Carnival Valor Review 7/12-7/19

[rebeljohn]

VERY nice review and pics...........Thanks for sharing your trip with us.........

Looking forward to more.............

[vplsh]

Just checked my Capers and saw that it was this morning (before Roatan) that there was a scrapbooking session. It was at 10:30 by the Java Cafe. I have become a crazy cruise scrapbooker, so I was eager to see what was offered here. Unfortunately it was just the assistant CD Gio with a box of materials and the directions to do what we wanted with our pictures, which of course I didn't have. The materials weren't really worthwhile- just 8x11" cardstock, crayola markers and some gluesticks. Disappointing, especially because you really couldn't do anything. And Gio was quick to point out that this was just a "work session" not a seminar. The other ladies who showed up were as disappointed as I, I think. Needless to say I didn't go back for the scrapbooking session on the last sea day. Oh well!

 

After dinner this evening, we started off at the Magic Moments show but left halfway through. Again, we didn't really find the production shows to be that good. We wandered around the ship a bit more, lost more money in those darn penny slots, and headed off to bed. Tomorrow was Belize and we had a couple of excursions planned.

 

In Belize, Steve was going scuba diving with the Carnival excursion. I researched on these boards about diving there, and it was recommended more than once that you use the ship's divers, as it's a long tender ride to the port and a long boat ride to the dive area. Jennie and I were booked with belizecruiseexcursionsdotcom for a tour of the Altun Ha ruins. Steve and I got up early and had breakfast at Rosie's while Jennie slept in. He had to be on the first tender, but we didn't have to be ashore until 11:20 ship's time (Roaran is 2 hours earlier than ship's time this time of year). I had coffee and danish while Steve ate a heartier breakfast. He left for his tender and Jennie and I got ready for our day. We had decided to wear sneakers for this excursion, as there'd be a lot of walking, and I'd packed sunscreen, a hat and bugspray based on recommendations on these boards as well. I'll tell you, all three were definitely needed!

 

We had breakfast (yes, I ate another breakfast!) in the dining room before heading to the tender area. Jennie had French toast and I had eggs benedict. They were both good, but the coffee was not as good as either the room service coffee or the coffee in the buffet. Not bad, just not as good. We then headed to the Eagles Lounge for our tender ticket. We were group 14 and it looked like group 9 had just been called. It was now around 9:45. Shortly an announcement was made telling us they were suspending tenders while the ship repositioned itself. Apparently the current was not cooperating. About 40 minutes later they called the next three groups and our group was called at about 10:45. The tender ride was about 25 minutes and we arrived onshore about 11:10.

 

Sorry, I have to go now, but will finish Belize later. I'll add pictures later too!

[vplsh]

So, we got off the tender about 11:10 and found Jenny waiting for us, as directed, and we headed to the Belize Cruise Excursions booth to pay and meet up with the rest of our tour. We had given a deposit on line and I paid the balance in cash when we arrived. It was $42.50 pp including our lunch. They suggested we all use the rest rooms before leaving as it would be about an hour drive to Altun Ha. Then we all headed out to the street to get into our van. There were 10 of us in all, Jennie and me and 2 groups from the Carnival Legend, which was also in port. We all got into the van, turned on the a/c,and headed out. Our tour guide, Jenny, was wonderful and gave us all kinds of information about Belize as we headed out to the ruins. Be aware that the first half of the drive is pretty smooth, but the second half was a one lane road that was really bumpy. Jenny told us that the "big dog" gets to go first and the other cars just have to pull off to the side. We made a couple of stops along to way to look at things along the road, stopped for a second to let the restaurant know the total number of people in our group and then arrived at the ruins. Jenny paid for us and we all headed in. She escorted us from area to area, explaining everything, then allowed us some time to climb the tallest structure before heading back to the van and going to lunch.

