Home from the Valor !!!

[Jilltoons]

I am so tired right now - I want to give you all a review of my very first cruise - which was on the Valor Eastern Caribbean....but I can't even begin to make even a legible thought in my head right now.

 

I am going to just talk about Embarkation right now to start: We are putting together pictures too for everyone.

 

Port of Miami -

Everything seemed very organized. Because the ship had been on drydock for 2 weeks prior to my sailing - we didn't have to worry about waiting for customs, cleaning, nothing......so we got to the Port at 10:30am - such a nice building - nice people. Went through security and got ourselves all signed up. They made me feel good that I had completed the Sign and Sail information online. We then saw an area for waiting called the Caribe (sp?) - it had nice comfortable red seats all over. We weren't sure if we should wait there - but no one said anything - so we sat down to wait. Turned out that this area was where a large wedding party was - we ended up getting onboard with this group - and were about the 20th person onboard. That was so fun! We walk onto level 3 and had no idea what to do - there was a cocktail server holding a tray of Funship Specials (the drink of the day) - we grabbed one, and she took our folio number from our Ship and Sail card. I signed the little slip (this turned out to be one of hundreds that I would sign throughout our week). She advised us that our rooms would be ready around 1:30pm. Though we knew they would be ready before. We went up to the Lido deck and got some food. Everything was so clean.

The new big screen was showing our Cruise Director - Chris Jefferson (who we absolutely fell in love with). He was talking about what to expect for the first day. At noon we went and found our room. A more perfect balcony room we could not have wished for. The room number was 8254 - it was just down the stairs from the Lido deck and just a few short steps to the main Atrium glass elevators. We were able to get everywhere quickly.

 

We dropped off our carry one bags in our room. Stepped out onto the balcony. We LOVED the balcony. I now can not imagine not having one. We were out on it ALL the time.

 

That's all I can say right now. I will continue after I have another cup of coffee and some late breakfast.

 

Jill

[newfietraveldiva]

I can't wait to hear more!!!! We set sail in about five weeks and not a moment too soon - this winter weather is really getting me down. I love that first Funship Special when you walk on board - one of my favorite memories.

[Jilltoons]

Day 1 continued:

We did the muster drill. I thought it was kinda fun.

 

Ok - this is what became clear during the muster drill - which really played a bit of an impact on our trip - something which I need to mention. Turned out this sailing had been booked by a group (I never saw anything about this group on any website) - It was a group of 1600 Chinese - Market America website distributors (this is a multi level marketing group). the demographics of having this group on our ship really made an impact on anyone who wasn't part of this group. I was told later that there were 1200 complaints about this group. We did feel a bit left out - many places were closed to us, and during this groups "breaks" - The crowds were overwhelming.

 

My trip was amazing - and the above comment is only a comment - It did make the trip probably a bit different than the "usual" Caribbean cruise experience.

[Jilltoons]

double post

[cruiselover999]

Hi! I am going to be in room 8258 in November! Can you tell me if the rooms in that area are quiet? Is that a good side of the ship to be on when in port? Is the balcony nice? What sized chairs are out there? Is there a lounger? Sorry for all the questions, but when I found out that you were just 4 doors down from where I'll be, I couldn't help it! Hope you had a marvelous cruise! Thanks!:D :D :D

[DqALEX]

I am so tired right now - I want to give you all a review of my very first cruise - which was on the Valor Eastern Caribbean....but I can't even begin to make even a legible thought in my head right now.

 

I am going to just talk about Embarkation right now to start: We are putting together pictures too for everyone.

 

Port of Miami -

Everything seemed very organized. Because the ship had been on drydock for 2 weeks prior to my sailing - we didn't have to worry about waiting for customs, cleaning, nothing......so we got to the Port at 10:30am - such a nice building - nice people. Went through security and got ourselves all signed up. They made me feel good that I had completed the Sign and Sail information online. We then saw an area for waiting called the Caribe (sp?) - it had nice comfortable red seats all over. We weren't sure if we should wait there - but no one said anything - so we sat down to wait. Turned out that this area was where a large wedding party was - we ended up getting onboard with this group - and were about the 20th person onboard. That was so fun! We walk onto level 3 and had no idea what to do - there was a cocktail server holding a tray of Funship Specials (the drink of the day) - we grabbed one, and she took our folio number from our Ship and Sail card. I signed the little slip (this turned out to be one of hundreds that I would sign throughout our week). She advised us that our rooms would be ready around 1:30pm. Though we knew they would be ready before. We went up to the Lido deck and got some food. Everything was so clean.

