Just off Victory; my thoughts and comments ...

[PurpleDog]

My wife and I arrived home last night after 7 nights on the Carnival Victory. We had been assigned a Lido deck nine balcony room for a total of $1500.00, but we bit at the upgrade offer and paid a total of $200 more to be put in a category 11 suite [#7283] on Empress deck seven.

My wife and I had a fun and relaxing cruise, and were able to “reconnect”. For that alone, the cruise was worth the price. However, I’d give our cruise an overall score of only 6.0 on a scale of 1-10. And I’d gladly pay the additional $400 for the week to go on RCCL next time. Here is why:

Our flight from Atlanta landed in San Juan at about 12:15 pm on Sunday, and we took a $20 cab ride from the pier direct to the ship. Because we were in a suite, we were deemed to be VIP’s, and all I can say is thank God for that ! We proceeded up to the 2nd floor, checked in, got our S&S card …. All by 115 or so. The rooms and the ship were not yet ready to board so we decided to walk down the boardwalk about ¼ of a mile or so to Senor Frogs. This place is an over priced “party and drink” type place which, if placed in the USA, would never stay in business for more than 3 months. I paid $17 for the steak fajitas, and they were just about inedible. My wife paid $15 or so for the nachos and they were of very very poor quality. Please eat in this place ONLY as a last resort. An overpriced cello wrapped sandwich purchased in an airport “to go” restaurant proved to be much more tasty. We then walked out of Senor Frogs and gasped !! The line to get on the boat was all the way to the restaurant …. Approximately ¼ of a mile !! There must have been 1000+ people or more waiting in the HOT HOT sun. We heard later from other guests that they had waited 2.5+ hours to get checked in, and that some folks had suffered heat exhaustion. Although we had no problems, it was only because we were VIP’s. There has to be a better way to get folks on board !!

We stopped at the handy duty free store – avoid the 1st floor one; the 2nd floor store is way better - and purchased a bottle of Bacardi rum. There is no need whatsoever to smuggle booze on this ship. I went down later and was able to purchase [and get around the lines because of my blue VIP sail and sign card] a case of soda [$17] for our week long trip.

Our suite was terrific. Plenty of room to store stuff, plenty of room to move about, and a real tub and shower that you could actually turn around in. The bed was less than perfect and used a 4-5” foam mattress as its main support. I guess we are just used to our TemperPedic !! =)

Our steward was just ok; I guess I’ve never understood this guy’s purpose. Yes, he made our bed and cleaned the room 2 times a day, and yes, he left us chocolates and a pillow animal most nights, but those were the ONLY things he did for us. With the exception of the towel art, you can get this same treatment at Marriott’s and Holiday Inns all over the USA. Why does this guy deserve / expect a tip ? You don’t tip the cleaning folks at a Best Western !

Speaking of tips, were amazed to learn that Carnival charges your S&S card the “suggested” amount tip $70 per person – on the day you sail !! What gall !! We had that $140 removed from our account and paid the steward and waiters a tip in cash.

I will throw in a complaint about the internet service. My wife and I both have jobs that make it tough for us to be out of touch for 5 days straight. The internet service is way better on Carnival than RCCL, and you can get the service right in your cabin. Still, it’s frustrating to see your $$ [40 cents a minute for 250 mines] being eaten so quickly by “slower than dial up” like speed. Its 2009 folks … and we need to demand a fast and cheap internet connection all the time while on board.

I’m not going to go into a blow by blow account of what happened each day; however I’d like to share my observations and thoughts. My wife and I have been on one other cruise … a RCCL Adventure of the Seas with almost the same itinerary.

