Carnival Valor

Valor Grand Cayman question Dec. 13th cruise

blueankle — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:15:13 GMT

Hello everyone! Anyhow out there booked on this cruise? My husband and I are taking our son and his gf and their new baby she will be 11 months old, there will be 9 of us in total. Just a question, this is our 4th cruise. At the Grand Cayman can you take a taxi to 7 mile beach without doing the excurstion thing? I was there in 98 and it seems like it was not that far from the port. And if you do take the excurstion can you stay there longer then 3 hours? We just want enough time at the beach, I have also been reading about Rum Point? is this a place you can get to by taxi? it does not seem to be offered as an excurstion.

Thanks for the help

Roll Call.... 2/21/10

markchrisf — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:41:52 GMT

I looked thru 5 pages and didn't see a roll call yet, so if I missed it, I'm terribly sorry !

There will be, so far, 10 of us on this cruise! 1 from TX and the other 9 from central PA!! Can't wait to get to the warm weather and back on CARNIVAL!!

Valor Review Nov 1, 2009

Rick — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:53:42 GMT

We recently returned from our week on the Valor, 3 years in the planning stages, and loved just about every minute of it.

Getting on the ship was a breeze. Took no time at all to check our bags. We had to wait about 30 minutes for our boarding number to be called, but then when you enter the ship, they steer you to Rosie's for lunch, as you can't head to your room until 1:30 (yes, they close the doors to the hallway). We had 2320 with an Ocean View, and since we spend so little time in the room, we didn't want to pay extra for a balcony we may use once or twice. It rained all week, and we outran Hurricane Ida back to Miami, so we would not have been out there much to begin with. We hit 50 MPH winds and 15 foot seas the last 2 days going back, but the ship handled it nicely. They closed off the upper decks outside from 11 to 13. We did not feel the effects of the rocking of the ship until Monday, when I was sitting at work and it felt like someone kept moving my desk chair back and forth. That lasted a day or two.

We had about 18 of the 21 meals in the Washington Dining Room, because we loved our Head Waitress Silvia that much, and her assistant Jorge. Unfortunately, she is leaving this ship in 2 weeks, and you can see her again on the Conquest starting in Feb 2010. We got along so well with her, that her family back in Slovakia and my family are now all Facebook friends. Every meal was fantastic, the kids loved the dancing and singing waiters at dinner. After the first day, Silvia would have all the drinks already prepared on the table, and by the end of the week, I didn't even need to read the menu, she knew exactly what my tastes were. She was great, full of energy.

We had 2 adults and twin 13 year old boys in 1 Ocean View room. It was a little cramped, but we managed just fine. We were only in the room to sleep for the most part anyway.

Shows- We made the teenagers go to the shows at night, but they could skip the singing and dancing ones. They kicked and screamed on the first night, but once they saw their first show, loved every minute of it. They were part of Circle C, and met about a dozen or so other kids that they could do things with at night. They were not overly empressed with Circle C, they could take it or leave it.

Excursions- We did the beach party in Costa Maya, but there was about 200-300 people there, as we were not the only ship in port. It was hard to find places in the shade. It just happened to be the only day with SUN all week. So we soaked it all in. The unlimited bar helped take your mind off of the sun. The drinks are very watered down, but good just the same. We only did some shopping in Belize, as Big Tex warned everyone to stay in the port area if you were not on an excursion. We just saved our money for the other ports. In Cozumel, we took the tender over to the mainland, and did the Jeeps Cavern tour, with beach party. Driving around the mainland was fun, the cavern was amazing, you get used to the 65 degree water in the Cavern rather quickly, I was surprised. It poured through-out our party, so we stayed in the restaurant where you get your buffet. In Grand Caymen, we took the kids to the Pirate Ship, where they got to scrub the decks, then the "Pirates" tied up the missus to the mast, which the kids enjoyed. They were able to jump in the sea from the top of the ship, about 15-18 feet off of the water. There were only about 25 people on the ship, so it was nice to have such a small group.

Casino- There are a few areas marked as non-smoking, but since they reside right next to smoking tables, it's typical to get bad air from time to time. We would have spent more time there, except for the smoking.

