The Palm Trees are Really Cool: A Pictorial Review of the Valor's Southern Route

[Nicole721]

Not long after lunch, we approached our beach stop at Anise de Cochon.

 

 

 

We anchored about 35 feet from the shore in waters no deeper than five feet. Our stop was only for 45 minutes and we were still so burned that we opted to stay on the boat and sit in the shade. The beach did look lovely, though, and the waters were so clear you could see straight down.

 

 

[Nicole721]

Unfortunately, the pushy vendors that existed along the land portion of the excursion also existed on the sea portion. They’d literally pull up alongside the boat and yell at whomever they could to try to get attention and make a sale.

 

 

 

 

As we approached the end of our beach stop, our guides started putting out rum punch and snacks of locally grown bananas.

 

[Nicole721]

Once everyone was back onboard and the anchor was lifted, we began the journey back to the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

And the tour guides held a dance party in the middle of the boat.

 

[Nicole721]

Unlike the tour in Barbados, this one actually left us off right next to the ship. We bid farewell to the crew and our guides and headed towards the pier.

 

 

 

We decided that, since we had some time, we’d check out the shopping near the pier. The shopping area reminded me a bit of Costa Maya’s cruise pier, with plenty of shops and a few bars, but unfortunately, there weren’t any good deals to be had. In fact, the prices for souvenirs were higher than we’d seen all day. I was glad I purchased my magnet at the botanic gardens because they were nearly double the price at the pier!

 

 

With nothing really catching our eyes, we headed back onto the ship. After a day in the sun, that blast of cold air when entering the ship was beyond bliss.

 

[Nicole721]

We grabbed a few snacks on Lido and took them back to the room to enjoy on the balcony.

 

 

Since we didn’t have long to shower and get ready for formal night, we stayed in the room and alternated getting ready while watching sailaway from the balcony.

 

 

 

 

[Nicole721]

After a round of obligatory formal night balcony pics, we headed down to the promenade.

 

 

They had Cucina del Capitano at the Taste Bar this night, so even though they didn’t have a Cucina restaurant onboard, we still got a taste of that delicious whipped ricotta.

 

 

[Nicole721]

We sat and people watched outside the casino for a bit, but once the parade of teenagers in tiaras (…literally. Many of them…) slowed, we figured everyone headed towards the dining room, so we went to join them. And formal night meant chateaubriand night, which always, always means absolute deliciousness.

 

Shrimp Cocktail

 

Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls

 

Penne Siciliana (Starter Portion)

 

Caesar Salad

 

Fresh Fruit Cocktail

 

Chilled Creamy Bing Cherry Soup

[Nicole721]

Roasted Half Spring Chicken with Gravy

 

Chateaubriand with Sauce Bearnaise

 

Baked Alaska

 

Warm Chocolate Melting Cake

 

SURPRISE! Happy Birthday, Mom!

 

[Nicole721]

Back at the room, we had a new friend waiting for us after dinner.

 

 

…and another birthday cake that Stephanie ordered for Mom’s birthday before we left.

 

 

We headed up to Movies Under the Stars hoping to catch a bit of Frozen before heading down to the Ivanhoe for show time, but Frozen was running very late, so…

 

[Nicole721]

We grabbed some seats in the show lounge and not soon after, were approached by a bar server asking if we wanted the special for the night – a disco ball filled with rum punch. Do I want to drink out of a disco ball? DO I EVER!!!

 

 

The drink ran around $13 plus tip. The drink was actually in a plastic cup hidden inside the disco ball, and underneath the cup was a string with which to hang up your disco ball.

 

 

As I was loudly telling anyone who would listen that drinking out of a disco ball was the greatest thing ever, the show started. And Far From Over? Almost as good as drinking out of a disco ball. I’m an 80s baby and I love me some 80s tunes. The song selection, the choreography, the costume…everything was spot on. And the climax of the show, when they break into an acapella verse of I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2 gave me chills.

 

 

 

 

Stephanie and I had intended on going swimming after the show, but we ended up falling asleep while watching Toy Story 3 in the room, and so ended our long-awaited visit to St. Lucia.

[Nicole721]

Today’s Lido Lunch Menu:

 

Today’s Lido Dinner Menu:

[babsee101]

I sure hope Far from Over is still playing in April. I too am an 80s girl! In fact we are going to see Rock of Ages in Vegas in September.

 

Regarding St. Lucia, I have been dreaming of going there ever since I discovered it while looking for vacation packages on a travel site back in the early 2,000s. The more I read though, the more I dread all the aggressive vendors. Reminds me of the boat vendors in Jamaica hanging out just off shore all day at our private beach at an AI and constantly yelling and whistling trying to get you come out and buy something while you are just trying to relax.

 

Loving your review! Can't wait for the next installment! :)

[slord12]

We grabbed some seats in the show lounge and not soon after, were approached by a bar server asking if we wanted the special for the night – a disco ball filled with rum punch. Do I want to drink out of a disco ball? DO I EVER!!!

 

 

The drink ran around $13 plus tip. The drink was actually in a plastic cup hidden inside the disco ball, and underneath the cup was a string with which to hang up your disco ball.

