Carnival Valor Review
Carnival Valor great cruise but ship design not great
Rating by category
Additional details
Overall we have nothing but great things to say about Carnival. This was our third cruise, and the first with Carnival and we were extremely happy with the service and the food. The itinerary was good in that it was just long enough to please me and not too long for my husband.
My hard to please husband was leery to try cruising after our last disaster with another company. Lets just say he too was very pleased with the service and food. We particularly enjoyed the lunch and dinner, with all of the options available in Rosie's Cafe. My husband and I opted out of the dining room this time, but the relaxed buffet setting suited us just fine. It was very busy on the first day leaving port, which didn't surprise us, but we were very surprised at how busy it was on formal night. Note: usually formal nights are the two nights at sea, but the second formal night coincided with the day in Ocho Rios, so many weren't prepared for this. It was obvious when many opted to go formal on the last night at sea, which isn't formal!
The only disappointment with the food was that breakfast did not include soft cooked eggs. Apart from that, it was all very good with a great selection. Be sure to try the chocolate buffet on the last day at sea at Rosie's, it includes a chocolate fountain.
Cabin Review
Interior
This room is a standard layout with the beds set to King for our cruise. It was the largest interior cabin we had to date (based on 3 cruise companies), at 185 sq ft. We had more than enough space for our suitcases and clothes.
The 7th floor is the best floor for service on the Valor as you are guaranteed to have sleeping quarters above and below your floor. Our room is unique in that there is only neighbors to the right of us, and this did prove to give a private feel to our cruise.
We did note that engine noises accompanied a quiet rattling noise whenever the ship started her engines, however we must have gotten used to it as it never really bothered us.
We had exceptionally good service from our steward and the room was always well maintained.
Another good thing about the 7th floor is it tends to have the most suites per capita on the ship, so it's a good floor to book!