Just off Valor... Available for questions

[_Gazpar_]

My wife and I just got off Valor.

 

Here is our review, and I will try to check in frequently to answer any questions..

 

Valor review

9/5-12/2015

 

My wife and I had the opportunity to sail on Carnivals Valor western Caribbean sailing.

Although we cruise often, we have preferred others to Carnival, but the price point of this sailing was too good to pass up.

Embarkation was good. We had purchased the “faster to the fun” package. It was beneficial, and sped up the process greatly. Port Canaveral is upgrading their terminal, and in the meantime, it is better than most.

The staff seemed tired and this was evidenced on several levels. During the muster drill, one of the staff accused the woman next to me of “standing wrong”. For the most part, they were not rude, and they did what was expected of them, but nothing more. This got better as the cruise went along, but the initial impression was mediocre at best.

We never met our room steward until the second afternoon. He was doing his duties, but typically there is an introduction process which did not happen. We eventually had to approach him, and ask if he was “our guy”, which he was. Our room was always clean, and well made. Our cooler was filled with ice as requested, and the bed was made up twice a day. He always addressed us by our names, and did what was required. Again, he was keeping up the carnival standard, but there was nothing exceptional.

Our wait staff was in line with the rest of the crew. They seemed tired on the first day. We attributed that to feeling us out. They got better as it went, and there were a few gems in the crowd; ones that truly enjoyed their job, and were “people persons”. By the last night, there was a comfort-ability between us and them, and they seemed to enjoy what they did, even if it was just “a job”.

Ship Condition:

The ship is dated, but well maintained. It can use new paint, and a thorough cleaning, but they were constantly working on keeping it decent. The layout has a good flow, although the only place to get non-alcoholic drinks (besides for waiting for room service) is on the Lido deck, which can be quite a walk at times. It just got a partial “funship 2.0” upgrade last year, but can definitely use the whole upgrade. It only had 1 restaurant (Scarlett’s) which we did not try.

We ate in the standard dining room almost every day. Typically, you are held hostage to the rooms “flow” and eat when the course are brought out regardless. They did seem to be more mindful of our habits, and would serve as needed, rather than making our schedule a “slave to the masses”. The restaurant serves almost the same dishes as the buffet, with some minor exceptions. IE: the restaurant serves filet mignon, the buffet serves sirloin, when they served beef stroganoff, and it was serves sans shallots on the buffet.

There are times when there is no food (with the exception of room service and pizza) available, although the “deli” has extended hours as well. If you want eat between 9:30p and 7am, you learn to like pizza, or hope it’s one of the few nights that they have a late night buffet. There was no Midnight buffet by the pool at all during our voyage.

Taste Bar is a small “appetizer only” module on the 5th floor. The dishes served were good, and was a must pass-by several times a day.

They have a “java café”, but it does not serve traditional coffee. I had to get an Americano if I wanted a strong-ish dark tasting coffee or else I was limited to a cappuccino or an espresso. The price point was reasonable at $1.73 per tall size - I bought the souvenir cup for $8.95 and my first coffee was free after that they offered no discount for reusing the cup and you paid regular price for each coffee. By the end of the trip the Barista new my order and didn't even ask - just took my cup and filled it. They did have a dessert selection that was reasonably priced, and looked delicious.

Overall the food was good. I think it was kept to a minimum to try to encourage passengers to eat at the upgraded restaurants. Presentation was always consistent and they had a good variety. I found the “didja” selections always interesting. It is starters that you wouldn’t have the opportunity to eat in normal rotation. Examples of these were Ox tongue, frog legs, escargot, and some unusual sushi sections. Although there is a sushi bar advertised, there isn’t one on the ship.

Room service was consistently slow, and unreliable.

The ships entertainment was typical cruise ship fare. The line’s performers were good. Do not expect Broadway shows, but if you looking to spend an hour after dinner being entertained it will suffice.

