Carnival Victory - Aug. 16, 2007 - Review

[krystall]

Carnival Victory

August 16-20, 2007

 

 

Embarkation: Excellent experience. We arrived at the cruise terminal after coming over from NJ on the train

and a cab up to the cruise terminal. We got there about 11:00 am. We were immediately registered and given

our Sail And Sign cards. We sat with all of the early arriving and registered passengers and were told that

boarding would start at about 11:40. True to their word about 11:40 or so we started lining up and proceeded

through security, to take a photo if you like and on to the ship. It was great. The cruise terminal workers

were very polite, willing to answer all questions and kept everything moving smoothly.

 

 

Carnival Victory Ship: We step onto the ship and it's beautiful. Lots of sea green and undersea decor

but also very clean, bright and shiny. We walked around a bit to get our bearings and since we were not allowed

into our cabins until 1:00 pm we did the obvious and headed up to the Lido Deck for food.

 

 

Lido Deck: We were not to much surprised at the floor plan because we had cruised on the Carnival Triumph

a couple of years ago so the set up was familiar. We walked around a bit and finally decided to get some

lunch. Pretty good food offerings in the buffet. I have seen far worse buffets and yes, I asked for a refund.

Long lines as has been mentioned on CC and can get very crowded all at once. I tried the Asian food and it

was very good, deliciously seasoned, fresh vegetables and seafood. I even tried the fried rice even though I

don't care for scrambled eggs which it contained.

The buffet area is and is kept in very clean organized condition. But the seating needs replacing. I mentioned

this on my comment card. I sat on one of the benches and felt like I was going to fall through.

They need new cushioning. Many of the chairs are very stained and threading. New seating would make the

buffet are a pleasurable place to dine.

 

 

Deli: Awesome! One of our favorite places to eat for any meal or snack. I highly recommend it. Crew

members who sliced, heated and served were more than wonderful. Courteous, timely and organized.

High praise for them and the food they served.

 

 

Hamburger/Hot Dog Area: Again great crew member service, organization, courteous and efficient and they serve a

lot of people all day long there is a line. Great burgers, fries and hot dogs.

 

 

Pizza: Again wonderful. It wasn't my favorite pizza place at home with homemade Italian sauce and toppings but hot out of

the oven it made for a great snack. Caesar salads were also great. Very nice crew members working very

hard to serve all of the constant children mostly and adults pizza orders.

 

 

Dining Room: We had dinner nightly in the Pacific Dining Room. Our waiter was wonderful Armando and his

co-waiter, I never got his name he was so busy and efficient. It actually may have been the other way

around, that Armando was his co-waiter. But however they were both wonderful, patient, efficient and

fast moving with the food and requests. Thank you both. We enjoyed all of our meals there. My husband

especially loved the Melting Chocolate Cake that the CC members suggested. Thanks

 

 

Casino: We had a great time there. No we didn't win much but we enjoyed playing the slots. We don't

gamble much so this was entertaining for us. I did find it annoying to have the band playing so close

to the gaming action. At one point I had to move to a slot machine toward the back of the casino

because I couldn't concentrate. The dance floor located right in front of the band is also a main

walkway and is especially a problem when the shows let out from the Caribbean Lounge. But we managed.

 

 

Shows: We saw three of the shows, Welcome Aboard! - Livin' In America and VROOM! We enjoyed them all

dancers were fantastic and energetic. I think Livin' In America was my favorite.

 

 

St. John: Our only port stop but we enjoyed it. We didn't do a tour, we just walked to some antique shops

and to the malls across from each other. We were lucky. I have read on CC how foggy it can get in St. John

but we were blessed with a very clear and only slightly cool day.

 

 

Activities: This was a very laid back cruise for us so we really didn't push it. Besides the casino we saw a

movie in one of the lounges, went to the captains party, watched some Bingo, watched a few of the

games at the pool, visited the gym (and I do mean visited...lol), sat out on our balcony when the weather

allowed, but not much else. There was plenty to do around the ship though.

 

 

Cabin: Our cabin was spacious and very nice. The bathroom again was spacious and very nice. Closet and

draw space was adequate. My only problem with our cabin was that it look like there had been a flood

(maybe not but it looked that way) in the bathroom and it flowed out onto the carpet leading out of the

bathroom. It would be nice if they replace that carpeting. Other than that it was a great room. Would

stay in it again.

 

 

CD: Malcolm (WhooHoo!) Burns. Very entertaining and knowledgeable. Funny, seems to be very excited

about his job and is good at it. Not very visible around the ship though. I thought that was strange. You

usually run into the CD somewhere along your cruise. Maybe I just missed him. The WhooHoo's can

become annoying but he does explain during the Debarkation Talk that it is used as a way to distinguish

himself and something you will remember. And sure enough, on the train back to NJ, what do I see?

Two billboards with what else...WHOOHOO! on them. I immediately thought of Malcolm in the middle

(that's how what he refers to himself).

 

 

Crew: I found the majority of the crew to be very friendly, always greeting and acknowledging guests, helpful

and generally cheerful. The only place I didn't find this to be true was on the Lido Deck in the buffet

area only. The crew there seem to have very low morale. They don't smile, greet, assist and are very

stand offish. I'm use to asking where they are from, how they like working on a cruise

ship, about their family, etc. But they were very aloof. Hmmm...I wish them well and hope it's better

if I should cruise on the Victory again.

