Vegetables FAQ

Carnival Victory 2 day

Question:

> I’m trying to be prompt here > We got off the Carnival Victory, for their 2 day cruise to Nowhere out of > Norfolk, Virginia this morning.  We live in Northern Virginia, and we > could > not resist a fun cruise weekend that we could drive to.

Julia, thanks for the very interesting review…You covered a lot in 2days! You mentioned that activities were sparse but I’m sure that would be different on a 7day or longer. What a nice way to spend a weekend ! Sounds like you all enjoyed yourselves very much.. Glad to hear such good reports on the food, too. –Jean s very, very nice.  I am a hot tub fan, but the one I went in was ver – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hot indeed.  We keep ours at home around 104 degrees, and this was hotter > than that. > The lounges were nice, standouts were the Ionian lounge, done in a greek > theme > with lots of greek vases.  It was the site of the tea, but it was also the > "Cigar lounge" so I tended to avoid it at night.  The Caribbean lounge was > great also, and we were there both nights for well-attended Karaoke.   The > show > lounge was nice, also, with good sightlines from both the floor, and the > balconies. > The Lido deck was a standout with three pools (yes, one designated for > adults) > six hot tubs.  One of the pools is in an area called windows, near the > Pizza- > ria which is more or less enclosed, with a retractable roof.  This area is > very > nicely designed and a pretty place to be, with a medeterranian touch, > which > I liked very much. > Activities: > This cruise was a bit sparse in the activity department from my point of > view, > which may have reflected the northern nature of it.  No wine or liquor > tastings > or meaningful dance classes (the "Austin Powers" dance class does not > count). > There was a hairy chest contest, which my son (who has a very hairy chest) > participated in and thought it was a hoot, and the usual newleywed game, > so > I guess there was really quite a bit.  My kids, in their 20s thought the > activities were great, and I filled in the time playing blackjack. > Art auctions and bingo sessions were not as heavily hawked as on other > ships > I have been on. Nor were photos as agressivly marketed, although the > videotape > of the cruise was.  The casino had slots and blackjack tournaments, and > there > was a full complement of evening entertainment, with two excellent > production > shows "Vegas" style (which appears to mean done while wearing thongs most > of > the time).  I never did see the cruise director, which may have been > because of > the size of the ship, but he was not at the production shows.  The shows, > while > very well done, were not as good as NCLs.  The other major entertainment > was > a late night comedian, which I missed, being somewhat used to going to > sleep > early (though we were up until almost 2 the first night). > I must say that although activities seemed sparse to Me, they would have > been > just fine for a first time cruiser, which is really their market on this > kind > of ship.  I did retain the daily listings. > Musicians on the ship were uniformly good and interesting.  the Caribbean > band > was a little loud.  The classical trip was wonderful, and played Strauss > walzes, which my son and I danced to.  I was unable to hear the jazz > group, > as they played in the Ionian during the hours it was a cigar bar, and I > cannot > stand cigar smoke.  (I was glad to see that smoking was limited on the > ship, > and passengers adhered to those limitations, so I was glad there was a > cigar > bar, I just did nto go there when it was such.  It did not smell of cigars > when > it was used for tea.) > Tips: > We prepaid tips, and then gave extra to the waitress and assistant.  We > never > even knew who our cabin steward was, though he kept the cabin clearn and > even > left us a towel lobster (my first towel animal) he also neglected to push > our > beds together (we did it ourselves).  If you ahd not prepaid tips, they > were > taken out automatically.  I think that is a good idea when you are talking > about a cruise like this where many, many people are first time cruisers. > Disembarkation: > It was too soon.  2 days isn’t nearly enought, though it was a very very > fun > weekend. It was exceptionally smooth, largely I think due to the fact that > we > had not gone to any port at all, so customs was not too concerned with the > little bit of duty free shopping we might have done on the ship, and > everone > was carrying their own bags.  No porters, and we all left quickly as we > were > ready. > Summation: > This was a fun weekend and a great value for the money at less than $200 > per > person.  Having tried Carnival, I would be open to travelling on them > again, > given the right itinerary, although they would not be my first choice.  My > children, in their 20s, both liked Carnival a lot, and my daughter (the > youngest) rated them better than Royal Caribbean.  They did like the > younger > crowd, which may have been due to the length of the cruise.  This was a > fun, > enjoyable, all too short weekend. > I would have liked to be on this trip in warmer climate. > This is quite a long review for quite a short trip.  It will be up shortly > on my web page with pictures. > — > Julie > Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at > http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

Response:

> glad to hear you had fun .. we were on the victory on 10/10/04 the 6 day cruise > .. we had alot of fun …but this was our 3rd out of norfolk 1st was on the > triumph the 2nd and 3rd on the victory  and  we have already been to the travel > agent to book for there 10/9/05 cruise on the triumph again .. > yes in around two years the port should be bigger .. but we get there early and > by 12.00 we are unpacked and ready to enjoy we have found if you are not > rushing to get on and just chat with people while waiting it is not so bad >  we cant wiat till the next one on 10/9/05  