The Comedy club was nicer than anticipated, and had two (out of three) funny acts. They both performed for 30 minutes. They tended to recycle their acts so it was not practical to spend much time in their and hear fresh material. The club it’s self was clean.

We also went to several of the “trivia” and “name that tune” type events. The Cruise director did a fine job, and keep the crowd entertained during the “name that tune” games. One thing we did not like about it was it was not a “contest” as billed, and no real tracking of your answers was provided. It became more of a sing-along. The trivia was limited by the participants, and several of them were too competitive to keep it fun and light.

The casino was just like every other ship’s casino. The only thing I disliked was they their “Texas-hold-em” was automated without a real dealer. It seemed to take away from the personality of it.

Excursions:

As with most cruise ships, the excursions offered were typical Caribbean fare. Scuba, snorkeling, sightseeing, swimming with dolphins, eco-tours etc.

In Cozumel, we opted for the Tulum experience. Our guide “Pamela” was knowledgeable and pleasant. She was experienced, and polished, Almost too much so (if that’s possible). There were upgrades offered at every opportunity. During the ruins trip, they were informed and well-spoken and easy to understand. They even had someone trailing us with a backpack of water and cups in the event you got thirsty. We then had about an hour to tour on our own and swim if we choose. The “snack” provided was a bottle of water, small bag of chips, and a mini moon-pie. It was followed by an hour of allocated “shopping time”. The excursion went an hour overtime, and the ship waited for our return, as we were the last group to board. My wife was nervous because of the schedule, but the tour company had representatives around town, who were easily identified by their uniform, and who seemed to know where we were at any given time. Overall the tour was very professional, although it was VERY crowded.

 

In Belize, we went to Altun Hu with a tour of the city area. Again, the guides ere very personable, knowledgeable, and well spoken. The tour took us all around and gave an overview of the city. Once at the ruins, we were given a brief synopsis of the lifestyle and history of the people. We were then encouraged to explore on our own, and there was a guide on top of the temple available to answer questions if you choose.

In Roatan, we went with a private tour group (Victor Bodden). It was the best choice possible. We choose to see some animal rescue sites which included the Butterfly conservatory, Iguana rescue and Monkeys at Bodden’s home. Our driver (Big Al) was well spoken, informed and extremely personable, also took us for a wonderful tour of the city and had some authentic Honduran food. Overall we had a great time, in what would have been an otherwise boring port.

Costa Maya. This was a very short stop. Too short to do anything of any significance. We want into the port and walked around the market. It was interesting with free hammocks to lie in, and swimming pools to play in. Besides for that, there was nothing to see. Of note, the port did not have a duty free shop. Although the market was clean and modern, if you wanted to buy anything, you needed to have your bartering skills honed. Typically all post shops have some room to haggle, but these shops starting extremely high (asking 40 for 10 dollar sunglasses, asking 50 for 25 dollar hammocks, etc).

 

 

Disembarking was without a doubt the easiest we had ever experienced. This alone made the faster to the fun package worth the price. We were off the ship, and through customs in less than 15 minutes.

Overall it was a good cruise for Carnival, and we would go again if we can meet that same price point.

[lizardhowson]

Thank you for posting your experiences.

[irish_scouter]

Gazpar

 

Where was your Cabin?

[_Gazpar_]

2400

 

Lower oceanview toward the front of the ship.

 

Relatively quiet, besides for the amorous young couple next door...

~~Young love~~

No ship drive noise noticeable

 

Real close to the restaurant, 2 rooms down and one flight up

Very far from the Lido deck, where the open lemonade/juice/hot chocolate were

Edited September 13, 2015 by _Gazpar_

[michiganirish]

Thanks for posting this review. Will be on her in April :)

[annawanX2]

Thank you for posting. Will be on the Valor in 19 days. Never sailed the Valor before or done the Western Caribbean so your information really helps!

[RiotAct]

Great review! I did the exact same itinerary on the Liberty back in October, and I find that most of what you said about those ports rings true with me as well!!!