Pictures- $21.99 each for the 8x10, they have security tags on the back of each one, as I imagine people in the past would just walk off with them.

Cruise Director- Big Tex is great. Anytime you get to see Tex up on stage, make it a point to be there. Please do not miss the Newlywed Game at the end of the cruise, you have not laughed so hard until you witness this.

Soda card- $52 for adults, $36 or so for kids. We passed, as there was plenty of other things to drink throughout the ship. Fruit juices are free at breakfast, and lemonaide and ice tea are for other meals as well.

Grown-up drinks. Others have commented to ask for the $4.95 drinks without the big glasses that come with them, but we did not see anyone drinking these. With tax and tip, expect about $9 a drink, which was steep for us. The return guests party towards the end of the cruise has free drinks that night, and you should see some people just pound them away as quickly as the wait staff can bring them.

Getting around- We never did figure out which end of the ship was which. You can get from one end to the other on Deck 9 (outside Lido) or down to 5 (shops and Casino) or if you're in steerage like Titantic, both 1 and 2 go from end to end.

Overall, you could not ask for a better value. 3rd and 4th in the room only cost us less than $300 each, and I know my 2 teenagers ate $1000 worth of feed each. Already planning the 2010 NJ Teacher's convention week for the Eastern Caribbean next time.

early roll call for valor 3/7/10

sharona — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:41:58 GMT

My husband, myself, and our 13yr old son will be taking our first Carnival cruise on 3/7/10 and we're just wondering if anyone else has kids in this age group going?

Roll call Valor 11/22/09

lokeshpatel — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:06:34 GMT

Hey,

My wife and I are going on this cruise. Anybody else?

We are thinking about doing Raiders of the Lost Mayan Cave in Belize and dolphin swim in Cozumel.

SHOUT if you are on the VALOR - 1/31/2010

marf — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:00:37 GMT

Looking to meet new friends. Is anyone else?

10/3/10 Valor Roll Call

BSlyRR — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:56:41 GMT

First time cruiser. Can't wait. Only 318 day til the cruise now! Who else is gonna be joining me?

Laser Tag

Leese — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:43:18 GMT

I had heard that there was laser tag on the Valor. Has anyone seen it? Is it something that they take down and remove during the cruise? And above all is it fun?

Valor 12/06/2009... anyone else going?

Yostfamily2009 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:37:33 GMT

This cruise will be my first but hopefully not my last. I am concerned with all the negativity that I hear about this ship... My husband and I are going along with my in-laws for our anniversary.. I am SUPER EXCITED!! I am as excited for the trip (and to be away from work) as i am to meeting new people.

Early Roll Call 2/28/2010

jsmano — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:25:34 GMT

This will be the first cruise for my husband and I (early 30's). We are excited and we curious to se if we could find any other "Cruisers" out there....especially ones that will be on the boat with us. I can't be the only Giddy Girl out there. Give us a shout!!

Early Roll Call for September 5,2010

genie eyes — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:34:57 GMT

Anyone on this sailing.

Roll call December 13, 2009

Maddy — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:31:33 GMT

I am a senior citizen and traveling with another senior couple. We are looking for others who are going on the Valor with us.

Early roll call March 28,2010!!!

marco — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:52:01 GMT

tried this before, any one with teenagers 15 to 19 going on this cruise my kids are afraid they will be bored!!!!

Is it necessary to book beach excursions?

Jassy — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:31:39 GMT

I was looking at the excursions and reading other people's posting and wondering is it really necessary to book beach excursions? Especially if it's a tender. Not sure if I should book a excursion to just hang out on the beach. Any advice??? Thanks.

any other single/solo cruisers 12/13/2009 on valor?

bearsfan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:39:15 GMT

just curious if there are any other single or solo cruisers on the valor december 13-20th that would want to meet up in the evenings for dinner and drinks?

cruise nov 1st

ann — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:30:42 GMT

just got back from the valorhad a good time.

Fastest week of my life! Review on 7-5-09 Valor Cruise

Cruiselover — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:26:56 GMT

Ah, last week this time I was in Grand Cayman swimming with stingrays! Oh how I wish I could be there right now!

