6/5/2005 Victory Western Review

[USA41018]

Just returned from the 7 day Western Caribbean Victory Cruise. The ship is in great shape - beautiful and, even sailing in Tropical Storm Arlene, smooth. Embarkation, as usual, was painstakingly slow. We arrived at the port around 10:00 - easily checked baggage with a porter, parked easily in garage ($12.00/day) and stood in line. And stood in line. A temporary check-in was set up with only 4 people at the counter. Just when it was our turn, we were moved to a larger room with over 12 people at the counter. Things moved a little quicker after the larger check-in counter. Went upstairs and waited for our Sign and Sail card, then stood in line to get on ship. Finally, picture taking for the Sign and Sail card, picture taking for welcome aboard picture and we were onboard. Cabin was not ready but we left our carry-ons in the cabin and went to lunch. About 12:30 and we were enjoying lunch in the Mediteranean Buffet. Spent rest of afternoon before sailing exploring the ship. Muster drill, then sailaway party with several cruisers we met on this website. I'll cover separately each aspect of the cruise.

 

First of all, we had a balcony cabin on the Verandah deck. It was roomy with lots of storage room. Nice TV with many channels. Free cabin movies were not very good, however, you could order pay per view for about $8.00. Bathroom was nice size. We had four in our room. My DH and I slept in the king bed, our 19 year old son slept in the overhead pull-down and our 10 year old grandson slept on the couch. The beds were comfortable with the big white comforters. The balcony was good size with 2 chairs and a table. WE were able to bring the vanity chair out on the balcony, there was plenty of room. It was nice to lie in bed and be able to look out on the ocean. Our cabin stewart was Zuzanna and she was excellent. The ice machine was located right across from our cabin and the laundry facilities right around the corner. We were right by the stairs and elevator and could easily run up one flight of steps to the buffet or alternative restaurants (pizza, grill, deli, chinese). The pool was also there. However, at times, we would hear chairs being dragged across the floor right above our room, but it wasn't a nuisance.

 

The food was great and plentiful. We enjoyed the buffet as well as the dining room. The deli had great reuben sandwiches and turkey on a roll sandwich. The grill had delicious hamburger and steak sandwiches. Evening dining in the dining room was great. The food was excellent. Many choices. Sodas are no longer free for kids in the dining room at dinner. You must have a soda card or purchase a soda. Cans are l.75 and bottles are 2.50 plus gratuity. My guys liked the smoothies at 3.50 each. We were late seating in the Atlantic Dining Room. Our waiters were efficient and friendly. We had no trouble ordering more than one entree or starter or desert.

 

The entertainment was awesome. We saw the musical Vroom and if covered rock music from the 60's to present. It was professional and worthy of Vegas. I did not go to any of the late night adult comedy shows, however, my 19 year old said that they were well deserving of the adult rating but were very funny. Did not catch too much with the cruise director Dana but what we did was funny and entertaining. Our favorite was, I guess, the assistant cruise director, Ronan. He was hillarious. He did most of the trivias and bingos as well as Name That Tune and other games. Bingo was everyday and some days twice. The casino was on Deck 5, large and the slots were tight. The arcade was on the 5th deck also and our grandson spent alot of time there. I as going to submit a suggestion to Carnival that they rename Deck 5 Promanade Deck to Deck 5 Lose Money Deck. Between the casino and the arcade, well, I think the above says it all. My 19 year old said that the exercise room and sauna were very professional and well equipped. My ten year old grandson loved Camp Carnival since he could pick and choose what he wanted to do and sign himself in and out.

 

Ok, the ports of call. We had alot of rain. A day at sea and then our first stop was Cozumel. When we arrived it was cloudy but no rain. We had booked a shore excursion to Passion Island. A bus took us to a dock to a boat which took us out to the island. The bus ride was very bumpy. The island is beautiful as is the beach. The included buffet was delicious and plentiful. When we arrived we were informed that we had 3 hours from that time to enjoy the island. About half way through, it began to thunder and lightning. Soon rain. We had to cross back in the boat in the rain with no overhead cover on the boat. Plus there were a few drunk 18 year olds who were making idiots out of themselves. I think the legal drinking age in Coz is 5 years old. Another day at sea and then awoke to storm. Not just a storm but A STORM. Fifth cruise and never seen a storm like this. We were heading to Cayman could see the port through the rain and wind when the captain announced that the port was closed and we would not stop there. The waves were about 10 feet and the wind about 50mph. Looked over the balcony and could not see the front of the ship because of the rain and mist. Our canceled stingray shore excursion was immediately credited to our Sail and Sign account as was $25 per person credit (I think port charges refund). Next day Jamaica looked great. Everyone had cabin fever and was anxious to get off the ship. We had not made any excursion plans and when we tried to book something everything was sold out. We are not adventurous so we did not hire a cab or private individual to take us around the island, especially in Jamaica. The people are pushy and constantly accost you. We decided to shop at the Island Village and visit Margueritaville. Another day at sea and back to Miami. Regret that we did not do much this cruise but only stopped at 2 ports.

 

Most beautiful sight was pulling into Miami Sunday morning around 5:00. Still dark but cruised past the Explorer of the Seas and all the lights were on as well as the Miami skyline. We could lay in bed and see the beautiful lights of the city and the other cruise ship. The ship made an 180 degree turn and docked.

 

The Carnival Victory is a beautiful ship with a gracious crew. I would sail on here again.

[finoky]

We really loved the Victory as well. Sorry you had such raunchy weather and thanks for sharing.

[mchoelting]

We are sailing on the miracle in Aug. Do you know what time it is in cozumel when we arrive in port at 8am, is it the same time? We have an excursion booked for noon cozumel time. Does the ship stay on ship time or cozumel time? Any help will be appreciated.

[KenMo]

USA41018: I just booked my second cruise on Victory! I have an aft cabin, right above the Adriatic Lounge. Can you tell me what goes on in this lounge??? Just trying to figure out if this is going to be a noisy spot or not!!! Also....do you have Capers that you'll be putting online??? Thanks for the help!!

[TripletDad]

Thank you for your review. We are going on our first curise July 31 on the Victory doing the western itinerary.

 

TripletDad.

[USA41018]

Cozumel is on Central Time but the ship stays on ship time which if the Miracle leaves from Port Canaveral or Jax, ship time would be Eastern.

 

The Adriatic Lounge is used for art auctions during the day and for Karaoke and the Adult Comedy Show at night. I have the capers and will post them shortly.

[finoky]

Have the Victory capers posted from our April cruise. It's the same route so nothing has probably changed. You can check them out at http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1tehj/vacationalbum/id3.html

[*CruiseFan*]

Thank you for such a wonderful review! I'm so sorry that you couldn't stop in Grand Cayman, and I'm SO sorry for all your rain. I had that on the Conquest 2 years ago.

 

I'm getting on a plane for Florida in less than 24 hours and then boarding the Victory, so I appreciate you taking the time to review!

[wantacruise]

Hey Linda,

Don't you wish we were back on right now?

[USA41018]

Marsha, sureeeeeeeeeeee do!!!!