Carnival Victory Review 3/20-3/24

[KYWEST1]

Thanks for the review! Have only been to Key West once, but would love to go back. Following with delight.

 

 

 

Thank you! [emoji4]

 

 

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[Donpop1]

Going on Victory may 22

[KYWEST1]

After formal dinner we went to watch the show (2nd performance). Sorry I forgot the name. The Thursday night show was Vroom and that was fantastic. This first show was really good too and I always encourage people to go to them. Unless you're someone who frequents live singing and dancing with an orchestra in the pit, why would you not go and see this? I just think it's such great entertainment and something you only really get the chance to see on a cruise. I love the theaters and love sitting up in the balcony. I wish I had taken some pictures. Had I known I would finally have figured out how to post them, I would've been snapping ship pics everywhere.

After the show it was off to the piano bar. Now I don't think I've mentioned the Scottish guys on board yet. They were awesome! Sometimes you're lucky enough to get a great group on your cruise that just make it better, and thankfully, we got the Scots! We spied them the first day on the Lido sporting their kilts, and we knew we were in for a treat. They were a big help when we needed them later in the cruise.

 

 

So upon entering the piano bar, Andy has his shirt off and sporting one of the ladie's big necklaces. Things were already crazy. Then in walk the men from Scotland! It's formal night so they're wearing their formal kilts of course. They looked amazing. But the best part was that they brought bagpipes to the piano bar! Not sure if I can upload a video but I'll try. Allen & Terry(?) were the head 2 and after they played the bagpipes Allen sat down and played the piano! Got the crowd pumped cause no one saw this coming. Andy was absolutely giddy that this was all going on. He was more than willing to share the spotlight. Part of the reason Andy is so special.

 

 

 

 

 

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[TrqoisWtrs]

Enjoying your review and pics. I agree, I wish we could stay at least past sunset in Key West - so much fun then!

 

And with anytime dining, you can request to sit with the same wait staff each night. :)

[KYWEST1]

Wasn't able to upload a video and not savvy enough to put them on YouTube with a link. Sorry. They sounded great tho.

We stayed at the piano bar until 2:00am I think. We were excited to sleep in the next day since we weren't getting to Cozumel until noon. So we headed up to lido for you guessed it...pizza. Then the 4 of us walked to our cabins but first my daughter and I wanted to show our friends the "secret door" or "secret decks" as I call them. If you're a regular on cruise critic you already know what I'm talking about. Any newbies reading, every ship has a few doors at the very front (varying floors on each ship) which lead out onto small deck areas at the very front of the ship. Think Jack & Rose but nowhere near that close to the point! Anyway, there usually isn't anyone out there and it's a cool place to hang out for a little bit. We didn't stay long and headed to our cabins for bed. We had no idea what was going to happen only an hour later.

The Captain's announcements came over the inside of our cabins and my friend and I both thought they were part of a dream. He was saying I need the stretcher team to deck 3(?) for a man overboard. It wasn't until 4:18 (I'll never forget that time) that Matey's announcement actually woke us up. The ship had come to a complete stop (after turning around unbeknownst to us). He said a passenger went overboard and needed everyone to remain silent and vigilant. We said to each other "is this really happening?" We went out on our balcony and saw a huge spotlight aimed at a blinking light and a lifeboat headed towards it. There were a lot of officers on that side of the bridge all looking and waiting. When the boat reached the blinking light they circled it and then the spotlight began immediately searching the ocean. The blinking light was a life preserver that someone had thrown in for the passenger to find. We cried and prayed and had such hope that he would be rescued. We couldn't sleep but with only 2 hours of sleep so far, we eventually drifted off until the 9am announcement of what happened. Our girls had luckily slept through the Captain's & Matey's announcement during the night.

I went up to get coffee and went up to deck 10 where some people were at the rails looking out over the ocean. Everyone was so somber and quietly talking about it. No one knew anything at this point. We were moving again so I didn't understand why there was a coastguard plane flying near us. Seemed like we would be long past where it occurred. That's when someone told me we are circling. Big circles so it wasn't that obvious that we were. Ran into some insensitive comments but all I could think of is how I couldn't bear for the ship to leave if it had been my loved one.

