Carnival Victory Review 11/13/20 with pictures

[erby2283]

Who offered the city tour? Or was it a Carnival tour with airport drop off? I fly home at 155 pm and don't have time for a tour. I just wondered about all the time involved and crowds and things like agriculture check, security....do you go through US customs in SJU or in the states?

I am flying home SJU/Philadelphia/Toronto.

 

The airport can be hit or miss. You should be fine with that flight time. You go through customs immediately after collecting your luggage at the terminal. Just remember when you get to the airport to go through the agriculture line or you could have some major delays - especially if there are multiple ships embarking/disembarking that day.

[BenjiRodney]

Loved your review, we did this the week before, stayed post cruise at Sheraton Old San Juan and then Verdanza Hotel when I took USAirways up on the offer to give up seat on Moonday for travel voucher and another night. It was near that Ponderosa you mentioned. We are going to do this again same week next year.

[lettienets]

The airport can be hit or miss. You should be fine with that flight time. You go through customs immediately after collecting your luggage at the terminal. Just remember when you get to the airport to go through the agriculture line or you could have some major delays - especially if there are multiple ships embarking/disembarking that day.

 

Is it well marked where you have to go for the agriculture check? What actually is an agriculture check?

Is it when you arrive in SJU or when you leave or both? When you say after collecting luggage, makes me think it is when I arrive in SJU.

 

When I fly to USA from Toronto we have US customs at our airport in Toronto so I don't have to do it arriving at a US port. But I thought there were some different regulations re PR. So I guess I go through customs again in PR on arrival. So, when leaving PR, does everybody flying to the US go through customs PR or in a US airport. I am ongoing to Toronto and wonder where I go through customs.

Thanks a bunch.

[lettienets]

Loved your review, we did this the week before, stayed post cruise at Sheraton Old San Juan and then Verdanza Hotel when I took USAirways up on the offer to give up seat on Moonday for travel voucher and another night. It was near that Ponderosa you mentioned. We are going to do this again same week next year.

What kind of flight can you use the travel voucher on? Did USAirways pay for meals too? Thanks

[breathefreshAyr]

Who offered the city tour? Or was it a Carnival tour with airport drop off? I fly home at 155 pm and don't have time for a tour. I just wondered about all the time involved and crowds and things like agriculture check, security....do you go through US customs in SJU or in the states?

I am flying home SJU/Philadelphia/Toronto.

 

No, It was not a Carnival tour, rather one they offer when you reach the street.

It was a small bus that held about 25 people (white buses)

The driver asks about flight times and then plans on getting you there.

In our case, he would have taken us directly to the airport after the tour rather than drop us off for lunch. I thought it fit in nicely because I got the tour, had a lunch break and all the while, our luggage was with us and ready for the trip to the airport. Saved the money on the taxi and also, what to do with your luggage when you get off the ship. Because we were the first off, we had to wait in an air-conditioned bus while he filled it up with other customers. (about an hour)

So this means that if you get out there by 10am, you should be fine to do both.

[BenjiRodney]

What kind of flight can you use the travel voucher on? Did USAirways pay for meals too? Thanks

 

$550.00 to use on a future ticket, they did not pay for meals but did pay for the taxi round trip and the hotel. Plus a first class upgrade from CLT to SJU. The USDA inspection is for all of your bags, it is right in front of the USAirways ticket counter so not a far walk for you if you are flying on them. They xray and screen the bags before you can check them in with the airline.

[breathefreshAyr]

Loved your review, we did this the week before, stayed post cruise at Sheraton Old San Juan and then Verdanza Hotel when I took USAirways up on the offer to give up seat on Moonday for travel voucher and another night. It was near that Ponderosa you mentioned. We are going to do this again same week next year.

 

Just wondering how the Verdanza was? I had originally booked them and then switched to the Embassy All Suites which so happens to be across the street.

I got a good rate for the Verdanza by joining for free "I Prefer" membership.

I got nervous with the mixed reviews. The Sheraton was already booked but is for sure in a great location to the old city.

[breathefreshAyr]

Who offered the city tour? Or was it a Carnival tour with airport drop off? I fly home at 155 pm and don't have time for a tour. I just wondered about all the time involved and crowds and things like agriculture check, security....do you go through US customs in SJU or in the states?

