A so-so cruise

Carnival Victory Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Lisaj111

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 26, 2010

Ship: Carnival Victory

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

We went out of Puerto Rico so we would be able to see different islands. Living in Florida makes it easy to just go to Tampa all the time, but we wanted to switch it up. I understand that we made the decision, but it was frustrating when announcements would come on and they were in Spanish only. That was not the case all of the time, but it happened about once a day so we had no idea what was being said. Announcements were also made as early as 8am. When you stay in the casino until 2 or 3 in the morning, being woken up by announcements telling you the shore excursions are running out isn't that pleasant. There was also someone working on the ship right outside of our balcony at 8:30 one morning. It sounded like he was banging a hammer against a steel wall. The buffet would close to prepare for the next meal, which only left the pizza and burger bar open. We had to wait in line for a long time during the closed periods, which was annoying. Our waiter at dinner seemed annoyed with us the whole time. He had a lot of tables and was really busy, which was probable the problem. I had to ask for my water to be refilled, something I haven't had to do on other cruise lines. Most of the activities on the ship were prior to our dining time, which is also when we were getting ready for dinner. I feel as though the quality of my vacation was not anywhere near what I was expecting. This was my first 7 days cruise with Carnival, and it will also be my last. It is fine for short 3-4 day trips but it is not up to par with other cruise lines.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The dining times were not convenient. For the most part the food was really good and there was always a lot of variety. Only having the pizza and burgar bars open during the day was in poor planning.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The schedule wasn't great. Having the alte seating for dinner made it difficult for us to do a lot of the events.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Jasmina in the casino was wonderful! She was fun, friendly, and entertaining. We wanted to be loud and have a good time and she went along with us. Other people were quiet and brought our mood down. They were working, but they could have seemed like they were having a little more fun. Our room steward, Rai, was very sweet. That isn't his whole name, just the last three letters. He always called me by name and did whatever I asked. Our waiter seemed overworked. We were uncomfortable asking for anything after he took our order because he seemed irritated when we did. I had to ask for my drink to be refilled every night.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Kids running through the hallways and people having conversations outside of their rooms was abnoxious. It isn't Carnival's fault, but maybe making a more sound proof door would be helpful.

Ports of call

Roseau, Dominica

1 out of 5

Nothing great. We paid to get to, and see, the waterfall but nobody told us you have to walk across uneven wet rocks to get there. We turned around because we were in flip flops and didn't want to break our ankles. People on the island were very pushy.

Thumbs Up 0

Castries, St. Lucia

3 out of 5

Bridgetown, Barbados

3 out of 5

Beach was great!

Thumbs Up 0

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5

Megan's Bay was really nice. There isn't a great food selection but they had Rum Punch for $5.

Thumbs Up 0

Philipsburg, St. Maarten