The new big screen was showing our Cruise Director - Chris Jefferson (who we absolutely fell in love with). He was talking about what to expect for the first day. At noon we went and found our room. A more perfect balcony room we could not have wished for. The room number was 8254 - it was just down the stairs from the Lido deck and just a few short steps to the main Atrium glass elevators. We were able to get everywhere quickly.

 

We dropped off our carry one bags in our room. Stepped out onto the balcony. We LOVED the balcony. I now can not imagine not having one. We were out on it ALL the time.

 

That's all I can say right now. I will continue after I have another cup of coffee and some late breakfast.

 

Jill

welcome back. its nice when you can get on the ship early and start your vacation.

[Jilltoons]

Hi! I am going to be in room 8258 in November! Can you tell me if the rooms in that area are quiet? Is that a good side of the ship to be on when in port? Is the balcony nice? What sized chairs are out there? Is there a lounger? Sorry for all the questions, but when I found out that you were just 4 doors down from where I'll be, I couldn't help it! Hope you had a marvelous cruise! Thanks!:D :D :D

 

4th time trying to respond. Please what is up with the boards today? aarrgghh!

 

Because there are only 3 ports that you go to - I really don't think it matters which side you are on. In Nassau and in St. Thomas we were not on the "gang plank" side of the ship - We were in St. Martin and must say it is fun to watch people come back to the ship. Not a big deal though. The room is wonderful. The balcony is small but perfect for two - 2 chairs and a small table (no lounger) - we would prop the chair against the door so that we could leave the door open and hear the ocean as we took an afternoon nap (HEAVEN!). Very quiet - only noice would be people in the hallway and the elevator chiming. YOu will be very very happy with the location.

[Yoli=)]

Welcome BAck!

Ok first was there a mini golf? and did you find the rooms and balcony refurbished?

Thanks

--yoli

[OSUcruiser]

No time to rest...you are killing us with the suspense!!!!!

 

golf?

mongoilan BBQ?

other up grades?

[Jilltoons]

The Ship - Upgrades etc.

 

The Valor is in pristene shape.

We did not golf - and after I read this question I feel really bad - I DO NOT KNOW - if there is mini golf - I only saw them handing out putters and then when we were on the 12th deck - playing shuffleboard - I saw a place where people were being taught how to golf - but never saw a mini golf area....So not sure of the answer to this - Please someone on the next sailing - make it your mission - is there mini golf?

 

Mongolian Grill -

I had never been on the Valor before or any other ship -

One of my Roll Call friends said that she asked 5 staff people if there was a mongolian grill and no one had heard of it. The area that I believe was this - said Oriental - but there was such a line - that I never had this.

 

Other upgrades:

The movie screen is very fun. On Wednesday evening after St. Thomas around 6:00pm I watched Evan Almighty, eating Rosie's Chicken Parmesan from the buffet (YUMMMM!). That was fun.

 

The Water Slide has been all buffed and polished. My husband went down 5 times - LIKE A BULLET! - very fast, very fun.

 

The Spa rooms? Because I wasn't in one of these - don't know about them.

 

If there were other upgrades - not sure. I do know that the ship was beautiful, clean and shiny. I do not see how anyone could wish for a nicer ship. It was perfection.

[Jilltoons]

FOOD AND SERVICE AT MEALS:

 

Dining Room:

Our tablemates were so so so wonderful! How does Carnival do it? We were at a booth for 4. The other couple were the same ages as us. The husband was in hotel industry and had even helped consult for the same company I work with. It was so odd. They were incredible people!

 

Our main server was Barry - he was from South Africa, our Assistant Server was Elmer - from the Phillipines. Barry was a bit stiff - but we got him to loosen up by joking with him each night. Elmer was a wonderful guy, he always had a smile and a joke for us. I for some reason can not remember the beverage server - but he was wonderful too.

