My 124th Lifetime cruise! 46th Carnival Cruise.2nd time on the Valor.

Drove to Port Canaveral Saturday morning. Arrived on-site parking garage at 11 AM. $120 prepaid on credit card (they no longer charge at the end of the cruise). Almost immediate entry to pier and since I am Diamond status was immediately checked in and on board by 11;30 . My traveling companions (3rd Carnival cruise -Blue cards) also boarded in group 7 as we were so early. Up to Lido for a snack and wait for cabins to be ready by 12:30/ 1 PM. Cabin 1312 standard outside double . Tip to tip dimensions were 9 feet wide by 21 feet deep. Pre-ordered Sparkling Mineral water (8 bottles) which were already in the cabin along with vouchers for the pre-earned sign and sail onboard credits as well as confirmation for Scarlett's Steakhouse on the first night. Met our room steward and requested extra pillows and an ice bucket which came almost immediately. Went to Maitre D to change table from a booth to a table for our party of 4. wound up in Aft Washington dining room. Balcony overlook table. All onboard meals eaten in dining room except for the A La Carte dinner first night and four lunches on port days eaten at the Lido restaurant (Rosies). Excellent serving staff on all occasions. Food was Good to Very Good with the Steakhouse experience rated Excellent and well worth the additional cost. Everything was piping hot and edible...no duds!

We had Sunny weather in Cozumel and clouds and rain at the other 3 ports ( Belize, Roatan, Costa Maya/Mahajual. Since I live in Florida and not a sun worshiper it didnt matter to me so my cruise was not ruined. Checked out most of the typical tourist trap shops in all 4 ports. No more great deals unless you just crave souvenirs! Bought cigarettes on board ship for friends back home, Asthma Inhalers in Cozumel , and some other meds in Belize. Nothing in Mahogany Bay Roatan or Costa Maya. Read more