Carnival Victory 4 Day Review

[disney521]

Looking forward to following your review, we sail on her 2/11!

[maxwell'sparents]

A week ago we were sailing into cozumel. Today I am shoveling snow. Where did it all go wrong? Since it's a snow day, let reminisce about..

 

KEY WEST:

 

When I woke up we were already docked and I was anxious to take in the view of key west for for the first time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somebody who is doing much better than me in life:

 

 

 

It was a rainy and windy morning in key west but the temperature was warmer than Miami and we weren't going to the beach so it didn't bother us much. After a quick breakfast on lido we got ready to head out for the day. We still had some time to kill before our 10am pub crawl tour.

 

So I figured why not stop at the atrium bar for a mimosa. Not surprising but we were the only ones there except for people stopping to buy ponchos. We only had 1 mimosa then headed out into the weather where it was a light drizzle. While we stood on the pier in the rain waiting to get started I had two thoughts.

 

Why didn't we stay for one more drink and why didn't I bring my selfie stick!

 

 

There was one other ship in port this day. It was a celebrity ship and it turns out Felipe (alchemy bartender) has a childhood friend who works on this ship so they get a chance to hang out together every few weeks.

 

 

[maxwell'sparents]

 

So the tour costs $40 (not including the discount from when we booked) and takes you to 5 bars. Something you can easily do on your own. But with the tour you also get a drink ticket for each bar and the ticket is good for the house special, a well drink, or a beer. And you get a tshirt that seems to be of decent quality. This kid had his on already.

 

 

So between the 5 drinks, the tour guide (Beau was our guide and he's was great) the tshirt, and a group of new friends I definitely think this excursion was worth the price. You can still have a great time out on your own but since it's just the 2 of us we like being part of a group.

[Coachbradu]

Taking this excursion in Feb. Which bars did y'all hit? Thanks!!! Enjoying the review.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[maxwell'sparents]

Taking this excursion in Feb. Which bars did y'all hit? Thanks!!! Enjoying the review.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

We went to:

 

Tree bar

Flying monkey

Hard rock

Lazy Gecko

Dirty Harrys

 

When researching this excursion I read one where they were mad that it goes to the hard rock. I understand why that wouldn't be on the top of someone's list of places to go.

 

But for one, you're not at any one place very long. Secondly, the hard Rock bar you're outside so the sights to see are all the people walking by. And thirdly, you have plenty of time after the official tour to go visit any other bar you want.

[Coachbradu]

Thanks!!! I'm hoping we hit two more afterwards lol

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the review!

[cincicruisers]

Following

[sjn911]

Fun review...thank you.

[CruiserJess]

Great review, doing this exact cruise for presidents weekend!

[maxwell'sparents]

So to get the tour started they split us into 2 groups so the bars could handle the crowds better.* We met Rhode island's version of Vince Vaughan while waiting to get started but he wasn't in our group.

 

We did have the Indiana girls from our SAS shuttle and a Bachelorette party in our group. Our tour guide was Beau and he was awesome.

 

 

You could tell that Beau was the kind of guy who knows everyone in this town. He's really funny and quick with the one liners.

 

Once Beau got us headed toward our first bar the rain really started to come down so we were all happy when we got to the tree bar.

 

 

The special there was called Carribean Breeze and was a fruity coconut drink that was pretty tastey. In an attempt to keep myself in check I limited myself to just one drink at the first bar. The Bachelorette party on the other hand were starting off strong and must have had a few drinks and shots at the tree bar. To quote Beau, "in key west, drinking is a sport.. game on!" This group came to play.

 

We spent about 15 or 20 minutes at each place and before I knew it Beau was blowing his conch shell, signaling it was time to move on.

 

On our walk to Flying monkey Beau described to us what types of drinks we could get there and what his favorites are. Flying Monkey was probably my favorite bar that we went to. Their specialty is frozen drinks and just have a long row of icee machines ready to serve up about a dozen different flavors. I should have snapped a photo but i guess i was having too good of a time to get pics. I opted to have the Grain Train which was some mixture of grain alcohol. They're really good and taste like a slushie, not an alcoholic drink.

 

Before we left I also got a white russian. This one was also incredible and tasted like a frozen drink from Starbucks or something. When I bought this one I noticed that it was a lot bigger than my first one which was bought with my drink ticket.

 

Before our first stop Beau had informed us that key west Does have open container laws on the books but they are not really enforced. Just use discretion and don't offer your drink to a cop and you should be fine. This was good because now I had this brand new drink and the conch shell was signaling it was time to leave.

