Great Cruise. Ship Needs Work.

Item: Carnival Valor
Rating: 3.2
Author: mrsmichellelewis

Carnival Valor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

mrsmichellelewis

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 12

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 19, 2024

Ship: Carnival Valor

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7377

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 3 months ago

Review summary

Overall we enjoyed our cruise and don't regret taking it but the ship does need some TLC and I would reevaluate the age of the ship before booking another cruise.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Embarkation was slightly delayed but it was still a smooth process and we were able to get on earlier than most

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

The main dining room was slow and loud, the service was awful, and the food was not edible. The buffets were over crowded but at least the food was good and there were lots of options. We never had trouble finding a table, just had to stand in line for food.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

They need more Pools (3 small pools - one of which was adult only). It is an older ship so you won't find as many activities or amenities.

Entertainment

I wish there had been more shows suitable to kids. They only offered a couple of Rock or motown shows in the main theatre.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

My kids loved the kids club!! And we felt comfortable leaving them there.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

I'm only giving 4 stars because our room steward was great, our waiter at the Dr Suess breakfast was great, and the kids club staff were great. I was very underwhelmed by the rest of the staff.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

The ship was clean but it is just old and it shows. It is in dire need of a dry dock and update.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Cabin was clean and well maintained. We had plenty of room for us and the kids and that's saying something since there were 4 of us. The balcony needed some tlc. Lots of rust and stains.

Ship tip

Not great for younger kids given the amenities but if you are comfortable leaving them at the kids club, you'll be fine. Set your expectations properly - it's an old ship so it won't have the same amenities or design as a newer ship. We still had a great time but I don't know I would take this ship again unless it goes to dry dock.

Thumbs up