Just in! Victory 11/14 review East Carib

[Agocruisin]

Victory 11/14 E Carib review

Well, we're back...:( let me say that we as usual when we cruise had a fantastic time and Carnival came thru with the promise of a fun vacation. Any little quirks I note below are for info only and had no impact on our enjoyment of the cruise. This was out 5th cruise, 3 on Fantasy-class ships, 1 on Legend prior to this one.

Embarkation: same old, same old. We got to the port at about noon and it took altogether 90 minutes until we boarded; it seems like the funpass system does not really speed things along. We were traveling with our 9 month-old baby and a staff member even had us go to the front of the line, still it seems embarkation was as long as usual. We were traveling with three first-time cruisers who noted that the terminal was a little somber and could be more "fun", and I thought they had a good point.

The Ship: well, pretty GREEN!!! It is a little shocking at first but we got used to it; this was our first time aboard a Destiny-class and it just seems to be bigger than the Spirit-class Legend with no extra amenities. We were a little worried it would get crowded but there was always plenty of deck space and other than at a couple of meals when the dining rooms were closed at lunch, not too much waiting for food either. The layout is manageable and not too confusing; the only thing being I would have rather have the cigar lounge out of the way, it seems we were walking through or around it a lot with the stroller. Also, a few things were broken that were a little annoying (half the arcade machines, the slide was out of order for a few days) especially since the ship is right out of dry-dock.

Cabin: We had three balcony cabins on upper (#6) aft; the best thing we did was get the steward to unlock the dividers on the balconies and we ended up with a giant balcony. I highly recommend it if you are traveling as a group. We spent a lot of time there as the baby naps twice a day. Our steward was adequate but didn't really do anything special. He was also a little forgetful as we ran out of toilet paper twice (!) and didn't have a bathrobe for the first three days despite repeatedly asking. He may have been having a bad week. I also believe service has gone down a bit since the tips are right on the sail & sign. JMHO. But I would never cruise without a balcony again, I am addicted!

Dining room: We had early seating (5H45) in the Pacific (3 & 4 aft). The motion was a little distracting the first two days (see below!!!). The food was exceptional as usual, although I think the menus have not changed (or little) in the 5 years since we started cruising. The service was prompt but again not the best waiter staff we ever had. Our headwaiter was a little strange and not much for small talk, and I don't think his assistant ever introduced himself. They were however very accomodating with the baby. We went to the dining room most meals since the food is better and I prefer being served (!) on a cruise rather than stand in line at a buffet. We had a waiter several times at open sittings (we requested his tables) named Alexander who was fabulous and we tipped him on the last day. He brought the capuccinos every morning (still free, by the way) and joked around with us, and I am glad we met him because our friends got to see what a good waiter is on a cruise and how much fun they can be.

Entertainment: Pretty good, specially the Livin in America and Vroom shows. The cruise director (Dana Hobson) was a little weak for my taste, but that could be because I have heard all his jokes before. Casino was fun as usual (nickel slots, we are not big spenders!)

Spa: I used the spa for the first time and was shocked by the high-pressure sale tactic after my facial and it would stop me from going back. I had two additional appointments that I cancelled because I thought the sale stuff ruined any enjoyment. I will write Carnival on this and I should have expected it. The gym however was beautiful, bigger that the Legend's and pretty quiet at all times, no wait for machines. The showers only had the top jet, no side jets like the Paradise and Legend.

The trip: let's say as soon as we left Miami (in the rain) gusts of wind started and the ship was ROCKING and ROLLING like I have never seen before. We are talking people vomiting in the hallways, elevators, etc. This lasted two days (almost until we got to San Juan), even though it was sunny you could hardly go on deck, and the pools were closed, and deck chairs could have gone flying. Not the best time, but something to talk about!!! It stopped when we got to San Juan and clear sailing and beautiful sunshine all the way home.

San Juan: I question the timing of the stop (5pm-11h30pm) but I understand it. I think it would be better to do Key West next day or Bahamas. There is not much to see when the sun is down and it frankly felt a little creepy. Our friends went on a shore tour about some king of guitar & dancing (can't remember what it was called...) and had a great time, singing & dancing.

St-Kitts: last minute change from St-Martin, which we were happy about since we had been to St-Martin before. St-Kitts is a beautiful island and very unspoiled. We took a cab to Frigate Bay beach, a small beach with beautiful sand and quiet waters. It cost us $2 a person and we had the loveliest woman cab driver, parasols and chairs for rent. I hope Carnival starts going there regularly and I would love to see more of the island. The excursions were a little pricy but we heard no negative comments.

