Better than expected for a first time cruise

Item: Carnival Valor
Rating: 3.8
Author: l114

Carnival Valor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

l114

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 5

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 02, 2024

Ship: Carnival Valor

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 1014

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 days ago

Review summary

This was about what I expected. Ship needs a redo but I didn't want to spend my entire time on the ship. I enjoyed the Serenity Deck which was beautiful and quiet. Get there early. Balcony room is small. Bathroom is plastic. Entertainment is ok. Food so so with some exceptions. Lots of pressure to buy things at shops, but easily resisted. Staff and crew were great. Excursions were the best part and I loved both. The experience of being at sea was excellent. I had a terrible experience getting on the ship where I was felt up UNDER my bra and my breasts commented on because I was suspected of having some kind of illegal substances, which I absolutely did not have. I am sure it was just because someone wanted to feel my breasts. Otherwise, it was as expected.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

I was felt up under my bra and my breasts commented on by the agent at the port. My wine was confiscated for no reason. There was a ridiculous excuse for pulling me out of the line but after the experience with being felt up, I understand that this is why.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The food was mediocre. Sushi was good but cost extra and needed more choices. Cookies at buffet were excellent! No excuses for not having better coffee/espresso and more options. Lines were way too long because it's popular and there were not enough locations. That's a basic need for people and drip doesn't suffice. Fruit was disappointing- only melon and grapefruit/tiny oranges. Dinner at the restaurant was bland. Coming out of New Orleans I really expected more.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Karaoke and piano bar were fun.

Entertainment

I didn't really go to any

Children's Programs

Don't have kids

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Lovely staff in rooms and restaurants

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Decor needs an update badly. Central areas are very dark and Vegas like. Serenity deck was beautiful. Room was OK. had a balcony which was nice. Bathrooms are one step up from a portable toilet. Definitely needs an upgrade. Everything was clean.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Clean and well stocked. Small! Bathroom was really tiny and plastic. Expected more but my first time cruise. Hot water was intermittent depending on time of day I showered.

Ship tip

Bring shampoo, conditioner, body wash. Book away from Lido deck and food for quiet.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

5 out of 5

I live in New Orleans so I'm biased. Love the city

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Pretty. Nice duty free. Cute tourist shops and excursions

Thumbs Up 0

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

4 out of 5

More authentic Mexican Port, less high end shopping, cool excursions

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

Fine but a full hour earlier than scheduled

4 Comments

AFam5 11 days ago

Yikes, I'm sorry that happened to you. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

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Dutch3901 13 days ago

Thanks for the review. We were on here in August and agree with most of your points. Having your wine confiscated could have been that it exceeded 15% alcohol. It happened to me in August. A $30 bottle of wine which didn't list the content, they had to look it up online. My lesson? I leave the high quality wine at home... The security body search is serious: If that ever happens again, I would ask for the FSO (Facility Security Officer) and tell them they need to review the cam footage (everything, all over the port is recorded). I'm glad you enjoyed the cruise overall...

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Gwbigdog 13 days ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

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cruising2004 14 days ago

Thank you for your review.

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