Valor May 15-21 (post dry dock) Review and NCL comparison.

[tandemcruzr]

Thank you for your frank and honest review. No flames from me. We also like the Fish and Chips and as you did, visit early in the cruise before others discover it. :D

[BrushedNickel]

Fair review. We were on the same ship, same trip. This was our first cruise and will probably be our last on Carnival. Maybe my expectations are too high, but you definitely get what you pay for.

Food was fantastic, not sure why there were so many complaints (on board, during the cruise).

One thing I did not expect was encountering SO MANY drunk teenagers! That was a real eye-opener!

I will write a review once I get my thoughts and notes together.

Thank you for your review!

[margie1221]

If our cruise is anything to go by, no, it's not too late. We didn't book until Tuesday (six day cruise sailed on the Sunday!) and there was room left then. Unlike NCL, there were two opportunities to do the Chef's Table on our sailing, so we had no issues booking on board.

 

 

 

I would book as early as you can, though, so you won't be disappointed!

 

 

Thank you again!

[JT1962]

JT - could you please give a little more information on the Self Debarkation? How early did you head for the gangway?? Did they make clear and audible announcements once you were docked and the ship was cleared?? Did you use a car service to get to MCO?? We have a 130pm flight - sounds like we'll be fine if we do the Self DB?? Thanks a million!

 

We were on Deck 1, which is called first with Deck 10 after Platinum, Diamond and FTTF. The documents left in our room said we would be called at 8:15, but we were called by 7:45. We had a 9:00 am pickup time with Cortrans, but they were there soon after we walked out. We left Port around 8:05 and were at the airport by 9:00. You should be fine with any flight at Noon or later. We actually had to wait 3 hours for a 12:30 flight.

[Fern Crest]

Thank you very much for the reviews, it's wonderful to hear about your experiences!:)

[Micahs Grandad]

Thanks for the review.

 

We were on the Valor in Feb and enjoyed it and the 2.0 upgrades would make it even better.

 

Do think that entertainment on Carnival has really gone downhill.

 

Used to have some good flyons but those days are gone and too many days with no professional entertainment in main lounge.

[JaniceB]

Thanks for your thoughtful review, sounds like you had a nice cruise. I guess the entertainment just wasn't enough to win you over.

Edited May 24, 2016 by JaniceB

[margie1221]

We were on Deck 1, which is called first with Deck 10 after Platinum, Diamond and FTTF. The documents left in our room said we would be called at 8:15, but we were called by 7:45. We had a 9:00 am pickup time with Cortrans, but they were there soon after we walked out. We left Port around 8:05 and were at the airport by 9:00. You should be fine with any flight at Noon or later. We actually had to wait 3 hours for a 12:30 flight.

 

 

Thanks again JT1962 we'll be ready for the Walk Off announcement early as you indicated - we have also booked Cortrans for 9am and would much rather arrive at the airport early than panic at the port [emoji79][emoji79][emoji79]

[Ms. Fun Bunch]

Have been on RCCL, NCL & Carnival I prefer Carnival for the food and activities but both NCL and RCCL have great shows and performers. I can cruise more often with Carnival because of the cost. Enjoyed your review!

[BenjiRodney]

I care about Royal like you do about Carnival. So far I have yet to be wow'ed in my 3 Royal Cruises, going to try one more time in 2018 after my next 4 Carnival Cruises which will be #'s 14-17 on Carnival. I know what I like and prefer what I get on Carnival. Just my opinion.

[ROwens]

Have they adopted the new American Table Menus on the Valor? We were on this ship in January and they had not at that time. Also, do they still use tablecloths for the evening meals? They did in January. We were on the Carnival Magic a couple of weeks ago and they have the new American Table Menus in the main dining rooms and they do not use tablecloths except on the two "Elegant" nights. I'm not real fond of the new menus and I definitely prefer a tablecloth and appropriate silverware for the evening meal. That is one thing that makes cruising special, in my opinion.