 

Those darned overpriced vendors in Costa Maya - most of that junk is HECHO EN CHINA, anyways! :D

[crewsweeper]

Thanks Gazpar. We're on the ship in January, same itinerary, which we've been on many times before, just never on the Valor. As far as sushi goes, on some older Carnival ships, sushi has been available (mostly rolls and some tuna or shrimp) pre done at the aft buffet on the Lido deck in the early part of the evenings. Did you do the Fish n Chips upstairs from the Lido? I've found on other Carnival ships that the fish a bit on the greasy side and too much bread, but the ceviche is decent and the oysters can be good, less breaded than the fish.

 

Tulum is best seen via a ship excursion for reasons you found out. It's a pity they don't offer more of a lunch than the meager "snack" . In town there are very good restaurants and taquerias but you generally don't have time to stop there. There is a place on the beach that good too. But again time isn't on your side.

 

We love Costa Maya. And while I agree with you that the port complex isn't all that great, you can catch a taxi at the rear and head down to the beach and malecon at Mahahual ($5 RT pp). Lots of beach clubs and some shopping (albeit a lot of Hecho en China, there too). Also, native Choice does have Maya ruin tours with much more focus on Yucatan Maya culture that will fit most ship schedules, including Carnival ships which do tend to leave early for god-only-knows-what-reason.

[dlbutler5]

Did they have the good dinner menu or the Americas table?

[JawjaFatBoy]

Thank you for the review. We will be doing the western itinerary on the Valor next week and you have given me a few things to think about. Also good to read a review from someone on deck 2! We will be in room 2348 so we will be kind of under one corner of the dining room. Looking at the deck plan, it looks like you were under the galley? If the noise wasn't bad there then we should be good! Thanks again!

[CruiseandCruise]

very nice review, thank you! My First Carnival cruise was on Valor 4 years ago. I'm looking forward to sailing on her again in 10 days! we're doing the Eastern trip this time.

 

In regards to the stage shows, did you feel they had been somewhat refreshed or made current? Are they still doing the show with the silly talking red sofa?

[_Gazpar_]

very nice review, thank you! My First Carnival cruise was on Valor 4 years ago. I'm looking forward to sailing on her again in 10 days! we're doing the Eastern trip this time.

 

Thanks. I am sure you will have fun. At the price point for this season its hard to go wrong.

 

In regards to the stage shows, did you feel they had been somewhat refreshed or made current? Are they still doing the show with the silly talking red sofa?

 

Same shows... They may change the costumes and the songs, but it it the same show regardless...

 

And yes, they have the silly Red sofa.

My wife found it very weird and out of place.

I thought it was very hokey, and peculiar.

It was neither topical nor attractive. You would think that would have something more pertinent.

I guess the only reason it's there is so we can discuss how odd it was ;)

[_Gazpar_]

Thank you for the review. We will be doing the western itinerary on the Valor next week and you have given me a few things to think about. Also good to read a review from someone on deck 2! We will be in room 2348 so we will be kind of under one corner of the dining room. Looking at the deck plan, it looks like you were under the galley? If the noise wasn't bad there then we should be good! Thanks again!

 

Yes, it was under the galley. That may have helped contain the noise.

You will be a bit more midship.

It should be a tad better as everything (besides for the dining room) was stern.

The whole section was quiet, except for a few other passengers having fun. That's to be expected. They were on vacation as well :)

[griz400]

Fish and chips good ??? waterslide and pool nice ?? We find so far with Carnival that the grill is usually open late ?? We are on Valor in a few days also ...Most cruises we find the grilled rueben's are the bomb ...How was lobster night ??:)

[_Gazpar_]

Did they have the good dinner menu or the Americas table?

 

I should have said more about the food in my review.

That's one of our favorite parts of cruising. :p

 

To answer your question:

"Good" is retaliative.

I found it was varied, and seemed to have a fairly good selection.

