Carnival Valor 2017 4-Day Caribbean Cruise Review
Day 3 Part 2 June 24, 2017 Cozumel, Mexico
Scheduled Arrival: 9:00am Scheduled Departure: 6:00pm
Actual Arrival: 9:45am Actual Departure: Around 6:30pm
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Day 3 Part 2 June 24, 2017 Cozumel, Mexico
Scheduled Arrival: 9:00am Scheduled Departure: 6:00pm
Actual Arrival: 9:45am Actual Departure: Around 6:30pm
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As we continued to walk back to the ship, I took some pictures around Puerta Maya. It was getting close to noon and since both ships had been docked for two hours, most of the earlier crowd had thinned out. This was because most shore excursions were in progress and people were settled at bars, restaurants, and in shops.
Puerta Maya
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View Of Undeveloped Area
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View Of Puerta Maya
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Fountain at Puerta Maya
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Three Amigos - Located Close To The Pier
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View Of The Carnival Valor From Three Amigos
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Starting The Process of Getting Back Onboard:
There was no line at the pier's security checkpoint. The security official looked at our Sail & Sign Cards as well as our passports. After going through this checkpoint, we had to proceed back through the shops that are located directly on the pier. In the middle picture below, you will see a gate that is beside the shops on the pier. This gate is for crew members only. Crew members are lucky enough to get to bypass the shops.
There was no line at the pier's security checkpoint. The security official looked at our Sail & Sign Cards as well as our passports. After going through this checkpoint, we had to proceed back through the shops that are located directly on the pier. In the middle picture below, you will see a gate that is beside the shops on the pier. This gate is for crew members only. Crew members are lucky enough to get to bypass the shops.
Carnival Valor
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Crew Walkway On The Pier
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View Of Puerta Maya - From The Pier
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View Of Puerta Maya - From The Pier
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Cozumel - View From Pier
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Blue Water - Looking Down From The Pier's Edge
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Carnival Fantasy & Empress of the Seas
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Carnival Valor's Lettering
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Carnival Valor and Carnival Fantasy
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Carnival Valor's FWD Gangway
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View From The Gangway - Looking Towards Front
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View From The Gangway - Looking Towards The Back
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Getting Back On The Carnival Valor:
In order to get back on the Carnival Valor, we had to get our Sail & Sign cards scanned by the ship's security guards. Once our cards were scanned, we waited in line to go through the ship's security checkpoint. This checkpoint consists of going through a metal detector and having all belongings scanned. We were required to empty our pockets of all cameras, phones, electronics, keys, and place them in a little bucket that would go through a larger scanner. There was virtually no line at the security checkpoint and within 5 minutes we were completely through. After exiting the checkpoint, we headed to the nearest guest stairwell that we could find on Deck 0. While looking for a stairwell we walked by the ship's medical center, which was closed at the time.
In order to get back on the Carnival Valor, we had to get our Sail & Sign cards scanned by the ship's security guards. Once our cards were scanned, we waited in line to go through the ship's security checkpoint. This checkpoint consists of going through a metal detector and having all belongings scanned. We were required to empty our pockets of all cameras, phones, electronics, keys, and place them in a little bucket that would go through a larger scanner. There was virtually no line at the security checkpoint and within 5 minutes we were completely through. After exiting the checkpoint, we headed to the nearest guest stairwell that we could find on Deck 0. While looking for a stairwell we walked by the ship's medical center, which was closed at the time.
Ship's Medical Center - Deck 0
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Deck 0 - Most Of This Deck Is Crew Only
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Trying The Carnival Valor's Guy's Burger Joint:
The Carnival Valor's Guy's Burger Joint is located on the Lido Deck (9) very close to the pool area and on the opposite side of the ship from the Blue Iguana Cantina. Guy's Burger Joint is a complimentary eatery that serves a variety of hamburgers. A toppings bar is located close to Guy's Burger Joint where cruisers can add their own lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, bacon, mushrooms, condiments, and other toppings. I got the "Straight Up" burger with fries and it was extremely good!
