We recently took the Carnival Valor from 2/19 through 2/26 through the Western Caribbean. We are not avid cruisers as this was only our second cruise in the past 3 years. I had previously gone on the Disney Wonder Land/Sea Vacation and found the cruise portion OK. My kids did really enjoy the Disney Trip so I relented and chose the Valor mainly for the itinerary.
I had read many member and professional reviews of the Valor and was concerned with the mixed results. I almost cancelled the trip, but the positive recent reviews along with some friends recommendations persuaded me to go. Ill summarize and then go through everything in detail below. Ill give my entire familys perception (I have a 12 and 14 year old) for those of you with kids.
To summarize, we were split between the kids and adults. My kids had a great time and met many kids their ages. They loved the days at sea as they could hang out with their friends and have the run of the ship. My wife and I felt comfortable enough with the ship and our kids to give them free rein so long as they stayed together. They rated the cruise 9 out of 10.