Carnival Valor Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,524 reviews

Sailing on an giant ashtray!

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Valor
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photogcrazy
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s

Rating by category

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Value for Money
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Additional details

Sail Date: May 2015
Cabin: Balcony

I wish I could say this was my favorite cruise yet but unfortunately no. I have sailed almost every cruise line there is and departed out of almost every Florida port. Port Canaveral has always been great for us as it is only a 2 hour drive and the port is laid out well. The arrival at the port started off just as many other times but took a turn for the worse as soon as we entered the Carnival terminal. The embarkation process was the most disorganized I have ever encountered! We even showed up at the time they specified in an email and phone call (2:00 pm). A Carnival clerk said it was horrible but the higher ups do not want to hear suggestions that would improve the issues. Carnival could learn a lot from DCL, NCL and RCL.

Once finally onboard we were happy to see our room was ready! Once in the room we were not so happy, the room was very clean but stunk horribly of cigarette smoke. In fact the only place on the ship that we found did not smell horribly of smoke was the Washington dining room (by the way continue reading because we have great things to say about the dining room). My son and I both have allergies and normally at sea my sinuses are clear but not on the Valor, the only time they would begin to clear was in the Washington dining room. The cigarette smell was so bad my son developed an upper respiratory infection and had to see the Ship’s doctor. The Doctor was very nice and tried to be helpful as possible but did not have very many options for medication for a 3 year old. By the end of the trip he (my son) was not eating or drinking and we literally left the port and went straight to a pediatric urgent care center were we found out he now has pneumonia.(read about 3rd hand smoke)

Luggage: We have used the same luggage for the past 3 cruises with no issues what so ever, this cruise we had 1 wheel ripped off a suitcase, a big tear in another suitcase and a ripped zipper on another suitcase. The luggage has only been used 3 times since purchased and looked like new until we received them at our stateroom. They also removed a light duty extension cord which was only to be used to charge 2 ipads and a camera battery. The cord met their specs according to their website but was still taken.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin 8B

The cabin was physically clean and laid out well. The room steward was good. The balcony door does not latch good and lets in outside smells (neighbors smoking). The entire room wreaks of cigarette smoke non-stop, I think it must be in the carpet and air ducts. This smell really ruined the cruise for us on top of causing major respiratory issues with our almost 3 year old.

Port Reviews

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

The port is very nicely laid out and easy to navigate. The porters are friendly and efficient. I like that you can pre-pay parking. I also like watching their webcam.

Cozumel

The port is nice and clean. They have great security which makes you feel safe. I do not like how they force you like cattle through shops as you enter.

Belize City

The tendering was terrible. The port was small and somewhat dirty and did not give the safe secure feelings you want on vacation. I wish I stayed on the ship.

Costa Maya

The port was small but felt safe and secure. The area was pretty and shopping was nice. An excursion may have made it better because the port itself was so small.

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