Review Southern Caribbean Cruise from Puerto Rico Jan 18th -25th on the Valor

[Dirkgun]

Im also hoping to hear about what the lunch buffets and mdr dinner is like. I want more of everything appreciate this review!

 

I can tell you the only real time we did the lunch buffet was on Tues (sea day) then in Barbados, and then the day we boarded. Other than that we were always just grabbing things as we came back on board from our excursions. I did find it to be good. They have a good salad bar as well as lots of choices of hot food and carving stations, soups, cold cuts and cheese., lots of desserts, the deli, the fish and chips, burrito bar etc. The MDR was always great as well.

 

Subscribing! I am soooo looking forward to this review. Will be doing this same itinerary on the Liberty in April! ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT WAIT!!!

 

Thanks for reading, you will love the itinerary and the Liberty I am sure. You will have to write a review also.

[Cruisegirl6]

Happy happy joy joy......the reason why I am asking is that I have to be gluten free but I be all good. I hope to hear more of our cruise thank you for this review!

[Stinger-pr]

Definitely following your new review!!! Your original Valor review was one of the reviews that inspired me to write mine. Great pictures of el Yunque. Although I visit there a few times a year, it's still awesome to see it through the eyes of others. By the way, the restaurant is actually called "Terruño" (Teh-roo-neo... spanish for "small piece of land"). Next time you're in town let me know. I'd love to say hi!

[Dirkgun]

I know that posting a review is a lot of work, thank you for taking the time.

 

We are 3-peating this cruise in a few short weeks.

 

This itinerary is so wonderful.

 

Awesome, this was our 3rd time on this itinerary as well... it just does not get old there is so much to see. Have a great cruise and thanks for reading. Make sure to do your review when you get back.

 

I saw that you had another review when you were on the Carnival Valor. On that trip you took a taxi from the airport.

We have been on this cruise twice and took the Carnival transfer both times.

This time we would like to take a taxi because we have a total of 8 people.

Do I just look for a taxi when we walk out the airport doors?

 

I would appreciate any recommendations. I think a taxi will be more cost efficient this time than paying for 8 Carnival transfers. We arriving the day of departure.

 

 

Yes we have sailed the Valor once before... out of Miami on a Western Caribbean itinerary. We did take a taxi then from the airport to the hotel?? I also did 2 reviews from the Victory one in 2010 and one in 2012. Definitely a taxi is more cost effective. yes just walk out the doors of the airport in San Juan and there will be a taxi stand there. They will ask you where you want to go and how many people... I think technically they have a 7 person max but I know they can do 8. I can send you the name of a taxi guy and you could have him meet you there. He has a big van and could easily handle 8. Or I think they can accommodate you... even taking 2 taxis is going to be cheaper than the Carnival transfers. The taxi line is very easy to do they are good at it.

[Mithril379@aol.com]

This is fantastic! Subscribing:) I'll be doing this itinerary for the first time on the Liberty departing 5/10.

 

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

Edited February 26, 2015 by Mithril379@aol.com

[Dirkgun]

Definitely following your new review!!! Your original Valor review was one of the reviews that inspired me to write mine. Great pictures of el Yunque. Although I visit there a few times a year, it's still awesome to see it through the eyes of others. By the way, the restaurant is actually called "Terruño" (Teh-roo-neo... spanish for "small piece of land"). Next time you're in town let me know. I'd love to say hi!

 

OK good to know... I see the "T" now as the tree duh. I thought it was a "C" That makes sense. I read your review it was good, and I liked the perspective from a Puerto Rican local. I would love to pick your brain a bit... I would love to meet you next time we are in PR (can't be soon enough) If I remember correctly you work in the hotel industry there?? Thanks for reading

[Dirkgun]

This is fantastic! Subscribing:) I'll be doing this itinerary for the first time on the Liberty departing 5/10.

 

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

Thank you so much. I can tell you that you will be blown away especially if you allow yourself to experience San Juan and the other places you see.

[Dirkgun]

Happy happy joy joy......the reason why I am asking is that I have to be gluten free but I be all good. I hope to hear more of our cruise thank you for this review!