 

Thanks in advance for your answer.

 

Rosemary

[BonnieH]

Have they adopted the new American Table Menus on the Valor? We were on this ship in January and they had not at that time. Also, do they still use tablecloths for the evening meals? They did in January. We were on the Carnival Magic a couple of weeks ago and they have the new American Table Menus in the main dining rooms and they do not use tablecloths except on the two "Elegant" nights. I'm not real fond of the new menus and I definitely prefer a tablecloth and appropriate silverware for the evening meal. That is one thing that makes cruising special, in my opinion.

 

Thanks in advance for your answer.

 

Rosemary

 

 

My daughter and I were on the same sailing.

 

No..they haven't adopted the American table menus

Yes..they still have the tablecloths at all dinner seating

[ROwens]

My daughter and I were on the same sailing.

 

No..they haven't adopted the American table menus

Yes..they still have the tablecloths at all dinner seating

 

Thank you so much for this information. My daughter and her family will be sailing on the 5-day cruise on the Valor that leaves on Thursday, May 26. She will be happy to know this.

 

Rosemary

[Barbiegator]

I thought this was a good review. No over the top comments about how this or that are the WORST thing ever.

 

One thing about the comedy that I like. They usually have a few comedians throughout a typical cruise. So if one isn't good, hopefully there will be others.

 

How hard was it to find a lounge chair in a decent location? I don't care about that but my wife does.

 

Very hard to find any shade.Serenity has some with sofas but takes an effort to get up there. lol

[Guindalf]

The senior sous chef who oversaw the Chef's Table told us that Valor is getting the American Table in September.

[ROwens]

The senior sous chef who oversaw the Chef's Table told us that Valor is getting the American Table in September.

 

Thanks for that information. I guess I will mark the Valor off my list also! But, then I am beginning to think that all of the Carnival ships will be going to the American Table menus soon, so will I have to just mark Carnival off my list completely?

 

Our next door neighbor and his wife and children were on the Fantasy last week and although he didn't know about the tablecloth controversy, he thought it was odd that there were no tablecloths for the evening meals.

 

My daughter was thrilled when she found out the Valor still had the old menus and tablecloths. They are leaving on that ship tomorrow for a Bahamas cruise.

 

Rosemary

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[obmarcr]

No flames here....just a question did you notice how self debarkation went? I was trying to decide between the two.

 

We just got off the Valor on May 26 and did the early self debarkation since we had an early flight and it went really fast. We were off the ship and on our express shuttle by 7:45! BTW, we had a good time on the Valor. The food and staff were great. Didn't care for Amber Cove much since there is nothing to do if you don't have an excursion planned. No beach and you can't walk anywhere outside the shops. Reminds me of Freeport.

[hlb76]

Thanks for your review. Glad you had a better time than your list trip. Sorry you feel like you wont be back on Carnival. They are my favorite, even not having much to compare it too.

 

We did try NCL this last March and left feeling --meh. It deserves another try as there where many issues on our ship on many sailings.

 

We felt the food was same across the board. We would have a great meal and then a not so great meal on both lines.

 

Drinks I prefer CCL even though I had free drinks on NCL. I just never found one I loved.

 

Entertainment is hard to give a favor to either. NCL has some great shows but Ive seen some good one on CCL too. We where bored stiff at night though. After the main show there was not much else going on unless you wanted to go to the disco. No comedy shows (or other evening entertainment) - even with bad acts I'd rather have something to do.

 

Its always good to try something new. Sometimes it works out sometimes it proves you have been making the right choice all along. I have 2 more CCL cruises booked but will be pricing NCL for another shot in the future.

[larryb711]

Great review. We will be on the Valor July 8-16, celebrating my birthday on the 11th. I was on the Valor in 2004 for its 2nd sailing and looking forward to being on it again. Will have to look to see if my name is still carved in one of the walls ( just kidding ). Cannot wait and hoping the entertainment is good. We were on a different Carnival ship 2 years ago, I cannot remember the name and the entertainment was very good. The adult comedian was the funniest I have ever heard and hope they have someone like him again on the ship. Anyway, looking forward to a great time.

