The Western Carribean On Carnival Valor
Mar 20th, 2011, 10:28 PM
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The Western Carribean On Carnival Valor
Over the past few years it has become sort of a family tradition to take a cruise during the insanity of Spring Break. Although it can be a hectic time for cruising, it can also be the most fun. Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize and Cozumel here we come!
Mar 20th, 2011, 10:46 PM
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CRUISE DAY
It is cruise day and I arrive home from work just in time to get a hair cut, mail a letter and stop by the bank before heading to the Port Of Miami.
To avoid the expensive $20 plus tax per day parking at the Port of Miami, I have pre-paid parking arranged through Premier Parking Ventures (www.premierparkingusa.com).
Located less than two miles away from the port it is only $64 for 7 days. Arriving at Premier just off I-95, we are given some brief instructions as we unload our luggage.
With a sticky bright yellow smiley face, in less than twenty minutes we are on our way for a short ride to Carnival Valor.
It's about 1pm as our ten bags in various shapes and sizes are unloaded. The porter is very helpful and assures us that they will make it to our cabin. Looking at the boarding line in front of us, I think our bags will make it there long before we do.
Although having “Pre-Registered” online, the boarding process still seems painfully and frustratingly sl..ooo..ww. I keep getting reminded to be patient but I refuse. There's a buffet nearby that's been waiting months for me!
After two sets of picture taking and letting two wheelchairs with twenty or so able body family members in tow cut in line, an hour and a half later we step on board the Valor.
Our annual Spring Break Family Vacation has begun.
A quick visit to our cabin and the reunion I have waited months for takes place. I savor my new family members as we are encompassed by beautiful views of Biscayne Bay.
Our reunion is short lived in more ways than one as it is soon time for the mandatory safety briefing. It is nice that all we have to do is (without life jackets) assembly at our muster station and listen to the barely audible in English only announcements.
Some time after 5:30pm the Valor pulls away from the dock and we are headed for Grand Cayman.
It is cruise day and I arrive home from work just in time to get a hair cut, mail a letter and stop by the bank before heading to the Port Of Miami.
To avoid the expensive $20 plus tax per day parking at the Port of Miami, I have pre-paid parking arranged through Premier Parking Ventures (www.premierparkingusa.com).
Located less than two miles away from the port it is only $64 for 7 days. Arriving at Premier just off I-95, we are given some brief instructions as we unload our luggage.
With a sticky bright yellow smiley face, in less than twenty minutes we are on our way for a short ride to Carnival Valor.
It's about 1pm as our ten bags in various shapes and sizes are unloaded. The porter is very helpful and assures us that they will make it to our cabin. Looking at the boarding line in front of us, I think our bags will make it there long before we do.
Although having “Pre-Registered” online, the boarding process still seems painfully and frustratingly sl..ooo..ww. I keep getting reminded to be patient but I refuse. There's a buffet nearby that's been waiting months for me!
After two sets of picture taking and letting two wheelchairs with twenty or so able body family members in tow cut in line, an hour and a half later we step on board the Valor.
Our annual Spring Break Family Vacation has begun.
A quick visit to our cabin and the reunion I have waited months for takes place. I savor my new family members as we are encompassed by beautiful views of Biscayne Bay.
Our reunion is short lived in more ways than one as it is soon time for the mandatory safety briefing. It is nice that all we have to do is (without life jackets) assembly at our muster station and listen to the barely audible in English only announcements.
Some time after 5:30pm the Valor pulls away from the dock and we are headed for Grand Cayman.
Mar 31st, 2011, 10:22 AM
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Heehee...I see that you've been busy typing. What a relief - didn't want to be left hanging over there with icebergs looming. Will have to check out your youtube stuff this weekend.
Glad the Carbib cruise was fun - hitting both extremes in temps with your cruising!
Glad the Carbib cruise was fun - hitting both extremes in temps with your cruising!
May 13th, 2011, 08:08 PM
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THE NIGHTLIFE
As the coast of Florida disappears behind us it is time to explore more of what the Carnival Valor has to offer. For the most part, the ship's daily calender of events becomes our trusted exploration map.
However, there are some time tested true events on a cruise that you don't want to miss. The Love & Marriage game, Karaoke and Carnival's “Quest Game” usually top our list.
To night it's “Night Club Express”, a production show followed by a stop at the Piano Bar, late night comedy then we are going to boogie woogie until we just can't boogie no more.
How do you end a night on a cruise ship at 2am? With a slice (or two) of pizza or a hamburger. But, of course!
