Back from the January 2, 2017 sailing of Carnival Victory

I really don't have an intense review. Just stories and observations! There were four of us, me, my husband and our two boys - 18 and almost 14. We fit this cruise in while my older son was still home on break, and where my younger one wouldn't miss much school.

We flew down to Florida on the 30th, we flew into West Palm because we were visiting my in-laws for a few days pre-cruise, and they live in Port St. Lucie. We left for Miami on January 1, and stayed at the Marriott Biscayne Bay. We took our time in the morning, had a room with a little balcony and a view of the port. Had rained a little, but was done and was warming up. We had a 10:30-11:00 check in. Since the 2nd was the legal holiday for New Year's Day, there was no traffic, and we got to the port rather quickly. We joined the line, and showed our paperwork, they were really looking for the check in time. It wasn't long and we were allowed in. We had heard about the Victory and having late check-in's with the upgrades, but we think that it had stopped for the holidays.

We got through the security quickly and even the line to check in. The Carnival Employee checking us in was trying to tell us that when we left the ship at the ports we no longer had to worry about a photo ID, because our Card shows all the information....I at first tried to correct him, but he wouldn't hear of it, so I gave up. Thought that we would be there forever if I said anymore.....my husband and I just laughed every time we heard an announcement about taking your photo ID with you when you left the ship.

It did seem like an eternity, but we finally got on board. We had a lot of gift cards that we had through both Verizon and AARP (Oh no, you can guess our ages...well at least my husband's I only have the spouse membership!!) so we took advantage of short lines and had them added to our account. Then we bought our CHEERS. We headed up to the LIDO, it was crowded, of course, but we settled near Sirens' Pool in the back of the ship. My oldest son and I went to get some pizza, it is was right in the back there. He has Celiac Disease so has to eat gluten free. He never had a problem with the pizza there, so that is always on the go to list when hungry. After we ate we went to see the dinning room, we always go to talk to a dinning room staff member so that my son can order his dinner early to assure that it is GF.

I have to say that when given warning, Carnival does a great job with GF. Every night he orders for the next night. They are honest and tell him what works and what doesn't work.

The next few hours were a blur, went to our cabin, 8th floor balcony, boys were an inside across the hall. We unpacked. We hung out on the Lido Deck, and started to think something wasn't just right...we weren't leaving...Captain came on a few times explaining that we were delayed, and that as soon as local customs would approve it, we would be on our way....pretty soon all the ships were gone....we were still there. There was some interesting things happening on the port, and a lot of rumors. The most rumored was that someone had packed a gun in their checked baggage, and they were removed from the ship. Eventually we were on our way. Even though we were pulling out later than normal, even later then the normal for the delays due to loading the ship for the upgrades, we were assured that we would be on time for Key West. Dinner was great, we had a small table for only 4 of us, we are not used to that, we usually like getting to know others, but it was great to spend time with my college son. We made the younger one come to dinner the first night to meet the staff, then he left, his teen club had their meet and greet at 8:30, and we had late seating. The only other night we had him come was the next night for cruise elegant.

The next morning we wake up, I usually hang out my room service tag to have coffee delivered early, so I can enjoy it while getting ready for my day. I thought that it was odd that it was 6:30 and we weren't by Key West yet....at 8 am the four of us went to the dinning room for breakfast. I am not a buffet person. When given a choice, I want to sit down and have a breakfast served to me, not one i have to wait in line for, and my son believes that eating in the dinning room gave him less of a risk for contamination. So we are done breakfast and...still not in port...so we start listening to rumors....apparently overnight we stopped for a raft of Cuban Nationals, and the ship stayed with the raft until the Coast Guard came to rescue them. When I hear those stories they make me very sad. So those rumors were true, and we had a note in our cabin explaining it, and telling us our time in Key West was extended.

Key West is always fun for my husband and I. We have our favorite places that we like to head to, we usually do an on/off trolley. We love to hear the stories from the drivers. We had gotten our tickets through Groupon, so saved us some money there. We ended our time in Key West at Amigos Tortilla Bar. Easy walk to the ship from there. Margarita was great, but the best was their knowledge of gluten free, and offering gluten free items on their menu. Kermits also had a GF Key Lime Pie. That was very enjoyable. When we went to get back on the ship we had the crazy line of people waiting to get on. Key West is always one of those ports that everyone heads back at the same time. Our extended time to be back was 2:30, and by I guess 2:45 they were calling for two names. Soon after we are watching two people rushing down the pier...I always wanted to know what their stories are, and what they were doing!!!!

Next day was Cozumel. That is our beach/pool day. We headed to Paradise Island. Stayed until it closed, and got to watch a decent sunset. Met some awesome college kids, and we all grabbed a larger van back to the port. We did some shopping, I never miss a time an opportunity to pick up my Cholula Hot Sauce and vanilla. Younger one headed to the ship to meet up with some friends, and we took the 18 year old out for a drink, since it was legal in Mexico, I can say he did enjoy his day! That night dinner was open seating, just had to be there by 9:30. They looked up what my son ordered, and even though we weren't at our normal table, they all knew that he was GF.

