Carnival victory january 9-13

[vadersprincess12]

DH and I just returned from a 4 day sailing on the Victory.

 

We always like to arrive a day early in the event of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. We weren't sure if we would be traveling due to a combination of the tragedy at FLL and weather. We flew Southwest into FLL and took a shuttle to Miami.

 

I'd like to take one moment to say that my heart goes out to the victims and their families and to commend the airport ~ when we departed on Sunday they held a moment of silence to honor the victims. In the section were sitting in, you could hear a pin drop.

 

For those who stay prior to their cruise, we stayed at the Comfort Suites Miami Airport North. Staff was friendly, and the room was large, comfortable, and absolutely spotless. They had a nice continental breakfast and a free shuttle to the cruise port.

 

We booked an aft balcony cabin on deck 6 ~ 6459, last cabin on the starboard side before the actual cabins at the very back of the ship. Loved the layout of the cabin and it was one of the recently refurbished cabins.

 

Standard muster drill ~ it amazes me how people think they don't have to attend which only extends the time. One suggestion to the cruise lines is to have the person demonstrating the life vest stand something (safety first of course) because it is hard to see and for first time cruisers it's important to know how to handle things.

 

Nanan was our stateroom attendant. We didn't meet him until the 2nd day, he was very friendly and always addressed us by name. He serviced our cabin twice a day, and always had ice for us which was our only specific request. Cabin was spotless!!

 

We ordered room service three times on this cruise; once for breakfast and then two times for lunch. Breakfast was delivered during the specified time and lunch was delivered within 10 minutes of our calls and orders were always correct.

 

One complaint about the stateroom movies ~ they were showing Star Wars Rogue One every two hours. Problem being the movie was more than two hours long (we saw it previously) and so it would just cut off. You'd think they could just show it in a loop so you could see the entire movie!

 

We requested a table for two for dinners but were seated with another couple which was fine with us; we enjoyed good conversation and spent some time away from dinner with then as well.

 

Our senior waitstaff Aswath was wonderful! Very pleasant and made good recommendations. Cannot remember the name of his assistant, but they were on top of everything and any request was always handled well. Elcid from the bar staff was also great ~ funny and quick service as well.

 

Dinner selections were great ~ every meal was good with no complaints at our table. Selections were flavorful and for us the portions were just right. Some don't like the American Table since it isn't as formal but we were happy with everything. Each night we ordered Carnival Melting Chocolate Cake which is something I personally look forward to on a Carnival cruise. We would usually order another selection for our table to sample.

 

I have to agree with many of the other reviews as far as the buffet. While the selections were good and varied, the lines were horrible. We found that the desserts at the buffet were not as varied as on other cruises. The only exception to the food comment is the scrambled eggs. Not sure what they do to prepare them but they were not good.

 

We are not big drinkers but when we did order a drink, the bar staff around the ship were friendly, with the exception of the sports bar. No personality whatsoever and very slow.

 

We donated a bit at the casino ~ can't be in there very long with all of the smoking. They try to cover the smell but that only makes it worse. Doubt they will ever make a casino non-smoking otherwise they wouldn't make any money. Wish they would have a completely separate casino for non-smokers as we would be willing to spend more time there.

 

Spent a very short time in the piano bar at the recommendation of our table mates but we were not impressed at all.

 

Overall the ship is in very nice condition but I will agree with another reviewer about the dirty windows.

 

This was our first time visiting Key West and so we decide to just walk and explore. It's a very quaint town. The areas we visited were clean with a lot of different shops to visit. We saw numerous lovely bed and breakfast locations and may go back for another stay.

 

Our other port of call was Cozumel. I think the pier we docked at was new since a previous trip there as I don't recall the "shopping village" area. We didn't explore beyond there because during our last visit into Cozumel proper as we were exploring we saw a small pick-up truck drive by with an armed guard standing in the back ~ that was a little scary so this trip we decided to avoid that area.

 

I did buy a magnet at the duty free shop and couldn't believe the aggravation to pay cash for a $4 purchase ~ they requested my ship card and my driver's license. You'd think I was spending a fortune for as long as it took to complete the transaction.

 

Overall we had a very enjoyable time.

[johnlisac]

The Victory is our favorite ship for short cruises. Will be on her in February glad to hear they have the American Table menu!!

 

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[Clarea]

Nice report, thanks.

[CARNIVALCRUISE3]

Thanks so much for your review! I'm always up at 6am so I don't encounter any lines for breakfast. I also order the chocolate melting cake every night at dinner. I love it! I've sailed on this ship several times since I live 30 minutes away from The Port of Miami.

Edited January 14, 2017 by CARNIVALCRUISE3

[junebug8]

Thank you for your review. DH and I will be on Victory in March.

 

I have three quick questions...

 

--Who did you use to shuttle you to Miami?

 

--Where did you eat dinner that night in Miami? DH uses a walker and can't walk far distances. I know we can take a cab/Uber but was just wondering.

