VICTORY 8/26/06 Just back today

[wiskt]

Hey there, Just got back from the CARNIVAL VICTORY sail date 8/26 5-day (Ports: St John & Halifax) This is MY full review, take it or leave it.

 

I've sailed on SENSATION-05 and the LEGEND-June06 so have recent comparisons. Will be on NCL in Sept so will be able to compare for myself with a different line next month. I do not get anal over "minor little things" and quite enjoyed this cruise. Also not expecting a NCL or RCL experience on Carnival, if I did I would be on their ships. This was a cruise for the price and destination for me. This was my dad's first cruise and he said he enjoyed it alot and is looking forward to the next one. Hopefully ALASKA!

 

EMBARKATION: Traveled with my dad from NJ so we saved money by taking the train into NYPenn Station & grabbed a taxi to the port. (10 bucks w/tip) saved a ton with parking! (Same taxi price from Port Authority BUS terminal in June) Got to the port around 3:15, Embarkation was the quickest I have had. We walked right on the ship after about a 15-20 minute wait in line. Come prepared knowing there are 2,999 other guests expecting speedy 1st class service will make everything easier for all.

 

STATEROOM: Found our stateroom quickly & it was just as pictured. Had this identical size stateroom on the LEGEND in June so knew what to expect. (Only difference, Legend had a fridge and a balcony). TIP1: I was able to pack a small cooler-type chest into my suitcase which was great to keep a few waters and juices if you dont have a fridge. Our room stewart IWANI was a couple doors down so we did not see him when we arrived. A few minutes later there was a knock at the door and he welcomed us aboard and was very nice. He kept our small cooler filled with ice and we saw him each night greeting us by name. Found him singing in our bathroom one day scrubbing the floor. (If this is the disgruntled crew others talked about I am confused) The beds were very comfortable and the room was clean (all as expected). I do have to note the comfortable bed part. I have a memory foam mattress at home and slept as if I was in my own bed. :) I just love their pillows and comforters!. Later in the cruise talked to some other people that were up on decks 8&9 and they complained about the rocking at night since we did hit some minor seas and fog 1-2 nights. Down on Deck 2 we barely felt it and had no trouble sleeping. Hearing the waves just outside the window may have helped too as white noise. Also want to note I am not one that gets sea-sick so a little rocking doesn't bother me at all. I did hear the fog-horn a few times, but only when I was up on the Lido getting Pizza.

This was my first cruise where I booked below level 7 and was a little worried at first. I've heard horror stories about lower deck noise etc. Was upgraded to an OV (all I did was ask) which only made the trip a little nicer. I already knew this was not the trip to spend the money on a balcony, but it was nice to at least have the window. If you ask me I thought the only difference between upper decks and MAIN DECK was that I was closer to the water & the price. Would definately book low again and save the money if needed.

Usual expected amenities in the bathroom but sorry to a previously poster> NO shower cap! LOL So just as a test I asked for one and guess what..YES sorry to say, but I now am an owner of a shower cap I will never use! Won't say who gave it to me though..LMAO! I guess it pays to "ask nicely instead of complaining" and changing your entire future vacation plans over it...

 

SHIP INFO/CREW/SHOWS: Ok this one thing I will agree. THIS SHIP IS CONFUSING to navigate. Especially after just getting off the LEGEND in June. As a past guest I know the Shows are up front, Casino in the middle, buffet/pizza on the back, pools/spa on top so that helped a little. Although confusing, I was expecting it and actually assisted some others looking lost near the elevators trying to get somewhere. It was fun finding finding new rooms I was not expecting. TIP2a: Read the ship map and keep it with you, TIP2b: If you dont want to walk through the crowded casinos or on deck-you can go DOWN to deck 2 and walk straight across the ship to the correct elevators. Also for this ship, instead of remembering what floor something was on, it helps to note which elevator is the best to use. UP and DOWN is just as important as across on this ship as some floors DO NOT go all the way across. When booking I asked which decks had the "main rooms". This was another reason I was ok with booking deck2. The gangway was 2 doors away from our cabin so very convenient to get off and on the ship. OK we sacrificed hearing the heavy footed people stomping off the ship, but dealt with it and got us up early for ports. TIP3: Go to the far forward end of Deck 5/6/7 (cabin level) to get out front for some awsome pictures of the sunset around 7pm and for full pics of the sides of the ship. Most people think the ships decks end at the slide on Lido. THEY DON'T! I guess this could be the VICTORY's "secret doors". but clearly an outside door. Note: Farthest point forward are CREW decks only.

