Valor was great....11/18/07....Review....

[funinthsun]

This was our second time on the Valor. The last time was Jan 06. That was a great trip. This was a great trip. Valor is a very nice, well run ship.

 

I'll try to be brief.

 

Embarkation at the new terminal in Miami....piece of cake...45 minutes from drop off to Lido Deck. We were eating lunch by 12:30. We were at a slight advantage, having sailed her before, as it can be kind of confusing, but there are plenty of people to help. Personally, I find exploring to be a great part of the fun and experience. We went to cabins at 1:30 (8C Balcony) most of our luggage was arriving. All except my bag, which did arrive shortly after the Muster Drill.:)

 

Our dinner preference....6:15 in Lincoln was not on our sail and sign. Instead it was 8:00 in Washington. It only took a few moments to straighten it out and Hasan, our Maitre d' was very polite, and patient and accomodating. He was that way throughout the trip. As I mentioned earlier, I thing the "management" of the Valor is on the ball. We have been on other ships....and you get a real sense on this ship of teamwork and a genuine concern for our pleasure. The whole staff worked hard every day. As a matter of fact, our Room Steward, Francis was new as well as our Head Waiter, Vijay. If they did not tell us, we would have not know. Very efficient.

 

The food was plentiful to say the least. We ate waaaaaaay toooooo much. The activities were great and a nice variety. The Casino was generous (until the last sea day :( , of course) The shows were great, even though we did see some before. They were worth a second showing. Very nice production numbers.

 

The ship was full for holiday, with many extended families. I was told by pursers desk there were 800 kids on board. For the most part very well behaved. Lots of teens "hanging" out, but I personally did not notice the underaged drinking that I saw in the past. The thing that did bother me about the kids, well more about their parents, were the very young children that seemedd to be unattened. On numerouse occasions I saw 2-3-4 year old kids kind of jus wandering around. VERY scary to me.

 

The ports were great. The weather was gorgeous, The trip was very nice.

 

If you have specifice questions feel free to ask . I'm kind of tired right now, and my desk chair is "rocking" back and forth. Plus Im a little cranky, as we have only had 2 meals today!!!! and I have to prepare them myself!!!!:(

 

I'd recommend the Valor to any of my friends. You will enjoy the trip. Just remember....Don't sweat the small stuff........

[bvocruise]

Welcome back! We sail the Valor (first cruise) on 12/02. We also want the 6:15 dinner and hope to get it.

[carm225]

Thanks for your review....we sail on the Valor at the end of March and I cannot wait!!!:D

[funinthsun]

You will have a great time. So much to do for everyone. I always have fun watching the video at the end of the week and realizing just how much there is to do. Sometimes I have to wonder if I was even on the same ship!!

 

bvocruise....if you don't get it, just head to Lincoln Dining room and see if they can switch you. Usually it's not a problem, as long as you are not in a huge group or anything. WE actually had vacant two tops the whole week.

[bvocruise]

The dining request is noted on our on-line documents, so we will wait and see. We will adjust our schedule if necessary and could pretty much live with any dining time. We normally go to bed by 9:30 so the late seating would not be too good for us if we want to try and take in a show. We also want to avoid the 5:45 seating since it is a little early on port days and the Washington Dining Room is at the opposite end of the ship since we are on the panorama deck.

[funinthsun]

The dining request is noted on our on-line documents, so we will wait and see. We will adjust our schedule if necessary and could pretty much live with any dining time. We normally go to bed by 9:30 so the late seating would not be too good for us if we want to try and take in a show. We also want to avoid the 5:45 seating since it is a little early on port days and the Washington Dining Room is at the opposite end of the ship since we are on the panorama deck.

 

bvo.....most nights there are two shows. 8:30 and 10:30, you can go to either, and even both as my daughter did. She loved the 80's show. We had 6:15 dinner, but usually went to 10:30 show. Played in the casino after dinner, or tried to walk it off a little!!! A few nights , even napped so we could stay up late!!