The Carnival Valor's Guy's Burger Joint is located on the Lido Deck (9) very close to the pool area and on the opposite side of the ship from the Blue Iguana Cantina. Guy's Burger Joint is a complimentary eatery that serves a variety of hamburgers. A toppings bar is located close to Guy's Burger Joint where cruisers can add their own lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, bacon, mushrooms, condiments, and other toppings. I got the "Straight Up" burger with fries and it was extremely good!
Guy's Burger Joint
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Fries Located Behind The Counter
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Hamburgers Getting Put Together
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Guy's Burger Joint Toppings Bar
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Guy's Burger Joint Toppings Bar
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Guy's Burger Joint Toppings Bar
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Guy's Burger Joint Toppings Bar
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Lunch #3:
Since it was a port of call day and most cruisers were off the Carnival Valor, there were a few buffet lines closed. However, the food choices were virtually the same as the previous two days' lunch. The buffet was virtually empty except for a few guests onboard and higher level crew members enjoying the guest buffet. Our food choices for lunch on this day of the cruise were:
Here are some pictures of our plates from this day's lunch:
Since it was a port of call day and most cruisers were off the Carnival Valor, there were a few buffet lines closed. However, the food choices were virtually the same as the previous two days' lunch. The buffet was virtually empty except for a few guests onboard and higher level crew members enjoying the guest buffet. Our food choices for lunch on this day of the cruise were:
- Blue Iguana Cantina 12:00pm - 3:30pm
- Caribbean Food - Chef's Choice Line 12:00pm - 3:30pm
- Mongolian Wok 12:00pm - 3:30pm
- Ol' Fashioned BBQ 12:00pm - 3:30pm
- Seafood Shack (Costs Extra) 12:00pm - 5:00pm
- Sushi At Sea 12:00pm - 5:00pm
- Guy's Burger Joint 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Here are some pictures of our plates from this day's lunch:
Tacos From The Blue Iguana Cantina
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My Burger From Guy's Burger Joint - "Straight Up"
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Assorted Food Mixed With Greek Farmer Salad
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Pepperoni Pizza - From The Pizzeria
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Caesar Salad - From The Pizzeria
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Turkey Wrap - From The Deli
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Assorted Food Mixed In Bowl From Mongolian Wok
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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After eating I walked around to take pictures of the desserts and Chef's Choice (Caribbean food) buffet:
Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Chef's Choice (Caribbean) Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice (Caribbean) Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice (Caribbean) Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice (Caribbean) Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice (Caribbean) Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice (Caribbean) Buffet Line
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It was nice to enjoy an empty buffet since most cruisers were ashore shopping, eating, and on shore excursions.
Rosie's Lido Buffet
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Tables & Chairs - Cozumel In Window Background
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Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Machines
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Blue Iguana Cantina
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Lincoln Dining Room - Deck 3 Level
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Lincoln Dining Room - Deck 3 Level
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After eating lunch, I took a walk around the ship's interior. Most areas of the ship were empty, just like the buffet.
Betsy Ross Room - Was Setup For Some Type of Special Event
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Atrium's Lobby Bottom
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Trophy Located In Ship's Atrium Lobby
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Alchemy Bar - Deck 5 AFT
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Chairs Located Along The Promenade
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Eagles Lounge
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Game Of "Mission Not So Impossible":
As we randomly walked around the Promenade Deck (5), we came across one of the Fun Squad entertainment team members. A game of "Mission Not So Impossible" was about to begin. We stuck around to find out what the game was and since it sounded appealing we decided to play. Essentially, we were verbally told a list of items to find around the ship and we had to bring those items back within 15 minutes. Part of the game was memorizing the list of items and remembering what was on that list. One item on the list (was not disclosed until the game ended) was worth 3 bonus points. It was a fun and easy game, but I recommend having a camera and a watch for those who may play this game on the Carnival Valor in the future. We had fun playing this game and won two ship on a stick trophies!!