[2chilover]

OK, first, the background, so haters can bear it in mind BEFORE pointless comments! This was our 14th cruise of which four were RCCL, one Celebrity, seven NCL and two Carnival. There was about a 13 year gap since the last Carnival, which was a complete disaster (some CCL's fault and some ours). We decided that, as this cruise was the only one that fit the time we had available, it was time to give CCL another chance. With that in mind, here we go...

 

Embarkation...

 

We arrived at the port at around 12:30pm. It was an easy drive in and we got the bags off and parked very quickly. I use a cane sometimes for balance and as soon as employees saw it, they were all over me with offers of a wheelchair, which I declined, and shorter lines and elevators instead of escalators and/or stairs. We were on board by soon after 1:00 and headed straight for Fish & Chips, following advice from this board. It was perfect. Quiet and few people, not to mention tasty food!

 

We spent the rest of the afternoon getting to know our way around and settling into our oceanview room. This was our first disappointment. No, not the room, it was fine, but I tried to book a balcony and failed, so I had called a few times in the past week or so to get the room changed (willing to pay, not looking for a freebie!). When we got to the check in desk, we were told that there were seven cabins available, but he couldn't do anything there, so we needed to check with Guest Services when we got on board. Well, they told us once on board, the chances of an upgrade were precisely zero and we should have asked at the pier! So no upgrade - and we missed not having that. Anyway...

 

Dining...

 

Breakfast...

 

Sit-down in the Washington dining room on sea days incorporated a brunch, which was available until 1pm. We did this on both sea days and enjoyed the food (Huevos Rancheros one day and steak and eggs the other). I also quickly found out that if you like smoked salmon, a restaurant is the only place to get it - there is NONE in the buffet.

 

Lunch...

 

This was all in the buffet, an area that also included the Blue Iguana burrito and taco bar and what became our favorite, Guy's Burger Joint (styled by the Food Network star, Guy Fierri). The burgers were very good with some awesome toppings, but what put it over the edge for us was the fresh potato fries. Fish & Chips was located in a position that is fairly hard to find and easy to forget it's there. Consequently, it is relatively quiet and a good spot to get away from the crowds on a sea day.

 

Dinner...

 

We opted for Your Time Dining and absolutely no complaints. We were greeted by first name, which is a nice touch and the waiter, Eduardo and his assistant, Vincent, were absolutely great. In fact, we asked to be seated in their section every day and apart from the night we ate at the Chef's Table (more later), we had them every night but one. We made sure that they got an extra cash tip on the last night, too. They were fun and efficient, to the point of making sure that as soon as I sat down, I had a diet coke waiting for me!

 

The food was very good. In fact, comparing main dining room food between NCL and CCL, the latter was much better. It was nice, on the second night, to get Maine lobster tail (or two!). NCL has removed lobster from the menu, unless you count a lobster fettuccine dish offered in the buffet one night.

 

The Chef's Table is something that MUST be done by anyone with a love of food and was a highlight of the cruise. It's expensive ($75 + 15% gratuity each), but that includes champagne, five amuse bouche tastings (including molten chocolate cake!), followed by a seven course gourmet meal that is out of this world! A Merlot and a Pinot Grigio are served and a choice of bottled still or San Pelegrino sparkling water.

 

Shipboard Entertainment...

 

This is subjective, but for us, this is where Carnival really needs to focus and improve. The Welcome Aboard show is usually a cheesy look at what's to come with small sections by some singers, the dancers and any specialty acts. No. This was the CD (Chris from Australia for those that want to know these things) and a really slightly below average lounge singer and...well, there is no and. That was it. Very disappointing. The rest of the week was not much better and there weren't even shows every night. A specialty act called Side Show Bert performed one night and, after a lot of warming up, the smallish crowd warmed to him and eventually enjoyed it.