The ship is decorated nice.(LEGEND was nicer) but its a cruise ship not a castle/mansion. The Carribean lounge(SHOWS) do have poles (as with every other ship) but just get there early enough to pick a seat you like. I prefer the upper level with more comfort able seats, TIP4: The WELCOME ABOARD and LEGEND shows are 1 performance only, so it gets filled up quick. Thought the shows were great and the Crew-performers deserve APPLAUSE=Orchestra and dancers! As a peformer myself loved to watch the S African dancer w/2-tone hair. Very good dancer if you know what to watch for. Both lead vocalists know how to sing on this ship! Comedy shows and magician was ok too. Great audience interaction but have seen those tricks many years back so nothing new for me. If you have children be warned there are adult comments now and again. Some costuming may be a bit much for some, but I can't say we were not warned by the cruise director. They do keep the Vegas-style in mind so expect some skin.

This is NOT a sunbathing cruise! Sweatshirt, vests or longsleeve for ports are good options. PM on deck can be breezy and cold.

 

DINING & FOOD: We had late seating in the Atlantic. Our experience was much better than the other reviewer on this same cruise. Our servers were GREAT (Sorina/Mike?), Victor the Matr-D was nice too and the drink lady was at the table shortly after being seated every night. Wish we had a round table because the long table was hard to talk to everyone. (Although they were not the most socialable people either) On the 2nd night we had some new table mates as another table was only half full. They were a blast and believe it or not a fellow cruise critic member. PINKY & her friend! How funny! Girls my dad and I had a great time with you! Contact me, I got our picture we took outside the dining room. Hope we can cruise together again!

I was very pleased with all the food in the dining room as well as the rest of the ship. Unless you have a personal chef at home with a menu I will never understand how anyone complains a bout choices and food on a cruise ship. Thought the pizza was best so far from my past 2 cruises. We ate the breakfast buffet which was just fine for me. Deli, Grill, and Chinese were also good food. TIP5: The Mediteranian buffet has a 2nd floor that always had seats and quiet from all the kids/people running around you. Eat in peace up there.

 

EXCURSIONS: ST JOHN: Well all I can say is don't expect paradise. I was aware this is not Aruba or an Island port so was not looking for the scenery. We decided to save money and just do our own walk around town to some things to see. It can be a bit hilly if you are not a walker. I found best values for souvies in the tents getting back on the ship at both ports. Off the ship to the left one block up is CALLAHANS, a local bar formerly the old post office (not on the pub tour). Nice place to meet the locals and get some info about the town. TIP6: Local pubs in ports or small stores/where locals go are great info gathering tips. Meet the people not the tour traps. The Maritime Museum sells pre-paid postcards & there is a wooden boardwalk along the water to get a great pic of the ship. TIP7: The tide rises and falls over about 6hrs so don't expect to see rapids or rushing water flowing upstream the reversing falls. Watch for seals in the bay during tide changes as they come in to feed when the fish are confused with the water flow.

 

HALIFAX: 6.5hr Halifax Peggys Cove Salmon Bake tour was great. Learned alot, visited Titanic cenetery and saw the Citidel briefly drive-by. Peggys Cove is a place to see. TIP8: Bring your passport with you and have them stamp it at the lighthouse post office (usually any post office will do it actually). Also mail your post cards from their, excellent for pictures and the food was delicious- FULL MEAL and great value IMO.;)

 

Bagpipers on both docks as we left were a nice touch. Hope you have a zoom lens or be on DECK 3 to get their picture closer then go up to for the scenery pictures. I do not have children so can't comment on Camp Carnival. There were 800 kids on this ship I heard. Cathc the Camp Carnival Talent show on Halifax night in the Black/Red room? It is really cute.

 

Overall I liked this cruise. If ever to do again I could skip St John. I brought $200 Canadian prior to leaving home so was prepared with their money in port. Charge for bigger items. Loved the cruise director Dana Hodson. Reminded me of a friend with same manerisms and looks. Definate up to par with Julie from the Sensation05.

 

TIP9: Buy the Embarkation photo on the last day will get you a free frame. TIP10: Families ask to have a special photo taken then spend the money for the canvas enlargement. They are beautiful and well worth the price $69. You also get a free 8x10 of the same photo. They will also do other canvas mounts of any photo but if you need a new updated family frame this is the place. But you have to take the pictures so get in line!!

 

Washed my hands often and brought my own anti-bacterial hand lotion. Sorry didn't have any problems with any of the bathrooms on the ship as past reviewers did. Also have an unwanted shower cap now if any one needs one. LOL Maybe I can sell it on ebay?

