My wife and I cruised on the Carnival Valor on September 13th. We went a day early and booked a room on South Beach through Bookit.com. which gave us a great value and great location. The cab ride to the port was $26. At that time we also noticed that it was only $24 to get from the seaport to the airport, while Carnival charges $16 per person, but more on that issue later. This was our 3rd cruise in 10 years. Embarkation was a bit crazy from the cab drop off, all the porters trying to get tips to take your bags and such. We found our way inside, and as luck would have it, an agent put an orange dot on me and gave me a sheet to track all of my movements through check in. We started at 12:47 to get x-rayed and made it on the ship at 1:13, so that's a good indication of how long check in took. Rooms on the ships don't open until 1:30, so we went to eat, and then made it to our balcony room. I will say that the first cruise we were inside, second was a porthole, and now we will never go back from a balcony.

The ship was VERY clean, friendly crew on the ship. I was disappointed that we didn't have much interaction with our head waiter or cabin stewart, but had no issues with their service. Entertainment was great, we watched the 80's show two times. Comedians were funny, lots to keep us entertained. Rec center was very crowded and the staff was NOT helpful. Do not take the classes they offer, they were horrible instructors. Formal nights are Monday and Thursday if you want to plan a night at the fancy steakhouse. Ah yes, the steakhouse, our dinner was 2.5 hours, with a bottle of wine, it was GREAT, well worth the extra price. I'd go back on this ship, but as someone who read this for the month prior to the cruise, what people want is tips on the ship etc.

Tips for the ship: we took two bottles of wine. We thought we were smuggling it in, but turns out you can take one bottle per person. At the x-ray check-in, the guy in front of us had a big party and took a case of Champaign. So they don't care that much. You can also ask for white or red wine glasses at any bar and the staff are happy to provide it. #2. take some nalgine bottles, we filled them with ice water, lemonade, OJ or tea before going ashore. That saves $5 over the bottles of water they sell. #3 take some Ziploc bags. We ordered room service each night before we went ashore, had it delivered at bed time, put the sandwiches in the bags, put them in the fridge and then took them ashore the next day. The ice water helps to keep them cold in a backpack. #4 Scarlett's has a wine tasting at 1:30 on Monday I think. Not just wine, but they include food to compare how wine goes with certain foods. #5 There is a welcome party for past guests (free drinks), a welcome party for new guests (free drinks), and a goodbye party for everyone (free drinks), so don't miss those, else you pay $5.95 for a 16 oz Budweiser. Read more