While this was our first cruise it will probably be our last. This was not the relaxing vacation we were hoping for.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
A little confusing to start no signage in the lines outside. It was so hot during muster I experienced heat exhaustion and was close to passing out.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The ship’s main dining room was wonderful. Our waiter Anthony was so much fun and took great care of us. We only went to Guy’s Burgers and the pizza restaurant. They were good. However the buffet was very disappointing. The food was over cooked most of the time. The omelet option for breakfast at the buffet was horrible as the omelets we very undercooked! We were disappointed that the Asian/sushi bar was at an extra cost. The drinks were just ok.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Trivia with Emma was outstanding and always entertaining!!! The shows and entertainment were good with the exception of a tray full of drinks being spilled on my daughter. The waiter simply apologized and walked away. He did not offer to help her clean up or offer even a towel. When my daughter went to ask for a towel in the lobby she was told to call housekeeping. Cruise director TJ was very energetic and entertaining. Music theme nights were always FUN!!! The pools were entirely too crowded. The chairs way too close together.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
EXCELLENT!!!
Children's Programs
No small children
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
See above
Emma, Anthony, TJ and our room steward Efron get 5 stars.
People in the Fun Store rather rude most of the time and never helpful. Kayla in the Effy Store was most helpful with a jewelry purchase and very polite.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
No carpeted floors were extremely slick especially in the buffet area. Cleanliness in the public areas such as bathrooms were horrendous. Very rarely were there enough elevators. We spent lots of time waiting.
The beach was wonderful in Paradise Island once we factually got there. Way more walking in the heat and hiking the sand than we were led to believe. Food and drinks were very good and the beach was pristine.
The elevators were mostly shut down in our section of the ship. There were only 6 functioning. This led to chaos for a lot of people that were not following the instructions by the cruise director.
1. If you want a relaxing time don't cruise during summer or spring break.
2. It was your 1st cruise. It's important to research everything including ports. We were told progresso was a disappointment but we did a bus tour and shopping. It was perfect.
3. Debarkation - it usually flows. The elevators are being used by crew transporting luggage and they try to channel everyone to the exit areas. Our 1st cruise was hectic until we learned the flow of things. Get luggage early and wait nearby the ship exit.
4. Food at buffet is rarely good to us as well but there's so much food to choose from. The carnival hub app is important on the ship.
5. Your cruise is what you make of it. If you let every thing bother you then your vacation will be doomed.
Also you may want to look at the time of year you pick your cruise. Summer time and Holidays are always full of families with kids or college students on break.
Valor is a beautiful ship. My family had a blast sailing on her last summer. I hated to see her leave Galveston. You should try the QE2. That might suit you better.
The key is research...larger, newer ships offer more activities. Now that you know what you don't like...check into ships that lean towards that type of cruise experience. Royal Caribbean and Disney may be a better fit. Or if you stick with Carnival...try one of the newer vessels.
Sorry you did not enjoy it. Most people love cruising, but it’s not for everyone. A longer itinerary on a newer ship would probably provide a better experience.
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