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

[Dirkgun]

More pics.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we were tired, we came out and waited for the trolley.

 

 

 

The trolley is kind of a tricky thing... there will be few seats and hopefully people all get off. However what usually happens is a few get off and the people waiting all rush to get on... a little chaotic but oh well.

 

 

Finally we get something to eat.... we were starving. It was good pizza.

 

 

Then walked back to the hotel and crashed for the night.

 

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[Dirkgun]

Wed Jan 28th San Juan extra day This was our travel day. We got up and ate the free breakfast at our hotel then went back to the rooms and finished packing/equalizing for room and weight restrictions at the airport lol. We checked out of the hotel then went for a walk around the area to spend some time as we did not fly out until 5:30 pm. We walked over across the street by La Concha Resort and checked out their beach, then went in the Ben and Jerry’s on their property to get a little treat. By this time we were going to be heading to the airport for the long flights home. We met Jonnathan got loaded up and away we went. At the airport things went very smooth. We went through USDA first of course then it seemed like there was not much going on at the airport today… right through security and then we wait for our flight. It is definitely the worst part of any vacation, the travel day. I guess a necessary evil though just not as exciting as the travel day at the first.

 

 

at the airport..... all the sad faces. :eek::rolleyes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flight from San Juan To Orlando.....

 

 

 

Flight from Orlando to Salt Lake City.....

 

 

 

 

 

When we got back to SLC it was almost midnight local time and quite a bit colder obviously….Really the only thing we were excited for is to get home to our dogs. We had been gone a long time and we really missed them.

Thinking back on the vacation… we had some great times, saw and did more than we can really comprehend I think. Was everything flawless? No but it was a very fun trip with people we love and really how bad can that be? The ship was awesome, the food was great, the ship’s staff was awesome, and the itinerary was 2nd to none. One of these days I really want to get to Puerto Rico to just spend a week there and explore the whole island…. Maybe next time. Thanks for reading and if there is anything you have questions about please ask. :D

[Bolthead]

Thank you for a great report. It was not only interesting but very entertaining as well.

[pghsteelerfan]

All I can say is another great Dirkgun review of the southern itinerary out of San Juan. I've enjoyed this one as much as the others you've done and you always have beautiful pictures to share. This is definitely my favorite itinerary. Although we had done a southern itinerary that was similar out of San Juan in 1992, it was so long ago and memories fade. It was hard to remember the beauty/details of these islands since that was before digital cameras and only about 100 pictures total. I joined CC before our Glory cruise in April 2010 and became addicted and it was in late 2010 or early 2011 that your January 2010 Victory review popped up again and I'm glad I took the time to read it. My mind was made up then that this was the itinerary I wanted to go on next and as you know, we did. Hopefully someone else, like I was, may "be on the fence" contemplating this itinerary and will decide to do it after reading your most recent review.

 

I know one thing, I will be sure to get through San Cristobal the next time. We'd been on the grounds but never inside and until seeing your descriptions of it and pictures, it is something I'd love to do. I also need a week (or longer) in Puerto Rico and hopefully soon. Thank you again for taking the time to do another review.

[Dirkgun]

Thank you for a great report. It was not only interesting but very entertaining as well.

 

Thank you for the nice comments. I wish I was a wordsmith and could weave a tale but mostly the experiences speak for themselves.

 

 

All I can say is another great Dirkgun review of the southern itinerary out of San Juan. I've enjoyed this one as much as the others you've done and you always have beautiful pictures to share. This is definitely my favorite itinerary. Although we had done a southern itinerary that was similar out of San Juan in 1992, it was so long ago and memories fade. It was hard to remember the beauty/details of these islands since that was before digital cameras and only about 100 pictures total. I joined CC before our Glory cruise in April 2010 and became addicted and it was in late 2010 or early 2011 that your January 2010 Victory review popped up again and I'm glad I took the time to read it. My mind was made up then that this was the itinerary I wanted to go on next and as you know, we did. Hopefully someone else, like I was, may "be on the fence" contemplating this itinerary and will decide to do it after reading your most recent review.

 

I know one thing, I will be sure to get through San Cristobal the next time. We'd been on the grounds but never inside and until seeing your descriptions of it and pictures, it is something I'd love to do. I also need a week (or longer) in Puerto Rico and hopefully soon. Thank you again for taking the time to do another review.