 

I am sure you will be taken care of... ust make sure your wait staff knows and they will get the Maitre D involved and they will help you out. I know some people we met were gluten free and they said they had plenty to eat as well. Good luck

[Dirkgun]

After we got done eating we realized we better get going because we needed to get to our condo… change and get to BioBay to check in. Bio-Island (our trip vendors in BioBay) had called when they realized they had not let us know that our excursion time had changed from 6:30 pm to 6:00 pm. So we had to be there a half hour earlier… no big deal except that we had not counted on the slow traffic that time of day…. Not to mention our GPS really took us on the not so direct route to the bay… I should have just trusted the directions they gave me on the phone. Oh well we were about 5-10 minutes late but since we were the only group in the boat we were fine. It was funny because when we called them to make sure they knew we were almost there we had my Son in Law talk to them to get directions (he speaks Spanish) and he was really speaking Spanish fluently with them (it is a running joke in our family… last time in Puerto Rico we needed to ask a police officer about parking in old San Juan so we had Laine our SIL ask because he spoke Spanish… he rolled the window down and just said slowly …”Can We Park Here?” it was hilarious). When we checked in they asked who they had been talking to… they were shocked to see him… the whitest kid there lol. We all had a good laugh about it. We got all the legal papers signed and the money taken care of; $50 per person if you pay cash and $52 if you use credit cards. Then we went and got in the boat. Last time there we did the Kayaks and for those of you that read my last (Victory 2012) review will know they did not go very smooth (operator error) My son is sure they probably still have pictures of me in the kayaks and doing the dismount from hell just to laugh at in their offices. In fact I was worried Kayaking Puerto Rico would have my picture up as unacceptable and not let me in the area. Bio-Island tours are who we went through and they were great to work with. I was pleased that I was able to get in the boat with no problems whatsoever. Kayaking Puerto Rico was also very good to work with. Last time in the Kayaks the married couples had some ….lets say disagreements on how to best negotiate the steering and not tip over. My son and his friend were either way more capable or just did not fight. This time we did not want him to fight with his girlfriend. lol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We started across the lagoon and saw the kayakers and it brought back memories of the carnage…lol. The Bio Island people say they always hear the kayakers yelling at each other and see the mishaps. I told them my story and they laughed but definitely understood why we were doing the boat this time. So when we start through the mangrove tunnel it was light and we could see all the trees and iguanas, it was so cool to just be able to sit back and enjoy the views. Our crew consisted of the Captain, a Captain’s trainee, a wildlife lookout, and our naturalist guide that was giving the info of the things we were seeing. I have read reviews that the captain is on his phone a lot… he is, but certainly not what I was focused on. He did his job well. The guide really gave us great perspective on the science and biology of things. My wife really gave the wildlife lookout a run for his money spotting things… she saw iguanas and termite nests and crabs in the mangroves before he even did. She is phenomenal about seeing wildlife.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dirkgun]

The guide was really good and very personable with us. He knew some stuff and it was impressive. It is a nice slow ride through the mile or so of mangroves until you get into the lagoon. When we got in the lagoon the sun was setting and it was spectacular. The pictures don’t really do it justice. The stars were pretty as well. It was a very peaceful setting. This was a new experience for us as last time it was dark by the time we got our kayaks into the start of the Mangrove channel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They kept testing the glow of the organisms and were telling us that they wanted to wait for a bit until they were really glowing. We could see fish and other things shoot through the water like a shooting star with the glow. I really wanted to get some pictures of the glow this time on my DSLR… I talked to everyone back home about how to do it… their answer was to buy a fast lens like a 50mm with a low f stop (too technical? No worries, it did not work). The real answer is to talk to the guides they set my camera up with my normal Tamron lens and just fiddled with the flash so it flashed a few times then took the picture. I had seen pictures from their website and FB page that showed glow from the bay but assumed they were doctored to just look like it…. I am proof that they are the real deal. The guide took a couple pictures of me and then I took some of my wife with her glow agitating stick in the water and this is how they came out. I have not edited them in any way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dirkgun]

Granted the glow in person is way cooler but mission accomplished. I think one of the coolest things in the bio bay is putting your hand in the water and picking up some water then when it runs out there are little tiny fireworks in your hand…. Indescribably beautiful. They took us around the bay using the electric motor on the boat letting us use the PVC sticks to disturb the water to get the Dino Flagellates to glow. Then we headed back out of the bay through the mangroves and to the dock. It was way more relaxing than kayaking but a different way to see it. I think that both ways are great just different… on a kayak it is closer to you and that does give a very cool experience as well but, in the boat you have more time to just appreciate it and savor the experience. After we got out of the boat we tipped our guides for their great service and then we went to walk around a bit. Right where you get in and out of the water with the kayaks or boats there is a park that some vendors set up in and they have food and crafts. We also walked across the street to a place to get some Pina Coladas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before it was ready to really glow...

 

 

 

Hannah, my Son's GF getting the sparkles in her hand...

 

 

 

 

 

the infamous Puerto Rican Chupacabra

 

 

 

 

one of the little crafts we bought there...

 

Edited February 26, 2015 by Dirkgun

[Dirkgun]

When we were ready to leave we were hungry and decided that the kiosks were only about 15 min away… so back we went… Tonight we tried a restaurant called Aquarium. They were good, a little more expensive but good. We had more appetizers and things this time. I would definitely go to the Kiosks again; we really enjoyed them and the atmosphere there. When we were done everyone wanted to go to El Yunque to the welcome sign to stop and hear the Coqui frogs sing. At night the rain forest comes alive with noises. We got some recordings of it on phones and now some of us are using the Coqui singing (Ko’Kee’) as our ring tones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

another picture of the front of the "Kioskos" in Luquillo.

 

 

 

I don't have a video of the frogs singing uploaded... I do have it on my phone in a sound file. Now when someone calls me.... I smile and think of those wonderful noises.

 

I will post more tomorrow.

[jimbri]

Enjoying your review and photos. Looking forward to the rest!

[Stinger-pr]

OK good to know... I see the "T" now as the tree duh. I thought it was a "C" That makes sense. I read your review it was good, and I liked the perspective from a Puerto Rican local. I would love to pick your brain a bit... I would love to meet you next time we are in PR (can't be soon enough) If I remember correctly you work in the hotel industry there?? Thanks for reading

Yes, I do work at the hotel industry (in one of the casinos to be more specific). I'd love to sit and have a chat with you guys. Also, you can shoot me any questions you (or anybody, as a matter of fact) might have of Puerto Rico. I'll do my best to help you out. Have a good one!!

[Dirkgun]

Enjoying your review and photos. Looking forward to the rest!

 

 

Thanks, will get more posted today

 

Yes, I do work at the hotel industry (in one of the casinos to be more specific). I'd love to sit and have a chat with you guys. Also, you can shoot me any questions you (or anybody, as a matter of fact) might have of Puerto Rico. I'll do my best to help you out. Have a good one!!

 

I wish CC had a private message function.... send me an email to dirkgun@gmail.com

[DavyJoneses]

Enjoying the photos.

[pghsteelerfan]

I am so happy to see you've started your review! I have been looking forward to this one. :D I've said before how much I enjoyed your previous reviews and it was your Victory review from 2010 that set my mind into doing this itinerary, which is now my favorite. I've gotten some great ideas already - renting the condo and how and also about the bio-bay by boat instead of the kayaks. I wouldn't mind the kayaks but I feel I'd get more out of the experience being able to enjoy it by boat. I'd love to see El Yunque too. As always, your pictures are great.

 

Since I knew when your cruise was, I was able to get some screen shots for you from Valor's webcams (when not frozen in the previous day) and also from the webcams in port from St. Thomas and St. Maarten. If you'd like to have those, just let me know. When we were on Liberty last April, someone I "met" through CC did that for us and I was glad to have those.

 

I'm definitely following along and looking forward to the rest. It is cold and snowy here, I've had it with winter already, and since we don't have a future cruise booked, this is the next best thing. I can't wait till we get a chance to do this itinerary again. I know Liberty is being moved in 2016 and the schedule isn't up and the next ship isn't known yet, but hopefully they'll get that scheduled. Noticed you'll be 50 next year - high school class of '84??? That's me! I'll be 50 this year though, but no cruise lined up to celebrate that. Maybe in September...I'm doing some arm twisting. :D

 

Again, thank you for doing another review!

[Dirkgun]

I am so happy to see you've started your review! I have been looking forward to this one. :D I've said before how much I enjoyed your previous reviews and it was your Victory review from 2010 that set my mind into doing this itinerary, which is now my favorite. I've gotten some great ideas already - renting the condo and how and also about the bio-bay by boat instead of the kayaks. I wouldn't mind the kayaks but I feel I'd get more out of the experience being able to enjoy it by boat. I'd love to see El Yunque too. As always, your pictures are great.

