Valor 12/27-01/03 Happy New Year!

[themadzins]

We just returned from a week on the Valor. We were a party of 8 adults and 3 kids, 18, 16, 13. All had a great time.

 

Here are the basics…

Our room was 2346. It was an inside cabin. Yes, it is small. If you keep it fairly organized it is sufficient for your sleeping needs. The bedding is super comfortable and we had the best sleep ever! The bathroom is small but well designed. There are plenty of shelves for storage. The shower is big enough. I was sure to place the extra towel on the floor to mop up any water that may escape while showering. The drawback…it got super hot in our cabin after showering. That was uncomfortable but there was nothing we could do. The thermostat was at its lowest setting.

 

The kid’s cabin was 2350. They had two beds on the floor and one that came down from the ceiling. It was the exact same size cabin as ours. They did not seem to have a temperature control problem.

 

Our ship hit some rough seas a few times. You definitely could feel the movement in our cabin. The others in our party were on deck 8 and they too could feel it. Docking was never an issue. We never felt anything. Maybe that is because we slept so soundly.

 

We all ate dinner each night in the Lincoln Dining Room Lower. Sasa was our fabulous waiter. The food was delicious but the service was extraordinary! Sasa and his team kept us entertained each night. The plan was to skip a sit down dinner one night but we did not want to miss seeing Sasa so we dined in the dining room every night.

 

After dinner we hit the bars and the casino. The Piano Bar was fun with Larry, although a songbook might help him a lot! The Casino Bar was fun when the band was playing. Some of my party did the karaoke each night in the Eagles Lounge and really enjoyed that. None of us made it to Paris Hot. The Lobby Bar on our last night at sea was enjoyable. The piano player and woman singing were great! People watching on the Promenade was fun. There are many sights and sounds to entertain. Sammy at the Adult Pool Bar late night was great to chat with. Two of the kids participated in the Kid’s Club activities and really enjoyed themselves.

 

But the best thing on board the ship was the New Year’s Eve Deck Party. Our family had a blast! It was so much fun! So much fun that we are considering another NYE vacation!

 

Lunch, when we were on board was in Rosie’s on the Lido. It was a buffet. The food was good. The ice cream was better! The grilled ham & cheese at the deli is tasty.

 

Breakfast was also at Rosie’s. We ordered room service for breakfast too. It was nice to get some fruit and juice right in your room while getting ready for the day.

 

In port…

 

Grand Cayman- We did not schedule anything. We got off the ship and found our way to Paradise Beach Bar and snorkeled. They wanted $35/person but my husband negotiated to 2 for $35 so that was a good deal. Others in our group did scuba and the submarine. They liked both activities. Eventually, via Margaritaville, we all got back on board.

 

Roatan-Again, no excursion was booked. We went to the beach at Mahogany Bay. It was very nice with lots of chairs and lots of people. We wish now that we went to an actual beach in Roatan. Some of our party zip lined and absolutely loved it. While some just remained on board.

 

Belize-We all scheduled to go to Altun Ha with Major Tom. Then after that 7 would go cave tubing. Well….that was not the case. We got to the Major Tom meeting place and were told no cave tubing. Then…ONE HOUR LATER AT LEAST...we got into a van to go to the ruins. The wait really deflated our group. But the ruins were nice and the ride to them was eventful to say the least. When asked if we could zip line after the ruins we were told it was too far away. Looking back, we are not sure how they were actually going to get our group to the caves in time either since the caves and zip line are in the same area. We think they were agreeing to something they had no way of fulfilling.

 

Cozumel-Some stayed on the boat. Most of us went to Paradise Beach. It was a great place especially for the kids. Lots of cool water stuff. We enjoyed some time in the water and did a little snorkeling near the pier.

 

All in all, the Valor was great! She treated us very well and we would not hesitate to sail her again.

 

Extra information…

After reading some of the “packing lists” on these boards I was afraid to travel without my kitchen sink ;) I did bring an extension cord. I did use it when I charged my cameras and needed to use the curling iron. It was good to have the extra plug space. The over the door thing, imo, is not needed. There were a lot of shelves in the bath. There were a lot of hangers in our closets. I did bring some extras but did not need them. The kids next door did need to use them but they had 3 people in the room.

