Jump to content
  • Deals
  • Find a Cruise
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Cruise Tips
Cruise Critic Community

Just back from back to back Valor

enester

By enester,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

Recommended Posts

enester

enester

Posted
Posted

Hi All!

 

Our flight came back into town last night (stayed an extra in Miami) and now I'm back at work.... trying to catch up.:o .... Taking a back to back is a great way to spend some life and I would highy recommend it to all that's able.

 

GEEZ! - I see a boat load of reviews on the Valor were added since I left :eek: So I don't know if I can add much - but I still have a few things that I hope to - as soon as I'm able. In the mean time some bullets:

 

THE SHIP: At first I thought that the design was a bit schizophrenic. Mixing the stately with some paintings with color schemes at home in the 70's. However, design is many times mixed with intangibles, and it wasn't long before I felt at home - and confortable. The blending became "right" for me. And, hey, I really liked the design mix of color, metal, & eagles that pervade everywhere. A couple of the hero's left you scratching your head a bit (especially the ones that didn't really exist!) - but hey - I guess "valor" is both a reality - and a moral play, and not defined by absolutes. Anyway, enough of the pointy headed jargon, you may find yourself using an eagle wing or two to hold yourself up after a couple foo-foo drinks.

 

Yeah, the central placement of the Lincoln dining room is gonna goof you up a time or two. I'm sure if they had to do it over again they'd have some better 3rd & 4th floor routing. It doesn't require a PHD to get around them..... but once again, after a couple foo-foo's and finding yourself in the Winston Lounge - AGAIN, you may just give up, grab a cigar, and stay there for awhile.....

 

THE ROOMS: Brilliant! Fantastic design, with lots of storage space. Our room (2437) had comfortable colors and lighting that flooded the room with either warm light - in total. Or soft lamps that made for a great way to end the evening (complete with turned bedding and of curse - chocolates & towel animal).......

 

Oh-oh - evil eye from the boss - - - more later!

 

enester

Link to comment
Share on other sites
enester

enester

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Thanks for the info! I can't wait until the rest of your review! We are sailing in November and CAN NOT WAIT!!!! :)

 

Holly

 

 

Hi Holly,

 

I envy you. I think the hardest part is going nuts the first couple days - then spend the rest of the cruise recovering :o (I saw that a few times!). The food - drink - staff - were great. AND I enjoyed my fellow cruisers. You'll find a huge demo-graphic difference. People who have scrimped and saved for their trip can be far more enjoyable company than those describing their stock portfolio..... and I have to admit, I love this time of year when there's less kids.... love 'em..... but glad to have them in moderation.

 

You should have a blast ~

 

enester

 

PS: I was in SC 3 weeks ago at my youngest sons Ft Jackson basic training graduation......

Link to comment
Share on other sites
enester

enester

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Okay, here goes a partial review based on the grading format (I like those that have used it):

 

1) SHIP: A- I'd give it an A+ based on my affection for the Valor - and my enjoyment of the cruise. But I'll acknowlege the 3rd & 4th floor dining room blockage. Also - smoke. It never made a single difference to me, and I never found myself smelling of it etc. But I talked to a couple of thoughtful experienced cruisers who loved there cruise but also said (unsolicited) that in some locations it was the smokiest ships they'd ever been on. They noted the cigar bar (of course) - and it was musty. A less travelled area wouls have made this less relevant. They mentioned the casino, but I've got to say that it was far less smokey than some land based Reno/Vegas casino's I've been in. Anyway, I'm giving a nod that there must be something to it since it's so commonly mentioned. By the way - these areas are isolated. I never smelled anything in our room, the halls, the decks etc. And places like the Eagles lounge doesn't allow it at all. Outside of those two issues I found the Valor comfortable and welcoming.

