Good ship, but some issues

Item: Carnival Valor
Rating: 3
Author: CruiserG

Carnival Valor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

CruiserG

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 140

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 22, 2016

Ship: Carnival Valor

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7364

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The ship was in drydock earlier in the year and had numerous upgrades. We've been on 6 cruises with Carnival and this one would rate about average with the other cruises. Nothing really outstanding about the cruise or no serious issues. I will give a thumbs up to the crew. We had an outstanding cabin steward and there were some exceptional bar servers and waiters.We spend a lot of time in the casino and there was a band that played nightly that was the best band we've heard on any cruise ship. As with past Carnival cruises, the food is average at best. We preferred the buffet on most nights due to quicker service and the quality of the food is about the same in our opinion. I do recommend the steakhouse. It was some of the best filet mignon I've ever had. Embarkation and disembarkation went smoothly. We enjoy Carnival for the value and its "Fun Ship" reputation.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Main dining room service was slower than we've had on past cruises. Carnivals food is just average at best, but we always book a night in the Steakhouse which is exceptional eating! Guys Burgers are fantastic!

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

The onboard activities need to be better coordinated. Several events were late taking place and one was even a no show by the Carnival staff.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Most live entertainment on Carnival Cruise ships is a thing of the past. Although, there were several bands onboard that were very good.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The staff was excellent. We had the best room steward we've ever had on any cruise.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The ship was very clean and well maintained. It just came from drydock earlier in the year and had numerous updates.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Cabin was great as usual with Carnival. We always get a balcony and enjoy the privacy and views.

Ship tip

The ship is real nice, but the food and service in the main dining room needs to be improved upon. The staff on the ship was great and overall a good cruise. Carnival's value is the best !

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Bonaire, Netherlands Special Municipality

3 out of 5

6 Comments

DFromATX 7 years ago

jarock, do u have any teens? We are bringing our 14 year old son. (He's the one making the goofy face in my pic, but he was only about 9 there lol.)

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jarock 7 years ago

We're sailing out of Galveston on the Valor Dec. 17

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DFromATX 8 years ago

I'm cruising out of Texas in December. It was supposed to be the liberty but I received an email saying they were switching the liberty out with the valor. I'm glad to see the valor already had some upgrades.

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doliverio101172 8 years ago

How is the casino

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Ladymoc 8 years ago

We were on the Valor June 4 and loved the 2.0 upgrades. The Alchemy Bar is our favorite place for pre-dinner cocktails. We had been on this ship four times over the years and always loved it. With the upgrades, I give it 4.5 stars.

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CVCruiser 8 years ago

I totally agree... though I prefer the Valor (& Liberty) to the Sunshine and Victory.... so I would rate the Valor 4 stars. :)

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