Carnival Valor Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I chose this cruise because it departed from New Orleans, home of my daughter and grand daughter, an 8 year old. I wanted her to have a fun time exploring the ship and enjoying the daily activities of cruising, so I wasn't concerned that it was full of children's activities and toys or the fanciest ship with best food.
The trip began with ease as we checked in at our scheduled time without lines and with very cordial staff to help us navigate getting onto the ship. We were a little confused when we first got on the ship but all good when we went to our room and found everything we needed. Bags arrived quickly.
Our steward, Yudah was friendly and efficient, and brought us extra hangers. We ate at early dining in the dining room and the servers were wonderful and friendly. Grandchild was enchanted with all our assigned staff persons. She especially enjoyed Tyler the new cruise director. The first 3 nights of shows were really fun and engaging. The last 2 were less so.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Room was great for 3. I slept on the couch bed and it was comfortable, but firm for me. Lots of storage, nice bathroom. Loved the balcony. We took an extension cord with 3 plug outlets (not a power strip), clothes pins to keep wet suits on line over shower, metal magnetic hooks for the metal walls, 2 bottles of wine and a corkscrew, and ordered lanyards to hold our ship cards.
Room was quiet mid ship, on floor 7 near elevators.
Port Reviews
Costa Maya
This fake town built to look like a Mexican village is just a tourist trap. We knew that when we did not book an excursion. Yes the seaweed was at the beach.
We walked around and ended up at the pool. Found a lounge chair in the shade and sat down. A waiter came and I ordered a beer. Daughter and grand child swam in the crowded pool. After about an hour a dance team came out and performed for us. There was a bathroom, but changing was difficult cuz floor was wet.
Cozumel
We booked the Bubbles Swim with the Dolphins and enjoyed it! Very nice place and organized trainers. Photos are too expensive, but we have our memories.
After they brought us back to port, we had a couple of hours for shopping and a drink near the pier. Enjoyed relaxing.