The Sea Day was uneventful for us. We just relaxed. The older one got up and joined me for the Sea Day Brunch. We both had steak and eggs. I think I have always wanted to have them, and have never ordered them, so good enough time as ever to try. It was good, but honestly, I am pretty easy to please. I had wanted a drink, and really the only complaint I had was that getting a bar waiter in the dinning room wasn't always easy. Spent the rest of the day pretty much at the adult pool/hot tubs. Earlier in the cruise we attempted Serenity Lounge, but it was always so crowded. We really enjoyed Sirens' Pool area. They did enforce that it was Adult only. I didn't see any pre-teens or teens trying to get in the pool or hot tubs, but did see a man with his rather young child. He was told that he couldn't have her there, he wasn't happy about it, he thought that they other pool was colder and too crowded since she was so young, but he did finally leave.

On Friday we sadly woke up, packed up whatever we didn't put in the hall Thursday Night, and headed to breakfast. We stayed in the dinning room until we were kicked out (ok, not really kicked out, but I am pretty sure we were the last to leave!) We were off the ship pretty quickly. There were some very impatient people in line, but didn't let it bother us. Got through customs and then back to reality!

We had a rental car for the day since we were flying out of West Palm. It was cheaper then any transport for the 4 of us. We made good time up 95, and stopped an exit past the turnpike for a bite to eat. That is where we heard about the shooting at Fort Lauderdale Airport. We had many friends text us to see where we were. We knew a few people from our cruise flying home from there. Eventually we got a hold of them, and they were all safe. At West Palm Beach security was increased, but we got through quickly. While waiting for our flight we noticed a number of flights coming in that had been detoured. Those passengers were milling around waiting for further instructions. It was a really sad day, and not a day to feel comfortable flying!

On deck 8, our cabin had not been upgraded. We did not have a flat screen TV, but our kids did have a flat screen in their interior. While yes, the bathrooms were an ugly color, it really didn't bother us, or interfere with us having a great cruise. We lost my Dad a week before Christmas, so for us, it was all about family time. The showers were always hot, and had great water pressure. We had terrific weather, and never once smelled anything odd. The wait staff was great!! Our room steward was fine too. Room was always clean, we asked for ice, and got it right way, and he always kept fresh ice in it. I told him that I always wanted extra towels, I am a bit of a loon about wrapping my hair when I come out of the shower, and there were days I had to remind him, but it was still good. When he asked if we wanted morning, afternoon or both, I said both, but not on all days! Told him morning and we would play it by ear on how the rest of the day goes. He usually did an evening clean up, turned down the bed, and gave us fresh towels.

Cruise was great, wonderful time with my boys. The ship isn't new, but I knew that going in. I am sorry that my post went on forever, and I am sure most of it is boring, but I am glad to answer any questions. If I think of anything more, I will be sure to add to it.

Thanks for the review.

Thanks for the review.

You are welcome. Before we went on, I read some bad reviews, and I just wanted to get a positive one out there!

I usually love the piano bar. In December of 2015 I had the most amazing Piano Bar entertainer on Ecstasy. His name is Eden, and I will forever compare everyone to him! The first night my husband and I went to listen for awhile. I honestly forget what his name was. He was good, but it wasn't crowded, and it just seemed like every time I went in, I would always come in right before he took a break. Earlier the first day my younger son who loves music, told me about a really great guitar player he was listening to. As I was headed to my cabin, I heard a great voice from the lobby bar. I went down to investigate. OMG, this mas was amazing. I think his name was Daniel. He was from Ireland, and I thought he did a great job. Whenever I found him playing, I would stop and listen to him. I would have rather watch him play than sit at the Piano Bar. Also there was an '80's Rock Band on the ship, usually played by the casino. I would listen to them, but I really can't stand the smoke by the casino, so it would keep me away.

Not my cruise but I wish you could write one for mine 😊

Sent from my SM-N900P using Forums mobile app

Not my cruise but I wish you could write one for mine 😊

 

Sent from my SM-N900P using Forums mobile app

Sorry! Let me guess you are in that "I can't wait for my cruise so I keep reading reviews" mode?

When is your cruise and what ship?

February Norwegian Gem

Sent from my SM-N900P using Forums mobile app

I am going on this exact cruise in March. I have 2 questions. First do you need a trolley pass to get around at Key West or could you walk it? Secondly when you dock at Cozumel can you walk to a beach or do you have to find transportation ? We are just planning maybe some shopping and beach time.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I am going on this exact cruise in March. I have 2 questions. First do you need a trolley pass to get around at Key West or could you walk it? Secondly when you dock at Cozumel can you walk to a beach or do you have to find transportation ? We are just planning maybe some shopping and beach time.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

You can easily walk it, it might depend on what you want to do. We like the trolley because we tend to people watch, and love hearing stories of the area. We also usually find that the Trolley Drivers have their own great stories!! We did discuss that next time we might not even try the Trolley, and just go to the places we like to go to.

