This 110,000-ton cruise ship is a floating tribute to heroes and heroism from all over the world wrapped in a patriotic thematic design. Although her basic layout is the same as other Conquest ships, she has more of a family atmosphere than some of the other ships in her class.
Valor was built at the Kvaerner-Masa Yards in Finland in 2004 and re-furbished in 2008. The Panama-registered ship is commanded by Italian officers and has a maximum speed of 21 knots. The service crew is international. Maximum capacity is 2,974. The majority of passengers are from the U.S. and all announcements are in English, with substantial numbers of Latino, Italian and Indian passengers aboard as well. During summer, Christmas and spring break the ship is especially packed with families, family reunion groups and younger travelers.The ship alternates on an Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops in the Bahamas (Nassau), St. Thomas and St. Maarten. The Western Caribbean in 2008 is Cozumel Mexico, Belize, Roatan Honduras and Grand Cayman. For families, the Western itinerary is recommended, as it includes fewer sea days to keep children occupied.
This is a Carnival "Fun Ship" so there are plenty of silly games, lido deck contests and party events aboard. Valor is a great family destination ship with lots to keep people entertained—but educational lectures are not among the offerings. As on most Caribbean cruises, there are dozens of snorkeling, diving, canoeing, kayaking and sailing activities, as well as city tours, and beach and water adventures. Some unusual shore excursions on Valor are cave tubing and canopy ziplines in Belize and the America's Cup sailing in St. Maarten. From the stars-and-stripes marble flooring to the gold eagle sculptures, this ship is definitely a return to designer Farcus' over-the-top designs. The atrium shops, lobby bar and photo shop along with the rest of the Promenade deck form the core of entertainment on board. However, the Conquest class ships in general suffer from several traffic flow problem areas, especially during peak hours.
The Lido deck is comprised of three separate pool areas, which include a signature 214-ft waterslide and plenty of terraced decks. The main pool is quite small. A recent addition is a giant video screen dubbed "Theater at Sea"; it is a popular place to relax and watch movies and ship videos in the evening. Live bands play here and the parties are lively. At the rear of the Lido deck is another pool with a retractable roof and several whirlpools.The 15,000-sq-ft gym houses modern exercise equipment and program rooms. Optional classes are offered at a nominal cost. A jogging track is above the gym on the open deck. The no-theme spa could be called modern minimalist style. It comprises separate steam rooms and saunas and a full-service beauty salon and offers a full menu of Steiner spa treatments, including detox, massage and health and beauty rituals.
Additions during the most recent refit were mini golf on the sundeck and a jumbo screen above the main pool.
Most of the entertainment on board in the evening revolves around the Promenade Deck. The Main Lounge, called the Ivanhoe, is done in over-the-top medieval-theme decor, complete with a faux castle and tapestries. But entertainment is a strong suit with Carnival, so there are several fun and well designed Vegas-style reviews during the cruise, as well as guest comics, jugglers and a comic hypnotist. Other lounges feature bands, sing-along piano bar and karaoke bar. The inconspicuously themed Shogun has a large number of slot machines, various table games including blackjack, Caribbean Stud, roulette, craps and—new to Carnival ships—Texas Hold Em'.
The Internet cafe, small and tucked away on a lower deck, has only a few computers and connection is slow. However, the ship has wireless Internet throughout. On-board shopping is limited to souvenir, liquor, and duty-free jewelry, cosmetic and perfumes.
Carnival excels in its activities for children. The Valor has an expanded Camp Carnival and O2 Teen Program. The new kids' area is over 4,200 sq ft and has PS2, Wii, arts and crafts, games and a wading pool. Carnival also offers programs on music, science, fitness and ports of call. The O2 Teen program has its own teen lounge with video games, activities, a music DJ and a juice bar. Circle C, for young teenagers, has movies, table tennis and gaming pods.
Valor's two main dining rooms, Lincoln and Washington, serve from identical dinner menus: international cuisine with a rotating variety of fish, poultry, beef and vegetarian dishes. They operate on fixed seating with the table number and dining time assigned by the ship. The food quality on Carnival has definitely improved but still would fall into the "average" category. The only theming in the rooms are bas relief plaques of the presidents. Dining times are 5:45, 6:15, 8 and 8:30. The supper club, located atop the ship, is called Scarlett's. Decorated in Southern Antebellum style, it is a charming option for a night out on the ship. A duet plays light music and the entrees are well prepared. The steakhouse fare is especially tasty with the lamb chops and filet Mignon taking top honors. Reservations are necessary and a $30 per-person cover charge applies. Finally, the Lido buffet Rosie's is bright and sunny. Designed in homage to WW II's Rosie the Riveter, it operates several buffet lines serving a rotating international fare. There are also lines for Asian cuisine, deli sandwiches, an outdoor grill area and 24-hour pizza. The food is typical buffet fare. The Asian line allows guests to select their own vegetables and meats and grills them to order. The fish and chips bar offers beer-battered fish, delicious Bouillabaisse and seared rare tuna, and generally seating is available. Other food venues include a coffee bar and a sushi bar.
Carnival's standard cabins, at 195 sq ft, are larger than most cruise lines. On these newer vessels, a majority of cabins are balcony and ocean view. All standard cabins contain two twin beds convertible to a king, made up with high-thread-count sheets and fluffy duvets. Rooms are very nicely appointed and designed with good stowage space. TVs have interactive capabilities, and safes, hair dryers and basic toiletries are in all. The towels are generally absorbent and fluffy, and pool towels are available. Ocean view cabins and above have robes. The balcony on the standard cabins is very narrow with a chair and small table. The deluxe balcony cabins at the rear of the ship have large balconies with wonderful views aft. Suites are substantially larger with separate sitting areas, closets, whirlpool tubs, marble accents and larger balconies.
The 18 family staterooms on the Conquest class of ships are slightly larger and have floor-to-ceiling windows instead of a balcony. They book up quickly, especially during peak season. Suites are substantially larger with separate sitting areas, closets, whirlpool tubs, marble accents and larger balconies.
For cruisers looking for a subdued or elegant liner, there are better ship options in the fleet. But for families, groups and individuals looking for a fun cruise at a good value, Valor has the high energy decor and theming that is Carnival's signature. There is plenty to do aboard.
