I have no idea what people are complaining about regarding Carnival and the Valor. Sure, if you're used to travelling aboard say the Queen Mary II or something, you might be disappointed in the lack of luxury at that level on this ship. And yes, it's a 2004 ship and not the bright, spacious ships built more recently. But otherwise, the Valor is beautiful. Shiny, clean, maintained. Some of the public walkways and public areas were a bit tight (such as where the photos are placed, that area on deck 4 was always jammed with people). But that's the extent of the complaints. I am telling you if you are going to vacation on the Carnival Valor you should not be disappointed. It is one of THE BEST VALUES in Vacation I have ever come by, we spend $1600 for the 3 of us in the balcony cabin, deck 6. Flights were another $275 or so from RI.

We have 6PM Seating in the Lincoln Dining Room (Upper) and there were 6 of us, one of us a 1 year old. His high chair was waiting for him every night. Service was FANTASTIC throughout the ship. Yeah sure, rarely you'd get a food server at the buffet that was just tired. But most everyone is pleasant. Our waiters (Supatra and Budi) were TERRIFIC. Our Maitre D Ivan was a gentleman and a pleasure to speak with. Food was very good, similar 100% to Princess (had sailed Princess 9 times before this Cruise, but with my toddler son, we decided to go Carnival). Everything was flavorful, right temp, well garnished, and tasty. TIP: Ask for an end cut of Prime Rib, you'll get both the end and another slice!!! I'm still stuffed! Desserts were good, not excellent. Chocolate Melting cake was terrific, but also the Bread Pudding and the Chocolate Raspberry pie. Buffets were typical, different themes. And the buffets ALWAYS had plenty of different desserts, cookies, fruit, etc. Last Sea Day was Chocolate buffet...terrific. Never did the Deli, Fish and Chips, or Burrito Bar, but heard they were good. Outdoor Grill (burgers, etc) was typical, and Pizza was in my opinion just ok. Room Service we did some BLT's one day, they were fine.

Here's a tip for every cruiser on every cruise...TAKE A MOMENT, and SMILE AND SAY HELLO AND SAY THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SERVES YOU...it goes MILES, trust me. I cannot believe how some passengers treat the help like garbage!!! Make a point to even have a conversation or two with some. These people get paid average dollars at best, and all of them come from lesser developed countries than the US (Phillipines, Croatia, Thailand, etc) and spend several months away from their families to support them this way! They love to have quick conversations, they are humans, too, you know. Treat them with respect and as people, the GOLDEN RULE really applies here...and your trip will be MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE!! Read more