Valor Questions

[Mark]

I have booked a May 22 cruise on the Valor and have been reading the many commentaries and reviews from folks who have sailed on her recently. I am concerned on several issues that would impact any of us cruisers:

 

1. Comments that Carnival does not know how to run an efficient embarkation and disembarkation with their big ships like other cruise lines - I would think that with all the large ships that Carnival owns, comments about chaotic and disorganized disembarkation and embarkations would have disappeared.

 

2. Comments that service on the Valor was not good - I always thought that all cruise lines put their best personnel on all new ships that enter service to impress the travel agents... I know that in the past, Carnival always had their top Captain (Gallo) on all of their new ships.

 

3. Comments that the crew members never seemed happy, friendly or outgoing toward passengers - I am surprised at this since I found all employees on my last cruise on Royal Carribean Jewel to be happy and friendly- I wonder what gives here?

 

Please let me know what your thoughts are or if you have any info on the embarkation or disembarkation...I really don't want to spend 2 or 3 hours in line to get on or off a ship!

 

Mark

[staylor]

I sailed on Valor in February and found none of the above to be true!

 

Embarkation was quick and easy and we did the self-assist to disembark and were on a shuttle bus by 8:00am....

 

Don't worry......people tend to post the negative....I thought it was awesome!

 

Here is my review:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=138523

[cubdaddy]

I have booked a May 22 cruise on the Valor and have been reading the many commentaries and reviews from folks who have sailed on her recently. I am concerned on several issues that would impact any of us cruisers:

 

1. Comments that Carnival does not know how to run an efficient embarkation and disembarkation with their big ships like other cruise lines - I would think that with all the large ships that Carnival owns, comments about chaotic and disorganized disembarkation and embarkations would have disappeared.

 

2. Comments that service on the Valor was not good - I always thought that all cruise lines put their best personnel on all new ships that enter service to impress the travel agents... I know that in the past, Carnival always had their top Captain (Gallo) on all of their new ships.

 

3. Comments that the crew members never seemed happy, friendly or outgoing toward passengers - I am surprised at this since I found all employees on my last cruise on Royal Carribean Jewel to be happy and friendly- I wonder what gives here?

 

Please let me know what your thoughts are or if you have any info on the embarkation or disembarkation...I really don't want to spend 2 or 3 hours in line to get on or off a ship!

 

Mark

 

Hey Mark,

 

Like Staylor stated, we found none of this on our Valor cruise. We had a ball and were treat great. Getting on and off the ship was a breeze.

 

We are getting ready to book our next cruise and would have gone on the Valor again but the dates we want to go it does the Eastern Caribbean and at that time of year we want to stay with Western.

 

Good luck!

[SoCalgirl]

It's a relief to see these positive comments since I too am going on the Valor soon -- 6/5. My last experience with disembarking from one of their big ships (Triumph) was not good -- maybe they have figured out some way to improve the process???!

[marktac]

It's a relief to see these positive comments since I too am going on the Valor soon -- 6/5. My last experience with disembarking from one of their big ships (Triumph) was not good -- maybe they have figured out some way to improve the process???!

 

Disembarkation is made difficult by only two things....foreigners who refuse to go to Immigration when they are supposed to, and then refuse to respond to the many calls over the PA system to go there, and; people who don't seem to realize that the color code system is supposed to be followed so that everybody can get off in a timely manner without having gridlock at the main exit from the ship.

 

It is amazing how well it goes when the grownups on the ship actually behave and follow the rules.

 

Mark T.

[serene56]

I think the problem is everyone wanting to get off at the same time. If you are patient... when your color is called wait a few minutes for the rushes to take place. We are one of the last to be off the ship and i has always been about 10-10:30 when we head to look for luggage a lot of its gone so we alsodont have to look up isles and isles of suitcases.

