Carnival Victory 3/20-27th. MHO

[Marysunshine]

Jut returned from a week on the Victory. I"m ready to be blasted so feel free. This was my experience. I traveled with my 21 year old granddaughter. We arrived iin San Juan on Saturday, stayed at the Embassy Suites, which was a lovely hotel, and rode to the ship on sunday morning.

We arrived at the port around 10: 25. A porter took our luggage so we were free to do some last minute shopping at CVS. Boarding was quick and easy.

The buffet was a bit disappointing but I was sure it would get better. I was wrong, but will return to that later.

Cabin:

We went to see our cabin and discovered they had it arranged as a queen bed. I spoke to the cabin steward, and asked him to make two twins and he said of course.

Came back to the cabin in the afternoon to unpack our luggage. After putting out things away we went to put our luggage under the beds. Under my bed was a mattress and spring so we could not put the luggage there, thus we went to put them under the other bed. Ha!!! Not happening. We couldn't understand why the luggage wouldn't go under the bed. Then we saw why. When they separated the beds, instead of changing the bedding, they left the queen bedding on that bed an tucked all the extra under the bed. I couldn't believe it. How lazy not to change it to what fits the bed, but I was sure they would change it the next morning.

They didn't. At that point I made a dot on the sheets of both beds with a pen to see if they would change the sheets or bedding at all. They did not, so finally on Friday I asked him to please change the linens.

When he did, apparently, he took the queen thing that keeps the beds together and stuffed it in the closet where the safe is. It was so bulky that every time we went to the safe it would get stuck so we couldn't get the door open and closed.

I asked the steward to leave four bath towels each day, had to ask for the extra towel every day. On the morning of our horseback ride, we had to be outside very early, so we needed our beach towels. They were nowhere to be found. I had to search through the hallways to find another steward and ask him to give us beach towels, which he did.

These are only some of the issues we had with our cabin steward.

The cabin size was great as always.

Food:

We tried to eat most meals in the MDR. The buffet was a nightmare to me. I hate waiting in lines, and the lines at the buffet were always very long. One day I tried to get a hot dog outside and the line was so long I just gave up. I don't go on a vacation to constantly wait in lines. Breakfast in the MDR was very good. Dinners were mostly good. The good part was that if you couldn't find an entree you liked you always had the option of the flatiron steak which was very good. It was also prepared exactly as requested. I had read it always came medium but that wasn't true. I got it rare every time I asked. The desserts left much to be desired. They looked good, sounded good, and had no taste. I did enjoy the warm chocolate melting cake every ngiht and also enjoyed the souffle on the last night. Another very good dessert was the cheesecake from room service. BTW we could not get grilled cheese sandwiches from room service for two days as the grill wasn't working. That also negated getting the pastrami sandwich. We ordered a PB&J sandwich one night but couldn't find the peanut butteer and jelly inside.

On the morning of an early excursion day we went to the MDR for breakfast to save time only to find it closed at 7:20. The Carnival website said it opened at 7, so we were upset but wanted to let you know so you don't make the same mistake.

Entertainment:

I was disappointed after reading here that the entertainment was lacking. I was wrong. While they don't do a big show every night, they had lots of fun things. For one, I loved that they have so much live music. I love live music and always resent that RCCL doesn't have more of it. One night they had a NAME THAT TUNE: Motown. They would play three notes and everyone sang the rest of the song. They had a Battle of the Sexes that was very fun, and game shows that were very entertaining. There were lots of opportunities to line dance, they had a merengue lesson that was fun, lots of stuff and you won't be bored. I just would have preferred if they hadn't scheduled several good things at the same time.

Ports of Call:

On St. Thomas se were sad to see that the fish don't swim up to you at Coki Beach anymore. Used to love that, but the beach is still pretty and great for snorkeling. Coral World is still interesting if not impressive.

Barbados: We did Shasa catamaran and it was wonderful. They were friendly, on time, and it was a great day.

St. Lucia: Hoofprints Horseback Ridinig was more fabulous than I can say. The people at the ranch were terrific and could not have been more enjoyable.

St. Kitts: I could not believe that the government sponsors charging for the use of the restrooms. You pay a dollar per person and they give you a receipt!!!!!!!! I found this island to be the least interesting.

St. Maarten: As always we loved this island. We shared a van to the large flea market on the french side and shopped and had some drinks at a local place. Sorry we didnt have time to revisit Orient Beach, which I love.

Debarkation: My granddaughter had an 11:30 flight and I was concerned we might not make it to the airport in time. To be brief, we went to deck 3 at 6:60. We did not wait for any annoucement, but boarded an elevator at 6:55 and stayed on it till it was programmed to go down to deck 0 at 7 AM. We were at the airport and through security by 7:45.