We won’t be taking it next year, the prices are just too high, and we are hoping to cruise out of Alaska in 2006 and are saving our pennies for that.   I also like the 9-11 day Holland America itineraries out of Norfolk, and when we can afford it.   I agree about getting there early.  We left the shops in Williamsburg at about 10:45,  thinking we were doing just that.  But the traffic was so bad (next time we’ll take 664 instead of 64.) that we did not get to the parking lot until around 12:30.  We did chat with folks and it did not hurt our mood, but compared to Miami it was very time-consuming. — Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

Response:

Juliana, Glad you liked this little cruise. The CCL Victory back in 11/01 was my first cruise with a balcony and 60+ family and friends. We did a 7 day Western itinerary. I have not been on CCL since because I prefer HAL and Princess. However, I would not hesitate to go on the Victory again if it was the right situation. Steve Hayes

Response:

> This was a fun weekend and a great value for the money at less than > $200 per person.  Having tried Carnival, I would be open to > travelling on them again, given the right itinerary, although they > would not be my first choice.  

Juliana, most short cruises are full of people who like to drink and gamble, so I am pleased that your cruise was not a total disaster.  I am glad you gave Carnival a try. Becca  <—–the Spirit class ships is my favorite… Sleazy3 http://www.cruisemaster.com/sleazy3.htm MOAGC http://www.motherofallgroupcruises.com/ Miracle in May http://www.cruisemaster.com/miracle.htm

Response:

Living a short 2 hour drive from the NYC area I have been tempted to try a 2-day weekend cruise to nowhere. However your description of the embarkation ‘nightmare’ is one reason for me not booking one of these. Too short of time to have to go thru all that! Also when doing pricing comparisons a cruise to nowhere is not all that cheap…I did the Voyager of the Seas 5-day to Nova Scotia for about what it would have cost for a Carnival cruise to nowhere. Even though I was not thrilled about cruising to Canada at least it was longer and we did have 2 port calls. In any event you did post a good review of the ship. Thanks! Len…

Response:

glad to hear you had fun .. we were on the victory on 10/10/04 the 6 day cruise .. we had alot of fun …but this was our 3rd out of norfolk 1st was on the triumph the 2nd and 3rd on the victory  and  we have already been to the travel agent to book for there 10/9/05 cruise on the triumph again .. yes in around two years the port should be bigger .. but we get there early and by 12.00 we are unpacked and ready to enjoy we have found if you are not rushing to get on and just chat with people while waiting it is not so bad  we cant wiat till the next one on 10/9/05  

Response:

> Julia, thanks for the very interesting review…You covered a lot in 2days! > You mentioned that activities were sparse but I’m sure that would be > different on a 7day or longer.

I agree.  Also, they were a tad sparse for me, but I will assure you that my children did not agree with me, the 20 year old thought Carnival was just her speed. > What a nice way to spend a weekend ! Sounds like you all enjoyed yourselves > very much.

We did. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Glad to hear such good reports on the food, too. > –Jean > s very, very nice.  I am a hot tub fan, but the one I went in was ver > hot indeed.  We keep ours at home around 104 degrees, and this was hotter > than that. > The lounges were nice, standouts were the Ionian lounge, done in a greek > theme > with lots of greek vases.  It was the site of the tea, but it was also the > "Cigar lounge" so I tended to avoid it at night.  The Caribbean lounge was > great also, and we were there both nights for well-attended Karaoke.   The > show > lounge was nice, also, with good sightlines from both the floor, and the > balconies. > The Lido deck was a standout with three pools (yes, one designated for > adults) > six hot tubs.  One of the pools is in an area called windows, near the > Pizza- > ria which is more or less enclosed, with a retractable roof.  This area is > very > nicely designed and a pretty place to be, with a medeterranian touch, > which > I liked very much. > Activities: > This cruise was a bit sparse in the activity department from my point of > view, > which may have reflected the northern nature of it.  No wine or liquor > tastings > or meaningful dance classes (the "Austin Powers" dance class does not > count). > There was a hairy chest contest, which my son (who has a very hairy chest) > participated in and thought it was a hoot, and the usual newleywed game, > so > I guess there was really quite a bit.  My kids, in their 20s thought the > activities were great, and I filled in the time playing blackjack. > Art auctions and bingo sessions were not as heavily hawked as on other > ships > I have been on. Nor were photos as agressivly marketed, although the > videotape > of the cruise was.  The casino had slots and blackjack tournaments, and > there > was a full complement of evening entertainment, with two excellent > production > shows "Vegas" style (which appears to mean done while wearing thongs most > of > the time).  I never did see the cruise director, which may have been > because of > the size of the ship, but he was not at the production shows.  The shows, > while > very well done, were not as good as NCLs.  The other major entertainment > was > a late night comedian, which I missed, being somewhat used to going to > sleep > early (though we were up until almost 2 the first night). > I must say that although activities seemed sparse to Me, they would have > been > just fine for a first time cruiser, which is really their market on this > kind > of ship.  I did retain the daily listings. > Musicians on the ship were uniformly good and interesting.  the Caribbean > band > was a little loud.  The classical trip was wonderful, and played Strauss > walzes, which my son and I danced to.  I was unable to hear the jazz > group, > as they played in the Ionian during the hours it was a cigar bar, and I > cannot > stand cigar smoke.  (I was glad to see that smoking was limited on the > ship, > and passengers adhered to those limitations, so I was glad there was a > cigar > bar, I just did nto go there when it was such.  It did not smell of cigars > when > it was used for tea.) > Tips: > We prepaid tips, and then gave extra to the waitress and assistant.  We > never > even knew who our cabin steward was, though he kept the cabin clearn and > even > left us a towel lobster (my first towel animal) he also neglected to push > our > beds together (we did it ourselves).  If you ahd not prepaid tips, they > were > taken out automatically.  I think that is a good idea when you are talking > about a cruise like this where many, many people are first time cruisers. > Disembarkation: > It was too soon.  2 days isn’t nearly enought, though it was a very very > fun > weekend. It was exceptionally smooth, largely I think due to the fact that > we > had not gone to any port at all, so customs was not too concerned with the > little bit of duty free shopping we might have done on the ship, and > everone > was carrying their own bags.  No porters, and we all left quickly as we > were > ready. > Summation: > This was a fun weekend and a great value for the money at less than $200 > per > person.  Having tried Carnival, I would be open to travelling on them > again, > given the right itinerary, although they would not be my first choice.  My > children, in their 20s, both liked Carnival a lot, and my daughter (the > youngest) rated them better than Royal Caribbean.  They did like the > younger > crowd, which may have been due to the length of the cruise.  This was a > fun, > enjoyable, all too short weekend. > I would have liked to be on this trip in warmer climate. > This is quite a long review for quite a short trip.  It will be up shortly > on my web page with pictures. > — > Julie > Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at > http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

– Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

Response:

Nice review, Julie.  I’ve been on the Victory 3 times, and very much like that ship. Howie

Response:

Sounds like a fun week end Julie. Nice to get away even for a week-end SUNNY S’nd I XXX

Response:

> Sounds like a fun week end Julie. Nice to get away even for a week-end

It was.  It seemed silly at first to do a 2 day, but we have done many other weekend trips.  It was close and inexpensive, and we’re terribly glad we did. It was, after all, not as if we did this instead of a 7 day.   No. Our next weeklong cruise will not be till 2006 Alaska, our trip this year to Italy made sure of that.  But the weekend was a nice spot in a dry spell. — Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

Response:

I’m trying to be prompt here We got off the Carnival Victory, for their 2 day cruise to Nowhere out of Norfolk, Virginia this morning.  We live in Northern Virginia, and we could not resist a fun cruise weekend that we could drive to.   Here’s my review: This was our fourth cruise, first on Carnival (others on NCL and RCCL).   It was our kids’ second cruise. We decided to sign up for this cruise and take two of our adult children over a year ahead.  The real draw was the price for the cheapie rooms (a 1A for my kids and a 4A for us.) and the proximity, as we live in Virginia and could drive to the port.  It looked like a fun weekend. Carnival runs these cruises to nowhere several times a year out of Norfolk and New York at least. Embarkation:  Was terrible.  Lines, Lines, Lines.  Norfolk does NOT know how to embark a big mega ship, and some 3,000 people slows everything up.  It did not help that this given Saturday there were a number of big events on the Norfolk waterfront.  We left my in-laws’ home in Williamsburg, VA at about 10, stopped for 45 minutes or so at the nearby outlet shops to pick up a couple of things we’d left behind then headed for Norfolk, into total gridlock.  It must have taken us an hour to get to and through the tunnel.  Once at the parking lot, (Carival parks you about a mile away, $20 for the weekend, then shuttles you to the boat.  There is NOT enough room at the dock for people to even be left off) there was a sizeable line for the shuttle busses to take us to the port (It possibly could have been walked but it was a significant walk, especially with luggage.   Once at the port there was another line which snaked all over the place to security.  That one was about an hour long and outside, and it deposited you at yet another line, where we waited for a while to get sail and sign cards, then another line, still to actually get on the ship (although the last one, picture included, was less than 10 minutes.) So by 3:30 we were aboard, found our rooms (both on the Riviera deck or first floor). Quick note.  Some one at breakfast this morning told me that Norfolk is going to put in a proper cruise terminal.   I hope so.  The convenience of leaving from here is powerful and in a couple years I’d be very interested in cruising again from here, given proper facilities and an interesting itinerary. Rooms: Carnival boasts larger rooms than other cruise lines, and the bottom-of the  line rooms were larger (especially the 1A which my kids shared, which was a porthole cabin.)  However, there was not sufficient difference between the 185 square foot rooms on Carnival and the 144s on Norwegian or even the 118s on Royal Caribbean. The 1A was very nice though, with the second bunk over a couch and a nice area near the portholes.  I think it was actually larger than the 4A.  All in all, though, it was the typical low end cruise stateroom; efficient bath, twin beds that can be pushed together (they don’t actually make them up as a double, which I felt to be a negative compared to other lines).  the desk and sitting space is somewhat more than on previous lines, and this is where we felt the extra space.  Bathroom and closets are a wonder of efficiency; there were lots of cabinets and hanging racks, and the drawers were outside of the closets, which left lots of room in the closets.  The storage would support well a weeklong cruise. Food: After unpacking, we headed for a light snack.  We had not eaten any lunch, planning to eat on the ship, but a three hour delay after when we had hoped to board, we were concerned about spoiling dinner.  So, having heard so much about Carnival’s pizza we chose to try out the pizza.  It is reputed to be the best on the seas and I believe it.  We tried pepperoni, garden vegetable, mushroom and goat cheese and margharita pizza and all were excellent.  We had only one or two slices and some iced tea/lemonaide to drink with it, then enjoyed some tropical drinks (Sail Away Specials) which we bought in plastic souvenir glasses.   We ate a total of 6 meals on ship, dinner every night in the dining room (which we all enjoy) one breakfast in the Lido buffet, one in the dining room, and a lunch in the pizzaria and one in the Lido buffet.  All of the food ranged from very good to excellent.  We also went to tea on Sunday, which I’ll cover in t the activities section.  Buffet food is particularly good, with a very nice salad bar, a good selection of buffet food and a separate chinese food window and separate deli window.  