First off, Carnivals food – at least the buffets on the Lido deck – just plain SUCKS. Food on a cruise is supposed to WOW you, and nothing on this ship did at all, with the exception if the prime rib and lobster tail. My wife and I talked with 20-25 other couples on the ship, and all agreed that the buffet “trough”, as we called it, was mediocre at best,. There were no ice sculptures or veggie art as on RCCL. The food was pretty much the same each day with the exception of the meat carving station. Most of the time it was roast beef, but I did see turkey and a pork roast on 2 other nights. The buffet became to us a sort of a “last resort” for food. If you have a Golden Corral or Old County Buffett near you, the food on Victory is like that … only not as hot. Even sandwiches from the deli – and I LOVE deli – were on par with the stuff you would get at a fast food place. The chocolate warm melting cake is a favorite of many; I found it to be a gooey warm pudding like mess than tasted like a 10 year old made it and forgot to bake it all the way. A tip: if you are a big eater like I am, order 2 of the *appetizers. Many of them – the shrimp were my favorite – same in very small portions. The shrimp cocktail includes 4 shrimp. =)

The food in the dining room was way better, in fact the prime rib and lobster tail we had on “formal” night were really great. However, when doing day excursions and being out in the sun all day, it’s a sort of pain in the butt to have to be dressed and at the table at 6pm. I can see why a “dine anytime” option would be very popular.

My wife and I found the shows [we attended 4 of the 6] to be more on a high school or amateur level than a professional type. RCCL, which had a skating rink [and amazing show] and a Beatles Tribute band that I would pay $50 to see again. Carnival trots out the same singers and dancers night after night, along with a so so juggler, 2 comedians, and then the obligatory guest talent show. Borrrrrrrrrrrring !! The constant self promotion and rah rah rah from the Carnival staff proved tiresome after about Day 2.

The bottom line is this: the old saying about you get what you pay for is true. Carnival is a cheapo way to cruise and see the Caribbean. But, you will feel like a cow in a cattle car being fed hay.

I have saved all the Capers from each day if anyone has any questions. Comments are welcomed as well.

[rednose83]

Sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise.

[aggieastrosfan]

Originally Posted by PurpleDog

I went down later and was able to purchase [and get around the lines because of my blue VIP sail and sign card] a case of soda [$17] for our week long trip.

What kind of "VIP" S&S card did you have? There's no such thing unless you're platinum. A blue card just means you're a first-time Carnival cruiser.

[Kurbanfan]

Originally Posted by PurpleDog

? You don’t tip the cleaning folks at a Best Western !

I have never stayed in a Best Western........but every hotel I have ever stayed in we always leave a tip each day for the housekeeper.......

[kyrisong1]

Sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise.
Funny I've not been on RCCL but I have been on Celebrity twice and Carnival five times, I've never felt like a cow in a cattle car
I think to each their own, but food is subjective and I've heard people that didn't care of RCCLs food either. One suggestion I have it so try the different areas of food, you can go to the main dining room for all meals, there is also sandwich stations and pasta.
I agree the buffet is not good, but then I'm not a buffet person.
Hope you have better time on your next cruise, whoever that may be with.
Carole

[Travel Alot]

Sorry that your cruise was disappointing. I went on RCCL several times over the years, but still think Carnival is a better deal for the money. That is just me, though.

[NCTribeFan]

I did this cruise in May and absolutely loved it. Having done a ton of research way before sailing, and loving San Juan, we flew down the day before and stayed overnight. The next day, we checked out of the hotel and took a taxi into OSJ. We left our bags at Barrachina Restaurant ($5 tip and they'll keep them in a locked room for hours) and explored more of Old San Juan. Had lunch at the fabulous La Bombanera.

There's absolutely no need to eat at a chain place like Senor Frogs. I don't cruise to exotic foreign places to spend my time in places like that or Margaritaville!

Anyway, since I'd done my research, I knew that arriving later would allow the lines time to clear out. It took us about 20 minutes to check in, do a little shopping in the duty free liquor store, go through security and on to the ship. By then, the cabin was ready, so we were able to drop our carryons and THEN went back out to do even more exploring of fantastic Old San Juan.

I have no idea what you expect from your room steward. All I want is someone to keep the cabin clean. I don't want them around fawning over me. For me, good service (from anyone) means quick and efficient service. That's all I ask from the steward and the waiters. Our cabins stewards and dining service team were both excellent. You don't leave a tip for the hotel maids? I thought most people did that.

I don't eat my main meals at the buffet. I love the reuben sandwiches and the smoked salmon on bagel from the deli. I think the dining room dinners are very good to excellent.