I am flying home SJU/Philadelphia/Toronto.

 

You live in Hamilton? Why wouldn't you use Buffalo? I am from near Kitchener and never fly from Canada. So much more $$$. So simple for customs because it is done at the border. And Buffalo Airport is such a breeze..easy parking and hardly ever swarmed with people. I fly either Jet Blue which I like the best that goes through NYC to their new Jet Blue Terminal or Air Tran connecting through Atlanta (not my fav). Much better rates, check it out on their websites.

I flew for 2 people there and back to San Juan for $520.00 US each. Hope this helps

[lettienets]

You live in Hamilton? Why wouldn't you use Buffalo? I am from near Kitchener and never fly from Canada. So much more $$$. So simple for customs because it is done at the border. And Buffalo Airport is such a breeze..easy parking and hardly ever swarmed with people. I fly either Jet Blue which I like the best that goes through NYC to their new Jet Blue Terminal or Air Tran connecting through Atlanta (not my fav). Much better rates, check it out on their websites.

I flew for 2 people there and back to San Juan for $520.00 US each. Hope this helps

I am travelling by myself so I don't want to drive to Buffalo, especially in winter, park, get a hotel etc. So I just go to Toronto with a pickup service and fly USAirways through Charlotte. Coming home this time I picked through Philadelphia to get home earlier, well unless there is a storm anywhere.

Glad the agriculture check is near USAirways.

Lots of good info here, thanks everybody.

[hancogran]

You live in Hamilton? Why wouldn't you use Buffalo? I am from near Kitchener and never fly from Canada. So much more $$$. So simple for customs because it is done at the border. And Buffalo Airport is such a breeze..easy parking and hardly ever swarmed with people. I fly either Jet Blue which I like the best that goes through NYC to their new Jet Blue Terminal or Air Tran connecting through Atlanta (not my fav). Much better rates, check it out on their websites.

I flew for 2 people there and back to San Juan for $520.00 US each. Hope this helps

 

Totally agree with flying from Buffalo. I'm a Jet Blue fan also and we're heading to San Juan for our fourth time in January... Total cost for two of us (return) by Jet Blue was $867 Canadian!! Can't be beat by any airline out of Toronto. We love everything about flying from Buffalo and think it's a great airport, and fly from there whenever possible! I'm also close to Kitchener so it's not a whole lot further to drive to Buffalo. ;)

[BenjiRodney]

Just wondering how the Verdanza was? I had originally booked them and then switched to the Embassy All Suites which so happens to be across the street.

I got a good rate for the Verdanza by joining for free "I Prefer" membership.

I got nervous with the mixed reviews. The Sheraton was already booked but is for sure in a great location to the old city.

 

Loved the Verdanza, staff was great, location is great, 1 block to the beach, plenty of places to eat and a Walgreens just down the street past the Taco Bell KFC. I'm sure USAirways get a deal for sending bumped passengers there. They sent 10 of us that day.

[lettienets]

Loved the Verdanza, staff was great, location is great, 1 block to the beach, plenty of places to eat and a Walgreens just down the street past the Taco Bell KFC. I'm sure USAirways get a deal for sending bumped passengers there. They sent 10 of us that day.

Does USAirways overbook that much? How fast do you have to volunteer to get to stay? If nobody volunteers do the perks go up?

[SweetpeaOne]

Very nice review. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[BuBBs~Cruise~NYC]

What an amazing cruise. Would do it again in an heartbeat. It was interesting reading your review how closely it was to ours. Our room was amazing as well as we had a huge balcony that wrapped around...walked it off at over 40 feet. Our friends next door opened up their door so it gave us even more!

 

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in San Juan (very nice) and ate at a small cafe/bakery across from the Ponderosa. Awesome food and bakery. Short walk to the beach.

 

We got on the Victory around 12:30 and on in less than 15 min. (priority privaleges) We took the free trolley up to the largest Fort..awesome. Was even free that day!

 

In Barbados, we rented a car with the other couple. A little crazy driving on such narrow roads...went to see Farley Hill mansion ruins and gardens, over to Bathsheba. Ended up having an amazing lunch at a hotel there but it should be awesome for $75! right on the ocean. Wished we could have got to Crane and Harrismith Beaches but simply ran short on time and didn't want to risk not getting back. Next time.

