Carnival Valor

Theater

The Ivanhoe Theater is massive -- spanning Decks 3, 4 and 5 -- with plush red benches that can seat roughly 1,400 passengers. Carnival Valor's two production shows, "Nightclub Express" and "Far from Over," engage the audience with classic Broadway-style music and dancing. Talented lead singers belt out popular tunes, backed up by competent dancers who change costumes and songs without missing a beat.

Some poles affect the sightlines, and the seats on the third level are not sufficiently tiered to mitigate obstructed views if someone tall sits in front of you. Whether the acoustics or the sound system is to blame, the often-too-loud and tinny-sounding music frequently detracts from the talented singers.

Daily Fun

Carnival Valor's "Fun Times" newsletter, as well as the Carnival app, are packed with daytime activities for all ages and interests. The app is particularly great for children (especially teens) who want to check out exactly what’s going on in their club at any given time. A typical day might include themed trivia, a raffle, a cornhole (beanbag toss) competition, silly poolside games and an arts and crafts workshop. The outdoor movie screen also plays TV shows, concerts and family-friendly movies when it's not displaying scenes of tropical beaches or natural landscapes.

The video arcade is hard to miss, as its caboose-inspired entrance stands out along the Promenade. Inside, kids and adults alike can enjoy everything from classics like air hockey and crane games to simulated rides and video games -- with recognizable names like The Terminator, Jurassic Park and Spongebob Squarepants.

At Night

Beginning at 5 p.m., the entertainment heats up with live band performances, piano bar sing-alongs, themed shows (such as love and marriage), comedy shows, bingo and other more adult-centric games -- all varying by night. Karaoke is held nightly in the Paris Hot lounge.

On select nights throughout the cruise, two comedians take the Punchliner Comedy Club stage. At the 7:30 p.m. show, each comic pitches a 20-minute family-friendly set of jokes. At the late-evening adults-only shows, the comics alternate, with one headlining at 10:30 and the other at 11:30 p.m. The Punchliner Comedy Club is a big draw, particularly among the 18-plus crowd at the later showings. We recommend arriving to the Eagles Lounge at least 30 minutes prior to the show for a good seat. Note: The late-night acts are quite raunchy and not recommended for anyone who's easily offended. If you sit in the front row, expect to get teased.

The Shogun Club casino is located on Deck 5 and hosts a lively crowd around the clock. Gamblers can try their luck on various card tables and slot machines. Smoking is allowed.

On most nights at 7:30 and 10 p.m. (sometimes 7 and 9:30), Carnival Valor's outdoor screen transforms into Dive-In Movies, where passengers kick back with popcorn, drinks and other snacks. Most movies are PG-rated (such as Cinderella and Kung Fu Panda), though some of the later show times might be PG-13.

Carnival Valor Bars and Lounges

From frozen umbrella drinks and margaritas on the rocks to microbrews and handcrafted cocktails, Carnival Valor's bars offer something for everything. Thanks to the addition of four new bars (BlueIguana Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, RedFrog Pub and Alchemy Bar), passengers not only enjoy variety, but also fun ambiances that will transport you to different places -- whether it's a Tiki bar on a Caribbean beach or a Prohibition era-inspired apothecary.

American Bar (Deck 3, midship): The ship's atrium bar is hoppin' whenever the space hosts activities or live performances, which typically occur just before and after dinner. It's also the go-to spot for a drink on embarkation day.

Winston's Cigar Bar (Deck 4, midship): Ironically enough, smoking is not allowed at Winston's Cigar Bar. The space is mostly used for karaoke, but not much else. On our cruise, there was hardly anyone ever there except for a few people at the bar or lounging about. It's a shame; the venue is big and beautiful.

RedFrog Pub (Deck 5, midship): The new Key West-style pub is more than just a place to grab drinks; it hosts a variety of daytime activities and games (thanks to a foosball table and "beanbag toss" boards, and even has a stage for occasional live performances. The menu serves up beer, rum and cocktails from the region in addition to Carnival's own brew, ThirstyFrog Red. If you ask, they’ll serve up free plantain chips and pigeon peas with your drinks. The space is fairly large and empty most of the day, when most passengers kick back by the pool bars, but picks up at night just before dinner.