Next stop, Deck 9 Lido!
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVC10wULq_Y
As the coast of Florida disappears behind us it is time to explore more of what the Carnival Valor has to offer. For the most part, the ship's daily calender of events becomes our trusted exploration map.
However, there are some time tested true events on a cruise that you don't want to miss. The Love & Marriage game, Karaoke and Carnival's “Quest Game” usually top our list.
To night it's “Night Club Express”, a production show followed by a stop at the Piano Bar, late night comedy then we are going to boogie woogie until we just can't boogie no more.
How do you end a night on a cruise ship at 2am? With a slice (or two) of pizza or a hamburger. But, of course!
Next stop, Deck 9 Lido!
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVC10wULq_Y
May 14th, 2011, 09:44 AM
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GRAND CAYMAN, STINGRAY CITY
We are ashore in Grand Cayman an hour or so too early for our 8:30am tour with Captain Marvin to Stingray City.
We have pre-arranged this tour online http://www.captainmarvins.com/ on our own prior to leaving on our Carnival cruise. This saves us a few bucks or more over Carnival prices. Depending on which dock you are tendered to, Captain Marvin's office is no more than a ten to fifteen minute walk.
Around 9am we are loaded on buses from the office area and head to our launch spot about a twenty minute drive away. Our driver and coincidentally boat captain today is Denver as in Colorado. I get a laugh from him and fellow passengers when I tell him I am Dallas from Texas.
As we pull away from the marina we are told to look ashore and wave to an elderly gentleman taking in the scenery with a few others. It is none other than Captain Marvin, himself. About 80 years old and still going strong.
Since the sun is still heating up the day, the tropical breeze still has a chill to it as we accelerate down the channel passing some beautiful sea front homes. I am going to have to work a little harder if I am ever going to own one of these million dollar plus estates that happen to be property tax free.
The breeze on my face becomes warmer and the seas are beginning to sparkle as we approach Stingray City. A daily crowd of visitors have already arrived and from the level of excitement and laughter I can tell they are already enjoying their adventure.
The water is so inviting and crystal clear than huge stingrays can be seen lazily swimming just below the surface. The crew offers us snorkel equipment but I can tell for this experience they won't be needed.
Off the back of the anchored boat we jump into chest high water that decreases to our waistline as we move away. It's our group's turn for excitement and laughter as the boat's crew shares information and a few stingrays with us.
Did you know the females rule the stingray world or that their stingers are defense mechanism? I am not sure if I believe kissing one will bring you seven years good luck but I give it a try. Maybe stingrays feel the same way because someone in another group ends up with a huge hickey on his back.
We are allow to touch and hold the stingrays although holding them takes a few tries for some of the people from Texas. For feeding, we are given pieces of squid and told to hold them like an ice cream under the water. I now know what a piece of dust feels like when a Hoover passes over it. It really sucks!
Back on board the boat we head to a nearby area for snorkeling and chance upon a tail-less stingray that we are told was born that way. Seeing turtles, a barracuda and colorful tropical fish are the icing on the cake for a pretty cool adventure.
Sailing back to the marina I am day dreaming under the warm tropical sun and I am beginning to make myself a believer in the seven year luck thing. A Powerball ticket and tax free island real estate might just be in my future.
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBBEesUriK0
We are ashore in Grand Cayman an hour or so too early for our 8:30am tour with Captain Marvin to Stingray City.
We have pre-arranged this tour online http://www.captainmarvins.com/ on our own prior to leaving on our Carnival cruise. This saves us a few bucks or more over Carnival prices. Depending on which dock you are tendered to, Captain Marvin's office is no more than a ten to fifteen minute walk.
Around 9am we are loaded on buses from the office area and head to our launch spot about a twenty minute drive away. Our driver and coincidentally boat captain today is Denver as in Colorado. I get a laugh from him and fellow passengers when I tell him I am Dallas from Texas.
As we pull away from the marina we are told to look ashore and wave to an elderly gentleman taking in the scenery with a few others. It is none other than Captain Marvin, himself. About 80 years old and still going strong.
Since the sun is still heating up the day, the tropical breeze still has a chill to it as we accelerate down the channel passing some beautiful sea front homes. I am going to have to work a little harder if I am ever going to own one of these million dollar plus estates that happen to be property tax free.
The breeze on my face becomes warmer and the seas are beginning to sparkle as we approach Stingray City. A daily crowd of visitors have already arrived and from the level of excitement and laughter I can tell they are already enjoying their adventure.
