Carnival Valor 7 Day Western Carribean

[Working 2 cruise again]

First and foremost let me say, when I get into vacation mode it takes a lot to get me aggravated. My husband may not agree sometimes, but I try to let things slide a lot more than I normally will. So I try to see the positive side of things.

 

We took the Carnival Valor out of Port Canaveral for the 7 day Western Caribbean cruise; our ports included Cozumel, Belize, Mahogany Bay and Costa Maya. This was a cruise that we picked for two reasons, one my husband wanted to scuba dive in Belize (a bucket list thing) and two it was the week of my birthday!

 

We headed out from SC on Friday afternoon and made our way down to Port Canaveral. We had booked Park, Breakfast and Cruise package with 2 double beds. By the time we made it to the hotel we were told that we had been given a complimentary upgrade to a double king suite. A little excessive for a one night stay, but hey whatever. Then we found out the sleep number beds were broken. Nothing that we did would soften them. The couch was softer than the bed, but we were tired so we just sucked it up and went to sleep with all those extra pillows underneath us.

 

The next morning we were up early with excitement and ready to get the day started. We walked around to Flamingo’s restaurant that is part of the Radisson and had breakfast. Our package only covered two breakfasts so we would have to purchase the other two. However our server was crazy busy and service was a little slow so he didn’t charge us anything for them. After breakfast we went back to the room so we could get our luggage tagged and ready for the shuttle. We had booked the 10:30 shuttle since we had Faster to the Fun, and our original time to be at the port was between 11 and 12. Then we got the emails and the phone calls that stated that our boarding time had been moved to a later time. Well we didn’t listen, and we went on anyway, and I am glad that we did. We went right through the process without any issues until it was time to board the ship. We were escorted to this nice little room to the side with air conditioning and snacks and told that it would be a while before we could board. We spent maybe an hour or so waiting, it really wasn’t that bad and we were not crowded by any means. However there was not a bathroom there so when I went to walk my daughter to the bathroom I instantly became very happy that I had purchased the FTTF. The terminal was crawling with people; they were everywhere, sitting on top of each other, in the hallways, etc. We couldn’t get back to our little room fast enough. One thing that added a lot of issues was that there was a wedding taking place before we set sail. This wedding had over 150 guests, some would be sailing with us and some would not. We had more issues with the people that were not sailing than the ones that did. Some lady in a leopard print micro skirt and 5 inch heals started throwing a temper tantrum because she couldn’t just walk through security and go where she wanted to go. She didn’t understand why she had to wait her turn. I can promise you that with the lack of clothing she had on she couldn’t have been concealing anything. I felt sorry for her two young children that were with her.

 

Anyway, back to the important stuff. We were able to finally board the ship around 12:45, we were told our room probably wouldn’t be ready until 1:30 however it was ready by the time we got there, and our luggage arrived before 2. We were unpacked and enjoying a cool drink before most had even gotten on the ship. Once again I would pay for FTTF in a heartbeat. When we got to our room we were able to quickly find it thanks to the big Cat in the Hat oval on the door. The kiddos “extra” grandparents had paid for our room to be decorated in Seuss theme, there were also presents for the kids that included towels and water bottles. I had brought extra Seuss clings for our door so the kiddos could decorate as well.

 

 

 

Our room was perfect, the couch was already folded down into the bed and it was actually comfy. We walked around and explored the ship and the hubby and the boy played some checkers. We went to the muster drill which I thought went as smoothly as any of them ever do. They always seem to take forever and it is always hot. Here is the funny thing; I had just bought the hubby’s new shirt he was wearing a few days before the trip. I counted 4 other guys that day wearing the same shirt. Of course being men it didn’t bother them a bit they just laughed about it. They said they should all get together to take a picture, but that never did happen. Once that was over we went onto our balcony and watched the sail away.

 

Once we had set sail it was off to sign the kiddos up for Camp Carnival which they loved. We had the early dining in the Washington Restaurant and met our waiters Julio, Guillermo, and Erich. They were wonderful! My kids love that they can order off of either menu, and they eat well enough that I don’t mind them eating off of the main menu. My son sometimes would just order a few of the Shrimp “Cottontails” as he called them and just eat those along with a PB&J. Of course the photographer came around and took everyone’s picture. When it was time for dessert I knew what I wanted before Guillermo even handed me the menu. I wanted Warm Chocolate Melting Cake with a side of peanut butter. He looked at me a little strange as did the hubby. However it was awesome and I am not ashamed to admit it. After dinner we put on our swimsuits and swam while we watched Night at the Museum. We went into some rain off and on, but we had just gotten back in when it finally had a small downpour. After showering and putting on clean clothes it was off for late night ice cream and then bed. We had a busy day of nothing planned for the next day!

[ILvisitor]

Following. Thanks for posting!

[Amare06]

Following. We are on the same itinerary on the Valor in August.

