff.

[newbie2cruise]

HI everyone, Ive been so busy with school, work and my sons school I havent had time to post. But ive been reading and been keeping up. IM at home with a respiratory infection :( so Im nyquiled up, so apologize if I dont make sense :)
I keep all of you southern folk in my thoughts and prayers this p[ast month. My sis lives in Sarasota and they are fine.!
JUst wanted t o say hi and have a good weekend. Ill be back on later after I get the kiddo to bed :)

[SAYHEYRENEE]

Debbie-try airtran.com I booked for 49.00 down and 69.00 home from Phila to FLL. They have specials all the time and it is for all seats on the flights-not just a few like Southwest. The only thing is you cant pick your seats until 24hours before the flight. Just log on to their website. We had no problems getting 3 seats together. To go on the web 24hours before home, you can use the ship (our last stop was Key West and we used a internet cafe)

go directly to their site.

[Snowball]

Heather - I am sorry to hear that you are still having problems from the hurricanes. :o Do you live in a very remote area? I can't imagine not having water service for that long. Thanks for checking in and letting us know how you are doing, and I hope they get everything fixed soon for you.

Brook - Dealing with a respiratory infection is not fun.:( Make sure you get your rest and drink plenty of fluids - and not all Nyquil either. Your post made perfect sense despite your Nyquil buzz. :p I hope you feel better soon.

You both need to update your signatures to show your upcoming Valor cruise. That is one of the first things I do after I book - what is taking you so long??? :rolleyes: :D

Renee - thanks for the tip about AirTran. I'm gonna go check them out right now. I wonder if they released their rates yet for next June.

[lhall85917]

Any luck looking at Airtran? When I went to their site it looked like you could just request rates through May, but when I pulled it up there weren't flights available. Also their specials required travel by Feb.
I've been keeping an eye for flights from Cincinnati or Dayton to either FLL or Miami, but it seems too early. Perhaps after the first of the year will be a good time?
We are all watching for reports and pics of the Valor - can't wait!

[Snowball]

You're right - Airtran hasn't released their pricing for June yet. As much as I would like to just buy my tickets now and know that it is done with, I think I'm going to have to a while longer to be able get a really good rate. I'll post something here and on our group board if I see any deals in the meantime.

[Snowball]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to drop in and say hello and see how everyone is doing. This cruise is a little on the back burner for me until after I get back from my cruise next month. I am down to 30 days to go now! YAY!!! :D Hopefully all of these nasty hurricanes will be gone by then. :eek: What a crazy season it has been. There was heavy flooding in nearby areas this weekend from all of the rain we got from Ivan, but thankfully I was not affected.

Did you hear that Katie Couric is going to be the Valor's godmother? :rolleyes:

I still haven't seen any change in the airfare prices, but I will continue to check them and will post if I see a sale. I'm thinking about starting my Priceline bidding process sometime in January. For those of you that are also using Priceline - when are you going to try your first bid? I need 4 rooms so I don't want to wait too long, and this is my first time using them so I am a little nervous. :o

Oh, and I started my Christmas shopping this week! Am I crazy or what??? :p

[Snowball]

Lynda - looks like its time for you to batten down the hatches again, because now Jeanne is on the way. :( I feel so badly for everyone that has been affected by this crazy hurricane season. So many lives lost and so much damage and devastation. I just keep praying that things will calm down, but then before you know it another hurricane pops up on the radar. The end of hurricane season can't come soon enough this year.

[Cruisegirl6]

Hello Debbie,

I had it!!! I am so fed up that I don't watch the weather channel any longer, just put on the national hurricane center online and check for a second then say here we go again. This time people mostly are prepared as they had to with the others so stores and gas stations are all fine still. My son just poured all the gas from the gas containers that we had into my car monday just to find I had to go out this morning and refill them again. I believe this one will take the very same path and hit exactly where Frances did....I think I am out of the danger zone but those things wobble and I am prepared.

What ship are you going on next month? Countdowns are so very nice aren't they? :) I say by next month these hurricanes will be over, at least I hope but they should be. I cannot recall any hurricane that came in the month of October but then look at all of them were getting this year, so I say lets keep a postive attitude and just say they will be over by the time you get on your cruise. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you. LOL

Hi McFinn, I guess we will have to ask Debbie a bunch of questions when she gets back. And everybody looking forward to soon seeing some actual pictures of the Valor.

Well guys hoping my electricity will stay on in this hurricane but I doubt it again. :( Back to the drawing board.

Lynda

[cruiserkathi]

Hello: I finally found this thread -- don't ask; not too computer saavy. We're counting the days along with the rest of you. We have two cabins booked: my husband, Ren, and I (Kathy) plus two teens, Emilie, 17 and Michael, 15. Our second cruise; they're first. We have late seating. Thanks for sharing suggestions for hotels, airfare, and excursions. Planning is half the fun. Thanks, Debbie, for getting our group together. I'll be in touch.

[Snowball]

Lynda - it looks like Jeanne is going to hit north of where you are, so hopefully you'll be spared the worst of it. My cruise next month is a 2 day cruise to nowhere on the Carnival Legend. I am rooming with 3 friends that I met right here on cruise critic. We started a thread late last year for people that live in the Philly area, and in January we started getting together every 2-3 months. So it is a weekend away with the girls for me, and I know we are going to have a blast! :D

Kathy - I'm glad that you [u]finally[/u] found our roll call thread!! :p Are your kids excited about going on their first cruise? This will be my daughter's 3rd cruise, and she gets more excited each time. She is really looking forward to the Valor because it has its own teen club, which the other ships did not.

[b]By the way - if anyone from our group needs help with adding a countdown clock for this cruise to their signature just let me know and I'll try to help.[/b] My clock has gone down by about 100 days since I booked, thank goodness. I think that once you get down to the 100 day mark then time really flies.