On & Off Nightmare

Carnival Valor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

hinzev

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 48

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

Bahamas

Sail date: October 08, 2016

Ship: Carnival Valor

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 7278

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

We took a five day trip from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas, leaving on Oct 8th. Due to Hurricane Mathew the port was closed prior to our departure and the ship was delayed. This was understandable and outside the cruise line's control; however embarkation was confusing, with long lines and little direction or communication from cruise/port staff. Still we were ready to overlook this due to the unforeseen issues caused by hurricane.

The debarkation process was another matter. There were no outside issues, still the process was frustrating. We had our bags taken the night before, and had priority level clearance. BUT we could not get off the elevator on the main level as the area was packed with others brining their bags. It was a disaster! No one could move, elevator bells kept going off. There was no staff to direct anyone. There was no communication at all. It was actually a dangerous situation with so many people clustered together. When we finally got out of the elevator area and were able to go to our debarkation location it was completely empty and we were able to leave the ship. Looking back though the bottle jam was still apparent for others. A little more communication and planning would have prevented this problem. Actually communication throughout the cruise was sparse and lines at the customer service desk were long. More staff there would have been helpful.

Otherwise, even though two of our ports were changed due to the storm, we had a great time. Our suite was beautiful, and the room and wait staff while cruising were attentive.