 

We could get anything we wanted off the menu. Many times I would order two appetizers, salad, entree - and then ALWAYS - the Melting Chocolate Cake. (For all of you fans there - I must admit though - the ice cream with the cake is what made it for me.....) YUM.

I thought the food in the dining room was a B. Many items failed, but if you ask your server, they will help you go in the right direction. The first night I had the Asparagus Soup - I thought I was in an old folks home eating tastless and bland broth. I tried adding a bit of salt and pepper - no good, though on the bright side - the asparagus pieces were yummy. The New York Steak that evening was wonderful.

The Caesar Salad is very very good - though on one night the lettuce must have been too wet - the flavor was very watery.

On Monday night - Formal night - I felt the lobster was just ok - my husband ordered two - Mind you - when you order a second lobster tail - you will get the entire meal again. They do not just bring you a second tail.

The pasta as an appetizer is a great way to go.

 

Breakfast - Went to Rosies most of the time - through buffet. It's ok - I wasn't a fan however of the Scrambled Eggs - But they have an amazing Salsa that is on the buffet that when mixed with the Scrambled Eggs is terrific. The sausage was just plain weird. The bacon was pretty limp and thin, BUT..........................the Omelettes were very good - just the line was long. Get their early. There is always Oatmeal and Grits. Lots of Cereals and Fruit galore. I brought a few bananas that weren't ripe up to my room - this was a nice snack after a day of ripening.

We had Breakfast in the Washington Dining Room one day. Most days we were too tired - or going on an excursion so didn't go there. It was a real treat. The people that we sat with were from North Carolina - and all of them were so nice. My husband and I both had the Eggs Benedict - it was fine.

 

Lunch:

Had the Grilled Rueben at the Deli - extra great!!!!!!

Had the buffet most days - Always found something good. Fun to try new items. So many salads!!!!! Every day a different theme and very good. I thought the service in Rosies was wonderful. Everyone was always so friendly and willing to help you with anything you needed.

PIzza - YUM! Had the Cheese, the Mushroom Goat Cheese, the Pepperoni....oh and a bite of my husbands pan pizza. I thought they were all very good. The crust is very very light, but golden.

 

Make sure on Saturday to do the Taco Bar. WOW!!!! It was so delicious. I wanted to try all of their salsas. Very very fresh! The guy serving their cracked me up.

 

Also Saturday at lunch the theme for the buffet is CHOCOLATE. Try as much as you can. They even have small milkshakes. I had 4 different types of chocolate desserts, some biscotti, cookies and the milkshake. What fun!

 

Dinner:

4 out of 7 days we ate in the dining room. Service - OUTSTANDING.

2 days at the buffet at Rosies (we ate up their on Friday night - just wasn't in the mood for another formal night) - On Friday night they had a carver with Prime Rib and the yummy Chocolate Melting Cake was there too. With the company of my hubby - couldn't have asked for a nicer meal.

 

One Valentines night we went to Scarlett's. This was the nicest dining experience we have ever had. I felt like a princess.

I had the Crab Cake and Lobster Bisque - whoops and the Caesar Salad. You have never tasted Lobster Bisque like this - ORDER IT! WOW! My husband had the Escargot sampler and the Lobster Bisque too - YUM!

Entree: Husband - Porterhouse - he gave me the filet part and it melted in your mouth. I ordered the Lobster tail - it was HUGE! I split it with my husband. For dessert I ordered the chocolate trio - I was way too full and only had a taste of each one. Felt bad - but was way too full.

The service at Scarlett's was spot on.

 

So I would say this: If you are a food critic. I am one - must admit. I was a bit too picky at times. The dining room food was hit or miss - but they are very willing to get you something different if you do not like your first choice. Be adventursome - listen to your waiter/ waitress. They will not let you down.

[mafig]

Day 1 continued:

We did the muster drill. I thought it was kinda fun.

