Carnival Valor 10-13-2012 Review (with pictures)

[Beth]

We were on the same cruise and had a fantastic time. WE did not like the Dominican Republic. We did an island tour which was okay, but then made the mistake when we got back to the pier area of taking a bus downtown to the flea market. It was HORRIBLE. They were so aggressive and we left after 10 minutes. If we go back we will book the tour you did thru Seavis, it looked like alot of fun. Your pics are great

[valancy1]

I know you'll find this hard to believe, but in 5 other cruises, I never spent time out by the pool or time hanging out in a beach chair. Shocker, I know.

 

However, this time I was bound and determined to do it. Boy am I glad we did. We had SUCH a great time with fellow cruisers in the back by the Adult pool. (BTW, our ship was wonderfully devoid of children. Not that they weren't there at all, but there were not many--so few, I don't recall seeing them. This is nothing personal to those that have kids, enjoy kids, love kids. I'm just not a kid person and am the first to admit it. I like having adult vacations. I don't ever recall the waterworks slides being used on this trip!)

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know where this bird came from but we were out in the middle of the ocean and here comes this bird...

 

I think this was Haiti:

 

A game of Jack-o-Lantern volleyball!

[valancy1]

The last formal night crowd before entering the dining room:

 

 

This was one of my favorite dishes of the entire cruise. Spanikopita with couscous-filled green pepper, of all things. DELISH

 

My husband's food:

 

This was the night of the "Far from Over" show with the break dancers. They came out to the lobby bar and did a demonstration... I have to upload my video from this--I got few pictures, but more video.

 

[valancy1]

I told my room steward, Dann (one of the best we've had) that I loved towel animals. I know many of you have had this friend before, but we never have, so it was SO FUN to find him here in our cabin...

 

Oh, I wanted to say that I went to the art auction on the 7th day. I love the art from Park West and feel it is a great value--particularly when you get the "mysteries" if they are your thing. I wanted to say something about this though for anyone that might like the art auctions...

 

I bought at the shopping talk (there was only one on the first sea day--different from other cruises where there was one for every port) a Parazul travel folio. Parazul leather in the traditional black with tan trim and chock full of coupons, freebies, and offers. I travel 100% for my job, so I knew I would use it and to get it for $30 ($85 in the folder's value alone), I was pretty pleased with this purchase.

 

I got a $150 Diamonds International necklace for free (it has a diamond chip in it and it really is pretty), and there were coupons and freebies from some of the bigger stores. But there was also a sheet of several coupons from the ship--free casino play (check out the Vault in the aisle on the Promenade near the shopping desk), free internet minutes, and something for 10% off the hammer price of ANY work of art at the auction. Remember this.

 

I go to the auction and got a couple pieces I am quite excited about. We make an appointment to go pay for the purchase. I slide my coupon over and the guy says, "That is for CP pieces only." I said, "No, it's not... it says (and I read verbatim) "for ANY piece of art", and he says, "Yes, but it is only for CP pieces." (For those that don't know, CP pieces come framed, matted, shipping included, and they are more rare (and so more expensive) pieces). I kept repeating what the coupon said and then said, "This is deceptive. If you were only honoring this for CP pieces, your copy should have reflected that. I'm sorry that you don't agree, but this is what your coupon says."

 

He could tell I was getting angry. He talked to the head auctioneer who said "just give it to them" (It basically gave me free shipping, which is fine. But I made them honor their @#$^%! coupon!)

 

What else... oh, I donated in the casino. I heard others talk about how bad they were this time. They were for sure. Beware! And try not to get caught up in the vault or the machine next to it. I never saw anyone win in either of them. A dollar a try. One of the breakdancers spent nearly 40 minutes at the one with the video "rings" (think that stacking thing from Fischer Price we all played with as kids).

 

The next day (last sea day):

 

 

Great friends...

 

 

Even on our last night, we got a towel friend.. another newbie!

 

Here's a picture of them all. Dann let us keep them and they sailed with us in our window...

[valancy1]

We were on the same cruise and had a fantastic time. WE did not like the Dominican Republic. We did an island tour which was okay, but then made the mistake when we got back to the pier area of taking a bus downtown to the flea market. It was HORRIBLE. They were so aggressive and we left after 10 minutes. If we go back we will book the tour you did thru Seavis, it looked like alot of fun. Your pics are great

 

Thanks! They have several tours. They have one that takes you where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Carol (our guide) told us that the water temperature is completely different in the two. There is a definite line... that the sea life in the Atlantic don't cross over into the Caribbean and vice-versa and the colors are completely different... I would love to do that one, but I also want to come back and find the starfish!! :)

[valancy1]

So we've come to the end of my 2nd time aboard Carnival Valor. We thoroughly enjoyed this cruise. We loved the 8-day so much that we've decided on Freedom's 8-day Eastern on October 5th next year. Now if I could just decide on a cabin type. LOL.

