Detailed Carnival Victory review:Photos,Menus,Fun Times July 4th-11, 2010

[JerseyshoreBruce]

What a great review with pictures of so much! Thanks! Looking forward to the rest as i will be on it in August.

[jennmaybe]

This is just fabulous!! We're on this one in October and it's killing me to look at all these pics....:D

 

Did you guys take any excursions or did you mostly do the beaches? Can you give us just a quick run-down on all the beaches you did at each port and if you would recommend others going there?

 

Thanks so much for your very-detailed reviews! We have not been to any of these ports before, so I am really reading everything very carefully!!

[MyImagination]

Great review thus far! Anticipating the next episode

[Buffettfan 225]

Dominica day 3

- Mentally decided it was going to act as our “at sea day.” We did not dock until 10:00am so no hustle and bustle noise to wake us. I love the new cabin door hanging signs that read snoozin’ on one side and cruisin’ on opposite side. Poked my head outside it was 9:50am-seeing we resembled "gorillas in the mist" really had no motivation to rush from my a/c cabin.

Today port side would be parallel to the shore and gangway side.

 

We were still early enough to catch the lido breakfast buffet. There are many locations one can gather the same breakfast fare. The lido buffet has both sides operating of buffet, we usually go back by the pool area for shorter lines or to the kiosk where you usually get desserts- easy express of fruit,scrambled eggs,meat,oatmeal. This was the only location besides main buffet that I found the banana bread. (Other ships have had it at aft pool morning buffets.) You will also find the aft locations less of a line, and one morning when it was quite busy, my DH said he was walking by deli and they asked breakfast? Yes—they just were handing out preloaded plates loaded with eggs,bacon etc. instant service. So watch for the deli offerings too. Many people also do not know that the omeltte station can also make eggs to order, or can make an omlette with the "healthy carton kind".

 

After breakfast decided to enjoy the ship pool area. The sun had broken through and burned off the mist. It was quite hot and steamy since we were not moving. We tried our usual sitting behind the funnel area as catch a breeze there—not today, they were doing some highly fumed scraping & varnishing. In fact due to fumes they made announcement of No smoking on lido deck anywhere that day due to flammability. We finally found it comfortable to just sit on edge of pool area. I put my ipod in a vinyl waterproof case I found at a boating store and was chillin by pool with DH. Do people not realize when headphones are on it means we are listening to music? I am quite the socialable person, so will turn off music to chat, but found it amusing when they just start a conversation. Our poolside outing was somewhat short as it kept sprinkling a minute then stop and repeat, could put up with that –being that we were in pool and hot, but nearing lunch my DH decided fries were calling him (again LOL) and I had some fresh fruit and cottage cheese. Not that I was watching what I was eating. Just felt like those items. We then decided to explore off ship. We have been to Dominica before, so already did the tour thing. To really experience Dominica and not jusgeit unfairly, one really needs to take an organized excursion. This port and Belize I would prefer using Carnival to make sure we were back on time.

 

Shot looking down from balcony of Suite 7312 port side, my parents just happened to be exiting (lavendar shirt & man in green hat)

 

 

Here is view of Dominica from balcony 7312

Looking far right toward front of ship from 7312 balcony

 

View zoomed in from balcony 7312 looking a bit left of pier, this is the Luxury Emporium It is marked #2 on shopping map below: more "upscale" shop with leather goods,liquor,sunglasses and small amount of souveniers. Did not really find any bargains here IMO.

 

[JerseyshoreBruce]

Is it safe to walk all around the whole town there? Are there any good bars or restaurants? Mainly don't want to get robbed!

[SoonerOne]

Great, great review, enjoying it immensely! Question for you, did you try the Chinese wok place? Do you remember the name of it?

[SouthernCaribbean]

Do you remember the name of it?

Its called Yangtze Wok

[Buffettfan 225]

This is just fabulous!! We're on this one in October and it's killing me to look at all these pics....:D

 

Did you guys take any excursions or did you mostly do the beaches? Can you give us just a quick run-down on all the beaches you did at each port and if you would recommend others going there?

 

Thanks so much for your very-detailed reviews! We have not been to any of these ports before, so I am really reading everything very carefully!!

San Juan-not really known for its beaches. Only time we did one was pre-cruise at hotel Marriott Stellaris and found pool area much more inviting.

Main public beach Loquillo (spelling?) direction of El Yunque Rainforest-never have gotten to. Mentally just say this is a pool location. Touring- if you ever get chance to arrive early enough that allows a trip to El Yunque in morning we highly recommend it. The morning allows for serenity during hiking, less chance of it raining and cooler. It is like hiking in Jurrasic park-very nice defined trails. We rent a car and return morning of cruise at airport.