 

Ok - this is what became clear during the muster drill - which really played a bit of an impact on our trip - something which I need to mention. Turned out this sailing had been booked by a group (I never saw anything about this group on any website) - It was a group of 1600 Chinese - Market America website distributors (this is a multi level marketing group). the demographics of having this group on our ship really made an impact on anyone who wasn't part of this group. I was told later that there were 1200 complaints about this group. We did feel a bit left out - many places were closed to us, and during this groups "breaks" - The crowds were overwhelming.

 

My trip was amazing - and the above comment is only a comment - It did make the trip probably a bit different than the "usual" Caribbean cruise experience.[/quote

 

A 1600 people group! Wow, that is a lot. I always try to find out if there are large groups booked, I guess you did too, but didn't find any info. :(

[Shepmom]

How would you find out if there is a large group booked on your cruise?

[Vidimom]

Thank you for the great review so far! Look forward to hearing more about Chris Jefferson. I met him several years ago when he was a social host and some on these boards said he has a real big ego. What did you think?

 

Looking forward to pictures too!

 

Keep up the great work!

[sheri18]

cant wait to read the rest..thanks...5 more days for me.....

[Jilltoons]

After dinner - we were very tired. We did hit the casino and guess what?

I won $950.00 on a nickle machine. Emeline - one of the Slot hosts - came and helped me. Emeline would become one of my very favorites on this cruise. She even gave me a gift at the end of the cruise and we gave each other big hugs. She was from the Phillipines and had the most beautiful smile. If you go to the casino at the Valor - please look for Emeline, please tell her Jill said hi. She was extra special!

 

Our cabin was perfect. I will say that the seas were a bit rough and I had trouble sleeping. I know at my next cruise I will bring some sleep aids - I am such a light sleeper and the rolling and thumping roused me often from my sleep. Never got seasick though :)

The bedding is so wonderful. So comfortable. I might have to buy one of the comforters and duvet covers. It was so soft and luxurious feeling. I also loved the pillows!

 

I asked our steward the first day to remove the items from the mini bar so that I could put items in it - he would not do this and said that is was something he could not do. He turned out to be very unhelpful throughout the cruise. Luckily we did get some cute towell animals that made us laugh and our bed was always made during the day and then turndown service in the evening. He just never went out of his way to make us feel welcome.

 

I was very happy to have the expired gift card with me for the safe, the extension cord and power strip were so helpful!!!!!!!! I thank my friends at Cruise critic for giving me these tips.

 

Also on day 1, we met the our small roll call folks from this board. A HUGE shout out to Sandy and Laurel. Also met Winnepegcruiser's wife and friend - they were so nice! Ran into them all many times throughout the cruise. It is so fun to have a familiar face to run into - like we are family. Loved that!

 

Another fun memory of Day 1 - leaving the Port of Miami - the horn wars. That was really fun. The Freedom of the Seas and the Carnival Victory left the same time as us. We were all waving and whooping and hollering. That was something that I never imagined. What an exciting way to start a vacation. I knew I was truly on the FUN SHIP!

 

Day 2 - Nassau Bahamas.

 

Woke up early to see us pulling into port. Only problem, we didn't have time for breakfast because we had to get ready for our excusion. What a lovely Port. All the lively colors of the buildings. We went ahead and booked the Carnival excursion - not sure if I needed to - but am happy I did really! We did a Harbor cruise - saw some interesting homes - didn't realize Nicholas Cage lived there part time. Would've liked to have waved hello to ol' Nick. Then went to the Atlantis Resort - everyone needs to see this place at least once. By the end of our tour - we were starved - didn't see anyplace at the resort that was even remotely reasonably priced. Went back to the Atlantis shops - found a Starbucks and shared a Croissant with my hubby and had a few Latte's. Kept us going.

Went back to the ship and had our Reuben Sandwiches - YUM!

 

We then took our typical afternoon nap. Got ready for our first formal night. I went to the laundry area and used the iron there. The washer and dryers were already busy. Never used these though. I hand washed a few things and hung them on the line in the bathroom worked just fine.

 

Went to the Captain's Welcome party. That was fun. I just took the dirnks they brought around. They had all sorts of drinks - I had a couple Manhattans and a glass of wine. I could've had much more too the way they were walking around. The appetizers were yucky though. The meatballs were plain -and the other item - I don't remember now - did impress me though. But hey - it was very fun! Everyone on the ship in the dining room was dressed up. We all had the little Lobster tail served with Shrimp. My husband ordered a second Lobster meal.