I don't "do" the shows, so can't comment. Haven't been to one since our Miracle cruise in 12/07. But I sure as heck am not going to pay extra for an ice show.

On an itinerary like this, where it's all about the ports (for me, at least - otherwise, why book this cruise?), the ship isn't so important. In fact, for me, the ship isn't all that important on any cruise. I cruise to get to the ports! The ship and shipboard activities are just a pleasant bonus.

Sorry you weren't happy. Wonder how much "homework" you did here before you booked and before you cruised. People always manage to find time to let us know what they didn't like but often don't manage to find the time to do much research before they go so they know what to expect. Odd how that work, isn't it?

[Travel Alot]

Originally Posted by NCTribeFan

I did this cruise in May and absolutely loved it. Having done a ton of research way before sailing, and loving San Juan, we flew down the day before and stayed overnight. The next day, we checked out of the hotel and took a taxi into OSJ. We left our bags at Barrachina Restaurant ($5 tip and they'll keep them in a locked room for hours) and explored more of Old San Juan. Had lunch at the fabulous La Bombanera.

There's absolutely no need to eat at a chain place like Senor Frogs. I don't cruise to exotic foreign places to spend my time in places like that or Margaritaville!

Anyway, since I'd done my research, I knew that arriving later would allow the lines time to clear out. It took us about 20 minutes to check in, do a little shopping in the duty free liquor store, go through security and on to the ship. By then, the cabin was ready, so we were able to drop our carryons and THEN went back out to do even more exploring of fantastic Old San Juan.

I have no idea what you expect from your room steward. All I want is someone to keep the cabin clean. I don't want them around fawning over me. For me, good service (from anyone) means quick and efficient service. That's all I ask from the steward and the waiters. Our cabins stewards and dining service team were both excellent. You don't leave a tip for the hotel maids? I thought most people did that.

I don't eat my main meals at the buffet. I love the reuben sandwiches and the smoked salmon on bagel from the deli. I think the dining room dinners are very good to excellent.

I don't "do" the shows, so can't comment. Haven't been to one since our Miracle cruise in 12/07. But I sure as heck am not going to pay extra for an ice show.

On an itinerary like this, where it's all about the ports (for me, at least - otherwise, why book this cruise?), the ship isn't so important. In fact, for me, the ship isn't all that important on any cruise. I cruise to get to the ports! The ship and shipboard activities are just a pleasant bonus.

Sorry you weren't happy. Wonder how much "homework" you did here before you booked and before you cruised. People always manage to find time to let us know what they didn't like but often don't manage to find the time to do much research before they go so they know what to expect. Odd how that work, isn't it?

Good point regarding doing your "homework." I also agree with picking an itinerary...it is all about the ports....

[RaMar]

Too bad that you didn't like so many things on your Carnival cruise. I have been on RCCL cruises and Carnival's food is far better!

[Wolfie48]

Originally Posted by Travel Alot

Sorry that your cruise was disappointing. I went on RCCL several times over the years, but still think Carnival is a better deal for the money. That is just me, though.

He removed tips and wonders why his cabin steward was less than enthusiastic.

[LubbersLine]

PurpleDog - Some may apologize or say they're sorry for you not enjoying your cruise. You know what? I'm not sorry that you didn't enjoy your cruise because it appears to me that most if not all the things you complain about are things that you could have or should have known about before cruising.

1) How is the quality of Senor Frogs Carnival's fault? Whiner!

2) You had VIP check-in . Why or how the heck would you complain about the check-in lines when you had VIP check-in and you even mentioned that you had very little to no problem. Are you complaining just to complain?

3) Sounds like your steward did everything that he was supposed to do. Again, are you just complaining to complain?

4) You were amazed to learn about Carnival's tip charging policies? You mean you didn't read any of your documents that you signed before sailing? Who's fault is that? Ok, I'll answer that - it's YOUR fault!

5) Internet service is poor? Really? Again, you should have done some research before cruising and you'd know that most if not all ships have less than stellar bandwidth speeds.