 

 

LOL I can't even imagine not having Digital cameras anymore... actually having to develop the pictures you took... only to find out some were blurry or out of frame. The beauty of Digital is you can just take pics of everything then sort them out later. :eek::cool: You are always so nice with your comments, thank you. Your great reviews have definitely swayed some people... I have read some reviews that mentioned you in them... saying you were there inspiration. It is hard not to catch the enthusiasm from a review when you can tell the people really had a great time. Here is to hoping we all get to do trips to Puerto Rico for extended periods and also the Southern Route more. Also you need to definitely do more reviews of any cruise you take because you have the gift.

[SMSACE6]

I just got caught up with the rest of your review, and can say that it has been one of the most enjoyable reviews that I have seen/read in a long time.

 

Also, as much as I cant wait for my next cruise, I cant wait till your next cruise so that I can once again enjoy another of your great reviews.

 

Thanks for taking time to do such a big review. And looking forward to your next one:)

[pghsteelerfan]

LOL I can't even imagine not having Digital cameras anymore... actually having to develop the pictures you took... only to find out some were blurry or out of frame. The beauty of Digital is you can just take pics of everything then sort them out later. :eek::cool: You are always so nice with your comments, thank you. Your great reviews have definitely swayed some people... I have read some reviews that mentioned you in them... saying you were there inspiration. It is hard not to catch the enthusiasm from a review when you can tell the people really had a great time. Here is to hoping we all get to do trips to Puerto Rico for extended periods and also the Southern Route more. Also you need to definitely do more reviews of any cruise you take because you have the gift.

 

Thanks so much for all of your kind words about my reviews and you know I feel the same about your reviews. Digital camera...I couldn't imagine not having them! Film...blurry and out of frame (or fogged up lens), definitely! About quarter of my pictures from our first cruise would have been instant deletes on a digital camera. LOL! I seem to remember it was about $7-$8 to have a roll of 24 developed then and add inflation in now??? It is work sorting the digital ones out afterward, but it's almost like Christmas to me to see what I actually got and how they look on the computer. What is hard is picking and choosing for a review or the photo books I do. :D I'm hoping for another cruise out of San Juan and I'll be sure to do a review of our next one, whenever that may be. I'm still doing the arm twisting.

Edited March 11, 2015 by pghsteelerfan

[Dirkgun]

I just got caught up with the rest of your review, and can say that it has been one of the most enjoyable reviews that I have seen/read in a long time.

 

Also, as much as I cant wait for my next cruise, I cant wait till your next cruise so that I can once again enjoy another of your great reviews.

 

Thanks for taking time to do such a big review. And looking forward to your next one:)

 

Thank you for reading it. You are very kind. I love writing reviews since they really help relive the cruise and give you a place you can revisit at times you need a mini vacation. lol

 

Thanks so much for all of your kind words about my reviews and you know I feel the same about your reviews. Digital camera...I couldn't imagine not having them! Film...blurry and out of frame (or fogged up lens), definitely! About quarter of my pictures from our first cruise would have been instant deletes on a digital camera. LOL! I seem to remember it was about $7-$8 to have a roll of 24 developed then and add inflation in now??? It is work sorting the digital ones out afterward, but it's almost like Christmas to me to see what I actually got and how they look on the computer. What is hard is picking and choosing for a review or the photo books I do. :D I'm hoping for another cruise out of San Juan and I'll be sure to do a review of our next one, whenever that may be. I'm still doing the arm twisting.

 

 

Good luck on the arm twisting.... Btw who do you use for the photo books I want to try doing one of those as well. TTYL

[beachlover98]

I happened to stumble upon your review and because I LOVE sailing from San Juan, I just had to read!

 

I have never sailed Carnival but have sailed out of San Juan I believe 9 times, it's definitely my favorite. I've sailed on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean from San Juan on several different itineraries, some 7 nights and several 10-12 nights. I agree with you these itineraries are the best! Lots of ports, and reaching the southern Caribbean is awesome.

 

Your review was fabulous! Some of the best pictures I've seen. Love the pictures of your family, too. I did one review from my 1/26/13 sailing on the Celebrity Summit out of San Juan, including my pre-cruise stay in OSJ and the highlights of the 7-night cruise. It was a lot of work, but very fun.