 

St Lucia, loved loved loved. Took the Spencer Ambrose Tour Land and Sea.

I probably saw you at the beach...I was in heaven.

 

We loved St Kitts, what a surprise. We didn't organize a tour there but ended up with a taxi driver (in green shirts) who knew everybody...goalie on the cricket team, firefighter..really nice guy. They love us Canadians there as we donated all their school buses, school curriculum, medical center. Would go back. We went to the beach at South Friars Bay...really nice swimming and fish..excellant food at the beach restaurant.

 

I am going to try to get my pics posted ...just need some time. So much has happened this week, I need another vacation! Maybe you will recognize us!

 

You posted that u stayed at the Embassy Suites i'mm looking to stay there in may how was it? If you have any pic can u please email I will luv to see to get an idea what the hotel looks like.. ty Minnie1377@aol.com

 

Erby- TY for te review really enjoyed it.. :)

[glenstrick]

You posted that u stayed at the Embassy Suites i'mm looking to stay there in may how was it? If you have any pic can u please email I will luv to see to get an idea what the hotel looks like.. ty Minnie1377@aol.com

 

Erby- TY for te review really enjoyed it.. :)

 

We always stay the the Embassy Suites. Love it! Great pool, casino in lobby, 2.5 blocks to the beach where they provide chairs and umbrellas for guests. Within walking distance of a variety of restaurants.

[legalwife]

Again, more yes we do and no we don't from CCL.

 

Can any of you that have recently been tell me if Victory has the $2.99 telephone charge on the ship? Some do and some don't. Sure hope they do.

 

Thanks as always.

[travel281]

Thanks for the review and the beautiful pics. We sail the Victory in June and I can hardly wait. Waiting for the "late" family had to be frustrating. I have a sister who functions on someone else's time -- very irritating.

 

I have a question for you. Was there anything you researched that you did not do on your cruise but later wished you had? Or maybe something you did not have time to do at one of the ports that you really wanted to do? We haven't booked any excursions yet but will start researching soon. Thanks.

[k2]

Again, more yes we do and no we don't from CCL.

 

Can any of you that have recently been tell me if Victory has the $2.99 telephone charge on the ship? Some do and some don't. Sure hope they do.

 

Thanks as always.

 

What is that?:confused:

[legalwife]

What is that?:confused:

 

On some ships you are able to call home for $2.99 per minute.

 

It is not that well known, but various ships offer it. If it is offered, there will be a sign in your cabin by the phone.

[k2]

Thanks!

[BenjiRodney]

Does USAirways overbook that much? How fast do you have to volunteer to get to stay? If nobody volunteers do the perks go up?

 

They tend to overbook alot. The last email from USAirways customer relations state that it is a complicated formula used to determine how many seats to over sell etc and that this helps to keep fairs low for us flyers. I used that voucher to pay for my flight to Seattle for the Alaska cruise in June. They ask for volunteers willing to give up their seats first. If i am not in a hurry to get home and the perks are good I will do it, it had worked to my advantage 3 times so far.

[vlwalker]

You're welcome Mark. I never realized how much work it is to try and post a review. I've been at it 13 hours between typing the review and uploading 700 pictures to Picasa and Facebook. I truly appreciate all the other reviews people have written a whole lot more now!

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Loved your review and pictures! The closer it gets to our cruise, the more excited I get.:)

[lgerrish]

Oh my goodness - I love your review and love the photos. I hope you can answer a couple questions for me.

 

We have a 12:40 flight on USAirways and plan to do self-assist when we debark - are there many taxis waiting to drive passengers to the airport and how long is the ride to the airport?

 

I have read that the airport can be a nightmare - is a 12:40 departure pushing it?

 

We are very interested in booking tours with Cosol and Royston - both sound amazing!

 

If only April was right around the corner - I'm ready to cruise now.:D

 

Thanks for the great review too!

[labete01]

I will be in St Maarten next month for the first time and I was considering using Jo Junie as a tour guide. Based on your experience dealing with the family that was always late, would you still recommend him as a tour guide or do you think it is best to take a taxi to tour St Maarteen?

[Bribrittmom]

I highly recommend booking w/ Royston.He was great and a lot of fun!Be ready to be adventurous as he goes to places off the beaten path.St. Kitts is beautiful.