Afternoon Walk Around The Ship's Outside Decks:
There were many available deck chairs since most cruisers were ashore. One area that I had previously not explored was the Carnival Valor's Sun Deck (12) area. On the port side of this deck, you can find two ping-pong tables, a large chess board, and bean bag toss boards. Keep in mind, Deck 12 is split into a front and back area. The front area of Deck 12 has the games I just described as well as part of the Serenity Adults Only Retreat. The back area of Deck 12 has the ship's mini golf course. The split gets a little complicated, but the official deck location of these places on the ship's deck plan can help sort out any confusion.
As we randomly walked around the Promenade Deck (5), we came across one of the Fun Squad entertainment team members. A game of "Mission Not So Impossible" was about to begin. We stuck around to find out what the game was and since it sounded appealing we decided to play. Essentially, we were verbally told a list of items to find around the ship and we had to bring those items back within 15 minutes. Part of the game was memorizing the list of items and remembering what was on that list. One item on the list (was not disclosed until the game ended) was worth 3 bonus points. It was a fun and easy game, but I recommend having a camera and a watch for those who may play this game on the Carnival Valor in the future. We had fun playing this game and won two ship on a stick trophies!!
Afternoon Walk Around The Ship's Outside Decks:
There were many available deck chairs since most cruisers were ashore. One area that I had previously not explored was the Carnival Valor's Sun Deck (12) area. On the port side of this deck, you can find two ping-pong tables, a large chess board, and bean bag toss boards. Keep in mind, Deck 12 is split into a front and back area. The front area of Deck 12 has the games I just described as well as part of the Serenity Adults Only Retreat. The back area of Deck 12 has the ship's mini golf course. The split gets a little complicated, but the official deck location of these places on the ship's deck plan can help sort out any confusion.
Chess Board Located On Deck 12
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One Of The Ping Pong Tables - Deck 12
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Deck 12 - View Of The Ship's Back
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After looking at Deck 12, I walked up to Deck 14. Deck 14, the Sky Deck, is only located at the front of the ship. This is where the waterslide's line begins and is home to the second level of the Serenity Adults Only Retreat. Please note, the Carnival Valor, as well as all other Carnival ships do not have a Deck 13. Deck 14 is the next highest deck from Deck 12.
I enjoyed looking at the view from Deck 14 and seeing Cozumel below. The weather was extremely nice, despite the forecast saying rain was likely.
I enjoyed looking at the view from Deck 14 and seeing Cozumel below. The weather was extremely nice, despite the forecast saying rain was likely.
Deck 14
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View Of Waterslide & Funnel From Deck 14
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View From Deck 14
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Promenade Walkway - Deck 5
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Fun Squad Sign Located By Promenade Stage
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Java Coffee Bar - Was Closed While We Were Docked
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Carnival Valor's Mini Golf Course:
The Carnival Valor's Mini Golf Course is located on the Sun Deck (12). In order to get to the mini golf course, a cruiser must first find the jogging track on Deck 11. There is a gate to access the ship's basketball and volleyball courts. Proceed through this gate and there will be a stairwell that will take you up to the mini golf course. I believe this is the only way to get to the mini golf course. The golf balls and putts are stored at the mini golf course.
We played a round of mini golf since the wind was minimal. When the ship is moving, playing mini golf can be hard due to the wind.
The Carnival Valor's Mini Golf Course is located on the Sun Deck (12). In order to get to the mini golf course, a cruiser must first find the jogging track on Deck 11. There is a gate to access the ship's basketball and volleyball courts. Proceed through this gate and there will be a stairwell that will take you up to the mini golf course. I believe this is the only way to get to the mini golf course. The golf balls and putts are stored at the mini golf course.
We played a round of mini golf since the wind was minimal. When the ship is moving, playing mini golf can be hard due to the wind.