 

The big screen on the Lido deck is nice to look at, but not at all well utilized. On sea days, the offerings included a Beach Boys concert, a 'Live in London' concert which was an assortment of acts and finally a show by Katy Perry. This was repeated on both sea days, unlike the movies, which were shown one time each - and even then they didn't start at the advertised time and even worse, cut off anything from 10-30 minutes before the end!!!!

 

The first comedian we saw wasn't funny in the slightest, so we didn't bother going to any other shows in the 'Punchliners (now without George Lopez)' comedy club.

 

I think the word that sums up the entertainment for us is 'uneven'. Some nights there was too much happening, it was hard to decide and others, there was little or nothing if you didn't drink gamble or play bingo!

 

Finally, Ports...

 

Nassau...

 

We stayed on the ship here as we've been to Nassau many times. It's the perfect time to try the pool and hot tubs.

 

Amber Cove, Dominican Republic...

 

The DR is a very pretty island, at least it is where the ship docks. We took an island tour, which lasted about five hours and took us to a rum distillery, amber museum and a couple other stops. It was pleasant enough, but I wonder how safe is a country that has it's own tourist police protection department? Everywhere we went we saw 'Cestur' tourist assistance uniformed officers and if anyone even came close to making contact with a tourist, they were on them like a bad rash!!

 

Grand Turk...

 

We were here just last October, but this was a different part of the island. Plenty of beaches nearby including a Margaritaville with its own pool, which was mobbed. Here, we took a tour called Rays, Conch and Snorkel, which was pretty cool. We Went to a snorkeling spot and then on to collect conch. Unfortunately, it was a little too windy for us to go in and dive for conch, but one of the staff suited up and dove for about 10-15 live conch, making a delicious salad with peppers, onions, tomatoes, orange and lime juices and a variety of spices, served with tortilla chips and rum punch. Then on to a beach with a shallow area that attracted rays. The captain collected a large ray and hung on to it for people to take pictures. Total excursion time here was close to four hours, so we had time to get some Guy' and take a nap before the Chef's Table!

 

Disembarkation...

 

With a short drive to stay with the in-laws, we weren't in a rush to get off the ship. In fact, we thought about going to Cape Canaveral until we checked and found it was $50 to get in! This meant we had time to go to the Washington restaurant for breakfast and then go up to deck 9 for our call. We put our bags out the night before (which had to be out by 9:30pm, but were still there at 11:30!) and took the 'relaxed' disembark route. Our number was called at around 9:45 and we proceeded to get off the ship. It took a while to eventually be allowed to leave and get our bags and then the Customs line was fairly long. It just didn't seem to be as well organized as NCL, but as we didn't have an agenda, it was no big deal.

 

Conclusion...

 

There were things we liked and things we didn't about the cruise and Carnival in particular. The ship, in particular, was not quite what we expected, having just got out of dry dock. Guy's and Blue Iguana were nice, as was the Red Frog Pub and the Rum and Tequila bars, but the older areas that were just given a wash and brush up, were showing age. Not in the way of cleanliness or repair, but in presentation. The pinhole signs showing the names of the areas were often hard to read and small things like putting new bulbs behind the buttons in the elevators still needed overhauling.

 

Was it a bad cruise? Absolutely not! We had a good time and plenty of R&R.

Was it great? No, it wasn't that either, but compared to the original nightmare, it was a LOT better!

Would we cruise Carnival again? Most probably not. Other lines offer more to suit us than CCL. Two attempts and we still have issues that would make it low on the list and, unless there was a fairly unique, port-intensive itinerary, most of the other lines would be chosen first.

 

Feel free to flame me, I don't really care, but I wanted to give as full a review as I could and be as honest as possible.

 

Thank you for your review, as we are sailing her in October for the first time. We aren't that into the entertainment (which seems to be stale among all the ships) so no big deal there. Glad to hear the food was good and I think I will book that Chef's table since you made it sound so good.