Summary

I have to say I would never go with Carnival again. The constant lines at the buffet with no other options for lunch was very annnoying.

The food was not as good as the Carnival cruise I took in 2006. RCCL is, in my opinion, much better.

The cabin steward was not very responsible.

I had taken my whole family on Adventure of the Seas in 2008 and my granddaughter and I both agree we prefer RCCL.

We had fun because we planned to. We did not starve. We had a clean bed to sleep in. But over all, this is just not my choice for future cruises.

[BOOGALOO509]

So sorry to hear you did not have a wonderful time. My wife and I are doing this cruise next March from Barbados to Barbados. Can you let me know what cabin number you had and the name of your steward, just in case we are unlucky enough to get the same one.

 

My wife is keen to go horseback riding during the cruise, did you get the chance to ride through the sea? Do you mind if I ask what the cost was? If I went with her would it be possible for me to "accompany" her to get some photos (not on a horse).

 

Many thanks.

 

John

[Aplmac]

You poor thing!

 

Suggest you cruise with RCI next time.

 

Better yet, try Seabourn, Regency or Crystal cruise lines.

Only the very best for you.

.

[Marysunshine]

Hi John: Let me say that a week on a cruise with my granddaughter is always a wonderful time. I just would not repeat on Carnival.

Our cabin was 2371 on the Mian Deck and our cabin steward was Paul. Location was great as it was midship and very convenient for disembarkation, the dining rooms, and only two floors to Promenade where everything is happening.

As to the horseback riding, when we came off the ship and everyone was with the rep, she explained that due to weather, we may not be able to ride the horsed into the water. Anyone who did not want to go could get a full refund. Nobody chose to change their mind. We were not able to ride into the water. I do want to say that the beach they take you to is not a gorgeous beach. That is probably why they are allowed to bring the horsee there. However Winston, the man who own the ranch, and his workers were wonderful and we had a good time. We paid $89.00. However there is another Horseback excursion in St. Maarten. That one is $99. I can't say if that one is better because we did not do that one. You might want to ask on this board or on the ports of call board.

[cruisingcouple2008]

You poor thing!

 

Suggest you cruise with RCI next time.

 

Better yet, try Seabourn, Regency or Crystal cruise lines.

Only the very best for you.

.

 

 

Aplmac - hey where is the like button ?? oh yeah FB. sorry.

 

I think I'll go reread some your Victory review now. :D

[nytonowhere]

Summary

I have to say I would never go with Carnival again. The constant lines at the buffet with no other options for lunch was very annnoying.

The food was not as good as the Carnival cruise I took in 2006. RCCL is, in my opinion, much better.

The cabin steward was not very responsible.

I had taken my whole family on Adventure of the Seas in 2008 and my granddaughter and I both agree we prefer RCCL.

We had fun because we planned to. We did not starve. We had a clean bed to sleep in. But over all, this is just not my choice for future cruises.

 

Sorry you did have the best service. I guess some stewards are better than other, ours Daiwa 3 weeks ago was AWESOME, i didnt put a mark on my sheets to see if they were being changed...but oh well they seemed clean and he went above and beyond our expectations. Also we were never in a line for more than 5 minutes anytime we ate the whole week i think sometimes it just depends on when you go. I do agree that food wasnt that great, there were some amazing dishes but also some dishes that i wouldnt feed my dog. So i guess that is hit or miss also! I also want to try RCCL but i get the impression that the food is the same not better than CCL..so i dont know, was the food better on RCCL to you?

[alreadypacked]

Jut returned from a week on the Victory. I"m ready to be blasted so feel free. This was my experience. I traveled with my 21 year old granddaughter. We arrived iin San Juan on Saturday, stayed at the Embassy Suites, which was a lovely hotel, and rode to the ship on sunday morning.

We arrived at the port around 10: 25. A porter took our luggage so we were free to do some last minute shopping at CVS. Boarding was quick and easy.

The buffet was a bit disappointing but I was sure it would get better. I was wrong, but will return to that later.

Cabin:

We went to see our cabin and discovered they had it arranged as a queen bed. I spoke to the cabin steward, and asked him to make two twins and he said of course.

Came back to the cabin in the afternoon to unpack our luggage. After putting out things away we went to put our luggage under the beds. Under my bed was a mattress and spring so we could not put the luggage there, thus we went to put them under the other bed. Ha!!! Not happening. We couldn't understand why the luggage wouldn't go under the bed. Then we saw why. When they separated the beds, instead of changing the bedding, they left the queen bedding on that bed an tucked all the extra under the bed. I couldn't believe it. How lazy not to change it to what fits the bed, but I was sure they would change it the next morning.

