Well, we've just returned from the Carnival Valor 7/9/06 cruising to the Western Caribbean. We had the best time of our lives! This was our second cruise, first with Disney, and, with only a couple of minor exceptions, it was fantastic. Here is a blow by blow. Stayed in Miami the night before at the Marriott. Fine hotel, good price on Priceline.

Took a shuttle to the ship at 11 am - $5.00 per person. Embarkation was simple and fast - we were on board exactly 75 minutes after leaving the hotel. No complaints. Lunch at Rosie's - we were told fish and chips was closed, but it actually wasn't. Got our Dinner Club reservation (Scarlett's IS NOT TO BE MISSED!) and started on our drink of the day by the pool. Kids hit the slide, and we had the entire afternoon on deck...( There were 18 in our party - 5 families.) Dinners were all great - quite elegant surroundings. Food was as good as it can get when feeding 3000 people. Great selections, served hot - just fine. One of our only two complaints was the quality of breakfast. Food had obviously been cooked much earlier - even when eating at the made to order restaurant ( Washington Dining) - and lines for breakfast after 9am were really long (45 minutes on day)...

Rooms were great. Some in our party had inside cabins , others had ocean view, and still others had balconies (the way to go). Our steward was exceptional. Every time we left, even if for only 15 minutes, we would return to fresh towels, etc. Great service there. By the way, we had great service with NO ATTITUDE for the entire week from absolutely everyone. We were always made to feel special. People were warm and friendly. Read more