[Forchunut1]

Embarkation and debarkation were easy. But, for debarkation we waited until our color was called. In fact, we hung out a little longer because we had a late flight and just didn't want to get off the ship. :D

 

On my cruise, I felt service was a little lacking, but not anything to ruin your vacation. And I probably wouldn't have even thought anymore about it except we did an RCL cruise 5 weeks later and the service was awesome. So, it was easy to compare.

 

Every cruise is different, every experience is different, so take everything you hear with a grain of salt. As you've probably seen on these boards, different people on the same cruise have different experiences. The Valor is a beautiful ship and if you want to have a wonderful vacation you will. :)

[CruiseAwayWithMe]

i'm glad to see the positive comments as well because i'm going on valor july 10th. well, i hope everyone has a good cruise and i can't wait til the valor :D thanks for all the info. i last went on mariner of the seas and i thought it was awesome.

[Mollypuss]

I sailed on the Valor 3/20...here is what I thought. Debarkation was a mess, we even stayed on the ship until about 10:15 and the staff was telling us the lines at immigration were short and that was not true. We stood in the same spot in the terminal for about an hour. Getting on was no problem...fast and efficient. The staff were always very friendly. All of the room stewards on our floor chatted with us...at the very least there was always a hello. Service was always great...although our dining room waiter was the head trainer....now we are spoiled. I posted a review the day after we returned.....I tried to show the good and bad side of the vacation. For the most part it was a great vacation.

[lil nemo]

nope they have not! the self debark isn't any better! more wait in a holding area, with crabby people all wanting of the ship hours before the customs is ready to clear!!!

[lil nemo]

Every cruise is different, every experience is different, so take everything you hear with a grain of salt. As you've probably seen on these boards, different people on the same cruise have different experiences. The Valor is a beautiful ship and if you want to have a wonderful vacation you will. :)

 

This comment would imply that because we felt that our sevice and experience was less than we had received before is some how our fault and that if the op will some how will it, they will have the best cruise ever!! crock!

no one expects bad service or sub standard vaca, sometimes they do happen, and as much as all you pro"positive" thinkerts would like, you can't will a fabulous vacation!!!

[ElCruiso]

:D Just Returned from 4/10-4/17 Eastern Carribean Cruise. Imbarkation-Debarkation OK ,but don't be in a real HURRY (3500 a lot of People).

Service was excellent in Dining Room, Don't waste your money on Scarletts Service is quicker in the Dining Rooms and the food just as good. Portions in Scarletts are a little larger but you can have multiple entrees in Dining Room if you wish. Room Service arrived in 5 minutes, I couldn't have made 3 sandwiches and delivered them that fast myself. Room Stewart did excellent job of keeping room clean, but never unlocked mini-fridge or brought beach Towels entire Cruise. Josh the Cruise Director is excellent but obviously has a problem managing his staff as they reported late or not at all to many Activities Scheduled in the Capers. They had to be called to three functions that I know off. Food Secrets, Deli has excellent sandwiches especially if you like Reubens also Fish and Chips(only open 12:00-3:30) Second floor of Rosies Buffet are excellent. Shows are Top Notch, and the Comedians are good especially the Late Night Adult Shows. Wait til you hear about the Midget Shoe Horns and say hi to Cooter.

[Sailfish]

I'll be on the Valor in December 2006. I have come to the conclusion that there will always be minor annoyances associated with any cruise. I have yet to take a cruise where I didn't have to wait in line to board and exit the ship, or where ALL service personnel were friendly and polite. But none of these and other little inconveniences ever ruined my vacation, nor is it keeping me from cruising again.

 

With that said, consistent negative reviews do raise up red flags; I have yet to read about really serious issues from past passengers who vacationed on the Valor. The issues I have come across regarding service staff are the same issues I read about all the time with other cruise lines. With large ships, you are bound to come across some bad apples!

 

I can't speak for others, but I appreciate reviews that are balanced and contain the good with the bad. Don't forget that some inexperienced cruisers tend to be a tad more critical, especially if they expect one thing and get another!