Mini Golf Course - Deck 12
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Golf Balls & Putts Located At The Mini Golf Course
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Mini Golf Course
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Mini Golf Course
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Looking Below At The Volleyball Court
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Carnival Valor's Funnel
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Two Cookies
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Quick Afternoon Snack:
After playing on the mini golf course, we headed down to the Lido Deck (9) for a quick drink of water in Rosie's Lido Buffet. While I was in there, I grabbed two cookies to eat. I really like Carnival's cookies and wish I could have them more often. |
Last Look At Cozumel Before Dinner:
Since our sail-a-way was scheduled while I would be eating dinner, I knew I had to get a last look at Cozumel before heading to dinner. I first went to Deck 11's front observation area for a look.
Since our sail-a-way was scheduled while I would be eating dinner, I knew I had to get a last look at Cozumel before heading to dinner. I first went to Deck 11's front observation area for a look.
Ship's Front - View From Deck 11
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Cozumel
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Carnival Fantasy - View From Deck 3
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After looking out from Deck 11, it was time to get in line for dinner. Before lining up outside the dining room, I went outside to Deck 3's outside area. I was able to catch the Carnival Fantasy beginning to sail. Once the Carnival Fantasy was away from the pier, I was able to get a better view of the Empress of the Seas.
People Walking Along The Pier
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Carnival Fantasy Pulling Away
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Empress of the Seas
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Dinner In The Lincoln Dining Room:
Once again, I ate dinner in the Lincoln Dining Room. The dining room opened right at 5:45pm for Your-Time Dining cruisers. Tonight the dining room was back to serving American Table. We were assigned to same the waitstaff as the cruise's first night. Once again, they did their jobs, but were not very friendly. I was under the impression all three of them would have rather been anywhere, but on a cruise ship. The food was extremely good, once again!
Once again, I ate dinner in the Lincoln Dining Room. The dining room opened right at 5:45pm for Your-Time Dining cruisers. Tonight the dining room was back to serving American Table. We were assigned to same the waitstaff as the cruise's first night. Once again, they did their jobs, but were not very friendly. I was under the impression all three of them would have rather been anywhere, but on a cruise ship. The food was extremely good, once again!
Bread Basket
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Appetizer - Shrimp Cocktail
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Appetizer - Vegetable Spring Rolls
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Appetizer - Caesar Salad
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Main Course - Grilled Chicken Breast
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Appetizer - Greek Salad
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Main Course - [I Will Have To Look Up This One's Name]
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Main Course - Veal Parmesan
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Main Course - Flat Iron Steak (Well Done)
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The Pie A La Mode flavor of the night was blueberry. On the American Table dessert menus, the flavor of pie is not published. It is up to cruisers to ask what the night's flavor of pie is before ordering.
Dessert - Carnival Melting Cake
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Dessert - Pie A La Mode (Blueberry)
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Evening Walk Around The Jogging Track & Ship's Outside Decks:
After eating a filling dinner, it was time to go walk off some of the food. I headed up to Deck 11 to start walking around the jogging track. After walking a mile, I walked around the ship's outside decks.
After eating a filling dinner, it was time to go walk off some of the food. I headed up to Deck 11 to start walking around the jogging track. After walking a mile, I walked around the ship's outside decks.
View Of The Sky From Deck 11
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Jogging Track - Deck 11
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View Of The Ship's Waterslide From Deck 14
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Deck 14
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Waterslide Entrance Area
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Deck 12 Ping Pong Tables & Deck Area
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Overall, the day went well and Cozumel was enjoyable. There was no production show on this night of the cruise. The Love & Marriage Show was being hosted by the cruise director, but we chose not to attend this event. However, we did attend karaoke at 8:30pm in the Eagles Lounge. The lounge filled up soon after 8:30pm. Some cruisers were great singers while others were not. It was enjoyable watching people sing.
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