 

Since I knew when your cruise was, I was able to get some screen shots for you from Valor's webcams (when not frozen in the previous day) and also from the webcams in port from St. Thomas and St. Maarten. If you'd like to have those, just let me know. When we were on Liberty last April, someone I "met" through CC did that for us and I was glad to have those.

 

I'm definitely following along and looking forward to the rest. It is cold and snowy here, I've had it with winter already, and since we don't have a future cruise booked, this is the next best thing. I can't wait till we get a chance to do this itinerary again. I know Liberty is being moved in 2016 and the schedule isn't up and the next ship isn't known yet, but hopefully they'll get that scheduled. Noticed you'll be 50 next year - high school class of '84??? That's me! I'll be 50 this year though, but no cruise lined up to celebrate that. Maybe in September...I'm doing some arm twisting. :D

 

Again, thank you for doing another review!

 

Thanks again for the nice comments. They mean a lot from you especially since your reviews are so great. Yep turn 50 in 2016 and yes I graduated in '84 also. Hopefully you will get to do it again soon. You are welcome. You know how it helps with the post cruise depression lol. It is cathartic to relive it through the review process.

[pghsteelerfan]

Thanks again for the nice comments. They mean a lot from you especially since your reviews are so great. Yep turn 50 in 2016 and yes I graduated in '84 also. Hopefully you will get to do it again soon. You are welcome. You know how it helps with the post cruise depression lol. It is cathartic to relive it through the review process.

 

The nice compliments you've given me on my reviews mean a lot as well, since feel the same about your reviews...I've always enjoyed them. I'm still hoping for September but DH wants to try an all-inclusive since we've cruised two years in a row. I guess I don't mind either way but we will definitely do the southern itinerary out of San Juan again at some point. I keep telling DH that with this cruise, there are so many options for each of the islands that even though it's the same itinerary, you can have a totally different experience each time.

[Dirkgun]

The nice compliments you've given me on my reviews mean a lot as well, since feel the same about your reviews...I've always enjoyed them. I'm still hoping for September but DH wants to try an all-inclusive since we've cruised two years in a row. I guess I don't mind either way but we will definitely do the southern itinerary out of San Juan again at some point. I keep telling DH that with this cruise, there are so many options for each of the islands that even though it's the same itinerary, you can have a totally different experience each time.

 

 

I am kind of curious about all inclusives as well. I wish there were some in Puerto Rico.

[pghsteelerfan]

I am kind of curious about all inclusives as well. I wish there were some in Puerto Rico.

 

We stayed at one once in September 2007. The one (brand) we stayed at was a little pricey but they had some great sales that year, we had one of the lower room categories (still had ocean front), and going in September helped keep the cost down. There are other reputable brands that have much better prices. They do include everything, even drinks, and some activities (snorkeling, kayaks, & other water toys). Many offer excursions that cost extra. We did enjoy it but we also love cruising. If you'd like more details, I’d be happy to fill you in. It's funny you mentioned there aren't any in Puerto Rico...I looked last year. :) I'd love to go there and stay for a week...or longer if possible since there is a lot I’d love to see there.

Edited February 26, 2015 by pghsteelerfan

[Dirkgun]

I am trying to post but for some reason my CC site is being very quirky and I can't get my Photobucket to load....? as soon as I figure it out I will post more.

[DrFootball]

Very nice review! I have not been on carnival since 2002(My wife and I feel too many kids are out of control with no parental guidance: I taught Spec Ed for 26 years, so screaming kids and my wife and I don't" comprehende" ) but we may "Suck it up" since this iten. Is interesting,...re-Located from the East coast to N. AZ a few years ago, so we're looking into West Coast and Gulf cruises now. I'll be in PR later this year on biz.( I'm in Shooting Media-Nice Nick!) for a shooting match, that my friends did last year. Love the Rain Forrest pics,...last time I was in Thick RF like that was Panama for Our uncle....Keep it coming....

(Dr Bill) Dr. Football.........

 

 

Retired from solving other People's Problems

CWO-4 US Army Retired/Medical

NSDQ!!!

Edited February 27, 2015 by DrFootball

[Texasgalsa]

Following!! I'll be on this exact cruise next Sunday! 😁

[sjn911]

You are just a baby...LOL...I turned 55 in Oct. and my closest sibling turns 50 next month,,,thanks soooo much for sharing your vacation and another fabulous review...working on some health issues to do this trip right...and this will keep me motivated..thanks so much..Sarah