EMBARKATION: How easy can it get? There were seven of us
including my wife’s sister and her husband. They had never
cruised before and had a wonderful week. We turned our luggage over
to the porters, gave them a tip, and made our way inside. We hade a
suite so we could have gone the VIP route but decided to stay with
the rest of our group. We got there about 11:15 and were at our
cabins by 11:45. They were ready and we put our stuff in and went
to lunch. Eating is my favorite part of a cruise. The six new
pounds will vouch for that. One word about the new kiosks that
Carnival has installed to help you get through the lines quickly.
GREAT! Use them. MEALS: Great food at lunch and in the main
Washington Dining Room. Juan was our waiter for the early sitting
and he was fantastic. Danilo was his assistant and they took great
care of us all week long. We looked forward to the nights that they
sang and danced. Two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts. This
night
was Cream Brule’. One of my favorites but I had also heard
about the Chocolate Melting Cake. Try both. CABINS; our suite was
ready early and had a balcony that was large enough for all seven
of us. The other two cabins were inside ones but were directly
across the hall. ENTERTAINMENT: This was the one area where I
thought some work could be done. We have cruised other lines and
seen better. However, you have to realize that you get what you pay
for. We could afford a suite on Carnival for the balcony cabin
price on another line. The comedian that night was not great and we
did not enjoy him. The dancers were not the best but we did enjoy
them.
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010: A nice, quiet day at sea. We did the hot
tub thing and the pool. I must say that this is the only day that
we took the time for this. Too busy otherwise. The best part of my
day was sitting on the balcony and getting a chance to read and
relax. MEALS: again great food and great service. There are eight
different buffets on the Valor, not counting the burrito bar, the
deli, the pizza place, sushi bar and fish and chips. If you
can’t find what you want stay home. The fish and chips were
more than enough for me, but I also had the calamari. Like I said I
like to eat. Got my brother-in-law to try the calamari and he loved
it. ENTERTAINMENT: good show featuring the dancers and singers. I
also enjoyed going along the fifth deck and listening to the
individuals that sang on the small stage there. Some quiet time
alone as I listened. Everyone else was in a hurry to do something
or get somewhere.
TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010: GRAND CAYMAN: A visit to the turtle
farm, Hell and Sting Ray City. My sister-in-law was scared of them
at first but warmed up to them and said that it was one of the high
lights of her trip. The water was so clear that you could see the
sand at you feet. I grabbed a snorkel and got a view of some
beautiful fish under the boat. On the way back in, the Captain saw
a star fish, threw the boat into neutral and jumped out the window.
He brought on board one of the largest ones I have ever seen. Then
jumped in and brought up another one. Great treat and great
pictures. MEALS: we hit the buffet when we got back. I was still
full when dinner time came around but that didn’t stop me
from eating. Tonight was escargot and I had three dishes. Love that
stuff. Got the brother-in-law to eat snails and he enjoyed them as
well. The first night he had shrimp cocktail and it became a joke
every night because Juan would bring him two plus whatever else he
ordered for the appetizer. Got him to try different foods but the
sister-in-law stuck with steaks, pork chops and chicken.
ENTERTAINMENT: I’m not certain if this was the night for the
juggler or not. Just want to say that he was AWFUL. The comedian
that followed him was a little better but not much. Again, you get
what you pay for. I went back to a suite with a balcony and a
Jacuzzi tub so it was worth it.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010: ROATAN, HONDURAS: Yes, a nice
relaxing day on Mahogany Beach. We took the chair lift and rented a
clamshell to cover two lounges. It got warm but then we would walk
out into beautiful water to cool off. Needless to say, the tan is
looking good. I recommend this to anyone. Great time. MEALS: again,
excellent. The waiters sang and danced. Our two were up on little
tables in the main room and we laughed so hard we almost cried.
Buffets were great for breakfast and lunch. I enjoyed omelets every
morning. Was never disappointed in them. ENTERTAINMENT: again left
something to be desired but enjoyed it. Slept like a baby.
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010: BELIZE: Rain started the night before
and kept up all morning. Went to the Mayan ruins but did not enjoy
them due to being wet. Not the cruise line’s fault. It
stopped as we ate lunch at the Black Orchid Resort. A feast on the
local cuisine: rice and beans, chicken, plantain and diet coke.
Well, maybe not the diet coke. Then we got on a boat to float down
the River Wallace. Wow, monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, tarpon and
manatees. Loved it. MEALS: We enjoyed the meal at the resort. It
wasn’t that expensive. Let me say this about the excursions,
I do not mind paying a little extra to get them through the cruise
line. Then I have someone to complain to, however, we enjoyed all
of them that we took so no complaints. The meal in the main dining
room was enjoyable as well. We also made late night trips to the
ninth deck for pizza and deli sandwiches. Ice cream machines are
everywhere. ENTERTAINMENT: well this was the night I had heard
about. Some of you had mentioned that the dancers’ costumes
were getting smaller and they are. I knew this so when the girls
came out in their cowgirl outfits I knew what to expect. I watched
the eyes of my brother-in-law and thought that they would pop out
when he saw the thongs that they had on.
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010: COZUMEL, MEXICO: a trip to Passion
Island on the Twister boat. Ready to do it again. My sister-in-law
was worried that the boat would turn over and we would all drown.
Didn’t happen, but the 360 degree turns at high speed made us
hold on. Of course, you are strapped in and there is no danger. She
says that this was the best thing all week. We got to the island
and were treated like royalty. Wonderful water, great beach and
good food. My brother-in-law slept most of the afternoon in a
hammock. Got some pictures of him snoring. Then back on the twister
boat. You have to take this trip. I told our host that when I
retire I am going to come and be her assistant. No salary just all
I can eat. MEALS: a Mexican buffet was included. Don’t eat
the habanera (sp) peppers. HOT! Again, the meal in the dining room
was to die for. Tonight one of the dancers was at the door when you
left for pictures. Got mine taken and have a big smile. The
brother-in-law almost split his sides when his was taken.
ENTERTAINMENT: this was the best night of the week. John Wesley
Austin was the comedian and he was so funny that I cried.
SATURDAY; MAY 1, 2010: A quite day at sea. MEALS: again, buffets
for breakfast and lunch. Then into the dining room for dinner. I am
one of those who enjoys shaving and a shower before the evening
meal and don’t shave in the morning. I also love the formal
nights and have no problem putting on a suit. Our pictures from
those two nights are part of our cruise memories. ENTERTAINMENT:
well, this was karaoke. I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed
some time on the balcony better, but I went any way. Good, bad and
the ugly. The Clint Black and Frank Sinatra were very, very good.
The Madonna and whoever the other lady was supposed to be were the
bad and the cruise crew were the ugly (funny, but ugly.)
SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2010: DEBARKATION: up early for a buffet
breakfast. By 8: 30 you have to be out. We went to the theater and
waited. I had anticipated a long one, but in less than 20 minutes
our number (7) was called. Actually, our number was one because of
VIP but we waited with the rest of the clan. We got off the boat
quickly, had to wait for a few minutes on our luggage. Then into
the Customs line. I think that they believe they have to make you
wait no matter what happens. We had a good time joking with our
porters as we stood in line. We were still through fairly quickly
and off to home. I’m ready for the next one.
FINALLY: Like I said, you get what you pay for. Will I cruise
Carnival again? Absolutely. They are a fine line and were worth
what we paid. Will we cruise other lines? Absolutely, it just
depends on where we are going and what the best value is.