I just want everyone to know how hard the crew searched for him. We even saw them with binoculars on the bridge at 4:00pm (11 hours later). I also wanted to commend the entire ship staff for trying so hard to keep everyone's spirits up. Even tho many of them missed their time off and sometimes the only chance they have to call home. But they put us first and continued their top notch treatment and service. We tried to keep the girls spirits up as well. They were overwhelmingly sad for this young man. The entire ship was somber but carrying on as if it were a day at sea.

They still had the planned deck party which was uplifting after such a heavy hearted day. Again DJ Zen spun his tunes and I pretended to know how to line dance (or whatever it is). Piano bar was closed and we went to bed fairly early that night.

 

Cozumel: Even tho we didn't get there I'll share with you what we were going to do in case you're looking for ideas. Been there before so I like going to Paradise Beach. Admission to get in is under $10 and it gives you access to the beach/ chairs, their huge pool and facilities. Cool restaurant on the beach and tons of tequila! Bar staff come right to your chair just like on the ship. It's a great, safe place. Lots of little activities there too for an xtra charge. Snorkel equipmt and water inflatables for the kids, jet skis etc.

after that we were going to taxi to the desolate bars on the east side of the island. There is also a party bus tour that does this which I heard is awesome so check that out too. Cozumel also has some of the best snorkeling & diving around so if that sounds like your cup of tea I highly recommend it. Been there done that so take me to the beach!

 

 

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[KYWEST1]

 

And with anytime dining, you can request to sit with the same wait staff each night. :)

 

Wow thanks!! I had no idea... Great tip for next time :)

[tommy2811]

Kywest1 great review and put very nicely... looking forward to your next chapter! ty

[KYWEST1]

Kywest1 great review and put very nicely... looking forward to your next chapter! ty

 

 

 

Thank you. I appreciate that. It was not an easy part of my review to write.

 

 

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[KYWEST1]

Here are some pics of our cabin. Loved being on the Lido deck. All the cabins are updated and very nice. I really missed the full length mirror tho on the closet door. It's just nice to check out your fabulous self from head to toe before heading out for the night. The main mirror in the cabin is big and lights up nicely but I did miss the full length one.

Also wanted to mention the wait time at the Lido bars. They always seemed to be understaffed and it was always at least a 15 minute wait. But this cruise seemed to have more staff on deck to take your orders so that's what we ended up doing. Marco from Croatia was awesome. We would yell across the deck for him and he'd come over with a big smile. We always tipped xtra. They all work so hard and really appreciate any xtra tips! The bars in all other areas of the ship didn't ever seem to be a long wait for a drink. Lobby, casino, piano bar and Alchemy were all pretty easy to get waited on.

Forgot to mention one of the lobby entertainers. It was a girl with a guitar who played more mellow easy listening music. Sounded good but she didn't put a lot into her appearance. Kind of granola-y and wore a tshirt & jeans. Hair & makeup not a priority for her either so I usually went to listen to Magic Power in the Casino area whenever she was playing. To each his own. Not my cup of tea. But she did have a nice voice.

 

 

 

 

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[KYWEST1]

Here is a pic of how far our cruise got to and where it circled & turned around. Cut off Cozumel but we got about halfway between Key West & Cozumel. We were 33 miles from Cuba I believe. 2nd picture is of a coast guard plane that flew over area many times. Once it actually went directly over our ship.

 

 

 

 

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[MischaH123]

This has been a great review. Thank you once again, you described and narrated everything perfectly.

[HolyCityGamecock]

How were the lines for food?

 

 

First cruise: Carnival Victory, 4/17/2017

[KYWEST1]

This has been a great review. Thank you once again, you described and narrated everything perfectly.

 

Thank you. I really appreciate it.

[KYWEST1]

How were the lines for food?

 

 

First cruise: Carnival Victory, 4/17/2017

 

The lines were varying at different times. If you really hate waiting in lines, find out when the buffet opens and get there early. It moved slowly once you were in it. That was the only thing that was a little annoying. I wanted a fresh salad one day, so I happened to walk up to the buffet as they were putting the final touches on it (still closed). So I walked over to the dessert cart to take a look and one of the workers told me "the buffet is open now". So I got in line maybe 6 people back and it took about 10 minutes to get to the salad part (at the end). What do these people do that takes so long??? I should've just jumped past them for my salad but I felt bad doing that and I was literally the 6th person in line!