 

 

As I was loudly telling anyone who would listen that drinking out of a disco ball was the greatest thing ever, the show started. And Far From Over? Almost as good as drinking out of a disco ball. I’m an 80s baby and I love me some 80s tunes. The song selection, the choreography, the costume…everything was spot on. And the climax of the show, when they break into an acapella verse of I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2 gave me chills.

 

 

 

 

Stephanie and I had intended on going swimming after the show, but we ended up falling asleep while watching Toy Story 3 in the room, and so ended our long-awaited visit to St. Lucia.

 

Ha! I took my mom on her first Carnival cruise back in May, and she was FASCINATED by the different souvenir cups that were offered. Far From Over is on the Sensation (and is my FAVE show!) and she was so excited to get her disco ball cup! Your review is fantastic, thank you so much for taking the time to put this together!

[madaboutmod]

We had the same experience with venders on st Lucia. Love this review. We did this trip in May and Barbados was hands down, our favorite

[gapearl]

Girl I am so LOVING your review!!!!! Ok a few comments. :)

 

You mentioned something about wondering how long it took to walk from the Caribe Hilton to Old San Juan. I've made the walk a few times and it's about 40-50 minutes. You're walking with the ocean in full view and it's very scenic! On a trip there last year, I asked a bartender what's up with the pina colada. Was it founded here or Barrachinas? She told me the Caribe Hilton has the patents for the pina colada. The man that founded the drink used to work there, then took his recipe to Barrachinas a couple years later and so they say they founded it. :rolleyes:

 

I also love the gasolinas. I have a few in my fridge now and will be getting more when I'm back in SJU next week. :D

 

I know this isn't a Breeze review, but I was on the Breeze a month before you and agree the production shows were AWFUL.

 

I also agree with everything you said about St. Lucia. When I talk about that island, I always say how green it is and that there's so much natural beauty because it isn't so commercialized like other places in the Caribbean. Be glad you didn't do the Gros Piton hike. I did it on my Valor cruise last year and might have a panic attack in a few minutes just thinking about it.

 

Did you go ring Rihanna's doorbell to see if she was home? lol :p

 

You're really funny and I'm really looking forward to reading the rest!

[Nicole721]

I sure hope Far from Over is still playing in April. I too am an 80s girl! In fact we are going to see Rock of Ages in Vegas in September.

 

Regarding St. Lucia, I have been dreaming of going there ever since I discovered it while looking for vacation packages on a travel site back in the early 2,000s. The more I read though, the more I dread all the aggressive vendors. Reminds me of the boat vendors in Jamaica hanging out just off shore all day at our private beach at an AI and constantly yelling and whistling trying to get you come out and buy something while you are just trying to relax.

 

Loving your review! Can't wait for the next installment! :)

 

A fellow 80s girl? You'll definitely love this show!

 

Ha! I took my mom on her first Carnival cruise back in May, and she was FASCINATED by the different souvenir cups that were offered. Far From Over is on the Sensation (and is my FAVE show!) and she was so excited to get her disco ball cup! Your review is fantastic, thank you so much for taking the time to put this together!

 

You know, I haven't really been one to buy souvenir cups (what *am* I going to do with a blowfish cup?), but this was one I just couldn't turn down!

 

I didn't realize Far From Over was on other ships, as well, but hopefully it sticks around for awhile. It truly is a fantastic show :)

[Nicole721]

We had the same experience with venders on st Lucia. Love this review. We did this trip in May and Barbados was hands down, our favorite

 

I don't think I've seen vendors as aggressive as they were in St. Lucia (and we've been to most of the Caribbean and Mexican ports of call!). On one hand, I realize that this is how they make their livings and with that and that's where a lot of the intensity and pushing comes from. On the other, you catch more flies with honey, you know? I'm more likely to buy from someone who lets me browse quietly than I am someone who follows me around or pulls up next to me while I'm on a bus and won't stop pestering me after a polite "no thank you!"

 

Girl I am so LOVING your review!!!!! Ok a few comments. :)

 

You mentioned something about wondering how long it took to walk from the Caribe Hilton to Old San Juan. I've made the walk a few times and it's about 40-50 minutes. You're walking with the ocean in full view and it's very scenic! On a trip there last year, I asked a bartender what's up with the pina colada. Was it founded here or Barrachinas? She told me the Caribe Hilton has the patents for the pina colada. The man that founded the drink used to work there, then took his recipe to Barrachinas a couple years later and so they say they founded it. :rolleyes:

 

I also love the gasolinas. I have a few in my fridge now and will be getting more when I'm back in SJU next week. :D

 

I know this isn't a Breeze review, but I was on the Breeze a month before you and agree the production shows were AWFUL.

 

I also agree with everything you said about St. Lucia. When I talk about that island, I always say how green it is and that there's so much natural beauty because it isn't so commercialized like other places in the Caribbean. Be glad you didn't do the Gros Piton hike. I did it on my Valor cruise last year and might have a panic attack in a few minutes just thinking about it.

 

Did you go ring Rihanna's doorbell to see if she was home? lol :p

 

You're really funny and I'm really looking forward to reading the rest!