Alchemy Bar (Deck 5, aft): Handcrafted cocktails have transitioned from mere trend to a preferred drink choice, and Carnival's Alchemy Bar does not disappoint. The ship's bar has the look of an old pharmacy, where talented mixologists in lab coat-style uniforms stir up concoctions using unique ingredients and decorative garnishes. The Cucumber Sunrise -- made with vodka, watermelon syrup and topped with a fresh cucumber -- is a must-try. Just be prepared to spend at least $10 per drink.

Sky Box Sports Bar (Deck 5, aft): With a wall length of flat-screen TVs, game day-inspired snacks and a fun, upbeat vibe, the Sky Box Bar is where you go to watch NFL football and other live sporting events. Carnival shows Sunday- and Monday-night games, as well as playoffs and the Super Bowl. Look out for beer-bucket specials on game days.

One Small Step (Deck 5, midship): Bust a move at the ship's moon landing-inspired nightclub, which features high-tech sound/light systems and impressive beats, courtesy of a professional DJ trained by DJ Irie, the official DJ of Carnival and the Miami Heat. The venue fills up as soon as the last theater showing lets out, and maintains a lively crowd through the wee hours of the morning -- sometimes past 2 a.m. On select nights, One Small Step hosts theme parties (such as the Electric White Night and Michael Jackson Tribute) as well as singles meet-and-greets.

Eagles Lounge (Deck 5, aft): The Eagles Lounge's main attraction is the Punchliner Comedy Club, but it also serves as the location for bingo, trivia and kids' Dr. Seuss activities.

Paris Hot (Deck 5, aft): Zebra-print lounge chairs, neon lighting and sculptures of dancers in banana skirts set the tone for this funky jazz bar, which is also where some of the karaoke takes place. The spotlight is on a small stage at the front of the room, while a bar is tucked away in the back.

Lindy Hop (Deck 5, aft): Although a piano bar, Lindy Hop pays tribute to the original Harlem "shake" with a 1920s vibe and ceiling map of New York City. The venue has a small stage, bar and piano where sing-alongs draw crowds. During the day, the space is used for spa seminars and other activities.

Dream Bar (Deck 5, midship): The Dream Bar is a hot spot at night, thanks to its location along the Promenade and close proximity to the casino and small stage frequented by live bands. It's where passengers stop for pre- and post-dinner drinks, or liquid courage before hitting the slots.

RedFrog Rum Bar (Deck 9, midship): The RedFrog Rum Bar epitomizes cruise ship pool bars. It's Caribbean-themed, laid-back, and the place to go for obligatory favorites like pina coladas and daiquiris. Treat yourself to a glass (or pitcher) while you head-bop to the sound of steel drums.

BlueIguana Tequila Bar (Deck 9, midship): If you're going to order a margarita, this is your spot. The bar features an extensive list of Mexican tequila -- the magic elixir in its excellent margaritas, which can be ordered by the glass or in a pitcher. It also serves up a slew of cocktails and Mexican beer -- and a combination of the two: a beer cocktail, because why not?

Carnival Valor Outdoor Recreation

Pools

Carnival Valor has three pools, a water slide and six whirlpools.

The main pool (Argonaut) is the liveliest, flanked by the outdoor movie screen and just steps away from the Lido bars, restaurants and buffet. It has two adjacent hot tubs and is surrounded by deck chairs, all facing the screen. To get a chair on a sea day, arrive early, before breakfast. As is frequently the case, passengers "claim" the most-wanted spots with a towel or random article of clothing, and come back later. Carnival does have an official chair-hogging policy (saving chairs even if you never use them) in place, though we didn't see it enforced on our cruise.

One deck higher, the small Dolphin pool is next to the slide exit and therefore popular among the kiddos.

All the way at the back of the ship, the adults-only Prometheus pool is a quieter alternative to the main pool. Just don't expect to hear the sea breeze rolling; the pool gets packed. To truly get away from it all, opt for a dip in one of the adults-only Serenity deck whirlpools.

Recreation

The 214-foot Twister water slide begins at Deck 14 and ends at Deck 10. It's open to all ages, although some of the adults who tried it on our cruise admitted to getting stuck halfway down. It wasn't anything serious, but did make for some laughs and awkward views for those watching from above.

A nine-hole mini-golf course is located on Deck 12, above the sports complex. A sliver of space for shuffleboard and the beanbag toss also can be found on the forward port (left) side of Deck 10. There are also two ping-pong tables and a giant chess board on Deck 12, forward.

