Just back from Carnival Victory

spyder209 · #1 (**permalink**) April 29th, 2010, 03:32 AM

I just got home on Sunday from San Juan. I will be glad to answer any questions about the ship, islands, or whatever!

CandySpy · #2 (**permalink**) April 29th, 2010, 02:20 PM

Welcome back! I want to hear everything! haha
First how was the condition of the ship?
Did you get to board the ship early and eat dinner or did you have to wait?
What excursions (if any) did you take on St. Lucia?
We have the tubing in Dominica booked & the zip line in St. Kitts booked... did you do either?
Please share whatever you can.

Thanks a bunch!!

spyder209 · #3 (**permalink**) April 29th, 2010, 03:31 PM

I found the conditon of the ship to be good. The cabin could use some updating especially in the bathroom and their was no fridge in the room. We got to the terminal by 11:30 am. on Sunday and were on the ship by 12:30. We had late dining at 8:15p.m but the first night was come as you are. In St. Lucia we didn't have an excursion booked so we got off the ship and booked one in port for an island tour. We didn't have the best tour guide but the island was beautiful. I can't remember the tour company's name though. In Dominica we booked the Hot Springs Escape through Carnival. I highly recommend it. We went to a place to swim between the mountains in a cave where the water was cold and then to the hot sulphur springs. It was an awesome tour. We booked a snorkeling adventure through Carnival in St. Kitts, it was ok. The catamaran was nice, but I have done better snorkeling. I will tell you to stay away from the 5 star catamaran snorkel with the turtles in Barbados. There were about 75 people on our catamaran and 3 more boats with just as many where we snorkeling. We were getting kicked in the head and everywhere else. I am sure you will have a great time. The food was much better than I expected and the adults only pool was actually adults only! We had a great waiter in the dining room and the warm chocolate melting cake did not disappoint!

travelguy5 · #4 (**permalink**) April 30th, 2010, 01:48 AM

Can you get better excursion deals on shore or is it better to book them on the ship?

spyder209 · #5 (**permalink**) April 30th, 2010, 02:13 AM

For the island tours it was much cheaper off the ship, but I have never booked anything other than a tour of the island without going through the cruiseline. I just feel safer for snorkeling and watersports to do it through the cruise line.

EMG · #6 (**permalink**) May 1st, 2010, 09:58 PM

you're getting the same tour whether you book on or off the ship. In many of these countries it's the only thing they do; tourism. They have no reason to risk bad publicity in trying to dick you around.

ScurvyDog · #7 (**permalink**) May 2nd, 2010, 06:35 AM

Tubing in Dominica is a good choice. We have done it twice and were pleased with the excursion both times.

Aerogirl · #8 (**permalink**) May 2nd, 2010, 11:52 AM

This just might be our next cruise. We have eyeballed it for a few months now. I think we need to just book it.

Skywench · #9 (**permalink**) May 2nd, 2010, 08:06 PM

I've done the Southern Caribbean itinerary four times and just love it. I love having a different port each day and no sea days. I plan on doing this cruise again sometime soon. I wish Carnival had some more cruises like this one.

spyder209 · #10 (**permalink**) May 3rd, 2010, 10:28 PM

Here is a link to my review, if anyone wants to check it out.

Victory 04/18/10 with pics - Cruise Critic Message Boards

CandySpy · #11 (**permalink**) May 3rd, 2010, 10:39 PM

Thank you!