 

--If your flight left FLL later in the day, what did you do after you got off the cruise?

 

Thank you again for your review!

[cruise pup]

DH and I just returned from a 4 day sailing on the Victory.

 

We always like to arrive a day early in the event of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. We weren't sure if we would be traveling due to a combination of the tragedy at FLL and weather. We flew Southwest into FLL and took a shuttle to Miami.

 

I'd like to take one moment to say that my heart goes out to the victims and their families and to commend the airport ~ when we departed on Sunday they held a moment of silence to honor the victims. In the section were sitting in, you could hear a pin drop.

 

For those who stay prior to their cruise, we stayed at the Comfort Suites Miami Airport North. Staff was friendly, and the room was large, comfortable, and absolutely spotless. They had a nice continental breakfast and a free shuttle to the cruise port.

 

We booked an aft balcony cabin on deck 6 ~ 6459, last cabin on the starboard side before the actual cabins at the very back of the ship. Loved the layout of the cabin and it was one of the recently refurbished cabins.

 

Standard muster drill ~ it amazes me how people think they don't have to attend which only extends the time. One suggestion to the cruise lines is to have the person demonstrating the life vest stand something (safety first of course) because it is hard to see and for first time cruisers it's important to know how to handle things.

 

Nanan was our stateroom attendant. We didn't meet him until the 2nd day, he was very friendly and always addressed us by name. He serviced our cabin twice a day, and always had ice for us which was our only specific request. Cabin was spotless!!

 

We ordered room service three times on this cruise; once for breakfast and then two times for lunch. Breakfast was delivered during the specified time and lunch was delivered within 10 minutes of our calls and orders were always correct.

 

One complaint about the stateroom movies ~ they were showing Star Wars Rogue One every two hours. Problem being the movie was more than two hours long (we saw it previously) and so it would just cut off. You'd think they could just show it in a loop so you could see the entire movie!

 

We requested a table for two for dinners but were seated with another couple which was fine with us; we enjoyed good conversation and spent some time away from dinner with then as well.

 

Our senior waitstaff Aswath was wonderful! Very pleasant and made good recommendations. Cannot remember the name of his assistant, but they were on top of everything and any request was always handled well. Elcid from the bar staff was also great ~ funny and quick service as well.

 

Dinner selections were great ~ every meal was good with no complaints at our table. Selections were flavorful and for us the portions were just right. Some don't like the American Table since it isn't as formal but we were happy with everything. Each night we ordered Carnival Melting Chocolate Cake which is something I personally look forward to on a Carnival cruise. We would usually order another selection for our table to sample.

 

I have to agree with many of the other reviews as far as the buffet. While the selections were good and varied, the lines were horrible. We found that the desserts at the buffet were not as varied as on other cruises. The only exception to the food comment is the scrambled eggs. Not sure what they do to prepare them but they were not good.

 

We are not big drinkers but when we did order a drink, the bar staff around the ship were friendly, with the exception of the sports bar. No personality whatsoever and very slow.

 

We donated a bit at the casino ~ can't be in there very long with all of the smoking. They try to cover the smell but that only makes it worse. Doubt they will ever make a casino non-smoking otherwise they wouldn't make any money. Wish they would have a completely separate casino for non-smokers as we would be willing to spend more time there.

 

Spent a very short time in the piano bar at the recommendation of our table mates but we were not impressed at all.

 

Overall the ship is in very nice condition but I will agree with another reviewer about the dirty windows.

 

This was our first time visiting Key West and so we decide to just walk and explore. It's a very quaint town. The areas we visited were clean with a lot of different shops to visit. We saw numerous lovely bed and breakfast locations and may go back for another stay.

 

Our other port of call was Cozumel. I think the pier we docked at was new since a previous trip there as I don't recall the "shopping village" area. We didn't explore beyond there because during our last visit into Cozumel proper as we were exploring we saw a small pick-up truck drive by with an armed guard standing in the back ~ that was a little scary so this trip we decided to avoid that area.

 

I did buy a magnet at the duty free shop and couldn't believe the aggravation to pay cash for a $4 purchase ~ they requested my ship card and my driver's license. You'd think I was spending a fortune for as long as it took to complete the transaction.

 

Overall we had a very enjoyable time.

 

It's a shame about Cozumel. It offers so much. I have been there numerous times and have never encountered a problem with safety, nor have I ever heard about any from other passengers or reports on CC. But I can understand your reluctance. On my first visit I was returning from an excursion and our coach passed a military check point. The machine guns made me very uncomfortable.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[Cousin Eddie]

My wife and I were on the same cruise. I don't want to hijack your post so I will write my own review, but I agree with you about the slow service in the sports bar and the long buffet lines. This was not the best ship or cruise I've done on Carnival, but it was still a great cruise! I hope you had a great time!

 

 

 

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[easyboy]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. Thanks for your feedback.