 

We did make it to the comedy club once on this trip. It was fun... we spent more time in the theater this time than last--it's just how it works out on the different cruises.

 

Please let me know if there is anything you have questions about. I am going to upload my videos to youtube from this trip as the Seavis piece and the breakdance piece is fun to watch. I will post the links here shortly.

 

Thanks for reading... I hope you enjoyed!

[valancy1]

Our arrival to Dominican Republic:

 

Waiting to get off the ship at Dominican Republic:

 

 

The sharks at Punta Cana (Bayhibe):

 

Carol giving our safety briefing (she is from Glasgow Scotland):

 

WHEEEE!!!

 

Listen carefully and you can hear some of what Carol is saying:

 

This is the caves:

[valancy1]

 

 

 

 

This is wacka-doo... I didn't realize I had my camera filming... so it might make you sea sick! LOL

 

 

 

Now we're in Aruba:

 

 

Dancin' in the Dining Room!

 

Break dancers:

 

This is sort of corny, but you HAVE to see the boy child do a break dance here:

 

[airhead22]

I could not believe it, but one afternoon I was walking by the casino and saw a guy win an ipad and $500. It can be done!!!! I lost on the slots too!!

[Eeyoregon]

Miami Vice... my favorite drink on the ship. YUM.

 

You had me at Miami Vice!!! I cruise the Valor in 16 days!!! We are on the other Eastern itinerary but I'm still loving your review...and pictures!! Thanks for taking the time to do it! Some friends of mine were on your cruise so I keep looking to see if I can spot them in any of your photos, LOL!

 

Gina

[valancy1]

I could not believe it, but one afternoon I was walking by the casino and saw a guy win an ipad and $500. It can be done!!!! I lost on the slots too!!

 

I had heard that someone DID win.... I wonder how much it cost him. Nonetheless, congrats to him for winning it!

[valancy1]

You had me at Miami Vice!!! I cruise the Valor in 16 days!!! We are on the other Eastern itinerary but I'm still loving your review...and pictures!! Thanks for taking the time to do it! Some friends of mine were on your cruise so I keep looking to see if I can spot them in any of your photos, LOL!

 

Gina

 

HA... and WE cruised with a girl named GINA, too! :D

[SOMBRERO6]

I don't think I can stand the wait until Feb! Thanks for posting the review and fantastic pictures....Think I'll have a Miami Vice, too!

[Green Boy]

I totally agree with the review, we were on this cruise and it was WONDERFUL.... had a great time... loved the 8 days and the 2 sea days at the end was great for relaxing... this was # 10 for me and now i'm ready for # 11...

 

Thanks for the great review, i'm glad someone else had such a good time too !!! :)

[valancy1]

I totally agree with the review, we were on this cruise and it was WONDERFUL.... had a great time... loved the 8 days and the 2 sea days at the end was great for relaxing... this was # 10 for me and now i'm ready for # 11...

 

Thanks for the great review, i'm glad someone else had such a good time too !!! :)

 

Aww thanks. We loved that 8-day concept so much our next one is also going to be 8 days. For the exact reason you said above... the last 2 sea days are DA BOMB!

[willicruise]

We took off on our golf cart (if anyone has questions about renting a golf cart from Nathan's just let me know) and headed to town. This is the town:

 

 

 

 

I also had to submit my expense report for work, so we went to Jack's Shack, which is just off the cruise port area (you can walk there). It's a neat place. Famous for jerk chicken which is ready around 11, snorkeling, local beer and FREE WIFI and beach chairs, we headed over there so I could connect for free.

 

 

 

Then we headed to Governor's Beach. We stayed there for at least an hour while we harvested sea glass out of the surf. What fun!

 

We then headed for the lighthouse, where Barry lost a shoe and we found it on the way back. LOL The roads are bumpy!

 

Such gorgeous water in Grand Turk...

 

 

Just loved reading your review.... We are interested in renting golf carts as well. How did it go? How long were you in port -you made several stops with the carts to enjoy beach, etc?

[valancy1]

Just loved reading your review.... We are interested in renting golf carts as well. How did it go? How long were you in port -you made several stops with the carts to enjoy beach, etc?

 

Hi there...

 

We were there from 7 a.m. to about 2 p.m. I have heard mixed reviews about Nathan's, but I have to say the 2 times we went to Grand Turk, we never had a problem with them. They DO charge your card before you get there, but they have a receipt for you to sign when you pick up your cart.

 

They are a kick to get around. The golf cart is your "car" for the day. We went to the lighthouse, Jack's Shack, Governor's Beach and got sea glass, and went all over the island--driving right on the road.

