Question for very recent Victory cruisers

[crusie]

I've read a few posts within the last month (or maybe a bit longer) that there is no pianist in the Irish Seas Bar. Apparently, a guitarist has been substituted:confused: . Would anyone know if this has been rectified? I am sailing on the 31st, and the piano bar is one of the things I really look forward to -- just wouldn't be the same with a guitar. I'll still have a great time either way, but I'm curious about this. Thanks!

[MRL325i]

I was on the Aug 3-7 Victory cruise. It was the Irish Guitar Bar. Excellent jazz in the Adriatic Lounge (I think it was that one), though.

[Cruzfrek]

:mad: Sorry, I JUST got off the victory but i do not know the answer...there was a guy playing piano and girl at some point but i dont know how long/often they were there...we did NOT enjoy Carnival this time...this was my second carnival cruise and my familys first and last. Things were just not up to par. We had late dining and missed SEVERAL activities because of this...really not fair. There were NO hand washing stations and no paper towels to dry hands...i guess they do not care about the nuro virus...I could go on about the disappointing things but I know how strange people are about negative things about their precious carnival company so i will stop here. If you have any questions I would be happy to tell you anything I know. The best part of our cruise was the dining room staff...Warren and Ernesto rocked!! ps I tried the "pre-tip" the steward idea and it did nothing for us. We got one towel animal the whole trip...

[Buster27]

Did you ever think of going to one of the many public restrooms to wash and dry your hands? And air dryers are much more sanitary than paper towels.

 

Did you ever think of switching your dinner seating if you were unhappy? A quick visit to the maitre'd is all that is needed, especially when switching from late seating to early seating.

 

And NO TOWEL animals !!! OH MY !!! I'm sure a little note to your cabin steward would have taken care of that also. (I assume you were traveling with small children as I could not imagine an adult being concerned with such a thing.

 

I can't stand when people complain about such minor things that could EASILY have been taken care of and I'm sure WOULD have been taken care of if not for the ignorance of the complainer.

[Cruzfrek]

Buster27, I am not ignorant. Aparently you are. I highly commended our dining room servers. There was a list 3 pages long of people wanting to be switched to early seating. Not every one can be switched. Carnival did have air dryers however you were lucky if they worked. Also the public bathrooms were at inconvenient locations and I don't know about you but i don't enjoy sharing a bathroom with 3,000 + strangers. If they are going to run a video about the importance of handwashing you would think they would have plenty of places to wash hands. I am entitled to my opinion as much as anyone else. As for the towel animals it was no big deal, however, we read about it on here and were excited about it ,only to be disappointed when we didnt get any (or very few).

[LimeyUK]

I have to agree with Cruzfrek - I just got off the Victory (8/7-12) and was very disappointed. That was my 6th cruise with Carnival and I am a big fan of them - I'm even a shareholder! But that has to be the worst cruise I have been on. We too took care of the cabin steward when we go on board and got only 2 towel animals - my daughter who is 5 was very disappointed when she opened the cabin door at night and only found a couple of chocolates and a piece of paper on her bed! The food was only ok and I had difficulty finding something to eat one night so I asked for a steak as I thought that was always available even though its not on the menu and my waiter told me I had to give him 24 hr notice if I wanted a steak!!?? I could go on, but in general I was very disappointed and will have a hard time returning to a Carnival cruise.

[Into the Sun]

We just returned from an awesome trip on the Victory. We pretipped ($20) to our cabin steward the 1st day and had tremendous service. (I know that most people do not look favorably to doing this, but, I believe that it gives the HARD working housekeeping staff a pre thanks for the service that they provide).

The food was great, we had a tough time deciding what to eat, we ate pizza, deli and buffet plus dinner in the DR every night. We had early seating and 2 of the best waiters ever. I traveled with my DH and our friends (husband & wife). The shows were the best that I have seen on board (16 cruises to date, 4 carnival, 4 princess, one disney and 7 rccl). Inside cabin 7th floor(first time without a balcony, but, the price (under $1000 for 2 just could not be beat) sure made up for the lack of light). Beds were extremely comfortable and the room was immaculate, animal towels every night as well as 4 sets of bath towels and washclothes (as I requested).

We enjoyed the ship (layout is tough). We never were overrun by children as we have on previous cruises taken during summer and spring break. The weather was not warm. It rained and was very windy in Halifax and cool our day in St John. We should have brought a few more long pants. We bought sweatshirts on board and used them everyday. We rented a cab in both places and got the tour from them. Price was steep, we paid in Canadian dollars about $180.00 each day for 4 hours 4 people with tip. Alot more than in the Carribean.

Never went near the pools or hot tubs (need to be alot warmer for me temperature in pool and tubs a very mild 72-76) however there were people in them all the time. Our last sea day (Wednesday) the aft pools retractable roof was on and lots of people in them.

