Carnival Victory Review

3.5 / 5.0
0 reviews

Better than we thought it would be

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

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jul 2015
Cabin: Ocean View
Traveled with children

We were concerned about the condition of the ship based on some reviews. It was in good condition. There are things were you can see wear and tear. For example, our cabin's rug had a piece that was torn and was missing a small piece of rug. The bathroom had a little damage on the sink area and the caulk around the tiles look worn. But, for most part everything is in good condition. We had a outside window cabin and it was spacious for cruise ship standards. Food was okay. Two musical shows they offered were amazing. Non-stop singing, dancing, change of wardrobes, change of sceneries, etc. Totally entertaining. We did the Dr. Seuss parade and story time. It was very good. I have to say that their Cruise Director Marcelo does a great job. He is funny, nice and approachable. the first night show as well as the typical couple question shows that most cruises offer were a success thanks to him. He is hilarious and provided great entertainment. There is a lot to do. Music throughout the cruise was great. I did not enjoy all the lines I had to do. I am not sure why, but I have never been on a cruise that I have had to do more lines than this one. From from the beginning over an hour just to get on the ship. Super super super long line. They need to put more attendants to move that line faster. It was very frustrating and put me in a bad mood to start a cruise. Any time we were going to go eat at the Lido deck there were long lines. Very frustrating. I really never enjoyed any of the food in the lido deck. Breakfast was the food that was always good. Dinner was a hit and miss. Sometimes it was very good and other times disappointing. Appetizers were great, the issue was with the main entrée. I was better off just eating all appetizers. Never had a lunch that I really enjoyed. The pizza was good, but get ready for a long line and a long wait. There were lines to take pictures. There were lines to go into some of the shows. There were lines to play miniature golf. Lines, lines and lines... For golf there were never enough clubs. If you went at night there were hardly any balls to play, so we would have to share clubs and balls to play. For first time found some staff that were just not nice especially a gentleman at Pixels the picture place. He was just rude to everybody. Not sure if they are over worked. Our waitress was always rushed and could not focus on getting our order or have a conversation without looking around and being pulled away. They work hard, no question on that. I liked it better when you had the same wait staff all cruise. They got to know you and what you liked. It seemed like they would get frustrated if you asked for something extra or out of time. My son is a good eater and ordered a large breakfast at the brunch they offered. For first time every I heard a waiter say "that is a lot of food". Guess what, he ate it all. Picture quality has also dropped, they are trying to take so many pictures and again so many long lines that they are just rushing people through and the results are pictures with arms cut off, no concerns if the kids are smiling correctly, if ties are straight or shirts are out of place because of the positions they put you in. The results of this was that we had to takes over 30 pictures to get just a few that were worth paying $22 for. I did feel at times that we were being pressured to pay for the extras that are offered. I guess the days of all inclusive cruise are truly gone. Felt we were being nickled and dimed for activities. Not sure if they do this to limit the folks that will attend to control how many people will go to the activities? Or maybe they are just looking to make money any where they can. The pools and Jacuzzis were crowded. There was a line for the slide. Did not enjoy the ports of call nor the times we were there. Hard to do anything in Key West getting there at 7:30 AM and leaving at 2 PM. By the time we had breakfast and got off the ship we only had several hours to do anything. Oh, did I tell you that we had to wait almost an hour in the hot sun to get back on the ship in Key West. For Conzumel you get there at 1 PM (noon Conzumel time), but all beach ativies close at 5 PM. So, by the time you get off the ship and get to wherever you are going you can only enjoy it for 3 1/2 hours. Did not enjoy Conzumel that much. This was my third time there and my least favorite. It is totally commercialized. There are all these resorts that want your money to be able to use the beach. Downtown did not feel safe. Considering the exchange rate, they have US prices for activities, food and drinks. But, they pay Mexican salaries, so someone is making tons of money. Good thing was that there was not a line to get back on the ship. I found the Carnival excursions very expensive compared to the excursions you find in the ports. Disembarkation in Miami was easy. We were able to have breakfast and then find a nice spot we can sit and talk for a little bit over an hour until we got called at around 10:30 AM to get off the ship. Would be great if they did have some entertainment while we waited to get off. It does make it seem longer since there is nothing at all to do other than sit and wait. Perhaps music, anything that would entertain the folks and easy enough for them to be willing to walk away from it when they are called. This whole disembarkation process has always been a sore item. The number process some way seemed a little more organized then before. You do have an idea as to when you will disembark. At least they are not charging for early disembarkation as they do for early/fast embarkation when you first board.

Cabin Review

Ocean View

Bigger than other cruise lines. Plenty of space for clothe.

Port Reviews

Key West

Did not have much time to do anything other than walk around. Ship comes in very early in the morning. By the time we had a relaxed breakfast and got down we could not do anything other than walk around. Tried to do the train tour that is offered and we did not have enough time for it.

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