Sun Decks

Carnival Valor offers ample opportunities to soak up some vitamin D. The ship's pools are surrounded by deck space, plus you'll find "hidden gem" areas like Deck 11 aft and along the sides of Deck 10 aft offering a more peaceful retreat.

Serenity, the adults-only lounge area, spans Decks 12 and 14. The lower level is furnished with padded lounge chairs, canopy beds and couches under an awning. This is also where you'll find the towel stations and Serenity bar, which serves alcohol a la carte and complimentary infused water. The upper deck features hammocks, even more lounge chairs and two whirlpools set at a cool temperature on hot days. Serenity servers also walk around to take drink orders.

Carnival Valor Services

Guest services and the shore excursions desk are located on Deck 3, on the outskirts of the ship's atrium. We found the service here to be consistently excellent. Crew members are friendly, knowledgeable and diligent -- a good thing, considering most passengers at guest services are there to inquire about some sort of issue or misunderstanding.

Also in the vicinity are the Betsy Ross Room (a card room, though mostly its used for Chef's Table dinners) and John Paul Jones Room, the ship's dedicated art gallery. Art auctions, blow-out sales and giveaways are held here throughout each sailing.

Head up the stairs, and you'll find the Pixels Gallery and studio, where all those pictures you took in port, at dinner or on formal night are displayed for all to see. Professional photos are free to have taken, but you'll pay for any print you wish to take home. The Iliad Library also is on this floor. It's an intimate space, with cozy seating nooks and an array of books and board games. The book selection is limited and a bit unorganized, but there are a variety of games such as Battleship, Jenga, Life and Clue.

Carnival Valor's Fun Shops, as well as the new Cherry on Top candy store, are all on Deck 5. The shops sell everything from clothing and accessories to toiletries and souvenirs. Alcohol, high-end jewelry and watches, and perfume and cologne have their own dedicated spaces. Throughout the cruise, tables outside the shops attempt to lure in passerbys with various sales and product premiers.

The Internet Cafe is a walk-through space on Deck 4, with several PC computers available for use. Carnival offers an excellent internet package structure that allows you to purchase Wi-Fi, based on how you plan to use it. It's a nice complement to Carnival Valor's already strong connection.

The Social plan -- which includes access to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and top airline websites -- is available for $40 for a five-day cruise. The Value package ($60 per five-day cruise) allows you to surf the web and access email, in addition to social media. And the third package, Premium, costs $25 per day ($70 for the whole cruise) and includes all of the above, plus Skype video calling and connection speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. All plans exclude Snapchat and video streaming sites such as Netflix and Hulu.

Carnival Valor does not have a dedicated chapel onboard. Instead, weddings and religious services take place in the Capital Room (conference room) on Deck 4.

Self-service launderettes are located in all cabin corridors, each with two to three washing machines, two to three dryers and an ironing board. Machines no longer accept coins, but instead are operated using room key cards and cost $3 per cycle. Vending machines dispense small boxes of detergent and softener, at $1.50 a piece.

There are three ATMs onboard, all located on Deck 5 midship.

Most of Carnival Valor's dining is included in the cruise fare -- even the new specialty restaurants, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, whose quality could easily warrant a surcharge. With the two additions, as well as upgrades to its buffet, the ship serves up enough variety to keep your taste buds satisfied throughout your cruise -- with the option to splurge on a juicy prime rib or Maine lobster, if you wish.

Free Dining

Washington Dining Room (Decks 3 and 4, aft) and Lincoln Dining Room (Decks 3 and 4, forward): Following the American history theme, Carnival Valor's two main dining rooms not only share presidentially inspired names, but also nearly identical layouts: Art Deco design; muted pink color scheme with pops of bright coral, gold and white; walls of windows; and ornate chandeliers. The only difference is the size; Washington seats 1,122 while Lincoln has capacity for only 744.

For dinner, you can choose to eat in the Washington Dining Room, at the same table, every night at 6 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. -- or you can opt for "Your Time Dining," arriving in the Lincoln Dining Room anytime between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The Lincoln Dining Room also offers the same set dining times. Wait times depend on when you show up, how many are in your group and if you want your own table. You can limit the time in line by arriving early and opting to sit with fellow passengers.