They didn't. At that point I made a dot on the sheets of both beds with a pen to see if they would change the sheets or bedding at all. They did not, so finally on Friday I asked him to please change the linens.

When he did, apparently, he took the queen thing that keeps the beds together and stuffed it in the closet where the safe is. It was so bulky that every time we went to the safe it would get stuck so we couldn't get the door open and closed.

I asked the steward to leave four bath towels each day, had to ask for the extra towel every day. On the morning of our horseback ride, we had to be outside very early, so we needed our beach towels. They were nowhere to be found. I had to search through the hallways to find another steward and ask him to give us beach towels, which he did.

These are only some of the issues we had with our cabin steward.

The cabin size was great as always.

Food:

We tried to eat most meals in the MDR. The buffet was a nightmare to me. I hate waiting in lines, and the lines at the buffet were always very long. One day I tried to get a hot dog outside and the line was so long I just gave up. I don't go on a vacation to constantly wait in lines. Breakfast in the MDR was very good. Dinners were mostly good. The good part was that if you couldn't find an entree you liked you always had the option of the flatiron steak which was very good. It was also prepared exactly as requested. I had read it always came medium but that wasn't true. I got it rare every time I asked. The desserts left much to be desired. They looked good, sounded good, and had no taste. I did enjoy the warm chocolate melting cake every ngiht and also enjoyed the souffle on the last night. Another very good dessert was the cheesecake from room service. BTW we could not get grilled cheese sandwiches from room service for two days as the grill wasn't working. That also negated getting the pastrami sandwich. We ordered a PB&J sandwich one night but couldn't find the peanut butteer and jelly inside.

On the morning of an early excursion day we went to the MDR for breakfast to save time only to find it closed at 7:20. The Carnival website said it opened at 7, so we were upset but wanted to let you know so you don't make the same mistake.

Entertainment:

I was disappointed after reading here that the entertainment was lacking. I was wrong. While they don't do a big show every night, they had lots of fun things. For one, I loved that they have so much live music. I love live music and always resent that RCCL doesn't have more of it. One night they had a NAME THAT TUNE: Motown. They would play three notes and everyone sang the rest of the song. They had a Battle of the Sexes that was very fun, and game shows that were very entertaining. There were lots of opportunities to line dance, they had a merengue lesson that was fun, lots of stuff and you won't be bored. I just would have preferred if they hadn't scheduled several good things at the same time.

Ports of Call:

On St. Thomas se were sad to see that the fish don't swim up to you at Coki Beach anymore. Used to love that, but the beach is still pretty and great for snorkeling. Coral World is still interesting if not impressive.

Barbados: We did Shasa catamaran and it was wonderful. They were friendly, on time, and it was a great day.

St. Lucia: Hoofprints Horseback Ridinig was more fabulous than I can say. The people at the ranch were terrific and could not have been more enjoyable.

St. Kitts: I could not believe that the government sponsors charging for the use of the restrooms. You pay a dollar per person and they give you a receipt!!!!!!!! I found this island to be the least interesting.

St. Maarten: As always we loved this island. We shared a van to the large flea market on the french side and shopped and had some drinks at a local place. Sorry we didnt have time to revisit Orient Beach, which I love.

Debarkation: My granddaughter had an 11:30 flight and I was concerned we might not make it to the airport in time. To be brief, we went to deck 3 at 6:60. We did not wait for any annoucement, but boarded an elevator at 6:55 and stayed on it till it was programmed to go down to deck 0 at 7 AM. We were at the airport and through security by 7:45.

Summary

I have to say I would never go with Carnival again. The constant lines at the buffet with no other options for lunch was very annnoying.

The food was not as good as the Carnival cruise I took in 2006. RCCL is, in my opinion, much better.

The cabin steward was not very responsible.

I had taken my whole family on Adventure of the Seas in 2008 and my granddaughter and I both agree we prefer RCCL.

We had fun because we planned to. We did not starve. We had a clean bed to sleep in. But over all, this is just not my choice for future cruises.

 

Not to hijack...I kind of see your point regarding the restrooms, but I actually don't mind paying to use a public restroom if it assures me of a clean facility.

 

We paid $1.00pp to use a restroom in St Maarten--but the attendant lady checked and tidied the restroom between patrons. Well worth it to me, as public restrooms aren't my favorite--I tipped her extra.

 

In Cozumel, they didn't actually charge to use the restroom, but the attendant cleaned the floor and toilet seat of each stall before we entered--I tipped her, of course.