 

Well that is quite the honor coming from THE gapearl! :) I read your Breeze review while I was flying to Florida to embark her last fall and I was upset when I had to get off the plane because I had to put it down to get my luggage!

 

Re: the production shows -- between the ships with the "new" shows and formats and the old ones...it's like day and night. There's simply no contest. The set designs, costumes and dance troops will win out any day over the animatronic screens and perfomers who can kind of sing and kind of dance (and do both at the same time successfully...sometimes), even if those newer shows feature songs with broader appeal.

 

And I didn't ring Rih's door bell, but I did try to convince Stephanie that we should go find her Mom's store (I think it's called FAB-U-LUS because that's what Lord Google told me). That got shot down pretty quickly ;)

Edited July 25, 2014 by Nicole721

[kteachcruiser52]

Loving your review. We took that cruise in March. We are going on the Splendor Repo out of SJ in November and staying at the Caribe Hilton. Is there a Walgreens or CVS or another place to buy Diet Coke near the hotel? We have stayed in old San Juan and Isle Verde, but have never been in this area. InNov., CVS by the port was out of multiple packs of Diet Coke the day before and day of the cruise so we thought we would check by our hotel if there was a place close. Thanks!

[Nicole721]

Loving your review. We took that cruise in March. We are going on the Splendor Repo out of SJ in November and staying at the Caribe Hilton. Is there a Walgreens or CVS or another place to buy Diet Coke near the hotel? We have stayed in old San Juan and Isle Verde, but have never been in this area. InNov., CVS by the port was out of multiple packs of Diet Coke the day before and day of the cruise so we thought we would check by our hotel if there was a place close. Thanks!

 

There's a liquor store near the Caribe Hilton and a convenience store (with expected marked up prices) on site. I didn't see any other similar stores within walking distance of the hotel, but admittedly, didn't do much looking.

[Nicole721]

Sorry for the delay! Just got back from a week in Cali!

 

I have a soft spot in my heart for St. Kitts.

 

I don’t know why – it’s not the lushest island, or the most tropical. It doesn’t have the best shopping or the greatest prices.

 

It may or may not have something to do with that one time I climbed that cannon perched on top of the cliff at the Brimstone Fortress, 800 feet above ground level, to take a picture for my Facebook profile (that may or may not have been filmed for shipboard TV, where the rest of my family could shake their heads at what they thought was my lack of common sense. Whatever on that – I was in control the entire time). Or it may or may not have something to do with our last visit just coming on a really memorable trip. I don’t know what it is. The memories I come away from this island with just bring a soft, nostalgic kind of happiness.

 

[Nicole721]

We were already docked in Basseterre when I woke up. We didn’t have much time to get ready and have breakfast before we were expected in the Ivanhoe to meet with our tour group.

 

 

When we got there, the group in front of us were being weighed for a zipline excursion. We weren’t doing anything that intense. Instead, we booked ourselves on a tour of the Brimstone Fortress and Romney Manor, the same tour we took back in 2009.

 

 

We re-did this excursion instead of taking a new one for a couple of reasons. The main reason was because Stephanie and I really enjoyed the tour when we took it the first time and we wanted Mom to be able to experience it, too. The secondary reason was because we wanted to do some shopping at the Caribelle Batik studio in Romney Manor.

 

Two tour times were offered, 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, and we chose the earlier one so we’d have some time to shop at the pier before setting sail for St. Maarten. Someone on our tour had told us they booked the 12:30 pm excursion only to see it cancelled for not having enough participants. There didn’t seem to be a ton of people on this tour (maybe enough for one large motorcoach), but as we disembarked the ship, we were broken down into pretty small groups of 9-10 per van, keeping the tour groups incredibly small.

[Nicole721]

Our tour guide was Terrance, and he was nice and incredibly knowledgeable, but despite the small group size, didn’t do too much talking as we drove through the streets of Basseterre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Nicole721]

Our first stop was at the Romney Manor, where we were given a half hour to tour the grounds and shop at the Caribelle Batik boutique. Romney Manor is hundreds of years old, an estate where, against a mandate from the British Parliament, Lord Romney emancipated all of his slaves. It’s surrounded by a lush rainforest and home to some gorgeous gardens, as well as St. Kitts’ Caribelle Batik studio.

 

 

 

 

 

Batik is a method of dying fabrics using wax to block out the dye, resulting in a tie dye effect. They do live demonstrations at this location, and the shop is a fantastic place to pick up handmade souvenirs. I purchased a batiked pouch with three bottles of locally produced rums for around $10.

 

 

[Nicole721]

Our next stop was the Brimstone Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress is situated 800 feet above ground and the ride up is a little treacherous. Once you get up to the fortress, it’s about 40 deep steps up to the fort. When we arrived, Mom made one request: don’t climb a cannon again. I’m an adult, Ma. I got this.

 

 

She wasn’t amused. Some things never change. Throwback photo below.

 

 

We had another half hour or so to explore the grounds, so once I climbed down from the cannon and Mom’s heart rate returned to normal, we set about exploring the fort.

 

 

 

[Nicole721]