Carnival Valor is a safe choice for most first time cruisers. I put detailed information in each subsection below. Most of the problems I encountered with the cruise were not with Carnival, but with other contractors and service providers.
Embarkation at Port Canaveral is a mess. The safety briefing is not much better.
Be careful on alcohol purchases in port. If you buy a miniature bottle for yourself or the room, that's not a problem. However, if you buy a fifth or larger, expect to hand it over and not see it again until you disembark.
A couple should expect to spend $300-500 on board for a week cruise (tips, drinks, Internet, on board shopping).
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Stick to your assigned restaurant and time for best value. Room service is sad. If you must get something, the deli or pizza are your best choices.
Onboard Activities
Here's an idea ... make some friends.
Entertainment
The comics are best enjoyed after three drinks. If you're lucky, you will get a good trio in the American Bar on third deck. Avoid the piano bar.
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
Tweens may not find quite the right venue.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Somphop, our head waiter for our group, was quite amusing. McDonald, our room steward, was almost psychic.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Okay although I could see the hull rusting. Glad it's going to dry dock in spring 2016.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Oceanview is okay for first time cruisers. Make sure you get midship cabin for less movement. Veteran cruisers may prefer a balcony cabin.
Ship tip
Book through an agent for best value, not the cruise line.
Embarkation is a cluster, especially when it's hot. Port employees will gladly let you know how much of an inconvenience you are. Wait outside to pass liquids screening point in hot weather; the only option is a pop bottle machine at the door to the screening point. You may not break line to use the machine, nor may you carry the bottle through screening. Chug it, quick!
Grand Turk Cruise Center has plenty of beach chairs for free ... no need to pay for separate beach excursion here. Skip Margaritaville; service is beyond slow.
Actually, 05wranglerguy, I read what Carnival had to say about alcohol purchases on their site. I was simply sharing Carnival's enforcement practices (or lack thereof) for the benefit of others.
LOL...nice review. Sounds as though you may have been funnier than the comedy staff onboard!! Good attitude for your first cruise :) Hope you plan on more....
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