 

You have the choice of giving them $20 for gas or fill it to 1/2 full when you bring it back. This time, we chose to have it filled on our own (the tank is under the front seat) and it only cost us $10 to fill it ABOVE the 1/2 way line.

 

We like this because while other tours see the same things, they are all on a timeframe and schedule. With a golf cart, you have your own schedule.

 

I hope you have fun--whatever you decide to try. Grand Turk is really a laid back place... go to Jack's and have some nibbles and libation in addition to your other plans. Nice vibe there!

[chipq]

You have made me Valor-sick! Took the 8-day Eastern itinerary end of June and it stands out as our best cruise to date. The CD was Goose and come to think of it I do not recall him ever making an announcement that we were clear for disembarkation at any of the ports. Your pictures were great too. Thanks for sharing.

 

 

http://luv2cruise.blogspot.com

[LOVECRUISING100%]

Loved the review & pic's .. now I want back on the Valor .. : (

[valancy1]

We LOVED this cruise. We enjoyed last year immensely but this one was a standout vacation. It's gotta be those last 2 sea days of total relaxation!!!

[MsTee]

Thanks for posting this wonderful review on the Valor! I will be sailing her Thanksgiving 2013 on the Southern Caribbean itinerary. Now, I'm even more excited after seeing this review.

[valancy1]

Thanks for posting this wonderful review on the Valor! I will be sailing her Thanksgiving 2013 on the Southern Caribbean itinerary. Now, I'm even more excited after seeing this review.

 

Awww, thanks!!! I envy you your Southern Caribbean. I've wanted to take that trip for forever. Someday we will!

[CruisinHoosier1]

Loving your review. My husband and I are looking into a Valor southern carib. cruise for 2014. I do have an unusual question for you. You stated that your husband is very tall, 6'10". My 19yr old son is the same height. He will be joining us on the Breeze next year. Can you give me any insight on challenges that he might come across while on the ship? (ie ceiling heights, showers). Thank you for any advise you can give me.

 

Now that I finally got logged in (thanks, hon!) I can respond to your question. First, yes I am 6' 10", and sometmes can find that a challenge. On the ship, however, the only place I ever feel a bit uncomfortable is in the hallways near the cabins. With signs, sprinklers, etc. hanging from the ceiling, and the need to get as many floors in as possible I understand this "tightness". The showers for the most part are good for "normal" sized people, but I find enough room for me as long as I don't expect too much elbow room (and I don't). The cabins, main areas, and all other areas have more than enough head room for me.

 

The tables in the dining room, if you are used to large or high tables, aren't the most spacious, but I always feel they have plenty of room. We've been spoiled most of the time to have small booths, which I really like. I haven't had much problem with the larger tables being too short or small either, so that is a blessing.

 

The only other suggestion I may have is with the beds. We have a California King at home, and while these beds are a bit shorter I have never had a problem sleeping EXTREMELY WELL on them. Expect to fill the entire bed or more, so make sure to have some "foot room" at the end unless you like to curl up all the time.

 

If there are any more specifics I can share with you let me know! :)

[willicruise]

Thank you so much for your reply! I cannot wait -your pictures are awesome.... We will be in Grand Turk from 11-5:30 if we do the golf carts on your own then there is time to see Margaritville as well? It looks like we have a little less time than you did.

Hi there...

 

We were there from 7 a.m. to about 2 p.m. I have heard mixed reviews about Nathan's, but I have to say the 2 times we went to Grand Turk, we never had a problem with them. They DO charge your card before you get there, but they have a receipt for you to sign when you pick up your cart.

 

They are a kick to get around. The golf cart is your "car" for the day. We went to the lighthouse, Jack's Shack, Governor's Beach and got sea glass, and went all over the island--driving right on the road.

 

You have the choice of giving them $20 for gas or fill it to 1/2 full when you bring it back. This time, we chose to have it filled on our own (the tank is under the front seat) and it only cost us $10 to fill it ABOVE the 1/2 way line.

 

We like this because while other tours see the same things, they are all on a timeframe and schedule. With a golf cart, you have your own schedule.

 

I hope you have fun--whatever you decide to try. Grand Turk is really a laid back place... go to Jack's and have some nibbles and libation in addition to your other plans. Nice vibe there!

[valancy1]

Thank you so much for your reply! I cannot wait -your pictures are awesome.... We will be in Grand Turk from 11-5:30 if we do the golf carts on your own then there is time to see Margaritville as well? It looks like we have a little less time than you did.

 

OH SURE! You can do whatever you want--which is why they are a nice option. You can take the golf cart back a bit early and then go visit Margaritaville. It's literally AT the port. You walk down the pier and at the end is Margaritaville.

 

(This was taken from the ship as we were docked)