St.Thomas- two takes on it- Megan's Bay Beach-easy to get to, no vendors (I think due to it being a National Park and charge admission). It has all the facilities, plus calm to just float on a mat. Not good for snorkeling though. Once we did Saphire Beach by taking a taxi there- further out-not many amenities, but had nice snorkeling from shore.

another idea is but much more effort needed is going to St.John's Trunk Bay-gorgeous, again a National Park. We have done it via taxi to Red Hook, then ferry over, another taxi shuttle to beach/park. In hindsight may have been cheaper thru ship and more direct.

My pick: Megan's.

Dominica-again not known for beaches. Have only done nature type tours. Wacky Rollers is well known and reputable (now can only book thru ship) and others have enjoyed the Titou Gorge or seeing Trafalgar Falls.

Barbados- Did not make it to the beach, but had fully researched and ready to go to. On port board poster Aplmac has great info.

I had figured out we'd go to Hasting's Beach. I asked member Aplmac for suggestion and he responded with this:

"Sounds like you should get a taxi direct to Coconut Court, which is on Hastings beach,and also about smack bang in the middle between Hilton to its right(facing the sea),-and the Boardwalk,leading to Accra -to its left(facing the sea)."

Barbados has built a Boardwalk along water I was interested in walking along. The photos were amazing of this beach. Also can't go wrong with Accra Beach and here are my notes I compiled from Cruise Critic postings:

Accra/Rockley Beach Ask for Rockley Beach, not Accra Hotel.

It's a difference of about 100 yards, if that. A spot to ask to be dropped off at is Bar K'Nai was a good deal. 2 chairs = 20.00 BDS. (2BDS for every $1 US conversion)

They had umbrellas available, too. I think 5.00 BDS.

Then you can "spend" that amount at the restaurant/bar with your receipt. In other words free chairs

Right across the street and to the left in the middle of a shopping center is "Just Grillin" We had the best flying fish sandwich there.

Just got back...$15.00 each way for the 2 of us. $10 or $15 for an umbrella and 2 lounges, depending on what kind of lounge. Beach is not that big, walk till a spot hits you.

Took taxi about 20 minutes from cruise dock (US$40 for 5 of us) to Rockley beach, also called Accra beach. There is a manmade reef maybe 60-80 yards off shore, maybe last 20 yards of swim over my head. Many colorful, mostly smaller fish clustered all along both sides of the reef. My younger daughter saw numerous baby fish in shallow water close to shore as well. Beach itself is beautiful, with vendors for chairs, souvenirs, and food/drink and is located in resort area

Another alternative is Hilton Hotel day pass.

They have a day pass which included use of the the beach, pool, chairs, umbrellas, towels, shower facitlity, lunch and a drink for $35.00 pp. Taxi fare was $5.00 pp each way. 10 minute drive from the ship. Taxis available at the Hilton. They said lunch was delicious. Restaurant is on the beach. Had the signature Flying fried fish and a frozen mojito.............next time we'll go to the Hilton :>)!

Hilton's PBX number here on the island is.. 426-0200I just spoke with the Hilton in Barbados and this is what I was told;

 

$25 for a day pass for use of pool and beach

$35 for a day pass would include a meal and drink at the waters edge restaurant.

Another beach near ship is facility called the Boatyard: I think $10. Cahirs,water toys,facilities etc. Very popular party type atmosphere.

Boatyard area Carlisle Bay— Lobster Alive restaurant on Carlisle Bay-(Next to Boatyard) chairs/umbrella $15, Lunch 12-3:30

Next to Lobster Alive--My husband and I went here last October, and will do the same again this August. Since Lobster Alive is right next to the Boatyard, we were able to take a look at the water sports offered there, and retreat back to the quieter area of Lobster Alive. The 3 tickets you get when you rent 2 chairs and an umbrella are redeemable for a free rum punch or coke, which was a nice touch. The food there is great. We had the flying fish last time, this time we're going to splurge on lobster.

Keep in mind Barbados also has some great Catmaran companies (private is better) and can snorkel and see Sea Turtles.

St.Lucia: I can't say enough of our day here. We did a day pass at Rendevous Resort on Reduit Beach and for $50 a person it was so amazing to consider a week there!! REALLY. I will be posting extensive info and photos but basically great beach,hospitality,two pools (never needed them),lunch buffet,great landscaping, terrace in shade with fans, unlimited drinks of any kind-just put a flag up in sand by your chair.

It is literally 5-10min max from ship. They usually offer am or pm rate, but able to negotiate 9-3pm. If you have any faith--just book it. Contact Rendevous Resort direct via email and then you will work via email with front desk manger/concierge. I saw there day pass list upon arrival and counted only 12 people. So it is very exclusive, and perhaps limited amount they accept. Mostly I estimate I saw say 8 people on beach chairs, most were about 30 were during lunch and then vanished! The taxi will only take you there if you have a confirmed reservation for day pass-secure gated entrance.

