Whose been on both Valor & Glory?

[Bluemoon319]

Sorry, this is duplicate thread because I posted it in the wrong place the 1st time.

 

I'm planning to book on one of these ships for the 2nd week in Dec. They have the same itinerary & cost about the same. I've been on Glory before. So I thought I would try Valor this time.

I see that Valor has an outdoor theater. I'm not sure if this is good or bad. I like nighttime deck parties which don't seem to happen as much anymore & are very short. I'm thinking that since there's an outdoor theater on the Valor, there won't be any night parties outside? Or is it a general party type atmosphere when they play the movies.

I also wonder about the implication of no more free drinks at the Captains welcome party. When I was on the Legend this past Aug. they had free drinks at that and at a numer of other activities as well. I just wonder if there're getting stingy with drinks at the welcome party, are they getting stingy about other things too? Spending a few extra bucks if I want a drink at the welcome party certainly won't prevent me from chosing this ship, but stopping the "little extras" makes me wonder about the overall atmosphere.

On the other hand, if Glory is headied for drydock, I wonder what condition it's in. I was on it 6/2006 & was very happy. I'm not real picky, but I don't know how bad the condition of a ship is in for them to decide to drydock it.

I'm sure I will be happy with eaither choice, but would just like some imput. Thanks

[nybumpkin]

We sailed Valor in February '08 and Glory in February '09. To my mind, the main difference between the two ships is the big screen. The only wear and tear I saw on Glory was on the camels in the casino - they've had too many people sitting on them, so the paint needs to be touched up.:) This drydock has been scheduled for some time and isn't being done because the ship is in tough shape. She'll get the big screen, some other upgrades, and regular maintenance.

 

Looking back at my Capers, there was a deck party at 11:30 p.m. on Glory on Wednesday - but there was also a deck party one night (Cozumel) on Valor, so the fact that there's a big screen doesn't mean they won't do a deck party too. Both ships have completely different entertainment staffs from when we sailed, though, so the current staff may have different plans for entertainment.

[scperk]

Hello Kathy (Nybumpkin)....We have also been on both and there is not very much difference in either ship...They are both Conquest class ship and are identical in their layout...I really don't like the big screen because there is too much noise out by the pool..........So we just find chairs in another area.......:)..........Dennis

[nybumpkin]

Hi Dennis! I see you're almost in single digits for Valor. The other difference between Glory and Valor that I thought of is the hot tub in the spa area. They've been taking out the hot tubs on the other Conquest-class ships to give more room for aerobics lessons and the like. Glory still has the hot tub - at least until drydock. Valor's is gone.

 

I can take or leave the big screen - haven't had it on our last two cruises. However, on our Valor cruise our youngest son celebrated his birthday aboard with both a Harry Potter movie and a full lunar eclipse.

 

BTW, oldest son (Dan) is now in his first year at the US Merchant Marine Academy. Appears he's decided he likes being on the ocean....:)

[Froufie]

I have been on both ships - and enjoyed my cruises! Found the decor on the Valor to be much more 'eclectic' and different.....some like it, some don't - not sure if that matters to you?

 

As mentioned the big screen is interesting - like a drive in at sea - and you would still have the deck party (there is one per week on each of these ships).

 

As for the free drinks at the captain's welcome aboard party - this has now been done away with on ALL Carnival ships so should not affect your decision - instead you get $1 off drinks at all promenade bars for a couple of hours and they have added a farewell party on the last evening where free drinks are served!

[1gr8cruise]

Been on both.....am booked on Valor again April '10...no big difference IMO.....yes the screen.....way over rated.....at night when they had movies I dont think I ever saw more than 50 people watching.....not a party atmosphere at all....all kids movies.......they could really improve in this area.....each night they could have a rock concert, jazz R & B, country, etc......I just dont get the thought process on the "BIG SCREEN"

[sharecruises]

I have been on both, and both were great

 

I liked Valor a bit more

 

I would go with Valor in Dec

 

Glory will have just moved down to Miami...and will be awaiting her drydock

in Jan...which IMHO means the staff might be in a bit of flux and change

 

One thing I liked better about Valor was the "ships organization"...ie, the tendering process in Belize was just handled a LOT better on Valor

I also felt the Valor was more "together" regarding the cleanliness of the Lido, buffets, etc. Valor was great about having everything stocked, clean, ice machines and drink machines all working

 

Even though I am repeating myself on Imagination, I would really prefer to see a different ship...decor....maybe different shows

 

IF you saw the shows on Glory you might be repeating them, but Valor might be new to you??

