Valor Eastern Sailing Date 12-28

Pre-embarkation. Stayed at Embassy Suites near airport, booked over 6 months prior to cruise. Was hugely disappointed in the Embassy Suites and cannot honestly recommend it at all. Carpeting in the suite was filthy. After DD walked on the floor for about half an hour, the soles of her feet were nearly black. Turning off the shower made an LOUD hammering noise. Maintenance didn't seem concerned enough to come check it out. Was initially told, when booking this place, that parking for cruise patrons was free. It was not. Found out we would be charged 10 dollars per day. Was told that the shuttle to POM was free for guests. Nope. Add another 30, plus 30 for return trip from POM to retrieve car. Add in gratuities for bell service, and shuttles, the cost was more than parking at POM ($ 140). And, had we parked at POM, we could have been on the road much sooner.

Embarkation. Easy as pie. Took about 40 minutes from drop off to entering the gangway. Porters were quick to offload the shuttled bags and take to drop off for Valor. Porters were grateful for tips. Embarked at 12:30 and headed to Rosies and Fish and Chips. Spent the afternoon showing DD (her first cruise) around the ship and orienting her as to where our cabin was, Camp Carnival, etc. Bags arrived by 2 and we went into cabin then. 90 days prior to cruise, we emailed Carnival for special dietary needs for DD, and to ensure refrigerator for her meds. At cabin, finally got into the minibar/fridge, but had no room because of soda's and beer. Removed beer and sodas and placed on counter top, used fridge for meds. Got charged for a bottle of water that mysteriously was unsealed. Note to self. Next time, have steward remove all items from fridge immediately. Cabin steward was ok. Previous Valor cruise, same itinerary, the steward was like Antonio, the butler in the movie, Mr. Deeds. Not in the sneaky-sneakiness department, although he always seemed to be in the hallways when we were coming in or going out. He was always there to help. This time, cabin was kept clean, etc and serviced efficiently. But, there seemed to be no desire to connect with us as guests, by the steward. Read more