We are a couple without kids and we were cruising out my parents (first time cruisers) and some friends on the Valor. We were previously on the Valor in 2010. The ship is just ok... the decor is pretty ugh in some places. But who cares about that.... we had an AMAZING time!
Embarkation in Miami was smooth, though we were a little disappointed that when we got back into port we wouldn't be docking at the same area of the port and had to take a shuttle back to the car after disembarkation. Once on board we ate and the food was yum. Our room was an aft wrap on deck 7. I really liked the set up and the size of the balcony, but I really think that the balcony got a bit more sun than I would have liked. Loved having the lounging chairs to lay on out there! The room steward opened the balcony divider between our room and our friends next door and we had possibly the biggest private balcony area on the ship.
During the cruise there were constantly activities around the ship. We stayed very busy with the contests, shows and activities. Cruise Director (fill in) Matt Mitcham and his assistant cruise director Dr. E were fantastic and really made the whole experience... especially when they did name that tune decade trivia in the Casino Bar. It felt like the entire ship was there singing songs from their favorite decades!
Awesome layout, huge balcony with amazing views, a lot of sun on the balcony.