I particularly enjoyed the polenta with ratatouille, as I am a vegetarian.  But it was all very tasty.  At breakfast they had 4 omlette stations, melons, grapefruit, hot and cold cereals, yogurt as well as the usual buffet stuff, scrambeled eggs, various breakfast meats, hash browns, and many pastries.   Dining room dinners are set up as four courses, with appetizers and soups together.  They were very flexible of course, and when I preferred an appetizer and soup over one of those and salad, they accomodated me.  Standout dishes included the duet of lamb, which my husband and son chose, the vegetable curry which I had the first night, and the roast beef.  I understand the quail was good.  The lobster was tasty, but was of course, frozen lobster tail.   Our waitstaff was good especially the assistant waitress, who even on a two day cruise remembered that I was a vegetarian, remembered our end of meal coffee orders and greeted us in the Lido at breakfast.  Her name was Lina, and I cannot remember the name of our main waitress.   They appeared to have pizza and ice cream/yogurt 24 hours, and a buffet both nights from 11:30 to 1 AM. Public Space: I’d expected glaring decor and was pleasantly surprised to find the Carnival decor just fine.  There are a lot of lights; just about everything seems to be lined in them.  The tall atrium is impressive, but not as impressive as the Norwegian Dawn was.  We had some trouble finding our way back to front, which I attribute to the shortness of the cruise.  It’s usually by the second day that I settle into a cruise, and in this case that was when I was leaving~! There were a couple decks that did not go front to back, or only did so via an empty dining room, which was awkward. It was difficult to find the Pacific dining room (although the Atlantic was fine.) The casino was very crowded.  I don’t know if that was usual or just this crowd. In general there were more lines than I am used to and more crowds just about everywhere.  I think with a 2 day no one spent much time in their cabin at all. There were 7 hot tubs, so that was one area which was never fully crowded, which was very, very nice.  I am a hot tub fan, but the one I went in was ver hot indeed.  We keep ours at home around 104 degrees, and this was hotter than that. The lounges were nice, standouts were the Ionian lounge, done in a greek theme with lots of greek vases.  It was the site of the tea, but it was also the "Cigar lounge" so I tended to avoid it at night.  The Caribbean lounge was great also, and we were there both nights for well-attended Karaoke.   The show lounge was nice, also, with good sightlines from both the floor, and the  balconies. The Lido deck was a standout with three pools (yes, one designated for adults) six hot tubs.  One of the pools is in an area called windows, near the Pizza- ria which is more or less enclosed, with a retractable roof.  This area is very nicely designed and a pretty place to be, with a medeterranian touch, which I liked very much. Activities: This cruise was a bit sparse in the activity department from my point of view, which may have reflected the northern nature of it.  No wine or liquor tastings or meaningful dance classes (the "Austin Powers" dance class does not count). There was a hairy chest contest, which my son (who has a very hairy chest) participated in and thought it was a hoot, and the usual newleywed game, so I guess there was really quite a bit.  My kids, in their 20s thought the activities were great, and I filled in the time playing blackjack. Art auctions and bingo sessions were not as heavily hawked as on other ships I have been on. Nor were photos as agressivly marketed, although the videotape of the cruise was.  The casino had slots and blackjack tournaments, and there was a full complement of evening entertainment, with two excellent production shows "Vegas" style (which appears to mean done while wearing thongs most of the time).  I never did see the cruise director, which may have been because of the size of the ship, but he was not at the production shows.  The shows, while  very well done, were not as good as NCLs.  The other major entertainment was a late night comedian, which I missed, being somewhat used to going to sleep early (though we were up until almost 2 the first night). I must say that although activities seemed sparse to Me, they would have been just fine for a first time cruiser, which is really their market on this kind of ship.  I did retain the daily listings. Musicians on the ship were uniformly good and interesting.  the Caribbean band was a little loud.  The classical trip was wonderful, and played Strauss walzes, which my son and I danced to.  I was unable to hear the jazz group, as they played in the Ionian during the hours it was a cigar bar, and I cannot stand cigar smoke.  (I was glad to see that smoking was limited on the ship, and passengers adhered to those limitations, so I was glad there was a cigar bar, I just did nto go there when it was such.  It did not smell of cigars when it was used for tea.) Tips: We prepaid tips, and then gave extra to the waitress and assistant.  We never even knew who our cabin steward was, though he kept the cabin clearn and even left us a towel lobster (my first towel animal) he also neglected to push our beds together (we did it ourselves). … read more »

