Just Back From Victory 8-14

[Shamrock359]

Wow! That just about sums up my feelings for this cruise. Our party of 8 had 3 past cruisers (Tropicale), and 5 first timers. All of us were blown away.

Embarkation was a breeze. We arrived by private car at around noon on Saturday. We were in our cabins by 12:30. My husband and I had a suite on the Empress Deck, 2 inside cabins, and 1 balcony for the remainder of our group. All the cabins were nice but ours was just amazing. It was truly nicer and more functional than a lot of hotel rooms I have stayed in. I will say this--the photos on the Carnival site depicting this room are completely accurate. I don't think I could sail again unless it was in a suite. Well worth the money.

Our steward could have been better. My niece had better steward service in her inside cabin than we did in our suite. Out of 5 nights, we only received turn down service for 3 which led to us not receiving Carnival Capers for following day. She also charged us twice for bottled water in the room. When I asked her about this, she said she would look into it. The charge is still there. I am going to contact Carnival about it.

On a high note, the food was excellent no matter where you ate. We were in the Atlantic main seating. Our wait stafff of Dar and Liviu were absoultely incredible. We never wanted for anything. Many nights, they would suggest ordering 2 of the dinners to compliment each other. Dar used to encourage us to try more than 1 appetizer. Outstanding describes them both. They do a great song and dance routine on most nights as well. They truly love what they do. The Mediterranean restaurant (buffet) was also very good. The kids loved the 24 hour pizza and ice cream. I could not find one thing to complain about as far as the food. Drinks were good, but a little strong. I love mixed drinks but most were just too strong to have more than 1. On our last night there, I found a drink that was very good--Kiss on the lips. This is peach schnapps with mango. Very good.

The shows were very good. The comedian, David Saygh was outrageous. The sing a long bar with Cam was out of this world. Dana, the cruise director was hilarious.

All in all, we had a tremendous time. If you have any questions, I would love to help you out because I had a lot of help from this site. We were glad we brought the bungee cords (keep door opened), I wish I had brought along our own bottled water, and just so you know, no one checks anything. We got off the ship in NY and breezed through customs. Same thing boarding. Thanks to all of you for making our first cruise so great!! I am already checking out the Caribbean for next year!!

[gsb]

was there a 3 or 4 peice Philippino band in a lounge playing oldies?
Also, could you tell us more about Cam and the piano bar?
Thx again--we'll be on there 9-18.

[BillyMetz]

Shamrock359, where did you cruise too? I am on the Victory next month going to New England/Canada. Really looking forward to the cruise.

[ParrotheadMel]

So glad to hear you had a great time. We have a balcony room for 10/10 to Bahamas on Victory. I have some questions if you don't mind.

Did your friends like their balcony room? What deck were they on?
Who was the Cruise Director? Did you like him/her?
Do you remember if there was sushi? Where/when?
What did you think of the aft pool with the retractable cover? I've never been on a ship with one a these before? Does it eliminate some of the "outside" feeling other ships have? I would miss that.
Did you have a hard time getting around the ship? Some posts say it is confusing.

Thanks!

[ali38]

leaving next sat. for canada, how was the weather and the ports and what excursions did you do? still unsure of what to pack. thanks

[sedbandmom]

Love your review! Were you in a Cat 11 or 12? Do you know where the laundry room is on the Empress deck? We're sailing 10/10/04 on the Victory.
Thanks for your help.

[ldohe]

We just returned yesterday from the 5 night Victory to Canada and it was great. We were lucky to have a great room steward -we had a balcony on the Empress Deck #7366. Waiters were great - had our drinks waiting for us. First cruise and we loved the whole thing.
In ports we rented a car both places because we are a family of four and found it more economical and we liked the freedom. We drove to Peggy's Cove in Halifax and also to the Citadel. Hertz had preprinted directions to where ever you wanted to go. Cost was around $50 American.
In St. John we drove the Fundy Trail and walked on the suspension bridge. at the end of the drive. We also had a lobster lunch in St. Martin's overlooking the seacaves. It was great. Any other questions, I'll try to answer them.

[Shamrock359]

Originally Posted by gsb

was there a 3 or 4 peice Philippino band in a lounge playing oldies?
Also, could you tell us more about Cam and the piano bar?
Thx again--we'll be on there 9-18.

Cam had everybody singing!! Piano revolves and everyone sits around and sings along. By far, the most popular spot on the ship. Get there early because it's standing room only later on.

As far as the Philippino band, I can't say for sure. There was lots of reggae, and I know the kids lounge had great tunes according to my niece and nephew. You're going to love it!!

[Shamrock359]

Originally Posted by BillyMetz

Shamrock359, where did you cruise too? I am on the Victory next month going to New England/Canada. Really looking forward to the cruise.

We cruised to St. John and Halifax. Because of the weather, our itinirary was shifted so that we would arrive in Halifax first, then St. Johns. We did the Harbor Hopper in Halifax which was great, and in St. Johns we went on a private tour from the port taxis which I STRONGLY do not recommend. Rent a car, you will be better off. Very easy to get around there.

[Shamrock359]

Originally Posted by ParrotheadMel

So glad to hear you had a great time. We have a balcony room for 10/10 to Bahamas on Victory. I have some questions if you don't mind.

Did your friends like their balcony room? What deck were they on?
Who was the Cruise Director? Did you like him/her?
Do you remember if there was sushi? Where/when?
What did you think of the aft pool with the retractable cover? I've never been on a ship with one a these before? Does it eliminate some of the "outside" feeling other ships have? I would miss that.
Did you have a hard time getting around the ship? Some posts say it is confusing.

