Carnival Valor

by Enide Painer

I went aboard the Carnival Valor in April 2008 for a 7 day cruise with my sister and some friends. It was such a wonderful experience. They really do spoil you. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I love the name tags which includes the employees’ birthplace. The employees are very accommodating. Usually, if you can think of it they can make it available to you. All questions are answered and if an employee does not know the answer they direct you to someone who does.


The sail-away parties are the best. They get you to put any fears you might have behind you right away. Getting to meet the crew at the captain’s dinner is also a highlight. Seeing who is behind the “wheel” and getting a little background on them makes you feel all the better.


What better way to get everyone mixing and mingling than a conga line around the deck? You get to learn all the new dance moves and relive some old ones as you hear new tunes from today and old tunes from yesteryear.


The Activity Directors and their staff encouraging everyone to participate in the activities really makes you feel like you have a new family at sea. The shows are spectacular. They have everything from comics to dancing and singing from magicians to musicians.


If you take your children with you not to worry as they have plenty to keep the young ones occupied for hours. Informative sessions are held in the auditorium before you disembark on each escapade on the island of the day. The printed information is a real help as well. They even have channels showing what is available at the various destinations. As long as we’re on the subject of channels don’t be surprised if you see yourself doing the hustle on TV there are cameras everywhere. Every one of the staff is comfortable enough to make suggestions on what to see, where to go, the best places to eat and how not to get taken when buying souvenirs.


The crew is constantly looking out for the passengers making sure they are where they are supposed to be making sure no one is left behind.


It is so hard not to experience some weight gain as the food, like the service, is exemplary. The chefs must be hand picked from the best schools because no matter which restaurant or buffet line you stand in your taste buds are in for a real treat even for the pickiest eaters.