They only had 2 types of bread, a traditional roll, and a baguette. (they used to offer a pumpernickel, a whole wheat and another type as well, but no longer)

 

The daily menu had about 5-6 starters, 4-5 main course meals, and 3-4 desserts.

 

Starters were interesting at times. The intriguing ones included Shark and shrimp sushi, Ox Tongue, and frog legs. None of them were bad, although some didn't settle well with me, but that's likely because I wasn't used to eating them.

We always went to the dining room just to try different things.

We would order a couple of entrees each and just have a bite or two to sample them.

 

Main course:

They have a "standard" entree menu, which was available everyday.

Fish, fried chicken, perhaps a low-end steak.

The first formal night (night #2) had lobster on the menu.

The daily selections always had some type of fish (salmon was good, and served almost everyday in some form or another), and some type of red meat (brisket, beef stroganoff, Filet minion, and Chateaubriand) and a chicken dish as well. My wife ate the chicken, and she seemed to think it was OK, ut not over the top. Chicken is chicken :|

They also had some type of "comfort food" daily; mac and cheese, meatloaf, etc.

They also had an "upgrade option" where you could get the lobster tail, or other "upscale dishes" for $20 P/P.

 

Desserts were varied. they ALWAYS had the "melting chocolate cake" which is a ghetto version of the old "Molten lava chocolate" they used to offer.Although I didn't care for it, another couple we met on teh ship loved it, and ate it every-night.

They normally had some type of pie available, (the apple was good, the rest were just ok)., and cheesecake too.

Cheese was also offered everyday as was ice cream.

I very much disliked the banana foster they served one night.:( That's the only think that I ate that was "bad"

 

Personally, we skipped desserts a few times, just because we had doubled up on appetizers.

 

As a frequent cruiser, you know this already, but feel free to order several things and try as you go. A bite or two of each thing gets a good feel for what they offered.

 

Go to the taste bar for snacks and AVOID THE FISH AND CHIPS BAR!

..the deli has some good offerings to include a Ruben, and a bagel with lox..

Edited September 15, 2015 by _Gazpar_

[_Gazpar_]

Fish and chips good ???

NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT! way too greasy, line was terribly long, the "shrimp" they offered was cut up pieces, and the oysters were so breaded that you couldn't taste the meat itself. Same with the "seafood fritters". Save your "stomach real estate" for something else. There are good options, that's just not one of them. AVOID THE FISH AND CHIPS BAR!

 

waterslide and pool nice ??

they had 1 waterslide, and there was almost never a line. They have several pools, and I think all but 2 were saltwater (which I prefer). very crowded, but if you can stand the crowds and kids, you can swim while watching a movie. Nice for a while.

 

We find so far with Carnival that the grill is usually open late ??

The deli is open until about 11 as I recall. The pizza place is open 24/7. They have a basil pizza that was interesting, and a must-try at least once just to see what you think.

 

We are on Valor in a few days also ...

You should have fun. the price point is great for what you get. It's not upscale, but its a good way to spend a week.

 

Most cruises we find the grilled rueben's are the bomb ...

the Rubens were my standby late night food. Have him go heavy on the sauerkraut, lightly grilled with some extra 1000 island on the side. By the time I was leaving he knew my late night order and how I wanted them. He got tipped out end of the cruise directly ;)

 

How was lobster night ??:)

They were offered on the first formal night. I was worried about dripping butter on my suit so I didn't dip them as I normally would have. ...may have been better if I had..

It was good, I think I had 3. They are smaller of course, but keep getting them until they become one big one in your belly ;)

Hard to go wrong on lobster night ;)

Edited September 15, 2015 by _Gazpar_

[griz400]

Thanx for all of your answers ... :)

I always get my ruebens with a slice of tomato ... they seem to remember that as well.. thanx again .. Jeff and Cyndee

WE always like the Baked Alaska for dessert ... usually have 1 night only

Edited September 15, 2015 by griz400

[_Gazpar_]

Thanx for all of your answers ... :)

I always get my ruebens with a slice of tomato ... they seem to remember that as well.. thanx again .. Jeff and Cyndee

WE always like the Baked Alaska for dessert ... usually have 1 night only

 

Yea, One night only (night 5 I think).