 

We purchased an internet package as my DH had to check on his business. It was slow but it worked ok from our laptop in our cabin.

 

Contrary to what some say, you DO feel the ship moving at all times. At least I did. I did not get physically sick but I did feel lousy one day but not enough to keep me in our room! I wore my sea bands all the time. And to be completely honest, I still feel like I am on the ship 4 days later! Some of my family was not bothered at all.

 

And finally, make sure to relax and enjoy!

[giftcard]

Thanks for your review!!!

[cbressler76]

Thanks for the review!!

[B and B Rookie Cannucks]

What zip lines did your party use in Roatan? Glad you had a good trip we will be sailing for our third time on the Valor next week.

[AryMay]

We got off the ship and found our way to Paradise Beach Bar and snorkeled. They wanted $35/person but my husband negotiated to 2 for $35 so that was a good deal.

 

What exactly did they charge for....equipment rental or just the use of their "beach"? I was under the impression that you could snorkel here for free (we have done it in the past.)

 

I am willing to purchase food/drinks from the bar, but was hoping the snorkeling would be free since we have our own equipment.

[cruisingbajan]

Thanks for posting.

 

How was Altun Ha? Was the climb steep? How as the weather? Was sunblock, bug spray needed? Sorry for all the questions.

[DqALEX]

Thanks for posting. I see a cruise on the Valor in the next few years

[rollmeaway27]

Thanks so much for the review.

You mentioned zip-lining in Roatan.Was that the one right by Mahogany Bay?If it was,did they have a good time?

Thanks again.

[Bermuda C]

Thanks for the review. I am on the Valor in 9 days.

[Froufie]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise! I am so looking forward to mine!

 

Do you remember what nights were formal nights? Also any shows/entertainment that stood out? (I have also heard Larry in the Piano Bar is pretty lame - what a pity!).

 

Also interested in your Altun Ha experience.

 

And wondering if you kept a copy of your Capers and would be able to share them? :D

 

Thanks!

[themadzins]

What exactly did they charge for....equipment rental or just the use of their "beach"? I was under the impression that you could snorkel here for free (we have done it in the past.)

 

I am willing to purchase food/drinks from the bar, but was hoping the snorkeling would be free since we have our own equipment.

 

 

We paid to rent the snorkel equiptment. And also paid $5 for locker rental.

[themadzins]

Thanks for posting.

 

How was Altun Ha? Was the climb steep? How as the weather? Was sunblock, bug spray needed? Sorry for all the questions.

 

 

The weather was a bit overcast. We did use bug spray as soon as we arrived. The ruins were fine. I hear there are much larger sites to visit. This was a perfect half day trip. The climb to the largest temple had a bannister but the steps were steep and the height of each step was bigger than average. It was not too difiicult. Other temples could be climbed but our party only did one.

[themadzins]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise! I am so looking forward to mine!

 

Do you remember what nights were formal nights? Also any shows/entertainment that stood out? (I have also heard Larry in the Piano Bar is pretty lame - what a pity!).

 

Also interested in your Altun Ha experience.

 

And wondering if you kept a copy of your Capers and would be able to share them? :D

 

Thanks!

 

The formal nights were the second night (Fun Day at Sea) and New Year's Eve. I saw a magic show, and 2 comedy shows, both in the Ivanhoe. Others saw the 80's show and loved it. The party at the Casino bar with 50's-80's music was really fun too.

 

Larry was not the best piano man I have ever heard but he did keep us entertained. We were the crazy people singing along! There were enough of us to make a good time for ourselves!

 

I am not sure I have the capers but I will try to find and post them.

[themadzins]

What zip lines did your party use in Roatan? Glad you had a good trip we will be sailing for our third time on the Valor next week.

 

 

I don't have the zipline information. I have asked my sister, who was in charge of that, to post here when she can so please stand by!

[uirishtoo]

I am the sister to the review writer. Here are my additional observations/thoughts:

 

We LOVED this cruise although bumpier than my others.