Response:

I’m trying to be prompt here We got off the Carnival Victory, for their 2 day cruise to Nowhere out of Norfolk, Virginia this morning.  We live in Northern Virginia, and we could not resist a fun cruise weekend that we could drive to.   Here’s my review: This was our fourth cruise, first on Carnival (others on NCL and RCCL).   It was our kids’ second cruise. We decided to sign up for this cruise and take two of our adult children over a year ahead.  The real draw was the price for the cheapie rooms (a 1A for my kids and a 4A for us.) and the proximity, as we live in Virginia and could drive to the port.  It looked like a fun weekend. Carnival runs these cruises to nowhere several times a year out of Norfolk and New York at least. Embarkation:  Was terrible.  Lines, Lines, Lines.  Norfolk does NOT know how to embark a big mega ship, and some 3,000 people slows everything up.  It did not help that this given Saturday there were a number of big events on the Norfolk waterfront.  We left my in-laws’ home in Williamsburg, VA at about 10, stopped for 45 minutes or so at the nearby outlet shops to pick up a couple of things we’d left behind then headed for Norfolk, into total gridlock.  It must have taken us an hour to get to and through the tunnel.  Once at the parking lot, (Carival parks you about a mile away, $20 for the weekend, then shuttles you to the boat.  There is NOT enough room at the dock for people to even be left off) there was a sizeable line for the shuttle busses to take us to the port (It possibly could have been walked but it was a significant walk, especially with luggage.   Once at the port there was another line which snaked all over the place to security.  That one was about an hour long and outside, and it deposited you at yet another line, where we waited for a while to get sail and sign cards, then another line, still to actually get on the ship (although the last one, picture included, was less than 10 minutes.) So by 3:30 we were aboard, found our rooms (both on the Riviera deck or first floor). Quick note.  Some one at breakfast this morning told me that Norfolk is going to put in a proper cruise terminal.   I hope so.  The convenience of leaving from here is powerful and in a couple years I’d be very interested in cruising again from here, given proper facilities and an interesting itinerary. Rooms: Carnival boasts larger rooms than other cruise lines, and the bottom-of the  line rooms were larger (especially the 1A which my kids shared, which was a porthole cabin.)  However, there was not sufficient difference between the 185 square foot rooms on Carnival and the 144s on Norwegian or even the 118s on Royal Caribbean. The 1A was very nice though, with the second bunk over a couch and a nice area near the portholes.  I think it was actually larger than the 4A.  All in all, though, it was the typical low end cruise stateroom; efficient bath, twin beds that can be pushed together (they don’t actually make them up as a double, which I felt to be a negative compared to other lines).  the desk and sitting space is somewhat more than on previous lines, and this is where we felt the extra space.  Bathroom and closets are a wonder of efficiency; there were lots of cabinets and hanging racks, and the drawers were outside of the closets, which left lots of room in the closets.  The storage would support well a weeklong cruise. Food: After unpacking, we headed for a light snack.  We had not eaten any lunch, planning to eat on the ship, but a three hour delay after when we had hoped to board, we were concerned about spoiling dinner.  So, having heard so much about Carnival’s pizza we chose to try out the pizza.  It is reputed to be the best on the seas and I believe it.  We tried pepperoni, garden vegetable, mushroom and goat cheese and margharita pizza and all were excellent.  We had only one or two slices and some iced tea/lemonaide to drink with it, then enjoyed some tropical drinks (Sail Away Specials) which we bought in plastic souvenir glasses.   We ate a total of 6 meals on ship, dinner every night in the dining room (which we all enjoy) one breakfast in the Lido buffet, one in the dining room, and a lunch in the pizzaria and one in the Lido buffet.  All of the food ranged from very good to excellent.  We also went to tea on Sunday, which I’ll cover in t the activities section.  Buffet food is particularly good, with a very nice salad bar, a good selection of buffet food and a separate chinese food window and separate deli window.  I particularly enjoyed the polenta with ratatouille, as I am a vegetarian.  But it was all very tasty.  At breakfast they had 4 omlette stations, melons, grapefruit, hot and cold cereals, yogurt as well as the usual buffet stuff, scrambeled eggs, various breakfast meats, hash browns, and many pastries.   Dining room dinners are set up as four courses, with appetizers and soups together.  