 

I rate 5's & some 5+ for the confusing ship layout and St John was just another town to me. For the price I paid ($500 each) was a great price

 

COUNTDOWN FOR Mexican Riviera-NCL has now begun!! :D

Tom

[moxie99]

It was wonderful reading your review as the Victory was our first "big" cruise - the one that hooked us forever! We've sailed her twice to the Caribbean and being from Maine - Halifax/Canada is in our back-yard so have never done that itineary. We are booked for a week on her November 5th - got an incredible deal and have a wonderful PVP - Jose - we love you!

 

Can't wait to see her again!

[gatrbait]

I loved your sense of humor and "keeping it real".. I am sailing out on her monday.. guess I better get off here and start packing...thanks a bunch for all the tips!!

Micky

[luv2cruz44]

Tom,

 

Best and most helpful review I've seen. We leave on the Victory for the 7 day on 9/30/06. I filled a page in my notebook with notes on the Victory, St. John & Peggys Cove. Glad you made allusions to the past posters whose opinions had me concerned. We too have an ocean view and I appreciated your comments about the advantage you saw in being lower down in the ship and not needing a balcony. Thank you again for very helpful info.

 

Ann

[CruzVinnieCruz]

Good review and since we will be sailing the Triumph next year I copied and pasted a a few notes for reference. I do think that the Legend is one of the easiest ships to get around on. Too bad you did not go to Trunk Bay while you were at St Johns. It is voted as one of the top ten beaches in the world and it must be right next door to paradise. I will agree that if you only walked around the port there is not much there and it is not too impressive.

[jrmende63]

Tom,

Thanks for the review. I will be on the Victory Sept of 07. Same ports. I appreciated your tips! Julie

[ParrotRob]

Good review and since we will be sailing the Triumph next year I copied and pasted a a few notes for reference. I do think that the Legend is one of the easiest ships to get around on. Too bad you did not go to Trunk Bay while you were at St Johns. It is voted as one of the top ten beaches in the world and it must be right next door to paradise. I will agree that if you only walked around the port there is not much there and it is not too impressive.

 

Um, the reviewer in this post went to SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick, not St. John, USVI. I don't think there are any beaches right next door to paradise in the Canadian Maritimes :p

[pacerzfan]

Great review, thank you.

[enjoyinglife]

Wiskt,

 

Thanks for the review, and glad you enjoyed yourself. It is nice to know that not everyone comes back from the Victory dissatisfied. I have seen a few recently!

 

I sail on her in February and can't wait.;)

[IMCOCKEYED]

I think everyone should chill out when making reviews of ships. Yes it's nice to hear your experience, but at the same time you're ruining for others. Maybe the way you worked out your vacation worked for you, but it may not work out the same for someone else. Any smart person out there knows that the lower you are on the ship the less rocking, doesn't take a scientist to figure that one out. About the other cruise lines you brag about at the beginning, you can't compare apples to oranges. Cruising with Carnival is "FUN" No other cruise line out there is like Carnival, people who travel on Royal are stuck up seems like and those who travel on NCL, are people who can't afford anything else, and will have a horrible time. I apologyze if this hurts anyeone's feelings, but I don't find it helpful reading reviews from people who think they know Carnival after going on 2 of their ships, and giving me tips on useless info.

[rvrgirl]

I think everyone should chill out when making reviews of ships. Yes it's nice to hear your experience, but at the same time you're ruining for others. Maybe the way you worked out your vacation worked for you, but it may not work out the same for someone else. Any smart person out there knows that the lower you are on the ship the less rocking, doesn't take a scientist to figure that one out. About the other cruise lines you brag about at the beginning, you can't compare apples to oranges. Cruising with Carnival is "FUN" No other cruise line out there is like Carnival, people who travel on Royal are stuck up seems like and those who travel on NCL, are people who can't afford anything else, and will have a horrible time. I apologyze if this hurts anyeone's feelings, but I don't find it helpful reading reviews from people who think they know Carnival after going on 2 of their ships, and giving me tips on useless info.

 

:confused: :confused: :confused: People that cruise Royal Caribbean are stuck up? Have you even checked the price of NCL? You have no idea what you are talking about.

[IMCOCKEYED]

:confused: :confused: :confused: People that cruise Royal Caribbean are stuck up? Have you even checked the price of NCL? You have no idea what you are talking about.

 

If you're an NCLer that's fine. I have the right to say what I think. The service, food, and entertainment you find on Carnival, are nothing like NCL, Carnival actually have a real orchestra. I'm not going to put you down if you like to travel in small cabins and find their crowd pleasant. I just know that you can't compare a Honda Civic, to a Lexus. that's all.

[rvrgirl]

If you're an NCLer that's fine. I have the right to say what I think. The service, food, and entertainment you find on Carnival, are nothing like NCL, Carnival actually have a real orchestra. I'm not going to put you down if you like to travel in small cabins and find their crowd pleasant. I just know that you can't compare a Honda Civic, to a Lexus. that's all.

