Valor Review - 2/10 - 2/17 (some repeat)

[Jilltoons]

I started writing a review yesterday under the post of "Home from the Valor" - wanted to change it to this and add more posts. Sorry to be redundent.

 

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

[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]

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.

[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. I had placed the completed room service menu at 10:00pm the evening prior - we woke up at 7:00am - and at 7:30, wondering why our room service wasn't there - we saw that the menu was still hanging from our door. Called room service, but at that point it was too late to order, we had to be at our excursion - Room Service told me that I should have put it in my mailbox. We tried this another time and again it wasn't picked up - they then told me it should be on the door. We stopped trying to order room service this way after that - just called them.

 

Ok back to Nassau - 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.

[mafig]

Thank you so much for your very informative review.

I enjoyed reading it.

[Jilltoons]

Tuesday - Day At Sea - Looking at the Capers for this day - I see I did nothing. Mostly napped, listed to the ocean, watched the flying fish, ate lots of food.

 

The seas were really rough this day - sat in front of the slot machines a bit - rocking back and forth.

 

Wednesday - St. Thomas.

Pulled into St. Thomas an hour late because of the rough seas. Our excursion wasn't until 12noon - so that was fine with us. We went and ate a hearty breakfast - this was where I discovered the yummy salsa - try it on your hash browns and scrambled eggs, you won't be disappointed. We went to stand in the HUGE line that was for US Immigration (Customs) - It went down the 5th floor promenade halls - down the stairs and wound all over - Immigration was in the Eagles Lounge, it didn't really take that long to get it done - but the line seemed pretty crazy. So if you have to get somewhere early - get outside the Eagles Lounge early.

 

Went on the Carnival excursion - St. John Champagne Catamaran Sailaway. I have placed a review of this excursion on the St. Thomas board. But I must tell you all this was THRILLING! The open bus ride to the marina on the other side of the island was interesting. Those are quite the hills you go up and down. When we got back at 5:00pm - we were beat. Went back to the ship - never even went into the port. Just took nap. I was up by 6:00 though and watched a movie on the new "Carnival Sea Side Theater" - Saw my tablemates walking around and apologized saying I didn't really feel like eating in the dining room.

I called my husband at 7;15am - with our walkie talkie's that we brought (came in handy more than once). Told him to get up to Rosies or he would miss the buffet. He watched the end of the movie with me. We went back to the casino to offer them a few dollars of our winnings from previous days.

 

Went and purchased our Nassau picture - the casual pictures they take outside the ship are only $8.95 for a smaller pic. Thought that was a great deal.

 

Well - off to get ready for my first day of work back from the ship....

Will get to Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Debarkation later :)

 

Jill

[Jilltoons]

Thursday - St. Martin (just a tease of the day)

 

Warm sunny skies, turquoise caribbean seas, light breeze, beautiful friendly caribbean people, guavaberry emporium, belgium chocolate factory, Reetas, Airplane Beach (mayo?), Orient Beach, ahhhhhhhhhh

must say - beautiful place!

 

Joyce Prince made my St. Martin experience A++++++

[p0mpey]

We will be on the Valor in May and counting the days. It will be my DS and DBL's first ever cruise. Somehow reading your review I don't think they will be disappointed! We, however are doing the other itineary. Thanks for writing the review. Although it just makes me wish the next 80 days away even more.

Pat.

[DeltaDL]

I have to ask what the expired gift card is for??? I've never heard this... :confused:

[Jilltoons]

I have to ask what the expired gift card is for??? I've never heard this... :confused:

 

That was just the card I chose for the magnetic strip and to lock and unlock the safe. I didn't want to use my credit card - and you can use any card that has a magnetic strip. Why not an expired gift card was my thought. Worked like a charm.

[dbarj]

Thanks so much for the wonderful review! Yes, please tell us about the expired gift card.

[Drew B]

That was just the card I chose for the magnetic strip and to lock and unlock the safe. I didn't want to use my credit card - and you can use any card that has a magnetic strip. Why not an expired gift card was my thought. Worked like a charm.

 

But assuming that two people are sharing a cabin, only one of them can carry the card that opens the safe. That can prove to be inconvenient if the person not holding the card wants to open the safe when the one with the card isn't around. I wish they'd just switch to a combination system so that both people can open it.

[WinnipegCruiser]

Great job Jill!

 

Reading made me almost feel like I was there. Well and I was, almost there anyway.

 

Strange about the crowd. I had never heard of such a thing before. Sure 200-300 people with the same booking, but 1600! That must have been a hassle.

 

I suppose Carnival will be sending out 1200 45 day letters!

