Great Cruise. Ship Needs Work.

Carnival Valor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 19

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Valor

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: 8 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.

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

3 out of 5
Nothing special in my opinion. Dirty and lots of crime but we only embarked here - we didn't do an excursion.

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
The little shops are nice to visit but unless you pay for an excursion or want to visit a bar - there's not much to see.

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

2 out of 5
Unless you book an excursion, there is not much to see or do. There are a few shops in Port with the same old stuff. Very pushy shops people.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Very quick and smooth. No complaints.

Traveler Photos

Was this review helpful? 19

5 Comments

javawoody     8 months ago

Appreciate the review

karlgrgurich     8 months ago

Fortunately, there are a lot of options out there!

AuntPinkie     8 months ago

Appreciate your feedback. Happy your children liked the kids club. Hope your next cruise is on a newer ship. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

HeavySeas     8 months ago

Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed your cruise

Gwbigdog     8 months ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

Other reviews of this sailing