 

Personally, I get tired of dirty public restrooms at restaurants or malls here in the states. About the only places I have consistently encountered clean public restrooms here in the states are in the casinos of Atlantic City, Vegas, and the Indian Reservation Casinos here in South Florida. It seems they employ personnel specifically for that purpose.

 

Back in the day here in the states (not too long ago, really), I remember nightclubs, restaurants, and such having restroom attendants who maintained the cleanliness of the facilities--sometimes for a tip; sometimes for a salary--either way, when nature called, you were assured of a reasonably clean facility.

 

If I was a guy, I guess I wouldn't give a hoot, but this woman appreciates clean facilities--and I find them more often in the Caribbean and Mexico than I do here at home...because they have attendants.

 

Once, In Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, I was feeling a bit ill. Without going into gory details, I required a restroom. My 2 companions and I sat down at a cantina/restaurant. They ordered drinks while I proceeded to the restroom. I was worried about the facilities I would encounter, but it was a bit of an emergency, so I had little choice. Well, the restroom was spotless. Needless to say, I tipped the attendant well. 'nuf said.

 

I will pay for a clean restroom. It is a paying job for someone, and I get assured of clean facilities.

[nytonowhere]

Also i forgot to add that you should give St. Kitts another chance, the first time i went i was like you and NOT impressed. So i went again with an open mind and did something different and it was my favorite island! Its a beautiful place with alot of history and great people, and paying a dollar for a restroom...really who cares was it THAT big of a deal now that you look back..no.

[Marysunshine]

I've been on many caribbean cruises and I already had a dollar out to tip a restroom lady. It's not that I mind paying. I just thought it strange that the government requires paying and that she insisted on giving me a receipt! I told her I didn't need it and she insisted. I thought it was funny.

As to RCCL, I don't think they are perfect. I do think their food is somewhat better, not great, but definitely better, and I have never had an issue with any employee on any of my cruises on any of the lines I've been on until this one. Even on the Imagination, the service was good.

I wish I could combine the live music venues and fun games on Carnival with the lack of loud annoucements, better food, more elegant ships and better service on RCCL.

As I said in my preface above, it's all a matter of it being simply my opinion.

[tmackel]

I was on the same cruise and never had to wait in any lines for food. I guess it all depends on the time of day you go. This was our 10th cruise and it was the best cruise ever. We never had any problems.

[tlacabe]

Did Victory offer future cruise certificate?

[jabberjaw070596]

Did Victory offer future cruise certificate?

I was on the Victory in December, 09 and they did not. What Carnival does if you call them they will let you buy them over the phone up to 2 weeks after your return

[Dwtlcambre]

To the OP, do you change the sheets everyday at your own home? Also for lunch, you can go to the MDR, no lines there.

[SoonerOne]

We did this cruise last November and had a GREAT time, a little too port intensive for our tastes, but still had a fabulous time. I LOVED St. Kitts, did some jewelry/watch shopping and got some really good deals on both. I used the restroom in the casino located nearby and did not have to pay a thing and it was very clean and they were more than happy to let me use it. We found the people of St. Kitts to be very friendly.:)

 

Our room steward was also very responsive and called us by our first names and was there every time we needed something. Can't say enough about him and were very pleased with the service. Food....was excellent, we avoided long lines by noting which times were the busiest. Food in MDR was excellent and loved the poolside grill for burgers etc. Sorry you did not have a good experience, Carnival's not for everyone, but it works for us:)

[John&John]

To the OP, do you change the sheets everyday at your own home? Also for lunch, you can go to the MDR, no lines there.

 

When we were on the Victory there were NO sea days = no MDR foe lunch.

 

Now there is 1 sea day...

[John&John]

Jut returned from a week on the Victory. I"m ready to be blasted so feel free. This was my experience. I traveled with my 21 year old granddaughter. We arrived iin San Juan on Saturday, stayed at the Embassy Suites, which was a lovely hotel, and rode to the ship on sunday morning.

We arrived at the port around 10: 25. A porter took our luggage so we were free to do some last minute shopping at CVS. Boarding was quick and easy.

The buffet was a bit disappointing but I was sure it would get better. I was wrong, but will return to that later.

Cabin:

We went to see our cabin and discovered they had it arranged as a queen bed. I spoke to the cabin steward, and asked him to make two twins and he said of course.