 

2) ROOM: A+ For all of the reasons I mentioned before. They did a great job on the room design. I loved the window too, but I would have been happy with an inside - and probably orgasmic with a balcony :D

 

3) FOOD: A+ A very pleasant surprise at the food quality in the dinning room. Many of the fish dishes were the best I'd ever had. The presentation impecible. And we never got ours cold - either because we were at a table for two - or good servers! I didn'r spend much time on the beef offerings, and I get the feeling that's where there may be some issues. We enjoyed the "Taste of Nations" offerings for lunch which offered at the opposite side of the "normal" lunch fare. It's little mentioned, but found some of the days outstanding. The reubin from the deli - a killer (that's a good thing ;) ) and their tuna salad there is great too (you can ask for it as a "scooped " salad instead of a sandwich. Grill - good. Breakfast, probably the weakest offering, but we didn't care because we tried to not load up early (tried to be a little healthier to start the day). I never found the coffee as disgusting as some. But cream & sugar helps ;) . Desserts are hit & miss - but if you don't feel intoxicated after some of the offerings you should see a doctor immediately. Wow, the melted chocolate cake, champagne chocolate cake etc. I found the much vaunted Fish & Chips in the "okay" category.

 

4) DRINKS: B I really enjoyed the foo-foo drink of the day. And if you stick with them you'll save a pile of money. The cost of mixed drinks weren't that different than going out to any lounge - EXCEPT - beer. It's on the high side, and I saved having a beer for some of the ports. I brought a bottle of wine, and never finished it. (the DW didn't have any - and doesn't drink much). CCL provided me with a bottle of champagne ;)

 

5) STAFF: A+ Dining room staff, room steward, pursers office, drink servers were all great in my book. I've mentioned in other posts how our room steward tore apart our rooms plumbing to find my wifes contact :eek: which he found! And how a complement by me actually generated a bottle of champagne by the pursers office - thanking ME for lettting them know! But I also enjoyed a couple of the drink servers (good sense of humor) - and was impressed how pleasant many of the lido staff was considering what a mad house it can become at times. And then there's cleaning-cleaning-& more cleaning by them all of the time.

 

I better post this before my computer burps and I lose this data.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites
enester

enester

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Okay, here we go....

 

6) SHOWS: A Allot of shows are what you bring to them of course. They're fun - if you're ready to have fun. We didn't see them all, but when we did we had a good time (never made it to the late night comedy acts though.... wish I did, but the timing was never right.

 

7) CASINO: B I've spent too much time in many casino's so I did a pretty good job of not doing so on the Valor. When I did I found many of the standard machines. Blackjack didn't help me out and when I joined one one of the slot tournaments I came in dead last...... But there were plenty there having a good time - and a couple of the casino bar servers are fun with a good sense of humor. I saw a couple flower deliveries to them (the ladies).

 

8) PORTS: A We did the back to back so we got both the eastern & western flavors. We hadn't been to any of them except for Grand Caymen, so they were all new to us. If you do a back to back you'll find a tremendous variety to these ports. From the old shopping standards to the exotic. We only did a couple organized tours (stingray city & the Belize cave tubing) - Other than that we would strike out on our own. In St Maartin we caught a local bus ($1.00 from on end of the island to the other). They're mostly oversized vans filled with locals. They were wonderful, charming, and helpful. We went to a place where we rented a kayak (double) and paddled the lagoon. They recommend the ocean, but the wind was blowing a bit away from shore - and I didn't want to fight our way back. We had a great time - and a good workout. St Maartin is the best shippong port of all (in my opinion) - though I admit that I'm not an expert (some say Belize is good too). I do know that I bought my Dad a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label - $180 in the states, $132 on Valor, $80 in St Maartin (though I paid $100 because I forgot to bring enough cash so I had to buy on the dock).... we used mobeydicks for the stingray tour on Grand Caymen (fun & cheap $35.00 pp - reserved online) and used cave-tubing.com for the cave tubing in Belize (again, fun and a bargain at $45.00 pp). We reserved with them online and they met us at the docks. There were 32 of us - mostly cruise critic folks! I could go to all of these ports again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
blanquita79

blanquita79

Posted
Posted
And we never got ours cold - either because we were at a table for two - or good servers!

 

Ok, how did you get a table for two?? We are traveling Valor in February and that would be awesome, since it's our honeymoon.

 

Next question...did you like the Eastern Caribbean or Western better?

 

I'm too excited and love all the info you gave. Thanks!! Oh and also love how you described that a balcony cabin would be orgasmic! :D We have a balcony, so I'm hoping for the same reaction!! lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites
enester

enester

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Ok, how did you get a table for two?? We are traveling Valor in February and that would be awesome, since it's our honeymoon.

