We (mother/daughter) went on a Carnival Cruise out of Ft Lauderdale to celebrate our birthdays (30 and 60) 10 years ago. Went on the Valor to celebrate our 40th and 70th with 18 of our friends. I enjoyed getting to know some of my daughter's friends and had a great time with my two girlfriends. Actually much prefer to cruise with a smaller group--next cruise probably with just my husband!!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
one of the easiest embarkation experiences I've had; first time in Galveston
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
food was plentiful and good tasting. Presentation was wonderful.
Didn't get our first choice in dining time/location, but after talking with Maitre d it got worked out. Appreciated their willingness to work with us as it was a large group to accommodate.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Enjoyed the towel folding workshop and puppet show. Some in our group LOVED the pods on the Serenity deck.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
song/dance shows were disappointing; musicians off key; dancing ok. Loved music in the Atrium area. 3 violins were great. VERY DISAPPOINTED that the venues on the promenade deck had smokers along with windows so that you absolutely could not enjoy that area's music at all because of the 2nd hand smoke. Some in our party couldn't even walk on the promenade deck because of the smoke. NOT FAIR to non smokers. If people have to smoke, there needs to be an area for them where non-smokers are not subjected to their smoke in order to enjoy the amenities on the ship. Love the Latin and Caribbean music--couldn't enjoy it on the promenade and couldn't always make it to the Lido deck when it was playing.
Children's Programs
adult only trip
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
never saw my room steward. wait staff on Lido deck were great except for being a little pushy with the drinks. I get it, but don't like it.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
see comments in entertainment section. Additionally, I really like to have a way to walk all the way around the deck of the ship without going up and down stairs. Never did find an area where we could walk the length of the ship on deck, outside to enjoy the sea air.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
my preference is a balcony cabin, but this oceanview worked for 3 of us. Our TV didn't work the first 3 days but when it did, it would have been nice to have a TV guide so we knew which movies were playing so we could plan on watching. My bed was comfortable. Nice bedding.
Spent some time shopping at the port and then went to Chankanab state park. Enjoyed what we ended up doing, but was EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED that the excursion we chose (to the Mayan village and a service project) was cancelled due to lack of tickets sold. Nothing on there said we had to have a certain number participating, and when we saw that option we were so excited to be able to do this that we would have recruited others to join us if we knew there had to be a certain number. Saw this opportunity on The Discoverer with Josh Garcia when he did this and was so excited to see it as an option, and very disappointed when it didn't work out.
very easy and comfortable. had time for breakfast and took our luggage off the ship with us. First time i ever did that and it worked out well for our group.
OMG!!!!! I totally agree with you on the Smokers I kept separating from my party because they all smoked. I am like I have asthma and I don't need to be around second hand smoke. The casino was plummeted with clouds and stench I thought I would choke.
I hear you carnival should have a smoke free ship for people like you. Wouldn't hurt my feelings and when I have to be cornered in a smoking area I wouldn't feel guilty.
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