[Alltheloxbagelsplease]

Thank you for the review! We will be on the same itinerary on the 30th. Very bizarre about how they're playing Rogue One but cutting it off. We have been curious about the movies they are playing in the staterooms and out on the deck, because we have always enjoyed watching those. Can you give any other info about the movies they played?

[beans79]

I will be doing this cruise in May. I honeymooned in Cozumel and I can tell you it is very safe. We love that island and I look forward to going back!

 

 

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[Toddcan]

We were in cabin 6465 the week before you guys on that same itinerary. Nanan was also our steward - fantastic guy! Does great work.

[dennis-in-ct]

Our other port of call was Cozumel. I think the pier we docked at was new since a previous trip there as I don't recall the "shopping village" area. We didn't explore beyond there because during our last visit into Cozumel proper as we were exploring we saw a small pick-up truck drive by with an armed guard standing in the back ~ that was a little scary so this trip we decided to avoid that area.

 

Agreed.

We took a cab to "Centro" which is the downtown shopping area. Within seconds of leaving the cab, we were harassed non-stop for drugs, cigars, naked women and so on ... we got sick of the nonsense and took a cab right back to the port shopping area which is very nice and we learned our lesson - there is no need to leave that port area.

 

We did want to buy antibiotics and the pharmacies are downtown. If you want to buy pharmacy items, there are two right across the street from the port. No need to take a cab into town (Centro). Maybe the meds are slightly cheaper "in town" but when you weigh the 16. dollar cab ride (roundtrip) and the harassment, I would recommend just buying what you need at the two places across the street from where you get the cabs at the port.

[Cr2zCr8zy]

Thanks for your review! Will be on the Victory Feb. 3rd for a superbowl cruise..

 

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[vadersprincess12]

Thanks everyone, glad you enjoyed the review. I look forward to reading your review Cousin Eddie. We did have a good time, only those few minor issues.

 

Junebug8 ~ we like adventure so we actually took the TriRail from FLL to Miami. We used SAS for our trip back to FLL from the cruise terminal. You can book them on-line and you will get an email reply with instructions. They were fast and friendly ~ $15 per person. You should be able to use them from FLL to the cruise terminal as well. We flew in the day before and stayed at the Comfort Suite Miami Airport North (they have a free shuttle to the cruise terminal) and just ordered room service. The hotel was very nice and our room was large, comfortable, and spotless! Our flight wasn't too late in the day returning home so we went from the cruise terminal to the airport and hung out for a short time. Carnival does have some excursions that you can take in FLL once the ship returns if you need to kill some time.

 

Forgot to mention that we did the hot stone couples massage and it was heavenly. Not a fan of the product sell at the end, but we just politely say no.

 

Also, made an error regarding the movie ~ it was not Rogue One but the last Star Wars film. Either way just cutting it off once the two hour time is up is pretty stupid. You'd think they could put it on a loop. We had seen it already but it still ruins the experience having the ending cut off.

 

In the stateroom we also saw the Secret Life of Walter Middy and the movie with Jon Hamm about the spies living next door (can't think of the name). We also saw a Queen concert which was really cool. Outside they played the remake of the Magnificent Seven, Suicide Squad and a couple of kids movies.

 

Really loved the layout of the "aft" cabin ~ last balcony on the starboard side before the back of the ship. I think we will try to book a true "aft" cabin on a future cruise.

 

Going out of our homeport in Baltimore on the Pride in June and looking forward to that cruise.

 

Hope those that are scheduled for the Victory have a wonderful time.

 

[FloridaMommyof3]

I believe they also had that movie playing on my cruise in November, but they did not cut it off after two hours and played the entire movie. That's crazy they would cut it off! Did you call anyone? Had to have been some kind of mistake.

[Can'tWait2SetSail]

Thanks for your review! Get's me excited for our Victory cruise in May. I am sorry you were nervous in Cozumel. That really puts a damper on the experience.

[Skaterboi]

Going on my first Cruise on this same ship and Itinerary January 30th. You just got me real excited. We are in a Suite but were trying to get and after balcony. I have learned sooooo much of what do do from just this 5 to 10 min read with all the helpful reply's. We are leaving on the 28th decided to have some fun in MIA with Friends Sunday the 29th and do the same the day return flying home the day after the Cruise. We may actually book now at the Hotel you did near the Airport and just use uber to get around instead of renting a car which I normally do but places we go to never anywhere to park spend to much time driving around.

 

Thanks again.:)

[LMaxwell]

Going on my first Cruise on this same ship and Itinerary January 30th. You just got me real excited. We are in a Suite but were trying to get and after balcony. I have learned sooooo much of what do do from just this 5 to 10 min read with all the helpful reply's. We are leaving on the 28th decided to have some fun in MIA with Friends Sunday the 29th and do the same the day return flying home the day after the Cruise. We may actually book now at the Hotel you did near the Airport and just use uber to get around instead of renting a car which I normally do but places we go to never anywhere to park spend to much time driving around.

 

Thanks again.:)

 

Look for the "secret" forward facing decks. Great views.