Better than okay, but not great

Carnival Valor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

BBLetsCruise

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 30

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 06, 2023

Ship: Carnival Valor

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6231

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

It was better than okay, but not great. We were celebrating out honeymoon and we had each gone on a cruise before and had the expectation of a similar experience. However, there were no longer 24 hour dining options, the food quality was lower, the entertainment quality was lower, and most of the onboard recreation options were sales pitches and shopping focused. When we went to the outdoor movie night and got settled in, they played a kids movie that was different than advertised on the app for that time so we left. The best part of the cruise was the staff on the ship who were all very helpful and friendly.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

The baggage handler we met was rude and didn't make a great first impression for our experience. Once we got on the boat we had no idea where to go or what the next step was.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

We were disappointed with the food quality. One night we ordered Surf & Turf from the Steakhouse menu and the lobster was unfortunately overcooked but the steak was perfect.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

We went to the outdoor movie and got settled in but then they played the wrong movie and we left. There were too many shopping and sales pitch activities.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The production shows were good, live music was alright, and the comedian was alright.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Very dated

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

The size was nice for two people and Tutu, our cleaning staff was great. However, in our room there was a broken lamp shade, the balcony light didn't work, stains on the carpet, etc.

Ship tip

Pay attention to the fine print . . . there is 18% gratuity automatically added to each purchase.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

2 out of 5

It was not welcoming coming to the Carnival port and our baggage staff was rude. It wasn't a great first impression.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

We liked Cozumel the best and were able to find a nice restaurant and public beach access. We did not do an excursion.

Thumbs Up 0

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

3 out of 5

It was overwhelming with all the people trying to sell things in the market and on the beach. It did not make for a relaxing beach experience. We did not do an excursion.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

This was a smooth experience

3 Comments

Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

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AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your feedback. Sadly, many things have changed since the restart (cut back in 24 hr. ice cream, 2 a day cabin service, shorter times for the buffet, bacon, etc). Sorry it wasn’t what you remembered. Glad you still enjoyed some of your honeymoon cruise. Congratulations on your marriage!

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javawoody 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 1

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Other reviews of this sailing

1st time cruise, was great!

Good not great

Great relaxing cruise!!