 

Along the way to the Hard Rock, Beau pointed out some other places we were passing and began to tell us how the rest room at hard rock is haunted and that the special here is a hurricane.

 

I didn't try the hurricane as I needed a break from so many sweet drinks. But according to everyone else, they were pretty strong.

 

After the hard rock Beau taught everyone how to blow the conch shell and then we held a contest to see who could do it the best. Jess and I didn't participate but we had a blast watching everyone else. By this point everyone was feeling pretty good and watching people fail at this conch shell was pretty funny.

 

Up next was the lazy gecko which had a guitar player who greater us as we came strolling down the side walk.

 

 

Turns out that he is Beau's brother in law. I knew this guy knows everone.

 

We got the special here, margaritas, and just watched as the guitar player serenaded the Bachelorette party. They were having a good time.

 

We finished up the tour across the street at dirty harrys (I think, things get a little fuzzy). The other half of our tour group was there so we said a quick hello to Rhode Island. Beau told me that this was the end and we were on our own. I grabbed us each a beer and then we headed out. This last bar was packed and they only had one bartender.

 

Plus we had a mission, we needed to get to Two Friends and we needed to buy a Christmas ornament. So with our beers in hand we broke off from the group and headed out.

 

Still to come, Two Friends for lunch, formal night, and we continue to meet new friends. Thanks again for all the comments!

[maxwell'sparents]

Well good news, I've found some some pictures that I didn't see before. So to back up just a bit...

 

Tree Bar

 

 

 

Flying Monkey

 

 

 

Frozen White Russian

 

 

 

 

 

Conch Contest

 

[Frank12]

Good review! We did this same cruise on Victory last year.

[maxwell'sparents]

 

I guess the last place we were was Ricks. I wasn't really paying attention, I was just trying to not get hit by tour buses as we crossed the street.

 

 

 

So it was about noon when we headed off on our own. We needed to be back on board by 1:30.

 

As I mentioned before Jess' dad was in Key West two weeks earlier. When he came back, not only did he bring us back a towel animal book. But he also gave us a gift card to this restaurant called Two Friends. So we had to go check it out. Thankfully since we could use our phones I was able to just google map it and we were only 2 blocks away.

 

 

This place lived up to the hype and I got to say it was the best Lunch I ever had.

 

 

Its a bit pricey but, but since we had a gift card I was able to splurge on the seafood trio which included a lobster tail, scallops, and grilled shrimp. Definitely not something I ever had for lunch before. Jess got the shrimp wrap with good quality shrimp in it and we ended up sharing each others. I was glad to get lobster since we wouldn't be getting it in the MDR this cruise.

 

Our waiter was pretty friendly and offered us a place to stay if he caused us to miss the boat. But he got us out of there with enough time to not only make it back to the ship but also buy our mandatory christmas ornament. I know its not the most original concept but we pick up an ornament from each port we visit. We ended up with the Mile 0 logo.

 

Since I've been back home people have been asking me how Key west is. I try to describe to them that its a giant party town that are very free spirited. Then I show them the naked statue picture and it all begins to make sense to them. I won't post it here, in case you haven't been yet then you will have a surprise waiting for you when you get there.

 

Despite all the rain this day we had a great time in Key West. I wish we had a few extra hours there. I would love to get back and see the southern most point and hemmingways house. However I'm not sure if I could handle this place after dark.. it just seems like to wild of a town.

 

One last photo before we get back on board

 

[maxwell'sparents]

After we watched the ship sail away we took a nap to recover and hoped that everyone made it back to the ship.

 

It was formal night and we hoped to get a better table than what we had the night before. So we went to the atrium bar at about 5 and waited until anytime dining opened. The bar was full but a friendly bar waiter named Ida saw that we were trying to get a drink so he cleared us off a table and took care of us until we went in for dinner. This would not be the the last time we see Ida.

 

We were among the first group of people in for dinner which Is what tends to happen when we cruise. We were able to get a table for two by a window. What I liked about this MDR is there was some actual space between the tables. When we were on the Liberty the table for 2 was then about 4 inches away from the next table.