Ten years ago we took a taxi and were dropped off at Rex Resort on Reduit beach and just cut through lobby area. So that is also an option.

St.Kitts: We did the train tour and later private to Brimstone Hill Fort + bonus Caribelle Batik quick stop.

my research though:

Cockleshell Beach - great views of Nevis and a nice beach

 

Marriott beach resort:

The Marriott is on North Frigate Beach, which is on the Atlantic side of Frigate Bay Marriott Resort -$12 taxi- 3mi from ship $65 day pass, $35 resort fee for 4

St.Maarten:

Have been to two beaches here. First was Orient Beach-My opinion is that it was just okay-too many vendors,very wavelike higher body surfing type waves. Oh and the occassional "nudist" strolling along.

Second time we went to Maho Beach-mostly for the plane watching action, but there is a small beach and beach bar. More photos of that in review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Buffettfan 225]

Great, great review, enjoying it immensely! Question for you, did you try the Chinese wok place? Do you remember the name of it?

Tried it the first day during embarkation and unfortunatley deemed it a no-go. The chicken dish was bland,and just a basic gravy. The rice ok, but no real "fried rice taste" perhaps due to lack of fire on a ship? I really wished it had tasted better. Never saw a line, and usually that speaks for itself.

I did read they changed menu items daily, so perhaps if we had been on ship more during lunch hours I would have tried again.

[Buffettfan 225]

Victory Dominica day 3 cont.

The Catholic Church is can be seen from ship and easy to get to. After exiting walkway, turn right and walk to the Dominica Museum (almost in front of you)

[Buffettfan 225]

Victory Dominica day 3 cont.

The Church is can be seen from ship and easy to get to. After exiting walkway, turn right and walk to the Dominica Museum (almost in front of you).Take the street on right side of museum slightly uphill a few blocks and it will be on your right.

"Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral" 1854

 

 

 

Donations were appreciated,but not solicted as they are having issues with termites,leaks and general attrition to building.

View from front of church back toward ship.

 

View of ship from end of street by museum

[Buffettfan 225]

From here we went back towards the center market area. My DH enjoys checking out local food stores and there is one in town. This time instead of walking up right side,walk up left side of museum. The general food store is in building just behind

the brightly painted hotel building.

 

Hotel, general store is cream & blue building. Has food, small items, pharmacy, soda, beer etc.

 

Thought this security warning was worth posting:

We noticed that many items for sale in the local general store were much cheaper than vendor stalls for same item. DH bought small bottles of vanilla $1.60US, and they were asking $4-8 on street. Same observations for hot sauces, jellies etc.

Couldn't resist taking photo of this item:

Other item that was a deal in Dominica are the "bird feeders" that are made out of coconut shells.

I think mine is a humingbird $4, & two dove one for $5. Later would see the dove type for $12 in St.Lucia

 

The street vendors stalls also have great bottled "original" coke for $1, and other flavors.

 

We also bought this handmade art card at the "Luxury Emporium" first thing when we got off ship-found in a display box on counter at back of store. Each one was different fabric. Bought a few for gifts to write thank you's and possibly frame one.

[dannymissy]

I'm going to read every word of this thread, but I just had to comment...I just went through your whoe slideshow of menus and food porn, and I am now drooling. Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you. Now to go back and start reading!

[Buffettfan 225]

Secret Doors ship exploring Dominica Day 3

 

Went back at quiet time on the Victory and discovered the "Secret doors" looking at deck plan, I think one can figure out which other ships have them once you know what to look for. Basically if look at deck plan at bow end--there are white hallways that just seem to end. The doors that are not marked-except for "push" sign and lead to the bow area. Nice for viewing, often quiet. Deck 6 has good overlook of crew area, deck 7, (no door on 8 as bridge level) and Victory had one on 9 & 10. Was cool on 10 as above bridge on wing and could look down side of ship. This does not make for good privacy of spa balconies though

 

end of hall port side Victory -bow, by bridge

Push -open

 

Note this is port side on deck nine- one is standing "on top of bridge" so hanging out further than side of ship--wouldn't want a cabin right there...

 

Here is why...one could almost touch poor girl on her balcony in um,

just at towel. Sorry guys, I did not frame her in photo.I would not book a cabin within 5 from end of hall corner for privacy sake on deck 9 or 10.

 

This is a photo taken looking down from the left (port side) secret deck, one can also see deck 7,6 from here 5 is not accessible as crew deck. Well it is--but roped off and labeled crew only.See the crew hot tubs? One time there were many crew members balancing laptops on ledges. We spoke with our waiter, and learned the crew knows which ports they can pick up a free wifi signal from shore. This cruise we learned they must purchase internet time it is not free as I thought it may be.

