We sailed on the Valor 09/21/08 eastern run to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Prior to this trip we read many posts good and bad and ventured out with open mind! We flew out early morning on the 21st. with no problems at all. Standing in line to get signed in for embarktion no problem. We had to wait quite awhile befor we were allowed to get on, but that was past memory after we boarded. Rooms were ready by this time, we found ours, upper deck mid ship with a balcony.  ( will always do a balcony in the future)!  good place to go when quiet time is required. Did some exploring and had a drink.

Dinner was late seating and yes we were nervous about table mates. They were fantasic and we enjoyed thier company. Try things that you would not normally try! Dinner's were great and entertaining as well. Don't be afraid to dress up for formal nights, most everyone does, the ones who didn't, looked out of place!

Naasau: Did the shallow water Dolphin excursion. Would do this again!

St Thomas: Ventured out on our own and took a taxi to Coki Beach. One of the locals escorted us to beach chairs and umbrella for a cost of 20.00 and it was worth it! The sun was blistering. We snorkled and took alot of pictures. Nice place to relax too. We checked out the shops when we returned to the pier.

St. Martin: Ventured out on our own and shared a taxi to Orient Beach. Beach lounges and umbrella here too, 20.00 and worth it. We didn't see any nudity and really didn't care to, went there to see the beach. Everyone there, that we met was friendy. Checked out the shops at the pier.

Day's at sea: Always somthing going on somewhere on the ship, check your capers and pick what you want. Bring a night light and bottle opener for the buckets of beer (if you're a beer person)so you can open the bottles when you want to. We didn't bring a bungie cord just used the door wedge that was in the room already. Room steward will try to hide it, so just remember to put it back when not in the room.

Debarktion was a breeze, we self assisted. All (custom forms and debarkation along with shore excursions) will be explained for you at various seminars held by the cruise director.

We had a great time and yes we are looking forward to our next cruise right now!

Despite the rather large number of bitchy/whining commentary lately, yours is the more common response, by far.

Glad you enjoyed it.  See you in the funny papers.

We just returned yesterday from our first cruise and we ejoyed it!  Already talking about going again in June and talking our daughter with us this time.  we were on the Sensation and it was a relaxing and enjoyable cruise. 

Dinner - We ate in the dining room all three evenings and our table mates were wonderful.  Just before we left, we were wondering if we would have anything to talk about with our dinner mates and it just so happen we had more in common than most.  We were missing one couple from the beginning and another couple from the first night did not return.

Excursion - We did the snorkling and enjoyed it!  Water was clear and the fish had bright colors!  Developed the pictures and the water appears to have a greenish tint and the colors are not so bright...  Next time I will be using a different type of camera.

Cruise Overall - Was wonderful.  Looking forward to finding the right cruise in June for us!