The water is so inviting and crystal clear than huge stingrays can be seen lazily swimming just below the surface. The crew offers us snorkel equipment but I can tell for this experience they won't be needed.
Off the back of the anchored boat we jump into chest high water that decreases to our waistline as we move away. It's our group's turn for excitement and laughter as the boat's crew shares information and a few stingrays with us.
Did you know the females rule the stingray world or that their stingers are defense mechanism? I am not sure if I believe kissing one will bring you seven years good luck but I give it a try. Maybe stingrays feel the same way because someone in another group ends up with a huge hickey on his back.
We are allow to touch and hold the stingrays although holding them takes a few tries for some of the people from Texas. For feeding, we are given pieces of squid and told to hold them like an ice cream under the water. I now know what a piece of dust feels like when a Hoover passes over it. It really sucks!
Back on board the boat we head to a nearby area for snorkeling and chance upon a tail-less stingray that we are told was born that way. Seeing turtles, a barracuda and colorful tropical fish are the icing on the cake for a pretty cool adventure.
Sailing back to the marina I am day dreaming under the warm tropical sun and I am beginning to make myself a believer in the seven year luck thing. A Powerball ticket and tax free island real estate might just be in my future.
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBBEesUriK0
May 14th, 2011, 06:54 PM
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I loved the video but no thanks to stingray city, the guide said stay away from the tail, I will and the look at the stringray at the National Aquarium in Baltimore 
. I have been to Grand Cayman and went to Seven Mile Beach, beautiful and calm water.
. I have been to Grand Cayman and went to Seven Mile Beach, beautiful and calm water.
May 14th, 2011, 08:01 PM
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tch912,
Think many might agree with you about Stingray City but the thought of anything happening there seemed pretty remote. The stingrays acted more like pets comfortable with hundreds of different owners everyday.
Loved the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Went there on a $5 admission day. The best $5 I ever spent. Cowfish was my favorite.
Photos:
http://dmbtravelerusa.blogspot.com/2...-aquarium.html
Think many might agree with you about Stingray City but the thought of anything happening there seemed pretty remote. The stingrays acted more like pets comfortable with hundreds of different owners everyday.
Loved the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Went there on a $5 admission day. The best $5 I ever spent. Cowfish was my favorite.
Photos:
http://dmbtravelerusa.blogspot.com/2...-aquarium.html
May 14th, 2011, 08:08 PM
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GRAND CAYMAN, 7 MILE BEACH
After about two days of sailing from Miami, the Carnival Valor comes to a stop just offshore from George Town, Grand Cayman. Our first port of call is within striking distance but it will take a little effort on our part to get there.
A tendering process puts us ashore at George Town where we discover most of the town is still asleep. There is a time difference between the ship's time and Cayman's time. We have pre-arranged a trip to Stingray City with Captain Marvin and have arrived at the office about an hour too early. It seems we could have boogie woogie a bit longer last night or at least slept in.
I take the opportunity to walk around the “two block by two block” downtown and I learn a little bit about the island's history. A short local bus ride from here for about $2 and you can spend some time at the world famous 7 Mile Beach. A nice beach with “tourist prices” although there are areas where you relax and enjoy free tropical breezes.
Our visit there happens after our trip to Stingray City. From near Tiki Beach at 7 Mile, we flag down one of the many mini buses headed back to town which turns out to be a nice local experience.
Back in town I am intrigued by the chance to walk on water and stop to see what WOWBALLS are all about. Watching most others fail to repeat the miracle, I quash the idea.
Seeing local fishermen nearby arriving with the fresh catches of the day, I think I stand a better chance feeding thousands with a few small fish and bread.
Along the waterfront vendors are on “island time”setting up for the day as we walk by many empty stalls. On a nearby wall a few birds enjoy the meat of coconuts, no doubt left behind by naive island visitors. Like true Islanders, the birds know it's the best part of the coconut.
A lengthy line awaits us to reboard the ship and we quickly adopt an island mentality. Sitting in the shade, we cool off with a local brew or two. Being among the last to board the last tender back to the Valor with no worries, I feel reconnected with my island roots.
Thanks, Cayman!
Video
http://youtu.be/OzTaGfpSDoktch912,
After about two days of sailing from Miami, the Carnival Valor comes to a stop just offshore from George Town, Grand Cayman. Our first port of call is within striking distance but it will take a little effort on our part to get there.