[Working 2 cruise again]

We slept in as late as we could and then got started on a beautiful sea day. We headed to Washington to eat our Sea Day Brunch. While the service was a little lacking, the food was yummy. It seemed to take longer than it had in the past, but hey I didn’t have anywhere to be so it was okay.

The kids wanted to go to camp carnival as soon as since there was a magic show that day along with all kinds of other activities planned. The hubby and I caught some of the trivia and just spent some time reading and having quiet time enjoying the ocean on the balcony. I did for the first time ever attend one of the shopping shows. I knew that we had a few things we wanted to buy while we were in the different ports and Mike and Barbie were a lot of help with this. They gave away all kinds of things, and sold the Fun Shops book. I wasn’t going to buy one, but the hubby insisted since he knew I would at least save some money with it, and I did. I used it enough to make it worth my while. We grabbed the kiddos for lunch and then did a little swimming and water sliding.

 

Then it was time for Dr. Seuss Trivia, Parade and Story Time. Now one thing I forgot to mention is that when you get on the Valor at embarkation you head up to the lido deck using the atrium elevators and there is a table for you to sign up for the Dr. Seuss breakfast. It is only $5 a person and so worth it. We ran to the room to get changed in our Thing 1 through Thing 4 T-shirts and headed off to the Eagles lounge for Seuss Trivia. After Jeff asked lots of Seuss questions, it was time for the characters to come out. Out came Thing 1 and then Thing 2, Then we had Sam I am and the Cat in the Hat. They had given the kids different things to hold or make noise with and down through the Promenade we went. My son took off without us and I didn’t get pictures of the parade because I was trying to catch up with him. Once we went through deck 5 and down the stairs to deck 3 we went into the Ivanhoe Theater where it was story time. There Gary the CD read Cat in the Hat where they picked members out of the audience to help act it out. My son who gets a little wild was Thing 1, and by the end of the cruise, Gary, Jeff and Matey all knew him by name.

 

 

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After story time and a little arcade time we started getting ready for the Formal dinner. While waiting to get ready we were out on the balcony watching the storms in the distance; when we saw a beautiful rainbow. This was the first time we had ever seen one on the ocean like this and was awesome. We dress up on the first formal night. Hubby wore a suit, in the past he has worn a tux, but he didn’t want to this time. I wore an evening gown, my daughter had on a very nice sparkly dress and my son was wearing pants, long sleeves and a tie. We took our pictures on the way to the dinner and a few more after. My daughter ended up in some random group’s picture. Her dress matched one of the other woman’s dress and they wanted a picture together. We had a wonderful dinner, and as always the lobster was yummy.

 

 

After dinner we went and changed clothing and took the kids back to camp carnival. They were having Mexican Fiesta night in Night Owls so we let them stay until midnight. Which they came back to the room with maracas, and hyped up on sugar, plus their midnight ice cream trip. The hubby and I had hung out on the serenity deck in one of the hammocks. I want one of those for my house. However it needs to be on a ship so that it keeps rocking and you don’t have to do it. We go to bed knowing the next day is going to be fun and it’s my birthday!

[Barbees61011]

Excited to read the rest of this. Will be doing this itinerary in September!

[jacksmom09]

We are doing this cruise in Aug with a just turned 9 year old girl! Love to hear all about your kids experience!

[Cruisegirl6]

Enjoying your review and very curious what you think about the Valor as we got of the 8 night southern caribbean cruise May 8th cruise.

 

When I read your beds were broken I knew right away it had to be the Radisson. I also stayed at the Radisson and had a lot of reservations about it but there really aren't any 4/5 star hotels so I took the leap, needless to say BIG MISTAKE WE WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN! Our ac was on its lowest setting around 65 the room was so warm that we kicked off the covers to sleep as well as my father in law who as in the room next door. When I entered the room I noticed ceiling fans never seen this ever in any hotel room I stayed in but no wonder the ac was not good no wonder they gave us fans! We did drive our car to the port didn't want to wait for shuttle after the cruise to get to our car.

 

Prior to the cruise we also received emails and calls stating late boarding and didn't listen. We did have FTTF and even if we didn't boarding was no delay, everybody boarded regular time.

 

We also felt the drill was one of the worst longest and unorganized that we experienced in many years. Looking forward to reading more of your review curious if you feel the same way about other issues of the ship like we did.

[Working 2 cruise again]

Time for our first stop in beautiful Cozumel!