I don't think there is a beach that you can just walk to. I never have. When you walk out the pier the taxis are right there, and they have their prices listed. So you know before you get in the cab, it is $15 for 4 to go to Paradise Beach. I am sure there are closer beaches, just ask under Cozumel on the ports forum.

We will be on the Victory in March as well. I love both ports and we just normally walk Key West and eat at Garbo's grill. just can't decide between Nachi or Paradise beach. I'm thinking Paradise will when out this cruise. Thanks for your review! :)

We will be on the Victory in March as well. I love both ports and we just normally walk Key West and eat at Garbo's grill. just can't decide between Nachi or Paradise beach. I'm thinking Paradise will when out this cruise. Thanks for your review! :)

My kids asked us to make our next cruise different ports, they are starting to want to see other places! So next Christmas we will do Bahamas. We never did Nachi, we just love Paradise Beach. This year I spent a lot more then I normally do at Paradise Beach, but I think that had something to do with have another person able to consume alcohol on this portion of the trip!

Thanks for this great review. It was well written, informative and a quick read.

I have a question about GF. You said your son hasn't had problems with pizza, do they have GF pizza?

Thanks.

Thanks for this great review. It was well written, informative and a quick read.

 

I have a question about GF. You said your son hasn't had problems with pizza, do they have GF pizza?

 

Thanks.

Yes, they have GF Pizza, and they were very aware of keeping cross-contamination down. Thanks for the nice words, and if you have any gf questions, please let me know!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app

Thanks so much for your review! So glad that you had a great time, and had great selections for GF. I sailed on 12/19. We were on the 7th deck and our balcony cabins were upgraded. They were absolutely beautiful and look like the cabins on the Breeze. I agree! We loved David the guitarist. What a beautiful voice. On our cruise, our cruise was decorated for Christmas. They had Christmas activities every night as well as a Christmas show on the last afternoon.

Thank you for the review! We'll be sailing same itinerary in about 2 months. Good to hear that things went well despite some bumps.

My sister and I will be sailing on the Victory 2/3. Thank you for your review. I hope Daniel is still on board.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Forums mobile app

I usually love the piano bar. In December of 2015 I had the most amazing Piano Bar entertainer on Ecstasy. His name is Eden, and I will forever compare everyone to him! The first night my husband and I went to listen for awhile. I honestly forget what his name was. He was good, but it wasn't crowded, and it just seemed like every time I went in, I would always come in right before he took a break. Earlier the first day my younger son who loves music, told me about a really great guitar player he was listening to. As I was headed to my cabin, I heard a great voice from the lobby bar. I went down to investigate. OMG, this mas was amazing. I think his name was Daniel. He was from Ireland, and I thought he did a great job. Whenever I found him playing, I would stop and listen to him. I would have rather watch him play than sit at the Piano Bar. Also there was an '80's Rock Band on the ship, usually played by the casino. I would listen to them, but I really can't stand the smoke by the casino, so it would keep me away.

I know what you mean about the casino smoke by the bandstand. When I wanted to listen to the music I would have to si past the casino bar in the promenade.

just out of curious what room where you in? We are on the 8th deck in Feb....and I am hopnig our room gets re done by then. I have been seeing really nice pics of other rooms. We usually stay on the 6th deck but this time chose something different haha...just our luck!

Thanks for the review, and let me say I am sorry for your loss.

We have over a year before we sail on the Victory, but I can't help but read every possible review!

Thank you for the review! Can't wait for our Victory cruise in May!

Did you try the Seafood Shack?

Thanks so much for your review! So glad that you had a great time, and had great selections for GF. I sailed on 12/19. We were on the 7th deck and our balcony cabins were upgraded. They were absolutely beautiful and look like the cabins on the Breeze. I agree! We loved David the guitarist. What a beautiful voice. On our cruise, our cruise was decorated for Christmas. They had Christmas activities every night as well as a Christmas show on the last afternoon.

Thank you! Yes, his name was David. My husband reminded me Daniel was the piano player. The ship was still decorated for Christmas, it looked really pretty.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app

Thank you for the review! We'll be sailing same itinerary in about 2 months. Good to hear that things went well despite some bumps.

I always believe that your mindset has more to do with if you have a good time or not. Enjoy your cruise!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app

My sister and I will be sailing on the Victory 2/3. Thank you for your review. I hope Daniel is still on board.

 

Sent from my SM-G900T using Forums mobile app

Enjoy! I was corrected that David is the guitarist!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app

I know what you mean about the casino smoke by the bandstand. When I wanted to listen to the music I would have to si past the casino bar in the promenade.

I start coughing the minute I walk by!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app

just out of curious what room where you in? We are on the 8th deck in Feb....and I am hopnig our room gets re done by then. I have been seeing really nice pics of other rooms. We usually stay on the 6th deck but this time chose something different haha...just our luck!

We were in 8275, our boys 8273. When I made the plans, we didn't have any idea the rooms were being redone, so I tried not to think about it too much!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app