 

Next question...did you like the Eastern Caribbean or Western better?

 

I'm too excited and love all the info you gave. Thanks!! Oh and also love how you described that a balcony cabin would be orgasmic! :D We have a balcony, so I'm hoping for the same reaction!! lol

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

 

When we arrived we found that we were assigned for a table of six. In the early afternoon (they'll give a time on in the "Capers" newsletter) you go to the matradee and ask for a change. There are two dining rooms - but there will only be one metre dee available - at one of the dinning rooms. We were assigned to the Washington, but we had to go to the Lincoln to make the change. Since we were in the Washington, he gave us a "reserve" card that we presented when we arrived at the Washington that evening. It's far easier to get a table change than it is to get a time change, so as long as that's all your doing - and you get there early enough, you should have no problem. We like "people-watching" - so we were very happy with table 575 along the rail at the Washington upper level. But you may have other criteria - since you'll probably have each other on your mind more than your fellow cruisers....... and my guess is, the balcony will be great but not .... er .... not necessary.;)

 

It would be hard for me to select which itinerary we liked more.... they each had their attributes. The eastern route provided an extra sea day which is nice (we enjoyed the ship). It has a more standard shopping and mature tourist industry (except Nassau, which many don't care for outside of some tours that take you away from it)Many say that St Johns (a nearby island to St Thomas is a must - but since we hadn't been to St Thomas - we wanted to first experience what they had to offer. We snorkeled at Coki Beach. It can be crowded, and my wife got stung by a jelly fish (the a vendor there was wonderful - she provided first aide at no charge), it wasn't a horrific experience, and as all things became part of the tapestry of a wonderful journey - and as such, we loved it there .... The western route starts in the standard Grand Cayman - where if you haven't been there before you MUST do stringray city. It's really a unique that you can't fully duplicate anywahere else. Roatan is both a snorkelers and beach paradise. We were the only ship in port was very uncrowded. So it If you want to skip a tour you can take a taxi, that has a standard (mandfated) price, and ride to halfmoon bay, grab a couple no-cost chairs under umrellas and snorkel from shore. The zip-line tour (riding cables in the jungle canopy) is suppose to be fantastic (though that's for a future trip for us). Belize has the cave tubing which is also unique - Costa Maya for us was a rest stop as we were wrapping up our two weeks - - - anyway, that's a snapshot (a poor one for all of the things that are offered at each)

 

Best of wishes for your new future!

 

enester

Link to comment
Share on other sites
enester

enester

Posted
  • Author
Posted
How did the back to back work. Did you and all your luggage get off? or did you get to stay? I'd really like to know how this worked? thanks

 

You get a letter the day before the end of the first week of your cruise describing the procedures. They had us meet in the morning as a group (other back-to-backers). They had pastries, coffee, juice etc waiting. Then we all walked off the ship together with just our paperwork (cruise documentation, customs slip, proof of citizenship). Everything else remained in our cabin. We all walked through as VIP and we were back on the ship in about 20 minutes. We then got a personalized letter from the pursers office with a contact name if we had any issues - along with a plate of chocolate covered strwberries (yum!) - You then "own" the ship until the newbies come on board (this is a great time to check out the other rooms - they prop open the doors while they're working - and they don't mind. But be careful to stay out of their way - they're fly'in as they get ready for the next visitors!)

 

enester

Link to comment
Share on other sites
tigermaroon2

tigermaroon2

Posted
Posted

Another hint if you are interested in looking in other cabins:

 

We found recently that once people have "cleared" the room of their belongings, the doors are indeed propped open. The stewards do not care if you walk in and look and we even went out onto a balcony in one cabin as well. We just sort of roamed around while waiting to debark.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
antcyd

antcyd

Posted
Posted

I will be on the Valor in 2 weeks and we also booked cave-tubing.com for our excursion in Belize, there are 40 of us Cruise critics going together. I have used cave-tubing.com before but with a different cruise line and less people in the group so I am wondering if you can tell me how the tendering process worked on the Valor that morning and where and when you all met up???? I am trying to find the easiest way to keep our group together.