They were very flexible of course, and when I preferred an appetizer and soup over one of those and salad, they accomodated me.  Standout dishes included the duet of lamb, which my husband and son chose, the vegetable curry which I had the first night, and the roast beef.  I understand the quail was good.  The lobster was tasty, but was of course, frozen lobster tail.   Our waitstaff was good especially the assistant waitress, who even on a two day cruise remembered that I was a vegetarian, remembered our end of meal coffee orders and greeted us in the Lido at breakfast.  Her name was Lina, and I cannot remember the name of our main waitress.   They appeared to have pizza and ice cream/yogurt 24 hours, and a buffet both nights from 11:30 to 1 AM. Public Space: I’d expected glaring decor and was pleasantly surprised to find the Carnival decor just fine.  There are a lot of lights; just about everything seems to be lined in them.  The tall atrium is impressive, but not as impressive as the Norwegian Dawn was.  We had some trouble finding our way back to front, which I attribute to the shortness of the cruise.  It’s usually by the second day that I settle into a cruise, and in this case that was when I was leaving~! There were a couple decks that did not go front to back, or only did so via an empty dining room, which was awkward. It was difficult to find the Pacific dining room (although the Atlantic was fine.) The casino was very crowded.  I don’t know if that was usual or just this crowd. In general there were more lines than I am used to and more crowds just about everywhere.  I think with a 2 day no one spent much time in their cabin at all. There were 7 hot tubs, so that was one area which was never fully crowded, which was very, very nice.  I am a hot tub fan, but the one I went in was ver hot indeed.  We keep ours at home around 104 degrees, and this was hotter than that. The lounges were nice, standouts were the Ionian lounge, done in a greek theme with lots of greek vases.  It was the site of the tea, but it was also the "Cigar lounge" so I tended to avoid it at night.  The Caribbean lounge was great also, and we were there both nights for well-attended Karaoke.   The show lounge was nice, also, with good sightlines from both the floor, and the  balconies. The Lido deck was a standout with three pools (yes, one designated for adults) six hot tubs.  One of the pools is in an area called windows, near the Pizza- ria which is more or less enclosed, with a retractable roof.  This area is very nicely designed and a pretty place to be, with a medeterranian touch, which I liked very much. Activities: This cruise was a bit sparse in the activity department from my point of view, which may have reflected the northern nature of it.  No wine or liquor tastings or meaningful dance classes (the "Austin Powers" dance class does not count). There was a hairy chest contest, which my son (who has a very hairy chest) participated in and thought it was a hoot, and the usual newleywed game, so I guess there was really quite a bit.  My kids, in their 20s thought the activities were great, and I filled in the time playing blackjack. Art auctions and bingo sessions were not as heavily hawked as on other ships I have been on. Nor were photos as agressivly marketed, although the videotape of the cruise was.  The casino had slots and blackjack tournaments, and there was a full complement of evening entertainment, with two excellent production shows "Vegas" style (which appears to mean done while wearing thongs most of the time).  I never did see the cruise director, which may have been because of the size of the ship, but he was not at the production shows.  The shows, while  very well done, were not as good as NCLs.  The other major entertainment was a late night comedian, which I missed, being somewhat used to going to sleep early (though we were up until almost 2 the first night). I must say that although activities seemed sparse to Me, they would have been just fine for a first time cruiser, which is really their market on this kind of ship.  I did retain the daily listings. Musicians on the ship were uniformly good and interesting.  the Caribbean band was a little loud.  The classical trip was wonderful, and played Strauss walzes, which my son and I danced to.  I was unable to hear the jazz group, as they played in the Ionian during the hours it was a cigar bar, and I cannot stand cigar smoke.  (I was glad to see that smoking was limited on the ship, and passengers adhered to those limitations, so I was glad there was a cigar bar, I just did nto go there when it was such.  It did not smell of cigars when it was used for tea.) Tips: We prepaid tips, and then gave extra to the waitress and assistant.  We never even knew who our cabin steward was, though he kept the cabin clearn and even left us a towel lobster (my first towel animal) he also neglected to push our beds together (we did it ourselves). … read more »

