Carnival Valor is the perfect fit for passengers looking for an affordable cruise with fewer sea days and floating resort-like amenities. Many of its bars and restaurants were added during a 2016 refurbishment. The line’s much-loved Guy’s Burger Joint and Blue Iguana Cantina are now open for lunch, while the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, Red Frog Rum Bar, Red Frog Pub and Alchemy Bar serve even more flowing drinks from morning to night. One of Carnival Valor’s most appealing attributes is the spectrum of its passengers. Friends can let loose, families can bond and couples can play; all ages and backgrounds come together onboard.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

Carnival Valor’s cabins have these main categories: interior, ocean-view, balcony, and suite. Cabins are spacious, in good condition despite their age and share a burnt-orange color scheme with cherry-wood end tables, drawers and closet doors. A number of suites also feature bursts of red and gold, giving them a slightly more regal appearance.Each cabin comes with adequate storage, a hair dryer, safe, telephone, two twin beds that convert to a queen (while suites have king-sized beds), and a flat-screen TV.Suites come in Junior Suites, Ocean Suites, Grand Suites, and Captain’s Suites. Features include a shower/whirlpool tub combo, double sinks, walk-in closet, king-sized bed, granite countertops in the cabin and bathroom, larger sitting area with a couch, and VIP check-in. There are 27 wheelchair-accessible cabins onboard: 23 interior, one ocean view, two balcony and one suite.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

Most of Carnival Valor’s dining is included in the cruise fare – even the new specialty restaurants, Guy’s Burger Joint and Blue Iguana Cantina. With these two additions, as well as upgrades to its buffet, the ship serves up enough variety to keep your taste buds satisfied throughout your cruise. Following an American history theme, Carnival Valor’s two main dining rooms, the Washington and Lincoln Dining Rooms not only share presidential names, but also nearly identical layouts with art deco design, muted-pink color scheme with pops of bright coral, gold and white, walls of windows and ornate chandeliers. For dinner, you can choose to eat in the Washington Dining Room at the same table, every night. The Taste Bar serves small bites of dishes available at various specialty restaurants on board or on other Carnival ships. The Pizza Pirate is open 24 hours. Satisfy your craving any time of day with thin-crust slices such as pepperoni, margherita and prosciutto.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

Spa Carnival and the ship’s fitness centre are conveniently one flight of stairs away from the adults-only Serenity deck, which makes for a relaxing spa hangout. Facials, massages and body treatments are similar to those you’d find on land. They run the gamut from hydra-lift facials and anti-cellulite/firming services to deep tissue massages and salt scrubs. The fitness centre is equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and free weights. A small studio in the centre of the room offers classes such as group cycling, Pilates and yoga for an additional fee.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Carnival has earned itself a leading reputation in the family cruise market. The line’s popular Camp Ocean program offers a slew of top-notch, supervised activities for various ages. Although, six months is the minimum age to sail on Carnival. Most Camp Ocean activities take place in the kids’ club, however, some activities are held at the mini-golf course. Optional beach bashes (supervised outings in particular ports that include games and lunch) are open to “Sting Rays” (six to eight-year-olds) and “Sharks” (nine to 11-year-olds) for an additional $15 per child, plus gratuity. At Circle C, tweens play Wii games, go on digital scavenger hunts and congregate at socials. This group also meets around the ship to play Ping-Pong and mini-golf and plunge down the water slide. Club 02 for teens is a friendly space complete with a juice bar, dance floor and area for video games.