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy many more cruises in the years to come!

 

Thanks again.

[Dirkgun]

I happened to stumble upon your review and because I LOVE sailing from San Juan, I just had to read!

 

I have never sailed Carnival but have sailed out of San Juan I believe 9 times, it's definitely my favorite. I've sailed on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean from San Juan on several different itineraries, some 7 nights and several 10-12 nights. I agree with you these itineraries are the best! Lots of ports, and reaching the southern Caribbean is awesome.

 

Your review was fabulous! Some of the best pictures I've seen. Love the pictures of your family, too. I did one review from my 1/26/13 sailing on the Celebrity Summit out of San Juan, including my pre-cruise stay in OSJ and the highlights of the 7-night cruise. It was a lot of work, but very fun.

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy many more cruises in the years to come!

 

Thanks again.

 

Thank you for the nice comments. Yeah our first cruise was on Celebrity out of San Juan and we fell in love with both cruising and the Southern Caribbean then. You are right reviews are a lot of work but they are also rewarding...I was telling my wife in fact just tonight that it is kind of depressing to be done with the review. It is almost like getting done with vacation all over again. lol. I really like Celebrity but have not sailed on anything other than carnival unless you count our experience on NCL in Hawaii (the Pride of America) it is a great way to see Hawaii but not a great cruise if you know what I mean. At some point I hope to experience a couple other lines but for now Carnival has the itineraries and experiences that keep us happy. You should try a Carnival cruise sometime out of San Juan. Happy Cruising.

[Cruisegirl6]

Would you say there is a lack of staff in the MDR...my questions:

 

1- Do you feel we should eat a few nights at the Steakhouse (money isn't the option) to get better quality food and service or do you feel we should eat most nights in the MDR?

 

2- On the last night did the waiters all sing and dance (we try to avoid this, perhaps it be a good night at the steakhouse)?

 

3- Any lucky casino slot machine LOL

[Dirkgun]

Would you say there is a lack of staff in the MDR...my questions:

 

1- Do you feel we should eat a few nights at the Steakhouse (money isn't the option) to get better quality food and service or do you feel we should eat most nights in the MDR?

 

2- On the last night did the waiters all sing and dance (we try to avoid this, perhaps it be a good night at the steakhouse)?

 

3- Any lucky casino slot machine LOL

 

I think the wait staff works very hard and is very busy... that being said we are not there in a race to eat as fast as possible then leave. We are enjoying each others company and the meal, so yes if you want to just eat and then leave in a certain time frame I think they are under staffed... but who isn't? I think they have a good balance.

 

 

1- That is up to you. We have never eaten, nor felt the need to eat in the steak house on Carnival. THe only time I have ever eaten in an up charge place on a cruise was on the Pride of America in Hawaii (and it was not worth the extra money). I would stay in the MDR

 

2- Yes they do and we loved it. We really had a great waitstaff and enjoy the show. If you don't like it...maybe do the your time dining.

 

3- The only game I played in the casino was the cash cube and it was not lucky. Nobody in our group had a lucky machine either... we did not make the pay table odds go up...:eek::rolleyes:

[Cruisegirl6]

Thank you, I think I been on so many Carnival ships I just got tired of the singing and dancing....we did choose Your time dining, do you know which restaurant they use for this?

 

I never win in the casino either, I set a limit and stick to it, but fortunately my other half gets it all drinks on us card right on day one along with wine for dinner and goodies to our room...this next cruise we are booked under his Premier Casino offer, he gets back $900 (we also got a great price) and I get a whole $50 goes to show you I am cheap lol.

 

I am glad we don't have to eat in the steakhouse every night and we don't mind slow service in the MDR we hate rushing our meals. Thank you.

[Dirkgun]

Thank you, I think I been on so many Carnival ships I just got tired of the singing and dancing....we did choose Your time dining, do you know which restaurant they use for this?

 

I never win in the casino either, I set a limit and stick to it, but fortunately my other half gets it all drinks on us card right on day one along with wine for dinner and goodies to our room...this next cruise we are booked under his Premier Casino offer, he gets back $900 (we also got a great price) and I get a whole $50 goes to show you I am cheap lol.

 

I am glad we don't have to eat in the steakhouse every night and we don't mind slow service in the MDR we hate rushing our meals. Thank you.

