Back From Victory 11/7-14

[kcslim]

I had a wonderful time on the Victory! I'll try and give a good review.

EMBARKATION: Went very smoothly, and took less than 1/2 hour from start to finish. I was in my cabin by 12:30. This was my first balcony, and not sure I will want to get anything less than that in the future. Since my friend canceled the week of the cruise, I had the cabin to myself. AWESOME!

 

Room Steward was very kind, and I had everything I needed or wanted during the entire cruise. Muster drill was well organized, and over very quickly. I did the spa tour, walked around a bit, and went to dinner. Dining room staff were kind, and nice, but not necessarily the best I ever had. I was seated at a table for four. There was one empty seat, and a female couple with me. At first, I wanted to switch tables since it was not an ideal situation for me to be alone and wanting to meet people, but they were nice and I ended up staying for the entire cruise. After dinner, I got a facial in the spa, and ended up winning a hairdo when my card was picked for the drawing.

 

FIRST DAY AT SEA/FORMAL NIGHT. I spent the day out in the sun, a little casino time, and to the spa for my hair do that I had won. Went to the captain's cocktail party, and finally met another single woman, Jackie. I finally began to feel like I might meet some people. Had dinner, went to the martini bar and met some more people. Things were looking up! Went to the piano bar, and it was SRO. Kevin is crazy! He was a great piano bar guy (until very late, and then got a bit too off-color). Also went dancing. This is the night I met a very nice gentleman who I ended up spending a good bit of time with. He was with a group of baseball players onboard who were there for a Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser.

 

COZUMEL: I went horseback riding (if you can call it that). If anyone that reads this was there.. I was the crazy lady who was too scared to ride, and ended up having the guide hold my rope during the entire ride. I was embarrassed about that, but everyone was wonderful and cheered me on. It was back to the ship, then out shopping, where I got a wonderful price on a pair of earrings. All-in-all great day. The next few days are a bit of a blur.. went to the magic show, which I enjoyed a lot; dancing, piano bar, casino. I definitely stayed a little ahead with the slots; and all-in-all probably broke even by the end of the cruise.

 

GRAND CAYMAN: My snorkling tour got canceled, so spent the day with my gentleman friend on the beach, and having lunch at a cute little restaurant on the water, looking out at the cruise ships. That was such a simple thing, but one of the most enjoyable days! There was another late night at the piano bar which was great.

 

PAST GUEST PARTY: When I heard that others had been invited, I went to the purser's desk to see where my invitation was. He apologized, gave me a pin, and never gave me an invitation. What was up with that?

 

OCHO RIOS. I got off the ship, had my nails done locally; bought my rum and Blue Mountain Coffee and back on ship. I was stopped by too many people wanting to sell me "good dope". So, I told them I was a "fed" and they should leave me alone! :-) The last formal night was great fun, watched the Vroom show, which was VERY well done, and had another very late night.

 

The last day at sea was relaxing, and WINDY. But, had great sun, a great dinner and a fairly early evening.

 

DEBARKATION: There was some kind of technical difficulty, and customs held up debarkation a bit. I sat with my friend, who was leaving for LA, debarkation was fairly painless, found luggage, etc. easily. I had a difficult time getting a cab to stop for me, but ended up getting to the airport fairly well. Was home before I knew it.

 

VICTORY: The ship was clean, nice with a few problems. Some birds had gotten onboard when they were coming to port. So had tiny birds flying around a bit. Pool was down much of the trip; midnight buffet line was so long, didn't do that and had pizza instead. I truly had a wonderful cruise, so there were no real dealbreakers here. If I were to compare, I think I liked the Triumph better, got lost less. The food was ok, but not the best I've ever had.. but that's just my opinion. It would not stop me from cruising it again.

 

If there are any questions, would be happy to answer them!

 

Karen

[MinniIndi]

Hello there, Great review. I am planning my 4th cruise and have been on RCCI, Carnival, and Norwegian. I was looking at the size of the ship compared to others that are bigger with less people. Did you have much

trouble with long lines and getting a lounge chair?

I was on the Ecstacy a few years back, and had a riot, 4 day drunk, but was a little disappointed with the ship. Holes in sheets, Bathrooms out of order etc.

My last cruise I had a Balcony and I don't think I could ever sail without one again. Loved it.

Sounds like you endured and had fun anyway, That's all that matters.

Thanks

[kcslim]

Hi Caribbean.. sometimes the lines were long, but not that overbearing. The ship was clean, well kept, no holes in sheets, bathrooms great. There was nothing about the ship that would keep me from going on it again.

 

Yes, getting back to work is a bit tough! lol But, I had such a relaxing time, people at work can't believe how rested I look! (Good Gosh!!!!! I was up late almost ALL the time!) lol

 

Karen

[northerner]

So....Your gentleman friend....Will you be talking? How romantic, and exciting! It sounds like this will be a cruise to remember!

 

Great review, Thanks for sharing. Theresa

[Krittie67]

Hi thanks for the review - I will be going on the Victory 5/22 - and I can't wait - I was wondering if you had any Capers - I would love to show my kid sister what she is in for.. Thanks

[ibecruzen2]

A quick ? was mike harrington a musicia who played at the casino on the ship. we were with him in 2002 and was hoping he is still there .we leave in jan. Thanks:)

[kcslim]

So....Your gentleman friend....Will you be talking? How romantic, and exciting! It sounds like this will be a cruise to remember!

 

Great review, Thanks for sharing. Theresa

 

 

Theresa.. well, it's kinda hard with 3000 miles apart, but we've been talking, and we'll see! Sure would be nice to see him again, but if not.. had a wonderful time, and it DEFINITELY was a cruise to remember.

 

Karen

[kcslim]

Hi thanks for the review - I will be going on the Victory 5/22 - and I can't wait - I was wondering if you had any Capers - I would love to show my kid sister what she is in for.. Thanks

 

Krittie, I have the capers, but no scanner at the moment. When my son brings it back @)(#)(#( I'll try and scan them & let you know! :-)

 

Karen

[kcslim]

A quick ? was mike harrington a musicia who played at the casino on the ship. we were with him in 2002 and was hoping he is still there .we leave in jan. Thanks:)

 

I did not notice anyone playing in the casino. I was playing slots at least a little every day.. never saw anyone. Sorry.. K

[Ohio Gambler]

We are cruising on the Victory the last week of January '05. Did you notice if the casino had a table game called "Let It Ride"? This is my hubby's favorite game and he is hoping they have it onboard.

[kcslim]

I'm sorry.. I'm strictly small-time slots.. unfortunately I did not notice any of the table games! You will enjoy it though. Great fun.

 

Karen