Embarkation and Debarkation was the smoothest I have ever experienced. We drove to the port from our home in NJ (exit 44 on GSP). Arrived at the port at noon onboard at 12:15. Off ship at 8:15, home at noon.

The casino was not good to us and I never found anyone on board who WON.

I used the self laundry on our last sea day and the iron was always in use. Wonderful to be able to take less clothes.

I think that this was one of the BEST cruises that we have ever had and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. If I can answer any questions let me know.

[Buster27]

I'm sure I am ignorant of many things, but cruising on the Victory is not one of them. I'm booked on my 6th trip on the Victory this Dec. so I do think I"m fairly well versed on this ship.

 

You didn't mention in your post that you had tried and were not able to switch your dining seating...only that you were not happy with your assigned time.

 

If there WERE hand washing stations...do you not think you would be also sharing them with 3000 plus passengers...the same as the public bathrooms? I have never seen hand washing stations on any ship....any cruise line. Maybe some of the brand new ships have them???

 

I do think the Canada cruises out of NY are completely different than the Carribean routes. I have sailed this route, but on Royal Carribean and it wasn't my favorite cruise. I don't know why, but it's just a different atmosphere.

 

I didn't mean to be insulting...I just thought your complaints were pretty minor to be saying you would never sail Carnival again. I don't know how many cruiselines you've sailed, but I do think you will find these types of things occur on ANY large ship and can easily be resolved.

[trvllover]

Stefania, I'm so glad to hear another positive review about the Victory. We will be on the Victory Sept. 23rd, and I am really looking forward to it. What kind of activities did they have on board? Did you save any of your Capers? Any additional information you have would be great!

[MRL325i]

I was on the Aug 3-7 Victory cruise and it was great. Boat was clean and sharp, service was great, cabin was very nice, food excellent. Did not have too much trouble getting deck chairs together. Entertainment was very good.

 

What more could you ask for?

[crusie]

Oh dear . . . I think it's been hijacked -- man the water cannons:p .

 

Thank you everyone who answered about the piano bar, and I appreciate the effort of those who sought to help by sharing their unfortunate experiences on the Victory. I am well aware of what this itin and ship are like, and am not concerned. I book this short (and relatively inexpensive) cruise to spend some "girls only" time with my sister and catch up. So long as I have a big balcony (9A wrap this trip), a source of margueritas and martinis, the wonderful massage chairs by the pastry shop, some slot machines, and (hopefully) the piano bar, all is right with the world. Oh, food is important too, but I've never had a problem finding food on a cruise ship (or anywhere else for that matter:rolleyes: ). It may not always be the very best, but there is always something good to be had somewhere. I'd love to hear back on the Piano Bar question from some one who returned this week. Thanks again everyone.

[c&d]

I cruised on Victory in March. I was concerned because I had read so many negative reports. We had a great time. I travel with a handicap person. We received the best service we have ever received from any Carnival cruise. Our cabin steward bent over backwards to help us. With such little things as seeing us come down hallway to stop and open our door and hold it for us. Our waiters were excellent. Head waiter would cut my sis meat before he served it to her so I could enjoy my meal. They would bring her wheelchair to table and push her out into the lobby. We met a bar waiter who was on another ship that we cruised and he remembered us and we talked to him quite fregently. It was during spring break. The cabin made a anouncement that running horseplay would not be tolerated. First time I did not encounter kids young and old playing in the hallways or elevators.

 

In fact my husband and I are cruising on the Victory in Oct. Sis and I were not impressed with quality of food. But that did not stop me from re-booking another cruise. Plenty of alternative to eating in dining room if you do not like what they are serving that night.

 

Sorry I do not know answer to Piano bar I will probably know the answer after I go in Oct. since DH and I will partake in more evening activities than sis and I do.

[Into the Sun]

Saved the Capers, I am ashamed to admit that I can't figure out how to forward them to you via scanner. Since we were on this trip to relax and unwind we didn't spend alot of time with activities, but, I do think that there is plenty to do. You will have a great time if you want to.

[Wennfred]

If you have any questions I would be happy to tell you anything I know.

 

Im going on the Victory March 2008, I would like to read your review detaling all of it including what pissed you off so much about this cruise? This info would help myself and others.

 

Fred

[Wennfred]

This is a post about Best Piano Entertainers on CCL. There might be something there on the Victory.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=362780&highlight=victory+piano

 

Fred

[arf2005]

Im going on the Victory March 2008, I would like to read your review detaling all of it including what pissed you off so much about this cruise? This info would help myself and others.

