May 18 - June 2 Back to Back Carnival Valor Review

[santacap]

This was our first back to back and our second and third cruises, all of them on the Valor, and we finally got the hang of the ship the second week, lol. We travelled with 31 family and friends for our wedding week and the second week was just the 2 of us. First week, was the eastern carribean, and the second western. I really cant compare the 2 since they both offered different aspects both of which we really enjoyed for different reasons. We booked all our excursions through independant sites with the help of the ports of call boards here, and all of them were amazing. Not one complaint.

 

Weather was beautiful for the entire first week. Second week we went through a tropical storm, but at night which is fine, something I've never seen before but it was fun.

 

During the second week we had a medical evacuation, I got some great footage of the evactuation from my balcony, once I get it all edited out as there was a lot of 'downtime' I'll get it posted. Amazingly skilled work these guys do. Absolutely incredible. The captain managed to get us to all our ports, and the itinerary was a mirror image of what was scheduled. Each tour company got in contact with us to let us know they knew of the change and would still meet us.

 

Overall

 

Ship was as always spic and span. The dining staff was incredibly helpful. I have to mention one person in detail, Aniko, the hostess in the Lincoln Dining room was fantastic. My sister has a severe nut allergy and each night Aniko would come over to her with the next days menu for her to choose from while eliminating any item with any chance of being near nuts she would then send out an e-mail that night alerting the dining staff to cook my sisters meal separate from any. During our wedding dinner, Aniko took the time to get each table champagne and strawberries for us. Then when it came to the second, Aniko had us sent cookies the first day, and asking us to switch to her dining room as we were scheduled for the Washington, which we did. To top it off she found out that I was collecting the capers from the 2 weeks but for some reason was missing the Tuesday from the first week (she found this out on the last Friday), well Saturday dinner it was on my plate, in full. Simply incredible.

 

We were in the same room for both weeks, and our steward Lawrence and Ryan were amazing. Like ninjas, in and out. I like hats, and brought 7 on this trip, well each day Lawrence had all my hats neatly arranged on top of the sofa no matter where I had put them. The ice was always in stock and the towel animals never repeated.

 

Embarkation

 

If I had one complaint from the 2 weeks it was this. Im sure its been covered on the boards but there was serious issues with this, due to lots of things, no computers, different terminals, customs etc. Thing is, nothing was communicated. WE chose to not let it bother us, good thing is we were waiting indoors but had children and a great grandmother out in the heat.

 

Nassau

 

We chose to take our nephews to do a dolphin swim. Our taxi took us to the wrong pier, and unfortunately we missed the boat to take us over to the paradise island. Luckily they were nice enough to refund our money, but having promised our nephews a trip to see the dolphins we headed over to Atlantis to book a swim. Little more money, but certainly worth the time as it is something we have never experienced and will never forget, as Im sure our nephews will feel the same. Typical 'photo ops' for any tour company, so thats OK.

 

This was our formal night, had a couple lobster tails, and everybody seemed to really enjoy dressing up. We really didnt notice any 'elegant' wear, mostly formal. And believe you me, I looked:)

 

Fun Day at Sea

 

Being the first cruise for the majority of our family and friends this was a day we tried to walk around and see what people were up to, and mingle. Spent most of the day up around water slide area. Played a little mini golf, had a few DOD's. Deck wasnt too busy with the 'chair hogs' you just need to know where to look. Im not one for all the hustle and bustle, so off to the side up a few levels is where we could be found, always had chairs, and a bunch of them.

 

This was the night before our wedding, so we did the club, the karaoke bar, everything and anything.

 

St Thomas

 

This was our wedding day, so we didnt get to see much of the island, we had seen most of it last year though. Everybody in our group did a little something in the morning as the ceremony started at 3 PM.

 

I will take the chance to say that arranging teh wedding through Carnival worked out amazing for us. We couldnt have asked for a better day. Our on board wedding Co-ordinator Corrina did everything we could have wanted down to every last detail. We got off the boat at 10 AM to head to the court office to sign our papers, the driver met us with a sign, and we were back on board at 10:45. We had our ceremony in the Capital Room and our reception in the Lindy Hop. It's amazing how time flies during the reception but the drinks were flowing and the food was incredible. The reception led right into pictures in the lobby bar, which left an hour for people to mingle. OUr photographer Mary Grace was incredible, everything we asked for, and the pictures turned out incredible, we actually opted for a higher package we had already agreed upon because the pictures turned out that well. We kept in the formal gear through dinner as this was our one and only wedding so we did it right. People met again after dinner in the lobby bar and we continued the party to the wee hours

 

St Maarten

 

Again, amazing weather. WE rented jet skiis for the first time, and have the bruises to proove it. Going over 5 foot swells at 35 MPH will get you some serious air. Our tour guide was amazing, it was just the 2 of us and my sister, along with the tour guide. Got to go to both sides of the island, and the fews from the ocean were amazing.