 

Settle down.

First of all you said people that cruise NCL can't afford anything else.

Which is way off base. Yes you have the right to say what you think.

Please think before you say;)

[wiskt]

About the other cruise lines you brag about at the beginning, you can't compare apples to oranges. Cruising with Carnival is "FUN" No other cruise line out there is like Carnival, people who travel on Royal are stuck up seems like and those who travel on NCL, are people who can't afford anything else, and will have a horrible time. I apologyze if this hurts anyeone's feelings, but I don't find it helpful reading reviews from people who think they know Carnival after going on 2 of their ships, and giving me tips on useless info.

 

 

ummm not really getting what your point is here?

If you kindly read again you will see that I have not sailed on NCL nor Royal yet. So I hope your "stuck up remark" was not towards me. I was also not comparing to them and also stated that if I wanted one of those experiences I would be on their ships. That I will do in the future "for my comparison" I understand they are totally different experiences and never understood why other posters put Carnival down because it was not "up to par with them" I like Carnival so far from what I have experienced, and I am certain I will enjoy NCL in Sept as well in different ways. I just have not had the opportunity to travel on another as of yet.

 

Since i don't see your sailing experience listed then perhaps you have none? Not everyone has been on every ship & each is different. If one of my tips are helpful to anyone then my job was done. Not all reviews are helpful to everyone, but if it is your first time on a ship then perhaps any/all are helpful to someone.

[VentureMan_2000]

Fight... Fight... :D

[POPPA_DADDYO]

If you're an NCLer that's fine. I have the right to say what I think. The service, food, and entertainment you find on Carnival, are nothing like NCL, Carnival actually have a real orchestra. I'm not going to put you down if you like to travel in small cabins and find their crowd pleasant. I just know that you can't compare a Honda Civic, to a Lexus. that's all.

You are messing with the clique leader. You might get banned for a few days! She follows everyone around just to start trouble. You are entitled to your opinion without someone being rude to you. Being rude is supposed to be a few days off according to the guidelines in here. Like I said before, she must get banned quite often.

[finoky]

Wiskt, thanks for posting your review. Enjoyed reading it and the Victory is one of our favorite ships.

[tomsandi]

My wife and I are going on the Victory in Oct. Love your tips, I been on 4 cruise ships 3 of them were from other cruise Lines. So go and enjoy your self, only one life to live. Thanks again.:D

[Anatresia]

Ignore that troll comment. There's a lot of them hanging around on this site, flaming and throwing criticism for no reason. You said absolutely nothing that could be contorted as negative towards Carnival.;)

 

Your review was great. I am sick of reading reviews that pick the Victory apart, so it was nice that your review seemed honest and genuine.

 

I hope to use your tips when we sail on the Victory in April, esp. the "secret door" tip! Thanks!

[cruisetmc]

Thanks for the review. We are leaving in 2 weeks. Lots of good information.

[wiskt]

Hello everyone there was one more "Tip" I thought might be helpful to someone. This may be the most helpful of them all. If you are like me then you know how difficult it is to locate your pictures searching though the thousands they take. I usually wait until later to decide which are the best to choose from.

 

Bring small neon colored post-its. Tear a small piece and place it on the top center of your pictures to help locate them easier when trying to decide which to buy later in the cruise. Unknowingly, you could be helping your table mates also find theirs since they are usually grouped in order of being taken.

 

The post it will not harm the photo, but be courtious to others searching and only place a small piece enough to see on yours without blocking others. Use the same color on all your photos, as I can imagine that once someone starts doing this it will catch on and everyone will start to follow. -or- you can buy a small box of colored paper clips to slip over the top center if you do not have post its.

 

The Victory has signs posted that state "Photos are up for a llimited time" then they remove them to make room for others. If they see that someone has marked a photo to decide later then they may just leave it before removing it from the wall.

 

Tom

[Lisa63]

Excellent review, wiskt, and lots of great tips as well. We were on the July 1st cruise (my review is probably around page 20 by now), and agree with most of your comments. Thank you again for an enjoyable review.

[musicmansmom]

i think your review is terrific and very helpful. i will be on her in 6 days. wow, cant beleive it is almost here. i especially liked the fact that now i know how to navigate the ship better because of your advise and where to go to get the best shots of the bag-piper.

 

you have been a great help to me ;) . i love carnival and i always have a wonderful time when i sail on her.

[jlou]

Good review. Will be on the Victory in less than 2 weeks and will use your tips - when/if appropriate. I personally find it useful to read other's experiances - good or bad. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Your tips are like a 'heads up' and no one is forced to use them if they chose not to.

 

I may have missed something but I didn't read anything where you were doing any comparisons between cruise lines.