Carnival Valor October 2010 Western Caribbean

Took a cruise on the Carnival Valor 10/10/10! It was my first 7 day cruise, Sunday to Sunday!

Leaving out of Miami heading to the Western Caribbean - Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Cozumel and Belize - not in that order.

Leaving port on Sunday we were not sure about the other ports because it was hurricane season. But we would make the most of it. We were traveling with my cousin, who was celebrating her 10 years anniversary which was exciting!

It was a warm day, we flew from Newark NJ on Sunday AM. On our flight there were some people that were a little bit rowdy and one wore a captain hat. We were tired cause of the early flight and because of them there was no relaxing on the plane. Even the people sitting next to me were cruising but they were on another ship. Getting off the plane we headed toward the bus transfer to head to the ship. Man were we frustrated to see these same people on the bus and again boarding the Carnival Valor! Ugh! We later dubbed him 'Captain' lol - he was also seated not to far from our table in the dinning room.

We were kinda early at the pier but it was no biggie. After getting thru the terminal and being allowed on the ship we went straight to eat! The best thing about cruise ships - ALL THE FOOD YOU CAN EAT! Unfortunately everyone else had the same idea we did. But we did get to eat. There was music playing, people eating and drinking. Once we had something in our stomachs we explored the ship. There were so many places to see!

There was a slide, two pools, hot tubs, mini golf, a HUGE TV above the pool, theater, and more.

Day one port Grand Cayman. At this port we had to tender - this means the ship stays away from the shore and you have to take a small boat from the ship to the shore. It was a first for me and a little scary. The waves were really high and caused the ship to sway A LOT! At Grand Cayman we just took a cab to the beach - the locals told us it was the first day of sun in over 10 days! We were lucky. After the beach we walked around the main port, did some shopping and headed back. The waves were so high it took over an hour and a half to get everyone back on the ship. The little boat would sway and hit the ship the banging was loud.

The next port: Well we should have gone to the western Caribbean but there was hurricane Paula hanging out there. Its a good thing we detoured. The new ports were announced as Ocho Rios and Nassau. We didnt plan for them and had no idea what to expect - some people were upset others didnt really care. I didnt care, I was on vacation you know!

We had an extra day out to sea because of the detour and ported to Ocho Rios. What usually happens with the money paid out? Well turns out they did refunded what we prepaid for excursions but port fees were not refunded. The new ports were more then the original ports so the cruisers made out there.

Ocho Rios Jamaica: The port seemed industrial but we decided to do an excursion. Snorkeling and The Dunns River falls. Watch out for people offering you to purchase something its not required and dont feel pressured. The first part was snorkeling. I was afraid as the first time I tried to do this I choked on water and couldnt get it to work. I also wear glasses and was afraid I couldnt see. Well I took a dive! I finally figured it out and I got to see under water! After snorkeling, we got our hair braided! It hurt me. But It looked pretty cool. Then we bused over to Dunns River falls. Man I can believe I hiked up there. It was amazing! Its a must if your in Ocho Rios Jamaica!

Another day out to sea: Decorated towels, Mexican Buffets, Food! We had dinner at the special restaurant on the ship. It was the anniversary gift for my cousin. Amazing!

Next port: Nassau - now we have done this port before on another ship. So again we didnt pick an excursion, instead we took a water taxi from the pier over to Atlantis. Just walking around there has some great sights. Its a beautiful place but costs a lot to get in.

Thats the only disappointment we had with the detour. Hitting a port we had been to before.

In any event, we saw some amazing shows on board - there were two formal nights on the ship.

Upon return to the port in Miami we did an excursion to Port Everglades - saw some Crocodiles and Alligators. Our flights were later in the day so we had sometime to kill.

Well upon arrival to the airport we checked in. The airline had a message about giving up your seat which we asked about, they offered us an earlier flight at no charge. So we took it!

Guess who was on that plane! Yup the Captain and his crew! lol... man no resting on that plane!

So we got back a little earlier and still had a great time, would I do i again? Sure I would! Love cruising.