 

Being a long day at port, we decided to hop in a taxi and pay 8 bucks each to go 20 minutes to Maho Beach, if its something you havent seen before I'd say you have to see it to believe it. Beautiful waters and planes flying right over your head. Little pricey at the bar, but the conch fritters were great.

 

Sister did some shopping and got her charms and free stuff and it was back on board.

 

2 Days at Sea

 

Alot more of the typical days at sea, rest and relaxation on the deck, hanging out with friends, family, playing some mini golf. I tried each of the 'restaurants' on these 2 days:eek: and if I were to choose, I'd say the mongolian grill was my favorite with the fish and chips being a close second. Grill takes a while, but it is worth it.

 

On the last night, we all gathered in the lobby bar as we had just picked up our pictures and people wanted to see them. It was sad to see people disappointed their cruise was coming to an end, but we had another week to go

 

Disembarkation

 

The back to back process was smooth as silk, and from what I've heard everybody else was off the ship with relative ease. We received a letter on Saturday saying where to meet (Circle C) and what time. We then gathered in the lobby area waiting for the security officers to get a zero count on their system, once that happened we were down to customs, and was really quick, in and out and back on the ship by I believe 11:30 or so. Complete run of the ship as boarding was just starting. Got a couple bowls from the grill and hung out on the deck.

 

This was an amazing week with family and friends. there's not enough time in the day to spend equal time with everybody, but we did our best. While we would miss everybody, we were looking forward to the 'honeymoon' portion on the western carribean.

 

Be back with the western and maybe some pictures... if you're lucky;)

[santacap]

During the second week, as I mentioned Aniko had asked us to switch to her dining room, which we did but ate in the Washington the Sunday night. We met a great couple from Ohio, and felt bad leaving them but we hadnt met them when we put the request in. In the Lincoln we had a table for 2 which was nice to just hang out with each other and have the option of not doing dinner if we felt like it etc. Our waiters were great, and once again the service was above and beyond anythign we could have asked for.

 

I had sent Chris a letter through the purser during our first week basically expressing my appreciation for his staff and mentioning in particular Aniko. Not knowing if he'd get it or not, but felt that I needed to write it all out. Anyways, on the Tuesday night there was the bottle of wine we had ordered each night compliments of Chris. He also had a letter thanking us, and wishing us all the best in our marriage and honeymoon etc. Very nice gesture and just goes to show the level of commitment shown on board.

 

Fun Day At Sea

 

Knowing this was a port intensive cruise (4 ports in total) we decided to try and sleep in a little bit. We were alerted to the need for the ship to divert towards Tampa Bay in order to execute a medical evactuation. As I said, we got some great footage, simplay amazing. We never did find out what had happened, but the captain mentioned at the captains ball that the patient had underwent succesful surgery, so of course that was good news. Itinerary changed to a mirror image, but we still got all our ports, I think we even got an extra hour in Belize (I think)

 

Rest of the day we just took it easy, I checked some e-mail, and we just chilled on deck.

 

Cozumel

 

We did a private jeep tour of the island and our guide was great. He did all the driving, but we did some snorkelling and happened upon a full school of baracudas, which he said was extremely rare. Thing is he told me afterwards that he was worried about me when I was taking pictures because they are attracted to shiny / flashy stuff... good to know after I got out of the water, lol.

 

We then went to El Cedral to see the first catholic church in the city etc, nice little local town. HE took us to a few bars along the upper coast, and did some more swimming. The water here is beautiful, and if I had to say the favorite waters we had done, great snorkelling.

 

Great day overall

 

Belize

 

This was our first experience with tendering of any sort and I have to say it went extremely smooth. We went down, got our # and were off the boat within 20 minutes of leaving our room. Nice little ride in, about 15 minutes. Tenders can get a little hot, but really not bad all things considered.

 

We did the cave tubing with Yhony and his group through dot com and he was amazing. As he put it, they are the hardest working tour group through the caves, and they are. Not one woman carried her tube and guides had 4 or 5 on each arm for them. We never got out of our tube to walk through shallower areas, the guides pulled us. Beautiful scenery and caves. We also ATV'd through the jungle and that was a lot of fun, through the same company.

 

Its about an hour bus ride from the pier to the caves, and our guides made it worthwhile.

 

Lots of different areas in this city, we probably wouldnt do a city tour as its not our thing, but on the outskirts its amazing.

 

This was our one week anniversary and we decided on reservations for the supper club. All I can say is 'wow'... what a meal, so much food I think Im still digesting it all. We had the filet mignon and the porterhouse respectfully. Chocolate trio at desert is not to be missed....

