For my first cruise I was disappointed. I was hoping for something more family friendly. This ship seems to be more of a "party cruise" and for the people that were doing just that, partying; they seemed to have fun, maybe too much. For us that do not drink, gamble, dance, etc. NOT TO MUCH FUN! I was really disappointed with some of the things that were taking place. I should have researched more before choosing this particular cruise. At least I know now what questions to ask and what to look for.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
The person checking us in had a difficult time due to the fact our boarding passes were on the cell phone and she didn't know what to do. I was not told that it was best to print boarding passes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
All food was good. Staff was courteous and professional as well as friendly.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
I was not really happy with the activities as so many people were drinking everywhere we went. I was hoping for something more family friendly. I had a 12 year old with me and when I took her to slide or swim we had to beware of drunks, inappropriate behaviors and "very hairy chest contest, sexy shower scenes, best bartender contest" all in the same area as the children trying to swim. Not appropriate at all!
Dolphin Pool
2 out of 5
Too many adults, too much drinking, too much adult activity for this pool to be designated for children.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The stage shows were performed well. The comedy performance that was supposedly PG was not good at all. Not funny and Not family friendly!
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
My pre-teen did not go to the kid's club as she was uncomfortable going alone. The children's programs were geared more towards very your children and she did not like it.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
All of the staff were excellent!
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The ships design was a little confusing. Took us awhile to figure out where to go and how to get there. Having to go up to get down for some areas and I did not like being forced to walk through the casino and the cig smoke to get to certain areas. The common areas were always clean and well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin was very clean and comfortable. We did feel a lot of movement as the room was in the very front of the ship. Overall good!
Ship tip
If you are taking children with you be sure you've checked out what programs and parties are scheduled! I was very unhappy with most of the shows. Everything for children was for very young children and the "PG" shows were not really appropriate for pre teens. The comedy show was not at all funny nor appropriate for a child. I personally will not sail on Valor again nor recommend it for a family.
Disembarkation was horrible. Hundreds of people were clustered in the halls, stairs & elevators trying to leave when an unexpected, unavoidable medical emergency happened and halted the groups trying to leave. We were stuck in a very large group in the halls, teens were stuck on the elevator trying to get to parents, elderly were stuck with no where to sit. If a plan for this had been in place we could have been directed to one of the theaters or dining rooms to sit comfortably and wait. NOT GOOD!
We almost always go on Carnival, but even I'd say the Liberty of the Seas would be a better choice if the kids don't want to do the program.
Also know that ANY four day cruise is going to bring out the wild and crazy boozers. The seven day cruises are a bit calmer.
You don’t drink, gamble or dance. No wonder you didn’t like the cruise. I don’t care what cruise line you go on, everyone drinks on vacation more than they do at home. You sound like a very boring person.
Sorry for your disappointment. I was on that cruise. The hold up at debarkation was a person collapsed and died before they got to customs. (RIP) Puts a halt to whole embarkation process, sorry to say. The events on the ship are normal for cruising. Maybe a little more things happening on the inside because of cold weather. Carnival has different kids clubs for different age group. Check your fun times everyday for what is happening and avoid those areas. Yes I am a non smoker and do not care for drunks either. We always print off our necessary paperwork because sometimes the net and cell service is very suspectable.
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