 

 

 

We were finally able to get the kids moving after their late night at Camp Carnival and off to breakfast we went. We found we liked the grill on the lido deck outside. We ate there quite a few times, and it was easy to grab some breakfast and go. We loaded up our bellies and headed down to get off the boat at the port. There was already another ship in port and boy was it packed getting through there. As we came off the ship we were met with the usual photographers and then we were met by the dog. There was a dog there that had to sniff your bags before you were allowed to continue down the pier to shore. We walked through the store that they coral you though and made our way out to the excursions. We met with our guide and she of course had us all wait in a group before heading to the taxis. This of course is the time my son realizes he left his sunglasses on the ship and it is bright out there. So off I run in to Ron Jon surf shop to buy him a new pair of sunglasses. When our whole group was finally there we headed to the taxis while walking through the port. She showed us where to stop if we wanted things on the way back. We loaded up in the cabs and off to Chankanaab for our Dolphin Swim. Chankanaab is less than 10 minutes from the port so it was a quick ride and not even that scary as some rides can be down there. Once we were inside the park she gave us a chance to change and get ready to get in the water. Once we came back out we were assigned to a trainer. Most groups were around 10 people or so and you are assigned a trainer and a photographer. So we headed down the pier to get in the water with our dolphin Marina. We each were given a chance to hold her, kiss her, ride her by holding her flippers and have her push us on a boogie board. She also swam around us while we spun in the water and then she sang to me since it was my birthday.

 

 

They of course take pictures of everything so that they can sell them to you. While we were waiting our turn with her we noticed something behind us in a fence. It was a manatee, and it was beautiful. We were able to stand there and pet it and play with it as well. They have a very nice set-up here, much better than Costa Maya but that is a different story. Once we had spent a while in the water with Marina our time was up and it was time to find something else to do. The trainer was wonderful about answering our questions and told us a lot about dolphins. Once we came out the water we were sent into the photo area to look at our pictures. Warning the pictures here are not cheap and your best deal is to haggle with them a little for the cd which is what we did. They will give you a price per person, but if you keep talking to them you will get it down to half of that. Once we paid for our cd of all of our pictures we went to the restaurant there to get something to eat. It was very good; there were Mexican foods along with the standard American fall backs like chicken tenders. It was all included in our excursion along with our sodas. After having our fill we wanted to go and see the Sea Lion show. The trainers bought out several different sea lions and explained the difference between sea lions and seals. They told us a lot about what we needed to do to preserve these animals and really push recycling and picking up your trash. The kids loved it; they did the show in both English and Spanish. Which I thought was wonderful since my Spanish is really lacking.

 

After the sea lion show we went to the tequila tasting which was included also. They have one that is coconut tequila it was very tasty, but sadly I forgot to go back and buy it before we left. We walked around to the lagoon and looked for lizards, and then we walked down to the beach and finally back to the swimming pool. They have a very nice swimming pool there with a swim-up bar in it. Oh and there is also Wi-Fi here that is included if you need it. We went on the first trip over to the park and came back on the next to the last taxi. I recommend doing that if you can. They have several different times of when they leave the port and I would definitely go as early as possible and then you get more time there.

 

 

 

Once we left Chankanaab and headed back to the port we took a little time to walk around and do a little shopping. Including getting the free things that I had coupons for from my book. When we went to go back to the ship they run you back through the last store. They also check every adults ID against their sign and sail card. So make sure you take it with you. We finally make it back to the ship and get our showers to get ready for dinner.

 

 

 

Time to leave port has come and gone, and we’ve watched the other ship leave port. We have watched the running of the drunks, yet we are still here. Turns out an excursion was out that had a lot of people on it and they hadn’t gotten back yet.

 

 

 

When they finally arrived it was off to Belize we went. We had dinner and my husband and kids surprised me with a birthday cake. It was very good, but of course you can't eat it all in one sitting. So we just took the rest back to the room. After dinner the kiddos went back to camp carnival to hang out, while hubby and I headed up to the serenity deck to read under the stars. The next day brings Belize, and things changing, and it will all be okay.

[ILvisitor]

Loving your review so far. Thanks!

[cruiser fanatic]

Thanks for the review! We also had the exact same experience at the Radisson, I booked 2 double beds for 2 nights and was upgrades to a King Suite, then there was a really bad noise in the room and they moved us to another room, at that room the sleep number bed didn't work. We got our entire stay and parking for our cruise for free.

[kellijo2121]

Thanks for the review, we are going on the same itinerary with two small children in January, loving the details. :)

[Laurelai777]

Hi there!

We were on the Valor May 16 and I wanted to see if you did as well? Your husband looks just like someone we met on a tour of the "tuna sandwich" ruin tour in Belize! Keep your review coming, we are counting down the days til our honeymoon in December and this is helping us reminisce! Lol

[FRMPEI]

Come back! I require more. LOL! Thanks for sharing.

 

Regards,

Kevin Reid

[ERNLYN]

enjoying your review! Would you or anyone remember what time the last tender leaves Belize to the Valor (ship time please)?

[Ralphinsc]

Subscribed! Also a cruiser from SC and we are taking this itinerary next April. We've been to all the ports here before except for Roatan. Enjoying your review thus far.

[kellijo2121]

When will you return with more?!?! I'm so excited to read about the rest of your vacation. I check back daily :)

[karajeboo]

Just booked this as our first Carnival cruise next year for spring break and we're from SC as well!