re: First time on a cruise ship - updated with review

Was just on the Valor last week so will try to give a few tips.

I thought the food in the main dining was kinda hit and miss. Don’t be afraid to order 2 entrees because one might not be that great. Same with the sea day brunch but it is worth going to because not a lot going on on sea days. Guy’s burgers and the Mongolian Wok are both good, the Blue Iguana is ok, probably best at breakfast. There is also a BBQ place upstairs at the buffet that is a little hidden that is ok. Save the pizza place and deli for late night snacking because that is all that is available.

We spent a couple of nights hanging out at the red frog pub, really enjoyed the rock band in there. We ended up chatting with them a little bit between sets one night and I think your cruise will be the last they are on before their contract is up. As mentioned one thing Carnival does well is the comedy shows, check them out. There will be 2 comedians doing 2 nights each and then one night they will do a big show back to back in the main theater.

We didn’t do the drink package because it was more of a family thing. Had a few here and there and loaded up at an all inclusive in Costa Maya (see you are going to Progresso instead). For a bachelor party I would probably get it, if you get 5 or more drinks in a day it pays for itself. Just keep in mind if you get it you pay the gratuities upfront on the 15 drinks a day whether you use them or not.