I really do love Carnival line, but it will be quite a while before I go on the Valor again, along with the Breeze. I know a lot could be due to the employees having difficulties getting visas after Covid, and I understand that everyone is trying to do two or three people's job. But some things cannot be overlooked forever.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Very fast, friendly and courteous
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
Buffets were good, but I ate in the Main dining room every night and twice steaks were barely warm and one night the main offering was fried chicken that had a very thick and hard crust and you had to fight to get to it. appetizers were great. And for the first time ever on Carnival my melting cake that I get every night was not melted. It was baked too long. Also the deli made themost wonderful Rueben sandwiches if you like them.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools were very nice. I did notice that on this ship for the first time ever I saw basically a lifeguard. That was good. I have no complaints about the Lido deck on this cruise as it seemed there were really few children. Maybe because school just started.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
I could not find the Main Showroom schedule at all. They had a DJ and a gentleman who was 1/2 DJ and complete steel drum player. he was GREAT!!!
Children's Programs
I had no children
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
My room steward was great! Anything you asked he did his best to do or get. ( I did not ask for anything but ice and a robe) Our wait staff in the main Remembered what you drank and had room were wonderful also. They remembered what you drank and made preparations for if you requested it again. Even when I saw them during the day doing other jobs they would all smile and speak. I was disappointed in our Matre'd. The man walked by our table at least 4 times every night and never smiled or even spoke to anyone at any of the tables around us. I also noticed many of the officers would never acknowledge a guest even when they almost ran over them. They seemed very unhappy compared to theeveryday workers.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Yes they worked very hard to keep them that way
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I because my best friend and I usually cruise together and we usually are never in our cabin. booked an inside except to change clothes, NAP!!(very important!) and bed at night. This cabin for me was AMAZING!!!! I had two twin beds (cruising buddy had to cancel minute) and a couch, coffee table, comfy chair, and an ottoman at the mirror. It did not seem really any bigger than our normal inside cabins but the setup felt bigger. I still had 3 closets. GREAT ROOM!!!!!
Ship tip
If you are like us, no matter what ship you are on, if you get an inside or oceanview. Try to get one with a couch and coffee table. This may seem like a not important request, but I am Platinum with Carnival and on my way to Diamond. I love the line, but I noticed as much as my cruise buddy and I have absolutely no problems with our normal two bed and little space cabins, I really felt more relaxed with this cabin's setup and I know they have inside rooms with couches too, and I am going to see if I can get our February cruise cabin changed.
LOVE THIS CITY!! Cruise buddy and i go at least twice a year. We both love history and in going for 16 years we have yet to put a dent in the history you can see. We always go down to the Quarter and shop. Don't miss the Presbytere. Full of 300 years of Mardi Gras memorabilia also the1850 House. it has a small shop on street level and the upper three stories are fixed and decorated as an 1850 townhouse you can tour. You again must go to Cafe du Monde for beignets., but unless you like Starbuck's or that kind of coffee you probably won't like their chicory coffee. Also You can also go to the French Market, many deli stands to try all foods New Orleans style. While you are there be sure to pick up some Pecan Oil. It is the best to cook with. And if you like a good steak, right across the street are two small local bars. Cody's and The Turtle Bar. The Turtle has a 10 oz. Rib Eye for $13.95 or a 1 lb. for $18.95. They come with a potato and they are delicious. Cody 's has a delicious shrimp salad, and it is big. As far as sightseeing I recommend two homes. The Houmas House on river road is the BEST! Also if you don't want to trip out that far go to the Longue Vue estate for their tour. It is BEAUTIFUL!!! and very very interesting. It is the first home (really quite the mansion) with air conditioning. The home is a modern wonder with the conveniences the husband had put in the home that were not even thought of then before he passed. When the wife moved into care, she only took some clothes and a few very special momentos and left the house just as it is now.
Not really happy here. Was very disappointed in their progress since I was there last. All they had was still the port shopping and a couple restaurants.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! My buddy and I usually take a cab and go downtown to the old street. a great place to eat is Las Palmaras. Good food and really really strong Margaritas!! but we like to shop in the old section. Much more to choose from. There is also a great restaurant at the port they have a duo xylophone players for entertainment. You can eat inside or out. Very nice workers and a great gift shop! And if you bake much make sure to get a bottle of the PURE Mexican vanilla. Any chef will tell you it has a much better fragrance and taste than what we buy here. But make sure you only buy it at a place that sells it in glass bottles. Do Not buy plastic because after a little while the vanilla absorbs the plastic taste. The best place is t o buy at Dupry at the port entrance where all the liquor is. Their quarts of vanilla in glass are $8. They have some really friendly girls and if you want to get vanilla as any gifts, they have it in small six packs.
Thanks for the review and except for a couple of hiccups glad you had a nice cruise. But half the time of me eating I wish people would keep walking instead of interrupting my eating, I'll talk to you if I need to.
Thanks for the review. Go outside the port at Costa Maya for the best options - Snorkeling, catamaran sails, Mayan Ruins tours, Bacalar Lagoon, nice beach clubs, etc.
Appreciate your detailed review. Sorry for the many issues. We made a similar decision in April. We rescheduled our October cruises (B2B) to January. Hopefully, things will be better!
One of the more fair reviews I’ve read here. Often times when someone has a negative experience in one place it carry’s on throughout the review. You had issues, but still managed to enjoy your cruise! Glad for that. And you’re right, things are still not as they were and hopefully all will begin to normalize soon.
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