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> I’m trying to be prompt here > We got off the Carnival Victory, for their 2 day cruise to Nowhere out of > Norfolk, Virginia this morning.  We live in Northern Virginia, and we > could > not resist a fun cruise weekend that we could drive to.

Julia, thanks for the very interesting review…You covered a lot in 2days! You mentioned that activities were sparse but I’m sure that would be different on a 7day or longer. What a nice way to spend a weekend ! Sounds like you all enjoyed yourselves very much.. Glad to hear such good reports on the food, too. –Jean s very, very nice.  I am a hot tub fan, but the one I went in was ver – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hot indeed.  We keep ours at home around 104 degrees, and this was hotter > than that. > The lounges were nice, standouts were the Ionian lounge, done in a greek > theme > with lots of greek vases.  It was the site of the tea, but it was also the > "Cigar lounge" so I tended to avoid it at night.  The Caribbean lounge was > great also, and we were there both nights for well-attended Karaoke.   The > show > lounge was nice, also, with good sightlines from both the floor, and the > balconies. > The Lido deck was a standout with three pools (yes, one designated for > adults) > six hot tubs.  One of the pools is in an area called windows, near the > Pizza- > ria which is more or less enclosed, with a retractable roof.  This area is > very > nicely designed and a pretty place to be, with a medeterranian touch, > which > I liked very much. > Activities: > This cruise was a bit sparse in the activity department from my point of > view, > which may have reflected the northern nature of it.  No wine or liquor > tastings > or meaningful dance classes (the "Austin Powers" dance class does not > count). > There was a hairy chest contest, which my son (who has a very hairy chest) > participated in and thought it was a hoot, and the usual newleywed game, > so > I guess there was really quite a bit.  My kids, in their 20s thought the > activities were great, and I filled in the time playing blackjack. > Art auctions and bingo sessions were not as heavily hawked as on other > ships > I have been on. Nor were photos as agressivly marketed, although the > videotape > of the cruise was.  The casino had slots and blackjack tournaments, and > there > was a full complement of evening entertainment, with two excellent > production > shows "Vegas" style (which appears to mean done while wearing thongs most > of > the time).  I never did see the cruise director, which may have been > because of > the size of the ship, but he was not at the production shows.  The shows, > while > very well done, were not as good as NCLs.  The other major entertainment > was > a late night comedian, which I missed, being somewhat used to going to > sleep > early (though we were up until almost 2 the first night). > I must say that although activities seemed sparse to Me, they would have > been > just fine for a first time cruiser, which is really their market on this > kind > of ship.  I did retain the daily listings. > Musicians on the ship were uniformly good and interesting.  the Caribbean > band > was a little loud.  The classical trip was wonderful, and played Strauss > walzes, which my son and I danced to.  I was unable to hear the jazz > group, > as they played in the Ionian during the hours it was a cigar bar, and I > cannot > stand cigar smoke.  (I was glad to see that smoking was limited on the > ship, > and passengers adhered to those limitations, so I was glad there was a > cigar > bar, I just did nto go there when it was such.  It did not smell of cigars > when > it was used for tea.) > Tips: > We prepaid tips, and then gave extra to the waitress and assistant.  We > never > even knew who our cabin steward was, though he kept the cabin clearn and > even > left us a towel lobster (my first towel animal) he also neglected to push > our > beds together (we did it ourselves).  If you ahd not prepaid tips, they > were > taken out automatically.  I think that is a good idea when you are talking > about a cruise like this where many, many people are first time cruisers. > Disembarkation: > It was too soon.  2 days isn’t nearly enought, though it was a very very > fun > weekend. It was exceptionally smooth, largely I think due to the fact that > we > had not gone to any port at all, so customs was not too concerned with the > little bit of duty free shopping we might have done on the ship, and > everone > was carrying their own bags.  No porters, and we all left quickly as we > were > ready. > Summation: > This was a fun weekend and a great value for the money at less than $200 > per > person.  Having tried Carnival, I would be open to travelling on them > again, > given the right itinerary, although they would not be my first choice.  My > children, in their 20s, both liked Carnival a lot, and my daughter (the > youngest) rated them better than Royal Caribbean.  They did like the > younger > crowd, which may have been due to the length of the cruise.  This was a > fun, > enjoyable, all too short weekend. > I would have liked to be on this trip in warmer climate. > This is quite a long review for quite a short trip.  It will be up shortly > on my web page with pictures. > — > Julie > Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at > http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

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Nice review, Julie.  I’ve been on the Victory 3 times, and very much like that ship. Howie

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Sounds like a fun week end Julie. Nice to get away even for a week-end SUNNY S’nd I XXX

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> Sounds like a fun week end Julie. Nice to get away even for a week-end

It was.  It seemed silly at first to do a 2 day, but we have done many other weekend trips.  It was close and inexpensive, and we’re terribly glad we did. It was, after all, not as if we did this instead of a 7 day.   No. Our next weeklong cruise will not be till 2006 Alaska, our trip this year to Italy made sure of that.  But the weekend was a nice spot in a dry spell. — Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

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> Julia, thanks for the very interesting review…You covered a lot in 2days! > You mentioned that activities were sparse but I’m sure that would be > different on a 7day or longer.

I agree.  Also, they were a tad sparse for me, but I will assure you that my children did not agree with me, the 20 year old thought Carnival was just her speed. > What a nice way to spend a weekend ! Sounds like you all enjoyed yourselves > very much.