St-Thomas: I love this island. We took a taxi to Magen's bay. It is beautiful but a little crowded. I would recommend going early, and when you get there, instead of setting up right there, turn left and walk ten minutes (it is crescent shaped) it will be much quieter. Gorgeous scenery, sand and calm waters. $6 a person one-way, $3 entrance fee. We stayed from 9:30 am till 11:30 and that was enough; we were going to go to Charlotte Amalie but stayed and went thru the little shops at port instead, it was very hot. FYI we clear immigration on this island since it is US, at 6am...there were a lot of grumpy people, I was one since I had to get my baby out of bed for this, but c'est la vie!!!

We found a great deck spot at the very front of deck 6 and 7 which were very quiet but no chairs; you just walk to the end of the cabin corridor and exit on the forward door. Romantic spot for those interested!

Debarkation: no problem, we were out by 10am, found our bags and went to the airport.

A note about traveling with babies: if you travel with a baby or toddler, I found that high chairs were available without problem and fruits, cereal, yogurt were also not a problem. However, most veggies were lathered in salt & butter so I ended up buying Gerber jars at a store in St-Thomas. She was a good baby and we only had to leave the dining room once...considering she paid third passenger fare, she had a right to be there!!! There were also hours when we could go with the baby and play at Camp Carnival on Deck 11, which was a nice change of pace to have new toys. We had a crib that was a little "squishy" so the baby ended up sleeping with us most of the week, and it made the room more manageable to have it taken away. The staff were wonderful to her and very accomodating. And the motion of the first few days did not faze her at all.

As a whole, this was another wonderful cruise and Carnival delivered. I think we may be ready to try some other cruise line though since the food and shows are starting to grow a bit old on us but we wanted to do something familiar with the baby as a first family vacation.

If any near future Victory cruisers have questions, I would be happy to answer them!

[jenny368]

"FYI we clear immigration on this island since it is US, at 6am...there were a lot of grumpy people, I was one since I had to get my baby out of bed for this, but c'est la vie!!!"

 

We have been to St. thomas before and I don't remember having to get up at 6 a.m. What did you have to get your baby out of bed for? By the way, thanks for your review. Sounds like you had a great time.

[cruiseylover]

for the great review. I will be on her Oct 2005.... :D

[Agocruisin]

"FYI we clear immigration on this island since it is US, at 6am...there were a lot of grumpy people, I was one since I had to get my baby out of bed for this, but c'est la vie!!!"

 

We have been to St. thomas before and I don't remember having to get up at 6 a.m. What did you have to get your baby out of bed for? By the way, thanks for your review. Sounds like you had a great time.

Since it is a US port after a foreign port (St-Kitts) and we are going back to US (Miami) after, we clear immigration (but not customs...?) as we arrive in St-Thomas. I guess it would depend on your itinerary, or things may have changed???

[jenny368]

Did you actually have to be up and out of bed for the ship to clear immigration? Or am I misreading your post?

[ibecruzen2]

GREAT REVIEW DID YOU HAPPEN TO REMEMBER IF mIKE hARRINGTON PLAYED MUSIC AT THE CASINO, he was great back on the victory in jan.:)

[Agocruisin]

Did you actually have to be up and out of bed for the ship to clear immigration? Or am I misreading your post?

Yes, physically out of bed in a lounge waiting like a zombie with everyone else at 6am...fun fun fun!

[coolone]

I was also on the victory 11/14/04 GREAT CRUISE.yes we did have to get up a 6am for immigration due our St Kitts stop. Will write my review later,still decompressing.:D

[jenny368]

So if we are going from Miami to Nassau and then to St. Thomas and St. Maarten will we also have to get up that early and be in the lounge?

[Cruisebride2005]

We're cruising on the Victory in January and wondered if you could give us a quick summary of the bars and restaurants on the Victory. We're looking to pull together a few group get togethers during the week. Any suggestions for a good lounge for drinks before dinner on the first night would be especially appreciated.

[Agocruisin]

We're cruising on the Victory in January and wondered if you could give us a quick summary of the bars and restaurants on the Victory. We're looking to pull together a few group get togethers during the week. Any suggestions for a good lounge for drinks before dinner on the first night would be especially appreciated.

Restaurants: no supper club, two dining rooms, IMO Atlantic (midship) was nicer than Pacific (aft) but they are almost identical. Didn't use alternate too much

 

Bars: We liked the Irish sea bar but it was closed a lot; the Adriatic lounge was bigger and more "hopping". Ionian lounge for smokers.

 

HTH!