Thanks!

The balcony room was really very nice, but, when you compared it to the room we were in, well, it just can't compare. The cruise director was Dana Hodson who was wonderful. Don't miss his "Not so Newlywed" and "Marriage" games. Very funny!! His assistant Simon was also great. The aft pool with the retractable cover was very cool. The weather was foggy, misty and rainy so it came in very handy. You really don't even notice that the cover is on. It is a marvel how it is designed. Walk above it when it's opened and you'll see what I mean. The ship was VERY easy to manuver. As soon as you board, they give you the deck plan. Really easy to follow. The only place people were having a hard time finding was the Pacific Dining Room. Only 1 elevator goes directly there, but what you can do is follow the directions posted at the pursers desk.

Have a great time!!

[Shamrock359]

Originally Posted by ParrotheadMel

So glad to hear you had a great time. We have a balcony room for 10/10 to Bahamas on Victory. I have some questions if you don't mind.

Did your friends like their balcony room? What deck were they on?
Who was the Cruise Director? Did you like him/her?
Do you remember if there was sushi? Where/when?
What did you think of the aft pool with the retractable cover? I've never been on a ship with one a these before? Does it eliminate some of the "outside" feeling other ships have? I would miss that.
Did you have a hard time getting around the ship? Some posts say it is confusing.

Thanks!

My friends were on the Empress Deck, Deck 7 forward. The balcony room is nice, but the suite is to die for. There was absolutely no sushi on the ship except for the night of the Gala Buffet, and then it was only for decoration. We checked with the Matre D and several staff members to verify this.

[Shamrock359]

Originally Posted by sedbandmom

Love your review! Were you in a Cat 11 or 12? Do you know where the laundry room is on the Empress deck? We're sailing 10/10/04 on the Victory.
Thanks for your help.

We were in a Cat 11 and I've got to be honest, I never even gave the laundry room a second thought so I can't help you there. Have a great time!!

[ParrotheadMel]

thanks so much for your answers! We are looking forward to 10/10! We are going to the Bahamas so the weather will hopefully allow for the roof to be open over the pool..

[Shamrock359]

Originally Posted by ali38

leaving next sat. for canada, how was the weather and the ports and what excursions did you do? still unsure of what to pack. thanks

We made the big mistake of packing shorts and such not realizing that it is much cooler in Canada. The water temp there is only around 50 so the breeze off the water is cool. I would pack some sweatshirts and jeans. In Halifax we did the Harbor Hopper which was pretty good, walked around the port, and then shopped at Pier 21 which was pretty good. In St. Johns, we hired a private taxi from the port at the cost of 6 people for $35 per hour. We only wanted to see the reversing falls, but these guys (we had 2 cars) really took advantage of us and basically kidnapped us for 5 hours. We did go to the Fundy trail, and St. Martins but we were really racing the clock to get back to the ship. Beware of these guys at the port. Rent a car. It is really easy to get around there. They will give you maps right at the port.

Happy Sailing!

[marcyjane]

Noticed that you mention that the ship went to Halifax first.


My question is really to anyone that has had tours already booked via internet or by phone for the ports of call (not ship tours) what did you do? How would you get in touch with the tour company? I quess they would know that the ship has changed or maybe not.

We will be on Victory Sept. 25th, New York to Halifax 7days.

Thanks

[SocLaxSim]

I have some questions, becuase I am going on this same cruise on Monday, I am wicked excited. I think there is a formal night but just want to make sure. Also, we have spring for a suite on the Empress deck I think, it's 72somethign something. Anyway, after all these great reviews I am even more excited. Anyone do the brewery tour or can really suggest or advise on what they heard or did on their cruise. Thanks.

[inforem]

My son and his g/f will be going on the cruise also . They are around the same age as you....maybe you guys can hook up?

[sedbandmom]

Glad you enjoyed the suite. We booked a balcony cabin on the Lido deck and found out we have been upgraded to a Cat 11 (7322). Was the fridge stocked with any items? Is the tub a decent size? What about the balcony? Was the area quiet?
Thanks.

[Shamrock359]

Originally Posted by sedbandmom

Glad you enjoyed the suite. We booked a balcony cabin on the Lido deck and found out we have been upgraded to a Cat 11 (7322). Was the fridge stocked with any items? Is the tub a decent size? What about the balcony? Was the area quiet?
Thanks.

You will be in the same area as we were on the same deck. It's a great deck, very quiet, and convenient to all. 2 floors up to Lido, and only 2 floors down to Atrium. The mini fridge is stocked with all sorts of liquors, pretzels, pringles, M & Ms, etc. I would not touch them with a 10 foot pole. Not only do you get charged for what you take out, they add another 15% service fee to restock. Bring your own soda and water. The tub is a jacuzzi which fits 2 quite nicely. The balcony is super big with 2 sitting chairs and a small table AND 2 small reclining lounge chairs with another table as well. You will LOVE this suite. The pictures on Carnival's website very accurately depict this room. Have a GREAT time!!!

[SocLaxSim]

So on the 5 day Victory Cruise to Canada, that I believe we are all talking about, is there an official formal night? On my cruise to the Caribbean l had 2 I think, maybe 1 but it was a definite formal night. So was packing and trying on a tux worth it, or did I just waste a lot of time and energy. I leave monday!