Save Yourself the Trouble and Fly to Mexico

Carnival Valor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

ChristineHY

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 10

Overall rating:

2.8 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 07, 2018

Ship: Carnival Valor

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 2210

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

My first cruise experience was a mixed-bag, and not for the better. After a rough embarkation, we explored the ship and had dinner. Wow, the food was not much better than that at Ikea--this includes the food in the main dining room. I didn't realize we would be required to spend extra for "good" food, despite spending over $1000 on this vacation. Our excursion was wonderful and life-changing; that I wouldn't change for the world. Our tour guide at the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum was knowledgeable and funny, a retired history teacher. Our guide through Cozumel was awesome and friendly, too! However, the most disappointing thing over the course of our vacation was how I was treated by staff. I was constantly judged for the drinks or food I was ordering. It started out with hateful glares/judgmental looks (I am a bit chubby but was not nearly the fattest person on this ship). I was called a "big baby" for ordering a Shirley Temple, not once, but twice by the same freakin bartender. Before disembarkation, I was yelled at and stared down in front of other guests for accidentally misreading a label at the buffet by an employee. Mistakes happen, especially early in the morning when you're scrambling to make sure you have all your things and are following orders. Needless to say, I ate my breakfast in tears as I was escaping my usual life. If I wanted to be fat shamed and harassed, I didn't need to leave Texas. I will never be interested in sailing with Carnival again. It's not worth it.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Ship tip

The best food is in Guy Fieri's restaurant. The formal dining isn't any better than the buffet.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

4 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

2 out of 5

12 Comments

mason2x 6 years ago

Sounds like your hyper sensitive and are on constant defense assuming everyone is judging you and yelling at you. It sounds like a case of it's not them but most likely you. Don't take everything in life so seriously. Maybe then you can learn to enjoy yourself better.

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Mydogluke 6 years ago

WOW. Can’t we all just get along? ChristineHY had a bad experience and she felt abused. To me a cruise is what you make of it. I have bad legs and walk funny. People stare at me all the time. I choose to not let that stuff bother me. There are people like that everywhere. Having said all that, I LOVE CARNIVAL. You will encounter rude people on any cruise line!!!!😎😎

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jarrettyeager 6 years ago

I was on the valor last Sept and I had a blast. And will be back on that ship in 28 days. Woot woot. I'm ready to party and relax and enjoy everything that the ship has to offer. All the good and the bad. Aka. Some long lines crowded pool deck and the hot sun

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tkaye 6 years ago

Going on Valor for the first time in August. I certainly hope my experience is different than this... especially since I am taking my kids and grandsons on their first cruise. Sorry you had a bad time. I would give it another go before giving up on Carnival.

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vibrantbride 6 years ago

😲I am so sorry you had a terrible experience. Please make a formal complaint as soon as you can in writing. Basic politeness is the least a service worker can provide.

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Marissa77 6 years ago

The difference is I’m not commenting just to tell someone their experience was made up because they don’t like their self!! If you don’t see how that’s rude you have serious issues. “Snowflake” haha all of you old hags love to throw that term around like it somehow is supposed to what ? Make you feel all tough ? Again lol tearing people down to feel better, learn how to love yourself remember ? On top of that I’m not anywhere near a sensitive person I’m assuming that’s what you meant by “snowflake” I just don’t have to walk around being a bitch to everyone just because I can 😂 It must really suck to be angry all of the time. But congratulations though “BIG PROUD BITCH” you’ve really earned something in life 👏🏽🏆

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AugCruiser 6 years ago

OMG how does someone say someone else's experience didn't happen. Wth!?!! You should try other ships with Carnival. Last year was my first year on Valor and my friend and I both agreed that Valor was by far the worst we'd been on. But they were all great. Valor just wasn't as great as the others. But we had a blast. You have to also think of how many people they are dealing with getting on and off that ship. Probably just in work mode trying to get everyone where they needed to be. You should give them another try. Maybe a different ship. Don't sweat the small stuff. You are there to relax and have a blast. Don't let others dictate that. For lack of better words.... F*** THEM!

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jenn2831 6 years ago

Awww sweetie it sounds like u struggle with loving urself and may b a little paranoid about looks. U did not articulate that any staff member treated u poorly with regard to size. The “big baby” comment could have been in jest at ur drinking a non-alcoholic drink. Not saying that was appropriate but perhaps they felt u were being fun and friendly enuf to joke with. Sorry u had a bad time but i do agree with others- u do u and love urself

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philbriz 6 years ago

Wow. I am sorry to hear you were mistreated. Don't worry about some of the other comments. They love the illussion that cruising is perfect. It is all about the money, no coincidence they felt the need to state how much they spend. Surprise! They treated you good, no kidding. Made me quite sad as well. Don't let it keep you down.

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Rich81Pauline 6 years ago

We were on the Valor last June and loved every minute of the cruise. The staff were very professional and treated us with the utmost respect. I am a large man of 6ft tall and 330 lbs. Never did anyone look down on me or make rude comments. Are you sure that you were not dreaming. I truly am sorry that you feel like your vacation was ruined. We usually spend over 6 grand for our cruise.

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Mauricia 6 years ago

I am sorry that your first cruise was bad but don't let that stop you from cruising. You have some people that are just childish and very idiotic, don't let anyone steal your joy honey. I'm not a small girl either but regardless of what people say or how they look at you, you hold your head up high because you're beautiful inside and out. Especially where you live, you know who you are and no one can live your life but you....... 😁

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MelJoe2017 6 years ago

So sorry, don’t give up. Royal Caribbean is great.

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Other reviews of this sailing

I do love this ship the Valor! The people are so nice and helpful.

Awful

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