We did. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Glad to hear such good reports on the food, too. > –Jean > s very, very nice.  I am a hot tub fan, but the one I went in was ver > hot indeed.  We keep ours at home around 104 degrees, and this was hotter > than that. > The lounges were nice, standouts were the Ionian lounge, done in a greek > theme > with lots of greek vases.  It was the site of the tea, but it was also the > "Cigar lounge" so I tended to avoid it at night.  The Caribbean lounge was > great also, and we were there both nights for well-attended Karaoke.   The > show > lounge was nice, also, with good sightlines from both the floor, and the > balconies. > The Lido deck was a standout with three pools (yes, one designated for > adults) > six hot tubs.  One of the pools is in an area called windows, near the > Pizza- > ria which is more or less enclosed, with a retractable roof.  This area is > very > nicely designed and a pretty place to be, with a medeterranian touch, > which > I liked very much. > Activities: > This cruise was a bit sparse in the activity department from my point of > view, > which may have reflected the northern nature of it.  No wine or liquor > tastings > or meaningful dance classes (the "Austin Powers" dance class does not > count). > There was a hairy chest contest, which my son (who has a very hairy chest) > participated in and thought it was a hoot, and the usual newleywed game, > so > I guess there was really quite a bit.  My kids, in their 20s thought the > activities were great, and I filled in the time playing blackjack. > Art auctions and bingo sessions were not as heavily hawked as on other > ships > I have been on. Nor were photos as agressivly marketed, although the > videotape > of the cruise was.  The casino had slots and blackjack tournaments, and > there > was a full complement of evening entertainment, with two excellent > production > shows "Vegas" style (which appears to mean done while wearing thongs most > of > the time).  I never did see the cruise director, which may have been > because of > the size of the ship, but he was not at the production shows.  The shows, > while > very well done, were not as good as NCLs.  The other major entertainment > was > a late night comedian, which I missed, being somewhat used to going to > sleep > early (though we were up until almost 2 the first night). > I must say that although activities seemed sparse to Me, they would have > been > just fine for a first time cruiser, which is really their market on this > kind > of ship.  I did retain the daily listings. > Musicians on the ship were uniformly good and interesting.  the Caribbean > band > was a little loud.  The classical trip was wonderful, and played Strauss > walzes, which my son and I danced to.  I was unable to hear the jazz > group, > as they played in the Ionian during the hours it was a cigar bar, and I > cannot > stand cigar smoke.  (I was glad to see that smoking was limited on the > ship, > and passengers adhered to those limitations, so I was glad there was a > cigar > bar, I just did nto go there when it was such.  It did not smell of cigars > when > it was used for tea.) > Tips: > We prepaid tips, and then gave extra to the waitress and assistant.  We > never > even knew who our cabin steward was, though he kept the cabin clearn and > even > left us a towel lobster (my first towel animal) he also neglected to push > our > beds together (we did it ourselves).  If you ahd not prepaid tips, they > were > taken out automatically.  I think that is a good idea when you are talking > about a cruise like this where many, many people are first time cruisers. > Disembarkation: > It was too soon.  2 days isn’t nearly enought, though it was a very very > fun > weekend. It was exceptionally smooth, largely I think due to the fact that > we > had not gone to any port at all, so customs was not too concerned with the > little bit of duty free shopping we might have done on the ship, and > everone > was carrying their own bags.  No porters, and we all left quickly as we > were > ready. > Summation: > This was a fun weekend and a great value for the money at less than $200 > per > person.  Having tried Carnival, I would be open to travelling on them > again, > given the right itinerary, although they would not be my first choice.  My > children, in their 20s, both liked Carnival a lot, and my daughter (the > youngest) rated them better than Royal Caribbean.  They did like the > younger > crowd, which may have been due to the length of the cruise.  This was a > fun, > enjoyable, all too short weekend. > I would have liked to be on this trip in warmer climate. > This is quite a long review for quite a short trip.  It will be up shortly > on my web page with pictures. > — > Julie > Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at > http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

– Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

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glad to hear you had fun .. we were on the victory on 10/10/04 the 6 day cruise .. we had alot of fun …but this was our 3rd out of norfolk 1st was on the triumph the 2nd and 3rd on the victory  and  we have already been to the travel agent to book for there 10/9/05 cruise on the triumph again .. yes in around two years the port should be bigger .. but we get there early and by 12.00 we are unpacked and ready to enjoy we have found if you are not rushing to get on and just chat with people while waiting it is not so bad  we cant wiat till the next one on 10/9/05  

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> glad to hear you had fun .. we were on the victory on 10/10/04 the 6 day cruise > .. we had alot of fun …but this was our 3rd out of norfolk 1st was on the > triumph the 2nd and 3rd on the victory  and  we have already been to the travel > agent to book for there 10/9/05 cruise on the triumph again .. > yes in around two years the port should be bigger .. but we get there early and > by 12.00 we are unpacked and ready to enjoy we have found if you are not > rushing to get on and just chat with people while waiting it is not so bad >  we cant wiat till the next one on 10/9/05  

We won’t be taking it next year, the prices are just too high, and we are hoping to cruise out of Alaska in 2006 and are saving our pennies for that.   I also like the 9-11 day Holland America itineraries out of Norfolk, and when we can afford it.   I agree about getting there early.  We left the shops in Williamsburg at about 10:45,  thinking we were doing just that.  But the traffic was so bad (next time we’ll take 664 instead of 64.) that we did not get to the parking lot until around 12:30.  We did chat with folks and it did not hurt our mood, but compared to Miami it was very time-consuming. — Julie Check out my Travel Pages (non-commercial) at http://www.dragonsholm.org/travel.htm

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Juliana, Glad you liked this little cruise. The CCL Victory back in 11/01 was my first cruise with a balcony and 60+ family and friends. We did a 7 day Western itinerary. I have not been on CCL since because I prefer HAL and Princess. However, I would not hesitate to go on the Victory again if it was the right situation. Steve Hayes

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> This was a fun weekend and a great value for the money at less than > $200 per person.  Having tried Carnival, I would be open to > travelling on them again, given the right itinerary, although they > would not be my first choice.  

Juliana, most short cruises are full of people who like to drink and gamble, so I am pleased that your cruise was not a total disaster.  I am glad you gave Carnival a try. Becca  <—–the Spirit class ships is my favorite… Sleazy3 http://www.cruisemaster.com/sleazy3.htm MOAGC http://www.motherofallgroupcruises.com/ Miracle in May http://www.cruisemaster.com/miracle.htm

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Living a short 2 hour drive from the NYC area I have been tempted to try a 2-day weekend cruise to nowhere. However your description of the embarkation ‘nightmare’ is one reason for me not booking one of these. Too short of time to have to go thru all that! Also when doing pricing comparisons a cruise to nowhere is not all that cheap…I did the Voyager of the Seas 5-day to Nova Scotia for about what it would have cost for a Carnival cruise to nowhere. Even though I was not thrilled about cruising to Canada at least it was longer and we did have 2 port calls. In any event you did post a good review of the ship. Thanks! Len…

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