The menu is divided into two groups: dishes that are available every day -- such as a Caesar salad, southern fried chicken and steakhouse selections that are available for an extra charge -- and items that change daily. The rotating menu includes appetizers, one "Didja" (did you ever …) dish described as "food you always wanted to try, but did not dare" and entrees.

Dinners were consistently good, but nothing "out of this world." Our only gripe was the portion sizes; the lobster ravioli was clearly designed for a light eater, while the roasted duck looked like it could have fed the entire table. We recommend asking your waiter about portion sizes before you order. Those with larger appetites also can double up on portions or appetizers.

Rotating appetizers usually include a hot soup and chilled soup every night, as well as a salad and heartier dish, like chicken tenders. Of course, we ordered the "Didja" dish in addition to our appetizer every night. They were hit or miss; the alligator fritters were delicious, but the cured salmon with candied tomato … not so much. We appreciate the inventiveness, though. Meanwhile, popular entrees include linguini with Italian sausage, pan-seared tilapia and meatloaf. You can also select from a variety of sides. Items containing nuts or soy are noted on the menu. Those with special dietary requirements must make special arrangements with their maitre d' in advance.

Separate dessert and wine menus are available for those who are interested. The wine list includes a variety of reds and whites, with a few sparkling and rose options. There's also a section titled "Gifft Wines," which features Carnival partner Kathie Lee Gifford's own chardonnay, red blend and rose. For dessert, you can order a cheese or fruit plate, choose from various flavors of sorbet and ice cream, or -- if you're a chocolate lover -- just skip reading the menu and order the warm chocolate melting cake (trust us on this one).

Breakfast (open seating) is served in the Washington Dining Room daily, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. -- except on sea days, when Carnival's SeaDay Brunch is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Menu items include huevos rancheros (eggs on tortillas, topped with salsa), corn flake-crusted French toast and loaded mac 'n' cheese. Lunch is not offered in either of the main dining rooms, although on sea days, the Washington Dining Room opens for Carnival's Tea Time, from 3 to 4 p.m.

Rosie's Restaurant (Deck 9, aft or midship): Rosie's, the ship's Lido buffet, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as after-hours munchies. Themed with tile mosaics that depict WWII's Rosie the Riveter and working women wearing hard hats and handling blowtorches, Rosie's provides ample seating indoors, as well as tables outdoors near the pool. It includes the Breakfast Grill, which is packed from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., Chef's Choice (different themed bites served each day from noon to 2:30 p.m.) and Sweet Spot dessert station and a number of specialty stations. Note: A late-risers breakfast buffet is served from 9 a.m. to noon.

Items are pretty basic and include pancakes, bacon and eggs Benedict for breakfast; salad, ribs and sauteed vegetables for lunch; and penne mariscos, meatloaf and pasta for dinner; chocolate cake, Jell-O and lemon cupcakes for snacks. Seating can be hard to find during breakfast and lunch hours; you'll have better luck finding an open table toward the back of the buffet, upstairs near Ol’ Fashioned BBQ and around the aft pool.

Guy's Burger Joint (Deck 9, midship): The poolside grill developed by Food Network personality Guy Fieri serves up some of our favorite burgers at sea from noon to 6 p.m. Choose one of six meat patties with a side of hand-cut fries, and dress it to your liking at the toppings bar, with basics like lettuce and tomato, heavier flavors ranging from sauteed onions to bacon crumbles, and a variety of sauces (we recommend the chipotle mayo). There was always a long line for Guy's on our cruise, but it's well worth the wait. Veggie burgers are available upon request.

BlueIguana Cantina (Deck 9, midship): On the other side of Guy's Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina serves made-to-order burritos and tacos for breakfast (7:30 to 10:30 a.m.) and lunch (noon to 2:30 p.m.). The burrito station was the more popular of the two on our cruise. Start by selecting a wheat or jalapeno wrap and a main filling (steak, chicken or shrimp for lunch and chicken sausage, ham or scrambled eggs for breakfast), then stuff it with as many ingredients as you like. Tacos are more grab-and-go; choose between chicken, fish or pork, and finish it off at the salsa bar. The salsa bar includes standard toppings like Monterey Jack cheese, onions and cilantro as well as more unique options such as watermelon and jicama sauce and black bean and corn. There's also a variety of hot sauces and fresh watermelon slices.