 

I don't notice the big screens much at all...so they don't bother me

 

Valor seems to get at LOT of great reviews

 

either way you really can't go wrong

they both have the fish and chips place, chocolate melting cake, and

the deli's <grin>

[gazingm42]

We have been on both ships as well. The Valor in 5/2007 and Glory in 6/2009.

We are booked on both again in 2010.

 

We liked the Glory a little better. But Glory will be in drydoc in 2/2010 so it

will also have the screen.

 

When are you planning on sailing?

[jhdoublin]

Been on both also- on the valor a second time a few months ago,May, and can say I didn't much care for the big sceen at all. I go to get away from this stuff. Didn't seem like there were as many people on the lido deck as there used to be- it is loud, so not a party atmosphere to me.

 

I enjoyed the cruise - just better without the TV. I would choose Glory if that were your concern. If no TV-then surely they would be doing more to entertain. Seems like it's a cheaper way to keep people busy- no man power.

[LHP]

We were on the Glory in May (2009) and just got off the Valor on Sunday.

 

We liked the Valor best because of the staff ....

 

I live in karaoke and the karaoke host was the best I have ever sailed with.

 

Gary the CD was great...although Tex will be back by then..he is good as well.

We have sailed with both many times.

 

Since these sister ships are almost identical in everything but decoration..

if you like things like the Piano bar...I would choose the one with the best entertainer. If you like karaoke, I would choose the one with the best karaoke host....etc.

[Bluemoon319]

Thanks for your opinions. I thought of just flipping a coin. Then I was some pics of Valor. It appears to have a rather patriotic theme. I think my son would really enjoy that. Froufie said it's eclectic, though. Can anyone expound on that? Either way, I need to book this weekend, this deciding which ship to go on thing is taking way too much of my time. Kathy, what a great birthday present for your son!

[Froufie]

The 'spooky' faces in the atrium

 

 

Shot of the very pink Lincoln dining room

 

Valor atrium:

 

Gotta love those eagles!

 

Paris Hot Lounge:

[sharecruises]

The floor in the atrium has a rather orange white and blue flag theme

 

golden eagles...

 

Rosies Diner has Rosie the Riveter from world war 2 and sort of ww2 poster theme

 

It is a pretty neat ship ...I really liked Valor

 

the problem with going on the very same ship is that the shows will be the same etc (and yeah I know I am going on the Imagination again LOL)

 

here is a good site with pictures of both

I actually liked the theme of Valor (heroes I think it is?)

as opposed to the "colors" theme on Glory

 

http://www.beyondships.com/CarnivalValor-Profile.html

 

 

 

 

 

The creative idea for Carnival Valor is “heroes and heroic

events.” Consequently, the public areas - - bars, restaurants,

stairways, lounges, the casino, the theater and other public rooms - -

all celebrate heroes of heroic acts. While tribute is paid to heroes

from a number of lands, “I wanted to really salute American heroes

and America. So, when you are standing in the lobby and you are

looking up you see on the fascias of all of the balconies, these

portraits [of American heroes]. You’ll see the floor patterned in

granite stones which recall the American flag. There are columns

which are surmounted by the American eagle done in gold leaf with a

flame-like stained-glass lamp coming out of the top, which reminded

me of the flame on the Statue of Liberty. In the dome of the atrium

is a fantastic light feature that creates the colors of red, white and

blue and then at some point in time all the colors of the rainbow

come on to create [an allegory] of who all the people in America are.”

 

http://www.beyondships.com/CarnivalGlory-profile.html

[Bluemoon319]

Wow! Thanks so much for posting those great pics, Froufie & sharecruises. Yes, I agree, eclectic. I think you just convinced me.