[stl82]

I made some comments regarding Valor cruise on April 10. (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=166141)

 

 

As I stated in that post, I hope I wasn't too critical. Overall we had a great time but there were are few things that just didn't meet our expectations. But there were also things that were better than expected.

 

I found embarkation and debarkation to be fine. It took us about 1 1/2 hours from arrival at the port to being in our cabin and this was at what I assume would be peak time (arrived at dock at 11:30 am). Debarkation was also pretty smooth. We waited for the first call after the self assist and those with tours/early flights. They didn't call by deck or colors, just announced about 9:05 am that all could leave. We left our cabin at that point, moved promptly off the ship and though immigration, got our bags and through customs. We were actually at the airport, and checked into our flight by 10:15 am, and our flight was not until 2 pm.

 

If you go to Josh's debarkation talk the day before arriving back in Miami or watch in on the tv you will get the info needed. Seems like the self assist is best if you can manage to carry all of your luggage yourself, which we couldn't, or else leave as soon as the general debarkation call is made.

 

As stated in my other post, I think the food quality and service at Scarlett's was a big step above the Washington Dining Room and worth the cost. Don't misunderstand - the dining room food and service were fine but Scarlett's was better. Portion sizes were also much larger, although you can of course order multiple portions in the main dining room.

 

We found the staff to be pleasant, always smiling, always asking if we were having a good time, anything they could do to make our trip better. I don't think I walked by any crew member who didn't smile and at least say good morning or good afternoon. This included the cabin staff as well as maintenance people, servers, etc. And we had a long conversation (10 minutes or more) with our waiter George (from the Philippines) after dinner one evening. I traveled a lot to Manila so it was enjoyable talking to him. Ditto with Scarlett's wine steward Amit - he was willing to talk wine until you were tired of it.

 

Apparently our room steward was ill the previous week so maybe wasn't 100% duirng our cruise which caused a couple of lapses but things always worked out. And the towel animals are just great! Hope you get the monkey!

 

Our capitan was Antoninio Sammartano. I was told this was his first cruise as Master, prior to that he was Staff Capitan or the second in command. In fact his picture is in the hardbound book about the building of the Valor as Staff Capitan.

 

So, yes everything wasn't 100% on our cruise but nothing was bad enough to wish we had chosen a different cruise. By the way, I don't think I could book a curise 18 months ahead - I would a nerous wreck thinking about it for that long!

 

stl82

[Sailfish]

By the way, I don't think I could book a curise 18 months ahead - I would a nerous wreck thinking about it for that long!

stl82

 

I have found the best rates with Carnival, group or otherwise, to be had at least a year or more out or within three months of the sail date. I know it's far away, but with $100 per cabin in shipboard credit and cruise prices under $800pp for a balcony ($799 for a single inside), I had to act! Besides, you only get the $25 deposit with a group booking.

 

Call it crazy, but I know I for one will appreicate having reserved our cruise so far in advance when I see others paying a few hunderd more for the same room later!!

[stl82]

sailfish,

 

Being new to cruising I didn't realize such large savings were available for booking far in advance. We booked our April 10 cruise on the Valor in September 2004 and probably paid full price as we went directly through Carnival. Had a really nice guy who worked with us but we didn't do any comparison shopping. He gave us a price, we thought it was OK and that was it. Think the whole transaction took 20 minutes.

 

So I admire you for being able to look that far forward, seems like I am trying to figure out next week although we did finally get hotel rooms for out of town guests lined up today for our daughter's wedding in late May. (Small wedding so not a big deal.)

 

Since my wife and I do indeed want to cruise again we will take your advice and start shopping early.

 

stl82

[kfgarrow]

I am concerned on several issues that would impact any of us cruisers:

 

1. Comments that Carnival does not know how to run an efficient embarkation and disembarkation with their big ships like other cruise lines - I would think that with all the large ships that Carnival owns, comments about chaotic and disorganized disembarkation and embarkations would have disappeared.