Mongolian Wok (Deck 9, aft): The popular lunch-only Asian buffet station lets you select vegetables, noodles, meats, seafood and poultry for servers to stir-fry. You can also add more flavor with one of three sauces: black bean (mild), Thai barbecue (medium) or Szechwan (hot). Expect massive lines on sea days.

Ol’ Fashioned BBQ (Deck 10, aft): This buffet station (it’s on the second level of the buffet all the way at the back) is a meat lover’s paradise, dishing up pork butt, chicken and smoked beef, all cooked to perfection. Sides are just as tasty -- mac 'n cheese, scratch-made slaw and slightly smoky molasses baked beans -- as is the range of BBQ sauces to slather over your plate.

Carnival Deli (Deck 9, aft): Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the Carnival Deli offers made-to-order wraps, sandwiches and bagels -- with both cold and hot selections. Options include tuna salad on white bread; smoked salmon on a bagel; and arugula, roasted peppers and mozzarella on focaccia.

Pizza Pirate (Deck 9, aft): The Pizza Pirate is a night owl's best friend, as it's open 24 hours. Satisfy your craving any time of day with thin-crust slices such as pepperoni, margherita and prosciutto. Gluten-free pies are available by request.

Soft Serve & Froyo (Deck 9, midship): This self-serve ice cream station allows you to swirl chocolate or vanilla custard, or flavored frozen yogurt (there's an option to mix with custard), into a cone or cup. Open 24 hours.

Room Service: Carnival offers a continental breakfast, free of charge. The menu allows you to pick and choose as many items as you want from different sections: fresh fruit or smoked salmon, cereals, breakfast breads, yogurt, hot and cold beverages and condiments. Our fruit was a bit under-ripe, but the croissants were soft and fluffy, and paired perfectly with a cup of coffee on our balcony. Carnival also offers a handful of room service meals a la carte, available 24/7. They include chicken wings ($5), spicy fried firecracker shrimp ($6), Cobb salad ($4) and chicken quesadilla ($5). 

Fee Dining

Chef's Table (Deck 3, midship); $75: The Chef's Table is an exclusive dining experience for only 14 passengers. Hosted by the ship's master executive chef, it includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a multicourse dinner with dishes not found on any other menu and a galley tour. It's held once per cruise in the Betsy Ross Room.

Java Cafe (Deck 5, midship); a la carte: When coffee in the buffet or main dining room just doesn't cut it, head to the Java Cafe. The retro space serves up specialty iced and hot coffee as well as a variety of cakes and gelato.

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (Deck 5, aft); $6: Part of Carnival's Seuss at Sea family program, the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast is held in the Washington Dining Room once per cruise (typically on a sea day). All ages are welcome to join, and reservations are recommended. During the breakfast, the dining room is decked out in Dr. Seuss-inspired decor while characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two and Sam-I-Am make the rounds. Menu items include Truffula Tree Pancake stacks, Horton's Cereal-Crusted French Toast and Fox in Socks Steak and Eggs.

Sushi at Sea (Deck 9, aft); a la carte:This sushi counter was added to Rosie's lido buffet in 2017. On offer are four sushi or sashimi options for $1.50 a piece, as well as rolls for either $5 (California or spicy tuna) or $7.50 (bang bang bonsai or tempura) apiece. Diners place their order at the counter, are given a pager and then paged when their order is ready.

Seafood Shack (Deck 9, aft); a la carte: This casual, New England-style shack is adjacent to the pool at the back of the ship and is open from noon to 5 p.m. There’s fresh seafood sitting on ice at the ready and dishes range from clam chowder ($4) to lobster roll ($12) to steamed lobster to oysters.

Scarlett's Steakhouse (Deck 10, aft); $38: Carnival Valor's only for-fee specialty restaurant is a must for date nights and celebrations, thanks to its intimate ambiance, higher quality dishes and more personalized service. Reserve ahead, and be prepared to pay $38 per person for a four-course dinner that includes an appetizer, salad, entree with sides and a dessert. We fell in love with the beef carpaccio (the truffle oil was a nice touch) and ahi tuna tartare -- both several classes above the appetizers served in the dining room. The entrees also were quite impressive, though again, we recommend inquiring about portion sizes before you order. Diners also are treated to chef's compliments, courtesy of the theater-style kitchen; the night we went, it was a delicious charred salmon and chilled tomato soup. Wines and cocktails are available, as is dessert, which ranges from caramelized apples to a chocolate sampler.