Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Valor Cruise Review
Western Caribbean

C. Cooper

Having taken two cruises on the Imagination we decided to try the newer Carnival Valor and to cruise for seven days. We had a great time. We arrived at Miami in our personal Suburban and unloaded the bags, kids and wives. Two trips earlier they lost my older son's bag. Still waiting for them to find it 4 years later. We now make sure it is loaded on the cart and someone actually watches it go inside to be scanned. We then parked the truck in the garage; $105 that I suppose was worth having it right there and not left in an outside parking lot. Check in went very quick having been a previous cruiser. We then went through the cattle line to go aboard. As usual everyone was helpful and welcomed us aboard. Our bags came very quickly, within an hour, to our rooms. We were fortunate to have our room’s side-by-side. This is always a plus when traveling with multiple families.

One of the great things about doing your research and being a past guest is knowing the game plan and layout of the ships. We immediately unloaded our suitcases and went to have lunch. Food on the ship is always good and is what you make of it. You don’t like something? Go to a different place to eat. We then went off to explore the rest of the ship and check out where our table was for dinner. The staff at dinner was tremendous and the food was incredible.

The room was incredible with 3 closets and plenty of room. We had a king size bed and Jeff slept on the couch which made into a bed. The staff was great and we had ice all the time, beds made, turned down, towel animals and the bathroom and towels done each day. From reading other posts just keep you stuff protected as when they are cleaning, your room is sometimes left open and unattended. Never had any problems personally.

We did an excursion at each stop and had a great time. Two of them we booked on line and one we did on our own. I think it’s best to  book one each month online with Carnival and then you don’t have that big bill all at once. Everyone was friendly and answered our questions about the Islands and their way of life.

Our son had a great time and made great friends. He was out all night and we only saw him at dinner, which is the only rule we have.

Entertainment was very good and we always go to the shows after dinner.

As for 7 days, we had a great time and it went by fast. We have already booked an 8 day trip for October, 2007.

As for complaints, I really think that most have a job to do, do not speak English real well and with 3000 people it is hard to make everyone happy. My only complaint this trip was that there were under age kids in the gym and the spa pool. Also, when it was time to disembark they could use some temporary signage. I stood in line for 10 minutes and it never moved. The line was for the purser’s desk not the line to get off the ship. When you have that many people trying to get off the ship and moving at one time they could use signs pointing to the pursers desk and the direction to get off. All in all, minor stuff. I recommend having as little interaction with upper level staff as possible. Do not confuse things, like using multiple charge cards, large dollar purchases and really just do your own thing. The trip is what you make of it. If there is a problem just move on. I have read things like water on the floor in the bathroom…put a towel down and someone will replace it. Do not think that complaining about it will get you a refund or something. Keep your hands clean don’t touch stuff. Read these posts and learn from them. Take bug spray, ear plugs and some band-aids. Mind your business, hang with your friends and have fun. You will find if you are uptight, you will be miserable. Don’t worry about the small stuff.

We are on our 4th cruise this October and really the only real issue I have is the missing bag.I have learned from that mistake.










.