 

2. Comments that service on the Valor was not good - I always thought that all cruise lines put their best personnel on all new ships that enter service to impress the travel agents... I know that in the past, Carnival always had their top Captain (Gallo) on all of their new ships.

 

3. Comments that the crew members never seemed happy, friendly or outgoing toward passengers - I am surprised at this since I found all employees on my last cruise on Royal Carribean Jewel to be happy and friendly- I wonder what gives here?

 

Please let me know what your thoughts are or if you have any info on the embarkation or disembarkation...I really don't want to spend 2 or 3 hours in line to get on or off a ship!

 

Mark

 

Our Valor cruise in January was the least enjoyable of our five cruises. Was it a "bad" cruise? No! It was just very mediocre in several areas. Our dining room services was uninspired. Our waiter was competent, but seemed like he was going through the motions. It got to the point where I would watch him at other tables and could pick up his routines. On other cruises, I didn't know our wait staff HAD other tables.

 

Embarkation was a cattle call, but the lines moved. Disembarkation for us was good, but that's because we were practically the first ones off the ship. There were two customs agents reviewing all 3500 passengers and they were NOT just waving us through. I'm sure it got backed up behind us.

 

I wouldn't say that staff seemed unhappy, just that they didn't seem to connect well with passengers. No one was memorable. I can't remember anyone's name from the Valor, while I have vivid memories from our Mariner cruise and our waitress Ayessa.

 

We have decided to take a break from Carnival and try Princess for our next cruise. I had a choice between the Destiny and the Golden and paid more for what I hope to be better service and atmosphere with comparable food and entertainment. We'll see.

[lil nemo]

stl82 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/statusicon/user_online.gif vbmenu_register("postmenu_3536967", true);

Cool Cruiser

Join Date: Mar 2005

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I made some comments regarding Valor cruise on April 10. (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=166141)

 

 

As I stated in that post, I hope I wasn't too critical. Overall we had a great time but there were are few things that just didn't meet our expectations. But there were also things that were better than expected.

 

 

I don't think you were critical and I haven't read a critical reveiw, I've read factual well stated reveiws with vaild points both pro and con, I realize that just because someone had a less than perfect trip doesn't mean everyone did? duh? and if someone was in general more disappointed than thrilled, but, still enjoyed there vaca, hey, great for them. if they were at a crossroads and this was the straw that broke the camels back, and they jump cruises line lookng for something "different" or "better" good for them too.

either person is valid.

will I disREGARD there post, because it wasn't all warm fuzzy....NO way!!

I keep an open mind, I'm not daft, obvioulsy I realize that there will be things that happen I can't control what will influence my over all experince. If I can express that aND SOMEONE else cAN FORGO THE hassles, better yet!

I also am intelligent enough to decipher, garbage when I hear it, and so are most who are reveiwing these boards.

[Yellowlily]