 

We then headed to Mayan Wells, a lovely restaurant with a butterfly farm. We were served a traditional Belizean lunch of rice and beans, chicken, fresh avocado, mango and plantains. It was absolutely delicious. We were also served ice cold lemonade, which was so refreshing given the heat and humidity. When everyone finished, we walked to the butterfly house, where there's also a toucan. Everyone was taking pictures and enjoying themselves.

 

After lunch we headed back to the van for the ride back to Belize City. We went through the northern side of the city this time, with Jenny again explaining the history and landmarks. She dropped us off right at the entrance to the port at about 3:30- we had about 45 minutes until the last tender back to the Valor. We shopped around for a while and got on a very large tender back to the ship. Steve still hadn't returned before us, but came in right after. His diving was good, but very crowded. They were picked up and returned directly to the ship by the dive operator.

 

We headed up to the Lido deck for a cold drink and some ice cream (gotta love those ice cream machines!) and relaxed for a while before getting ready for dinner. Tonight was the Lido Deck Party, which we went to look at after dinner, but we weren't really hungry and there was a big buffet, so we listened to Play That and visited the casino before bed.

 

I'm attaching some pictures of the ruins at Altun Ha as well as a couple Jennie took of the flowers and butterfiles. She's the photographer in the family!

 

Tomorrow is Cozumel and we're looking forward to our tour with Gerry of Cozumel Taxi. We learned about him on the Cozumel board.

[vplsh]

This was our 6th time to Cozumel. On previous visits we'd either gone to the beach or Steve has played golf or went diving. We decided to try something different and had booked a private tour with Gerry from Cozumel taxi. We arrived in Cozumel 8AM ship's time which is one hour later than Cozumel time and met Gerry at 9AM Cozumel time. He was waiting for us with an air conditioned van. I had corresponded with his liason, Mike, since Gerry speaks English well but doesn't write it that well, and let him know what we were interested in doing. Gerry took us first to a grocery store to get water and beer for the cooler he'd brought, then took us on a tour of the neighborhoods of the north side of the island. We saw some really lovely homes owned by the Cozumel elite. Then we headed out to the San Gervasio ruins. Since Steve hadn't been with us the day before he wanted to see ruins, so we stopped here. They were not as impressive as the Belize ruins, but interesting nonetheless. When we were done, Gerry took us to the Tequila factory. Now, tequila can only be made in the Jalisco region of Mexico, but some enterprising folks have set up this "satellite" farm, where they pretty much babysit the agave plants before sending them back to Jalisco to be made into tequila. The tour costs $10 and includes a margarita and lots of tastes of various types of tequila. The margarita was very different- made with a full shot of tequila, a grapefruit soda, and lime. Very nice! (Remember, it's about 11 in the morning! LOL!)

 

Then we were introduced to our guide, Joaquin, who taught us all about how tequila is made, the history of tequila making, and about the many different kinds of tequila they make. We tried everything from Mescal to aged tequila to flavored tequilas, and purchased 2 bottles of flavored tequila to bring home.

 

Next, Gerry took us to the east side of the island, which is very different from where the ship docks. If you've ever been to Oahu, it's like the difference between Waikiki beach and the north shore. The East side of Cozumel is rocky and the water is rougher. We drove past Coconuts, which is the highest point on the island- probably because they built it on top of a cliff. We decided not to stop there as it was pretty crowded, but went on to Playa Bonita, where we stopped for lunch. We ordered Margaritas and lunch and Jennie and I headed down to the beach, which is lovely white sand, while we were waiting for it to arrive. I ordered green enchiladas, Steve had fajitas and Jennie ordered grilled shrimp. All were absolutely delicious and the price was very reasonable- the bill, with 4 drinks, was under $50 with a tip!

 

Next we got back into the van and headed for El Mirador for pictures. This is a rocky area where the ocean crashes in. It was beautiful. We decided not to stop at Punta Sur (the lighthouse and the southernmost end of the island) beacuse we were hot and tired (and I was a bit tipsy!) and drove back around the other side of the island, passing all of the beach clubs along the way. Gerry had us back to the ship around 2:30. The cost was very reasonable and I'd recommend him to anyone interested in seeing Cozumel the easy way. Just ask for info!

 

I'm attaching some pictures of what we saw along the way. The first is a shot of the ruins at San Gervasio, the second some iguanas that were all over the site, a couple at Playa Bonita, and one of Steve and me at El Mirador.

[yogimax]

Love the pastrami and reuben sandwiches!

[vplsh]

We got back to the cabin and relaxed a while. We were really hot and a little tired from all the tequila. We sailed at 5, and tonight was the second elegant night. We dressed for dinner, took a few pictures, played some slots (sensing a theme here??) before heading to the dining room. Tonight was chateaubriand, which was delicious. There was also lobster bisque, which was very good, although not as delicious as the bisque at Scarlett's. We were only 5 at dinner tonight, the other group having booked Scarlett's. We enjoyed conversation and the food and left the dining room after 9:30.

 

Tonight's show was a production number, which we skipped again. We tried to get in to the adults only comedy show in the Eagles Lounge- there are 2 late shows, one at 10:45 and one at midnight. The lounge was packed, so we skipped it. Again we listed to Play That for a bit, before heading up to the cabin.

 

Here are a few pictures of Valor at the dock in Cozumel. The Puerta Maya pier is really nice to dock at. Very convenient to get on and off the ship, and some really good shopping. You can also see the area around the dock in a few shots.

 

Tomorrow is our final day at sea.

[giftcard]

Great review! Thanks for sharing! :)

[vplsh]

Great review! Thanks for sharing! :)

 

 

Thanks, giftcard. I hope you enjoy your trip on Valor as much as we did.

 

More to come tomorrow.

[cruisingbajan]

Great review. I also plan on booking the Alta Hun ruins tour. Did you feel rush getting back to the ship? Did the difference in ship time and local time make a "real" difference?

 

Thanks

[Froufie]

Great review. I also plan on booking the Alta Hun ruins tour. Did you feel rush getting back to the ship? Did the difference in ship time and local time make a "real" difference?

 

Thanks

 

 

Personally I would book an excursion thru Carnival in Belize (they have an Altun Ha tour) - timing is everything in Belize especially given the tendering process. We did the Lamanai tour with belize cruise excursions and almost missed the ship! On my next cruise I don't I would chance it again!

[chasinraynbowz]

This was our 6th time to Cozumel. On previous visits we'd either gone to the beach or Steve has played golf or went diving. We decided to try something different and had booked a private tour with Gerry from Cozumel taxi. We arrived in Cozumel 8AM ship's time which is one hour later than Cozumel time and met Gerry at 9AM Cozumel time. He was waiting for us with an air conditioned van. I had corresponded with his liason, Mike, since Gerry speaks English well but doesn't write it that well, and let him know what we were interested in doing. Gerry took us first to a grocery store to get water and beer for the cooler he'd brought, then took us on a tour of the neighborhoods of the north side of the island. We saw some really lovely homes owned by the Cozumel elite. Then we headed out to the San Gervasio ruins. Since Steve hadn't been with us the day before he wanted to see ruins, so we stopped here. They were not as impressive as the Belize ruins, but interesting nonetheless. When we were done, Gerry took us to the Tequila factory. Now, tequila can only be made in the Jalisco region of Mexico, but some enterprising folks have set up this "satellite" farm, where they pretty much babysit the agave plants before sending them back to Jalisco to be made into tequila. The tour costs $10 and includes a margarita and lots of tastes of various types of tequila. The margarita was very different- made with a full shot of tequila, a grapefruit soda, and lime. Very nice! (Remember, it's about 11 in the morning! LOL!)

 

Then we were introduced to our guide, Joaquin, who taught us all about how tequila is made, the history of tequila making, and about the many different kinds of tequila they make. We tried everything from Mescal to aged tequila to flavored tequilas, and purchased 2 bottles of flavored tequila to bring home.

