Carnival Victory November 4-11 2012 WONDERFUL CRUISE

Roger25375 · December 5, 2012

We completed our second cruise on the Carnival Victory Nov 4-11 2012. We cruised on her previously the same week exacly one year ago. With such a port intensive cruise, there was no way to see it all the first go around, so we knew we would have to do this again.

We flew in a day early on the 3rd and stayed at Casablanca on Old San Juan. It was $25.00 for the taxi including our bags from the airport to the hotel. Nice hotel, but no elevators and our room had no hot water, by the time we realized it, it was too late to switch rooms as they were full. We did ask at the front desk that we receive a different room after the cruise as we were staying over again and not flying home until Monday evening. When we do this cruise again (planning Nov 2013 on the Valor) we will fly home after the cruise and not stay the extra night.

We met some friends from work at Senor Frogs that flew in on a later flight before calling it a night.

We checked out of the hotel a few minutes before noon and made our way to the pier. They had already started boarding so we gave our bags to the porters, showed our ids and proceeded to go check in. It took all of 30 minutes from dropping bags to walking up the gang way. Our room 1057 Balcony on Panorama Deck was ready so we left the carry on bags and headed to lido for lunch. The ship was not at all crowded yet. The four of us ate and decided to get back off the ship and explore old San Juan.

We stayed off until 6:15 and were suprised at the long lines of people just now checking in for the ship.

Dinner the first night is open seating and you go at anytime you like. We split up for a few a decided to meet at 7pm, that would allow for enough time for dinner and to go back to the room to see if the bags had arrived yet. And then wait for the dreaded muster drill at 9:30 pm.

This time, the drill was longer, hotter and more miserable than in the past. They explained more, I assume due to the Costa accident and them hadto repeat everything in Spanish. It took almost 30 minutes to complete, but we were one of the first groups to get to leave.

The staff, Harry Cabin Steward, Anthony and Iputuin the Altantic Dining room were amazing, always willing to go the extra mile. We never encountered any rude staff except for one in the Photo Gallery, and they seemed short staffed. No big deal.

Always pleanty of food to eat and I could always find something to eat, no complaints from me on the food or it's availability.

Staff always spoke to us, no matter where we were, they seemed to carei if you were having a good time or needed anything to help you have a good time.

St Thomas we booked private excursion/Island Tour with Papa Bear from Air Force One Tours.

Barbados, we went to Harrison's Cave and then back to the ship, we did not like downtown Bridgetown last year and decided to avoid it this time.

St Lucia, we booked a catamaran cruise to the Pitons, best tour we took all cruise. Food swimming and drinks included on this excursion.

St Kitts, we booked St Kitts Highlights with Brimstone Hill Fortress.

St Maarten, no tours just shopping and walking around and my first Chicken Mac at McDonalds.

Overall, this was a fantastic cruise, best ports that Carnival offers on a single cruise. We hopeto do it again Nov 2013 on the Valor as it will be a new ship for us to experience.

Currently planning the next Carnival Cruises, 2 short 4 days cruises in Jan Key West and Cozumel and May to Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

KeithnRita · December 5, 2012

Roger, thanks for the review! So glad you had a fantastic cruise.

saltydog · December 5, 2012

Thanks Roger for the interesting review. We have not sailed on Carnival. We probably should do it.

cruisetarp · December 6, 2012

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us Roger. Glad you had a good trip

Roger25375 · December 6, 2012

Thought I would share a couple of pictures.

Rainbow as we sailed towards St Lucia.

The Pitons in St Lucia.

saltydog · December 6, 2012

Great shots Roger. Thanks for sharing.

jacketwatch · December 6, 2012

Nice review Roger and great pics! The so. Caribbean is a fab itinerary.

rogue · December 8, 2012

Thanks for the great review and the pictures, Roger. Glad you enjoyed the cruise!

Jan115 · December 9, 2012

Roger,

Enjoyed your review and your fantastic photos. Thanks for sharing! My daughter and her husband did the same itinerary on this ship in July. They had a great time, though did not enjoy Carnival as much as Princess, the only line they sailed previously. However, they did LOVE old San Juan and the southern Caribbean islands. :smile: