aggiejaa

Overall, the Carnival Valor was very well maintained. The ship's interior public areas were constantly being cleaned. On one of the outside decks, a small area and stairwell were closed for most of the cruise because Carnival was working on replacing the decking. I felt like the ship was being well maintained.

On the outside of the ship, there was a little bit of rust, but it wasn't that bad.

We just got off of the Valor on Saturday and I completely agree the ship is well maintained...she looks good, inside and out!

We just got off the Valor on Saturday and agree the food was just meh. Not a show stopper, but definitely nothing to get excited about.

I also agree the MDR staff seemed terribly understaffed. Our team was fantastic, but like you mentioned, butter, refilling tea and bread took way too long.

Fortunately, we didn't experience anything too dirty. Cozumel night we didn't eat in the MDR and I did notice in the buffet area tables were not getting cleaned as fast as normal - possibly too much of the staff were let go to get off the ship?

For us, it was really just the food that was a let down. I'd still sail the Valor, but I think our next cruise we'll try leaving out of Louisiana (all 5 so far have been out of Galveston and it's time for a change).

There are literally thousands of posts regarding FTTF. And just as many opinions ;p. We always purchase FTTF when it's available. For us, getting our luggage before anyone else (supposedly) is the last reason for purchase. We enjoy getting on board among the first groups. We enjoy dropping off our carry-ons and often only bring carry ons so that we can be unpacked and having our first drink, before many are even on the ship! BUT one of the best reasons for us is Customer Service. We never wait in a line and always have issues that need to be resolved there. From losing something and needing to visit Lost and Found, to putting spending limits daily on our kids' accounts, not having to spend part of my vacay standing in a long line, is WELL worth it for me. Enjoy!

You summed up the FTTF debate perfectly!

I’ll be getting off as you board Heimey. Haven’t decided on FTTF yet, but considering it just to have time to tour the ship.

Don't forget, not just a perk to tour the ship early. We just got off a 5 day and used it to get on early, and also get off early. Also, we needed extra luggage tags and we didn't have to wait in the 15 minute+ guest services line. FTTF (I know everyone agrees) is a must for our cruises.

Any idea which rooms? We're on Valor in 26 days, fingers crossed they are in our room.

Category 8F - Balcony, Spa Deck.

Confirmed - both lamps in this room have 2 USB ports.

Ship - Valor

Deck - 11

Stateroom # - 1109

Stateroom Category – Balcony

Starboard or Port Side - starboard

Quiet Stateroom? (With comments on problems) – Yes

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - No

Balcony View - Normal balcony with normal views

Balcony Size? Normal balcony

Was wind a problem? - No

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? - na

Any specific problems with this cabin? - none

Any other comments? -

Spa Deck 11 on the Valor means that the serenity deck is above you. The only thing different than other balcony rooms is that there is no full cover over the deck (ex. on deck 10, you have the floor of deck 11 completly covering your balcony). Standing at the railing and looking up and back you may see people on the serenity deck, but they can only see your railing and not your entire balcony.

We really enjopyed this cabin. We were concerned that being deck 11 and forward we'd feel more movement but that was not the case at all. I'd book this room again!

Both lamps near the beds have 2 USB power plugs!

Some of the rooms on the Valor has them.

Any idea which rooms? We're on Valor in 26 days, fingers crossed they are in our room.

Category 8F - Balcony, Spa Deck.

As others have said, Keep Checking! I'd check 5 times or so a day at work, and of course it opened up in the evening at home. I know some people are not fans of FTTF, but for us, it's a must. Good luck!

That's a bummer, but I understand.

I've noticed on the funtimes i've been able to find that it says mini golf and the sports deck close at 5pm - is that correct? Anyone on the Valor recently able to provide an answer? We were on the Breeze 2yrs ago and definitely played mini golf late in the evening (could barely get the kids back to the room!). Thanks.

Thank you so much for the advice. I am like you I prefer to have extra just in case. I also sweat like crazy so I always take extra.

Good idea about the extension cord! Should we bring a little fan for the room? We are in an Ocean Suite if that helps.

 

Thank you so much!

I definitely recommend taking a fan. You never know how the room temp will be, so we always take fans. Amazon and Walmart have 10" fans that can be plugged and that use batteries.