 

Next, Gerry took us to the east side of the island, which is very different from where the ship docks. If you've ever been to Oahu, it's like the difference between Waikiki beach and the north shore. The East side of Cozumel is rocky and the water is rougher. We drove past Coconuts, which is the highest point on the island- probably because they built it on top of a cliff. We decided not to stop there as it was pretty crowded, but went on to Playa Bonita, where we stopped for lunch. We ordered Margaritas and lunch and Jennie and I headed down to the beach, which is lovely white sand, while we were waiting for it to arrive. I ordered green enchiladas, Steve had fajitas and Jennie ordered grilled shrimp. All were absolutely delicious and the price was very reasonable- the bill, with 4 drinks, was under $50 with a tip!

 

Next we got back into the van and headed for El Mirador for pictures. This is a rocky area where the ocean crashes in. It was beautiful. We decided not to stop at Punta Sur (the lighthouse and the southernmost end of the island) beacuse we were hot and tired (and I was a bit tipsy!) and drove back around the other side of the island, passing all of the beach clubs along the way. Gerry had us back to the ship around 2:30. The cost was very reasonable and I'd recommend him to anyone interested in seeing Cozumel the easy way. Just ask for info!

 

I'm attaching some pictures of what we saw along the way. The first is a shot of the ruins at San Gervasio, the second some iguanas that were all over the site, a couple at Playa Bonita, and one of Steve and me at El Mirador.

 

Do you mind my asking how much the taxi was for the day? DH and I are trying to figure out what to do on the island (it will be our 3rd visit.. lol) and this sounds great!

[fofita01]

Hi VPLSH,

 

I'm enjoying your review a lot, and I cant wait to go on the Valor (for the 3rd time) in September - She's got to be one of my favorite ships!

 

Question: Did you visit the Piano Bar at all? If so, who was the Piano Man? Was is "Roger"?

 

If you didnt, and still have your Capers, would you mind checking that for me?

 

Thanks so much!

[cruisingbajan]

Personally I would book an excursion thru Carnival in Belize (they have an Altun Ha tour) - timing is everything in Belize especially given the tendering process. We did the Lamanai tour with belize cruise excursions and almost missed the ship! On my next cruise I don't I would chance it again!

 

Thanks for the info. I am also planning to book with belize cruise excursions. NOT wanting to hijack vplsh thread but how long was the tour you did? did anything unusual happen to make them cut it so close?

 

Thanks

[vplsh]

Great review. I also plan on booking the Alta Hun ruins tour. Did you feel rush getting back to the ship? Did the difference in ship time and local time make a "real" difference?

 

I was concerned about this before going, but there was absolutely no problem. Belize Cruise Excursions is a very well run company- they even called Jenny, our guide, to see how we were doing and to make sure we were on time. I never changed my watch, so I knew what time the ship was on at all times. We returned back to the port with at least 45 minutes to spare. You can always get to the port area earlier than the time scheduled to meet so you can shop around, but it's definitely enough time. I highly recommend using them!

[vplsh]

Do you mind my asking how much the taxi was for the day? DH and I are trying to figure out what to do on the island (it will be our 3rd visit.. lol) and this sounds great!

__________________

Pam

 

Hi Pam,

 

Gerry charges $95 for the first three hours and $25 an hour after that. We spent 5 hours with him. He'll take you anywhere you want to go. If you're interested in getting in touch with him, contact Mike at Cozumeltaxi@hotmail.com. He makes the arrangements for Gerry.

 

We had such a great day with Gerry. I highly recommend him!!

[vplsh]

Question: Did you visit the Piano Bar at all? If so, who was the Piano Man? Was is "Roger"?

 

If you didnt, and still have your Capers, would you mind checking that for me?

 

Thanks so much!

__________________

~*~ Fofita01 ~*~

 

Hi,

We didn't go to the Piano Bar as it was really smoky. I don't have the Capers here, but will check later and get back to you!