6) Yea, the shrimp cocktail has 4 shrimp. Is that not enough for you? Ok. If that wasn't enough order another and another and another. What's the problem? I'm guessing Carnival only does 4 for a shrimp cocktail so that shrimp aren't wasted on people like you who wouldn't like the shrimp anyway. Also, it's a known fact that the DR has better food. The lido deck has buffet food. Ok. So eat in the DR like many do and stop complaining.

Final thoughts

1) There are many who posted comments and reviews about their cruise who make it very helpful to read whether they enjoyed their cruise or not. Your comments have no value at all.

Here's a review that is very helpful, states areas that they didn't like but didn't act like they were bashing Carnival. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1065816 Read it and learn!

2) I've concluded that you are a perpetual whiner and nothing would make you happy...oh...maybe except one thing. Going back to RCCL. That would make me happy too!

[law638]

I've stated before, I have sailed Carnival, RCCL & NCL, if I didn't look at the name on the side of the ship, I wouldn't know the difference. Never had a bad cruise & each had their own specialties.

[LemurCat]

Originally Posted by Kurbanfan

I have never stayed in a Best Western........but every hotel I have ever stayed in we always leave a tip each day for the housekeeper.......

Word. Also, the stewart is a stewart and not a butler or personal bodyman. He's there to clean your room twice a day and make you towel animals.

Seems the OP had some misconceptions as to what they were getting. I mean, it's not exactly shocking that Senor Frog's isn't doesn't have a Michelin star, or that it's a party haven. Just like it's not shocking that the buffet is inherently inferior to the dining service in the MDR.

[pe4all]

Originally Posted by Kurbanfan

I have never stayed in a Best Western........but every hotel I have ever stayed in we always leave a tip each day for the housekeeper.......

Actually, I also tip the housekeeper - no matter if it is a Holiday Inn, Best Western, Hilton, etc. I guess we are the exception to the rule...

[Tapi]

Originally Posted by PurpleDog

The rooms and the ship were not yet ready to board so we decided to walk down the boardwalk about ¼ of a mile or so to Senor Frogs. This place is an over priced “party and drink” type place which, if placed in the USA, would never stay in business for more than 3 months. I paid $17 for the steak fajitas, and they were just about inedible. My wife paid $15 or so for the nachos and they were of very very poor quality. Please eat in this place ONLY as a last resort.

I'm SO sorry to hear that you went to Senor Frog's! Of all the ports in the Caribbean, San Juan has some of the best selection of restaurants within walking distance of the port. The SOFO area (South Fortaleza street) alone boast restaurants like The Parrot Club (Nuevo Latino), Aguaviva (Seafood), and Dragonfly (Asian), and it's literally 5 minutes from the port.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and it makes me so sad when I read that someone went to San Juan, and their memories consist of a quick visit to Senor Frog's or the Hard Rock Cafe. Old San Juan has SO much to offer, not only the cuisine, but also point of interest, museums, architecture, and history!

By the way, just a minor technicality, but Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the USA. Senor Frogs does have other stores in the continental USA (mostly tourist destinations). It is a company catering mostly to the American tourist who doesn't know any better. I'm very sorry to hear that you were another one of their victims...

[RaMar]

Originally Posted by LubbersLine

PurpleDog - Some may apologize or say they're sorry for you not enjoying your cruise. You know what? I'm not sorry that you didn't enjoy your cruise because it appears to me that most if not all the things you complain about are things that you could have or should have known about before cruising.

1) How is the quality of Senor Frogs Carnival's fault? Whiner!

2) You had VIP check-in . Why or how the heck would you complain about the check-in lines when you had VIP check-in and you even mentioned that you had very little to no problem. Are you complaining just to complain?

3) Sounds like your steward did everything that he was supposed to do. Again, are you just complaining to complain?

4) You were amazed to learn about Carnival's tip charging policies? You mean you didn't read any of your documents that you signed before sailing? Who's fault is that? Ok, I'll answer that - it's YOUR fault!

5) Internet service is poor? Really? Again, you should have done some research before cruising and you'd know that most if not all ships have less than stellar bandwidth speeds.

