Quick in-between Carnival cruise

Item: Carnival Valor
Rating: 4.2
Author: trstauffer

Carnival Valor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

trstauffer

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 27, 2018

Ship: Carnival Valor

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8371

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

This was our 8th Carnival cruise and the overall experience was in the middle of those 8 cruises. Entertainment was good but mediocre. Cruise director was not among the best I have seen for older people.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Very good. Moved to front of line even though 1 hour early. Was able to go immediately to Guy's Burgers for a filling lunch.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Went to buffet every night but one. Selection was good. Individual item preparation was very well done. Always found a convenient table.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Show was good, but not up to many cruise line standards. Karaoke was sub-par. Piano bar was very relaxing and good for some laughs. Trivia was held at inappropriate places. Annoying music was played constantly throughout the ship public areas, which did not help relaxing or reading.

Dolphin Pool

3 out of 5

Music was too load and of an annoying variety. Ice cream machine frequently did not work properly. On windy days, sliding roof should have been closed to avoid cool feeling to the skin.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Dancers and singers on stage shows were very good. Piano bar singer was friendly and played very well.

Carnival Seaside Theater

5 out of 5

Sound and picture at Seaside Theater was top rate. Movie selection was good and there was something for all ages. Towels were available if it became chilly, and popcorn was quite welcome. Would like to see movies repeated in the staterooms after they played at the Seaside Theater. Some newer movies would also be real attraction.

Children's Programs

no kids

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Stewards were friendly and efficient and always greeted you by your name.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Layout was better than most cruise ships of this size. All public areas were clean, and were kept clean. Maintenance was continued when ship was in port, such as painting, railings, and windows.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Clean accommodations. Balcony was adequate, and chairs were comfortable. Clean towels were always available, and the towel animal creations were appreciated.