 

Buck

[Vidimom]

Looking forward to hearing about St. Maarten. We are taking the same trip in September. Hoping you will also be posting those pictures soon too! Fantastic review so far, keep up the good work!

[Jilltoons]

Thursday - February 14th - St. Martin / St. Maarten

 

We woke up early and got breakfast this morning. Rosie's is great. There are small buffets right by the first main pools and then there are larger buffets with more choices when you go farther into Rosies - through the sliding doors. At the smaller buffets you can get cereal in boxes. I liked this. Also liked that they had Skim, 2%, Whole and Chocolate milks in cartons. My eyes were always bigger than my stomach. Took way too much. I actually found the coffee to be pretty good at the buffets. I had been worried about the coffee and had even started posts about bringing a coffee pot - - - - well the coffee was just fine, and two times went to the Java place and had double latte's - paid the extra fee - and that was fun.

 

Anyway - we had booked an independent tour guide for this trip on St. Martin. Her name is Joyce Prince and I can not say enough great things about her. Her tour was very reasonably priced and she really showed us the island. We did a group tour with a family of three. We all got along great. I really enjoyed seeing the Dutch side with the shopping - we did buy ciggarettes there (for my husband, not that it matters, but I quit 6 years ago) - anyway we bought cartons for $12.00 for Marlboro Lights. You can bring back 2 cartons each from St. Martin - (but do remember that you can bring back 4 cartons each from St. Thomas - just make sure to save receipts). Though in hindsight - at customs - no one even checked or asked us about the ciggarettes. But you never know.

I bought some guavaberry rum. I thought it tasted really good. We then went to Mayo Beach - saw the planes flying low over us - that was exciting. Then went to Orient Beach which is on the French side. I thought the French side of the Island was beautiful and quaint. We didn't stay at Orient Beach though - was way too crowded. The other family got off here and Joyce brought us back to the ship. She gave us hugs and we felt we had really made a friend.

 

This was the evening we went to Scarlett's *see my above post about the food. What an amazing treat! I drank way too much this evening, was silly at the casino, went to bed and promptly got sick - not fun at all. Over indulgence - what fun.....

 

Friday and Saturday - Sea Days - will continue this tomorrow. Today I worked 13 hours - and I am ready for bed.

Jill

[Jilltoons]

To answer a couple questions I saw on my other post -

 

The band Music Society was not on my ship.

 

The ship started sailing after muster drill. That was when we had horn wars with the Freedom of the Seas and the Victory - that was so fun!

[Jilltoons]

Great job Jill!

 

Reading made me almost feel like I was there. Well and I was, almost there anyway.

 

Strange about the crowd. I had never heard of such a thing before. Sure 200-300 people with the same booking, but 1600! That must have been a hassle.

 

I suppose Carnival will be sending out 1200 45 day letters!

 

Buck

 

Hey Buck - your wife is a sweetie!!!!!! We saw each other quite a few times. I think she was quite shocked when I went up to her and introduced myself to her (I recognized her from your pics).

 

Jill

[MomTo2InVA]

Thanks for your review! Looking forward to my valor cruise in March. We've never been to the Bahamas before - would you recommend the tour that you did? We'll have a 2 year old with us - will she be bored?

[cpizzull]

Thanks for the great review. We'll be on Valor in mid-March. Ever since I've heard about there being booths in the dining room, I was curious if its really comfortable to sit there, especially during formal nights? What are your thoughts, and wouldn't long gowns, etc be a problem? Just seems we may want to request a table when we get there.

 

Thanks!!

Chet

[Jilltoons]

Thanks for the great review. We'll be on Valor in mid-March. Ever since I've heard about there being booths in the dining room, I was curious if its really comfortable to sit there, especially during formal nights? What are your thoughts, and wouldn't long gowns, etc be a problem? Just seems we may want to request a table when we get there.

 

Thanks!!

Chet

 

I thought the booths were great! Because it was just for 4 people and you didn't have to scoot all around a corner like in a booth for 6. So I think you would be fine in a long gown. I was in a cocktail length gown and never even thought about it being a problem. I was so happy with my table, servers, tablemates, everything - When I first saw my table I wasn't happy at all - I am glad I gave it a chance - it was one of the many many highlights of my trip!

[montana200024]

keep up the good work Jill...doing a great job...but can you finish before I leave..:D j/k

[keene state mom]

I am going the same time as Judy, so I would love for you to finish....I leave in 48 hours for the airport

I have been looking at the web cam for a year now, and

I am still trying to figure out why the Valor was turned around in a different direction when it came back into Miami.