Taken while looking down from deck 9 or 10 to crew level while docked in Barbados.

Oh..don't try door on level 4 outside, it was open (literally wide open) but upon looking inside found a crew only stairwell that takes you to a long hallway for them to travel behind the scenes. We looked in and decided--"not a secret door" but crew door only.

 

more photos and info next post

[Buffettfan 225]

Secret door Victory more exploring:

 

This is our deck on Victory level 7. By cabin 7206, if you look at deck plan it is also by 7205 starboard side. Door on left in photo goes to the outside.

 

 

 

Deck 7 bow

 

Now remember CC members it is "our secret" ok? Great for sail aways

 

Deck seven secret area just below bridge

You are just under the bridge- I could look up and see them

On our deck 7 secret door area on starboard side, we also ran into the ship staff on occasion catching a coffee or cigarette.

View from front before sail away from Dominica-

[Buffettfan 225]

Is it safe to walk all around the whole town there? Are there any good bars or restaurants? Mainly don't want to get robbed!

Any port one must keep there wits about them, I would as a female try to always be with a guy. As far as Dominica- I would stick to front street by shore, and not wander past the church or market depth wise, we never felt unsafe here, although right in front of fabric store asked two different times if we wanted any, or like some smoke. Never came out and said it directly like in Aruba blatantly asked if wanted Ganja. Just a polite shake of head, or wave off and that was that. Did not encounter many beggars either, just an elderly lady selling jewelry by the pier.

I take minimal cash in small bills, a license, sign n' sail and camera. I am also prepared "for the worst" with camera. I bring 5-7 1Gig cards and change each one daily. That way if something happens to camera breaks, loss,theft I do not lose whole vacation. I also bring a back up "cheaper" $150 camera that takes same type of memory card for excursions like beach.

I was also once taught (I went to college in a large downtown environment) to bring a dummy type wallet with some cash and if held up pull it out and throw it opposite direction and run. Males should also not put wallet in back pocket, but front.

 

OK to answer bar question:

 

There was an interesting hangout type bar just behind the main street buildings, I think we walked up left of Museum or one over from that. The central area is pretty small. There was also a street-side bar overlooking water down by vendors -to the left if getting off ship. Not that great of ambience though.

Here is an interesting bar about one street in:

Close up inside:

The true feel of the beautiful nature island would be best seen by shore excursion/tour. This is similar to Belize-do not judge by what you see at pier.

[Buffettfan 225]

Victory Menu Dominica day 3, July 6, 2010

 

Appetizers:

 

Strawberry Bisque: mom loved all the cold soups, and previous cruis son deemed it a melted milkshake

 

 

Fresh Fruit Cocktail:

 

Main Courses:

 

Tender Roasted Prime Rib:

Desserts:

Had the Cherries Jubilee, DH did not want dessert but had him order the jubilee also. The reason--to steal his cherries!

 

[Buffettfan 225]

Carnival Victory Fun Times Dominica day 3

 

 

 

 

 

[Buffettfan 225]

Carnival Victory Fun Times Dominica maps Day 3

 

[Buffettfan 225]

Victory Fun Times Barbados Day 4 July 7, 2010

 

 

 

[Buffettfan 225]

Victory Fun Times Barbados maps

 

Edited July 27, 2010 by Buffettfan 225

[Buffettfan 225]

Thanks Jeff!

 

Looking forward to more, Suzy. No pressure or anything. Okay, maybe a little bit. :D

 

I've got 2 months and 2 weeks! Can't get here soon enough!

Thanks for praise. Glad I can help as much as everyone does around here.

One favor--can some people comment or ask a question once in awhile on this thread, after I update, since I am original poster, it does not put thread back on first page, it just acts like a continuation. So some people may not see that I added info. Thanks.

[Buffettfan 225]

I'm going to read every word of this thread, but I just had to comment...I just went through your whoe slideshow of menus and food porn, and I am now drooling. Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you. Now to go back and start reading!

 

You are welcome-- we are high school sweethearts too and celebrated 25th Anniversary this cruise. We actually met in 1979 though.

OK--I will also post my link to albums when done, I have many photos but they are out of order right now on webshots album.

 

Uh, no pressure, but need info on Liberty when you return.

[tmackel]

Loving every minute of this review. I'll be walking in your foot steps in March. Thanks for taking the time to write this for all of us.

[jennmaybe]

Thank you so much for all of that info! That really helps us decide what we want to do. There is just so many excursions and beaches to choose from, that it's been really hard deciding!

 

You are doing an awesome job and I know many others out there appreciate it as much as I do!!

 

:)