Last minute cruise b/4 spending the holiday with my "AMAZING" family in NYC.

Valiant Lady Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

MzMoniqueRenee

Contributor Level: Second Mate

21 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 5

Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

7 Night Dominican & Puerto Rican Daze (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 16, 2023

Ship: Valiant Lady

Cabin number: 8282A

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 6 months ago

Review summary

This was my first cruise in many years and my best guilty pleasure and impluse purchse of 2023 to end the year. Booking on 5 days in advance. Boarding was a breeze. Muster drill easy-peasy. During the sail away party everyone gets champaign (Rose is not my JAM) and I enjoyed the energy of the sailor and the crew anyway. I have $600 in sailor loot and shook the app for Moet! I don't like sharing rooms / cabin with my girlfriends so we all had our own balconys and met up at easy anywhere on ship at anytime. While I could not locate the photo of the cabin. I was the perfect size for me. I only travel with a carry-on so I had more than enough storage minimizing clutter. There was a place for everything! Big screen TV with new movie released included. The gym was great never crowded. The spa was immaculantely spotless. All of the restaruant we great. The WAKE was my favorite and you have to try the oysters and seafood tower. The council "my friends" voted and we did not go to Test Kitchen. I will get in during my transatlantic cruise from Spain to Miami in October on Resillent Lady. The coffee on the ship while not Starbuck's was good an kicked off my workout each morning. The drinks were good and there was never a wait for service. I love the fact that all access was on a wearable not need to carry a cards with you -- freeing up you hands. The Rock Star ammenities were great -- I joined some friends I met on the ship a had a day in their guest private area. I met so many very cool folks on this ship. There was always something to do. I highly recommend experiencing VV cruises at least once in your life. I disembarked the ship with a ZERO balance which only added to my delightment. How great is that!

Embarkation

5 out of 5

From my condo to cabin was 18-minutes. This was an amazing experience!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

I love the fact the fact that I was able to eat at the restaurants for breakfast and dinner -- no need to go the galley (which was alway full of sailors getting there gastro-debaucury in) not even for coffee. I did have to pass through the galley to get the GUMBAE restaurant to 2 dinners with folks I met on the ship. I did not indulge in room service I would simply pick up a fruit bento box and place in cabin fridge for a healthy late night snack.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

There was a lit going on daily including triva and movies. As an extrovert I use usually create my on activities with a twist.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The entertainment I partook in was great. Mostly the live bands, I did not go to any shows. The sail-A-way party was inside it was raining as we left Miami. I attended the Solo sailor meet-up which was cool followed by dinner at Razzel Dazzel. I did peek in the pajama parties but it was were just way to crowed for me. I was able to watch the band, dance and see everyone walking to and from the party in their PJ's of all sorts -- super entertaining.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

The ship personnel was quite knowlegeable some were friendlier than other however, accommodating. If your like me and like ice... well you will have to call a stew for it everytime -- however, still and sparking water is replensihed 2X aday.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

I had a late boaring time 4p. However within 24 hours I was able to figure out the layout. Loved the pool in the sun at port days. The thermal spa was amazing. Just rembmer to take the correct elevator bank closest to your destination on the ship. On many occassions I just took the stairs.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

I was in a Limited View Balcony -- meaning the lifeboat/tender was right under my balcony. It did not obstruct my view of the sea and port arrivals in the morning.

Ship tip

Book the restaurants for dinner via the APP as early as you can. If you have an issue call customer service will book it for you.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5

I live in downtown Miami

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Did not visit port

I was just in DR resort at Cap Cana in October 2023 so no need to get off the ship -- to travel to a beach 45-minutes away.

Thumbs Up 0

San Juan, Puerto Rico

4 out of 5

I have visted pueto rico many time. The port was very crowded when we arrived but I did arrange a local tour guide to take us on a cullinary adventure in San Juan.

Thumbs Up 0

The Beach Club (Virgin Voyages), Bimini Bahamas Did not visit port

It was very cold and windy when we arrived at port in the middle of December so I did not leave the ship. While may sailor did venture out the word on the street was lunch was not that good and everyone returned to the ship shivering.

Thumbs Up 0