 

 

Debarkation: The the CD explained everything during his Debarkation Talk. Made it sound so simple and

easy if we all would just follow the instructions given for leaving the ship. It pretty much was. I awoke

at 5:55 am, looked out the window in time to see the ship going under the Veranzzano Bridge. Fifteen minutes later

there was the Statue Of Liberty and on up the Hudson to Pier 92 where we docked. Got showered and changed.

We decided to head down to see what the situation was or wait in the Caribbean Lounge which is what we

did. About 7:35 no assist passengers we allowed to begin leaving the ship. By 8:00 am we were waiting

in line for a cab back to Penn Station. So no problems at all. Very well done.

 

Overall: This cruise was great! Very memorable and we would do it again. I suggested in my comment

card about the minor changes that should be made but other than that, we had a great time, enjoyed the crew

and ship, laughed a lot, didn't spend to much and look forward to our next Carnival cruise.

 

 

Happy Cruising!;)

[sw6416]

Thanks for the review

[Hawaii697]

Carnival Victory

August 16-20, 2007

 

 

 

 

CD: Malcolm (WhooHoo!) Burns. Very entertaining and knowledgeable. Funny, seems to be very excited

about his job and is good at it. Not very visible around the ship though. I thought that was strange. You

usually run into the CD somewhere along your cruise. Maybe I just missed him. The WhooHoo's can

become annoying but he does explain during the Debarkation Talk that it is used as a way to distinguish

himself and something you will remember. And sure enough, on the train back to NJ, what do I see?

Two billboards with what else...WHOOHOO! on them. I immediately thought of Malcolm in the middle

(that's how what he refers to himself).

 

 

 

Happy Cruising!;)

 

Great review. I was lucky enough to sail with Malcolm when he was assistant cruise director on board the Destiny back in 2001. He's a great guy!

[Gingee]

Thanks for the review.

 

Was it too cold to swim?

[krystall]

Thanks for the review.

 

Was it too cold to swim?

 

No it wasn't.

 

People were in the pools and hot tubs.

 

Especially Sunday. It was nice and sunny.

[MrPete]

Enjoyed the read. Thanks!

[buddyjo143]

Lido Deck: We were not to much surprised at the floor plan because we had cruised on the Carnival Triumph

a couple of years ago so the set up was familiar. We walked around a bit and finally decided to get some

lunch. Pretty good food offerings in the buffet. I have seen far worse buffets and yes, I asked for a refund.

Long lines as has been mentioned on CC and can get very crowded all at once. I tried the Asian food and it

was very good, deliciously seasoned, fresh vegetables and seafood. I even tried the fried rice even though I

don't care for scrambled eggs which it contained.

The buffet area is and is kept in very clean organized condition. But the seating needs replacing. I mentioned

this on my comment card. I sat on one of the benches and felt like I was going to fall through.

They need new cushioning. Many of the chairs are very stained and threading. New seating would make the

buffet are a pleasurable place to dine.

 

 

 

Thanks for the review. This was our summer cruise and we enjoyed it.

 

We ate all our meals at the Lido by our choice. We just didn't want to dress up every night. I have to laugh though. As we ate our first lunch I looked around the buffet area and remarked to DH that I liked the Mediterranean decor of the place. Well, wouldn't you know the name of the area is Mediterranean Restaurant. DOH :p

[bleuiz]

Thanks for the review.......

We did the same cruise this summer (2nd time) and had a wonderful time.....

Glad you did also..

[DeeT]

I very much enjoyed reading your review. We'll be sailing this cruise next August. It will be my mother-in-law's first cruise and we're all excited and looking forward to it.

[krystall]

Thanks everyone,

 

We're having the after cruise

blues today.

 

Looking forward to the next one.

 

;)

[Payd]

Thanks for your review. Sounds like the Victory was awesome!

 

Just curious about your opinion on the differences and similarities between the Victory and the Pride. We like the spirit class ships because they don't seem as crowded. Did you notice that?

 

Payd:)

[wormfarmer]

Great Review! Thanks for taking to time to share!

:)

[LHP]

Glad you had a good time. We will be there next month for the 7 day!!

[Disneywed]

HI there we ( and 10 friends) were on board with you, had a pretty good time ( 3 were first time cruisers) Did you hit any of the comedy shows?? The guy on sunday night ripped Malcolm apart, very funny!!

[krystall]

Thanks for your review. Sounds like the Victory was awesome!

 

Just curious about your opinion on the differences and similarities between the Victory and the Pride. We like the spirit class ships because they don't seem as crowded. Did you notice that?

 

Payd:)

 

Wow! You threw me. ;)

 

 

The Pride was many cruises ago and was brand new

at that time.

 

 

My opinion would be I wouldn't compare the two ships.

They each stand on their own. Both beautiful, spacious,

and have a lot to offer.

 

 

While I think the Pride is more contemporary decor,

the Victory made you think of under the sea because that was the decor of it.

Reminded me of the aquarium.

 

 

The Pride is light, woods, earth tones. The sea green mostly

follows throughout the ship on the Victory but not over bearing to me.

 

 

I did hear some people making jokes about

the decor of the Victory but I think it was in fun.

 

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[mom23guys]

We didn't sail on the Pride but on the Spirit. I liked the decor on the Victory better but like the set up of the Spirit. The Spirit class ships are easier to navigate and I enjoyed sitting by the open air aft pool. The Victory's aft pool is enclosed. By the way we went on the 5 night cruise on Aug 11th. Loved it.