A tendering process puts us ashore at George Town where we discover most of the town is still asleep. There is a time difference between the ship's time and Cayman's time. We have pre-arranged a trip to Stingray City with Captain Marvin and have arrived at the office about an hour too early. It seems we could have boogie woogie a bit longer last night or at least slept in.
I take the opportunity to walk around the “two block by two block” downtown and I learn a little bit about the island's history. A short local bus ride from here for about $2 and you can spend some time at the world famous 7 Mile Beach. A nice beach with “tourist prices” although there are areas where you relax and enjoy free tropical breezes.
Our visit there happens after our trip to Stingray City. From near Tiki Beach at 7 Mile, we flag down one of the many mini buses headed back to town which turns out to be a nice local experience.
Back in town I am intrigued by the chance to walk on water and stop to see what WOWBALLS are all about. Watching most others fail to repeat the miracle, I quash the idea.
Seeing local fishermen nearby arriving with the fresh catches of the day, I think I stand a better chance feeding thousands with a few small fish and bread.
Along the waterfront vendors are on “island time”setting up for the day as we walk by many empty stalls. On a nearby wall a few birds enjoy the meat of coconuts, no doubt left behind by naive island visitors. Like true Islanders, the birds know it's the best part of the coconut.
A lengthy line awaits us to reboard the ship and we quickly adopt an island mentality. Sitting in the shade, we cool off with a local brew or two. Being among the last to board the last tender back to the Valor with no worries, I feel reconnected with my island roots.
Thanks, Cayman!
Video
http://youtu.be/OzTaGfpSDoktch912,
May 15th, 2011, 09:40 AM
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Thanks again . I go to the Aquarium when the price is low during fall and winter. The price last season was $8, still a bargain. What were those bubble things? I didn't see those in Grand Cayman. In Grand Cayman we just went to a van and asked the driver to take us to the Seven Mile beach. I loved the beach and water. Everyone in our group enjoyed the beach. This was the first time my children and grandchildren experienced the Caribbean.
. I go to the Aquarium when the price is low during fall and winter. The price last season was $8, still a bargain. What were those bubble things? I didn't see those in Grand Cayman. In Grand Cayman we just went to a van and asked the driver to take us to the Seven Mile beach. I loved the beach and water. Everyone in our group enjoyed the beach. This was the first time my children and grandchildren experienced the Caribbean.
May 18th, 2011, 06:35 AM
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tch912
Walk On Walk .. WOWBALLS! Interesting and funny to watch. They are deflated at the start and then filled with air using a lawn blower while the person is inside.
Zipped up they are waterproof and off you go. Most people I saw did not master the art of walking on water. I did not think I would do any better so I save $10
Also enjoyed 7 Mile Beach, especially finding some shade and a quiet area away from the crowds.
Walk On Walk .. WOWBALLS! Interesting and funny to watch. They are deflated at the start and then filled with air using a lawn blower while the person is inside.
Zipped up they are waterproof and off you go. Most people I saw did not master the art of walking on water. I did not think I would do any better so I save $10
Also enjoyed 7 Mile Beach, especially finding some shade and a quiet area away from the crowds.
May 18th, 2011, 06:39 AM
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60 SECONDS ON A ROLL
Being on a cruise would hardly be the place one would think to discover suppressed talents or the lack thereof. One afternoon, I get the opportunity to do so with a challenge.
With encouragement from a small crowd, “You can do it”, I rise to the task before me. I quickly get on the roll but despite the support I begin to suck. In the end, I wasn't worth squat and came up short.
Nevertheless, I proudly represented the Great State of Florida, defended the Gator Nation and learned some important things about myself all while having fun!
Video:
http://youtu.be/it1cf_NVrJI
Being on a cruise would hardly be the place one would think to discover suppressed talents or the lack thereof. One afternoon, I get the opportunity to do so with a challenge.
With encouragement from a small crowd, “You can do it”, I rise to the task before me. I quickly get on the roll but despite the support I begin to suck. In the end, I wasn't worth squat and came up short.
Nevertheless, I proudly represented the Great State of Florida, defended the Gator Nation and learned some important things about myself all while having fun!
Video:
http://youtu.be/it1cf_NVrJI
May 19th, 2011, 08:25 AM
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OK tell me about Belize and Roatan because the only knowledge I have about them is from the internet. I would like to cave tube or zipline in Belize. I was hoping to do both but I'm not sure if I will have the time. My daughter is going to join me in the adventure. I just want to relax and walk around Roatan. Do you have any information on ziplining and cave tubing? You see I don't do much water.
.