Prior to my cruise I must have read over 200 postings (both positive and negative) and wasn't really sure what to expect. I went with an open mind and I'm not one of these that gets in a tizzy if a dish is left on the floor or I need to walk by a smoking area.

Well...this was the fastest week in my life and we (my husband and 3 kids) had the time of our lives! My kids participated in the Circle C and Club O2 activities and we rarely saw them. My daughters have been texting their new found friends since we got off the ship.

The Valor is a beautiful ship! It takes a day or so to get your bearings and know which staircase (or elevator) will get you where you need to be (dining room, theater, etc.), but once you have that down, it's fine.

The food is fantastic! We ate dinner every night (except one) in the dining room but breakfast and lunch on the Lido or Rosie's. My husband is a picky eater and even he found plenty to eat and enjoyed every morsel. My one daughter is a vegetarian and she, too, didn't go without. My husband and I splurged on Scarlett's one night and it was well worth it!! I had this chocolate dessert thing that was to die for!

The outdoor theater is great. There were a couple of times that the Capers listed a particular movie to be shown and it wasn't, but there was something else in its place. No biggie.

We found the crew to be extremely friendly and helpful. Our kids were in the cabin next to us and on day one we asked our steward if we could unlock the door between the balconies and he immediately went out there and did so. It made it much easier for us to go back and forth.

A note regarding the internet cafe being through Winstons - yes, this is the case and there is no other entrance, however, if you go during the day it isn't really that terrible. My son needed to check his e-mail one time and it was a little smokey, but not that unbearable. If you go at night, it's like walking through a cloud of smoke so we just made sure not to go at that time. There must have been enough complaints because their new "Dream" ship changed the design a bit and the internet cafe is no longer through a cigar bar.

We ran into some weather in Belize and they were willing to refund our money on the excursion we had booked, but since we were going snorkling and planned to get wet anyway, we went forth with it. We still had a great time (it was raining), and I appreciated that they offered to give us our money back (by the way, no one in the group we were with took them up on it). I figured I was in Belize snorkling in the 2nd largest reef in the Western Hemisphere...nothing was getting me down!

I know this is long, but I remember wanting to know every detail prior to my cruise, so I hope this helps with those who have yet to sail.

The Valor is a wonderful ship, the staff and crew are helpful, friendly and courteous, the food is great...what more can you ask for? Go and enjoy...if anyone has questions, please feel free to ask.

smoking on the valor

Karryl — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:14:52 GMT

I was wanting to know where smoking is ok on the valor. I'm not a smoker but i do have a smoker coming with.

Thanks

Roll calll Valor 9/26/2010

bill529 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:35:27 GMT

ok just curious any kool people going on Valor 9/26/2010

I know its a long ways away but always good to plan ahead this is our 6th cruise with Carnival and have always meet some great friends to hang with

Anyone else cruisin on the Valor 9-19-10

vickie — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 02:39:26 GMT

We cannot wait!!

ROLL CALL 12-20-2009

Youknowwhothatoneguy — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:57:27 GMT

Hello,

Me and my Girlfriend are heading out for a lovely Christmas Cruise.... Who will be joining us?

real early roll call 10/10/2010

stayathomedad — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:46:49 GMT

just got done booking, four cabins 11 people.

Valor 2/14/10

daejnien — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:10:07 GMT

I am so excited. I just have to share. This is going to be our first cruise, and we are going with 3 other couples. One of them being my parents, who have no idea I just booked them! We are surprising my parents. My husband and I are going for our 10 year anniversary, and we are being joined by some friends, and now my parents. Anyone else joining us? Anyone know what excursions you will be doing? We haven't decided yet.

Valor Roll Call Jan 3, 2010

pauleeboohah — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:32:28 GMT

just trying to see who will be on the ship. we will be four, including our 2 20ish daughters. we like to meet new people, will be diving or snorkeling at each port.

looking for 2-4 people to join us in Belize for the Coral Breeze stingray alley tour and everyone can save 10% off their pricing.

be glad to share info gained on researching all 4 ports if you need it. (and believe me, i have DONE the research)

look forward to the fun week, and enjoying your company.

paul

Roll Call Valor Oct 24, 2010

jks336 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:19:04 GMT

woohoo.. we're excited, next cruise booked!! yeahhhh...