Lisa

[Froufie]

Thanks for the info. I am also planning to book with belize cruise excursions. NOT wanting to hijack vplsh thread but how long was the tour you did? did anything unusual happen to make them cut it so close?

 

Thanks

 

Nothing unusual happened - not sure why the 'experienced' tour guide was not watching the time (says he has been doing this for 6 years!).....I was starting to get antsy as time was running out and I couldn't figure out how in the heck we were going to get back in time!!! (and yes this is the one time I took my passport off the ship with me!)

 

Read about it here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=972624&page=2

 

...and also here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=801982&page=5 (post #93)

[Luanne21]

I love your review. I have a question for you. Did your daughter have any complaints about sleeping on the sofa.

 

Thank you.

[cruisingbajan]

Nothing unusual happened - not sure why the 'experienced' tour guide was not watching the time (says he has been doing this for 6 years!).....I was starting to get antsy as time was running out and I couldn't figure out how in the heck we were going to get back in time!!! (and yes this is the one time I took my passport off the ship with me!)

 

Read about it here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=972624&page=2

 

...and also here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=801982&page=5 (post #93)

 

 

Thanks for the links. Will go check out what they had to say.

[cruisingbajan]

I was concerned about this before going, but there was absolutely no problem. Belize Cruise Excursions is a very well run company- they even called Jenny, our guide, to see how we were doing and to make sure we were on time. I never changed my watch, so I knew what time the ship was on at all times. We returned back to the port with at least 45 minutes to spare. You can always get to the port area earlier than the time scheduled to meet so you can shop around, but it's definitely enough time. I highly recommend using them!

 

Hi Lisa,

 

Is this 45 minutes until the last tender or 45 minutes b4 the ship left? In total how long was the tour?

 

Thanks again

[firefly4423]

great pictures!

[vplsh]

I love your review. I have a question for you. Did your daughter have any complaints about sleeping on the sofa.

 

Thank you.

 

None at all. In fact, this was the second cruise where she's slept on the sofa and she really found it to be very comfortable.

[vplsh]

Hi Lisa,

 

Is this 45 minutes until the last tender or 45 minutes b4 the ship left? In total how long was the tour?

 

Thanks again

 

It was 45 minutes before the last tender, about 3:30. We didn't feel at all rushed, and even went through a few shops before heading to the tender. The Legend was in port with us and their last tender was at 4. The others in our group were from the Legend and they were not worried either.

 

I wouldn't worry about going with Belize Cruise Excursions at all. Ask for Jenny and you won't be sorry.

[vplsh]

Nothing unusual happened - not sure why the 'experienced' tour guide was not watching the time (says he has been doing this for 6 years!).....I was starting to get antsy as time was running out and I couldn't figure out how in the heck we were going to get back in time!!! (and yes this is the one time I took my passport off the ship with me!)

 

Read about it here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=972624&page=2

 

...and also here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=801982&page=5 (post #93)

 

 

I read the reviews and they sound like the only real problem was the time, right? This was the tour to Lamanai, though. We did the Altun Ha tour, which is, I believe, closer.

 

Something to consider, however.

[Froufie]

I read the reviews and they sound like the only real problem was the time, right? This was the tour to Lamanai, though. We did the Altun Ha tour, which is, I believe, closer.

 

Something to consider, however.

 

Yes the ONLY REAL ULTIMATE PROBLEM WAS THE TIME!!! meaning we almost missed the ship - a pretty serious problem in my opinion!!!:eek: There is really no excuse for this - the guide should have really been on top of things and hustled everyone along when required...... One of the main responsibilities of a tour operation is to get you there safe and sound and on time.....unless of course there was some unforeseen emergency - which in this case there wasn't!

 

Honestly I loved Lamanai and was so glad I got to experience it - but I would definitely think twice before booking an independent excursion that takes hours in a port where there is tendering - something to think about!

 

P.S. On my next visit I am planning to do the Altun Ha/River Wallace tour thru Carnival!