[bvocruise]

I enjoyed reading your review of the Valor and all of the other information I have found on CC. We booked this cruise about a year ago and are looking forward to it.

[marne001]

Hi,

 

We are celebrating NYE on the Valor. We have sailed on many other CCL ships, but never this ship. Do you have any "must do-s" or "must sees" for this ship? For example, on the Caribbean Princess there is a observation deck which is unmarked and absolutely wonderful-180 degree view.

 

Thanks,

Marne

[huskerdude]

Sounds like you had a great time on Valor, again.;)

 

We will be sailing on her next September and had a couple of questions.

Are there many 2-4 person tables in the dining room? We don't mind meeting new people and making friends but the DW is basically deaf in one ear and large tables makes it really hard for her to keep up with the conversation that can happen at large tables.

 

As far as the show room, was it always packed? Or were there maybe certain times when it was not as crowded? Where do you recommend sitting at the shows?

 

Ernie

[Grammy57]

Sounds like you had a great time...I was wondering if the book rocked very much. I've cruised several times...Alaska and Mediterranean were calm, but the 3 cruises to the Carribean were rocky. I get seasick so I'm wondering how bad it was.

[funinthsun]

Grammy57. The seas were pretty calm, although when we departed St. Maaten the ship was definatley rocking. I didn't see too many people getting "sick". My son did, and he was out pretty much for the day. We were up high and a little foreward. Take the seasick pills before you sail and throught out if you tend to get sick. I do and did, and DID NOT get seasick at all.

 

HUSKERDUDE....lots of 2 tops and 4 tops. request it with your TA. If you don't get it, try to switch onboard. We had a table for 4 and notced 2 empty 2 tops the entire cruise.

As for the shows. Not it's a very large theatre with 3 levels, so there are plenty of seats. (yes there were the standard seat savers) but you should have not trouble. We like to sit on deck 4 center. Great view.

 

Marnie, Definate must sees ..... the production numbers for the shows. wonderful and full of energy, broadway style shows. Also, Scarlett's is a nice experience if you don't get a chance for "finer dining".

 

I would say to try to do a little of everything. Much is repeated so you can zero in on what you really like. My daughter really enjoyed "tea time" on sea days. The chocolate buffet on last sea day was another "unnanounced treat" There is jus sooooooo much to do.

 

For the sail aways or port arrivals, you get a very nice view if you go deck 7 all the way forward (just under the bridge). I think deck 9, and 6 also.

Deck 12 now is "adults only" but not topless anymore, so that provides a nice veiw and great sundecK. Don't miss the spa for a wonderfully relaxing steam and sauna overlooking the ocean with floor to ceiling windows. I could go onnnnnnnnnn, but must get to work now. :mad: :(

[NikeAirs]

This was our second time on the Valor. The last time was Jan 06. That was a great trip. This was a great trip. Valor is a very nice, well run ship.

 

I'll try to be brief.

 

Embarkation at the new terminal in Miami....piece of cake...45 minutes from drop off to Lido Deck. We were eating lunch by 12:30. We were at a slight advantage, having sailed her before, as it can be kind of confusing, but there are plenty of people to help. Personally, I find exploring to be a great part of the fun and experience. We went to cabins at 1:30 (8C Balcony) most of our luggage was arriving. All except my bag, which did arrive shortly after the Muster Drill.:)

 

Our dinner preference....6:15 in Lincoln was not on our sail and sign. Instead it was 8:00 in Washington. It only took a few moments to straighten it out and Hasan, our Maitre d' was very polite, and patient and accomodating. He was that way throughout the trip. As I mentioned earlier, I thing the "management" of the Valor is on the ball. We have been on other ships....and you get a real sense on this ship of teamwork and a genuine concern for our pleasure. The whole staff worked hard every day. As a matter of fact, our Room Steward, Francis was new as well as our Head Waiter, Vijay. If they did not tell us, we would have not know. Very efficient.