 

Roatan

 

Personally, if I had to pick just one island in these 2 weeks this would be my favorite. It is so untouched by anything commercial and touristy its just the way it was intended. THere is of course signs of what is to come, and thats OK, and from talking with our guide very welcomed with RC and CLL pumping in millions of dollars into the piers.

 

Lots of beautiful houses, jungles, coastlines. WE did a tour with Victor Bodden groups and our guide Franky met us and drove us to our whim. We did an iguana farm and held some monkeys. Along the beach we grabbed a bite to eat and had a local beer. Through driving we would stop and get some incredible overviews of the jungle and its vastness.

 

At night we hit the tropical storm, I had seen if off the coast of Guatamala in the morning but didnt think we'd see it. Was an overcast day but the storm was something else.

 

Grand Cayman

 

As with Roatan and my favorite, if I were to pick a 'least' favorite it would be GC. Not to say I didnt enjoy my time there, I try to make the best of everything, but it was just too commercial for my taste buds. We decided to just take a cab for 4 dollars each to 7 mile beach and do a little walk. I grabbed a brochure for a 3 million dollar condo being built because I wanted to feel rich.

 

Beach was nice, water was nice and we did some snorkelling.

 

Another cloudy day, and got some rain at night during the deck party. Headed to the casino and played a little 3 card poker.

 

Fun Day At Sea

 

Another nice and relaxing day. Being so port intensive they kind of had to cram in a days worth of activities here. Hairiest chest, wedding game etc. I think i went down the waterslide 13 times this day. We grabbed some chairs right at the bottom so it was perfect. Nice way to spend the last day of vacation.

 

Night time we met up with some people we met for the champagne we had leftover, and relaxed.

 

Disembarkation

 

Smooth day, we were off the ship by 8:30 and on the bus to Ft Lauderdale. DOnt want to talk about leaving too much though so I'll leave it at that.

 

All in all, this was the best 2 weeks I've ever spent, service was great, food was great, people were great, and a great 2 weeks. We put a deposit into our next cruise through their promotion as you have 5 years to use it and we will definitely be doing one again way before that.

 

We have both done the all inclusive thing before and there is no way we would go back, we both get way too bored with the same thing day in and day out and a cruise offers you everything we could need in one neat little package.

[tha sista]

Nice review and congrats on your nuptuals!

 

Question? did you try booking anything for week 2 at the shore excursion desk during week 1? Were there any bars open on the last day of week 1 before you got off then back on or is everything pretty much shut down? And along those lines did you try to use your S&S card on the last day of 1? I have a B2B coming up and just want to get the lay of the land...

[Susie51]

Thank you for the informative review. Congratulations!

[santacap]

Girl - while we didnt try to, Im pretty sure on the Sunday we wouldnt be able to use our SNS card since the account is closed off in the wee hours on Sunday morning.

 

What happens is, they will leave you with your SNS cards in your room for the next week along with the letter where to meet. We gave our week 1 SNS cards to teh purser who took us through so she could check us out in the computers, but we were able to get them back for keepsakes. Once we had gone back on after clearing customs etc we were able to use our new SNS cards and every bar was up and running. If I remember right, the casino bar was open really late the last night.

 

With excursions, we had everything booked prior so we didnt try to, but I would imagine as with everything if you ask, and they can accomodate they will.

 

Susie - thanks, appreciate it.

[BettyPC]

Thanks for sharing your wedding with us. Congratulations!

[santacap]

Try to get some pics up in order

 

Terminal waiting to board... no more people allowed in after this.

 

 

leaving miami

 

 

your typical muster drill shot

 

 

Valor in Bahamas

 

 

Bye Nassau

 

[AMaria1288]

Wonderful review! Love the pictures!

[Valor2005]

Thanks for the review! We love the Valor. Sailed on her twice and looking forward to doing it again. What is the promotion you booked?

[marter99]

Thanks for your great review - and Congrats!!!

 

We'll be on the Valor in 18 days, can't wait!! Reading these reviews only gets me more excited, if that's possible :D

[YOW]

santacap, thanks for sharing your experiences. My first cruise came thanks to a family member getting married in St. Thomas, and hopefully some in your family will have caught the bug. Our take is much the same vis-a-vis all inclusive resorts.

 

What time did you arrive at the terminal for embarkation?

 

And just curious, where in the Lincoln dining room were you seated?

[thunderbird1]

Congrats on your wedding, and thanks for the review! We're hoping to be on the Valor in 2010, so keep the pictures coming!

 

One question--you mentioned taking the bus back to Fort Lauderdale--I assume the airport? Curious about how that worked and how much $$, since we'll likely be flying out of the Fort Lauderdale airport after the cruise. TIA!

[Luanne21]

Loved your review, and congrats on your wedding. Please post some more pictures, especially any of your wedding.