There was always a pizza line but it went fast. Sandwich line was small to non existent. Chinese station wasn't bad either.

Lido grill always had a line when they first opened but it moved fast and if you wait a little bit, there was no line after the rush.

Enjoy your cruise :)

Edited March 30, 2017 by KYWEST1
spelling

[JaniceB]

Perfect cruise for a Birthday celebration. We found the 4 nights plus the hotel stay the night before was the perfect length.

Thanks for asking about the transportation because I forgot to mention that. I looked into just about everything including renting a car on both ends since our flight home wasn't until 5:00pm. Since we arrived at noon on Sunday, we wanted to get to our hotel & beach as soon as possible, so we ended up booking Sunshine Shuttles for a private shuttle right to the hotel and returned to the airport for $75 ea way plus tip. We got a discount for booking round trip and the dropoff was more expensive due to going right to the south beach hotel (vs pier or airport), but it averaged about $75 ea way.

 

Thanks for the transportation information.

[JaniceB]

Sorry to hear about the man overboard. I love all your Key West info. I have been to Dante's a few times since it is the best place to cool off and get some food.

 

Great review!

[Can'tWait2SetSail]

Thank you for your review. You seem to be a very positive and kind person. We are booked for that bar hop you mentioned in Cozumel. Have never done it so we are looking forward to it.

[lovermonkey]

Thank you! We will be on the Victory in May. First time on Victory. Thanks for the pictures!

[KYWEST1]

Sorry to hear about the man overboard. I love all your Key West info. I have been to Dante's a few times since it is the best place to cool off and get some food.

 

Great review!

 

Thanks so much! I appreciate it :)

[KYWEST1]

Thank you for your review. You seem to be a very positive and kind person. We are booked for that bar hop you mentioned in Cozumel. Have never done it so we are looking forward to it.

 

Thank you so much! I've heard it's awesome so have fun. During my early stops in Cozumel, we would rent a jeep and do our own east end bar hop. These remote bars are literally right on a beach or a cliff overlooking the ocean and they have amazing views. Drinking & driving not a good idea anywhere so this bus tour is a great idea.

[Florings]

Thanks for the review and the pictures....even the cheating ones!

[KYWEST1]

Last Sea Day: the last day on board is always bittersweet. You want to see and do everything on the ship that you can. We started the day bright and early at the gym. Sorry no pics. I love cruise ship gyms. There's just a cooler vibe to them than your gym at home (duh right? Everyone's on vacation and you're looking at the ocean while working out!) If you're one of those people that aren't interested in exercising on vacation, I'd like to change your mind. It's a great way to start off a sea day and you feel better later as you're sucking down Rum Runners and eating pizza, burgers, chocolate melting cake...Not judging or preaching, I just think you'd be surprised at how much better you feel after walking a couple miles on the treadmill or lifting some weights. It usually causes me to grab fruit & yogurt for breakfast and save my calories for later (where they belong...in my liquor!)

Sorry if all that made you roll your eyes. My kids love vacationing with me too! [emoji12]

Got on deck early enough for sun chairs and started our last day of fun & sun.

I love hearing the music on lido and I always give out a little groan when they stop it for games. No sooner after I groan, I find myself completely amused at my fellow cruisers. I mean where else are you going to witness grown men of all shapes & ages shake what their mama's gave them for a Hairy Chest contest? And don't forget the Tarzan yell. If you're not laughing at this please order another Blue Moon or Pina Colada cause it's funny.

They had some left over mexican food from the deck party so I grabbed some nachos from the grill for lunch. My daughter got some cheese fries and my friend grabbed a Reuben. We were all happy.

I took a break from the sun and headed down to 4 to buy some pictures. There was one photographer on formal night with a sparkly gold background and he took some fantastic pictures of us. Just an FYI.