6) Yea, the shrimp cocktail has 4 shrimp. Is that not enough for you? Ok. If that wasn't enough order another and another and another. What's the problem? I'm guessing Carnival only does 4 for a shrimp cocktail so that shrimp aren't wasted on people like you who wouldn't like the shrimp anyway. Also, it's a known fact that the DR has better food. The lido deck has buffet food. Ok. So eat in the DR like many do and stop complaining.

Final thoughts

1) There are many who posted comments and reviews about their cruise who make it very helpful to read whether they enjoyed their cruise or not. Your comments have no value at all.

Here's a review that is very helpful, states areas that they didn't like but didn't act like they were bashing Carnival. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1065816 Read it and learn!

2) I've concluded that you are a perpetual whiner and nothing would make you happy...oh...maybe except one thing. Going back to RCCL. That would make me happy too!

ditto! ditto! ditto!

[alphakitty]

Originally Posted by pe4all

Actually, I also tip the housekeeper - no matter if it is a Holiday Inn, Best Western, Hilton, etc. I guess we are the exception to the rule...

I don't think so....we too, always tip housekeeping in any hotel/motel we stay in. I think we are the "norm", at least I like to think so.

[Wolfie48]

Originally Posted by pe4all

Actually, I also tip the housekeeper - no matter if it is a Holiday Inn, Best Western, Hilton, etc. I guess we are the exception to the rule...

Not the only exceptions....I always tip the houskeeping staff as well.

[Wolfie48]

Originally Posted by Tapi

I'm SO sorry to hear that you went to Senor Frog's! Of all the ports in the Caribbean, San Juan has some of the best selection of restaurants within walking distance of the port. The SOFO area (South Fortaleza street) alone boast restaurants like The Parrot Club (Nuevo Latino), Aguaviva (Seafood), and Dragonfly (Asian), and it's literally 5 minutes from the port.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and it makes me so sad when I read that someone went to San Juan, and their memories consist of a quick visit to Senor Frog's or the Hard Rock Cafe. Old San Juan has SO much to offer, not only the cuisine, but also point of interest, museums, architecture, and history!

By the way, just a minor technicality, but Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the USA. Senor Frogs does have other stores in the continental USA (mostly tourist destinations). It is a company catering mostly to the American tourist who doesn't know any better. I'm very sorry to hear that you were another one of their victims...

OP was a victim of his own ignorance!

[thunderbaycruiser]

Oh, where to start.

First of all, you did not have a special "blue" VIP S&S card. Yes, you were classified VIP because of the suite, but "blue" just means you are a newbie... first cruise on Carnival.

Sounds like you have stayed in hotels before and even been on a cruise before. How could you possibly not understand what a room steward does?? And what more could you possibly want from a room steward?? They mostly clean and tidy like housekeeping in a hotel - only twice a day rather than once. They are not butlers.

I totally don't understand your problem with the automatic tips... I mean $10 per day to cover tipping just about everyone? That is more than fair. Sure beats getting a bunch of envelopes at the end of the cruise to stuff with tips. Been there, done that! Love that it just goes on the S&S account now. Oh, and shame on you for never tipping housekeeping staff in a hotel! Try googling "tipping" and "etiquette". Could be fun.

And speaking of the internets - maybe the cruise lines could get a long extension cord and offer cable or dsl at sea. That'ld be fast! Though the cables might get tangled. Hmmmm. We all know its 2009, but demanding faster internet at sea shows a complete lack of knowledge about things like satellites and the whole space/time continuum thing. Maybe stay on shore in the future at a hotel with free housekeeping and fast internet!

Finally, all I have to say about food is you must have a GREAT Old Country Buffet where you live cuz DAMN they serve some nasty stuff - none of which I could finish the one time I made the mistake of eating there. And I love to eat! Comparing Carnival's buffets to OCB? That's just harsh. Perhaps you are just an OCB regular or one of those tourists who want everything (especially food) the same as back home. Some people just don't cope well with change. Personally, I loved the variety of different international themes each day at Carnival's lido buffets for lunch.

All I can say is this: RCCL is lucky to have ya!!