Carnival Valor Review

Awesome time on the Valor- Nov 09

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Valor
User Avatar
teamleader
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Nov 2009

Embarkation: Our trip began with a flight from Utah to Ft. Lauderdale two days prior to visit relatives. We were dropped off at the terminal about 1:30pm. Upon arriving, the porters quickly took our bags (usual tip $1.00/bag). We gave them everything but a couple small backpacks. You never know how long before your room might be ready and we didn't want to haul anything around the ship. We then went inside and got in line. You can read many reviews and get different gripes about this process, but we experienced no problems. It was orderly and they moved us as fast as possible and we were on the ship in about an hour. So take your time, be patient and enjoy everything about your cruise. Getting on and off comes with the territory and complaining serves no purpose. Just like in an airport, be prepared to take out laptops and metal objects for screening. Have your paper work and passports ready. Once on ship, our rooms were surprisingly ready and we checked their whereabouts and dropped off our things. While waiting for departure, this is a good time to walk the ship and get orientated. It can be very confusing how to get from here to there.

The ship was beautiful, decorated nice and very clean and orderly. All the crew members we encountered, from one end of the ship to the other, were friendly and helpful. There are 3 pools. An adult only pool in the rear of the ship with 2 hot tubs and a retracting roof which we didn't like- made it to stuffy in there. The main pool on the Lido deck could have been bigger. It has a gigantic big screen and plenty of lounge chairs, 2 hot tubs and 2 bars and there is a smaller pool above that where the water slide comes down. There are waiters everywhere to serve you. You don't have to worry about tipping- its on the tab automatically. I thought this made it easier without having to have the waiter stand there and peer over you while figuring what to tip. If you're a beer drinker, get the bucket- you save money. There were activities around the Lido pool area daily but not enough live band entertainment at the pool we had experienced on other ships. Perhaps things are scaled back due to the economy. Our cabin was on the main deck and had a large porthole window. The room and bathroom were very clean and I thought reasonably spacious for 2 people. Plenty of closet and drawer space. The air conditioning worked well. They don't allow irons but there was a launderette down the hallway with an ironing table and iron all set up as well as washers and dryers. Note: it seemed more people wanted to use the one iron just prior to dinner and evening activities, so to avoid a line do you ironing mid day. There is a fridge but we had to ask to have it unlocked. There is also a safe, although not that big, but it operates by your credit card, not your sailing card. Important Tip- there is only one outlet in the room and it's not in the bathroom. Bring a multiple outlet adapter and extension cord or two. We did and it came in very handy.

Entertainment and shows were very good but way too much to write about, plus everyone goes to them anyway. The casino was fairly large with allot of games, but unfortunately very smokey. The wifi/wireless room is also unfortunately on the other side of the cigar room and it lingers in there. Not the best place.

Cabin Review

Positives-0 Cabin 2904. Was bigger stateroom than Royal Carribean. Ample amount of closet space and drawers. Bathroom adequate and clean. Plenty of hot water and faucet easy to operate. Plenty of towels and steward kept room very clean. Air conditioner worked fine. TV worked well and plenty of stations. Although the rooms on lower decks may be smaller, I dont think you feel the ships rocking motion as bad as you do on top decks. We thought our room was rather quiet. Sometimes you feel the rumble of the ocean against the hull but not a big deal. Room service was good and didnt take too long.

Negatives- only one outlet and you cant use an iron. Fridge was so packed with provided things there was hardly any room for my own stuff like food and drinks purchased on board.

previous reviewnext review

Find a Carnival Valor Cruise from $334

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.