 

 

We stayed on Lido for a long time. Hard to leave. We all met at the Atrium bar and tried going out on Deck 3 for sunset pictures. Didn't really work tho. I've gotten some great ones in the past but it was a little windy and the lighting wasn't right.

 

 

This was the first night we had to wait for dinner. I think it was about 20 minutes so we went to Alchemy for a Nikola visit!

 

Dinner was delicious and we loved the waiters' singing & dancing. It always makes me a little sad when they sing "Leaving on a Fun Ship". I'm a sap and also a little buzzed at this point, so I tend to get a little teary eyed.

After dinner we went to the 2nd showing of Vroom. Again it's excellent and a must see. I wish I could be a Carnival dancer.

After the show I think we went to hear Percy Crews the comedian (could've been the night before...they're all blending together). He's a black guy who starts joking about the races and I guarantee you're going to lyao! He compared catholic mass to black chuch (as he pronounced it) and we were crying. Go see him if you can.

Our last night in the piano bar [emoji22]. Even got seats this time.

 

I love the people that hang out in the ships piano bars. They're always the coolest. Especially when Andy Hackbarth is your leader (look him up...tons of social media). Hi Andy if you're reading!! [emoji8]

We tried to close it down (Andy tried to end the night too) but more people walked in and he kept playing. Left around 1:30-2 I think. Took a last stroll up for pizza and headed back to our unpacked cabins. Plenty of time for that on debarkation day right?

 

 

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[KYWEST1]

Thank you! We will be on the Victory in May. First time on Victory. Thanks for the pictures!

 

You're very welcome! Have a great cruise. You'll love Victory. :)

[KYWEST1]

Thanks for the review and the pictures....even the cheating ones!

 

 

Ha Ha...you're welcome and thanks for the comment!:)

[KYWEST1]

Debarkation day: Everyone's favorite right? Yes it's awful. We hit a squall coming into Miami about 4-5am and I swore the ship was going to roll over. If it hadn't been the last night I wouldn't have minded but we left nothing on the table so to speak regarding food & drink that last day and hitting rough seas now was.....rough.

It was cool seeing us pull into port. I always love is it MacArthur Causeway? Very cool. Anyway, we had to be out of our cabins by 8:30. We could've debarked earlier but none of us were close to being ready and our flight wasn't until 5pm out of Lauderdale. Sunshine Shuttles called me while we were still onboard to tell me they were there and let them know when we were outside. Can't say enough about how great they were. They'll be my go to transportation from now on.

So we dragged out luggage to Lido pool area and grabbed a little breakfast. No lines and they were releasing people by decks. When we were ready to leave they were already calling deck 9 so we thought we better get moving or we'll get stuck in the cattle call. Probably took 20-30 minutes from leaving Lido to walking off ship. No customs stop since we didn't stop in Mexico [emoji22]

It started raining as soon as we got outside. Thank you Mother Nature for the cherry on top of this day! Got to Lauderdale airport by 10:00ish and just sat and played on our phones for a good hour. We couldn't check our luggage because our flight was 7 hours later. About 11:30 we decided to Uber to the beach for lunch. It had cleared up and we wanted to enjoy our last day. Left our luggage with this really sweet couple from CA that wasn't flying until later as well. She heard us talking about storing it for $7/bag and offered. We went to Beach Place that has little shops & restaurants. Had lunch at Lulu's Bait Shack. It was fine but the waitress was a snot. Definitely not on Victory anymore. We walked the beach sidewalk and just killed time. Ubered back to the airport and checked into our flight.

That's it. That's a wrap. All in all it was a great ship with great staff. Very unfortunate turn of events but there aren't any guarantees. I was just grateful that we were all safe and had a wonderful mom & daughter vacation. I hope you all enjoyed my review and have a good image of the Victory. I forgot to mention in the beginning, I liked this smaller sized ship as compared to the bigger ones I've sailed on lately. It was nice seeing the same people around the ship and saying hi. Just wanted to add that. Thanks for reading folks and Happy Cruising! Cheers!![emoji484]

 

One last pic....the best part of going home after a cruise [emoji4]❤️

 

 

Well I was glad to see my husband and sons too! Ha ha

 

 

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