I picked the same side as you for my balcony, hoping to see the other ships as we leave and I will be disapointed if I am looking at the sidewalk.

[Yoli=)]

Oh Jill please finish it.......

[Jilltoons]

So - Friday and Saturday are Sea Days. There are so many fun things to do! Have to admit to really sleeping in on Friday. We just took it easy this day - hung out on the Lido - got some sun -

 

Played Bingo -

We had bought the 10 scrath tickets - and placed our non winning ones in a drawing - I WON! That was really fun - hearing my name on loud speaker on the LIDO deck and jumping up and down. Won a bottle of champagne and a bag full of t-shirts, hats, flip flops, playing cards, etc.

 

This was the 2nd formal night. I am someone who doesn't want to dress up two nights. I loved the first night, dressed up for Scarlett's on Thursday night. So - hubby and I went to the buffet this night. There was carved Prime Rib - AND Chocolate Melting Cake!!!!! I thought the dinner was wonderful. I found out our tablemates from the dining room did the same thing. What is so funny? You start worrying about what how our server feels about you not coming to dinner.....are thy relieved? do they miss you? I didn't ask Barry the next night - but was curious.

We went to the 80's show on Friday night. I thought it was fun - though I can hear Simon Cowell saying - YOu sound like a cruise ship singer......The singers are fine - showy - enjoyed the costumes.

 

A Tip: I am sure this was written about on Cruise Critic - but I didn't put it together until it happened to us.

When you board and have your Sign and Sail Cards. As a couple, your folio numbers are different - you can look up the accounts on your TV. I went into panic mode - I thought the $1000.00 on my account didn't include my husband's folio of an additional $600.00!!!!!!! Called the purser desk - she did not understand my question - so I still thought we all of the sudden were $600.00 over what I thought. On Saturday went down to the pursers desk. WAS RELIEVED!!!!!! My account was the main account - so my amount included my husbands. Thank you thank youthank you! I promptly went and had the drink of the day!!!

 

Saturday - Last full day on ship :(

We took full advantage of this day. Went to the dining room for breakfast. This is a treat - everyone should do this once. The service was wonderful. The food...........well - it was ok, but that's alright.

The company - fabulous! Met some wonderful people from North CArolina. They were so nice!

 

Went to 10:30am Bingo - If I ever have to sit through Bingo - I can't wait to hear your opinion of the BAM and BAMMIT girl. I was about to go crazy if I heard her say that again. After the Bingo in the Ivanhoe Theater there was the Debarkation Talk - I am so glad I went to this! Learned much. Also the Captain came up front and thanked us and approximately 50 Carnival employees came up and we all gave standing ovations. It felt really great. I felt like the GRinch when his heart keeps growing and growing. That is how I felt about Carnival. I am in love with them!

 

The rest of Saturday - who knows....I have forgotten which day we met our tablemates - watching my husband play shuffleboard - Priceless!

Had dinner in the dining room. Disappointed with the Veal Cutlets. The food did not make or break my cruise though. I thought the food was fine - hits and misses. I didn't care - having too much fun. And it wasn't as if the food was really bad......it just didn't seem WOW. And again - I was fine with that.

 

Went to the Legends show this night. Everyone should go to this. Ours was very bad.......but I would think it all depends on your fellow cruisemates and if they audition at Kareoke. It was a fun show though and the last night with our tablemates. We laughed and boogied and all in all had a wonderful time.

 

Put our luggage outside our door at 10:00pm. It was gone within minutes. We were going on a Carnival excursion in Miami the next morning and so luckily - - - I had gone to the embarkation talk and knew I should get the Number 3 - was given the number 10 - called the pursers desk and they sent up the correct number. Luckily this was early on before dinner - so it was easy to take care of.

 

Sunday - last day

 

Went to breakfast at Rosies. Had my final yummy salsa. Wish I had some at home.

Went to the Ivanhoe Theater because I was going on an excursion.

Was out by 8:00am - no line - got my luggage quickly - no line for customs. Went right through. Got on Greyhound buses.

Went to the Everglades - FABULOUS EXCURSION!!!!

We were at the airport by 1:30pm.

I will never fly out of Miami again - the lines were so long. Took an hour and a half to get through all of the lines. I suppose all in all that doesn't seem like so long and thankfully our flight wasn't until 4:00 - but it just seemed so unorganized. Not more than three times we were told to go to the wrong place. Just be careful and give yourselves lot of time.

 

BON VOYAGE ALL - Had the best time of my life. When is my 2nd cruise now? Must get planning!

 

Enjoy the horn wars ;) that for me was the start of the dream! Miss you Valor.