Came back to the cabin in the afternoon to unpack our luggage. After putting out things away we went to put our luggage under the beds. Under my bed was a mattress and spring so we could not put the luggage there, thus we went to put them under the other bed. Ha!!! Not happening. We couldn't understand why the luggage wouldn't go under the bed. Then we saw why. When they separated the beds, instead of changing the bedding, they left the queen bedding on that bed an tucked all the extra under the bed. I couldn't believe it. How lazy not to change it to what fits the bed, but I was sure they would change it the next morning.

They didn't. At that point I made a dot on the sheets of both beds with a pen to see if they would change the sheets or bedding at all. They did not, so finally on Friday I asked him to please change the linens.

When he did, apparently, he took the queen thing that keeps the beds together and stuffed it in the closet where the safe is. It was so bulky that every time we went to the safe it would get stuck so we couldn't get the door open and closed.

I asked the steward to leave four bath towels each day, had to ask for the extra towel every day. On the morning of our horseback ride, we had to be outside very early, so we needed our beach towels. They were nowhere to be found. I had to search through the hallways to find another steward and ask him to give us beach towels, which he did.

These are only some of the issues we had with our cabin steward.

The cabin size was great as always.

Food:

We tried to eat most meals in the MDR. The buffet was a nightmare to me. I hate waiting in lines, and the lines at the buffet were always very long. One day I tried to get a hot dog outside and the line was so long I just gave up. I don't go on a vacation to constantly wait in lines. Breakfast in the MDR was very good. Dinners were mostly good. The good part was that if you couldn't find an entree you liked you always had the option of the flatiron steak which was very good. It was also prepared exactly as requested. I had read it always came medium but that wasn't true. I got it rare every time I asked. The desserts left much to be desired. They looked good, sounded good, and had no taste. I did enjoy the warm chocolate melting cake every ngiht and also enjoyed the souffle on the last night. Another very good dessert was the cheesecake from room service. BTW we could not get grilled cheese sandwiches from room service for two days as the grill wasn't working. That also negated getting the pastrami sandwich. We ordered a PB&J sandwich one night but couldn't find the peanut butteer and jelly inside.

On the morning of an early excursion day we went to the MDR for breakfast to save time only to find it closed at 7:20. The Carnival website said it opened at 7, so we were upset but wanted to let you know so you don't make the same mistake.

Entertainment:

I was disappointed after reading here that the entertainment was lacking. I was wrong. While they don't do a big show every night, they had lots of fun things. For one, I loved that they have so much live music. I love live music and always resent that RCCL doesn't have more of it. One night they had a NAME THAT TUNE: Motown. They would play three notes and everyone sang the rest of the song. They had a Battle of the Sexes that was very fun, and game shows that were very entertaining. There were lots of opportunities to line dance, they had a merengue lesson that was fun, lots of stuff and you won't be bored. I just would have preferred if they hadn't scheduled several good things at the same time.

Ports of Call:

On St. Thomas se were sad to see that the fish don't swim up to you at Coki Beach anymore. Used to love that, but the beach is still pretty and great for snorkeling. Coral World is still interesting if not impressive.

Barbados: We did Shasa catamaran and it was wonderful. They were friendly, on time, and it was a great day.

St. Lucia: Hoofprints Horseback Ridinig was more fabulous than I can say. The people at the ranch were terrific and could not have been more enjoyable.

St. Kitts: I could not believe that the government sponsors charging for the use of the restrooms. You pay a dollar per person and they give you a receipt!!!!!!!! I found this island to be the least interesting.

St. Maarten: As always we loved this island. We shared a van to the large flea market on the french side and shopped and had some drinks at a local place. Sorry we didnt have time to revisit Orient Beach, which I love.

Debarkation: My granddaughter had an 11:30 flight and I was concerned we might not make it to the airport in time. To be brief, we went to deck 3 at 6:60. We did not wait for any annoucement, but boarded an elevator at 6:55 and stayed on it till it was programmed to go down to deck 0 at 7 AM. We were at the airport and through security by 7:45.

Summary

I have to say I would never go with Carnival again. The constant lines at the buffet with no other options for lunch was very annnoying.

The food was not as good as the Carnival cruise I took in 2006. RCCL is, in my opinion, much better.

The cabin steward was not very responsible.

I had taken my whole family on Adventure of the Seas in 2008 and my granddaughter and I both agree we prefer RCCL.

We had fun because we planned to. We did not starve. We had a clean bed to sleep in. But over all, this is just not my choice for future cruises.

 

Sounds like the steward might not have been the best. Sometimes you just have to tell them exactly what you want (like changing sheets).

 

We had some steward issues this past cruise but it all worked out.

 

I have to agree that the buffet lines can be brutal!

[LBumb]

something we learned a long time ago, avoid the buffets during peak hours if you don't have patience.