I am not a big ice cream fan, but there were several in the casino that thought it was wonderful.

 

I have never tried a slice of tomato on my Ruben. I think I just may next time :) Thanks for the tip

[crustycrab]

We are looking into sailing on valor in April. Could you please tell me which side of ship to book a room for best view of western caribbean ports. I know Belize is tendered. I understand right side is starboard and left side is port (looking toward front from back).thank you for your review.

[_Gazpar_]

We are looking into sailing on valor in April. Could you please tell me which side of ship to book a room for best view of western caribbean ports. I know Belize is tendered. I understand right side is starboard and left side is port (looking toward front from back).thank you for your review.

 

Either side will give you views.

 

Costa Maya: Starboard = shop view, Port gives you ocean view.

 

Cozumel: we came in straight, but the other backed in, so there may be no hardfast rule. As for our case, both sides let you see the island. Port let us see the other dock where the tenders were to take you to mainland. Starboard let you see some of the housing and other "island living stuff". the port shops are directly off the pier. Neither was spectacular

 

Belize : Tendered

 

Roatan : Set up so both sides lets you see the island. Our ship backed in. The starboard side let us see the shipwrecks, and mountains, Port side let us see the attractions.

 

I have pictures of all ports if you want to contact me directly

[crewsweeper]

Just to add on Gazpar's docking.

 

In Costa Maya, pier holds 3 ships. One along side the dock, and two at the end. One inside one outside. Inside ship will back in, meaning port gets a shop view, starboard gets a view of the other ship. And vice versa for outside ship docking. Along side dock, port gets view of ocean and coast line. Starboard gets view of dock, shopping and northern coast line.

 

In Roatan, Mahogany Bay, all ships back into port so, port side gets shopping view, starboard gets view of hillside on the other side of the cove. or possibly the sports fishing facilities further up the cove.

for any port, where or which direction the ship docks is up tot he harbor master on the day of docking.

 

In Cozumel, if at Puerta Maya, if headed in, on the port side you'll see the International Pier and the hotels heading toward town. On the starboard side you'll see down toward the south beaches and the channel. They've recently expanded the pier there and that may be the reason for backing in if a third ship docks. The second head in ship will see the third ship on port and the backed in ship will see the second ship on port.

 

If docking at Punta Langosta, port side sees the north coast line and town, starboard sees the hotels heading south.

 

Which side and which spot along a pier a ship is docked at depends upon the harbor master's direction, number of ships in port, and timing of arrival versus other ships.

[annawanX2]

Does the Valor have the boxey, plastic rocking chairs outside at the Dive-In theater? We were on the Glory one time and they had these rocking chairs. Loved it !! Thanks !

[dallas52]

We are thinking about doing the tour with Broden at Roatan also, how much does he charge for his tours? thanks

[Qchell]

We are thinking about doing the tour with Broden at Roatan also, how much does he charge for his tours? thanks

 

 

We went last year and hands down the BEST island tour we have had yet (Fun n' Sun)! It's only $30 a person and worth so much more. You do need to bring cash with you if you want snacks or drinks at the beach stop. American $$ is just fine. The tour was fantastic! The stop with the monkeys is a "must do" - VERY clean cages, monkeys are all friendly as can be, the birds are just breathtaking, the other animals are great fun. The beach was gorgeous!! If you are the front row you do get the usual string of folks coming by to sell you stuff and give you massages.. comes with the beaches. If you need an umbrella, just ask, and they will get one for you. Definitely check them out! Can't wait until we get to go again!

[annawanX2]

Do you book with Broden before you get there (online or by phone) or when you get off the ship? Thanks.