I had for the second night the Melting Chocolate Cake - I am in love with that stuff!!!!!!!!!!

 

That night we went to the casino again to see our friends there. We did not go to the show that evening. Played a bit of Roulette and won $350.00. That was fun. You can take the cash you win and put it on your Shp and Sail account. Helps keep it down for the week.

 

Please keep questions coming - it's hard to remember everything.

 

Talk to you soon.

Jill

[Jilltoons]

Thank you for the great review so far! Look forward to hearing more about Chris Jefferson. I met him several years ago when he was a social host and some on these boards said he has a real big ego. What did you think?

 

Looking forward to pictures too!

 

Keep up the great work!

 

I really liked Chris Jefferson. He made me laugh. I suppose it takes a bit of a big ego to be a cruise director every day. He seemed very relaxed and happy.

[mafig]

How would you find out if there is a large group booked on your cruise?

 

You can google the ship and date, ie. carnival valor, 0l/0l/09 - group cruises, or different combinations. Sometimes it works.

[PG13]

Everyone talks about 1st formal night, but when is the second?

What did you think of the shows? Wish they would switch-up their welcome aboard show, I love music and dancing shows. I was kind of dissapointed on our last cruise because the shows were the same we had seen on our previous cruise, thought that was weird.

What did you think about the bar band, we love to dance and always hope for a good band?

Last cruise there was a great jazz trio in the cigar bar, hate cigars, but loved the group, any signs of music in that area?

Love reading your blow by blow, thanks, Pat

[Jilltoons]

Everyone talks about 1st formal night, but when is the second?

What did you think of the shows? Wish they would switch-up their welcome aboard show, I love music and dancing shows. I was kind of dissapointed on our last cruise because the shows were the same we had seen on our previous cruise, thought that was weird.

What did you think about the bar band, we love to dance and always hope for a good band?

Last cruise there was a great jazz trio in the cigar bar, hate cigars, but loved the group, any signs of music in that area?

Love reading your blow by blow, thanks, Pat

 

Hi Pat - I actually decided to start a new post with my review because the title "home from the valor" really wasn't very good. But I would love to answer your questions.

The Shows: We only went to the shows on Friday and Saturday - Friday night was the 80's show and Saturday - the Legends show (where your fellow shipmates perform while the Carnival dancers...well...dance).

I thought it was a bit amateurish - it was fun though. I will say though, that the Break Dancers on Friday night were AMAZING! - they also performed in the Lobby after the show. The Legends Show - YUCK - the singing was so bad. It was Kareoke completely. Though we did get behind the people and cheer them on.

We didn't see many of the bands - we aren't dancers so didn't check it out. I loved the group on the Lido deck - the Caribbean music just keeps things rolling. There was a guy singing on the Promenade deck beside the casino - he was fun. I loved the Piano player in the Lindy Hop (Duane) - he made everyone laugh. The jazz band in Scarlett's was very nice, soft and sweet. I only went in the cigar lounge the first day - before anyone was there. My husband went and smoked his Cuban on Saturday and said the music was great.

[Guest Mary49]

Was there a "Music Society" rock and roll band in the bar? I had heard that they are very good. Thanks Mary49

[Jilltoons]

Was there a "Music Society" rock and roll band in the bar? I had heard that they are very good. Thanks Mary49

 

Sorry - didn't see this. Would have loved to though - darn it - guess I will have to go on another cruise.

[Guest Mary49]

Was the rock and roll band in lounge called "Music Society"? Thanks Mary49

[momofzeke]

I can't wait to hear more!!!! We set sail in about five weeks and not a moment too soon - this winter weather is really getting me down. I love that first Funship Special when you walk on board - one of my favorite memories.

NEWFIETRAVELDIVA: We are on the Valor with you in 5 weeks! Come join our Roll Call ~ we're having lots of fun. :) http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=612504&page=15

 

Jilltoons ~ loving your review! Keep it coming! Did the Valor start to sail during Muster Drill?