My DH and I just returned from the Valor on Sunday. It was wonderful!! Best cruise EVER!! This was our 6th cruise. We had done 2 with Celebrity, 2 w/ RCCI and this was our second with Carnival as well. First off, we did the early self-debark. This was EASY! Took us a total of 20 minutes to get off the ship. That was quick!! Of course, every cruise has 'em (although not toooo bad on Carnival), there are those people that think that they are going to die unless they roll their bags over your toes and get in front of you in line. My advice: REMAIN CALM! Really, it wasn't bad at all. Food was #1!! Don't listen to other people when they say that Scarlett's was just okay and the same as the dining room. WRONG! It was the best meal ever!! We actually booked twice. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the second reservation because it was the last night of the cruise and it was hard to stand up straight sometimes let alone eat something because of the wind and boat rocking so bad that day. Anyway, we've been to the other specialty restuarants on the other cruise lines. TRUST ME - this was THE BEST!!!!!!!!! You will not be dissappointed. They have dancing as well. Wonderful music and atmosphere. The cruise director was hilarious. Shows were top notch. Activities were great. Food overall is wonderful. I don't really care for the room service, however. Food is just not as fresh. Takes no time to get to Rosie's. Which is super excellent for a buffet. Fresh fruit and salads daily. Good pizza and wonderful burgers. Hint - if you just want a burger - go to the grill next to the main pool. That's all they cook and they are a bit fresher. My DH enjoyed the drinks. I didn't cuz I'm pregnant but did a few virgin cocktails that were good. He said that the best and strongest were at the pool bar (by main pool) and the American Bar on deck 3. Casino was fun. If you like to win at nickel slots - try the Garfield slots as well as the Buck's Ahoy. Fun and they pay out well! If your mini-bar is locked - as your stateroom attendant to unlock it. Not hard at all. There is stationary and a pen in your room. Look in the green little carnival book. Nice, comfy rooms. Good tv, even! My DH got me a dozen roses - the MOST BEAUTIFUL - roses and a wine/cheese/fruit basket. Very nice. I believe these gifts are quite affordable. The life boat drill is a breeze. You will have fun, eat well and enjoy yourself. The pools are nice. The main pool actually seemed less crowded than the others. It does not appear that there are 3500 people on that ship. It is so nice and there are so many places to go. The coffee bar is nice - I got a decaf iced drink - so good! My DH liked the sushi bar. Lots of nice lounges to go to. We only stayed up really late one night. We had the 8:30 seating in the dining room, so it was usually show after that and then bed. We normally go to bed around 10 p.m. We stayed up one night to see the adult comedian. It was pretty darn funny. You'll have fun. You WILL have fun!! :)

[whines1]

does any one know how much bottles of achol you can bring back from the virgin islands

[Yellowlily]

I think 8 bottles. Not bad. Check at AH Rise. Great place, but you probably know that!:)

[stl82]

Regarding alcohol, the information we were given says: "5 liters of alcohol are duty free. 1 from St. Thomas as long as the liquor is a product of St Thomas, 4 from either Nassau, St. Marteen or the Carnival Valor."

 

We didn't bring any back so can't comment on inspection etc.

 

stl82

[batgyal]

I just returned Sunday (Valor Eastern April 10-17), and I think the opposite on all accounts! I felt thet the service was excellent. I don't know if you spend any time in the casino, but the staff there is the very best! If you go, tell Cati and Rodica that Christie & Dustin miss them! We never had any issues with service, emabarkation or debarkation. I think that the relaxed debarkation is much better than waiting and hoping your color tag isn't the last to be called. We left the boat on the last call after self-service and early flights, and we were at the Miami airport by 1130am. The only thing I was a bit dissapointed in was the dining room food. We went on the Imagination last year, and although same menu, the food on the Valor seemed kind of bland. Also, I am a meat eater, and if I ordered medium, it came out well...if I ordered medium rare, it was all rare. I tried to order medium rare- to medium after that, and was told I couldn't! I'm not a picky eater, so no real complaints, I just noticed a difference this time.

[lil nemo]

yellowlily, do you think or know if the ship was sold out??/

 

This alone would make a big big difference in service and time it took to exit ship and etc.

When we cruised the ship was 80% sold. and it was mostly adults(mostly).

 

if i had to guess the average stateroom probably held 2 people vs 4 like on high peak sailing times. capacity would be way down at that rate.

[ginak1112]

I sailed on the Valor on 3/20. The ship was completely sold out due to spring break and we still had a great time (even with all the crazy teens)! Do not miss Scarletts; if I could have eaten there every night I would have. The emabarkation and debarkation was awful, especially the latter. I will definitely do the self next cruise. They are not calling colors anymore, just a general call for the entire ship. It is madness. I am sure that the very full ship did not help matters. We thought the crew was fine, not great but not bad. You will have a great time. I was expecting an awful week after reading these reviews and was pleasantly surprised.