 

Fred

 

I'm going in March 2007 on the Victory and would also like more detail. There seem to be a lot of negative reviews lately with regards to this ship. Since I've talked a large number of my friends and family into going I'm getting a little concerned. Also, if the food is that poor on this particular ship, then why wouldn't Carnival do something? Surely people have complained to the front office (if for no other reason than to get that 45 day letter!).

[goodml]

Stefania, I'm so glad to hear another positive review about the Victory. We will be on the Victory Sept. 23rd, and I am really looking forward to it. What kind of activities did they have on board? Did you save any of your Capers? Any additional information you have would be great!

 

Here's a link to a thread with some of the Victory Canada Capers. Go to post #19 and click on the link.

 

Oops edited. Forgot to put in the link. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=389730

[goodml]

I'm going in March 2007 on the Victory and would also like more detail. There seem to be a lot of negative reviews lately with regards to this ship. Since I've talked a large number of my friends and family into going I'm getting a little concerned. Also, if the food is that poor on this particular ship, then why wouldn't Carnival do something? Surely people have complained to the front office (if for no other reason than to get that 45 day letter!).

 

Don't be too concerned. We sailed on Victory in 2003 doing eastern Caribbean and are sailing on her again in 2 days. I read so many poor reviews before our previous Victory cruise that I was freaking out about sailing on her but it actually ended up being our best cruise so far. From what I've been reading over the summer there is a different feel to the Canadian cruises as compared to the Caribbean ones so these reviews might really not reflect what you'll experience. We loved the ship the first time around. I'll let you know in about a week if we still love her!!:D

[c&d]

IMO If you think about it the staff works twice as hard. Isn't the victory running 4 and 5 days cruises. Just think how many times cabin stewardes have to make sure room is ready for new guest. Purser desk has same old complaints every 5-6 days. If the Victory was back on its 7 day schedule. the staff would not be working as hard. Of course people will still find something else to complain about. I know I was worried because everyone kept talking about how dirty ship was. It was fine. Also people should go on vacation with the intent of having a good time. Sounds like most of you expected to be entertained 24/7 and catered to like Pampered Princess and Princes. Want that go to Upscale Cruise Lines and pay for the services.

 

I prefer to entertain myself and relax and save some money. This way I can do more cruises and see parts of the world I would never travel to.

[Cruzfrek]

i didn't think the ship was dirty...

[jimmykitty]

I've read a few posts within the last month (or maybe a bit longer) that there is no pianist in the Irish Seas Bar. Apparently, a guitarist has been substituted:confused: . Would anyone know if this has been rectified? I am sailing on the 31st, and the piano bar is one of the things I really look forward to -- just wouldn't be the same with a guitar. I'll still have a great time either way, but I'm curious about this. Thanks!

 

Just coming off the Victory yesterday, I can inform you that there was no pianist in the Irish Seas Bar. There was a guitar player who sang and played exclusively. If you like Margaritaville, American Pie and some Bob Dylan and Elton John on guitar, this is the place for you. There was some piano playing just outside the Casino area, piano playing as part of the jazz quartet in the Ionian Lounge ( if you can tolerate the heavy cigar and cigarette smoke) and on the third floor bar area between the information and tour desks.

[arf2005]

I'll let you know in about a week if we still love her!!:D

 

Looking forward to your review. You make a good point regarding the Canada cruises. Thanks!

[crusie]

Just coming off the Victory yesterday, I can inform you that there was no pianist in the Irish Seas Bar. There was a guitar player who sang and played exclusively. If you like Margaritaville, American Pie and some Bob Dylan and Elton John on guitar, this is the place for you. There was some piano playing just outside the Casino area, piano playing as part of the jazz quartet in the Ionian Lounge ( if you can tolerate the heavy cigar and cigarette smoke) and on the third floor bar area between the information and tour desks.

 

Jimmykitty, thank you so much for the information. I am really disappointed -- you'd think with the ship being in a NYC port so often it wouldn't be so difficult to find and contract an actual piano bar entertainer. But then, I guess everything seems easier from the outside looking in; what do I know about contracting entertainment :rolleyes: . Well, at least now I do know not to worry about getting to the Irish Seas Bar early to get a good seat.

[sunflowerstarr]

c&d that would be the oct 8th cruise out of norfolk right? my friend and I and his family will on that one as well. Im am really having better expectations than what i've read here but am open enough not to worry too much and see how things are once onboard. hope to see ya in oct!

[ItaliaAmerCruzLady]

Just adding my 2cents worth, we were on the Aug 3 sailing for 4 days, food was good, service was excellent, shows great, very clean, yet, it was a different feel than a carribean cruise. We enjoyed it very much, it was a nice little get a way,

Was it my best cruise? no, but it was sure better than just about anything else,

If you want to wash your hands, why not wash them before you leave your cabin, then procede to the dining room? We had our dining time changed before setting sail, very accomodating.