[santacap]

Amaria - thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

 

Valor - basically, you put a deposit on your next cruise (I have to check, but I believe it was 100.00) and you have 5 years to choose the actual ship and date. Then when you do book, you get 100 bucks OBC for 7 day cruises and 200 for 12-14 day cruises. We will definitely be doing another within 5 years, so it makes sense. thanks

 

Marter - enjoy your cruise, the anticipation is a fun part too.

 

Yow - of the 31 people in our group, Im pretty sure all 31 are already planning their next cruise. ONe couple had done a 3 day med cruise out of Scotland, but that doesnt count, lol. we had 2 different seats, our first was along the port side by the windows, got kinda distracting with people walking past the 3rd deck but was fun. Second week we sat at a table for 2 on the second level. I'll have to look at my SNS card for table #'s. We were at the terminal for about 11:00.

 

Thunderbird - Yes, the airport, that was included as part of the sail away program Carnival runs, the whole cost of round trip tickets from Toronto and the transfers was about 400.00. We do it just for piece of mind and one less worry, coming from Toronto the deals really arent that good, unless you drive an hour and fly out of Buffalo.

 

Luanne - thanks. I'll get some more up now.

 

First fun day at sea

 

 

 

Waiting in my room in St Thomas for the wedding to start

 

 

 

 

one of my faves with the funnel

 

[People_Mover]

very nice! hopefully you didn't gamble away all of the wedding money! :D

[TakeMeAway1001]

Great review! The wedding picture is beautiful, congratulations :)

[jgperegrine]

Congrats on your wedding!

I will be sailing on the Valor this Sunday the 8th, and will be on the same tour in Belize. What would you recommend to bring for clothing. How wet or muddy did you get on the ATV ride?

 

Thanks for the great review.

[Can'tWait2SetSail]

Congratulations on your marriage and thank you for the great review.

 

We were on the Liberty charter that left out of Miami the same day as you guys so I can empathize with the problems at embarkation. But sounds like you guys had a great attitude which helps make every situation better.

 

Quick question, on the 1st leg, were there 2 formal nights and if so when was the second?

[santacap]

People Mover - lol. actually after the 2 weeks we were up a little bit at the casino. 2nd week initial table mates introduced us to 3 card poker, we were solely blackjack before. Thanks.

 

Takemeaway - thanks, we couldnt have been happier with the pictures and the photos we got, lots of group shots as most people travelled a long ways and we wanted them to remember it. Thanks.

 

jgperegrine - from what I understand Belize hadnt got any rain in quite some time prior to our arrival but got hit with the tropical storm we went through. I can see the ATV getting pretty dirty if there is still wet ground, one thing witht he cave tubing is I would recommend no flip flops. The way you are linked up makes it hard and a distraction to try and not lose your flip flops in the water (learned the hard way). Any of those water shoes would probably be the best.

 

Can'tWait2SetSail - my pleasure, glad you enjoyed it. Heard the same thign was going on on your end too. Have to keep positive... its vacation time. Formal nights were the Monday (Nassau) and the Friday. Thanks.

 

along maho beach

 

 

plane coming in

 

 

plane from the side

 

 

from the water at Maho beach

 

 

ruh roe

 

 

afrom teh jet ski in St Maarten

 

[sunandseagirl617]

Thanks Santacap for the review and pictures! Congratulations on your marriage! Many, Many years of happiness (and cruising):p

[gypsyrose]

Great review. We are doing the western in 2010 and I think we are gonna do the tours you did in Belize and Honduras. Hope you post more pics~!!

[wwakla]

Congratulations on your nuptuals.

 

Great review and thanks for sharing your photos.

[santacap]

Floridagirl - thanks. appreciate it.

 

Gypsyrose - after alot of research, and reading I found them to be exactly what we wanted to do at both spots and it fit what we enjoy. I noticed a difference in the guides in the caves between operators, say for example in shallow spots other groups had to get up and walk, our guides wouldnt let us stand and insisted on pulling us through the shallower spots. not that we are lazy, its just nice to be treated nicely. From what I read each one of Victors guides knows the island like the back of their hands, and Franky sure did. Had a nice lunch with him 'off the clock' with some history. I still need to upload those pics though, but check back, they will be here.

 

wwakla - thanks, glad you are liking it thus far. appreciate it.

 

Room decorations we came back to after a quick bite

 

 

Valor / Miracle (I think) in Cozumel

 

 

Apparently this is the bar all the crew go to in Coz, we saw a bunch, just before Margaritaville, we were waiting for our guide

 

 

Snorkelling in Coz

 

 

first catholic church in El Cedral

 

 

up the coast

 

[santacap]

Cozumel waters

 

 

Cozumels blockbuster, guide was really happy

 

 

just entering the river in Belize

 

 

 

 

[santacap]

Getting some more pics as I get time...

 

Tenders in Belize

 

 

Roatan from balcony

 

 

work on the pier

 

 

Victors monkey

 

View in Roatan