 

For whatever reason we ended up getting very slow service again. I thought that being in ealier and in a different location that we would get quicker service but that wasn't the case. Now I can understand if there is some time between courses but at least come and check on us if it's going to be a while. After an hour of just sitting there jess decided her grilled shrimp weren't worth waiting for any more. I stuck around and about 10 minutes later my crab ravioli came out. They were pretty good but obviously not as good as the lobster that you would normally get on formal night. I also had the scallops appetizer which were pretty good. (Even after the awesome ones I had at lunch)

 

After jess and I reconvened we walked around a bit outside as the weather had finally cleared up. We hung out at alchemy bar and met a friendly Carolina couple named with Paige and Chesley. Paige is also a teacher so they talked shop while I investigated the alchemy menu some more. They were headed to the comedy show again this night. (I forgot to mention we saw the pg show the night before)

 

Tonight's show was Thomas Brown who we had seen before on another ship. He is pretty funny but since we seen him before we decided to go to the piano bar instead.

 

 

You can kind of see in this photo that my skin was turning red for some reason and jess thought I was having an alergic reaction. I didn't believe her and went back to singing along with pete. Pete is from Australia but resides in chicago. He was pretty good and we spent most of nights in there acting a fool.

 

Probably around midnight we went to lido to find some food. Jess liked that there were more choices at this hour than there have been on other cruises. To be honest I couldn't tell you the difference. I go straight for the pizza every night. So we ate (like my 9th time this day) and then called it a night.

 

When I return...

Cozumel,

La Casa en la Playa,

and I'm sure this is no surprise to anyone following along BUT.. we drink them dry of tequilla.

[maxwell'sparents]

Ok folks, after a few days of hiatus I'm back. Time to get back to Day 3 of 4:

 

COZUMEL

 

Just like Key West, this was our first time to Cozumel. But since its such a popular port, I've seen a ton of pictures and read many of reviews about it. It was nice to finally get there in person.

 

Despite the antics of the night before, we were up relatively early (for being on vacation). We took a quick walk through lido and realized there was no one in line at the omelette bar by the aft pool. So for possibly the first time ever we got omelettes and they were pretty good. The cook was very friendly and seemed to be happy to finally have someone in his line to talk to him.

 

As much as I enjoy a breakfast burrito from blue iguana, this may have been better just because the eggs are freshly cooked to order. As we ate breakfast poolside I realized how nice of a day it was and I wanted to get changed and into a lounger and enjoy the sun.

 

So by about 9am we were changed and at the pool. Now if you have been following along to this review this next statement should surprise you. But We're pool side. its about 9am and we don't dock at cozumel until 1ish. So obviously it was time to get drinks : )

 

As I ordered us Mango Swirls from the pool bar a fellow passenger noticed and stated "now that's the breakfast of champions". I quickly replied with "well you know what my father says, you can't drink all day unless you start in the morning" and then returned to my lounger.

 

We spent a few hours there enjoying the weather, reading, and a bit of people watching. Watched as a women walking by the pool with her breakfast have her bacon blow right off the plate and into the pool.. surely to surprise a swimmer later on that day.

 

Once we started getting closer to land we walked around to take in the views. I was surprised to find only a couple of folks out on the "secret" decks at this time. From out here I snapped a few photos. We wouldn't be the only ship in port. Two whale tails and a very small princess ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[maxwell'sparents]

Before I continue I want to talk about the neat hallways on the Victory. They're lined with this squares in between each room.

 

 

Each square is a photo of a carnival ship which I enjoyed. Unfortunately they obviously only have the ships that are older than the victory.

 

 

Eacn floor has them in a different color. Our floor had them in blue. I think it would be helpful to someone who gets lost easily, it would help them know they're not in the right spot sooner.

 

 

Anyhow, we're finally cleared to get off the ship! I hate the photos they make people get as everyone's all lined up to get off. So I give them a pleasant No Thank You and then take their photo instead.

 

 

What I didn't like about the logistics of this port was how narrow the duty free shops are to get through security. Since we were getting off the ship in the afternoon there were already a lot of the other folks getting back on board and walking in the opposite direction as off. So as they're stopped, trying to shop there wasn't much room to get through and outside. There should just be a walkway for people who aren't shopping. Or at least have the building be like at Grand Turk where it is wide and not long and narrow.

 

In case you don't know when to leave..

 

 

[maxwell'sparents]

After some initial excitement of seeing the port for the first time we finally located our excursion and are tour guide. I believe his name was Alfonso but I could be remembering that wrong.

 

 

He escorted us to our taxis and we took about a 20 minute drive to La Casa en La Playa.

 

 

 

Now this excursion is a bit pricey but we had read good reviews and we wanted to go somewhere that was bit more private. Since we were on a short cruise we didn't mind splurging a bit on this tour. Alfonso told us that the capacity for this tour was 40 but we only had 28 signed up. (i do hop that's his name because that's what I'm calling him for the rest of this review, and every time I tell people about Cozumel)

 

When you arrive to the house the entire staff greats you and are passing out rum punch.

