Carnival Valor Review
Rating by category
Additional details
My husband, son, his friends, and I have just returned from a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Carnival Valor. My husband and I celebrated our 23 wedding anniversary on the cruise. We had a balcony stateroom on Deck 8 with an amazing view. My son and his friends had an interior statesroom just a few doors down from ours.
We were greeted at the terminal by friendly Carnival crew who were very helpful in directing us to the check in area. Check in was fairly quick and we were guided right on to the ship. When we slid our sail and sea cards a buzzer went off alerting the crew member who checked us in that we were special assistance guests and he escorted us to guest services were we were assisted almost right away.
Our room steward was awesome. He made sure we had everything we needed. Every night he created a different towel art and left it on our bed. We found the bed quite comfortable with plenty of pillows. Our steward also made sure we always had clean and dry pool towels folded and placed in the same location since I am blind. The Valor crew also provided a flashing door bell, flashing alert system, and vibrating alarm since I'm also Deaf without my Cochlear implants. Our room steward provided me each evening with a Large Print Fun times as well. At meals, too, in the Washington Dining room I was given a large print menu.
Cabin Review
Balcony
We loved our balcony cabin. We had two singles put together into a queen. There was a walk in shower and sink with vanity, a sleeper sofa, a little desk, and a small table. A dressing mirrow as available in one of the 3 closets provided and our balcony had two comfortable chairs with a little table in between for relaxing on the balcony. We found the cabin very comfortable - including its size.
There was also a LCD TV with satellite channels - including movie channels. We enjoyed the information channels. There was even a channel displaying the menu in the dining rooms.
There really isn't a bad cabin on this ship. We loved our cabin. Our son and his friends interior cabin just a few doors down, while small, was comfortable and had enough room for all four young men. My interpreters, who were on Deck 2 in the bow of the ship, said they were comfortable as well. Room tip: If you enjoy feeling the movement of the ship choose a cabin that is on one of the lower decks Aft or Forward. You don't feel the the movement less on the higher decks and midship.
Port Reviews
Port Canaveral (Orlando)
Port Canaveral is a beauitufl little port town. Everything is close together and quite scenic. The beach is breath-taking. Enjoy the beauty of this small Florida seaside town.
Half Moon Cay
We loved the beautiful beach and clear turquoise waters of Half Moon Cay. We didn't venture far due to the weather conditions, but the island is extremely beautiful. The shops are tiny but plentiful in merchandise and not overly priced. The food at the main pavilion consisted of hot dogs and hamburgers with potato salad, slaw, and beans, but it was good regardless.
Nassau
We walked around the port of Nassau and explored the shops nearest the ship. A bad rain storm was brewing so we didn't stay long and had to hurry back to the ship when the rains started. A word of advice, there is crime in the tourist areas, so keep your purse/bags close to you. Another warning, people will try to push you into buying their goods. A lady approached us and forced hand-made bracelets onto our wrists saying: "Everybody gets one." and then "everybody gives me a tip." closely followed by "everybody gives me $10". Be careful here.
On the other hand, the town has some very interesting sights and historic buildings and for the history buff these make for a wonderful day of exploring. Create your own excursion by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride and touring the straw market or the town itself.
Freeport
We walked around in the little shopping area close to the dock and enjoyed just looking in the shops and the bars. There are some neat little shops near the dock you can explore and purchase goodies to take back home to family and friends.