 

The food was plentiful to say the least. We ate waaaaaaay toooooo much. The activities were great and a nice variety. The Casino was generous (until the last sea day :( , of course) The shows were great, even though we did see some before. They were worth a second showing. Very nice production numbers.

 

The ship was full for holiday, with many extended families. I was told by pursers desk there were 800 kids on board. For the most part very well behaved. Lots of teens "hanging" out, but I personally did not notice the underaged drinking that I saw in the past. The thing that did bother me about the kids, well more about their parents, were the very young children that seemedd to be unattened. On numerouse occasions I saw 2-3-4 year old kids kind of jus wandering around. VERY scary to me.

 

The ports were great. The weather was gorgeous, The trip was very nice.

 

If you have specifice questions feel free to ask . I'm kind of tired right now, and my desk chair is "rocking" back and forth. Plus Im a little cranky, as we have only had 2 meals today!!!! and I have to prepare them myself!!!!:(

 

I'd recommend the Valor to any of my friends. You will enjoy the trip. Just remember....Don't sweat the small stuff........

 

 

 

What happened to those people that got hurt in I think it was St Marteen or St Thomas??

 

I went on the same time as you, I was surpised at how many people my age was on at the time.I am 17, It was my first time crusing on a hodliday usually I go in October when there are like 10 teens in total.

[pacerzfan]

Thanks for your review, funinthsun!

[funinthsun]

What happened to those people that got hurt in I think it was St Marteen or St Thomas??

 

I went on the same time as you, I was surpised at how many people my age was on at the time.I am 17, It was my first time crusing on a hodliday usually I go in October when there are like 10 teens in total.

 

Did you find lots of activities for your age group? My daughter seemed to feel that it was basically heavy rap in the club o2, or just non existent. What did you think? I think there is room for improvement here, as I saw teens just kind of wandering in evening. Funny, I rarely saw teens out at pool. What did you do all day?

 

There is another post about the accident in St. Thomas. Apparantly, there was one very serious injury and many minor. We didn't actually witness the accident, just the safari bus after wards, being towed.

[NikeAirs]

Did you find lots of activities for your age group? My daughter seemed to feel that it was basically heavy rap in the club o2, or just non existent. What did you think? I think there is room for improvement here, as I saw teens just kind of wandering in evening. Funny, I rarely saw teens out at pool. What did you do all day?

 

There is another post about the accident in St. Thomas. Apparantly, there was one very serious injury and many minor. We didn't actually witness the accident, just the safari bus after wards, being towed.

 

Funny you asked that most of us teens just sat around the Caboose most of the day. I dont go in pools when I go on cruise seeing as I have on here in my backyard. I also bring my playstation but never play it. I thought the club o2 activites sucked besides the club at night. Did she not like rap??? Thats all they did play in the club.

[funinthsun]

Funny you asked that most of us teens just sat around the Caboose most of the day. I dont go in pools when I go on cruise seeing as I have on here in my backyard. I also bring my playstation but never play it. I thought the club o2 activites sucked besides the club at night. Did she not like rap??? Thats all they did play in the club.

 

That's about all she did, too. She likes rap a little, as well as many other genres, but the rap there was just constant and overdone, and the place was empty most times, probably for that reason. What part of florida are you from? Would you recommend the valor to other teens?

[NikeAirs]

That's about all she did, too. She likes rap a little, as well as many other genres, but the rap there was just constant and overdone, and the place was empty most times, probably for that reason. What part of florida are you from? Would you recommend the valor to other teens?

 

I live in Kissimee, you heard of it? Would I recommend the valor to other teens....yes and no. Yes because when I went on there were plenty of people to hang out with and also the ports are nice. But last year (October 2006) when I went on the Miracle there were maybe 20-30 teens but most where not out of towners and nearly all of them lived no more than 50-60 mins from me. NO because activity wise it sucks. Your better off meeting people there and doing your own thing. What teen wants to "teen hunt" other teens downs to meet them?? Grow up. The comedians were alright. I went to the adult shows and they were ok but Miracle had better shows.