Lines for the buffet were long--that is my only complaint (and as my sister can vouch for--that is AMAZING)

My daugher, then 16, went to the Club 02 every night into the wee hours of the morning--she had the best cruise EVER (in her own words)--there had to be over 50 kids in this club and they actually have their own group on FB now

We were in cabin 8337--great location--close to elevators and short walk to Lido deck

Just to correct my sister--we ate in the Washington Dining Room lower level--and yes Sasa and Mr. Shaun were the most attentive and fun wait staff

New Year's Eve was by far the BEST night on the ship!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too much fun for one night

 

 

Excursions:

Grand Cayman--Scuba Diving (ok-"Discover Scuba Diving")--water was very rough--5 of us started and 2 finished--might try again in calmer seas

Roatan--South Shore Canopy Tour--the most exciting and terrifying thing that I have ever attempted in my life. It was the highlight of my trip--tons of fun and the views are amazing--HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[uirishtoo]

Sorry-hit enter too soon

 

Belize--ruins were nice but I agree with my sister. Great purse shopping at the port--felt like I was back in Chinatown in NYC--haggling over prices for knock off purses--that was fun--needed an extra bag for all the bags, purses, wallets and that we bought.

 

Cozumel--Paradise Beach--very crowded--It was New Year's Day and we did have a bit of a late start--if you get there early I think this would be a great day of fun and relaxation!!!

 

Those are my thoughts-- I am definately considering cruising over New Year's this year--just not sure what ship or if I should stick with this one!!!

 

Happy Cruising!!!

[themadzins]

Thanks for your review!!!

 

 

And thanks for yours too! We spoke with a family while snorkeling and they called our ship the VELOUR! I was going to ask if they were friends of yours :D!

[ciera123]

Thanks for sharing. We are on the Valor May 30 and can't wait to cruise again!!!! Glad you had a wonderful time...

[Froufie]

The formal nights were the second night (Fun Day at Sea) and New Year's Eve. I saw a magic show, and 2 comedy shows, both in the Ivanhoe. Others saw the 80's show and loved it. The party at the Casino bar with 50's-80's music was really fun too.

 

Larry was not the best piano man I have ever heard but he did keep us entertained. We were the crazy people singing along! There were enough of us to make a good time for ourselves!

 

I am not sure I have the capers but I will try to find and post them.

 

Thanks so much for the informatio - and sure hope you can find those Capers - I really appreciate you trying anyways!

[vplsh]

We were on the Valor in July and loved the ship as well. In Belize we did the Altun Ha excursion with Island Marketing. I'd highly recommend them. They met us at the tender and we rode in an a/c van to the ruins. Our guide (Jenny) was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information with us on the ride to the ruins. Once there she gave us a wonderful tour. Be sure to bring bug spray! Belize is a rainforest and there were lots of bugs. After the ruins we went to a local restaurant called Mayan Wells and had a delicious local lunch and toured their butterfly house. Very nice! I'd highly recommend it.

 

Valor is a great ship! Thanks for reminding me!

[cruisingbajan]

The weather was a bit overcast. We did use bug spray as soon as we arrived. The ruins were fine. I hear there are much larger sites to visit. This was a perfect half day trip. The climb to the largest temple had a bannister but the steps were steep and the height of each step was bigger than average. It was not too difiicult. Other temples could be climbed but our party only did one.

 

Thanks:)

[themadzins]

Thanks so much for the informatio - and sure hope you can find those Capers - I really appreciate you trying anyways!

 

 

Hi! I found my Capers and have them scanned into my lappy. How do I post them here? And while I am asking, how do I get my pictures posted here? Please help!

 

I have them as an attachment. Hope it works! Thanks.

 

This is Day One Capers.

 

Kathleen

[themadzins]

Capers

[themadzins]

Ok...it does not appear that these thumbnails get big enough to even read. I am going to stop posting the Capers until someone can tell me how to do it correctly. But here is day 3 anyway.

 

Kathleen

[Froufie]

Hi! I found my Capers and have them scanned into my lappy. How do I post them here? And while I am asking, how do I get my pictures posted here? Please help!

 

I have them as an attachment. Hope it works! Thanks.

 

This is Day One Capers.

 

Kathleen

 

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU - but I am noting the problem of the 'size'?

 

There is a site that one CC member started where other cruisers have posted their Capers - wonder if that would be helpful/easier?

http://capers.stateroom.info/main.php

 

I have also noticed some others saved them as PDF files then posted those??? Maybe that will work?

 

Thanks again (trying to find those magnifying glasses now! :D)