 

 

Alfonso introduced everyone to us showed us where everything is, and explained to us how the day would go.

 

 

[maxwell'sparents]

We quickly settled in to our front row seats to the ocean

 

 

They have loungers and also these bed things which are awesome. I definitely want to invest in on for our summer place on lake erie. If yolou wanted I different type of seating arrangement the staff would bring you a different type of chair.

 

Shortly after we were settled in the waiters were going around taking drink orders

 

 

and before you know it we were living in a Corona commercial

 

 

Somehow the idea of tequila shots got brought up and before I know it the waiter was bringing to us and another couple sitting nearby.

 

Then somehow these chips and guacamole got delivered and there wasn't much else a person needs.

 

 

The day quickly turned into everything we hope it would be when we booked it. A quiet relaxing beach day where the staff was there to take care of anything you wanted. If you you're looking for more of a party scene this probably isn't the excursion you're looking for.

 

As advertised the water was very rocky. They have water shoes if you don't bring your own but you would need them if you want to get it. The water was warm but there was a lot of seaweed so I didn't spend time in the ocean. I'm not sure if the seaweed is always there, I hope not, but it was on this day and it was a bit disappointing. No worries though because there's a pool too.

[sanmarcosman]

Great pictures and a good size too :)

[maxwell'sparents]

Great pictures and a good size too :)

 

Thanks!

[maxwell'sparents]

Before long, one of the waiters came by to explain to us all of the items on the menu and asked when we would like to eat. He recommended the Chiles Rollenos which sounds great so we both ordered that but I asked if I could get the mole sauce on the side just to try it since how often will I have the opportunity the try it while in Mexico?

 

Shortly after we we ordered our waiter let us know we can come and get a table up by the house. Here he brought us more chips and guac (still really good) and continued to bring us drinks. I began to switch over to the mojitos which were so much better than what they were serving on the ship.

 

When our entrees came out he ended up bringing us not only the chiles that we ordered but a whole dish of the chicken.

 

 

 

 

The chicken was good but the Chiles Rollenos for phenomenal, once again proving that most waiters tend to know what the best thing is. Even the potatoes and the and vegetables that came with both dishes were really good. I believe the other dishes we could have ordered were some type of fish and possibly fajitas. I really stopped listening after he described the chiles to me. I think it was here with the food and the service where the premium cost of this excursion started to shine through.

 

It was right around this time that we discovered that we drank the house dry of tequila. We were glad to see that the group from Indiana finally changed their minds about doing shots after even if it meant that they got the last of it!

 

The staff was very apologetic about running out of it but we told them not to worry, the same thing happened at both our wedding and my brother’s wedding. Sometimes there just aint enough tequilla. Or there is an appropriate amount and we go well past that point often.

 

After dinner the chef did a short cooking demonstration where he made some type of really spicy salsa. It was a fun little show and the salsa was good but boy was it spicy.

 

 

Before we knew it, it was 6:30, the sun was setting and it was time to go home. It was a great sunset to conclude a great day.

 

 

 

We all begrudgingly got back into our taxis and headed back to the pier. We still had about 2 hours to spend before we had to be back on ship so we walked through all of the shops. After much debate we settled on a hand painted christmas ornament with a guy and a sombrero. This can be tricky sometimes because we try and find one that best describes what we did in that port and there are only so many drunken santas in a hammocks that we need. That ornament is reserved for Saint Martin 2013.

 

Which is a good segway to answer a question that many of you are probably wondering but are too polite to ask. Why Maxwell’sparents did you pick an all inclusive and a pub crawl as your excursions AND feel the need to get Cheers! The answer is simple.. Saint Martin 2013. A day where we sailed and snorkeled and then had an open bar as we sailed back. We didn’t have cheers on this cruise and we wanted to get our money's worth once the drinks started to get poured. Long story short, it wasn’t my finest hour and I apologize to anyone who may have been sailing on golden eagle with me that day.

 

This time around (ironically) we were able to just pace ourselves throughout both days knowing that once back on the ship we could continue all we wanted. But as we boarded the ship it was obvious that many of my fellow passengers did not pace themselves and it was everything I envisioned coming back from Cozumel would be.

 

When we got back onboard we had just missed the buffet so we went to the deli which is always good. Then I got another chocolate mocha getaway for dessert as we watched sail away and we were officially heading home.

[ancfun]

Great review!

[Frank12]

Two drinking excursions and CHEERS....That's pretty Macho! :D

[maxwell'sparents]

Thanks