 

 

I know when we have had less than friendly wait staff the singing is not as fun or when we were not in a group... so I know what you mean. I think it was the Lincoln? It is the one more in the middle of the ship and I think up stairs if I am not mistaken. The thing I noticed slowing the servers down was the people that come in late for their dining time. We always choose the late seating (8:15) and there were people coming in at 8:45 still. :eek:

[pghsteelerfan]

Good luck on the arm twisting.... Btw who do you use for the photo books I want to try doing one of those as well. TTYL

 

I've been using Shutterfly for all my photo books. Since photo books can get pricey, I like the fact that Shutterfly seems to run specials fairly often, even 50% discounts, which I take advantage of. :D I've been very happy with the quality (thick pages, nice covers) but I haven't done any photo books from one of the other sites, so I have nothing to compare them to. I love doing them and they are kind of like doing a review and reliving the cruise again. :)

 

Thank you with the arm twisting. TTYL

[ucfalli]

Another great review. Thanks for taking the time!!! Enjoyed reliving our trip. :D

[tpiper55]

After our time in the water we saddle back up in the boats for the tour of the coast line of St Lucia. There are lots of things to see, as you can see from the pictures. Spencer stops and spends time for everyone to see the sites... he will even turn the boat around so both sides get the view.

 

 

 

Spencer himself and some crew, talking with people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spencer's Daughter, she was also a great guide. She was on another boat.

 

 

 

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I'm absolutely LOVING your review! You make me feel like I'm right there with you. My husband and I did this cruise last October and are booked for this itinerary again in August on the Liberty.

 

In October, we did Spencer's Heavenward Bound tour and climbed the Gros Piton. My signature pic was taken from the halfway point of the Gros Piton on the way down - you can see the Petit Piton behind us. It was an amazing adventure and quite an accomplishment. Spencer's tours are THE BEST and his daughter Shaquanna is absolutely amazing.

Edited March 13, 2015 by tpiper55

[Dirkgun]

I've been using Shutterfly for all my photo books. Since photo books can get pricey, I like the fact that Shutterfly seems to run specials fairly often, even 50% discounts, which I take advantage of. :D I've been very happy with the quality (thick pages, nice covers) but I haven't done any photo books from one of the other sites, so I have nothing to compare them to. I love doing them and they are kind of like doing a review and reliving the cruise again. :)

 

Thank you with the arm twisting. TTYL

 

 

Thanks, I will have to try them. I do receive their offers but just have not done one yet.

[Cruisegirl6]

What a review thank you lol.

[Dirkgun]

Another great review. Thanks for taking the time!!! Enjoyed reliving our trip. :D

 

 

You are welcome, thanks for reading it. I remember your Valor review and pics. It was a great review... and some great shots as well.

 

 

I'm absolutely LOVING your review! You make me feel like I'm right there with you. My husband and I did this cruise last October and are booked for this itinerary again in August on the Liberty.

 

In October, we did Spencer's Heavenward Bound tour and climbed the Gros Piton. My signature pic was taken from the halfway point of the Gros Piton on the way down - you can see the Petit Piton behind us. It was an amazing adventure and quite an accomplishment. Spencer's tours are THE BEST and his daughter Shaquanna is absolutely amazing.

 

 

Thanks for the comments and for reading. Yeah this itinerary definitely lends itself to doing it multiple times (3 for us) and you will enjoy the Liberty. Your signature pic is cool I wish it was bigger (don't be afraid to re post it lol) That hike sounds hard but rewarding. I agree about Spencer and Shaquanna... they are awesome people and great guides.

[Dirkgun]

What a review thank you lol.

 

 

Thanks, for reading and interacting with me.:)

[BedBugs]

I really enjoyed your review. The pictures are very interesting.

[Dirkgun]

I really enjoyed your review. The pictures are very interesting.

 

 

Thanks.

[Buffettfan 225]

More pics from La Mina falls....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What time of day do you think it was when started hike to LaMina Falls?

Looked a bit crowded

[Dirkgun]

What time of day do you think it was when started hike to LaMina Falls?

Looked a bit crowded

 

 

I think it was around 11:30 or 12:00 on a Friday.... There were a few people there but not really crowded IMO It looked like a lot on the bridge but not so many in the falls themselves.