Thanks in advance,

Cindee

Link to comment
Share on other sites
enester

enester

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I will be on the Valor in 2 weeks and we also booked cave-tubing.com for our excursion in Belize, there are 40 of us Cruise critics going together. I have used cave-tubing.com before but with a different cruise line and less people in the group so I am wondering if you can tell me how the tendering process worked on the Valor that morning and where and when you all met up???? I am trying to find the easiest way to keep our group together.

Thanks in advance,

Cindee

 

We got a little bit of a run-around.... Those with "tours" we were suppose to meet in the Ivanhoe Lounge and leave off of the ship first. But since we didn't book with Carnival they sent us back to the Eagles lounge to get a post tour number.... However, when we got to the Eagles lounge we talked to the Asst. Cruise director and she sent us right back saying that she'd call and let her know that it was okay. With such a large group I would talk to her ahead of time. She was very accomodating and friendly. However, cave-tubing.com will wait until 10:00 AM if everyone hasn't made it earlier (which should be plenty of time even if you use the Eagle Lounge numbering system - as long as you're on #1 or #2). They meet outside of the north peer and will be standing there with everybodies name on signs - - - great group of guys. But I would arrange for everybody to meet at the Ivanhoe - with Carnivals consent, I'm sure they'll allow it.

 

enester

Link to comment
Share on other sites
antcyd

antcyd

Posted
Posted

Thanks for the info, you helped me out alot.

 

Do you remember the name of the asst CD because I will try to find her asap since our Cruise critic get together is the first day at sea and I would like to make a plan with everyone as to where and when to meet. The sooner I find her the sooner I can pass on the info to the group.

 

Also, what time did they start giving out the tender tickets if we need to actually get them in the Eagles lounge and/or what time was stated to meet in the Ivanhoe lounge if they will allow us to get off with the ship's excursions?????

Thanks,

Cindee

Link to comment
Share on other sites
enester

enester

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Thanks for the info, you helped me out alot.

 

Do you remember the name of the asst CD because I will try to find her asap since our Cruise critic get together is the first day at sea and I would like to make a plan with everyone as to where and when to meet. The sooner I find her the sooner I can pass on the info to the group.

 

Also, what time did they start giving out the tender tickets if we need to actually get them in the Eagles lounge and/or what time was stated to meet in the Ivanhoe lounge if they will allow us to get off with the ship's excursions?????

Thanks,

Cindee

 

Darn, I've been trying to find the asst cruise directors full name... her first name is Kelly.....

 

They said to meet in the Eagles Lounge at 8:30 AM to get your number - even going to the Ivanhoe first, and then being sent back to the Eagles Lounge, we still would have recieved a "1". Those with tours were suppose to meet in the Ivanhoe 15 minutes prior to the printed time on their tickets.... however, the cave tube'rs are always first. They'll announce when the first tenders are going to leave which should be within a half hour after arriving at Belize (8:00 AM is the scheduled arrival time). The tenders are large and hold allot of people. cave-tubing.com sent me an email asking us to be there as early as possible - but gave an 8:00 to 10:00 AM time span. Unless the ship was late, you should have no problem.

 

I'll still try and get the asst's full name - but so far, no luck ~ sorry! :o

 

enester

Link to comment
Share on other sites
HollyfromSC

HollyfromSC

Posted
Posted
Hi Holly

 

When exactly are you going? I am about to book a cruise in Novemeber on the Valor. It would be great to meet you and say hi if we end up on the same boat! :)

 

Hi Cruisefan28! I am sorry it took me so long to respond---been crazy couple days at work and haven't had a chance to look at cruise critic! I know---UNBELIEVABLE! Anyway...we are cruising with a big group of people on November 26th on the Valor going to the Western Caribbean. Our roll call is http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=275357. SO if you decide to book that cruise---come on and join us!!

 

Take care!

 

Holly

Link to comment
Share on other sites
enester

enester

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Unless it has changed since September 3rd, the Cruise Director's name is Darcy Kneivel..not Kelly. I'll look on my Capers tonight and find the name of the assistant director...I can't remember that.

 

Hi tagermaroon2 -

 

The cruise director now is Brett Alans (I could screw up a name - but not the gender! :D ). And I'm pretty sure that the Asst CD was "Kelly"... but I'm looking in my Capers and not finding her anywhere. Where would they list the assistant???

 

enester

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...