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2nd time cruising need some advice!!

lovablekendra

By lovablekendra,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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lovablekendra

lovablekendra

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Me and my husband cruised for the first time on our honeymoon on allure of the seas which was amazing!! But I want to surprise him with a cruise for our 1yr anniversary every since the cruise he has not stop talking about cruising lol but this time I'm looking at carnavale cruises I'm looking at the valor and sunshine because they cruise right around our anniversary and they have great destinations both destinations he always wanted to go to sunshine is going to Aruba and valor is going to Belize since this is a whole diffrent cruise line I'm stuck! It's only a $400 diffrence between the 2 so has anyone cruised both ship and what were the pros and cons and which one did you prefer?

 

 

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evandbob

evandbob

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Me and my husband cruised for the first time on our honeymoon on allure of the seas which was amazing!! But I want to surprise him with a cruise for our 1yr anniversary every since the cruise he has not stop talking about cruising lol but this time I'm looking at carnavale cruises I'm looking at the valor and sunshine because they cruise right around our anniversary and they have great destinations both destinations he always wanted to go to sunshine is going to Aruba and valor is going to Belize since this is a whole diffrent cruise line I'm stuck! It's only a $400 diffrence between the 2 so has anyone cruised both ship and what were the pros and cons and which one did you prefer?

 

 

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I've sailed Valor 7 times, with the latest in March. Even though that was a free casino cruise, it ranks as one of my worst ever. I had late MDR dining and my table, along with several others, had to wait up to 45 mins between courses. We often got our entrée after the staff "entertainment" was over. I had a broken TV and a clogged shower in my room. No one was answering the platinum or regular guest service phone. Room service was 45 mins late one morning. Ugh!

I sailed on the Destiny before it became the Sunshine. Most complaints about Sunshine are about feeling crowded after they added more cabins and took away theater and public spaces.

 

After cruising the Allure, I think you will be totally underwhelmed by either of these ships. Sorry.

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Hoosierpop

Hoosierpop

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I've never been on the valor. Been on sunshine twice and had a great time both times. But I like the southern Caribbean a lot, so that's the way to go.

 

As far as the complaints about the sunshine, there are a lot of reviews about it. For me, none of those issues bothered me at all. But if they sound like things that would bug you, then consider that. I'm going on the sunshine for the third time this July.

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RubyGold

RubyGold

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I really loved Valor, we did the southern route from PR though.

The crew was good and ship fine for me. We didn't have any troubles with maintenance nor room service and had any time dining with no waits and no trouble.

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Jay Sam

Jay Sam

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Is there anyway you could include Breeze in the mix? The reason I say, is that it sounds like your husband is more excited about the actual cruise/ship than the destinations. It will be a big change having been on Allure and then cruising Valor/Sunshine. Breeze would have more in common with Allure than the other 2.

 

You did say you have always wanted to go to Belize and Aruba. I was in Belize once and don't need to go back there. Aruba was great. Of the 2 ships you mentioned I would pick Sunshine for sure, no question. Since Sunshine also includes Aruba, that would be a big bonus for choosing that ship. I like southern/eastern Caribbean much more than western. Whatever you decide you will enjoy. Happy sailing and congrat's on your anniversary.

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lovablekendra

lovablekendra

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I can see if the breeze sails around our anniversary also I was more interested in the destination all the rcl seems to go the same places at least the ports close to me carnival seem to have more destinations

 

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice I'm really un decisive lol being we only cruised once but I will say for us the food the water and the destinations was the best I loved the allure!! But we didn't get to experience everything not even the pool always to much to do

So was hoping carnival would be a bit more relaxing :)

 

 

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pirate4me2 "Live from...." Rare

pirate4me2

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I have not cruise Valor but I have cruised the Sunshine. I have also been to both Belize and Aruba via cruise, and let me tell you that there is no comparison in my book...Aruba wins by a landslide. Also, looking at the two ships and comparing them, I would go Sunshine. Her entertainment was top notch, best of any ships we have been on (including the Breeze). I look at her like she is a "baby Breeze"...she is an older ship that has undergone a refurb, but she has all the bells and whistles of the Breeze except the Thrill Theater, but she also has a few extras Breeze does not have, such as JiJis Asian and the Havana Bar.

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Jay Sam

Jay Sam

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I can see if the breeze sails around our anniversary also I was more interested in the destination all the rcl seems to go the same places at least the ports close to me carnival seem to have more destinations

 

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice I'm really un decisive lol being we only cruised once but I will say for us the food the water and the destinations was the best I loved the allure!! But we didn't get to experience everything not even the pool always to much to do

So was hoping carnival would be a bit more relaxing :)

 

 

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The Allure is on my to do list, or sister ship Oasis. Wow your 1st cruise was on the largest cruise ship in the world. You must have been blown away with all of that.

 

I like what Pirate 4 me 2 said re: Sunshine is "baby Breeze". I would agree. Also consider the larger NCL ships, such as Getaway. I have not been on that ship but from what I hear has a lot to offer.

 

For Royal Caribbean the Freedom and Voyager classes have a lot to offer but in a smaller scale than Allure. Still huge ships though.

 

Check out shipparade.com. You can get a lot of info' of all the ships and nice photos too. Happy sailing. Let us know what you decide. Cheers.

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sjn911

sjn911

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The Allure is on my to do list, or sister ship Oasis. Wow your 1st cruise was on the largest cruise ship in the world. You must have been blown away with all of that.

 

I like what Pirate 4 me 2 said re: Sunshine is "baby Breeze". I would agree. Also consider the larger NCL ships, such as Getaway. I have not been on that ship but from what I hear has a lot to offer.

 

For Royal Caribbean the Freedom and Voyager classes have a lot to offer but in a smaller scale than Allure. Still huge ships though.

 

Check out shipparade.com. You can get a lot of info' of all the ships and nice photos too. Happy sailing. Let us know what you decide. Cheers.

Really agree with Jay Sam and Pirate. You sound like you have an open attitude and do not want to be overwhelmed with as many choices and relax a little more..which Carnival will afford. But you started with a ship that is one on many's dream list (including moi)...LOL. Hard act to follow...

 

I think one of the newer Carnival ships will be best...and these two are the "newest"...as already mentioned. I would not exclude all of the Dream class or Carnival Freedom....but you started with a league of it's own within a different line..with different strengths. I am not against Carnival at all..often a more affordable and low key experience...but it may or may not be a let down after your first cruise...and a more budget experience..adjust wishes accordingly and you will have a great trip whatever you choose.

 

I loved a little Paradise Fantasy class cruise...it had been a very long time since i had a fly away frivolous trip just for me.

I say this to say again...I love Carnival..but would pick their "newest and best" and also consider good deals on your first line for a second trip...if they go where you want. Carnival is wonderful for ports and that being a focus...be sure you pick a ship that satisfies enough too...Sarah

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Green Boy

Green Boy

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I have sailed on the Valor several times, one of my favorite ships,

never had any problems on her,,, and like others said on here, Aruba is awesome, so that would be my choice.

 

actually headed back to Aruba in Sept !

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